Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about the penalties of sin, and warnings of temptations. I don’t know one person who doesn’t sin, or isn’t tempted to sin. It doesn’t matter if it’s our Priest, Pastor, or parents, we all come from dust, so we are weak. That’s just the way we’re created. Because of this, God has offered forgiveness of sin and protection against temptation, through Jesus Christ. Jesus has taken on the sin of all mankind, and conquered it, so that we could have the opportunity at a life full of peace, joy, and love. At the same time, we still have freewill, so to sin or not to sin is our choice. When we sin we’re punished, and if we do well we’re rewarded, because the law of life is “you reap what you sow”. I love the way the Apostle Paul explains it: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:7-9 NIV)

God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but He does require that we love Him with all of our heart, and love each other. In keeping these commandments, we should think of Him first, before we make any choice. We should seek His instruction by studying His Word, and do our best to follow it. When faced with temptation, we should cry out to Him for help. When dealing with each other, we should ask ourselves “what would Jesus do”, and follow His examples. After all, Jesus is the only person who’s ever lived in the flesh without sin. Through Jesus, we also learn that we’ll be tempted, there’s no way to avoid it, because even He was tempted. However, God never gives us more than we can bear. Sometimes the temptations are tests, to see if we’re ready to move on to the next level in life. Other times they’re meant for testimony, or to help our fellow brothers and sisters, either way, know that you’re more than a conqueror through the blood of Christ.

As we grow spiritually, the enemy’s plots to bring us down becomes more evident, and it becomes easier for us to overcome them, and avoid sin. We all have our weak spots–things that have a hold on us, which we can’t seem to break. We must actively work on those things through prayer, meditation, and fasting. Paul once described it as a “thorn in his flesh”; which was something that was placed in his life to keep Him completely depended upon God. God will remove that thorn when He sees fit, but until then, we must continue to pray for deliverance, and seek His face when it feels like temptation is too strong. Always know that you can overcome anything the devil throws your way, because you are a child of God. We’re one with Christ, and Christ is one with God, so there’s no way to penetrate our shield. The enemy only wins when we let him, so keep fighting temptation, with the help of Jesus Christ.

We can find help in church, from the Body of Christ. This is why Paul suggested that we avoid surrounding ourselves with people who are “unequally yoked”, because sometimes we need to seek strength and solace in other believers. Make sure you’re in a church that’s filled with supportive leaders, and members you can depend on. Not saying that there isn’t controversy in the church, but if you have the right church, God is at the forefront of everything. If you’re one of those people who think that church isn’t that important, then this is just one of the many reasons why you should find yourself a good Church home.

Earlier in Galatians chapter 6, Paul said: Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. (vs.1-6) Always remember that we’re in this together, so loving one another requires support, forgiveness, humility, and guidance.

If you don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior, then sin will consume you, and lead you to death and destruction for all eternity. This is not a dramatization, but the truth by the Word of God. Jesus gives us life now and forever; so in order to overcome the darkness in your life, ask Him to come into your heart as Lord. If you aren’t sure where you stand with God, take a few moments to take the God Quiz today! My favorite verse today is: God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about the truth of God’s Word. We are here to serve God, so the questions that come with that broad commandment are how, when, and with what do we serve Him. The answers to all of those questions can be found in the Word of God. God is your Heavenly Father, the One who will eventually Judge you for all of your decisions and actions in life, so it’s important to know what He expects from you. This is the reason why He gave us the Holy Bible, which is His living Word. Any question you have about Him, or life in general can be answered in His word. We could learn how to communicate with, obey, and love, Him all in one place.

I was just talking about how important communication is in any relationship. Without proper communication people end up making a lot of assumptions, and you know what they say about people who assume? The same is true for our earthly relationships, and even more so with God. Since He isn’t physically here with us every day, and we can’t have a “real” conversation with Him, He’s given us this handbook for life. Whenever we hunger and thirst for His wisdom or knowledge, all we have to do is pick it up. When we need answers to life’s hardest questions, or help making the toughest decisions, all we have to do is seek the truth in His Word. It’s called the “living Word” for a reason; because that’s the way He communicates with us. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you seek the answers, He will, and His Word comes to life. You’ll always find what you’re looking for, but you must communicate with Him first.

God expects us to be obedient, and every human being needs laws, which are setup to not only keep us safe from evil, but to keep us safe from ourselves. God understands the weakness and frailties of the flesh, so He had to put certain laws in place. It’s written: Oh, how I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep your Word. I have not departed from Your judgments because You Yourself have taught me. (Psalm 119:97-102) The Psalmist truly understood the secret to a peaceful life; it’s all here in black in white. Simply seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and He’ll give you all the wisdom, strength, light, and guidance you’ll need to make it to the finish line of life victoriously!

God is the Alpha and the Omega, and He created you for a reason. He has dominion over everything on this earth, which means that, as heirs to His throne, we could have the world at our finger tips. The only requirements is to first believe in His Son Jesus Christ, and confess Him as Lord, and then you’ll be baptized with His Holy Spirit. Next, we must do as the Psalmist did next, and ask for the wisdom to follow His will for our life. If you’ve made the step to confess Jesus as Lord, you are one of the chosen few, so it’s time to seek some answers. It’s written: Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments. My life is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget Your law. (119:108-109) When we pray a prayer similar to this and then open the Word of God, a whole new world is opened up to us

I don’t know where I’d be without my bible; I feel lost without it. My Aunt gave me a bible cover as a gift, and I’m so grateful for it. I carry my bible everywhere, because I know it holds the truth. On this earth people are being controlled by the devil, and you just don’t know what to trust, because deceit lies in wait. Don’t forget the Spiritual warfare that’s constantly going on in our heart–spirit against flesh–so it’s good to have your “sword, which is the Word of God”, at hand. Whenever I feel lost, angry, lonely, scared, confused, or even happy, joyful, and content, I pick up the bible, and read the awesome promises of God. The more I get to know about my Savior Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father, the more I fall in love with them, which allows me to greater depend on, and trust, them with my entire life.

If you’d like to get to know who Jesus is, as Lord and Savior, in order to trust Him with your life, then start with the New Testament. If you have confessed Jesus as Lord, but that’s about it, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, open the book and start to read, I promise it’ll come alive, and eventually you won’t want to put it down. Don’t forget to meditate on His Word, because as soon as you take it in, the devil is coming to try and steal it, because He knows that God’s wisdom is the only way we can defeat Him. It’s written: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…(Hos. 4:6) To seek God, through His Word, is the most important step to maturing in your faith walk, so take some time out to study each day. My favorite verses today are: My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. (Job 23:11-12)

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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 (for most). My brother Demitrius is in the following documentary, done on his middle school Washington Jesuit Academy. Here’s the link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/november-12-2010/washington-jesuit-academy/7470/. WJA is a wonderful middle school; I thank God for it, and other schools like it. They truly educate these boys, so they can become men for others. Both my brother and nephew are alumni, and WJA has changed their life, for the better. Everything that they’re saying in the video is true–the staff is very supportive and loving–and on top of that, religion is a priority. The teachers are awesome, and they truly care about the future of each boy that comes to the school. Please pray for the continued success of WJA, and other schools like it around the country, they’re much appreciated and needed. They further inspire me to want to teach, so I could make a positive impact on young women and men, in organizations like these. Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today’s scriptures are about fellowship with God and Jesus Christ. Jesus once said: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.” (John 6:44-45 NIV) In order to get to the Father, we must go to and/or through the Son. It’s not as complicated as it seems, but we must know who Jesus is, and the role He plays in our life. To fellowship with Him takes on a whole new meaning, because it requires interaction, communication, and sharing love with Him. Unlike just believing in Him, which can be done by anyone, fellowship requires effort. Being a believer is just the first step. I want you to ask yourself a fairly easy question, but you need to be completely honest with your answer–How often do you interact with God, through Jesus Christ?

Faith is one of the most important parts of being a Christian. The Apostle Paul wrote: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (11:1KJV) What did Paul mean by that? Well the New International Version (NIV) of the bible translates it: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. From the beginning of time people preached about the love of God, even though most of them had never seen Him, but they were confident in Who He was, and what He taught. Most believers gained their confidence in Him, by building a strong and relationship with Him. They fellowshipped, worshiped, and praised Him, which helped build a bond, that assured them of His love.

Jesus’ coming was prophesied for years before He was even born, so people already expected the Messiah [the Son of God] to come. When He came they already believed in Him, because they believed in the Father that sent Him. He lived, died, and was resurrected, which changed the life of every human being, then, now, and forever. I don’t think a lot of people can grasp the complete truth in this, because it seems so unreal. There are people who suffer from internal pain–heart wrenching pain that they can’t seem to shake–and they can’t imagine anything other than that. They refuse to open up their heart to have faith in Him, because that comes with the risk of being hurt again. If you’re one of those people [like I used to be], then I need you to understand there is no one in this world who can love you like Jesus Christ. God loved you so much that He gave us His Son Jesus Christ, who reigns over us, and takes care of every aspect of our life, now and throughout all eternity. Jesus was created to give you life, so you can lay down your burdens and be free.

To have faith in God is to trust in Jesus Christ, and to trust in Jesus is to be obedient, and keep His commandments. It’s written: Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:21-25) Faith in the “implanted Word”, who is Jesus Christ, is the only way to save your soul.

I can promise you that when you experience the love of God, through Christ, you’ll truly understand what life is all about. Jesus is freedom, and through Jesus, God lives in our heart. He’s there to lead and guide us, shape and mold us, into the person He truly created us to be. All He asks us to do is have faith in Him, and through that faith we love Him with all our heart. I don’t care what else goes on in life, we can always depend on Jesus to be who He is, and He’ll always be there for us. God made sure that we will never have to be apart from Him again. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, then you don’t know God as Father–to have faith in the Son, is to have faith in the Father. Remember faith can move mountains, and the first step of your faith walk is to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. (1John 4:15)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about conviction and regret. The word regret is defined: a feeling of sorrow or remorse for a fault, act, loss, disappointment, etc. There are lot’s of people who live with regret, every day of their life, and it’s significantly impacts them. I remember I used to say that I don’t regret anything, because everything that happens in my life is meant to strengthen me, and make me a better person, however, everyone feels some type of regret at some time. We all have goals that we fail to meet, and have made stupid mistakes—that’s a part of life. We sometimes feel remorse or regret when we make mistakes, or stray from the path God laid out for us, because the Holy Spirit convicts us. Convictions are meant to promote repentance, so that we can maintain a level of righteous required to stay in the good graces of the Lord.

The wonderful thing about Jesus Christ is that He came to offer us freedom from sin, and He doesn’t condemn, or write us off, because of mistakes, or even blatant sin. He’s constantly working within us to make us better people in Christ. While on earth, before He was killed, He told His disciples that He would be leaving them. They protested that, because they would’ve experienced great remorse because of losing someone that had grown near and dear to their heart. He explained that this had to be done, for the sake of all mankind. He said: “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.” (John 14:25-27) Jesus died so we wouldn’t have to hold on to regret, and on top of that, God sent the Holy Spirit to help us minimize the things we regret, so embrace that freedom.

Are you holding on to regret right now? I can’t tell you how much that affects your overall life. It’s right up there with unforgiveness—it affects you more in the long run, then the mistake, or person you’re holding a grudge against. Life is too short to live in the past, or to allow a few mistakes to consume you. When we make mistakes, and learn from them, they we worth experiencing; you can call it a lesson learned. However when you make mistakes, or blatantly sin, and don’t learn from them, or refuse to repent, then they will haunt you, until you make things right with God. In most cases the only reason we hold on to regret is because we’ve been convicted, but we failed to confess those sins, and ask for forgiveness.

Another reason we hold on to regret is because we have had some type of disagreement or fallout with a friend or family member, and we hold a grudge, or fail to forgive that person. Jesus said: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matt. 18:15-17) In life people will hurt you, and you will hurt them, even those who are closest you to—including your parents, spouse, siblings, and children. If we allow these things to follow, and fester within us, without attempting to resolve them, they’ll have a negative impact on our life. Jesus said we should try several times to work things out, but if at the end we can’t, let it go and move on. We’ve done our best. However, if you don’t try to resolve these matters, then you will forever wonder what if, and live with that regret.

To be honest with you, there are a lot of things I’ve regretted in my life, however, I don’t regret them anymore, because I sought God’s reasoning behind them. I asked Him why I had to do these things, or why I still do them, and He always answers. I stay open to the truth, but sometimes the truth hurts (I think that’s another reason why people don’t face their past, and hold on to regrets). In most cases I’m just being convicted, and once I repent, those feelings of emptiness or remorse fades, and my peace if restored. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, then you’ll surely live with lots of regret. Take a few moments to get to know Him, start with the God Quiz today. My favorite verse today is: Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart faileth me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me. (Psalm 40:12-13)

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