HAPPY FRIDAY!
Today's scriptures are about us belonging to Jesus. He’s the epitome of Love! We all have heard the Name of Jesus before, because most of us are "Christian", however who do YOU say that Jesus is? When I say that we should worship, praise, and honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ what does that mean to you? Did you know that you should be striving to be "like Christ" on a daily basis? I have one more question for you, why is it that we aren't, in most cases, doing what we need to do through Jesus, knowing who He is? Maybe we don't truly know who He is, and if that's the case, we must eagerly seek Him. We belong to Jesus, and through Him we have inherited many wonderful rewards, earthly and eternally. He is our Lord, Master, Messiah, Chief, Ruler, and much much more. He was a teacher full of wisdom, born to be the leader of all mankind, and through Him our relationship with God has come full circle. As soon as we become believers of Christ, we're instantly given Eternal Life in Heaven, His Holy Spirit to help us through everyday life on earth, and perpetual forgiveness of sin. Jesus said: If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. (John 12:26) We all have choices in life, and our fate depends on them. It's written: For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matt. 22:14) How does it feel to know that if you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, you were not only called, but also chosen? Because of the fact that you not only answered that call, but also choose Him, your life is changed forever. It's a change that's made from the inside out. Jesus made promises that He will never break, and to know these things gives us power to overcome the wickedness of the world. Knowing who we really are through Christ allows us to take some of that power out of the hands of the enemy, who rules this earth, because we're not of this world. We own that power, and can use the Name of Jesus in ways that'll give us the ability to accomplish all of the things appointed to us in life. It's not until then will we be able to do exactly what we're meant to do. Jesus had to be that "grain of wheat that fell to the ground and died, to produce much more wheat" (John 12:24). He brought life back to us, and put light back in our heart. He gave His life for the future, and most importantly He gave us a chance to be redeemed to Righteousness, and for that "we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). How many of you believe this about yourself? Jesus took life very seriously, and He made it a point that we all know just how much He loved us, and how He honestly understood our plights as humans living in an evil world. He became the precious, spotless, and blameless Lamb of God. Allow this message to set you free! Most Christians live their life in bondage, because they're salves of sin, guilt, and shame, but Jesus has unchained you from that. He said it Himself: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” (John 14:1-4) The only way to be ready receive your Crown of Glory, that Jesus has or will create for you, is to "follow Him". The first step is to say a prayer inviting Him into your heart as Lord and Savior, and confessing your sins. Once you've done that you truly have to learn the ways of Jesus, and of Our Father in Heaven. Pray often and without fail, have Faith far beyond sight, and Love with all of your heart. You'll find the answers to all of your questions through Him and Him alone. My favorite verses today are: I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. (John 17:9-10)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455240&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY THURSDAY!
Today's scriptures are about the importance of fellowship with fellow believers. I hear people say all the time, "I don't have to go to church to be saved", and I honestly believe that, because it's the truth. Jesus said salvation is open to all who come to Him. You are also building a "personal" relationship with God, however you need to fellowship with other believers in order to survive the wiles of the world. There's something about coming together as one church to praise God, and work together for His Kingdom. The church is built as a sanctuary for all of God's people; it's designed to bring people together in Christ. We serve each other and the community around us, and there are so many resources available. When we go to Church on Sunday morning we're going to give something back to God, through praise and worship, tithing, and serving. Most people go to Church to receive the Word, but it's much more than that. When I lived in Portland, OR I attended New Song Community Church, lead by Pastor Richard Pabasco (check out some of his teachings if you get a chance http://app.razorplanet.com/acct/40233-2325/tmpl/index.php?nid=13719&s=gl&preview=true.) Before he preached his sermons, we would have at least an hour of Praise and Worship, and we’d stand and sing songs of praise, dance, and shout out to the Lord. God loves nothing more than our Praises, because it shows that we love Him, and we confess it with our mouth, out in the open for everyone to hear. I used to conveniently show up to church after the praise and worship session was over, because frankly I enjoyed that extra hour of sleep. I thought that as long as I was receiving the Word of God then I was covered. After a few weeks of that, I somehow felt unfulfilled, like something was missing. I prayed about it, because there was a lot going on in my life, and I felt a little empty and alone. At the time, I'm asking God what's happening, because I go to church every Sunday, I pray regularly, and I try to do my best to be a good person. His answer came to me shortly after that prayer through a radio show by Dr. Charles Stanley. Dr. Stanley said something like: "I know about those of you who conveniently show up late to church, after praise and worship time is over, and think that's okay. Did you know that you're a very selfish person, and you're taking from God without giving anything back?” When I heard that it was almost like the wind was knocked out of me. I felt so convicted because that's exactly what I was doing. Dr. Stanley went on to explain the importance of giving back to God through praise whether, song, dance, shouting, or however you openly express your love to Him. All of that time I was being selfish, and just going to church for my own gain. After I started showing up to church on time, participating in the activities, volunteering my time whenever I could, and fellowshipping on days other than Sunday, there was a huge change in me from the inside. I think of the hard times I faced, and wondered what if those people weren’t then for me? We're all we have, so if we don't look out for each other, than who will? I write these devotionals in hopes that I could touch at least one person on a daily basis, and show them the love of God through my life. I know that I'm not perfect, but who is? Paul said it best in his letter to the Philippians during his first Roman imprisonment, thanking them for their love and help while he was there, so I’ll leave you with this: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:3-11) Regular attendance in church does so much to strengthen our relationship with God, look at what it did for Paul, and how strongly he felt about His family in Christ. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, or are going through a period of doubt or hardship, then if you go to a good church, I'm sure that there's someone there waiting to pray with, or console you. I attend Fairfax Christian Church in Fairfax, VA, so if you're in the area, feel free to come and check it out one Sunday morning. It's small in numbers but powerful in Spirit. My favorite verse today is: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455239&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Today's scriptures are about the importance of fellowship with fellow believers. I hear people say all the time, "I don't have to go to church to be saved", and I honestly believe that, because it's the truth. Jesus said salvation is open to all who come to Him. You are also building a "personal" relationship with God, however you need to fellowship with other believers in order to survive the wiles of the world. There's something about coming together as one church to praise God, and work together for His Kingdom. The church is built as a sanctuary for all of God's people; it's designed to bring people together in Christ. We serve each other and the community around us, and there are so many resources available. When we go to Church on Sunday morning we're going to give something back to God, through praise and worship, tithing, and serving. Most people go to Church to receive the Word, but it's much more than that. When I lived in Portland, OR I attended New Song Community Church, lead by Pastor Richard Pabasco (check out some of his teachings if you get a chance http://app.razorplanet.com/acct/40233-2325/tmpl/index.php?nid=13719&s=gl&preview=true.) Before he preached his sermons, we would have at least an hour of Praise and Worship, and we’d stand and sing songs of praise, dance, and shout out to the Lord. God loves nothing more than our Praises, because it shows that we love Him, and we confess it with our mouth, out in the open for everyone to hear. I used to conveniently show up to church after the praise and worship session was over, because frankly I enjoyed that extra hour of sleep. I thought that as long as I was receiving the Word of God then I was covered. After a few weeks of that, I somehow felt unfulfilled, like something was missing. I prayed about it, because there was a lot going on in my life, and I felt a little empty and alone. At the time, I'm asking God what's happening, because I go to church every Sunday, I pray regularly, and I try to do my best to be a good person. His answer came to me shortly after that prayer through a radio show by Dr. Charles Stanley. Dr. Stanley said something like: "I know about those of you who conveniently show up late to church, after praise and worship time is over, and think that's okay. Did you know that you're a very selfish person, and you're taking from God without giving anything back?” When I heard that it was almost like the wind was knocked out of me. I felt so convicted because that's exactly what I was doing. Dr. Stanley went on to explain the importance of giving back to God through praise whether, song, dance, shouting, or however you openly express your love to Him. All of that time I was being selfish, and just going to church for my own gain. After I started showing up to church on time, participating in the activities, volunteering my time whenever I could, and fellowshipping on days other than Sunday, there was a huge change in me from the inside. I think of the hard times I faced, and wondered what if those people weren’t then for me? We're all we have, so if we don't look out for each other, than who will? I write these devotionals in hopes that I could touch at least one person on a daily basis, and show them the love of God through my life. I know that I'm not perfect, but who is? Paul said it best in his letter to the Philippians during his first Roman imprisonment, thanking them for their love and help while he was there, so I’ll leave you with this: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:3-11) Regular attendance in church does so much to strengthen our relationship with God, look at what it did for Paul, and how strongly he felt about His family in Christ. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, or are going through a period of doubt or hardship, then if you go to a good church, I'm sure that there's someone there waiting to pray with, or console you. I attend Fairfax Christian Church in Fairfax, VA, so if you're in the area, feel free to come and check it out one Sunday morning. It's small in numbers but powerful in Spirit. My favorite verse today is: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455239&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY MONDAY!
Today's scriptures are about learning the secrets of God. Did you know that you couldn’t truly know God unless you're in the Spirit? We learn in the Old Testament of the Bible, God revealed Himself to certain people, who where chosen to complete great tasks. However, even then, when asked Who He was, His only answer was "I AM that I AM" (Exo. 3:14). Although every human being is a child of God, and He's never loved any of us any differently, that close bond to Him couldn't be made, because of sin. He walked with Moses when He freed the slaves, and He was right next to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they walked through the fiery furnace. He had a personal relationship with Job, Jeremiah, and Noah, and also led them through specific tasks that He needed them to complete. God offers that same closeness and one on one bonding to us. Because of Salvation through Jesus, we've been baptized in the Spirit of God. He's revealed Himself through His son Jesus Christ, and by Jesus we’re shown the compassion, love, and forgiveness of God. We can go to God and ask for His wisdom and expect for it to be given, because He will reveal Himself as we seek Him. With Jesus we can hear, see, and speak to our Father in Heaven, when we keep His commandments, which includes loving Him with all of our heart. Jesus said it best: “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another." (John 15:14-17) Jesus made it so that we can have a "relationship" with God, and not just be here to serve Him. Of course we all have a greater job to do for the Kingdom, but we cannot adequately share the love of God with others, if we haven't truly experienced it for ourselves. God originally created Adam for fellowship, but along the way, when sin was introduced, the separation began. Jesus has since mended that, paying the penalty for sin, hence bringing us to this great and awesome revelation of Who God really is. There are so many questions about who God is, and I know for a fact that there isn't any believer who's never doubted God. Whenever we doubt that God will answer our prayers, or allow fear to run our lives, we've lost Faith in Him. The only way that happens is because we're not spending adequate time to get to know Him. He has always been gracious and kind, but we have allowed sin to hinder our relationship with Him. Even the Prophet Isaiah said: Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. (Isaiah 30:18) Our Father in Heaven is the same God Isaiah and was referring Jesus. God is deeper than anything we could ever imagine, and your Daily Devotionals or Sunday morning Church service only scratches the surface, because you have to seek God for yourself. The Holy Spirit has a personal message for all of us. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, please go to God right now and ask for Salvation through Jesus Christ, once you've confessed your sins. If you ever need prayer please let me know. My favorite verse today is: God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (2 Corinthians 2:10)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455236&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Today's scriptures are about learning the secrets of God. Did you know that you couldn’t truly know God unless you're in the Spirit? We learn in the Old Testament of the Bible, God revealed Himself to certain people, who where chosen to complete great tasks. However, even then, when asked Who He was, His only answer was "I AM that I AM" (Exo. 3:14). Although every human being is a child of God, and He's never loved any of us any differently, that close bond to Him couldn't be made, because of sin. He walked with Moses when He freed the slaves, and He was right next to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they walked through the fiery furnace. He had a personal relationship with Job, Jeremiah, and Noah, and also led them through specific tasks that He needed them to complete. God offers that same closeness and one on one bonding to us. Because of Salvation through Jesus, we've been baptized in the Spirit of God. He's revealed Himself through His son Jesus Christ, and by Jesus we’re shown the compassion, love, and forgiveness of God. We can go to God and ask for His wisdom and expect for it to be given, because He will reveal Himself as we seek Him. With Jesus we can hear, see, and speak to our Father in Heaven, when we keep His commandments, which includes loving Him with all of our heart. Jesus said it best: “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another." (John 15:14-17) Jesus made it so that we can have a "relationship" with God, and not just be here to serve Him. Of course we all have a greater job to do for the Kingdom, but we cannot adequately share the love of God with others, if we haven't truly experienced it for ourselves. God originally created Adam for fellowship, but along the way, when sin was introduced, the separation began. Jesus has since mended that, paying the penalty for sin, hence bringing us to this great and awesome revelation of Who God really is. There are so many questions about who God is, and I know for a fact that there isn't any believer who's never doubted God. Whenever we doubt that God will answer our prayers, or allow fear to run our lives, we've lost Faith in Him. The only way that happens is because we're not spending adequate time to get to know Him. He has always been gracious and kind, but we have allowed sin to hinder our relationship with Him. Even the Prophet Isaiah said: Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. (Isaiah 30:18) Our Father in Heaven is the same God Isaiah and was referring Jesus. God is deeper than anything we could ever imagine, and your Daily Devotionals or Sunday morning Church service only scratches the surface, because you have to seek God for yourself. The Holy Spirit has a personal message for all of us. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, please go to God right now and ask for Salvation through Jesus Christ, once you've confessed your sins. If you ever need prayer please let me know. My favorite verse today is: God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (2 Corinthians 2:10)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455236&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY THURSDAY!
Here's today's black history quote: "The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself--the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us--that's where it's at." (-Jesse Owens) Enjoy the rest of your day, and be blessed family!
Today's scriptures are about backsliding. We know that it’s God who delivers us from evil, yet it is up to us to follow the paths He's laid before us. There's no mistake, when God frees us from bondage we're free forever, and there is no going back. However, we have freedom to choose right from wrong, and because of the mere fact that we're Christians, the enemy will tempt us more often and more severely than others. Which unfortunately causes a large number of us to backslid. The enemy tests our will power to shake our relationship with God, and to bring us back into his kingdom, but God is always greater. Each day starts a new day in our Faith walk, so it's up to us to keep our relationship fresh and new with God. Study His word daily and communicate with Him often, to stay focused on the true meaning of life. To carry the title "Christian" means that we're representing Christ in everything we do. When we are weak, God makes us strong, but we're also commanded to repent from sin. Each of us was once lost to the ways of the world, and sin was our favorite pastime, and I'm not pointing fingers, I'm speaking from personal experience. There were times when I thought nothing of the sins I committed, or of the fact that I was blatantly disobeying God's word. I was "having fun", experimenting, “finding my way”, or whatever other clever excuse I could come up with, but when God saved me, there was no denying His place in my life. It's written: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. (Eph 5:8-12) There is no mistake as to where you are right now in your life, or the fact that you're reading this message. God calls each of us for a reason, and it's not okay to ignore His calling on your life, nor disregard His commands. It’s wrong to choose Him today, and ignore tomorrow. Growth is a normal part of life and relationships alike, and that goes for our walk with God as well. Paul says it best here: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (1 Cor. 13:11) Just as Moses, another strong man of God, we must choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin (Heb. 11:25). God gives us every opportunity, through Jesus Christ, to do great things in His Name, but sin and a lack of faith are our only hindrances. Make up your mind today, because God doesn't tolerate the back and forth; you're either for Him or against Him, light or dark, there’s no in between. Be very careful to stay on the path, and when you feel that temptation is getting to be too much, pray and ask for strength and it will be given to you. If you find that you’ve backslid, always remember that Jesus said if he had a flock of one hundred sheep, and one was lost, He would leave the ninety-nine to look for that one lost sheep, and all of heaven will rejoice when it's found (Luke 15:4-7). God knows us better than we know ourselves, and forgiveness is offered to anyone who asks, so don't waste any more time in the past. The peace that surpasses all understanding is worth more than a few minutes of temporary pleasure for the flesh. The past is just that, the past, it's over and done with, and there's no going back to relive it. Time travel is only in the movies, so when you fall down, get back up, and keep it moving. Our past hurts and pains were meant for us to learn and grown from, so don’t allow it to keep you in sin. Lust, fornication, adultery, drunkenness, envy, deceit, and lies are all temporary fixes to our problems, but Jesus is the permanent fix for all of Eternity. If you don't know Him as Lord and Savior get to know Him today. He's actively seeking His lost sheep, so the only thing you have to do is accept Him. Once you’re saved there is no turning back. My favorite verse today is: The Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. (Deuteronomy 17:16)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455232&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Here's today's black history quote: "The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself--the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us--that's where it's at." (-Jesse Owens) Enjoy the rest of your day, and be blessed family!
Today's scriptures are about backsliding. We know that it’s God who delivers us from evil, yet it is up to us to follow the paths He's laid before us. There's no mistake, when God frees us from bondage we're free forever, and there is no going back. However, we have freedom to choose right from wrong, and because of the mere fact that we're Christians, the enemy will tempt us more often and more severely than others. Which unfortunately causes a large number of us to backslid. The enemy tests our will power to shake our relationship with God, and to bring us back into his kingdom, but God is always greater. Each day starts a new day in our Faith walk, so it's up to us to keep our relationship fresh and new with God. Study His word daily and communicate with Him often, to stay focused on the true meaning of life. To carry the title "Christian" means that we're representing Christ in everything we do. When we are weak, God makes us strong, but we're also commanded to repent from sin. Each of us was once lost to the ways of the world, and sin was our favorite pastime, and I'm not pointing fingers, I'm speaking from personal experience. There were times when I thought nothing of the sins I committed, or of the fact that I was blatantly disobeying God's word. I was "having fun", experimenting, “finding my way”, or whatever other clever excuse I could come up with, but when God saved me, there was no denying His place in my life. It's written: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. (Eph 5:8-12) There is no mistake as to where you are right now in your life, or the fact that you're reading this message. God calls each of us for a reason, and it's not okay to ignore His calling on your life, nor disregard His commands. It’s wrong to choose Him today, and ignore tomorrow. Growth is a normal part of life and relationships alike, and that goes for our walk with God as well. Paul says it best here: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (1 Cor. 13:11) Just as Moses, another strong man of God, we must choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin (Heb. 11:25). God gives us every opportunity, through Jesus Christ, to do great things in His Name, but sin and a lack of faith are our only hindrances. Make up your mind today, because God doesn't tolerate the back and forth; you're either for Him or against Him, light or dark, there’s no in between. Be very careful to stay on the path, and when you feel that temptation is getting to be too much, pray and ask for strength and it will be given to you. If you find that you’ve backslid, always remember that Jesus said if he had a flock of one hundred sheep, and one was lost, He would leave the ninety-nine to look for that one lost sheep, and all of heaven will rejoice when it's found (Luke 15:4-7). God knows us better than we know ourselves, and forgiveness is offered to anyone who asks, so don't waste any more time in the past. The peace that surpasses all understanding is worth more than a few minutes of temporary pleasure for the flesh. The past is just that, the past, it's over and done with, and there's no going back to relive it. Time travel is only in the movies, so when you fall down, get back up, and keep it moving. Our past hurts and pains were meant for us to learn and grown from, so don’t allow it to keep you in sin. Lust, fornication, adultery, drunkenness, envy, deceit, and lies are all temporary fixes to our problems, but Jesus is the permanent fix for all of Eternity. If you don't know Him as Lord and Savior get to know Him today. He's actively seeking His lost sheep, so the only thing you have to do is accept Him. Once you’re saved there is no turning back. My favorite verse today is: The Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. (Deuteronomy 17:16)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455232&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!
Here’s our black history quote of the day is: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." (-Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Today's scriptures are about strength with and for the Lord. In life there must be some sort of balance, that's why we're taught that we reap what we sow; there's a natural order of things. Being children of God we're expected to do our share of the work in His Kingdom. When we follow His will, and work for Him, we become stronger, wiser, and filled with love. It's written: Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “ I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." (Isa. 48:17-18) The children of Israel had long been disobedient to God, and they missed out on so many blessings and labored in vain. We have a gift that they didn’t have, so when we enter into God’s Kingdom we become “Joint Heirs” with Christ, which means we have an awesome responsibility. We're made to be strong and regal, able to withstand the wiles or the devil, and be leaders of this nation filled with wicked and perverse ways. We're to diligently work to better our lives, and the lives of all those around us. As we know, Jesus didn't have what we may call an "easy life". He walked through Nations on a mission to touch as many lives with the Gospel as He possible could. He was at the beck and call of His Heavenly Father, following His every command. There are stories about how hard He worked, as well as the times He celebrated with His friends, and the times He took for Himself to pray, meditate, and fast. He was a true Servant who never gave up, even though He knew His fate. He still had a balance in life, and that's how He kept that "peace that flowed like a river". There are countless others we can read about in the Bible like Peter, Paul, James, Timothy, Job, David, Solomon, Samuel, Mary, etc., and I could go on and on. We're given these stories to help strengthen our Faith. Through them we're taught that when we surrender to God, awesome things happen, as well as the fact that life isn't always easy, yet God gives us the strength to endure all things. Strength comes from within, and when our Spirit and mind is strong, we can overcome any obstacle, achieve any goal, and raise above all earthly standards. We must seek God in everything we do, because when we try to live life on our own, and follow our own agenda it will never work. The Prophet Isaiah once said: "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with the LORD, and my work with my God.’” (Isa 49:4) Have you ever felt this way? I have to admit I have, and it's not a good feeling. I can remember times when I've knowingly, and unknowingly, gone against God, and done things that weren’t in His will for me. It was like trying to dig a ditch with a spoon. I worked so hard, yet accomplished so little, and at the end of the day I was unhappy, unfulfilled, and drained. Then there are the times I’ve followed God’s will, and did the unthinkable. I soared above the earth’s standards with such regal strength, that you could see Jesus through me. If you're at a place in life where you feel weak, unfulfilled, and unhappy, then seek God for the strength to endure. Ask Him to show you the will He has for your life, and be willing to work. When working for God we'll face times of weariness, extreme exhaustion, and urges to give up, but those are usually times where we’ve lost our focus. If that's how you feel right now, re-center yourself, and go to God for rejuvenation. Remember, we all have to take time off to rest, or to just pray and meditate, just like Jesus. If you don't have Jesus in your heart then you won't truly know strength, because all things from God, including strength, come through Him. Go to God today and ask Jesus to come into your life as Lord and Savior. My offer to pray with you always stands, so no matter day or night contact me. It's my life's work to share the love, joy, and peace Jesus has brought into my life, in hopes that it'll do the same for you. My favorite verse today is: Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455231&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Here’s our black history quote of the day is: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." (-Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Today's scriptures are about strength with and for the Lord. In life there must be some sort of balance, that's why we're taught that we reap what we sow; there's a natural order of things. Being children of God we're expected to do our share of the work in His Kingdom. When we follow His will, and work for Him, we become stronger, wiser, and filled with love. It's written: Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “ I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." (Isa. 48:17-18) The children of Israel had long been disobedient to God, and they missed out on so many blessings and labored in vain. We have a gift that they didn’t have, so when we enter into God’s Kingdom we become “Joint Heirs” with Christ, which means we have an awesome responsibility. We're made to be strong and regal, able to withstand the wiles or the devil, and be leaders of this nation filled with wicked and perverse ways. We're to diligently work to better our lives, and the lives of all those around us. As we know, Jesus didn't have what we may call an "easy life". He walked through Nations on a mission to touch as many lives with the Gospel as He possible could. He was at the beck and call of His Heavenly Father, following His every command. There are stories about how hard He worked, as well as the times He celebrated with His friends, and the times He took for Himself to pray, meditate, and fast. He was a true Servant who never gave up, even though He knew His fate. He still had a balance in life, and that's how He kept that "peace that flowed like a river". There are countless others we can read about in the Bible like Peter, Paul, James, Timothy, Job, David, Solomon, Samuel, Mary, etc., and I could go on and on. We're given these stories to help strengthen our Faith. Through them we're taught that when we surrender to God, awesome things happen, as well as the fact that life isn't always easy, yet God gives us the strength to endure all things. Strength comes from within, and when our Spirit and mind is strong, we can overcome any obstacle, achieve any goal, and raise above all earthly standards. We must seek God in everything we do, because when we try to live life on our own, and follow our own agenda it will never work. The Prophet Isaiah once said: "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with the LORD, and my work with my God.’” (Isa 49:4) Have you ever felt this way? I have to admit I have, and it's not a good feeling. I can remember times when I've knowingly, and unknowingly, gone against God, and done things that weren’t in His will for me. It was like trying to dig a ditch with a spoon. I worked so hard, yet accomplished so little, and at the end of the day I was unhappy, unfulfilled, and drained. Then there are the times I’ve followed God’s will, and did the unthinkable. I soared above the earth’s standards with such regal strength, that you could see Jesus through me. If you're at a place in life where you feel weak, unfulfilled, and unhappy, then seek God for the strength to endure. Ask Him to show you the will He has for your life, and be willing to work. When working for God we'll face times of weariness, extreme exhaustion, and urges to give up, but those are usually times where we’ve lost our focus. If that's how you feel right now, re-center yourself, and go to God for rejuvenation. Remember, we all have to take time off to rest, or to just pray and meditate, just like Jesus. If you don't have Jesus in your heart then you won't truly know strength, because all things from God, including strength, come through Him. Go to God today and ask Jesus to come into your life as Lord and Savior. My offer to pray with you always stands, so no matter day or night contact me. It's my life's work to share the love, joy, and peace Jesus has brought into my life, in hopes that it'll do the same for you. My favorite verse today is: Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455231&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY TUESDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another terrific Tuesday. February is Black History month, and it’s set aside to recognize the lives of important and influential black men in woman in the United States. There are so many who've played major roles in allowing us to have the freedom we have today. I found an article with 20 famous quotes by some of those who pioneered the way, and I'll share some with you throughout the month. Here’s a nice one: "Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise." (-Maya Angelou) We've come a long way, so be proud of who you are, and of your heritage, and be sure to do your best to live a life that would make your ancestors proud, after all, they put in a lot of blood sweat and tears to get you here (that goes for all races and creeds). Enjoy the rest of your day, and be blessed family!
Today's scriptures are about deliverance from evil and temptation. Did you know that it's not totally up to you to change your evil ways? You are not alone in your struggles with the flesh, because we all have weaknesses. Jesus said it best when He taught us the way to pray. Even He was surrounded and attacked by evil on a daily basis, but of course He always prevailed, and because of Him, so could we. I'm sure most of you know the King James Version of the Lord’s Prayer, but I’ll share it anyway. It's written: ...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matt 6:9-13) When Jesus gave this "Sermon on the Mount", He’d experienced life, so He knew the ways of the Spirit, and the ways of the flesh. He gives us everything we need to live in righteousness in this one prayer. We learn that we're to always acknowledge God for who He is, as well as the fact that it's His will and not ours, to Him ask for His assistance daily, ask for forgiveness and forgive, and finally ask for deliverance from temptation and evil. These are the five most important keys to life, and evil and temptation are the biggest speed bumps we’ll encounter. The only way to overcome evil is to submit to God's will, and focus on Him and Him alone. God knows it's easier said than done, which is yet another reason for His saving grace. The part we play in our Faith walk is to acknowledge both sides. Know that greater is He who is in you, than he who's in the word, nonetheless, the “he” who's in the world is a very powerful being as well. We can't fight him alone, because he's crafty and smart, knows God and His Word, and the ways of the world. Jesus said: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matt. 10:16) We have to be aware of the world around us, but not allow it to harden our hearts. I notice as I grow in my Faith walk that I've become more sensitive to human life and suffering, yet cunningly aware of the evil that lurks. These skills are acquired from God, and His wisdom comes from above. Evil is a pandemic like the Swine flu it could spread like wildfires. We must be careful of our surroundings, our choice of entertainment, and the people we choose to associate with, because the devil will use anything and anyone to promote evil in our life. As we become familiar with our Holy Spirit, and strengthen our communication with Him [which includes attentively listening to His guidance], our decrement becomes sharper. Paul taught us in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, that we must glorify God in body and Spirit. It’s written: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (vs. 19-20) Our minds work like computers, everything that we see and hear on a daily basis is data entered, and we can only put out, what’s been put in. The only way to obtain true righteousness is to seek the right knowledge and understanding through the Holy Bible, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians. Jesus taught us to be aware of the evil around us, and He stressed the fact that we should pray for deliverance, because no man is above it. Without Jesus you're out here alone, with no amour to protect you from the evils of the world, and once again the only way to be delivered is through the Blood of Jesus. If you don't know Him as Lord and Savior, please go to Him in prayer, and He's sure to answer. What's your other alternative? Take a few moments to think about that, and let me know if you need prayer partner. My favorite verse today is: Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelations 3:10)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455230&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another terrific Tuesday. February is Black History month, and it’s set aside to recognize the lives of important and influential black men in woman in the United States. There are so many who've played major roles in allowing us to have the freedom we have today. I found an article with 20 famous quotes by some of those who pioneered the way, and I'll share some with you throughout the month. Here’s a nice one: "Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise." (-Maya Angelou) We've come a long way, so be proud of who you are, and of your heritage, and be sure to do your best to live a life that would make your ancestors proud, after all, they put in a lot of blood sweat and tears to get you here (that goes for all races and creeds). Enjoy the rest of your day, and be blessed family!
Today's scriptures are about deliverance from evil and temptation. Did you know that it's not totally up to you to change your evil ways? You are not alone in your struggles with the flesh, because we all have weaknesses. Jesus said it best when He taught us the way to pray. Even He was surrounded and attacked by evil on a daily basis, but of course He always prevailed, and because of Him, so could we. I'm sure most of you know the King James Version of the Lord’s Prayer, but I’ll share it anyway. It's written: ...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matt 6:9-13) When Jesus gave this "Sermon on the Mount", He’d experienced life, so He knew the ways of the Spirit, and the ways of the flesh. He gives us everything we need to live in righteousness in this one prayer. We learn that we're to always acknowledge God for who He is, as well as the fact that it's His will and not ours, to Him ask for His assistance daily, ask for forgiveness and forgive, and finally ask for deliverance from temptation and evil. These are the five most important keys to life, and evil and temptation are the biggest speed bumps we’ll encounter. The only way to overcome evil is to submit to God's will, and focus on Him and Him alone. God knows it's easier said than done, which is yet another reason for His saving grace. The part we play in our Faith walk is to acknowledge both sides. Know that greater is He who is in you, than he who's in the word, nonetheless, the “he” who's in the world is a very powerful being as well. We can't fight him alone, because he's crafty and smart, knows God and His Word, and the ways of the world. Jesus said: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matt. 10:16) We have to be aware of the world around us, but not allow it to harden our hearts. I notice as I grow in my Faith walk that I've become more sensitive to human life and suffering, yet cunningly aware of the evil that lurks. These skills are acquired from God, and His wisdom comes from above. Evil is a pandemic like the Swine flu it could spread like wildfires. We must be careful of our surroundings, our choice of entertainment, and the people we choose to associate with, because the devil will use anything and anyone to promote evil in our life. As we become familiar with our Holy Spirit, and strengthen our communication with Him [which includes attentively listening to His guidance], our decrement becomes sharper. Paul taught us in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, that we must glorify God in body and Spirit. It’s written: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (vs. 19-20) Our minds work like computers, everything that we see and hear on a daily basis is data entered, and we can only put out, what’s been put in. The only way to obtain true righteousness is to seek the right knowledge and understanding through the Holy Bible, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians. Jesus taught us to be aware of the evil around us, and He stressed the fact that we should pray for deliverance, because no man is above it. Without Jesus you're out here alone, with no amour to protect you from the evils of the world, and once again the only way to be delivered is through the Blood of Jesus. If you don't know Him as Lord and Savior, please go to Him in prayer, and He's sure to answer. What's your other alternative? Take a few moments to think about that, and let me know if you need prayer partner. My favorite verse today is: Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelations 3:10)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455230&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Daily Devotional Day & Night
Today's scriptures are about Faith in God, who we've never physically seen. Jesus was a teacher of Faith, and He always made sure that we know of its importance. He was harder on His followers because they were actually there walking with Him, and witnessed the wonderful miracles He performed. it frustrated Him that they still didn't have strong Faith. We have stories like the one when Jesus and the prophets were on a boat, and a great storm came, Jesus was at the bottom of the boat sleeping, yet the rest of the crew was panicking. They woke Him up and asked, "You see we're about to die, why are you just laying around sleeping?" Jesus simply said: “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. The only response the others had was: "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matt. 8:23-27) Could you imagine being there and Jesus looking at you like you're crazy? They had the all mighty Christ on board, and they’ve confessed Him as such, yet they were still afraid. Jesus has taught over and over again that we could trust Him, and He will never let the righteous fall, yet we still fail to do so. After all, Faith is merely trust. We're taught that God is always with us, Jesus lives in our heart, and there's no need to worry or fear, yet when the storms of life hit we panic, instead of going to the only person who could calm the storm. God has plans for us, and sometimes they don't always coincide with our plans, and we're tested to strengthen our Faith. Just like the story of when Jesus walked on water, and He called Peter out to join Him. As long as Peter kept his focus on Jesus he stayed on top of the water, but as soon as a little wind blew, and he focused on his "situation" he started to sink. (Matt. 14:22-33) Jesus reply is always "O ye of little Faith, why do you doubt"? Have you ever been in a situation where you called on Jesus for help, and things were going great, but as soon as the task became harder, and you were tested further, things just turned horribly wrong? In every situation like this, things won't get better until we turn to Jesus, and keep our faith in Him. What is your answer to Jesus' question, "why do you doubt"? If Jesus gives us promises like, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you." (Luke 17:6), then why do we still doubt? The answer to that question is obvious, but it comes to each of us in due time. It's written, “Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith." (Habakkuk 2:4) Habakkuk was a Prophet who was caught up in a world full of calamity and strife, and he complained to God about the wicked things going on around him. God answered Habakkuk with the truth, and explained basically that you reap what you sow, and the things that his nation were going through was a direct result of the things they had done in the past. God told Habakkuk to write this down, and by faith he did. He vowed to continue to praise God, and rejoice in the Lord for his personal deliverance. We learn from the Gospel of Jesus that there are three major things we must possess in order to inherit that abundant life that He came to give, and they’re love, faith, and obedience to God's word. Love is the greatest of the three, but when we love Him with all of our heart, that means that we've experienced His unconditional love for us. When that happens, we'll have faith in Him, and be obedient to His will for us. The first act of obedience would be to step out of the boat, and walk to Jesus. Once He has your hand, He'll never let you sink. Pray and ask Him to come into your life as Lord and Savior, and keep your eyes on Him, He'll do the rest. My favorite verse today is: In whom ye trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455229&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455229&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
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