Waking Up To Him

A day to say to God I am ready. A day to say I am prepared. To God we have a deep responsiblity to seize the moment in Him. We should wake up each do with the desire to change what is wrong with the world. I do not know about you, but so much wrong is happening, and we are responsible to bring what is dark into the light.

Eph. 5:13 – But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”

Can we be saved yet sleep or spiritually dead? I mean do you find yourself lacking the ability to see, and destroy evil? Should our authority to fight evil affect the atmosphere we live in?

“The Christian’s responsibility does not stop with his own rejection of evil. He is also responsible for exposing and opposing darkness wherever it is found, especially when it is found in the church.”

Eph. 5:9 – For the Fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

I believe that God provides for us what is needed for each day, and not use what He used yesterday. By, waking up to Him and seeking His face daily we become equipped to handle what is to come. A fresh start.

Our Father who are in heaven, lay Your hand upon our face. Give us Lord the insight, the wisdom to stand face to face with evil. Help us Lord to stand in Your presences with the ability to serve Your kingdom, knowing that it is not about us. We treasure our relationship in You that each day we can receive the power, the joy, the peace and the love needed to overcome the distractions facing us each day. Amen!

A Season to Fight!

It has been 20 days since I last shared devotional with you. I must say time was needed and I thank God for it. I have observed so much in these days. This is indeed a season to step back and take a look. It is burden with murders, destructions, financial devasation, maritial frustration, bitter rivals, wars and so much more.

Is this the season to really stop and look at what side you are on? What is really important is to know that you and your love ones really know who Christ is.

From children murdering their parents, to college murders all around the country. I personally believe that we are being tested not just individually, but collectively. You know in the bible when it talks about “Love Thy Neighbor”. We are responsible for those that do not know Him (Christ Jesus) much less understand the signs of the time, the scriptures, and the consequences of our actions.

God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. That was then, what about now? Who are we as children of God to the point that we are that sacrificial lamb, the one that will stand and be nailed to the cross for the sake of the gospel and the salvation of His people? To know and be what we were created has everything to do with serving others, and building the kingdom of God.

I thank God for each day that I live to the point that time still exist for me to return empty to God, and to fulfill my purpose and destiny here on earth.

Oh Father in heaven. We honor You and what You have made us to be. Please Lord in this season. Give us the ability to overcome our personal challenges and be able to serve others in the capacity we were created to. Please give us the strength, the power and authority to esteem others in this season and to sacrifice ourselves for the people of God.

OPEN HEART TO ALL

Your life is not only yours, but also your neighbors. We were created to share the heart of God, to be an example of His love, His peace, His joy. You see many people in this world will never see the example of Christ if we do not display it.

People are going through some very tough times, some difficult situations and so very unfortunate circumstances that would cause many of us to fall, to lose faith and to give up.

Nothing is more important than our ability to uplift, to help see the good side of things, the Godly way out. To hear our prayers, to feel our spirits and to see our hearts. We are agents of peace, of love and of hope.

For all is the way Jesus Christ would have it. We can not allow our flesh to decide who we should comfort, or share our heart with. We can not afford to miss the opportunity to bless someone regardless of race, religion, sex, etc. To bless others is to be blessed by God.

Be of Good cheer, and love your neighbors as you would love yourself.

I believe personally that nothing in us should remain, all that we have been through, and experience is for someone else. It is like going to school and getting an education to later use it to work. This is greater because it is for the souls of His people which brings joy to the hearts of all.

Most loving Father you are present in us for the building of Your kingdom, to uplift and to fulfill the divine call on our lives. We thank you for all that we have gone through, and experience not for us but for others. This is a honor Lord to love as you did, and to freely give from our open heart. May You give us the discerning spirit to receive and to love those in need. We honor you and bless you Lord, believing that our ability to heal, to bring hope and to cover the people of God will manifest in their lives by You.
Thank You Lord for that ability and that divine responsibility to open our heart to all.

OUR OPEN FAITH

What is so stricking is the path people take to reach high goals, enormous status and financial wealth. When you hear their speech, read their books and listen to their testimony it all started at a very young age what they personally did to achieve as if God did nothing.

Whether it is a Doctor, Lawyer, Politican, Law Enforcer and so on. The school they went to, the support of their parents, etc. I listen to this and I get so confused because little credit is given to God. It is like the two can not mix fear of embarassment or what people may think.

Why do we shy away from sharing our faith, our love for Jesus Christ? Why when the opportunity exist for people to thank Him and stand up for what they believe in it is the last thing shared if shared at all?

Do you express the name of the Lord, do you allow people to hear about your faith and beliefs? We can’t afford to keep Him secret, or in the back ground regardless of where we are or who we are with. Nothing should hinder us from sharing with others the faithful relationship we have with God and how He is the reason we are where we are.

Too much credit goes to the wrong people or wrong thing which leaves us depending on the wrong source. Allowing the true foundation of our success to be heard is allowing others to know who you believe in and who you depend on. Keep God in all that you do, never stop thanking Him both in private and public. He is our provider, our biggest supporter and fan.

When everyone else fails us, or let us down, God will always be there. So I pray that as I have witness through the campaign trail the small talk of faith, belief in God as if it would offend America, or is just not appropriate to talk about that Jesus Christ would be apart of everything we do (everything).

Heavenly Father, forgive us and help us to confess our faith, to stand for what we believe in and to better acknowledge the covering, the love and protect You have given to us throughout our lives. Without You nothing is possible, and nothing can last. So God this earth needs You, and must acknowledge You or it will die. Our open confession of You will better testify the awesome God we serve to everyone and help to defeat the false security the enemy wants us to believe in. Amen.

A Good Day

Everyday we wake up is a new day, a blessed day, a day of new beginnings. It is an opportunity to see what we have never seen before, but more importantly to start a new (refresh and whole) day. When God created earth in 6 days, never did he repeat what He did, or even referred back to it. “It was good” He said. I am in awe of this revelation because I sometimes ponder, linger or even wonder about yesterday while living in today, how about you?.

Nothing can be done about yesterday. Whatever happened it did what Rom. 8:28 states “And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose”.

Message Bible:
That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Amplified Bible:
28We are assured and know that God being a partner in their labor all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

We must believe that if we are waking up with Him, and walking with Him and laying down with Him that everything is for the good. We go through things, we experience things, we even witness things, but through Him it is working outfor the good. His example is in Gen. should tell us to stop getting stuck, stop thinking bad and focus on the good day, the good things God will give to those who love Him.

In His providence, God orchestrates every event in life–even suffering to accomplish both our temporal and eternal benefit. If you are believing that God is with you, then believe that He is in charge of your life and wants good to come from every situation in your life.

Thank You Father for so much revelation, so much understanding of Your word. For it is good for us. Our day is orchestrated by You, controlled by You. Nothing goes without You knowing. Help us to remain focus, to remain faithful to Your word, that all things work together for us. It is a good day regardless, and we thank you for all that has happen and will happen in our lives. Please cover us, protect us and watch over us. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Law of Connection

What is connection? Who is connected to you and why? Many of us often are faced with people or situations that stir our spirits negatively, or even challenge our will. We can also find discomfort at our jobs, or out in public because of what someone said or done. It does something to us when we fall prey to these occasions and before we know it, it has caused damage to us and them.

Galatians 3:6–4:31 – To make plain his teaching on grace. Paul uses stories and allegories. To drive home the truth, he uses an illustration of Abraham (Gal. 3:6-29); an Old Testament scripture (3:10-14); an illustration of a son and a slave (4:1-7); and an allegory of Sarah and Hagar (4:21-31). Paul knew just how to connect with his audience. He painted familiar pictures to connect them with unfamiliar truths.

Paul also knew how to connect with a difficult group of people. Although they are living in error and it might feel tempting to focus on their foolishness (3:1), instead the Apostle invites them into the experience of discovery.

Consider the “Ten Commandments of Handling Difficult People”:

1. Use the 101% Principle. Find the 1 percent you agree on and give it 100 percent of your attention.
2. Love people more than policies, but love truth more than people.
3. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
4. Learn to be flexible where you can.
5. Check your own attitude.
6. Don’t overreact to conflict and disagreement.
7. Welcome the conflict. Make it a learning experience.
8. Provide an escape for the person in conflict. Let them maintain their dignity.
9. Take a risk. Give people a second chance.
10. Take the high road. Be generous and believe the best about others.

Please Heavenly Father allow our best character, our best behavior to be on constant display when faced with situations and people that tend to challenge us. Give us the present mind to not fall be to rise above those traps and intentions and find a favorable solution. With Your wisdom and knowledge we can overcome anything that comes our way. Thank You Lord for being everything we are not to ourselves. The pillow, the rock and the comforter. Amen.

The Spirit of God

The Spirit of the God is a powerful gift to the body of Christ. It speaks to us, it heals us, and it comforts us. It does so much for us, and each day we have the priviledge as children of God to have it.

Do you stop each day to treasure His presence? Sometimes on a daily basis we experience the presence of God in such a way that it brings fear, joy, warmth, comfort all at the same time. Prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:28 describes the likeness of the Glory of the Lord as a rainbow after the rain, the brightness all around.

We have to see those signs God gives us that tells us He is there. It is a blessing alone that He would allow us to see Him. See what Ezekiel as in Ezekiel 2:1-2 “So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking.” And He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you.” Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me.

What God commands a servant to do, He gives power to fulfill by His Spirit. This pictures the selective empowering by the Holy Spirit to enable an individual for special service to the Lord, which occurred frequently in the Old Testament.

Be of good cheer that God will be present when His children are doing the Will of the Lord. God is Omnipresent in our lives.

Thank You heavenly Father for the Spirit, for Your presence and the comfort we need to overcome our fears, and flesh. We want to do a great work for You and that You for allowing us to see Your face, feel Your power and hear Your voice. Amen.

Confrontation Is The Way to Resolution

John 8:48-59

Many times Jesus had to confront opposition among the Pharisees, scribes, and other Jewish leaders. Although Old Testament prophecies called Him the “Prince of Peace,” he decided on this day that there could be no peaceful agreement. Jesus stood toe-to-toe with His opponents and tackled the issue head-on–and things quickly got heated.

Sometimes, confrontation is the only way to resolution. What do we learn from Jesus about confrontation? Consider four steps to reach the heart of an issue:

1. Be clear and direct (vv. 48,49).
2. Don’t draw attention to yourself (vv. 49,50).
3. Lay out the issue and ask for a decision (v. 51).
4. Trust God to justify and reveal the truth (vv. 52-54).

Because of our spiritual obligation, we must lean to the Lord for extreme understanding before we confront. It needs to be a humble exchange on your part that God will find favor in you. Do the right thing by this and it will allow the Lord to move on your behalf and bless you.

Be in perfect peace today, let His amazing hands to be upon you and move in your life. Give strength where it is need Lord and bring a sense of joy. We honor You God and appreciate the consistent love You give to us and the protection. We trust You to make every confrontation pleasant and peaceful. In Jesus Name. Amen.

THOUGHTS AND WAYS

It is not so much that we wait to see the results of our actions, but acknowledge the conscious of our thoughts. Many things in our lives can be determined early if we just stop and listen. Our heart speaks to us, our mind responds. Now there is two ways to look at this. In the natural or in the spiritual. With the natural is the flesh, with the spiritual is the spirit. Both ways produce results. Can I draw your attention to a couple verses?

Isaiah 55:7-8 “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways”

What God said to me in this verse is “outside of His ways and thoughts”, we are doing and thinking the wrong things and are at His mercy with the consequences of our actions.

Avoid Worldly Wisdom. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
1 Cor. 3:18-20

Be wise in trusting God at every point of your lives. Grow close to Him in the midst of your thinking. He will draw near in your hearts to help you with your thoughts.

For Daily Prayer

Epaphroditus; His Role in the Kingdom

What are you waiting for? The approval of others, or for your spiritual leader to appoint you? The Father has done that already. He anointed you before the foundation of the earth. Some of us will go without being known or even our name being recognized. God knows and He will reward us.

Epaphroditus. Ever heard of him? Paul in Phil. 2:25-30 praised him.
A Leader Who Didn’t Make A Name For Himself. Several leaders in the bible qualify as “nobodies.” They never became famous, like Moses or David or Paul, but remained obscure, even though they played a vital role in the kingdom. Epaphroditus was such a man.

Epaphroditus is mentioned only in Phillippians. No books were ever written about him, to him, or by him. We know of no statues or memorials erected to him. He was a “nobody” who became a “somebody” to Paul. He ran all the way from Phillippi to Rome to join Paul in prison and minister to him. He also carried this letter back home to the Phillippians. Note how Paul describes him:

1. A People Lover
Paul calls him a minister. He feels distressed that the
Phillippians might worry about him when he became sick
(vv. 25,26).
2. A Risk Taker
Paul calls him a fellow soldier. He keeps on risking his life
when most would have pampered themselves
(vv. 25,30).
3. A Tireless Worker
Paul calls him a fellow worker. We know little about his
illness, except that it was tied to his hard work
(vv. 25,27).
4. A Servant-Leader
Paul calls him a messenger. Paul tells the church to give
him a hero’s welcome (vv. 25,29). He both led and
served as he became a spokesman for the church.

We have a Spirit responsibility, Kingdom obligation to exercise our gifts and operate in our office regardless of who sees us. We must move from the position of observing to the position of action. Whether man sees us or appreciate what we do, God is watching and for Him we must fulfill our purpose. It will do what it is called to do, and touch who it is suppose to touch. “Be Obedient” and sacrifice your life to His will.

For Daily Prayer