Daily Devotion -What Type Of Prayer?

Good evening to all the readers. I've been away from everyone since Sunday afternoon, August 28,2011 due to a power (Electricity) outage. There was one cell phone shared between My wife, Elder Vivian and I and we sure did use it wisely. Unlimited calls nihgtly and on weekends sure does make a big difference. The past two nights were spent in darkness (aided by a number of dim flashlights and candles) and this reminded me of Psalm 139:11, 12. God's presence was surely felt in the midst of the darkness these past two nights.
Thank God for our son, Kwayne who came by to check on us and took our perishables to keep in his freezer as well as kept the cellphone charged for us. God bless his big heart. I would like to share a devotion with you from one of the many devetional booklets I read daily. It is entitled ... Trash Prayers ...

Paul wrote, "I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgiving be offered to God for all people." -1 Timothy 2:1 (TEV).

Walking is my favorite exercise, both physical and spiritual. While walking I can talk to God and give thanks for my health that allows me to take this walk, for a wonderful job that still leaves enough time each day for a walk, for the motivation to spend that ime walking and for ... trash. Trash has changed my way of thinking. Not long ago, I saw trash only as an eyesore on the lovely green grass or the freshly fallen snow. I saw only how it interrupted my walk because of my having to stop and pick it up and carry it to a trash can. One day after stretching to reach a discarded beer can, I thought of persons who struggled with alcohol addiction and prayed that God would heal them. As I picked up a fast-food restaurant wrapper, I prayed for persons who dont have enough to eat or who need to learn to eat more healthily.

An empty diaper box reminded me of young parents who may be struggling to hold their family together, and I prayed for God's strength to uphold them. With each piece of trash I became aware of new persons and their needs. I have become grateful for the way God shows us where we can serve.  I wish those who throw out trash would learn that God's beautiful world is not a garbage dump. But I will continue to use their trash as a reminder to pray for them and for others.

Prayer: Keeper of our souls thank You for knowing us intimately and for speaking to us in ways You know we will hear. Amen.

Encouragement: Let us while praying for all others, not forget garbage and recycle collectors.

Daily Devotion -The True Worshipper

God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship in Spirit and in Truth -John 4:24.

You know we praise God for all He's done, all He's doing and all we know He will do for us. It's thanksgiving and praise. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Lord. Hallelujah! We give You the glory, the honor and the praise for all You've done and what You're about to do our God. We exalt You God. We lift up Your holy and righteous name because we know when we exalt You, when we lift You up; You will draw us to You. Draw us to You Lord Jesus, our God. That is praise and God indwells or inhabits the praise of His people. He doesn't just visit but He sojourns, He dwells, He lives there permanently. He will never leave us or forsake us.

Now when we praise for a reasonable time in God's presence, we get ushered into the state of worship. There in His presence it is more than emotions flaring. It is more than a spirit of thanksgiving and praise. It is where we're not just thankful, appreciative or grateful for what's been done or what's being done but because we know who He is. We worship Him because we're aware that it is our duty. It is why we were created. So we worship in spite of...  Lord even though I'm going through this situation right now, I know You're able. I believe You will. Even if I have to go all the way through and not be delivered out of this before, I give You my true worship in the name of Jesus Christ. I worship You God. I adore You God. I worship You God in Spirit and in Truth Lord! I will give You all my worship God, regardless of my situation. Regardless of my circumstance I know who You are. I know You're the God that is in full control of all situations and circumstances not only on earth but in the entire universe. We give You all our worship because You're deserving of it Lord.

We worship You God! We worship You! We worship Christ our Lord! Lord we don't understand everything we go through and even when we pray for understanding and still don't see clearly even though you're showing us what we need to know, we're still going to worship you because You are still God. When You're the only one who can help and it seems the deliverance is delayed we're gonna still worship because we know You are an ontime God... Yes, true worshippers are who He seeks to worship Him. Be a true worshipper today.

Prayer: Lord draw us to You and bring out true and spiritual worship in us we pray. Amen.

Encouragement: Be a true and spiritual worshipper. The Lord will seek you out.

The Fruit of the Spirit Part 3.wmv

Daily Devotion - A Moment In Solitude (2)

You can't make me doubt Him!
You can't make me doubt Him!
You can't make me doubt Him, in my h-e-a-r-t!
You can't make me doubt Him!
You can't make me doubt Him!
You can't make me doubt Him, in my heart.

I've got the love of Jesus!
I've got the love of Jesus!
I've got the love of Jesus, in my h-e-a-r-t!
I've got the love of Jesus!
I've got the love of Jesus!
I've got the love of Jesus in my heart!

I don't hate nobody!
I don't hate nobody!
I don't hate nobody, in my h-e-a-r-t!
I don't hate nobody!
I don't hate nobody!
I don't hate nobody in my heart!

I feel the fire burning!
Oh I feel the fire burning!
I feel the fire burning, in my h-e-a-r-t!
I feel the fire burning!
Oh I feel the fire burning!
I feel the fire burning in my heart!

Well it's burning out all evil!
Yes it's burning out all evil!
It's burning out all evil, in my h-e-a-r-t!
It's burning out all evil!
It's burning out all evil!
It's burning out all evil, in my heart!

So You can't make me doubt Him!
You can't make me doubt Him!
You can't make me doubt Him, in my h-e-a-r-t!
You can't make me doubt Him!
You can't make me doubt Him!
You can't make me doubt Him, in my heart!

I know too much about Him!
I know too much about Him!
I know too much about Him, in my h-e-a-r-t!
I know too much about Him!
I know too much about Him!
I know too much about Him, in my heart!

Daily Devotion - A Moment In Solitude (1)

I came just to give God the glory,
God the glory, God the glory,
I came just to give God the glory,
He has been so good to me.

I came just to say Hallelujah!
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
I came just to say hallelujah!
He has been so good to me.

I came just to say thank You Jesus!
Thank You Jesus! Thank You Jesus!
I came just to say thank You Jesus,
He has been so good to me!

So good, so good, so good,
He has been so good,
So good, so good, so good,
He has been so good!

Yes I came just to give God the glory!
God the glory, God the glory,
I came just to give God the glory,
He's been so good to me.

9th Moment With God In His House of Prayer

9th. Moment of Prayer In God's House of Prayer.wmv

8th. Moment of Prayer In God's House of Prayer.wmv

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We've come this far by faith,
Leaning on the Lord.
Trusting in His holy Word,
He's never failed us yet.
Oh, oh oh oh oh oh ohoh oh
Can't turn around,
We've come this far by faith.

We just can't give up now,
We've come too far from where we've started from.
Nobody told us that the road would be easy
We don't believe He brought us this far to leave us.

He's sweet, I know
He's sweet, I know
Storm clouds may rise
Strong winds may blow
I'll tell the world, everywhere I go
That I've found a Savior and He's sweet, I know.

If I can't say the word, then I'll just wave my hand
If I can't say the word, then I'll just wave my hand
Then I'll just wave it, wave it, waaaaave,
If I cant say the word, then I'll just wave my hand
God's been just that good.
Jesus You're my rock in a weary land
Been my foundation in sinking sand
Water in the desert, beam at night
So I'll waaaaaaaave
If I can't say the word, then I'll just wave my hand
God's been just that good.

Praise God for His will and purpose! Praise Him for His undescribable gifts! In the midst of everything happening in this family and many others like it, God is still on the throne! Thank You Lord! You said in everything we should give thanks! Your name be praised Lord for You're bigger than all our problems and all our affairs! You're bigger than any mountain we can or cannot see! You will see us through! You're our source and our inspiration. Be magnified and be glorified Lord!!!! Amen!

Someone Needs Prayer Right Now

Someone had a rough night and is thinking of the unthinkable this morning. Someone is asking, "why doesn't God just take me now? I can't take this anymore!"
Pray my brother. Pray my sister. Cry, weep, moan if you have to. God understands every tear. Be encouraged. The songwriter says, "I just can't give up now. I've come too far from where I started. Nobody told me, the road would be easy. I don't believe He brought me this far, to leave me." Jesus is only a prayer away. He promised never to leave us or forsake us. We're praying for you. God bless you.

Please Join Us In This Prayer of Intercession

Father in the matchless name of Jesus we're coming before You on behalf of our brothers and sisters who are discouraged right now. Lord we don't know the situation they're going through but You do. That is why You have laid it on our hearts to intercede at this time. Lord. We pray for an anointing on these our brothers and sisters that will destroy every yoke of bondage in their lives Lord. We pray Your power and Your glory will come down upon them Lord. Strengthen them Lord. Lead them to Your word Lord. Your logos which will become rhema in their hearts Lord. Let Your word encourage, comfort and edify Lord. Send someone to be an angel of help to each one Lord. We will continue in prayer after closing this one Lord . We pray in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!!!

Daily Devotion -It's Prayer Time!

 Father in the name of Jesus we're coming before you on behalf of everyone in this group and on Facebook. Lord we lift up each person to You, God. You know each one by name and by number. We dedicate them to You Lord and ask Your blessing on each one Lord. Even though we don't know everyone's situation, we're thankful that we serve an omniscient God and nothing is hidden from You God. Touch each person Lord because we surely need a touch from You. Breath of life breathe upon us now we pray. Keep Your hand of love and protection upon us Lord. Lead us, guide us,& protect us from the evil one Lord. Keep us in Your care. Heal somebody Lord, deliver somebody, set somebody free from the devil's grip Lord. Draw us closer to You now Lord. In Your presence is fulness of joy and at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Father Wash us in the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ and strengthen us for this journey God. We need You Lord. Be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path for these last and evil days we're now living in Lord. These are perilous times Lord and if there was ever a time we need You God it is now. Lord pour Your oil of anointing on Your children's heads right now Lord and grant us all that we stand in need of for this Journey O God we pray. Be with us now O God. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus and say Thank You Sir, Amen!!!

 Father we're coming before Your throne in the name of Jesus. We pray that we will be strong in You, Lord, and in the power of Your might. We put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Lord we will take up Your whole armor, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. We pray that we will stand therefore, having girded our waists with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, above all, taking the shield of faith with which we will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. We pray also that we will take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit (Eph. 6:10-18). Amen

Daily Devotion -Troubled? Turn To God's Word

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps -Psalm 40:1-2.

Hear my cry O LORD; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto you. When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I -Psalm 61:1-2.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble -Psalm 46:1.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you're able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it -1 Corinthians 10:13.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident -Psalm 27:1-3.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him I will trust -Psalm 91:2

No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot -Psalm 91:10-13.

Preserve me O God, for in You I put my trust -Psalm 16:1.

In You, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness.
Bow down your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defence to save me.
For you are my rock and my fortress; therefore for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me.
Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for you are my strength - Pslam 31:1-4.

PSALM 38.

The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgement -2 Peter 2:9.

Daily Devotion -Patience In Marriage

My wife, Elder Vivian Mackey Johnson and I have daily devotions from the couples devotional Bible in the mornings when we rise. After we had our devotion this morning, I thought I'd share it with the family here. The title is mentioned above -Patience In Marriage- and the scripture is James 1:1-18, key verse is vs. 4.

Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything -James 1:4 (NIV).

Most of us, before we're married, imagine that love will solve all our problems. But could it be that patience, more than love, is the sum and substance of a great marriage?
Our society rewards problems solvers. Every challenge is an opportunity to be met quickly. Then comes marriage, and we problem-solvers are suddenly faced with a challenge that taxes the very essence of who we are. We think we're called to fix things when they're broken. To make things work. But then we wake up one morning to find that the person next to us is more complicated than anything we've ever had to deal with.

It is two people who give expression to marital oneness. Two people -usually polar opposites- who commit themselves to building a framework for physical, emotional and spiritual oneness, by accepting, respecting, and unconditionally loving each other. To do so, however, takes time, which means we have to be patient.

Patience in marriage works a lot like faith. It demonstrates the certainty that what we hope for -physical, emotional, spiritual oneness- is waiting for us, even though we can't yet see it. My wife and I have had more than twenty years to practice the power of patience. Of forgiving each other. Of accepting. Of instilling hope. And the longer we're married, the more practice we get. Every now and then even we married veterans need to be reminded that oneness is an assurance that only those with patience can hold on to -and one day realize.

                                                         MARRIAGE BUILDERS

• Identify and describe a time when you tried a "quick" solution for an ongoing problem in your marriage. What happened?
• What are some other areas where patience comes in play in your relationship with each other? 

Be Patient, It Will Pay Off In The End

The sermon in today's service was on two of the fruit of the Spirit -Peace and Patience. Another way to have patience is to not be quick to judge in situations which may not be clear at first, but instead allow the Holy Spirit to have His way.
When Jesus sat down with tax collectors and "sinners" the church of His time accused Him of "sinning" according to their standard. Jesus' response was, only the sick needs a physician, He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mk. 2:15-17). In other words a fisherman doesn't catch fish on land, he goes where the fish are.
A young lady was led by the Holy Spirit to witness to her neighbor but not in the usual way. Instead of taking a bible and quoting scriptures she was to invite her neighbor to dinner first and just talk pleasantries. That dinner developed a friendship and occasionally tea was shared between the two women. This went on for two long years and finally the neighbor who was a muslim gave her life to Jesus and got saved.
Another instance took place in college. A saved sister shared a dorm with an unsaved sister. Of course they're together for a full academic year and the saved sister never tried to force her religion or faith on her room mate, instead, she had been praying for the Holy Spirit to reveal any openings for her to introduce the roommate to Jesus. Close to the end of the year there was a sorority party and they both attended. The Christian accompamied her roommate at that roommate's request and she sat at a table the entire time she was there and drank sodas while the roommate had strong drinks.
At a certain point the Christian felt her roommate had had enough and decided it was time to leave. There were some young men who had their eyes on the roommate and was about to take her to their own dorm when the Christian stepped in and rescued her and took her to their dorm where the roommate slept off the drunkenness. The next morning she was so grateful to the Christian and was so impressed with the fact that the Christian was able to withstand the temptation to drink that she wanted this Chrirtian life for herself too. The Christian prayed with her and for her and took the rest of the year left there in the dorm with her roommate to help her to grow in the Lord. Both ladies went on to become evangelists, winning many souls to God. Patience will pay off in the end.
Never jump to conclusion but allow the Holy Spirit to have His way. Many more would have been brought to the Lord if only many Christians would be patient.
I sometimes tell myself that I appreciate being on FB and having all the encouraging and uplifting words from FB friends but where are the opportunities to witness on here if every friend is already saved? I'm enthused when it comes to the great commission and I love and appreciate Christian friends but when I don't see unsaved I feel like I'm suffocating with the desire to lead someone to Christ.
Maybe I need help as I don't travel outdoors a lot and when I do I'm in a car which takes me from point A to point B with limited contact with the outside world if any.
Please pray for me that doors of opportunity will open to preach the gospel to the lost and dying who need to hear it in Jesus name!!!

The Fruit of the Spirit Part 2.wmv

Daily Devotion -The Power of Our Prayers

I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty -1 Tim. 2:1-2.

God has called us to intercede for everyone. He has commanded us to pray for those in authority. He has given us His Word, His power, His Name, His authority and His faith. We have all the tools necessary to pray effectively for our government and it's leaders.

We need to intercede. It is our responsibility as believers to get involved in  the affairs of our country. We did not choose the Lord, He chose us. He personally selected each of us. He called us out of our own plans for our lives and out of the confusion of our past. He called us into the excellency of His kingdom, into communion with Him and into His plan for our lives.

It may sometimes seem that the plan lies just around the next bend in the road of our spiritual walk with Christ, just beyond our reach or not very well defined. But we "press on" so that we may grasp God's plan for us - the plan that God had in mind when He grasped us (Phil. 3:12). Let us keep moving on! His plan is there for us! And it is in His plan that we will find our firmest purpose, deepest fulfillment and highest joy.

It is a part of God's plan to have people from all nations and the only way He will achieve this is through His ambassadors - you and I. Pray for the nations, every day. And never underestimate the world changing power of prayers.

Prayer: Lord help us never to lose sight of Your plan for us which can only be achieved through a close relationship with You and doing all You require of us.

Encouragement: Know the power of prayer. It keeps you close to God while drawing others to Him through intercession.

Daily Devotion -The God Who Comforts

May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory through Christ Jesus, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you -1 Peter 5:10.

This text tells us that suffering is meant to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us (cf. Heb. 12:5,6) The greek used here offers insight on what God wants to accomplish through this process. Katartizo (perfect) means to complete what is lacking; sterizo (establish) points us toward turning resolutely in a certain direction; sthenoo (strengthen) means to confirm in spiritual knowledge and power; and themelioo (settle) refers to the laying of a foundation.

Be encouraged today. Suffering or trial, in whatever area of life you're experiencing it, will be used to further God's purpose in you. He is making you complete. Setting you on His path, filling you with spiritual strength, and laying the foundation of your future.

He promised never to leave you nor forsake you and He knows every temptation we face and the ordeal we go through with each one, seeing He was tempted in every way as we are right now. He is right there with you going through with you while encouraging you all the way never to give up. It may seem long sometimes but remember His Word which says, "Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.

I know the night may seem long sometimes and morning may seem like it's never coming, but His Word never goes out and comes back to Him void but accomplishes what it is sent forth to. Also He says He hastens to perform His Word. Therefore what may seem to take days, weeks, or months may happen in a day when He gets ready to perform it. Take comfort in His Word. Hold on my brother. Hold on my sister. Don't give up. Don't quit. Quitters never win and winners never quit. Which one are you?

Prayer: Lord help us never to throw in the towel regardless of how the situation looks. Help us Lord to keep the faith. Amen!!!

Encouragement: Don't you ever, ever, give up on God. He will never give up on you!

Daily Devotion -My Life Is In Your Hands

In Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them -Ps. 139:16.
What a comfort to know that while our future may sometimes look unclear at best, and futile at worst, God knows precisely what lies ahead. The disastrous things that come to us in life are the result of fallen humanity living on a broken planet. Through it all, God's hand is still just as steady and He will lead us.

Prayer: God in accordance with Your Word, we pray that we will beware, lest there be in us an evil heart of unbelief in departing from You, living God. We pray that we will exhort ourselves daily, while it is called "today," lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin -Heb. 3:12-13. Amen!!!

Encouragement:When u carry a Bible, the devil gets a headache. When u open it, he collapses. When he sees u reading it, he faints. When he sees u living it, he flees. And just when ur about 2 re-post this, he will try & discourage u. I just defeated him. (From a post on FB)

Daily Devotion -Prayer of Love

And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us -Rom. 5:5.

In Jesus' name we will make a fresh commitment today Lord, to live the life of love, to let Your tenderness flow through us and heal the wounded hearts of those we meet. Father, teach us to love even when things go wrong. To be patient and kind. To overlook the spiteful words of an angry person. To rejoice when someone at the office gets the raise that we thought we needed.

Teach us to talk in love, to lay gossip quietly aside, and to take up words of grace instead. Lord Your Word says that Your love is already inside us... that it has been shed abroad in our hearts. Today we resolve to remove every obstacle that would keep that love from flowing freely into the lives of others.

We put resentments behind us and we forgive all those who have done us wrong. In the days ahead, cause us to increase and excel and overflow with Your love. Cause us to be what this world needs most of all... a living example of love. Amen.

The Fruit of the Spirit Part 1.wmv

Daily Devotion - My Heart Shall Not Fear.

The LORD is my light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavillion; in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Hear O LORD when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me and answer me.
When thou said, seek ye my face, my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Hide not Thy face far from me. Put not Thy servant away in anger. Thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my Salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

Teach me Thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over to the will of mine enemies, for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD -Psalm 27:1-14.

Daily Devotion -Who Will Stand In The Holy Place?

The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
For He hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in His holy place?
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of His Salvation.

This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face O Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory -Psalm 24:1-10.

Daily Devotion -Praise To God For His Everlasting Mercy

O give thanks to the LORD; for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Let Israel now say, His mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron now say, His mercy endures forever.
Let those who fear the LORD now say, His mercy endures forever.

I called on the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place.
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
The LORD is for me among those who help me; therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me; but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
They surrounded me like bees. They were quenched like a fire of thorns; for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
You pushed me violently that I might fall, but the LORD helped me.
The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my Salvation.

The voice of rejoicing and Salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
The LORD has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death.

Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the LORD.
This is the gate of the LORD, through which the righteous shall enter.
I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my Salvation.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
God is the LORD, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever -Psalm 118:1-29.

Daily Devotion -1 Corinthians 10:13 (Reminder)

At times I see someone going through being treated unkindly by fellow brothers and sisters and ask the question which hurts more, stones or damaging words? Guess its according to the way you look at it. Remember that saying? "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words can never hurt me." Well some people may disagree.

This is the conclusion of the whole matter for me. Trust God to bring you through. He knows what's best for you and will never suffer you to go through more than you can bear. And the greatest thing in all these experiences is there's something good to learn and come from it (Rom. 8:28).

Finally these experiences are here to make you strong. Let us stay in prayer for all our brothers and sisters regardless of what circumstances they are facing. Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us -Rom. 5:3-5 (NRSV).
Prayer: Lord when life's circumstances challenge us, teach us to accept Your direction. Help us to remember that all things work together for the good of those who love You. Amen.

Encouragement: Be not dismayed whatever betides, God will take care of you.

Daily Devotion -What God Requires Of Us.

Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me -Matt. 25:40.

 

Jesus in this text points out the criterion by which we will be judged: our treatment of those who are hungry, homeless, poor, diseased, and imprisoned (Matt. 25:37-39). Here Jesus equates our treatment of those who are destitute or distressed with our treatment of Himself. What we do for others, we do for Jesus.

 

Mother Theresa was the perfect example of Jesus' lecture here. We must never be too busy to help someone on our life's journey. The songwriter said, "If I could help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain.

 

Our late Pastor Arthur Mackey Sr.'s favorite expression was, "As long as the breath of God is in this body, I must do the work of Him who sent me. I must rescue the perishing, and care for the dying. I cannot sit idle while the souls of men are dying daily." And he lived those words each day. I know, because I was with him every step of the way as he groomed me to become a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Unless we live this life the way Jesus instructs us to, we will have lived our lives most miserably. When we come to the end of our journey and stand before the LORD, we don't want to hear,

"Depart from me for I never knew you."

 

Obey the Lord in all things so you can hear Him say, "Well done good and faithful servant, you have been faithful in a little. Come on up higher so I can make you ruler over much."

 

Prayer: LORD help us to be obedient to you in all things we pray. Amen!!!

 

Encouragement: No matter how it looks, obey the LORD in all things. The reward is well worth it all.

The Word of God

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

Arise and go down to the potter's house and there I will cause thee to hear My words.

Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again, another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? Saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel -Jer. 18:1-6.

Prayer: Lord break us, melt us, mold us, fill us and use us for Your Glory. Amen!

Ecouragement: Let the LORD use you as He wishes to.

Daily Devotion -What Happens When Praying God's Word

We pray, O God, that we shall serve You, the Lord our God -Exod. 23:25.

We pray that we will fear You, the lord our God, and walk in all Your ways and love You, and serve You, the Lord our God, with all our hearts and with all our souls, and that we will keep Your commandments and statutes which You command us today for our good - Deut. 10:12-13.

We pray that we do not turn aside from following You, LORD, but serve You with all our hearts. We pray that we do not turn aside, for then we would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For You will not forsake us for Your great name's sake, because it has pleased You to make us Yours -1 Sam. 12:20-22.

We pray that we will know You, God, and serve You with loyal hearts and with willing minds; for You search all hearts and understand all the intent of the thoughts. If we seek You, You will be found by us; but if we forsake You, You will cast us off forever -1 Chron. 28:9.

We pray that we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter -Rom. 7:6.

We pray that we will serve You with gladness and that we will come before Your presence with singing. We pray that we will know that You LORD, are God and that it is You who have made us and not we ourselves -Psalm 100:2-3.

Encouragement: Praying God's Word moves Him to act in your favor.

Daily Devotion - Praying God's Word

We pray that we will love You, the Lord our God, and walk in all Your ways, keeping Your commandments and holding fast to You, and serving You with all our hearts, and with all our souls -Joshua 22:5.

Lord we give thanks unto You for You are good and Your mercy endures forever -Psalm 136:1.

Jesus, You state that the world will know that we are Your disciples if we behave lovingly toward one another. Schisms, disputes, unkind criticisms and defamation of character are contrary to Your spirit.
 Your love is a sacrificial love (John 3:16). It is unconditional love (Rom. 5:8). Your love is constant and self-sustaining (Jer. 31:3). Your love provides for the best interests of the beloved, and You command that we should love one another as You have loved us -John 13:35.

Lord we present our bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto You for this is our reasonable form of worship. We also pray that we will not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of yours -Rom 12:1, 2.

We pray that we will be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to others; not lagging in deligence, fervent in spirit, serving You, Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continueing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the Saints, given to hospitality -Rom 12:10-13