We Must Protect His Name

Friday, October 1st, 2010

Today's Passage: Ephesians 6:10-13
Memory Verse: Philippians 4:8

I often think of how awesome God is to prepare us for warfare against the enemy  by telling us in His Word about the devil's craftiness.  That he could even persuade us to see one another as foes rather than family is always a mystery.  But somehow, he is able to capitalize on our tendency to see the negative in each other, which makes it easy for us to believe the worst about one another. 

Today's passage clearly tells us that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principalities (demons in high ranks), powers and rulers of darkness that are skilled at analyzing and predicting human behavior.  Why?  Because they've been around ever since we were created.  They're experts at suggesting ideas to us that we would be tempted to agree with.  Because of sin, we are by nature suspicious of one another, distrusting of each other's motives and unwilling to look for the best no matter how hard it may be.

That's precisely why God gives us instructions to think only on these things: things that are true, noble, pure, praiseworthy, and of good report.  Our Father knows how easy it would be for us to think the opposite, and so He tries to get us to discipline our minds.  When you really think about it, if we just spent a little time remembering how anxious we are for others to see the best in us, we would be less hasty to jump to conclusions by simply putting ourselves in their place.      

As we move towards this place of blessing, healing, and glory promised by God for our obedience, give the enemy a run for his money by responding in the exact opposite of the way he would suggest you respond.  When the opportunity arises to become offended because of what someone in our church family says or does, cast down the very thought of it.  God has given us the grace and power to choose not to focus on anything that would create negative feelings among His children.  Most of all, remember that when we walk in strife with one another, it's God's name that is dishonored; He's the One Who looks bad, because we make everything His Word says is possible untrue.  Let's protect our Father's Name at all cost.

Prayer:  Father, thank You for reminding us that our ultimate purpose in life is to please You.  You've called us to love unconditionally -- not because others will think the best of us, but because it brings fame and glory to Your Name.  May we never forget that we are not our own, and we belong to You.  For Your glory, we will do anything... just so that all will see and know that You are God.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

We Must Protect This House!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Today's Passage: Ephesians 4:3
Memory Verse: Psalms 133:1

Wow!  What an awesome time in the Lord we had last night.  Td Nation was in full effect and the Lifers were off the chain.  We praise God for what He did.  And we look forward to all the prayers being answered.

I love you, ALM.  You guys are truly near and dear to my heart.  We're a family and therefore should remain in unity.  The Under Armor sports company had a slogan a year ago that said: "We must protect this house".  This statement is exactly how I feel about the Body of Christ.  We must protect each other, look out for each other, and bear one another's burden.  God desires that we experience oneness and harmony with each other.  Being unified is the most important ingredient to life (Ps 133:1).  Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:3 (NIV), "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace".   In order to protect our house, we must all be bound together by peace.   We can't allow division to come in.  Let's CHOOSE to love and accept one another, even when our differences are evident.  To maintain unity and harmony within our church, we have to do 3 things.  First, we have to focus on what we have in common, not our differences.  Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) "Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions in the church.  I plead with you to be of one mind united in thought and purpose".  When I see the word "harmony" I think of music. 

When Yas and I teach a new song to the choir, we teach it in 3-part "harmony".  That means we take 3 different interpretations of the song (soprano, alto, and tenor) and blend them to make "one" song, in 3 parts.  The sopranos won't sing like the altos, but the message (lyrics) is the same.  The tenors won't sing  like the sopranos, but the message (lyrics) is the same.  That's how we should be.  We might share the love of Jesus in different ways, but the message should always be the same.  Second, we must keep it real with each other.  "Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other's faults because of your love" (Eph 4:2).   We can't look down our noses at members who may not be as gifted as we are in certain areas.  We likewise shouldn't be jealous or put-off by someone who may be more gifted or have better ideas.  Last but not least, we must learn to encourage, not criticize.  If our leaders have to offer correction for any reason, they have been trained to do it in love, not in the critical way that leaves the individual feeling torn down.   "Let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other.  Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault" (Rom. 14:19 Mess.).

Let's protect our house.  Let's get on that love wall and guard against strife, division, and judgement.  Jesus said He drew every one of us by love and kindness, and that's how He expects us to be drawn to one another.  If we choose to love and not be so easily offended, we'll grow stronger and ultimately be able to focus on the real thing: the outpouring of God's glory.  That kind of power only comes where there is unity.  I want God's glory more than anything else, so for THAT, I will be unified with you, and protect this house.

Prayer:  Father, I join my brothers and sisters to give praise to You.  Help us to see past our differences and become one in You.  It is important to us to be like You; therefore, our heart's desire is Your heart's desire: that we will love one another as we love ourselves.  Bless us as we grow in this, and we'll again give You praise...in Jesus name. Amen

H.U.M.P. Day (Birthday Edition)

Wednesday September 29, 2010

Hello, Friends & Lifers! 

"God will provide rain for the seeds you sow.  The grain that grows will be abundant"!
  Isa 30:23 (Mess.)

This is a special HUMP Day.  Our Pastor, Chad L. Willis, celebrated his 37th birthday yesterday.  So we're taking time out to honor him this week.  It's so important for us to appreciate good leadership, and Pastor Chad is good leadership.  The Word of God is truly a life-walk for him.  Being a man who probably would have been successful at any career choice, he chose to follow God's call to empower us.  You'll never smell the smoke of persecution on him, nor will you find his personal life in contradiction to his spiritual one.  He offers everything, but asks for nothing.  Success for him is victory for you.  And he lives for the joy of God's people being restored. 

Our mission this week is to appreciate our Pastor and friend.  The plan is to bring a $10 seed of love with us to church on Sunday.  We are going to pin them on his chair in the sanctuary.  The $10 seed is chosen because he turned 37 (3+7=10).  If you are not able to do this, you can still sow love by writing him a short note, prayer, or poem of appreciation.  Knowing that the time and effort he sows is having a positive effect on your life will be a blessing to him as well.  So do whatever is in your power to do.  If you can do more than the $10, by all means do so.  However, please don't extend yourselves beyond your means.  We just want to show love to someone who constantly shows love to us.  We love you Pastor C....See you all on Sunday!

Prepare for Eternity

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

Today's Passage: Philippians 3: 12-20
Memory Verse:Phil. 3: 18-20

Never before has what Charles Dickens said made more sense than the day in which we live: "It's the best of times, and the worst of times."  It's the best of times because it's the greatest era to be alive, with some type of technology reaching almost every home on the planet.  This means that the gospel of the kingdom has the opportunity to be spread as widely as that technology, just like it said in the Word.

But the fact that this is the worst of times can be seen in the way humanity seems to be replaced by an attitude of get-all-you-can as fast as you can.  No matter who is hurt in the process, no matter who gets left behind, every commercial for whatever product is being sold calls out to buyers to never be satisfied until they have better things than the next person.  Moral values continue to lose their impact, while popularity and the quest for riches at any cost takes top priority.

So for those of us who know that there's more to life, now more than ever before we need to hold on to the fact that this is not our home, but we are preparing to live somewhere in eternity depending upon  either our loyalty to the Father, or to His archenemy.  Today's passage warns us not to become too comfortable in our skins on this earth, for to do so will cause us to lose sight of the priorities that should keep us pressing toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of Christ.  It actually says that those who only make plans for this life and living on this planet are really enemies of the cross.  But those who focus on heaven where Christ lives are citizens of heaven.

No matter what you are going through today, we want to encourage you to keep your eyes on the kingdom of God and its righteousness.  Everything your heart desires will be added unto you as it falls within the will of your Father.  This type of attitude will give you a positive attitude when the situation looks too bleak to even smile.  It will help you focus on what's really important -- leaving a footprint on this earth that points others to the way of loving and living for God.  I pray that we all will be propelled into the destinies God has prepared for us, knowing that we have only a small window to shine for Him.

Prayer: Father, I've already wasted so much valuable time on this earth chasing after things that bring only temporary satisfaction.  Thank You for continuing to remind me that I have a short time to complete the destiny that You sent me to accomplish.  Help me live daily to prepare for life with You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.     

A Place to Belong!

Monday September 27, 2010

Today's Passage: Ephesians 2:19 (LB)
Memory Verse: Romans 12:4-5 (Mess.)

I had an interesting time in church today.  After praise & worship (which was awesome), I left the stage with the band and came back into the sanctuary through the back.  Before going to my seat, I stood there a while looking over the congregation.  I don't really know what I was looking for, I was just looking.  Just then, the Holy Spirit said a strange thing to me.  He said "They need a place to live...a place to call home".  Wow!  God has an awesome way of speaking into our spirits.  I instantly started to pray because I wanted to clearly understand what was said.

From my best spiritual perspective (which may not be saying very much), I believed God was saying He wants His children to come into His house and feel like they belong; like they're at home.  Not long after some people join our churches, they soon leave because they fail to find that "place of connection".  This happens because: 1) They forget to avail themselves to the growth process (discipleship, service, special ministry [men's or women's]).  And 2) The church can be so taken with evangelism "outside" the walls, that it fails to make connections "inside" the walls.  God says when a child comes home, he or she should feel safe, loved, and accepted.  He said if they don't, they become insecure, malnourished, and feel unwanted.  I think sometimes we as leaders have to look at ourselves when God's children are not responding to His word the way they should.  In Ephesians 2:19 (Living Bible), Paul writes "You are members of God's very own family, citizens of God's country, and you belong in God's household with every other Christian".  That should be posted on the wall in every Christian church in the world.  You know how you walk into churches and see  "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, or the picture of Jesus holding the lamb on the wall behind the pulpit?  Those things are great, but what if you saw Ephesians 2:19 on the wall while being greeted with a smile and a hug?  I know I'd be thinking "I think I'm gonna be okay here".  

We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family.  None of us can fulfill God's purposes by ourselves.  You are called to belong, not just believe.  When you think about it, membership in the family of God is not a small thing.  It's actually God's plan for savng the world.  So we have to make sure we attend our church services with minds to connect.  The old model is to come to church with our immediate family members, sing a few songs, say a few hellos, and leave.  But God wants us to get rid of the old way of doing things.  He wants us to reach beyond our personal borders and boundaries to make sure we're making His children feel comfortable at home. 

Prayer: Father I'm so glad You love me enough to call me Your son.  The lengths You've gone through to prove Your love to me is overwhelming.  Now, my desire is to share that love with those I worship with.  Give me Your eyes so I can see where Your love is needed most.  And I'll try not to let You down....in Jesus' name. Amen  




  

A Worthy Sacrifice

Sunday, September 26th, 2010


Today's Passage: Isaiah 1: 10-20
Memory Verses: Isaiah 1: 16-17

I've often wondered, with churches on every corner in every city of every state in our nation, how God feels about our religious acts. Don't get me wrong -- it's a blessing that Christians have the right to open as many churches as they want to and worship God the way they want to. But I can't help thinking that maybe, with the state of the society today, maybe God has something to say about the fruit of our Christianity.

In these last days, it won't hurt us to stop and think about just how effective our Christianity really is. We love God, we go to our houses of worship often, and yet it seems as if morality has taken a back seat right before our eyes. Even among those who claim to be "churched", it's not uncommon to see the same habits and lifestyle as those who don't go to church. In today's passage, God's attitude is a bit harsh as He shares His heart.

It appears that God sees us as mostly people who act first without consulting Him, then react by offering sacrifices to appease Him when we go to our places of worship. Even in the way we bring our sacrifices of praise -- is it possible that we may be going through the motions at times because we're so used to doing our own thing that we don't believe God will even hear us when we come to call on Him?

As we all prepare to worship the Father today, keep in mind that He DOES have feelings, and longs for our relationship with Him more than we could ever know. He wants the way we worship Him to be out of our love for Him, not out of obligation. If we'll be honest, we all stand in need of His mercy for the way we treat each other, and the way we sometimes forget He sees and hears us at ALL times. Fall at the mercy seat this morning, and lay bare our hearts before Him, giving Him a chance to cleanse us and make us whole. Where we've not paid attention to His heart, which is to constantly be seeking justice for those who cannot stand up for themselves, let's ask Him to give us hearts like His. Purpose in your heart to bring Him a worthy sacrifice today.

Prayer: Father, as I prepare to come to Your house of worship, please search my heart. Expose those things that grieve You, and show me how to give You true worship. Then, as I live daily before You, help me to focus on what really makes You smile -- caring for Your broken. I live to give You glory always. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Keep Fighting!

Saturday, September 25th, 2010


Today's Passage: Psalm: 119: 1-11
Memory Verse: Psalms: 119: 11


I was reading the Word not too long ago, and stumbled across this passage which happened to be in a modern version of the Bible that I was unfamiliar with. Something jumped out at me when I read these words: "Oh, if only I were predisposed to walking In Your ways. Then I would not be ashamed, if I were focused on all your commands."  What struck me is the psalmist's candid realization that we are NOT wired to want to do things God's way. And it is so true. More and more, the flesh suit we are bound to does everything it can to steer us in the opposite direction of where God is calling us to walk. Especially if there's a particular area we have fallen prey to in the past, we have to be especially prayerful so as not to give the enemy a foothold.

For those who are honest enough to admit that each day there is a battle for the submission of our will to either the kingdom of light, or the kingdom of darkness, it's important to sound the alarm. The enemy is quite deceptive, and with the many distractions that exist, he could hold us spellbound or cause us to be weakened in our resolve to do what is right. Paul recognized the problem when he spoke of how easy it seems to want to do wrong in Romans 7:15-20. The human dilemma is that our flesh betrays us by desiring what we know we shouldn't have, so we find ourselves constantly being surprised that, even as believers, we are having to fight for our lives to stay on the path.

But there is hope. We are not alone, and we have not been left on our own to do the fighting. That is why this passage is so important to believers who desire to live a life of zero tolerance to compromise. God has left us His Word, exactly like a master explorer who has already discovered unchartered territory, and leaves behind a well-defined map for his apprentices to use so that they do not fall into the traps he has been able to avoid. All God wants us to do is remain focused on His Word, hiding it in our hearts and cherishing it so that we can follow it with gladness rather than resentment. The bottom line is this: the penalty of sin is death-- sometimes physical, but always a spiritual separation from God. Walking closely with Him and keeping His boundaries in sight will keep us walking in the victory Jesus purchased. Don't give up or give in to the flesh. For your obedience, there will be great reward.

Prayer: Father, thank You for leaving a roadmap for me to follow in order to live an uncompromised life. I love You, and I choose to follow Your ways. You require a life of holiness, but Your commandments are only to protect rather than harm me. May I never stray from Your laws, and may my life make You famous. In Jesus' Name, Amen.





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Purposed!!!

Friday September 24, 2010

Today's Passage: Isaiah 61
Memory Verse: Is. 61: 1

On Tuesday of this week, I had an opportunity to stop by the church in Monrovia where I worshipped as a younger person. After 20 plus years, I was so amazed that my choir director thought I might have something to say as a means of imparting words of encouragement. Then I realized, with what has been imparted to me as a minister, I did have something to say. What I shared went something like this:

You were created for a PURPOSE.

God has a Plan for your life, and He will fulfill it if you give Him first place. God's plan for me began from the age of 4, when I started to sing, up until about 17 when the war came. I left Monrovia and went to Phebe, then went to Senegal before going to the States. In every one of those places, He found a way for me to praise Him through song. I had made up my mind at a young age that I would only sing for God, and I have always held on to that conviction to this day.  Based on that, you must have a PASSION for what you do, because you don't know where the Lord is going to use you. Don't wait for your circumstances to be better before you give your best. Give your best, and the circumstances will change because of you.

Be FAITHFUL over a few things, and God will make you ruler over many things. Don't take for granted the leaders that God has placed over you. Respect them and support them, or else when you become leaders, you cannot reap from soil that you did not sow into.  Use what you've been given, and the Lord will multiply it. What's inside of you? Begin to write NOW if you've got the gift to write. Start teaching those around you NOW if you've got the desire to teach. Whatever you have been anointed to do, commit it to the Lord, and He will bring it to pass.

Finally, if you haven't already done so, accept the Lord Jesus into your heart. Only He can make your plans succeed. He's the only One Who can bring meaning to everything you're trying to accomplish. He created you and knows more about you than you think you know about yourself. I come to testify that, as much as I loved to sing before the war, I was only going through the motions. I didn't really know the God I was singing about in a personal way. Then, in 1989 when the war came, I knew that if I died I wasn't going to Heaven. The Lord continued to tug on my heart until I gave Him my life in 1991. Ever since then, God has given me fulfillment unlike what I've ever known.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the opportunity to share what You've done in my life with others. May it always stand as a testimony of Your awesome love and grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

No If's, Ands, or Buts!

Thursday September 23, 2010

Today's Passage: Mark 9: 17-24
Memory Verse: Mark 9:23

Many times in life we're faced with some improbable situations.  Situations that seem to leave us powerless as to what to do about them.  Ever had your back against the wall?  Did you know what to do?  Life can deal us really some harsh blows.  Blows that shake our faith to its very core.  Whether its divorce, bereavement, loss of a job, or betrayal, believers seem to have their limitations too.  But should we?  Should we be moved by the trials of life, or should we still be able to stand and believe?  Who do we say Jesus is when we allow our faith to be stripped just because we're scared or desperate?

In Mark 9, a father comes to Jesus for healing for his son.  He tells Jesus his son falls into violent seizures.  He said his seizures are so bad, they often throw him into fire or into the river almost causing his death.  There is nothing more painful for a parent than having to watch their child suffer.  Sickness, addiction, behavior problems, it doesn't matter.  They all seek to destroy our children and slowly wear down the faith of their parents.   Maybe it's not your child.  Maybe it's your spouse, or your sibling.  Whoever it may be, if you believe, the impossible can be instantly made possible again.  The man had brought his son to the disciples, but they failed to cast out the demon that was plaging him.  After bringing the child to Jesus, do you think he believed? Let's go back to the passage.  In verse 22, the man tells Jesus "If you can do anything, do it.  Jesus says "if"?  There are no if's among believers".   Did you hear that?  There are no IF's among believers.  There is no doubting God.  No matter what the situation is, there's enough faith within us to send God's power into activation.  Ever see a fire emergency device on a wall?  It always says "in case of emergency, break glass".  Well that's kinda how faith is.  When in an emergency, break the Word over your situation, and (because of your faith), God will snuff it out.  After Jesus said those words, The man replied "I believe but help my unbelief".  The man literally wanted to be "healed of unbelief".  What a novel idea!   

The challenge today is to believe God.  That's it...Believe that He will do just what He said He would do.  If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, God says you can move mountains.  He says you can overcome anything if you only believe....So believe!

Prayer:  Father You are able to do all things.  I trust You with every aspect of my life.  Even when I seemingly lack things I want or need, I take comfort in Your capable hands.  You are in control, and I like it that way....in Jesus' name, Amen.

H.U.M.P. Day!

Wednesday September 22, 2010

H.U.M.P. Day is our day to acknowledge God's ultimate mission & purpose for our lives.  We hope our new readers catch on to this awesome initiative to and help us spread the love of Jesus throughout our communities.

Blessings Td Nation!  What an awesome day to be alive; alive in Christ that is.  Isn't it good to know that your life has purpose?  Isn't it good to know that you woke up today on a mission?  My heart goes out to people who have lost hope.  Being exposed to trauma, bereavement, or hard living, hope is not something they're accustomed to.  But one encounter with the Lord can change all that.  In an instant, they'll go from hopeless to purposed.  All they need is that one encounter.

The mission for today is to seek out the hopeless and introduce them to Jesus.  Find someone who may have given up on their marriage, children, or dreams, and share the love of Jesus with them.  Let them know that through Him, all things are possible.  He is able to not only help them realize their dreams, but use them to help someone else with theirs.  So ask God to specifically assign you today.  Stay sensitive and on guard so you know what to do when they come your way.  Be encouraged and happy hunting!

Blessings!

The Day of Reckoning!

Today's Passage: Revelations 20:11-15
Memory Verse: Revelations 20:12

With all the distractions around us today, it's easy to make light of spiritual things like death, life after death, and the Great White Throne of Judgement.  But after losing someone close to you, the things of this world begin to grow strangely dim, forcing us to face the facts that this world is not our home.  And not only that, but we will have to face the day when all our deeds will be laid bare before the God of the universe. 

If we remembered that everything we do is being recorded in books that will one day be opened before all who ever lived on this Earth, what would our attitudes be?  Would we be so quick to wound each other with words that can never be taken back?  Would we hold on to things that may cause us to harbor feelings of unforgiveness or hatred towatds our neighbor?  The Word tells us that we will all be judged according to our deeds.  No one will be able to escape that moment, because every soul will be required to give account of every moment spent on this Earth. 

Our challenge for today is to keep in mind the One to whom we are accountable.  It's as if your earthly Father, who loves you so much, gave you everything He owned, then went away on business.  Because of His great sacrifice, you would feel obligated to honor Him by obeying His wishes even while He was away.  Your Heavenly Father did exactly that by sending His son to pay a price that was impossible for us.  So just because His coming seems delayed, this does not mean it won't come to pass. 

We must remember to treat everyday as though it were our last.  God's word tells us to redeem the time because the days are evil.  Keep tending to your Father's business by walking with integrity before Him.  As much as is within your power, live peacably with all.  And keep your eyes to the sky so as to be ready for the Day of Reckoning. 

Prayer: Father as always I am humbled by Your great love towards me.  Thank You for giving me Your word which contains what I need to know to continue to please You.  Help me live so that I am not ashamed to stand before You on that day.  In Jesus' Name...Amen   

Only What You Do For Christ Will Last!

Monday September 20, 2010

Today's Passage:  Revelations 20:11-15
Memory Verse: Revelations 20:12

I have often heard the expression only what you do for Christ will last.  I see evidence of this from afar in the lives of people in history such as Martin Luther king and thousands of others.  But I don't think I've felt the impact of how one life that's been lived for the Lord can change things in eternity the way I did this past week while I participated in the funeral ceremonies of my mother. 

When I got to the house my parents built on a meager salary in the 1980's there were hundreds of people coming to pay their respects.  These were people who have been associated with my parents in one way or another.  Some have grown up with them, while others have received services from them at their clinic.  Still others knew them when they worked at the hospital. But I really began to see the impact when people came to testify of how their lives have been touched by one of my sisters. 

In my years of ministry, I've been to quite a few funerals.  But I was so overwhelmed at the tremendous display of affection for my mother.  At least a thousand people showed up during the all-night wake we held at the house.  Then, at the second wake the following night (yes there was more than one), more people came to honor her.  When we got to the funeral on the third day, we knew it would take a while for government officials, social organizations she was apart of, and many relatives to pay tribute to her.  But by the time we got to the end of it all, with lots of singing in between because she loved so much to hear people sing praises to God, we had been there for 7 hours straight.  Finally, when we took Mommy to the Lutheran hospital where she would be buried next to my father, there were literally hundreds of people lining the road to honor her.  For another 4 hours it was a joy just to sit and hear people give testimony to the greatness of God through my mother's life. 

What is the point of all this?  Her life was one recorded in eternity as a selfless one.  There were not to many times when she did something for herself.  She spent her life planting seeds of integrity where she worked, seeds of unity and devotion to God where she lived, and seeds of inspiration to walk more closely with God where she worshipped.  May we all be so driven to let God work through us to such an extent, so that He can get the glory when we take our last breath.  For truly, only what we do for Christ will last. 

Prayer:  Father, thank You for sending such a personal example of sacrificial living to me.  I am grateful that You have shown me it can be done by ordinary people like me.  I vow once again to be totally devoted to You for the rest of my life, pointing others to You with all my might.  In Jesus' name Amen.

Ever With Us!

Sunday September 19, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalms 10:1
Memory Verse: Psalms 22:2

As I sat down to write today's devotional, I (like always) began to ask God what he wanted me to say.  After sitting for what seemed like an hour, nothing came to my spirit.  Yas and I are sensitive about what we post, so hearing from the Lord is a priority for coming up with a devotional that makes Him famous.  However, it seems God was silent.  It felt like He was the one waiting, not me.  I began to pray; begging Him for His presence as though He were miles away from me.  Just then, the Holy Spirit revealed God was speaking.  He's speaking even in silence. 

There are several accounts in the Bible when the people of God felt like God had "left them".  Psalms 10:1 says "God, are You avoiding me?  Where are You when I need You?"  Psalms 22:2 says "Doubled up with pain, I called to God all the day long.  No answer. Nothing".  On the contrary, God never leaves us.  He told Joshua "All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you.  In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you.  I won't give up on you.  I won't leave you".  You see, God is a relationship God.  Which means He wants you to love and desire Him just as He desires you.  He wants to be followed and pursued.  This relationship is true love, and true love has to be cultivated and nourished.  He wants our passion for Him to be strong.  He wants our desire to be focused and driven.  You ever wonder why sometimes in praise and worship it seems God's presence comes at the very beginning, and other times we have to press for it?  It's because our minds are usually on other things when they should be on Him.  In Matthew 8:22, the man wanted to delay following Jesus because he had "business to attend to".  He wanted to go funerlize his brother.  Jesus tells him "First things first.  Your business is life, not death.  Follow me. Pursue life."  See?  Sometimes God wants to know if we're serious about Him.  Ask yourself: "How do I praise God when I don't know what's happening in my life and it seems He's silent?  I'll tell you how.  You stand in faith and praise Him for who He is, not for where you are.  You believe like the 3 Hebrew boys that God has the power to deliver you, and He'll do it when and if He's good and ready.  You rest in the fact that your purpose is greater than your pressure, and your aggravation is only a doorway to your elevation.  In other words, you pursue and press until something breaks.

God will never leave or forsake you my friend.  So I challenge you to walk by faith.  Know that He may be using a time of silence to deepen your pursuit of Him.  He's not okay with being your second or third thought.  When you go to church today, call your thoughts into captivity.  Concentrate on the Lord and pursue Him.  He's not silent because He doesn't want you, He just wants to know you really want Him.  

Prayer:  Father I'm nothing without You.  Being seperated from You will never be an option for me.  Let me rest in you and I'll never leave.  Hear my praise today.  Let me be one with You...Amen! 

He Already Saved The Day!

Saturday September 18, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalms 68:1-4
Memory Verse: Same

Happy Saturday Td Nation!  I pray you have the opportunity to do something fun for yourself and/or your family today.  Take some time to "stop and smell the roses".  Enjoy a walk in the cool of the day with your spouse.  Go ahead, you owe it to yourself. 

As a kid, I remember Saturdays mornings were time to see my favorite action heros.  I'd line up all my action figures and watch their cartoons on TV.  I'd of course always wander what it'd be like to have "super powers".  I'd want to be able to run at the speed of light, or block bullets with my hand.  I definitely wished I could fly, and lift a thousand tons (lol).  You get my point, everybody loves a good action hero.  They never had to be afraid of anything.  Why?  They knew what they could do to the enemy.  There'd be episodes where they'd have to battle a 50ft giant with lasers coming out of his eyes.  But they still were confident that the victory would be theirs.   Remember the episodes where they'd be tied up and lying across railroad tracks?  Remember when they'd be unconscience and almost at death's door?  Their confidence never wained.  They just knew they'd win.  The good thing about my adult life is I truly have an "Action Hero" now.  He's God.  I don't have to worry if He's gonna win or lose.  He'll never fall into the hands of His enemies or lose His super power.  "Up with God!  Down with His enemies.  Adversaries, run for the hills!  Gone like a puff of smoke, like a blob of wax in the fire--one look at God and  the wicked vanish.  When the righteous see God in "action" they'll laugh, they'll sing, they'll laugh and sing for joy.  Sing hymns to God, all Heaven, sing out; clear the way for the coming of Cloud-Rider.  Enjoy God, cheer when you see Him" (Psalm 68:1-4 Mess.).  He's my hero.  He's always there when I need to be bailed out of a situation.  He's never lost a fight.  He's stronger than the strongest and bigger than the biggest.  As a matter of fact, greater is He who is within me, than he who is in the world. 

I challenge you to let God be your hero.  He's got everything you need.  Depressed?  He's the lifter of your head.  Poor?  He's your source and provider.  Sick?  He's your healer.  Lost?  Jesus said my sheep hear my voice and they follow Me.  What does all that mean?  He's your hero baby....He's already saved the day!
Have a great Saturday.....

Prayer:  Father I thank You for saving and keeping me.  The enemy would love nothing more than an opportunity to destroy me, but You won't let him.  Keep me in Your care.  I am Your forever Lord, in Jesus' name, Amen!
   

What Is Your Capacity?

Friday September 17, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 23
Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 17

What is your capacity?  How much of the things of God can you hold or stand?  The reason I ask is because God wants us to be filled with Him.  He wants His presence to run over our borders and into the places that lack His touch.  Remember Psalms 23 when David said "He anoints my head with oil, my cup runs over".  That statement alone reveals what God's spirit should be like within us.  Okay, this analogy/illustration might sound a little unorthodoxed, but my Pastors did it last Sunday and it was powerful.  Picture 2 air mattresses.  Both are 6 foot by 6 foot, of good quality, and worth the same dollar value.  However Mattress A is folded into a 2 foot by 2 foot square.  Mattress B is blown up into its full mattress form.  As we stated earlier, both mattesses are the same size.  They possess the same air capacity.  That being said, which one will be of the most use to you?   Yes!  I chose Mattress B, too. 

The 2 mattresses represent the members of the body.  We are all created with the same capacity.  God's word says He has given to every man a 'measure of faith'.  Not one of us is greater than the other.  However, some of us have settled with where we are.  We've accepted the lie that more of God's presence and/or power is simply not available to us, or not meant for us.  We are so closed off (folded) to the will of God, He is restricted in His ability to breathe fresh life into us.  Also, when our faith is challenged, we lack the strength to stand on God's word because we've not allowed ourselves to grow (unfold) and be proven.  Challenges come into our lives to either kill us, or make us stronger.  If you're reading this devotional, you're not dead.  So, by default, you should be stronger.  Other of us however are the opposite.  Our entire Christian life is a chain faith steps.  We didn't have the experience for the job we got, but by faith, we applied anyway.  We didn't have the medical know-how to heal ourselves, but by faith we believed, and God healed us anyway.  Inasmuch, each time we walked by faith through those trials, God expanded us a little more.  He breathed into us a little more.  Let's look at David for a moment.  He had the hardest and most dangerous job a young boy could ever have.  He was a sheepherder.  As a sheepherder, your duties aren't limited to just keeping the sheep on the farm.  You had to protect them too.  Sometimes, bears and lions would attack the sheep and the herder would have to recover them.  During his time as a herder, David had to do exactly that.  He had to protect his father's sheep from a hungry bear and a huge lion one night.  Some of us would have fled in fear when faced with such a challenge.  David knew he had to fulfill his purpose, even if it cost him his life.  Don't run from challenges folks.  Meet them head-on because there's a greater purpose on the horizon.  Rising to meet those challenges prepared David for his encounter with Goliath.

I challenge you today to allow God to fill you to overflowing.  Meet the challenges in your life with faith in God.  Confront your spiritual fears (serving more, praising freely, worshipping deeper) and you'll begin to expand.  You have the same capacity as the great people of God you see in your churches and/or on TV.  They just decided to do something about it.  They went on a selfless quest for more of God, and were rewarded with just that.  Are you ready?  What is your capacity?   

Prayer:  Father I want to be filled by You.  Breathe fresh life into me.  Cause me to grow and expand in You.  I don't want to limit Your access to me.  If you want to cast out demons through me, go ahead.  If You want to heal the sick through me, I'm available.  Whatever You want, I have the capacity to fulfill.
In Jesus' name, Amen.... 

Strategic God II

Thursday September 16, 2010
Today's Passage: Psalm 37: 1-9
Memory Verses: Ps. 37:5-6

Have you given up yet trying to count the complex ways God blesses His children? I know I have. I was telling you all about the miraculous ways being made for me to get to my mother's funeral, and the story is really just beginning. How did I get my visa? At two in the morning our time, one of my sisters was able to get a government official to issue one from Liberia to allow me to travel. Hurdle one million overcome.

Now on to hurdle one million one. We were trying to pack last-minute items and make it to the airport at least two hours before flight time because of how many people usually overcrowded the check-in lines. My sister and I had five large bags between us, and would have to pay at least two hundred dollars for each bag that went over fifty pounds. So as you can imagine, we were a little more than tense when we arrived at the airport.

When we walked in, there were no more than ten customers in the entire area around the Delta Airline check-in counter. We thought everyone may have already checked in, or may not have arrived yet. What happened over the next few minutes is a bonified miracle that we witnessed with our own eyes. The man checked out our travel documents with no problems, then proceeded to weigh the bags. Two of them were exactly fifty-two pounds, so he let them go through as they were. But the next three bags needed to be reduced, so guess who did that?  The attendant not only weighed each bag, but helped us take out the extra weight, even going so far as to weigh individual items so that we would know which ones weighed the most. WHERE IN THE WORLD DOES ANYONE DO THAT AT AN AIRPORT? After a while, the attendant even made the comment that he didn't know why he was spending so much time with just us. In the end, every bag except one went through without us having to pay for excess. That might not sound like a miracle to you, but here's the bottom line.

If there had been the usual large number of people, the attendant would never have taken the time to help us. We would have been stuck with trying to re-arrange our bags on our own, and may have even missed our flight. As we walked away, my sister still trying to figure out where all the people were, I suddenly realized what God had done. We were traveling on a day when many people were not brave enough to travel: September 11th! That's why the usual crowd was nowhere to be found, and that's why we were able to receive such personal service from the attendant. If you have ANY doubt whatsoever that God is not just standing idly by while you struggle to accomplish His will, here's the evidence to set your mind at ease. When your steps are ordered, NOTHING can stand in your way. On that you can depend.


Prayer: Father, forgive me for ever doubting that You are God alone. I want to walk so closely with You and trust You every step of the way. Guide my life and use me always to bring about Your purpose on this earth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

H.U.M.P. Day (Thank You Edition)!

Wednesday September 15, 2010

Happy H.U.M.P. Day Friends & Lifers!

Today's devotional will be a "retro-active" H.U.M.P. Day celebration.  I'll start by saying it's never too late to be a blessing to someone.  You see, blessings, or demonstrations of love I should say, don't have to come when someone is in need.  Anytime they occur, they enhance the life of the receiver.  Ironically, when the love of Jesus is displayed from one person to another, the giver usually feels as good as, if not better, than the receiver.

Today, my wife and I would like to thank all of you for the love and support during this time of bereavement.  For those of you who gave from your heart through prayer, financial gifts, meals, cards, and/or well-wishing, we thank you.  You have truly been the demonstration of God's love and favor we've needed.  Let's not stop here.  The challenge is to find creative ways to share the love of Jesus as often as you can.  Thank you again for the love you've shown to my family.  You're the best Td Nation!!!

We love you...

Overcome!

Tuesday September 14, 2010

Today's Passage: Number 13
Memory Verse: John 16:33

Our men's ministry meets on Monday nights to talk about issues men face in life (all men regardless of membership are welcome to attend).  The group is called 'Fight Club'.  The the topic of our meeting last night was how to be an overcomer.  While we were discussing the topic, we turned our attention to what God expects of us as sons, or overcomers.  Does He give us strength to overcome just to go back to our old way of life.  Or, does He expect us to live each day like we're ready for Jesus' return?

The answer is "B".  God expects us to overcome and live everyday like we're expecting His return.  To overcome is to get the better of in a struggle; to prevail over.  Overcoming is more than keeping yourself from taking one drink of alcohol, it's walking away from the desire to be drunk.  It's more than saying no to one night of sexual immorality, it's learning to keep your mind (thoughts) pure at all times, and disciplining your flesh.  See my friends, overcoming is not an instant occurrence, its a daily assignment.  Its what we do to be ready for our Savior's return.   Remember Caleb in Numbers 13?  After the people complained in fear about how big the giants (adversity) were in Canaan, Caleb told them "Let's go at once to take possession, for we are well able to overcome it".  Jesus told His disciples they'd have peace in Him.  He also said they'd have tribulation in the world.  He then made a bold statement.  He said "But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world".   What Caleb meant was adversity is a matter of perception.  If you think your enemy has beaten you, you've already lost the battle.  What Jesus meant was although following Him won't exonerate you from the troubles of the world, it will give you the strength to be more than a conquerer.

 I challenge you to walk in victory through Jesus Christ today.  He's placed the power within you to win.  All you have to do is overcome (you'll get it later).  If God is truly in control of your life will He let you lose?  No!  How will He get His glory out of that?  As long as you stay in Him the victory in all things will be yours.

Prayer: Thank You Father for claiming the victory for me.  I align myself with You in order to walk as the overcomer You've made me to be.  I am more than a conquerer through You Jesus.  The tribulation in this world gets tough but in You I have the strength to win.  My life is Yours forever.  Amen!

Our Strategic God

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 33
Memory Verses:  Ps. 33:18-20

Can you ever put a number to the blessings God gives us?  The highest number you could think of would never even come close.  Every blessing is like an enormous compound made up of tinier blessings which add up to how awesome our God is.  Case in point: my plans to travel overseas to meet my family and celebrate the home going of my mother.

It began with the quest of a passport, which I had put off getting for more than five years after getting my citizenship.  I was told I needed proof of citizenship, which would be my naturalization certificate.  I always kept it in the same place in a bright red folder, but when I went to look, it wasn't there.  This realization set off a series of sometimes tiring and tense moments that reminded me of my constant need for the Father's covering and favor.

Long story short, I finally got an appointment to appear at the passport office in Washington, D.C, where I was already going in order to meet up with my sister.  When I got to the office, I received the passport after showing proof of the urgency of my trip.  Everything was fine until that evening, less than 12 hours before we were due to travel.   I found out that, although I had an American passport, I would not even be allowed to leave the States unless I had a visa to gain entry into Liberia.  Why hadn't anyone even mentioned that to me before now?  Here was another opportunity for some tense and tiring moments that I'll have to share with you tomorrow.

But at the end of the day, I'm sitting here in the Atlanta International Airport, waiting for the plane that's taking us to Liberia to arrive.  How did it happen?  Through a series of calculated and specific maneuvers from my Daddy God, Who put it all together just to show His love for me.  If you're in a midnight hour situation today (and even if you're not), know that God is ALWAYS working, and that each detail has been carefully planned out.  Your steps are ordered, and if you'll stand, you'll see the whole plan unfold right before your very eyes.  Our God is a Strategic God.

Prayer: Father, once again You have proven to me that because I serve and am completely devoted to You, nothing about my life is left up to chance.  It's been amazing to see praise flow from the lips of those around me as You performed Your marvels.  Here's another reason I'll never stop praising You for the rest of my life.  In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.

Expect Great!

Sunday September 12, 2010

Today's Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:1-3
Memory Verse: Same

Well, today is Sunday Td Nation.  It's the day we come together to corporately worship our God.  Individually, we are all carriers of His spirit.  Although our earthly lives send us down different paths during the week, we can all meet on common ground on Sundays.  I love it when believers get together.  Sometimes though, we fail to walk in our full potential in our meetings.  On Sundays, I sometimes imagine God is looking at us saying "If only they knew who they REALLY were.  If only they knew the power they possessed when they come together".  You see, when "we" meet, there should be a life-changing encounter with the Lord at every service; an experience that exceeds natural law. The truth is, however, over the years we've been conditioned to accept powerless church services.  Our "microwave" mentalities have turned some of our gatherings into mere civic club mixers.

What should happen when a group of true believers come together?  There are several examples in the Word, but let's look at this particular one today.  In 2 Chronicles 7, Solomon began the 'Dedication of the Temple' service with prayer.  Watch what happens.  The bible says when Solomon finished praying, a bolt of lightning out of Heaven struck the Whole-Burnt Offering and sacrifices and THE GLORY OF GOD FILLED THE TEMPLE.  It goes on to say the glory was so dense the priest couldn't get in.  God so filled the temple there was no room for the priest.  When all Israel saw the fire fall from Heaven and the glory of God fill the temple, they fell on their knees, bowed their heads and worshipped, thanking God by saying "Yes, God is good.  His love never quits".  Imagine this happening in your church this morning/evening.  But can we stand to see God's glory in church?  We sing about it, pray about it, and ask for it, but do we have the capacity for the experience?  Is our expectation in the right place when we enter our choice houses of worship?  Pastor Chad opened his annual leadership workshop this year with a very poignant statement.  He said "You'll have what you expect and you'll get what you tolerate".   So what do you expect God to do today?  Do you have an expectancy at all?  If so, do you praise Him to the level you expect Him to move?

I challenge you today to expect God to do some awesome things in service today.  He wants to move, change, and bless you.  He wants to heal the sick.  He wants to bring revelation THROUGH His body as He brings relevance TO His body.   It's all up to you.  Remember: you'll have what you expect, so expect... great.

Prayer:  Father You are mighty and awesome.  I expect an awesome move of Your spirit today.  Fill the house with Your presence and glory.  Make it so that our ideas, attitudes, and mindsets crumble under the weight of Your glory.  We need You.  We want You.  Please change us today, in Jesus' name Amen.

    

The Power of Healing

Saturday September 11, 2010

Today's Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:14
Memory Verse:  Matthew 8:6-7, 13 - Hosea 14:4

The Abundant Life Ministries staff and family would like to take this time to offer our thoughts and prayers to the victims and survivors of the 9/11 tragedy.  "We will always remember!"

Pastors Chad & Antoinette Willis

Hello Td Nation!  I pray you had a prosperous week in the Lord.  I also pray that every broken place in your life is being healed as you pursue God with all your heart.  In fact, let's talk about healing.  What is healing?  How does something get healed?  To heal is to make healthy, sound; or to restore to health.  This is what takes place in the body when its touched by God.  When the Roman captain came to Jesus in Matthew 8:6-7 (Mess.), he told Jesus his servant was sick.  He said he couldn't walk and was in terrible pain.  Jesus responded to him and said "I'll come and heal him".   Any ailment we submit to the power of God can be healed.  But there's an element that has to be noted.  Jesus told the captain "I'll come".  However, the captain had a remarkable revelation.  He told Jesus he believed Him to be a Man of authority.  Being an authority figure himself, he believed if Jesus would just "order" it, it would be made so.  Jesus tells the captain in verse 13, "Go. What you believed could happen HAS happened".  The servant was healed at that moment because the captain believed.  He maximized his time with Jesus with faith, not whining,or begging, or bartering.  When we have a need to be healed, we must have this mentality.   We must believe that healing takes place "because He said so".  Standing firm on who we know God to be will go along way for our faith and health.

The second meaning for healing is to free from evil; cleanse, or purify.  Most of us don't think healing takes place when we give our lives to the Lord, but it does.  In Hosea 14:4, God says "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for my anger has turned away from him".  When we give God control of our lives, He has to take all the broken pieces and make something fresh, new, and useful.  Think about it.  When we live lives that displease God, its usually because we've not been healed from something in our past.  It's not just the physical hurt.  God knows emotional pain is just as significant.  The third and final meaning of healing is to bring to and end or conclusion; to reconcile.  This particular description goes beyond anything we can see or understand.  For instance, in 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and HEAL their land".   God wants us to understand this life is not about us, its about Him.  He also wants us to stop being so non-chalant about or values and stand for holiness and righteousness.  When we do this, He'll bring an end to the things that cause us to suffer.  He'll bring us back to His heart even if He has to end this world to do it.  Don't you want to live in a country that honors God and His standard for life?  Or do you wish to live in a Godless nation that prides itself on casting morality away all for the sake of "freedom"?  This country belongs to God, so we as Christians should want to keep it that way.  Well, its not going be what God intended it to be until God's people sincerely seek Him.  So pray for healing today.  Pray that healing comes into our bodies, our lives, and our land.

Prayer:  Lord I submit myself to You for Your healing power.  Not only do I desire to walk in health, I also want to live holy and righteously before You.  I want my life to represent You and You only.  Heal us Lord.  Heal our hearts, and heal our land....in Jesus' name, Amen.

The Only Way

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Today's Passage: John 10: 1-18
Memory Verse: John 14:6

When I was younger, there used to be a commercial on television warning people against unsafe driving.  I remember the announcer coming on with these words: "We all want to go to Heaven, but how many of us want to go now"?  Over the years, I forgot the details of the commercial, but the part about us all wanting to go to Heaven always stuck with me.

I agree that we all do like the idea of a divine destination where there is freedom from all the things we're exposed to here on earth.  But if you've ever been at an airport or theme park, you may have noticed those walking escalators that help people get to their destinations a little faster.  I wonder how effective a person would be if he or she got on one of those in the hopes of getting to a plane or one of the parks, but instead of going in the proper direction, they went the opposite way just because they wanted to exercise their freedom.

It would be just as ridiculous if someone got in his or her car, then turned into oncoming traffic. I might add, it would be just as DEADLY.  Friends, no matter what you hear about eternity, there really is only ONE way to the Father Who has prepared a place for us.  You can't do things your way and then expect to enjoy the benefits of anything on this earth.  What makes us think it will be that way for Heaven?

In John chapter 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Door, and then as THE ONLY Way to God.  If you have chosen a certain religion, perhaps because it promises great benefits without much sacrifice, you may want to re-consider the Christian faith.  I know everyone is free to make his or her own choices, but if I were trying to get somewhere and the vehicle I was using was going in the wrong direction, I'd want to know.  And if you've already accepted Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for your sins, share that message with someone today.  Eternity is nearer than we think.

Prayer: Father, for as long as I live, I'll never be able to say thank You enough for what You paid through Jesus to purchase my salvation.  Help me walk in that salvation, being the example and witness You desire me to be.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.    

The Battle is the Lord's

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Today's Passage: 2 Chronicles 20:15
Memory Verse: 2 Chronicles 20:17

Spiritual warfare is part of the Christian walk.  It doesn't take a three-point sermon to explain  the lengths Satan will go to take you out.  He hates us.  He hates everything that resembles purity and love.  People tend to think this walk is a coming together of people with similar moral beliefs.  Truth is, it is a "fixed" battle of good versus evil.  Why is it a fight?  It's a fight because we're not yet in our glorified bodies.  We're still in these earthly (fleshly) bodies, and they usually like what Satan has to offer.  God knows that, so He fixed the fight for us.  When we say "fight", we don't mean hit, kick, bite, push, slam, slap, or punch.  Fighting for us means deny, refuse, come against, rebuke, pull down, commit, shout, or persevere. The enemy of your soul ain't worried about your punches, but your shout terrifies him.  And there's not a greater weapon in your arsenal than a "made-up-mind".

Let's get to the good news.  Every part of the battle you'll fight in this life has meaning.  They MEAN to mature you; not destroy you.  They MEAN to strengthen you; not embarrass you.  As a matter of fact, your battle (most of the time) is not even about you, it's about the glory of the Lord within you.  Therefore, the battle is not yours....it's the Lord's.  Let's look at 2 Chronicles 20:15,17.  God told Jehoshaphat's army "Don't be afraid; don't pay any mind to this vandal horde.  This is God's war, not yours".   He goes on in verse 17 to tell them: "You won't have to lift a hand in this battle; just stand firm, Judah and Jerusalem, and watch God's saving work for you take shape.  Don't be afraid, don't waver.  March out boldly tomorrow--God is with you".  

I encourage you to receive the promise of the Lord today.  Don't be afraid of the challenges life bring.  You have everything in you to be more than a conquerer in Christ Jesus.  This day may be full of tests, but march out on it anyway. Just remember that God is with you.  Has He ever failed you?  That's right!  His track record is good.  He's batting a thousand. So don't be afraid of the battle, it's not even yours.  It's His. You just stand on His word.  Let Him do the fighting.  Today is your day.  I speak life to the champion in you!

Prayer: Father, words can't even begin to describe how faithful You are.  You always lead me into places of triumph, no matter how rough the road may be.  I rejoice in You, the Lord of the battle.  You are Jehovah Nissi, the One Who goes before me.  And I love You forever.  In Jesus' precious Name, Amen.            

    

H.U.M.P.Day!!!!!

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Blessings, Friends and Lifers!  Today's a good day to see heaven collide with earth in our lives and the lives of those who may never have experienced it before.  This makes today's challenge pretty easy, because it's all about God, not you.  You're not being asked to pull a rabbit out of a hat, but simply be who God called you to be: His chosen vessel.

Keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground today.  You will hear cries for help and see the  opportunities for "God moments" open up.  When they do, jump at each one.  Some may require just a friendly smile or hello.  Others may demand that you look deeper than what's being presented on the surface.  But ALL will pull on the anointing to carry God's love that's inside of you.

As you respond, you'll find that your own issues and concerns don't seem as pressing as they did when you were only focused on yourself.  That's what the kingdom is all about.  Make your Daddy famous today, and have a "God-momentous" H.U.M.P. Day!

Prayer: Here I am, Lord.  You've given me so much.  I'm saved, headed for eternity, and blessed.  Use everything I've got to make Your moments happen.  See my heart, and know that I'm yours to use however, whenever, and wherever.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.  

God Moments

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Today's Passage: Matthew 10: 5-15
Memory Verse: Matt. 10: 14-15

Here's a real-life scenario for you: you're at your desk at work, when you see your workmate coming your way out of the corner of your eye.  As you look more closely, you see that she's been crying.  Out of concern, you ask if she's okay.  Then this person, who hasn't said two words to you since you've been working together, begins to open up and share her life story.  She's got cancer, insurance won't cover it, and hubby has decided it's time he left.  What do you do?

Here's another one: you're standing in the grocery line, and this lady and her baby are in front of you.  Like everyone else, you're just minding your business, anxious to get home.  All of a sudden, the baby starts gasping for breath, and seems to lose consciousness.  Again, what do you do?

For those of us who believe in God and are totally devoted to Him, these are what we call "God moments".  They are not moments of tragedy or moments to hit the panic button.  They are simply opportunities for us to bring heaven on a head-on collision with earth through our faith, praise, and prayers.  If we truly believe in Who He says He is, what's to fear when someone around us needs a touch from God?  Our response is to offer them Jesus.  As Peter said to the lame man, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give unto you.  In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

When you stumble upon a "God moment", which is really no coincidence at all when you remember who God is, immediately ask if you can pray.  Most of the time, people will give con cent.  But  sometimes, they will decide they don't want what you have.  At that point, know that they're rejecting God Himself, not you.  Understand that God has given you the opportunity to wipe the dust off your feet in case of this rejection.  Our job is not to convince people they need Jesus.  It's to make them aware that they can't live without Him.  Go forth today and stand in the anointing you've been given.  There's a God-moment waiting.

Prayer: Father, it's so amazing to me that you've made me Your ambassador on this earth.  I offer myself to You, holding back nothing, but waiting until I can be the vessel to touch Your people in a special way.    Use me and be glorified in me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen. 
 

Why Not You?

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Today's Passage:Matthew 10: 1-4
Memory Verse: Matt. 10:1

As we see time "winding up", it's becoming increasingly important for us to ask ourselves, "God, please show me what I'm here for". If you call yourself a Christian, then you are a modern-day disciple.  And if God has called you, He's equipped you to accomplish SOMETHING for His kingdom. And if He's equipped you, He's getting ready to send you SOMEWHERE.  Not a single disciple is given power for no reason.

The anointing comes with a purpose.  Jesus called the twelve, and when He called them, He gave them POWER against unclean spirits as well as power to heal.  If you are everything we've described above, you have the power to heal, save, and deliver those in need.  Many of you might say, "Me?  How can this be, since I'm the least of them?  How can I go forth, since I'm not as spiritual as Sister So-and-So?"

If that is your excuse for not walking in the calling, take a look at some of the disciples who walked with Jesus.  Simon Peter, bold and brash, usually acted without thinking and was always opening his big mouth.  Then, when it was time for him to stand for Christ in the most needy moment, what did he do?  He bailed out!  He denied the Lord whom he loved with all his heart!  And yet God still used him to carry His anointing.

What about Thomas?  You remember him, don't you?  The big doubter, the one who just had to see before he believed.  Why would Jesus decide to put him in the bunch with all the others?  We'll be talking about others who seem to have fallen short of God's calling.  But let's focus on YOU today.  Why NOT you?  Every trial you've endured has been designed to be used to help someone else.  It's not just how far away you can get from who you USED to be; it's how COMPLETELY you're willing to let God use you to minister to others because of your yesterday.  Ask God to use you no matter how tempted you are to feel about yourself.  Whatever's in you, release it to the Potter's hand today.

Prayer: if You can use anything, Lord You can use me.  Take my hands and my feet.  Touch my heart and speak through me.  I'm Yours--what I am and even what I'm not.  Let Your glory be poured out in my life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.  

This Life is Better!!!

Sunday September 5, 2010

Today's Passage: 1 Peter 4:3-5
Memory Verse: Same

I had the chance to talk to an old friend this weekend.  This guy was a good friend during a tough time in my life.  He was the kind of friend you'd find it hard to walk away from you know?  It seems friends like these are few and far between.  He seemed to always be there when it was time to party, or miss classes, or skip rehearsal.  And he was always there with the next drink, or to point me toward the next girl.  It was always something with this guy.

Anyway, as we talked on the phone, I couldn't help but think how depressing it was that he was still living that way.  It didn't phase him to hear how the Lord had so awesomely changed my life.  He wasn't moved by the testimony that brought me from infidelity to total devotion.  He went on about all the fun he was having, and how a life like mine sounded boring.  If we were to keep it real, we'd have to admit that our flesh would have no problems lining up with that philosophy.  I mean, he sold that life of sin like a pro.  He was so good, I almost questioned who in fact was doing the living.  However, as soon as that quick lapse of thought was over, I began to offer revelation on the part of his life the devil wasn't showing him.  You see, he was reluctant to tell me about the small apartment he was stuck in because he lost his home in the divorce.  He talked about all the money he made, but he didn't talk about what little money he brought home because of all the child support and alimony he paid.  Now listen, I'm not dumping on or judging this guy.  I'm just making the comparison he started with me.  Remember, he said my life in Christ was boring, mundane, lifeless.  He asked me why I was "living like an old man".  So I'm just trying to see where he really has it so good.  I'm glad I'm done with that life.  My heart breaks for my friend.  I so want God to arrest his heart so he can get to know who God really is.  1 Peter 4:3-5 (Mess.) says "You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate (shamelessly immoral) life.  Now it's time to be done with it for good.  Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore.  But you don't have to give an account to them.  They're the ones who will be called on the carpet- and before God Himself". 

So My Friends,  let's continue to look forward and live for God.  We all have friends and family members who remember us for who we "were" not who we "are".  We have to be able to bless them and stay with the teaching we've been entrusted to.    There's nothing back there for us; not one thing to remember, or recover.  I think I'll stay with God, and you should too.

Prayer:  Thank You Father for saving me.  You showed me that my life is so much better with You.  Please help me show Your love to old friends or family members who don't know You.  Your love and favor is better than life itself.  I love You. Amen

No Slaves Here!

Saturday September 4, 2010

Today's Passage: 1 Peter 4:1-2
Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33

I spent the day with Yassah yesterday trying to get her ready for a trip home to funeralize our Mother.  Yesterday was also my birthday, so having to do things seemingly outside the norm made for a strange day.  On the way home from the INS office, she apologized for our having to be there on my birthday.  Her comment was "this wasn't what I wanted for you today".  Whereas I understood what she was saying, I knew this was an unusual circumstance.  Although it was my birthday, it was more important to me to be with her to make sure she got what she needed for this trip.  So I wasn't uncomfortable at all.  As a matter of fact, the peace in my spirit came even more when the Lord said to me "we can't always be slaves to what we want". 

In life we all have good and bad days.  But what if the kind of day we had was determined by our perception?   Have there been days we've labeled bad just because we didn't get what we wanted?  I'm sure.  I'm sure we've also described days we've gotten everything we wanted as the 'best days of our lives'.  We have to understand when we have this kind of mentality, it opens the door for the enemy to manipulate us and take control of our emotions.  The first mistake we make is not identifying the difference between what is wanted and what is needed.   So the line between what should and shouldn't be allowed into our lives get blurred.  When that happens, we become slaves of what we want instead of producers of what we need.  I know the word slave may be a little strong but its appropriate.  Have you ever been around someone who "wanted" everything they saw?  They wanted things they couldn't even use.  They wanted things they, until recently, didn't even like.  Isn't that slavery?  The 'tyranny of want' can control you emotionally and financially.  In time, we become willing to sacrifice anything (including the will of God) to get what we want.  1 Peter 4:1-2 (Mess.) says "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like Him.  Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way.  Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want".  Praise God for His word!  God says we can live free to seek out what He wants, instead of being slaves to what we want.  The irony of that is God wants the same things for us that we want for ourselves.  He wants us to have health, prosperity, love, joy and peace.  The difference is He wants those things to come by Him, instead of them revolving around us.

So I challenge you to live free from your wants and seek the Lord.  Have faith in God.  He won't let you down.  If you seek His kingdom before seeking anything else, He'll add whatever you need to your life before you'll even know to ask for it.  So trust Him!!!

Prayer:   Father I realize my ways aren't Your ways and my thoughts aren't Your thoughts.  With that being said, I will trust You more with the needs of my life.  No more will I lean on my own understanding of things.  I will seek You wisdom in everything I do.  Whether it be jobs or relationships, I will seek Your counsel before I move.  You deserve that authority in my life, so I give it to You, in Jesus' name. Amen

Teach Us How to Live

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 90
Memory Verse: Ps. 90: 10- 12

Funny how fast time flies!  One minute, you're making a memorable trip to the United States for the purpose of attending college; the next, you're coming home after graduation to buy a home and begin a family.  Not long after that, your kids are about as tall as you and you're all getting ready to funeralize your mother, who was there when they each were born.  

Funny how you take for granted the moments that are really important-- moments as simple as sharing a meal together, and as impactful as helping your babies with their homework.  You know time is precious when you see how quickly they outgrow their clothes!  But  through it all, God is faithful and walks with us every step of the way.

"So teach us to number our days" is an expression that really means teach us to keep in mind how precious our time together on earth is.  We spend far too much time complaining about how hot it is, then when it cools down, we don't like the cool temperatures.  If we're that way about our bodies, we're  no doubt the same way about our loved ones --biological as well as spiritual  Why Is God trying to get us to have attitudes of constant gratitude?  Because those attitudes will bleed over into eternity.

I'm learning to appreciate every smile, every conversation, every gift, and every opportunity with the ones God gave me.  Certainly, for those of us who call God Abba, Father, we'll never say goodbye to them.  But He wants us to cherish our time together, not find every excuse to condemn one another.  The Message Bible puts it this way: "Teach us to live wisely and well".  And that is God's desire for His children.

Prayer: Father, thank You for many moments of laughs and tears with the spiritual and earthly family You gave us.  Thank You for reminding us to cherish the time on earth, because everything it adds up to determines what kind of place we have provided for us.  May our lives add up to the glory You intended us to display.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.     

Open Communication!

Thursday September 2, 2010

Today's Passage: Daniel 10:12-14 (Message) 
Memory Verse: Same

I was watching a movie the other day about the American Navy.  It seems the seaman on a submarine were given the assignment of finding some "decoders" the German army was using to break and/or decipher American codes.  If the decoders weren't found and captured, American naval officers would not have been able to give instruction to their subs and ships.

My Friends, in the midst of a war, the battle sometimes hinges on the ability to communicate.  Our method of communication in this spiritual battle is prayer, praise, and worship.  These communication devices allow us to get God's attention, prepare us for His instruction, and subsequently respond to what He's said.  However, the enemy has decoders that hinder our communication with God.  Some of these decoders come in the form of complacency, distraction, and everyday cares of life.  He makes us feel tired when we're planning to pray.  There seems to be thousands of things on our minds when we're called into worship.  Also, when God wants us to praise Him with joy, we can only remember how sad we are.

We have to find these decoders and destroy them.  We cannot walk in victory if we can't communicate with God.  Daniel 10:12-14 (Message) says "Relax Daniel, don't be afraid.  From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you.  But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia and was delayed for a good three weeks".  See! Daniel's prayers had been held up for three weeks before his answer arrived.  Even so, Daniel didn't give up.  He didn't quit praying.  His perseverance was rewarded with a victory for him and his people.  So find the devil's decoders in your life and destroy them.  Always be in communication with the Father....and victory will be yours!

Prayer:  Father I need to hear Your voice everyday.  Therefore, I won't let distractions keep me from pursuing You.  Speak to me God.  Let me know what You want me to do, or where You want me to go so I can win this battle with You....in Jesus' name. Amen              

  

Open Communication!

Today's Passage: Daniel 10:12-14 (Message) 
Memory Verse: Same

I was watching a movie the other day about the American Navy.  It seems the seaman on a submarine were given the assignment of finding some "decoders" the German army was using to break and/or decipher American codes.  If the decoders weren't found and captured, American naval officers would not have been able to give instruction to their subs and ships.

My Friends, in the midst of a war, the battle sometimes hinges on the ability to communicate.  Our method of communication in this spiritual battle is prayer, praise, and worship.  These communication devices allow us to get God's attention, prepare us for His instruction, and subsequently respond to what He's said.  However, the enemy has decoders that hinder our communication with God.  Some of these decoders come in the form of complacency, distraction, and everyday cares of life.  He makes us feel tired when we're planning to pray.  There seems to be thousands of things on our minds when we're called into worship.  Also, when God wants us to praise Him with joy, we can only remember how sad we are.

We have to find these decoders and destroy them.  We cannot walk in victory if we can't communicate with God.  Daniel 10:12-14 (Message) says "Relax Daniel, don't be afraid.  From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you.  But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia and was delayed for a good three weeks".  See! Daniel's prayers had been held up for three weeks before his answer arrived.  Even so, Daniel didn't give up.  He didn't quit praying.  His perseverance was rewarded with a victory for him and his people.  So find the devil's decoders in your life and destroy them.  Always be in communication with the Father....and victory will be yours!

Prayer:  Father I need to hear Your voice everyday.  Therefore, I won't let distractions keep me from pursuing You.  Speak to me God.  Let me know what You want me to do, or where You want me to go so I can win this battle with You....in Jesus' name. Amen