Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world -1 Peter 5:8,9.
Be careful where you trod. This world is packed with many traps and snares which are presented just like the way the apple was presented to our mother Eve in the garden of Eden. If you're not careful you will get allured by demons into a situation in which you had no idea how terrible it would be and cannot find a way of escape.
Jesus taught us to be sober and be vigilant. Pray for spiritual eyes to be opened to see the traps the devil has set and is presenting as things beautiful and helpful, to the natural eyes. Dont allow him to allure you. God can help you.
If you pray all the time and read, meditate and study God's word you will be able to tell when the devil is trying to trap you. Stay away from any movement that is offering peace and contentment and all the fine things the body and mind seeks for comfort through your own works away from God. Movements like Transcendental Meditation, The Unification Church, The Harry Krishna Movement, The Way International, and The New Age Movement. These "movements" are anti-Christ and are cults (obsessive worship of something or someone other than the true and living God), and everyone should stay away from such forms of worship as God warned in His book the Holy Bible.
Prayer: Lord show us how to detect the devils scheme and plots and show us how to overcome him. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Encouragement: Don't worry about that old dragon, Satan,. Greater is He that is in us.
SEE "40 DAYS OF PRAYER DAY 6- ELDER MOSES JOHNSON SR." ON YOUTUBE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CULTS, OCCULTS AND OTHER UNACCEPTABLE FORMS OF WORSHIP BY GOD.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Daily Devotion -Rejoice In The Lord Always
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice -Phil. 4:4.
Rejoice, our Savior is risen. Rejoice, it is finished. Rejoice, its the end of the conflict. Rejoice, the battle is over and Jesus is Lord of all. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice and again I say rejoice. Jesus you reign supreme. You are Lord and God of all. You reign forever and ever. Amen.
Lord do you remember when You walked among men? You know if You are looking below, its worse now than then. Cheating and stealing, violence and crime. Lord teach us how to rejoice in times like these knowing that the victory is already won by You and with divine wisdom from you we will be fighting victory instead of battles.
You know Lord, I once thought number one would be me in this world. I thought I could make it on my own. But I came to realize that I cannot do this without You. Without You I am nothing. Without You I can do nothing. But I can do all things through You, Jesus Christ, who strengthens me. I therefore encourage everyone for this reason to rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.
Prayer: Teach us to rejoice in You always. Please Lord. Amen.
Encouragement: If you're on the Lord side, rejoice in Him always and again I say rejoice because you're on the winning team.
Rejoice, our Savior is risen. Rejoice, it is finished. Rejoice, its the end of the conflict. Rejoice, the battle is over and Jesus is Lord of all. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice and again I say rejoice. Jesus you reign supreme. You are Lord and God of all. You reign forever and ever. Amen.
Lord do you remember when You walked among men? You know if You are looking below, its worse now than then. Cheating and stealing, violence and crime. Lord teach us how to rejoice in times like these knowing that the victory is already won by You and with divine wisdom from you we will be fighting victory instead of battles.
You know Lord, I once thought number one would be me in this world. I thought I could make it on my own. But I came to realize that I cannot do this without You. Without You I am nothing. Without You I can do nothing. But I can do all things through You, Jesus Christ, who strengthens me. I therefore encourage everyone for this reason to rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.
Prayer: Teach us to rejoice in You always. Please Lord. Amen.
Encouragement: If you're on the Lord side, rejoice in Him always and again I say rejoice because you're on the winning team.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Daily Devotion -Have you tried Him?
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who trusts in Him -Ps. 34:8.
The Lord is merciful and gracious toward us. He is slow to chide and swift to bless. He looks beyond faults and ministers to the needs of His people. He is almighty, victorious, the Lord of hosts. He takes care of our every need. He deserves all the glory, honor, praise, worship and adoration. He is God all by Himself and besides Him there is no other. He is the only true and living God.
And we could go on and on as His attributes are infinite. Have you tried Him? Do you know Him? He knows you from the inside out better than you know yourself. He knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5),
This may sound unbelievable but He knew everything that would happen in your life up to this point while you're reading this devotional and beyond. Yes He knows your future. And He set this moment up as a divine appointment for Him to work a marvelous work in you right now. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed you'll be if you trust in Him right now. He loves you more than anyone else on this earth does and where others you were depending on has failed you He will not. He will come through for you. Just give Him that chance to take care of you (Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Peter 5:7)
Prayer: Father we pray for our brothers and sisters who don't know you in the pardon of their sins today that they will soon. Amen.
Encouragement: Give Jesus a chance in your life today (2 Corinthians 6:2). You'll be amazed by the transformation that begins immediately.
The Lord is merciful and gracious toward us. He is slow to chide and swift to bless. He looks beyond faults and ministers to the needs of His people. He is almighty, victorious, the Lord of hosts. He takes care of our every need. He deserves all the glory, honor, praise, worship and adoration. He is God all by Himself and besides Him there is no other. He is the only true and living God.
And we could go on and on as His attributes are infinite. Have you tried Him? Do you know Him? He knows you from the inside out better than you know yourself. He knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5),
This may sound unbelievable but He knew everything that would happen in your life up to this point while you're reading this devotional and beyond. Yes He knows your future. And He set this moment up as a divine appointment for Him to work a marvelous work in you right now. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed you'll be if you trust in Him right now. He loves you more than anyone else on this earth does and where others you were depending on has failed you He will not. He will come through for you. Just give Him that chance to take care of you (Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Peter 5:7)
Prayer: Father we pray for our brothers and sisters who don't know you in the pardon of their sins today that they will soon. Amen.
Encouragement: Give Jesus a chance in your life today (2 Corinthians 6:2). You'll be amazed by the transformation that begins immediately.
Daily Devotion -His Mission Is The Same Today As Before
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost -Luke 19:10.
He started His ministry preaching or proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven is here. Everywhere He went He preached and taught the word to the people demonstrating such love and compassion that had never been seen before. He turned water into wine at a wedding reception when the groom ran out of wine. He fed five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish. He healed everywhere He went. The blind saw, the deaf heard, the dumb spoke, the crippled got up and walked, lepers were cleansed, the dead arose and many other miracles were done by Him.
He did all this to show the world that the Son of Man was here (tabernacled) with men. Then He promised that the works everyone sees Him doing His followers will do also. Even greater works would be done by them (John 14:12). He told us just before leaving after His resurrection that these signs shall follow His disciples (those who believe) who are you and I, In His name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents and if they drink anything deadly it will by no means hurt them, they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover (Mark 16:17-18).
Prayer: Lord help us to carry out your mission successfully. Amen.
Encouragement: He came to seek and to save that which was lost. His mission has not changed and we are to do the works that He did and even greater according to His word.
He started His ministry preaching or proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven is here. Everywhere He went He preached and taught the word to the people demonstrating such love and compassion that had never been seen before. He turned water into wine at a wedding reception when the groom ran out of wine. He fed five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish. He healed everywhere He went. The blind saw, the deaf heard, the dumb spoke, the crippled got up and walked, lepers were cleansed, the dead arose and many other miracles were done by Him.
He did all this to show the world that the Son of Man was here (tabernacled) with men. Then He promised that the works everyone sees Him doing His followers will do also. Even greater works would be done by them (John 14:12). He told us just before leaving after His resurrection that these signs shall follow His disciples (those who believe) who are you and I, In His name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents and if they drink anything deadly it will by no means hurt them, they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover (Mark 16:17-18).
Prayer: Lord help us to carry out your mission successfully. Amen.
Encouragement: He came to seek and to save that which was lost. His mission has not changed and we are to do the works that He did and even greater according to His word.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Daily Devotion -Oh How He Loves Us So
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life -John 3:16.
Oh, how He loves us so, oh how He loves us. He loves us so much. He loves us, oh how He loves us. He demonstrates His love for us by letting Jesus, His only begotten Son die for us while we were still sinners, and rebellious toward Him. Oh how He loves us (Rom. 5:8).
Behold what manner of love our Father has bestowed on us to call us His children (1 John 3:1). We do not deserve all these blessings for we are wayward sinners deserving only of death. But oh how He loves us so. Oh how He loves us. He loves us, oh how He loves us. Greater love has no man than this, to lay down His life for a friend. "A new commandment I give unto you," says the Lord, "That you love each other. Even as I have loved you." Oh, how He loves us so. Oh how He loves us.
Prayer: My Father and my God, Thank you for your undescribable love. Amen.
Encouragement: The Father loves you so much. Take advantage of this great love today. If you haven't yet done so, repent of your sins and accept His Son, Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord.
Oh, how He loves us so, oh how He loves us. He loves us so much. He loves us, oh how He loves us. He demonstrates His love for us by letting Jesus, His only begotten Son die for us while we were still sinners, and rebellious toward Him. Oh how He loves us (Rom. 5:8).
Behold what manner of love our Father has bestowed on us to call us His children (1 John 3:1). We do not deserve all these blessings for we are wayward sinners deserving only of death. But oh how He loves us so. Oh how He loves us. He loves us, oh how He loves us. Greater love has no man than this, to lay down His life for a friend. "A new commandment I give unto you," says the Lord, "That you love each other. Even as I have loved you." Oh, how He loves us so. Oh how He loves us.
Prayer: My Father and my God, Thank you for your undescribable love. Amen.
Encouragement: The Father loves you so much. Take advantage of this great love today. If you haven't yet done so, repent of your sins and accept His Son, Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Daily Devotion -After The Resurrection
He rose on the third day according to the scriptures, He was seen by Cephas then by the twelve. After that He was seen by five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep -1 Cor. 15:4-6.
When Jesus arose He revealed Himself to His followers only, during a forty day period and then gave them a commission just before ascending into Heaven. He walked this earth for forty days after His resurection doing good and revealing scripture fulfillment wherever He went.
After revealing Himself to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast out seven devils, He revealed Himself to the disciples, Peter being the first, then to five hundred followers including His mother and all the other women who accompanied them on their journeys during His ministry.
James His brother later saw Him and then all the apostles. Jesus spoke with His disciples revealing to them that John baptized with water but we all would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then when they asked if He would restore the kingdom to Israel He answered, " It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Fther has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:6-8).
Then while speaking and giving His commission for us to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Then to teach these nations to observe all things that He commanded and lo He is with us always, even to the end of the age, He was taken up in a cloud.
Prayer: Father thank you for the record in Your written word which proves that Jesus arose and is alive forevermore. Amen.
Encouragement: Because He lives we can face tomorrow.
When Jesus arose He revealed Himself to His followers only, during a forty day period and then gave them a commission just before ascending into Heaven. He walked this earth for forty days after His resurection doing good and revealing scripture fulfillment wherever He went.
After revealing Himself to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast out seven devils, He revealed Himself to the disciples, Peter being the first, then to five hundred followers including His mother and all the other women who accompanied them on their journeys during His ministry.
James His brother later saw Him and then all the apostles. Jesus spoke with His disciples revealing to them that John baptized with water but we all would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then when they asked if He would restore the kingdom to Israel He answered, " It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Fther has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:6-8).
Then while speaking and giving His commission for us to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Then to teach these nations to observe all things that He commanded and lo He is with us always, even to the end of the age, He was taken up in a cloud.
Prayer: Father thank you for the record in Your written word which proves that Jesus arose and is alive forevermore. Amen.
Encouragement: Because He lives we can face tomorrow.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Daily Devotion -He Is Risen!!!
(The Angel) said to them (Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Salome), "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they had laid Him - Mark 16:6.
The women went in search of a dead Jesus. People are still looking for a dead Jesus today who they think can do nothing. They wander about daily going through life as though nothing matters. Everything is just as it is. Nothing changes. These people consider life as though they cannot make things happen. They just watch as things happen to them.
Jesus is no longer in the grave and we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Turn to the living Savior today and let Him change things in your life from just mundane to supernatural. He can do it and He will if you let Him. There is nothing too hard for God. His hands are not too short that He is not able. He can do all things. His word to us is, "nothing in this world is too difficult for me. With men some things are impossible but not so with me (God), for with me all things are possible."
Don't go looking for a dead Jesus. He is risen!! He is alive!!
Prayer: Father help us to present Jesus to the world as our Savior, alive forevermore. Amen.
Encouragement: Because Jesus is risen you can face all your troubles, because He is alive you can face all your fears. With Him all things are possible, only believe. Praise God!!!
The women went in search of a dead Jesus. People are still looking for a dead Jesus today who they think can do nothing. They wander about daily going through life as though nothing matters. Everything is just as it is. Nothing changes. These people consider life as though they cannot make things happen. They just watch as things happen to them.
Jesus is no longer in the grave and we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Turn to the living Savior today and let Him change things in your life from just mundane to supernatural. He can do it and He will if you let Him. There is nothing too hard for God. His hands are not too short that He is not able. He can do all things. His word to us is, "nothing in this world is too difficult for me. With men some things are impossible but not so with me (God), for with me all things are possible."
Don't go looking for a dead Jesus. He is risen!! He is alive!!
Prayer: Father help us to present Jesus to the world as our Savior, alive forevermore. Amen.
Encouragement: Because Jesus is risen you can face all your troubles, because He is alive you can face all your fears. With Him all things are possible, only believe. Praise God!!!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Daily Devotion -His Body Was in The Tomb All Day Saturday
(Pilate), command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, "He has risen from the dead." So the last deception will be worse than the first.
He had suffered hard and long. He hung His head and died. He was taken down from the cross, wrapped in cloth and placed in a borrowed tomb. He was there all night Friday night all day Saturday, all night Saturday night, but early Sunday morning, He Rose from the dead!!! No grave could hold His body down.
The events that took place in that grave on Saturday was that the body laid there guarded by two Cherubim, one at His head and one at His feet. They were there from the moment the stone was rolled into place at the mouth of the tomb until Jesus rose early that first Easter Morning.
The High priest and the scribes went to Pilate and requested that the tomb be secure so they could ensure that His body remains in the tomb but little did they know that nothing could prevent the body of Jesus from the resurrection power of the Holy Ghost. And that power is in everyone who is a born again believer in Jesus Christ. Yes the body was there all day Saturday while His Spirit was busy setting captives free from hades, Then early Sunday morning He rose. Glory To God!!!
Prayer: Lord let us never forget that You're alive forevermore. Amen.
Encouragement: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is alive and well forevermore.
He had suffered hard and long. He hung His head and died. He was taken down from the cross, wrapped in cloth and placed in a borrowed tomb. He was there all night Friday night all day Saturday, all night Saturday night, but early Sunday morning, He Rose from the dead!!! No grave could hold His body down.
The events that took place in that grave on Saturday was that the body laid there guarded by two Cherubim, one at His head and one at His feet. They were there from the moment the stone was rolled into place at the mouth of the tomb until Jesus rose early that first Easter Morning.
The High priest and the scribes went to Pilate and requested that the tomb be secure so they could ensure that His body remains in the tomb but little did they know that nothing could prevent the body of Jesus from the resurrection power of the Holy Ghost. And that power is in everyone who is a born again believer in Jesus Christ. Yes the body was there all day Saturday while His Spirit was busy setting captives free from hades, Then early Sunday morning He rose. Glory To God!!!
Prayer: Lord let us never forget that You're alive forevermore. Amen.
Encouragement: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is alive and well forevermore.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Daily Devotion -It Surely Is A Good Friday
He was wounded for our transgression, bruised for our iniquity, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed -Isaiah 53:5.
Jesus suffered for a long, long time before being placed on the cross. Then on the cross He bore so much pain in addition to taking on the sins of the whole world. Past, present and future. How could one man bear so much? Because He was one hundred percent God and one hundred percent man. That's how. Had He not been perfect, He could not have paid the price for the sins of all mankind.
God did not spare His only begotten Son. He knew how much it would hurt Him to see His only Son die a death He did not deserve. But when He saw mankind whom He loves just as much and knew we were like sheep for slaughter, not knowing what we were doing or where we were heading, He had to do something to save us. Yes that Friday was a good Friday to die. And today, the day we celebrate that Friday, is a Good Friday to celebrate a man's death that made us have abundant and eternal life. It was a good day to give life to billions.
It was expedient for one to die for nations to live. Who else could do this? Only the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the earth. The Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, He who was and is and is to come, He who was alive then dead and is alive again forevermore. He alone has been found worthy. It Is A Good Friday.
Prayer: Lord thank You for the finish work on that day. It was a Good Friday for those billions who accepted. Amen.
Encouragement: Be of good cheer. It's A Good Friday.
Jesus suffered for a long, long time before being placed on the cross. Then on the cross He bore so much pain in addition to taking on the sins of the whole world. Past, present and future. How could one man bear so much? Because He was one hundred percent God and one hundred percent man. That's how. Had He not been perfect, He could not have paid the price for the sins of all mankind.
God did not spare His only begotten Son. He knew how much it would hurt Him to see His only Son die a death He did not deserve. But when He saw mankind whom He loves just as much and knew we were like sheep for slaughter, not knowing what we were doing or where we were heading, He had to do something to save us. Yes that Friday was a good Friday to die. And today, the day we celebrate that Friday, is a Good Friday to celebrate a man's death that made us have abundant and eternal life. It was a good day to give life to billions.
It was expedient for one to die for nations to live. Who else could do this? Only the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the earth. The Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, He who was and is and is to come, He who was alive then dead and is alive again forevermore. He alone has been found worthy. It Is A Good Friday.
Prayer: Lord thank You for the finish work on that day. It was a Good Friday for those billions who accepted. Amen.
Encouragement: Be of good cheer. It's A Good Friday.
Daily Devotion -Angels Watching Over Us.
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them -Psalm 34:7.
When Peter was sent to prison by King Herod, and his plan was to kill Peter, God's angel came and lead him out of that prison to freedom. God's angel watches over us to deliver us in our time of need. We may not see God's angels but if we pray for our eyes to be opened we will see (2 Kings 6:17). We don't have to worry or fret. If we're falling God gives His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways. In their hands they will bear us up, lest we dash our feet against stones (Psalm 91:11,12).
God's angel helps to guide and protect us and are always at our beckon call. One angel is mighty enough to destroy tens of thousands (2 Kings 19 :35). Never fear, we're so surrounded by God and His angels that nothing can come against us, His children, and prevail.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the way you have everything taken care of in our lives that we have no need to concern ourselves or worry about the plan or attacks of the enemy when we pray, knowing You will have your way. Amen.
Encouragement: God and His angels are watching over us every step of the way. Have no fear.
When Peter was sent to prison by King Herod, and his plan was to kill Peter, God's angel came and lead him out of that prison to freedom. God's angel watches over us to deliver us in our time of need. We may not see God's angels but if we pray for our eyes to be opened we will see (2 Kings 6:17). We don't have to worry or fret. If we're falling God gives His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways. In their hands they will bear us up, lest we dash our feet against stones (Psalm 91:11,12).
God's angel helps to guide and protect us and are always at our beckon call. One angel is mighty enough to destroy tens of thousands (2 Kings 19 :35). Never fear, we're so surrounded by God and His angels that nothing can come against us, His children, and prevail.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the way you have everything taken care of in our lives that we have no need to concern ourselves or worry about the plan or attacks of the enemy when we pray, knowing You will have your way. Amen.
Encouragement: God and His angels are watching over us every step of the way. Have no fear.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Daily Devotion -Who Is He?
For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life -John 3:16.
Many in the world have still not heard about our Jesus. Others are still wondering if all the things they've heard about Him is true. Still there are some not sure if He ever existed or can He still be alive, as many claim Him to be.
Who is He? Many are asking and I'm glad they are, for it affords me an opportunity to glorify the true and living God in answering you. He, first and foremost is God's only begotten Son. He is second in the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), In Him we live and move and have our being. By Him all things consists. He is the bread of life (John 6:35, 41,48,51); the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5); the door for His sheep (10:7,9); the good shepherd (john 10:11,14) the resurecction and the life (john 11:25); the way the truth and the life (John 14: 6); and the true vine (john 15:1). You will notice in the gospel of John that each of these statements when spoken by Jesus begins with I AM recalling God's revelation to Moses (Exod. 3:14). Jesus signifies here that He is God and will be whatever anyone wants Him to be in their situation or need.
Jesus is the doctor in a sickroom, the lawyer in a courtroom, the teacher in a classroom, preacher, waymaker, bridge over troubled water, rock in a weary land, a battleaxe, our banner, healer, leader, servant, anything you want Him to be, He will be. His name is Jesus, our Savior and Lord, Our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Prayer: Lord, just when we think we know everything there is to know about you there comes new revelations. Help us to know you rather than about you. Amen.
Encouragement: Establish a relationship with Jesus. You will be able to tell others He is alive and real deep down in your soul.
Many in the world have still not heard about our Jesus. Others are still wondering if all the things they've heard about Him is true. Still there are some not sure if He ever existed or can He still be alive, as many claim Him to be.
Who is He? Many are asking and I'm glad they are, for it affords me an opportunity to glorify the true and living God in answering you. He, first and foremost is God's only begotten Son. He is second in the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), In Him we live and move and have our being. By Him all things consists. He is the bread of life (John 6:35, 41,48,51); the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5); the door for His sheep (10:7,9); the good shepherd (john 10:11,14) the resurecction and the life (john 11:25); the way the truth and the life (John 14: 6); and the true vine (john 15:1). You will notice in the gospel of John that each of these statements when spoken by Jesus begins with I AM recalling God's revelation to Moses (Exod. 3:14). Jesus signifies here that He is God and will be whatever anyone wants Him to be in their situation or need.
Jesus is the doctor in a sickroom, the lawyer in a courtroom, the teacher in a classroom, preacher, waymaker, bridge over troubled water, rock in a weary land, a battleaxe, our banner, healer, leader, servant, anything you want Him to be, He will be. His name is Jesus, our Savior and Lord, Our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Prayer: Lord, just when we think we know everything there is to know about you there comes new revelations. Help us to know you rather than about you. Amen.
Encouragement: Establish a relationship with Jesus. You will be able to tell others He is alive and real deep down in your soul.
Daily Devotion -The Lord's Supper
Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat, this is my body -Matt. 26:26.
On the night Jesus was betrayed He took bread and blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and told them to take and eat it for this is His body which is broken for all. Then He took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to the disciples and told them to drink all of it for this is His blood of the new covenant which is shed for the remission of the sins of everyone.
On that night The Lord's Supper was instituted with the promise that whenever we, Jews and Gentile alike partake we do show the Lord's death until He returns. It was the end of annual commemoration and celebration of the passover where only Jews and sojourners with the Jews could partake.
Our Jesus it was believed by the Jewish Nation had come to Rescue Israel from the Roman rule and restore the nation to dominance. However the deliverance went much farther than the Nation of Israel. It was the whole world including Israel that He came to deliver not just from Roman rule but from the clutches of Satan and the bondage and penalty of sin.
Jesus, the deliverer of the whole world has instituted a way we can stay connected to Him, remain alive in Him and grow in Him -The Lord's Supper.
Prayer: Lord let us keep on taking Your communion so we will remain in You. Amen.
Encouragement: Stay connected to God, eat of His flesh and drink of His blood of the new covenant knowing as often as you do this you do show His death until He returns and you're taking life.
On the night Jesus was betrayed He took bread and blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and told them to take and eat it for this is His body which is broken for all. Then He took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to the disciples and told them to drink all of it for this is His blood of the new covenant which is shed for the remission of the sins of everyone.
On that night The Lord's Supper was instituted with the promise that whenever we, Jews and Gentile alike partake we do show the Lord's death until He returns. It was the end of annual commemoration and celebration of the passover where only Jews and sojourners with the Jews could partake.
Our Jesus it was believed by the Jewish Nation had come to Rescue Israel from the Roman rule and restore the nation to dominance. However the deliverance went much farther than the Nation of Israel. It was the whole world including Israel that He came to deliver not just from Roman rule but from the clutches of Satan and the bondage and penalty of sin.
Jesus, the deliverer of the whole world has instituted a way we can stay connected to Him, remain alive in Him and grow in Him -The Lord's Supper.
Prayer: Lord let us keep on taking Your communion so we will remain in You. Amen.
Encouragement: Stay connected to God, eat of His flesh and drink of His blood of the new covenant knowing as often as you do this you do show His death until He returns and you're taking life.
Daily Devotion -Preach The Gospel
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations and then the end will come -Matt.24:14.
God has spoken and we are the ones to execute His command upon this earth. Preach the gospel of the kingdom in all the world as a witness to all nations, then the end will come. How can they turn to a Jesus they do not know? How will they know about Him without hearing about Jesus? How will they hear if noone preaches to them? And how can someone preach unless he/she is sent?
Faith or believing in Jesus comes by hearing the word of God preached. So preach the word instantly in season and out of season. Reprove, rebuke, rebuff, bring those hearing your message to repentance by making them aware that they need a Savior to save them from their sins.
Preach the gospel and Jesus will do the rest. There is your part and there is Jesus' part. We work together. Don't overstep your bounds. Let the Spirit of Christ have his way.
Prayer: Lord help us to step up to our tasks and remain within our bounds when we do our duty. Amen.
Encouragement: Try to see every opportunity to preach the gospel knowing Jesus is always with us.
God has spoken and we are the ones to execute His command upon this earth. Preach the gospel of the kingdom in all the world as a witness to all nations, then the end will come. How can they turn to a Jesus they do not know? How will they know about Him without hearing about Jesus? How will they hear if noone preaches to them? And how can someone preach unless he/she is sent?
Faith or believing in Jesus comes by hearing the word of God preached. So preach the word instantly in season and out of season. Reprove, rebuke, rebuff, bring those hearing your message to repentance by making them aware that they need a Savior to save them from their sins.
Preach the gospel and Jesus will do the rest. There is your part and there is Jesus' part. We work together. Don't overstep your bounds. Let the Spirit of Christ have his way.
Prayer: Lord help us to step up to our tasks and remain within our bounds when we do our duty. Amen.
Encouragement: Try to see every opportunity to preach the gospel knowing Jesus is always with us.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Daily Devotion -Change The Atmosphere
Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her -Matthew 26:13.
The story in the Bible of the woman with the alabaster box is well known to many around the world. During passion week she enters a room while Jesus is visiting with one called Simon the leper and opens an alabaster flask with costly fragrant oil and poured it on His head as he sat at a table. The fragrance from this costly ointment fill the room to everyone's amazement. The aroma was so sweet and so strong that all the disciples could readily tell it's value and how many poor people the proceeds from the sale of such an ointment would have cared for.
Jesus had to remind them the value of the act rather than the value of the ointment and the fact that the poor will always be around but He, the one who cares for the poor the most in the world, would not always be in the flesh and present with them.
The very act of this woman changed the atmosphere that moment and so should we. Whenever we enter anywhere the moment we spring into action or even before we do, others present there should take note that we have been with Jesus or that we're Jesus followers.
Prayer: Lord we want to change the atmosphere wherever we go. May we acknowledge your presence at all times.
Encouragement: You're chosen to change the atmosphere. Go on your journey in the name of Jesus.
The story in the Bible of the woman with the alabaster box is well known to many around the world. During passion week she enters a room while Jesus is visiting with one called Simon the leper and opens an alabaster flask with costly fragrant oil and poured it on His head as he sat at a table. The fragrance from this costly ointment fill the room to everyone's amazement. The aroma was so sweet and so strong that all the disciples could readily tell it's value and how many poor people the proceeds from the sale of such an ointment would have cared for.
Jesus had to remind them the value of the act rather than the value of the ointment and the fact that the poor will always be around but He, the one who cares for the poor the most in the world, would not always be in the flesh and present with them.
The very act of this woman changed the atmosphere that moment and so should we. Whenever we enter anywhere the moment we spring into action or even before we do, others present there should take note that we have been with Jesus or that we're Jesus followers.
Prayer: Lord we want to change the atmosphere wherever we go. May we acknowledge your presence at all times.
Encouragement: You're chosen to change the atmosphere. Go on your journey in the name of Jesus.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Daily Devotion -God's Will For His Children
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me. Because the Lord has anointed Me to to preach good tidings to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound -Isaiah 61:1.
It's our Father's will for all his children to preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the prison for those who are bound. Of course this can only be done through Jesus Christ as we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13). And our God requires this from us collectively in addition to our individual work according to our gifts given to us for the benefit of the body of Jesus, the church.
In Luke 4:18 Jesus taught from this same verse -Be anointed to teach the gospel to the poor (Salvation); to heal the brokenhearted (emotional wholeness); to proclaim liberty to the captives (freedom); and recovery of sight to the blind (healing). Then He let us know that He's the vine, we are the branches and Our Father is the vinedresser. If we are not connected to Him in this life, we will be gathered and thrown in the fire and burned.
Prayer: Lord help us to fulfill your perfect will for our lives. Amen.
Encouragement: Will to do His will.
It's our Father's will for all his children to preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the prison for those who are bound. Of course this can only be done through Jesus Christ as we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13). And our God requires this from us collectively in addition to our individual work according to our gifts given to us for the benefit of the body of Jesus, the church.
In Luke 4:18 Jesus taught from this same verse -Be anointed to teach the gospel to the poor (Salvation); to heal the brokenhearted (emotional wholeness); to proclaim liberty to the captives (freedom); and recovery of sight to the blind (healing). Then He let us know that He's the vine, we are the branches and Our Father is the vinedresser. If we are not connected to Him in this life, we will be gathered and thrown in the fire and burned.
Prayer: Lord help us to fulfill your perfect will for our lives. Amen.
Encouragement: Will to do His will.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Daily Devotion -Have The Mind Of Christ
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus - Phil. 2:5.
If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill His joy by being like-minded having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. May each person look out not only for his own interest but also for the interest of others.
Each time we're confronted with a decision to make, we should ask ourselves, "What would Jesus Do?" Then do just what we know Jesus would do. Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death even the death of the cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you in due season.
Prayer: Lord teach us how to have the mind of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Encouragement: To have the mind of Jesus Christ, start with humility.
If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill His joy by being like-minded having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. May each person look out not only for his own interest but also for the interest of others.
Each time we're confronted with a decision to make, we should ask ourselves, "What would Jesus Do?" Then do just what we know Jesus would do. Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death even the death of the cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you in due season.
Prayer: Lord teach us how to have the mind of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Encouragement: To have the mind of Jesus Christ, start with humility.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Daily Devotion -He Gives Us Power
Behold I give you power to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you -Luke 10:19.
He gives us authority over all the abilities of the enemy in this spiritual warfare. We need not worry or fret in any situation. He has given us the ability to overcome. We dont have to do anything in the battles we face for they are not ours but His really. It's great to know that as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become His children, to those who believe in His name.
Behold what manner of love our God has bestowed on us, that we should be called His children. We are of God and have overcome the enemy, because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.
We must go through some suffering in this world of sin. Like Paul we can say God's grace is sufficient to take us through. Therefore, glory in your tribulations and sufferings knowing that God's strength is made perfect in your weakness and nothing shall by means overpower you. You are pressed on every side but not crushed, struck down but not destroyed, always bearing in your bodies the mark or strength of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Through all our experiences we are getting to know Him even more and more through the fellowship of His suffering and the power of His resurrection. Glory to God! Keep pressing for the mark of the prize of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus knowing that after fighting a good fight, finishing the course and keeping the faith, you have a crown of righteousness, among great rewards to receive on that great and glorious day.
Prayer: Lord let us never lose sight of the fact that we have all the power we need from you for the victory, because greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. Amen!
Encouragement: We have power over all the power of the enemy. There's nothing to worry about.
He gives us authority over all the abilities of the enemy in this spiritual warfare. We need not worry or fret in any situation. He has given us the ability to overcome. We dont have to do anything in the battles we face for they are not ours but His really. It's great to know that as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become His children, to those who believe in His name.
Behold what manner of love our God has bestowed on us, that we should be called His children. We are of God and have overcome the enemy, because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.
We must go through some suffering in this world of sin. Like Paul we can say God's grace is sufficient to take us through. Therefore, glory in your tribulations and sufferings knowing that God's strength is made perfect in your weakness and nothing shall by means overpower you. You are pressed on every side but not crushed, struck down but not destroyed, always bearing in your bodies the mark or strength of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Through all our experiences we are getting to know Him even more and more through the fellowship of His suffering and the power of His resurrection. Glory to God! Keep pressing for the mark of the prize of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus knowing that after fighting a good fight, finishing the course and keeping the faith, you have a crown of righteousness, among great rewards to receive on that great and glorious day.
Prayer: Lord let us never lose sight of the fact that we have all the power we need from you for the victory, because greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. Amen!
Encouragement: We have power over all the power of the enemy. There's nothing to worry about.
Friday, April 15, 2011
The Temptation of Power
What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life...
The long painful history of the church is the history of people ever and again tempted to choose power over love, control over the cross, being a leader over being led. Those who resisted this temptation to the end and thereby give us hope are the true saints.
-Henri Nouwen
The long painful history of the church is the history of people ever and again tempted to choose power over love, control over the cross, being a leader over being led. Those who resisted this temptation to the end and thereby give us hope are the true saints.
-Henri Nouwen
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Daily Devotion -We Are All one
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ -1 Cor. 12:12.
God's work is so amazing. His ministry is past finding out. He has placed every child of His, every believer into the body of His son, Jesus Christ. The church is the body of Christ. And everyone is a member of Christ body and should find out the part of the body he/she is and consequently his/her function in the body.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -whether Jews or Greek, whether slaves or free -and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, "Because I'm not a hand, I am not of the body." Is it therefore not of the body?
We have been placed in the body by God to function as He pleases. Therefore the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you." Nor the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." Those members of the body which seems weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think are less honorable, on these we place greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty.
Seek to find out what part of the body you are and work to be the best at your function or purpose. God will work with you at being the best at what He wills for you to do in this life.
Prayer: Father help us to find our place in you and do our best at what you have for us to do. Amen.
Encouragement: You are unique. There's only one you. Every page in your destiny was written before you entered this world through your mother's birth canal. Nothing can stop you from fulfilling your destiny but you.
God's work is so amazing. His ministry is past finding out. He has placed every child of His, every believer into the body of His son, Jesus Christ. The church is the body of Christ. And everyone is a member of Christ body and should find out the part of the body he/she is and consequently his/her function in the body.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -whether Jews or Greek, whether slaves or free -and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, "Because I'm not a hand, I am not of the body." Is it therefore not of the body?
We have been placed in the body by God to function as He pleases. Therefore the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you." Nor the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." Those members of the body which seems weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think are less honorable, on these we place greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty.
Seek to find out what part of the body you are and work to be the best at your function or purpose. God will work with you at being the best at what He wills for you to do in this life.
Prayer: Father help us to find our place in you and do our best at what you have for us to do. Amen.
Encouragement: You are unique. There's only one you. Every page in your destiny was written before you entered this world through your mother's birth canal. Nothing can stop you from fulfilling your destiny but you.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Daily Devotion -Be An Eagle
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. The shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint -Isaiah 40:31.
Samuel when handing over the prophetic mantle to Nathan told him, "Stay close to David and give him the counsel he needs because God doesn't make it easy for a king to rule His people." I would add that no preparation for God's work is "easy."
God leads His children beside still waters, somewhere in the valley below. Then He pulls each one aside to be tested and tried and in the valley He restores their souls. When it's preparation time for a Godly task, one will find himself in an isolated state. No one can go with you through your preparation. Everyone, it will seem, has abandoned you. Why? They can not go through with you. This was not for them and if anyone tries to go with you when they shouldn't, the process may kill them.
So as you're going through, it will seem tough but watch yourself soar in the midst of it. You're an eagle so mount up on your wings. Eagles soar to great heights and get a bird's eye view of God's work in progress. At such great heights no one else soars, because they don't have the ability to see from such heights as the eagle.
Then while you're going through alone, build up your patience because it doesn't matter how long this preparation takes your strength will be renewed in it. You shall grow stronger and stronger and be better and better. God will not give up on you.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable, He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases stregtn. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).
Prayer: Lord teach us to wait on you during our preparation and never give up. Amen.
Encouragement: Whatever God takes you through, it is because He loves you and cares about you very much and the process is beneficial to you. Stay the course with Him.
Samuel when handing over the prophetic mantle to Nathan told him, "Stay close to David and give him the counsel he needs because God doesn't make it easy for a king to rule His people." I would add that no preparation for God's work is "easy."
God leads His children beside still waters, somewhere in the valley below. Then He pulls each one aside to be tested and tried and in the valley He restores their souls. When it's preparation time for a Godly task, one will find himself in an isolated state. No one can go with you through your preparation. Everyone, it will seem, has abandoned you. Why? They can not go through with you. This was not for them and if anyone tries to go with you when they shouldn't, the process may kill them.
So as you're going through, it will seem tough but watch yourself soar in the midst of it. You're an eagle so mount up on your wings. Eagles soar to great heights and get a bird's eye view of God's work in progress. At such great heights no one else soars, because they don't have the ability to see from such heights as the eagle.
Then while you're going through alone, build up your patience because it doesn't matter how long this preparation takes your strength will be renewed in it. You shall grow stronger and stronger and be better and better. God will not give up on you.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable, He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases stregtn. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).
Prayer: Lord teach us to wait on you during our preparation and never give up. Amen.
Encouragement: Whatever God takes you through, it is because He loves you and cares about you very much and the process is beneficial to you. Stay the course with Him.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Daily Devotion -We Are Overcomers
And we overcame (the accuser of the brethren) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony -Rev. 12:11.
God says that nothing shall separate us from His love. Not tribulation nor distress, nor persecution nor famine, nor nakedness nor peril nor sword. In all these things we are more than conquerors, we are victorious, We Are Overcomers. For neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:35-39).
The accuser has been standing to accuse us for a long time and each time he does he is rebuked and rebuffed (Zech. 3:1,2; Rev 12:10). The Lord stands triumphantly as our advocate because His finish work on the cross has paid for our sins, past, present and future. We have overcome the world and its laws of sin and shame and the prince of it all by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.
Whatever you find yourself going through at this time do not let yourself be deceived. Pray and praise God through it. You will come out victorious. You will overcome. Why? Because we are overcomers.
Prayer: Lord let us never lose sight that we are overcomers when faced with any challenge. Amen.
Encouragement: You have no need to doubt or fear when you are up against the enemy. Be of good cheer. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. Because He's in us, we are overcomers.
God says that nothing shall separate us from His love. Not tribulation nor distress, nor persecution nor famine, nor nakedness nor peril nor sword. In all these things we are more than conquerors, we are victorious, We Are Overcomers. For neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:35-39).
The accuser has been standing to accuse us for a long time and each time he does he is rebuked and rebuffed (Zech. 3:1,2; Rev 12:10). The Lord stands triumphantly as our advocate because His finish work on the cross has paid for our sins, past, present and future. We have overcome the world and its laws of sin and shame and the prince of it all by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.
Whatever you find yourself going through at this time do not let yourself be deceived. Pray and praise God through it. You will come out victorious. You will overcome. Why? Because we are overcomers.
Prayer: Lord let us never lose sight that we are overcomers when faced with any challenge. Amen.
Encouragement: You have no need to doubt or fear when you are up against the enemy. Be of good cheer. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. Because He's in us, we are overcomers.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Daily Devotion -Worshipping The Father In Spirit And In Truth
God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth -John 4:24.
A teenager has just given birth to a child she does not know how to take care of. In secrecy she leaves the child on the steps of the father's parents. A woman takes her 16 year old son who has cerebral palsy to the CPC for daily care but this time doesn't return to pick him up. She'd had enough being a single parent. She loves her son very much but was at her breaking point. For the past ten years she has been working four jobs per week to make ends meet.
Juggling a telemarketing job in the mornings during the week and a housekeeping job in the afternoons at a motel. Then getting up early on the weekend to work at a fast food restaurant and leaving there to get to the hospital for a part-time weekend job changing bedpans and mopping up hospital rooms, she had had enough. She just cannot go on anymore.
A woman has sought refuge in a home for "battered" women or to sugarcoat it, a home for victims of domestic violence. A child just ran away from a foster home because he/she is being mistreated. This child's parents were both arrested for drug possession and it's not the first, second or third time. And the list goes on. Where does it stop? Where is the true help for these people in the world?
The places of refuge set up most times by people who had the same experience and was able to emerge victorious are the places most effective. Why? They've been there. They know exactly how it feels to be in those "shoes." They are the true worshippers who worship God in Spirit and in truth. When Jesus was here in the flesh He did the same and now He seeks anyone who is willing. He is there with those going through and He's there with those offering help in this present day and age. If you've been through some similar suffering and came out will you offer your services to help someone now going through the same? And if you are the one going through just say a prayer to God. It is simple. Just say, " God please help me!" He's only a prayer away.
Prayer: Lord there are so many people who need help in this world, to try to take on the task of being the answer would be overwhelming for any one person. Thank you for providing all the help needed Lord. For we can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord who strengthens us. Amen.
Encouragement: Are you going through unbearable burdens right now. Help is only a prayer away. Have you been through some seemingly unbearable situation and came out victorious. Volunteer your service to a center that helps people going through a similar situation. You'll be surprise at the blessings you'll receive just by being a listener or an advisor for just a couple hours per day or per week as you're able to. God Bless You!!!
A teenager has just given birth to a child she does not know how to take care of. In secrecy she leaves the child on the steps of the father's parents. A woman takes her 16 year old son who has cerebral palsy to the CPC for daily care but this time doesn't return to pick him up. She'd had enough being a single parent. She loves her son very much but was at her breaking point. For the past ten years she has been working four jobs per week to make ends meet.
Juggling a telemarketing job in the mornings during the week and a housekeeping job in the afternoons at a motel. Then getting up early on the weekend to work at a fast food restaurant and leaving there to get to the hospital for a part-time weekend job changing bedpans and mopping up hospital rooms, she had had enough. She just cannot go on anymore.
A woman has sought refuge in a home for "battered" women or to sugarcoat it, a home for victims of domestic violence. A child just ran away from a foster home because he/she is being mistreated. This child's parents were both arrested for drug possession and it's not the first, second or third time. And the list goes on. Where does it stop? Where is the true help for these people in the world?
The places of refuge set up most times by people who had the same experience and was able to emerge victorious are the places most effective. Why? They've been there. They know exactly how it feels to be in those "shoes." They are the true worshippers who worship God in Spirit and in truth. When Jesus was here in the flesh He did the same and now He seeks anyone who is willing. He is there with those going through and He's there with those offering help in this present day and age. If you've been through some similar suffering and came out will you offer your services to help someone now going through the same? And if you are the one going through just say a prayer to God. It is simple. Just say, " God please help me!" He's only a prayer away.
Prayer: Lord there are so many people who need help in this world, to try to take on the task of being the answer would be overwhelming for any one person. Thank you for providing all the help needed Lord. For we can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord who strengthens us. Amen.
Encouragement: Are you going through unbearable burdens right now. Help is only a prayer away. Have you been through some seemingly unbearable situation and came out victorious. Volunteer your service to a center that helps people going through a similar situation. You'll be surprise at the blessings you'll receive just by being a listener or an advisor for just a couple hours per day or per week as you're able to. God Bless You!!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Daily Devotion -You Have Nothing To Be Ashamed Of
There is therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit -Romans 8:1.
It doesn't matter what you've been through in your life or what you may have done before God. Once you repent and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, thereby living according to the Spirit and not the flesh, you have nothing to be ashamed about. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Don't let your past life hold you back. Walk in the freedom Salvation has put you in.
Guilt and condemnation is a state of the mind that is in bondage; and as a convert the key here is to start working at mortifying the body and uplifting the spirit in you. By the mercies of God, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may be able to tell what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:1,2).
You can get pass your past. You can walk away from painful memories. You can stand upon the word of God. Let Jesus bring you pass your past so you can go on. He makes all things new. He makes all things perfect. Let Jesus who began a good work in you complete it for you. He never makes mistakes and He sticks to His word. Trust him and you'll have nothing to be ashamed of.
Prayer: Father we believe. Help our unbelief. Let us trust you by putting our hands in yours. You who still the water and calm the sea. You who walk on water and asks, "Is there anything too hard for me?" Amen.
Encouragement: Only trust Jesus to do it all right now.
It doesn't matter what you've been through in your life or what you may have done before God. Once you repent and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, thereby living according to the Spirit and not the flesh, you have nothing to be ashamed about. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Don't let your past life hold you back. Walk in the freedom Salvation has put you in.
Guilt and condemnation is a state of the mind that is in bondage; and as a convert the key here is to start working at mortifying the body and uplifting the spirit in you. By the mercies of God, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may be able to tell what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:1,2).
You can get pass your past. You can walk away from painful memories. You can stand upon the word of God. Let Jesus bring you pass your past so you can go on. He makes all things new. He makes all things perfect. Let Jesus who began a good work in you complete it for you. He never makes mistakes and He sticks to His word. Trust him and you'll have nothing to be ashamed of.
Prayer: Father we believe. Help our unbelief. Let us trust you by putting our hands in yours. You who still the water and calm the sea. You who walk on water and asks, "Is there anything too hard for me?" Amen.
Encouragement: Only trust Jesus to do it all right now.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Daily Devotion -Such Blessing Our Storehouses Cannot Contain
"Bring all the tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try me now in this," Says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it" -Mal.3:10.
"Prove me!" Great words to hear from a friend. When these words come from God be sure to know that of a surety what he's telling you to prove Him in will be done. In the book of Numbers He says, "I am not a man that I should lie" -Num. 23:19. He also says His word shall not go out and come back to Him void but will accomplish whatever He sends it forth to accomplish -Isaiah 55:11.
Now our God says bring all the tithe into the storehouse. Not some, or what you can for whatever reason. All the tithe. God is a loving God. He will not withhold blessings when we have done what is requested or expected in order for us to receive. He will do what He says. No need to use what you're expected to give and block your blessing.
What blessing? I hear someone asked. I've been asking for a car for years now. Someone else says they've been waiting for a house. Well the blessing is not only those things. Are your children getting good grades in school and behaving themselves at home and abroad? Is your marriage intact? Are you able to afford all the bills and provide food for your family? All these and a lot more are blessings from the Lord. And even if you are short in these areas just the fact that you're living is a blessing.
Bring all the tithes into His storehouse and you will be sure to receive your fair share of blessings from heaven's open window that your barns and storehouses will not be able to contain it.
Prayer: Lord, help us to obey your every command to us so our blessings will continuously flow to us from heaven. Amen.
Encouragement: Trust God. His Words are true and sure.
"Prove me!" Great words to hear from a friend. When these words come from God be sure to know that of a surety what he's telling you to prove Him in will be done. In the book of Numbers He says, "I am not a man that I should lie" -Num. 23:19. He also says His word shall not go out and come back to Him void but will accomplish whatever He sends it forth to accomplish -Isaiah 55:11.
Now our God says bring all the tithe into the storehouse. Not some, or what you can for whatever reason. All the tithe. God is a loving God. He will not withhold blessings when we have done what is requested or expected in order for us to receive. He will do what He says. No need to use what you're expected to give and block your blessing.
What blessing? I hear someone asked. I've been asking for a car for years now. Someone else says they've been waiting for a house. Well the blessing is not only those things. Are your children getting good grades in school and behaving themselves at home and abroad? Is your marriage intact? Are you able to afford all the bills and provide food for your family? All these and a lot more are blessings from the Lord. And even if you are short in these areas just the fact that you're living is a blessing.
Bring all the tithes into His storehouse and you will be sure to receive your fair share of blessings from heaven's open window that your barns and storehouses will not be able to contain it.
Prayer: Lord, help us to obey your every command to us so our blessings will continuously flow to us from heaven. Amen.
Encouragement: Trust God. His Words are true and sure.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Daily Devotion -Forgiveness
Then Peter asked Jesus, "Lord how many times should my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered him, "Not up to seven times but seventy times seven" -Matt. 18:21,22.
We must learn to forgive our brother each time he sins against us. Jesus teaches in this chapter of St. Matthew that if we do not forgive our brother when he sins against us then we will not be forgiven our sins either. This is God's law and He never breaks His law.
In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus taught the disciples to pray on this fashion- Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Then He says if we forgive others their trespasses our heavenly Father will forgive our trespasses but if we do not forgive others neither will he forgive us (Matt.6:9-15).
The lesson is plain from this. Unless you want to stop or block your blessing, learn to forgive others. It's a choice.
Prayer: Lord teach us to forgive for as many times as is required. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!!!
Encouragement: Forgiveness opens the door to so many wonderful things in our lives. We cannot afford not to forgive.
We must learn to forgive our brother each time he sins against us. Jesus teaches in this chapter of St. Matthew that if we do not forgive our brother when he sins against us then we will not be forgiven our sins either. This is God's law and He never breaks His law.
In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus taught the disciples to pray on this fashion- Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Then He says if we forgive others their trespasses our heavenly Father will forgive our trespasses but if we do not forgive others neither will he forgive us (Matt.6:9-15).
The lesson is plain from this. Unless you want to stop or block your blessing, learn to forgive others. It's a choice.
Prayer: Lord teach us to forgive for as many times as is required. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!!!
Encouragement: Forgiveness opens the door to so many wonderful things in our lives. We cannot afford not to forgive.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Daily Devotion -Put God First
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you -Matt. 6:33.
The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom. 14:17). Therefore let us strive to keep a joyful spirit while doing the work of our Lord Jesus Christ in this earth. Let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord (Col 3:16).
The Lord knows all we have need of. He also knows those things we want or go after which will not benefit us. We go after them because of our lust which may cause us to sin if we're not careful. Our God is omniscient. He knows all things and therefore knows what is best for us.
It is only wise to seek God's Kingdom and His righteousness and let Him seek out what's our best needs an provide for them as He knows best anyway. Seek Him today and leave everything else to Him. Put God first in your life and from all things you desire, God will bless you with those that will benefit you most.
Prayer: God help us not to be anxious for anything but in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our request known to you. Amen.
Encouragement: A sparrow doesn't fall to the ground without our Father's knowledge and He knows the numbers of hair on your head. Don't worry or fret. You're of more value to God than a thousand sparrows.
The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom. 14:17). Therefore let us strive to keep a joyful spirit while doing the work of our Lord Jesus Christ in this earth. Let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord (Col 3:16).
The Lord knows all we have need of. He also knows those things we want or go after which will not benefit us. We go after them because of our lust which may cause us to sin if we're not careful. Our God is omniscient. He knows all things and therefore knows what is best for us.
It is only wise to seek God's Kingdom and His righteousness and let Him seek out what's our best needs an provide for them as He knows best anyway. Seek Him today and leave everything else to Him. Put God first in your life and from all things you desire, God will bless you with those that will benefit you most.
Prayer: God help us not to be anxious for anything but in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our request known to you. Amen.
Encouragement: A sparrow doesn't fall to the ground without our Father's knowledge and He knows the numbers of hair on your head. Don't worry or fret. You're of more value to God than a thousand sparrows.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Daily Devotion - The Greatest of These Is Love
And now abides faith hope and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love -1 Cor. 13:13.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). This faith starts or comes by hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17).
Having hope in God's promises for us is not wishful thinking but a sure hope built on Jesus Christ our sure foundation for fulfillment of these promises. They are sure. Our only hope is that we ourselves don't do something to delay or deny the fulfillment of these promises in our lives.
The greatest of faith, hope and love, is love. For without love everything is meaningless. Fulfillment of God's purpose is based on our love. Our love endures long, is patient and kind. Our love should never be envious, nor boil over with jealousy, is not boastful nor vainglorious and does not display itself haughtily.
Our love is not conceited, is not rude, does not act unbecomingly, does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self seeking, touchy, fretful or resentful. Our love should take no account of evil done to it, not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness but rejoice when right and truth prevails.
Our love should bear up under anything that comes, be ever ready to believe the best of every person. Its hopes should be fadeless under all circumstances and endure everything without weakening. Our love should never fail.
Prayer: Lord please help us to have an unfailing love. Amen.
Encouragement: Have faith hope and love. And increase each with having love as the most important virtue.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). This faith starts or comes by hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17).
Having hope in God's promises for us is not wishful thinking but a sure hope built on Jesus Christ our sure foundation for fulfillment of these promises. They are sure. Our only hope is that we ourselves don't do something to delay or deny the fulfillment of these promises in our lives.
The greatest of faith, hope and love, is love. For without love everything is meaningless. Fulfillment of God's purpose is based on our love. Our love endures long, is patient and kind. Our love should never be envious, nor boil over with jealousy, is not boastful nor vainglorious and does not display itself haughtily.
Our love is not conceited, is not rude, does not act unbecomingly, does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self seeking, touchy, fretful or resentful. Our love should take no account of evil done to it, not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness but rejoice when right and truth prevails.
Our love should bear up under anything that comes, be ever ready to believe the best of every person. Its hopes should be fadeless under all circumstances and endure everything without weakening. Our love should never fail.
Prayer: Lord please help us to have an unfailing love. Amen.
Encouragement: Have faith hope and love. And increase each with having love as the most important virtue.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Daily Devotion -Take Up Your Cross
If anyone desires to be my disciple, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me -Luke 9:23.
To be Jesus' disciple require great sacrifice. To deny self means to give up everything in the world that is of benefit to one's self. It also means leaving family members and friends who disagree with and don't wish to be a part of the choice you've made.
Jesus said He came to create division in families (Matt. 10:34-39). That is a hard saying for many to receive. However, God has made it quite clear that absolutely nothing should keep one from serving Him as most importantly, this is his/her life that is at stake here.
To take up one's cross and follow Jesus means there will be adversities. There will be persecutions. There will be suffering as the enemy does not want anyone to make it. But be of good cheer says our Lord Jesus, He has overcome the world and we will too (John 16:33). It doesn't matter how difficult this life as a disciple gets, the reward is much more greater and well deserving (Rom. 8:18)
Prayer: Lord help us to endure all adversities while following you.
Encouragement: Nothing shall be more gratifying than when we come together to discuss how we made it through all the tribulations as a disciple in this world. Comfort yourselves with this.
To be Jesus' disciple require great sacrifice. To deny self means to give up everything in the world that is of benefit to one's self. It also means leaving family members and friends who disagree with and don't wish to be a part of the choice you've made.
Jesus said He came to create division in families (Matt. 10:34-39). That is a hard saying for many to receive. However, God has made it quite clear that absolutely nothing should keep one from serving Him as most importantly, this is his/her life that is at stake here.
To take up one's cross and follow Jesus means there will be adversities. There will be persecutions. There will be suffering as the enemy does not want anyone to make it. But be of good cheer says our Lord Jesus, He has overcome the world and we will too (John 16:33). It doesn't matter how difficult this life as a disciple gets, the reward is much more greater and well deserving (Rom. 8:18)
Prayer: Lord help us to endure all adversities while following you.
Encouragement: Nothing shall be more gratifying than when we come together to discuss how we made it through all the tribulations as a disciple in this world. Comfort yourselves with this.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Daily Devotion -Remember To Assemble Yourselves To Worship Him
Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhort one another, and much the more as you see the day approaching -Heb. 10:25.
Today Sunday Aril 3, 2011 is viewed just like every Sunday all over the world as the Lord's day. Many Christians in the world assembly on this day every week to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord on this day (Sunday) every week.
There is an even greater importance to man for celebrating Jesus' resurrection by assembling ourselves on this day. The great benefit to each of us from doing this is the blessings we each receive from the Lord. We should exhort each other as we see the day of the Lord approaching.
God blesses His people when they come together and do everything to Him and for Him. He is the sole audience whenever we assemble ourselves for worship. As we do everything as unto Him on that day He shows his appreciation for our worship by sending down the blessings upon us. It doesn't matter the size of the assembly. Whether two, two hundred, two thousand or twenty thousand, numbers do not matter to God. He is the center of the worship and He in any service is "the majority."
Don't forsake the assembling of yourselves whenever the opportunity is there. And always be aware that the important thing is, where we assemble in His name, He will always be there (Matt. 18:20).
Prayer: Father help us to never forsake the assembling of ourselves together knowing You will be there to bless us.
Encouragement: If you have to be absent from the assembly, don't stay away for too long as some have strayed too for and stayed too long and never find their way back home.
Today Sunday Aril 3, 2011 is viewed just like every Sunday all over the world as the Lord's day. Many Christians in the world assembly on this day every week to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord on this day (Sunday) every week.
There is an even greater importance to man for celebrating Jesus' resurrection by assembling ourselves on this day. The great benefit to each of us from doing this is the blessings we each receive from the Lord. We should exhort each other as we see the day of the Lord approaching.
God blesses His people when they come together and do everything to Him and for Him. He is the sole audience whenever we assemble ourselves for worship. As we do everything as unto Him on that day He shows his appreciation for our worship by sending down the blessings upon us. It doesn't matter the size of the assembly. Whether two, two hundred, two thousand or twenty thousand, numbers do not matter to God. He is the center of the worship and He in any service is "the majority."
Don't forsake the assembling of yourselves whenever the opportunity is there. And always be aware that the important thing is, where we assemble in His name, He will always be there (Matt. 18:20).
Prayer: Father help us to never forsake the assembling of ourselves together knowing You will be there to bless us.
Encouragement: If you have to be absent from the assembly, don't stay away for too long as some have strayed too for and stayed too long and never find their way back home.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Daily Devotion -How to Please Our Heavenly Father
For without faith it is impossible to please God. For him that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him -Heb. 11:6.
Our Bible tells us in John 4:24 that God our Father is a Spirit and we who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
We must worship our God in spirit because He is Spirit and we are spirits having souls and living in bodies. We must see Him for Who He truly is. Therefore we must worship Him in truth. How best may we do that but seeing our God through spiritual eyes or through faith.
We cannot please our heavenly Father without faith for whoever comes to God our father must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek, and seek, and seek Him. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6). How do we do all this seeking of someone we cannot see with our natural eyes? How do we believe that He is? Simple, we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). We look through spiritual eyes and see the invisible (2 Kings 6:17) and if we can see the invisible we can do the impossible.
Prayer: Lord help us to realize any obstacle we face in life we can overcome by having faith in You The Omnipotent God.
Encouragement: Have faith in God. He is bigger than any problem, question, affair or fear. He will see you through.
Our Bible tells us in John 4:24 that God our Father is a Spirit and we who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
We must worship our God in spirit because He is Spirit and we are spirits having souls and living in bodies. We must see Him for Who He truly is. Therefore we must worship Him in truth. How best may we do that but seeing our God through spiritual eyes or through faith.
We cannot please our heavenly Father without faith for whoever comes to God our father must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek, and seek, and seek Him. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6). How do we do all this seeking of someone we cannot see with our natural eyes? How do we believe that He is? Simple, we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). We look through spiritual eyes and see the invisible (2 Kings 6:17) and if we can see the invisible we can do the impossible.
Prayer: Lord help us to realize any obstacle we face in life we can overcome by having faith in You The Omnipotent God.
Encouragement: Have faith in God. He is bigger than any problem, question, affair or fear. He will see you through.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Daily Devotion -Lord You Know Me
O Lord You have searched me (thoroughly) and have known me - Ps.139:1.
Lord You know me better than I know myself. You knew me before You formed me in my mother's womb. You sanctified me and ordained me upon arrival in this earth. You ordained me a prophet unto nations. You knew every mistake I would make during my lifetime. You knew my past before it became my past and You know my future. Nothing is hidden from your eyes.
Lord You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God. You are an awesome God. What a mighty God we serve.
The heavens declare Your glory O God and the firmament, Your handiworks. Lord wherever I go or wherever I find myself You are already there. You were there waiting for me. How cool is that?
Prayer: Lord nothing is hidden from You. Why should we not trust You to take care of us as You carry out Your plan for each one of us here on Your earth individually and collectively. We thank you for revelation knowledge. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Encouragement: Trust God. He made us for His purpose anyway.
Lord You know me better than I know myself. You knew me before You formed me in my mother's womb. You sanctified me and ordained me upon arrival in this earth. You ordained me a prophet unto nations. You knew every mistake I would make during my lifetime. You knew my past before it became my past and You know my future. Nothing is hidden from your eyes.
Lord You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God. You are an awesome God. What a mighty God we serve.
The heavens declare Your glory O God and the firmament, Your handiworks. Lord wherever I go or wherever I find myself You are already there. You were there waiting for me. How cool is that?
Prayer: Lord nothing is hidden from You. Why should we not trust You to take care of us as You carry out Your plan for each one of us here on Your earth individually and collectively. We thank you for revelation knowledge. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Encouragement: Trust God. He made us for His purpose anyway.
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