WHAT GOD SAYS HE MEANS!

4-30-2014. . . .WHAT GOD SAYS HE MEANS!

"Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never, never fail you nor forsake you." That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, "The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me."  (Heb 13:5-6 TLB)   What God says, He means!  We can depend on His word.  If He says He is with us, He is there not only in presence, but as our resource and help.  

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your abiding presence and for being an ever present help to us.  We are comforted in knowing you will never leave nor forsake us.  Amen!

Rom 8:31-32. . . .What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? TLB

HE IS WITH US!

4-29-2014. . . .HE IS WITH US!

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Ps 23:4 NIV)  Whether in times of trouble or tranquility, there is no greater comfort than to know that God is with us.  No matter the situation, (good or bad) with both rod and staff, He is loving shepherding our steps and our stops.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for lovingly guiding us through the ever changing circumstances of life.  We will never walk in fear with you by our side.  Amen.

Ps 37:23-24. . . . The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. 24 If they fall it isn't fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. TLB

IN ALL THINGS!

4-25-2014. . . .IN ALL THINGS!


“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28 NIV)   In the face of trouble, tragedy, calamity and chaos, the KJV rendering of this verse (…All things work together for good…) seems ambiguous and contradictory. The truth of the matter is, many things are actually 'NOT' working for our good, but are designed to take us out, disturb our faith and disrupt our destiny. The NIV rendering of this verse makes it poignantly clear that its not ‘the things’ that are working for our good, but ‘GOD WORKING IN ALL THINGS’ for our good! No matter how difficult or challenging the circumstance, we can remain encouraged and our faith strong knowing that God is working IN ALL THINGS for our good!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for working in all things for our good! In our times of distress and discouragement; trouble and tragedy, help us to trust you and remember this fact. Amen!

Ps 34:19-20. . . . A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. NIV

BETTER FOR IT IN THE END!

4-24-2014. . . .BETTER FOR IT IN THE END!

“Don't refuse to accept criticism; get all the help you can.” (Prov 23:12 TLB)  While swallowing an unpleasant tasting medicine is undesirable, we do it because we know it will benefit us in the end. The same is true of criticism. It may be unpleasant and undesirable to receive, but if we accept it graciously; seriously consider its observations; and apply its useful recommendations, we will be better for it in the end!

Prayer: Lord, give us a mind, a heart, eyes and ears to quickly receive criticism. Although it is often hard and undesirable to receive, help us focus more on the benefit in the end. Amen.

Prov 23:12. . . .Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. KJV

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!

4-23-2014. . . .ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!

“Most people will tell you what loyal friends they are, but are they telling the truth?” (Prov 20:6 TLB)   It’s been said, “A Mouth will say anything.” Most of us have lived long enough to have learned that there is truth in those words. True friends are not revealed by what they say but rather, by what they do. What’s the old adage, ‘Actions speak louder than words.’

Prayer: Lord, thank you that your word is always true. Help us Lord, to accurately reflect your image by having our word be the same. Amen!

Prov 20:6. . . . Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? KJV

STAY SHARP!

4-22-2014. . . .STAY SHARP!

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Prov 27:17 NIV)  Daily we encounter many people. What impact are they having on our lives and perhaps more importantly, what impact are we having on the lives of others? The sharpening process is not always comfortable, but is always necessary.   Stay sharp and challenge others around you to be sharp!

Prayer: Lord, continue to make me sharp in order that I may have a positive and sharpening impact on the lives of others. Amen!

Prov 27:19. . . . As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. (NIV)

INCREASE THE NUMBERS!

4-21-2014. . . .INCREASE THE NUMBERS!

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Prov 17:17 NIV)   A friend’s love prevails through all circumstances. In the toughest of times, the bond is likened to that of a brother. Value these kind of friends for they are few! Be this kind of friend and increase the numbers!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving and loyal friends. Help me to be this quality of a friend. Amen!

Prov 27:9. . . . Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. NIV

SALVATION IN AN INSTANT!

4-18-2014. . . . SALVATION IN AN INSTANT!

Over two thousand years ago a criminal, one convicted, condemned and justifiably crucified, turned to Jesus and made a simple request: "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." (Luke 23:42 NKJV) The thief knew not when Jesus would enter into His kingdom, only that He most certainly would. Therefore, it is conceivable that he believed his request would be fulfilled at some point in the future and not immediately. To his surprise however, Jesus immediately responded to his ‘faith’ not just his request. “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Although he was a thief….guilty, convicted and condemned, he received salvation in an instant! Amazing! Jesus still responds immediately to ‘faith’ with salvation in an instant. Though one be a sinner….guilty and deserving of death, the gift on God (eternal life) is available to all who confess and believe. ….If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Rom 10:9 KJV) Jesus accepts us where we are and like we are. He saves us and then transforms us from how we are. When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! All these new things are from God who brought us back to himself through what Christ Jesus did. (2 Cor 5:17-18 TLB) On this ‘Good Friday’, remember Jesus’ sacrifice made it possible for us to have ‘Salvation in an Instant! Tell everyone you know!!!!

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for coming into my heart and saving me. Thank you for sacrificing your life for my sins and for the sins of the world.

Luke 23:39-43. . . . And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. KJV

HE LIVES!

4-17-2014. . . .HE LIVES!

“ . . . Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Rev 1:17-18 KJV)  HE LIVES!!!! Notice here that Jesus didn’t say, I was dead, but now I live, He declared, “I am He that liveth and was dead!” For those who still don’t believe, Jesus verified that He was indeed dead, but behold, I am alive forever more!   He Lives – He Lives – Christ Jesus Lives Today!  The good news is, that because He lives, we too shall live!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God, Thank you for dying for all my sins, Thank you that you did rise from the grave and are alive forever more! Thank you for saving me!!!! Amen.

Rom 10:9-10. . . .That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. KJV

MAKE A DETERMINATION!

4-16-2014. . . .MAKE A DETERMINATION!

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  (2 Cor 5:17 KJV)  Walking in the newness of life can be challenging if we are not willing to let go of the old life. Christ's finished work at Calvary made it possible.  Now, what we have to do is determine in our hearts that it's "Out with the Old and in with the New!"  Make a determination!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for new life in You.  Help us to release the old and walk in the new!  Amen.

Gal 2:20. . . . I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  KJV

A DO OVER!

4-15-2014. . . .A DO OVER!

"But God is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead-only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved."  (Eph 2:4-5 TLB)  Life does not offer us many if any, "Do Overs."  We have to play the hand we have been dealt so to speak.  Christ however, by dying on the cross for our sins, has in effect, given us a 'Do Over!'   The question is, what will we do with it?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us another chance.  Help us to make the best of it by being the best and doing the best we can!  Amen. 

Gal 2:20. . . .I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. KJV

HE CHOSE US!

4-14-2014. . . .POWER & OPTIONS!

"No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."  (John 10:18 KJV) The power to lay down His life and take it up again hinged upon His choice to do so.  While love limited His options to one, let us be mindful that He had the power and options, but chose us!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for choosing us when You had the power and options to do something different. There is no greater love.  Amen!

 John 15:13. . . .Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. KJV

NO SECURITY BREACHES!

4-11-2014. . . .NO SECURITY BREACHES! 

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts. Amen. (1John 5:21 TLB) In our hearts, God's place should be a protected place and it is up to us to do it!  Let there be no security breaches!  Allow nothing or no one to displace Him!

PRAYER: Lord, you have a permanent place in my heart!  I will not allow anything or anyone to displace you! Amen. 

Prov 4:23. . . . Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. NIV

SEIZE THE MOMENT!

4-10-2014. . . .SEIZE THE MOMENT!

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10 NIV)  There is always opportunity to do good to all people, and especially to believers.  The problem is, we don't often seize the moment.   Sometimes unintentionally, but sadly, other times very much intentionally.  It's always right to do right!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for every opportunity you give us to treat others well.  By doing so, we demonstrate to the world we belong to you. Amen!

Eph 5:8-9. . . . For though once your heart was full of darkness, now it is full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it!  Because of this light within you, you should do only what is good and right and true. TLB

REMEMBER OUR HERITAGE!

4-9-2014. . . . .REMEMBER YOUR HERITAGE!

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (Isa 54:17 KJV)  The tricks and traps of our enemies will be many, but not one of them will succeed!  The next time we come under attack from our enemies, let us not be guilty of having spiritual amnesia!  Remember our heritage!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for making us a part of your family and giving us a heritage of victory!  Amen!

2 Cor 2:14. . . .But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.  NIV

STEP UP STEP OUT!

4-8-2014. . . .STEP UP STEP OUT!

David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.  All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." (1 Sam 17:45-47) With the Lord on our side, it matters little how formidable our enemy may be. With confidence, just step up and step out; for the bigger they are, the harder they'll fall! 

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being on our side!  We need not fear any enemy no matter how threatening they may be.  With you we always have victory!  Thank you.  Amen! 

Rom 8:31. . . .What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? KJV

LIFE'S POTENTIAL!

4-7-2014. . . .LIFE'S POTENTIAL!

"Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was perfect and he was as strong as a young man." (Deut 34:7-8 TLB)  With God, all things are possible even life-long health, strength and prosperity.  Don't allow bad life choices to diminish life's potential!   When we take care of God's business, God takes care of us!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for giving us life-long health, strength and prosperity in order that we may carry out and complete your divine purpose in us!  Amen!

Mark 10:27. . . .And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. KJV

BELIEVE!

4-4-2014. . . .BELIEVE!

I was humbled and privileged to be asked to participate in writing a devotional for The Lenten Journey!  I thought I would share that devotional here today!  You can read my devotional as well as, devotionals from other guest writers at www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com.  Additionally, you will be inspired, enlightened and encouraged by the daily offerings of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie!  Please check it out, enjoy and be blessed!

BELIEVE!
St. John 11:30-45 (read)

There is an odor in the air. It is the pungent stench of dashed hopes, unfulfilled dreams, tries that failed, and untapped potential paralyzed for years by the doubts and fears of, what if! Although, we may have sought the Lord concerning these things, His delayed response and our impatience, prompted us to prematurely deem any further expenditure of time, energy and effort toward these things fruitless.

As we continue our Lenten inward journey with the objective of yielding outward results, let us not overlook the things within us that perhaps we have declared to be dead, that the Lord may yet want to resurrect. The Lord’s delay never meant His denial. With God, it’s not about time, but about timing! So, write the book; release the song; launch the ministry; start the business! Whatever the endeavor, it’s not too late, if you just believe!

In our text, Mary, Martha and the others experienced this first hand. Although, they had reconciled themselves with their brother Lazarus’ death, Jesus wanted them to witness the power of what can happen when one believes. In spite of their declaration of death, He ordered them to roll the stone away and reveal what death had concealed.

If we too, will roll the stone away and uncover what we have hidden away on the inside, Jesus says, I’ll call it forth to new life on the outside, if you just believe!

BELIEVE my friends, and be blessed!

BUST A MOVE!

4-3-2014. . . .BUST OF MOVE!

"God had told Abram, "Leave your own country behind you, and your own people, and go to the land I will guide you to.  If you do, I will cause you to become the father of a great nation; I will bless you and make your name famous, and you will be a blessing to many others.  I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and the entire world will be blessed because of you."  (Gen 12:1-3 TLB)  You may not know where, when or how, but are you ready to take a step of faith into your next move?  If you are, and more importantly, IF YOU DO, blessings await you.  It's time!  Trust God and bust a move!

PRAYER: Lord, my life is in your hands!  Where ever, whenever, and however, at your command only, we will bust a move.  Amen!

Heb 11:8-10. . . .Abraham trusted God, and when God told him to leave home and go far away to another land that he promised to give him, Abraham obeyed. Away he went, not even knowing where he was going. And even when he reached God's promised land, he lived in tents like a mere visitor as did Isaac and Jacob, to whom God gave the same promise.  Abraham did this because he was confidently waiting for God to bring him to that strong heavenly city whose designer and builder is God. TLB

IT IS NECESSARY!

4-2-2014. . . .IT IS NECESSARY!

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:" (Eph 4:11-13 KJV)  Purpose is only fulfilled through process.  Each of us has a purpose and God has equipped and gifted special people that will help perfect (bring to completion) our purpose if we are willing to submit to the perfecting process.  Admittedly, it is not always easy or comfortable, but it is necessary.   

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for placing in each of us your divine purpose.  Thank you also for those you have placed in our life to perfect our purpose.  Help us to willing submit to the perfecting process.  Amen!

1 Peter 5:10-11. . . . But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.   To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  KJV

T E A M!

4-1-2014. . . .T E A M!

"Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others." ( Rom 12:3-4 TLB)  Discern and respect the ministry gifts in others.  It will help the whole body to work smarter and not harder.   Remember the T E A M acrostic: Together Everyone Accomplishes More!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the different ministry gifts you have placed in each of us.  Help us to discern and appreciate them while encouraging others to utilize them.  Amen.

John 17:11. . . .I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name-the name you gave me-so that they may be one as we are one. (NIV)