Daily Devotional – 12/8/11 “Whose voice are you listening too?”

When I begin using this gift that God has bestowed upon me, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I stepped out on faith and after I took the first step, God has never left my side.  Now if you want to know if the devil has been busy, the answer is yes, multiplied by 3.  It seems that he is trying to attack every way he can, but I am not deterred because I knew this would surely be a part of it, so I welcome the games and tricks because I’m covered by the blood, so all is well.  I know that I don’t usually get too personal in my devotionals, but I couldn’t help but share because of the word that God has given me to give to you on this morning.  See, when I asked the question of whose voice are you listening too, I am not speaking of a physical voice from family and friends, but I am referring to the voice of God or the devil.  As a Christian, we are all able to hear God speaking to us, but we have to be able to distinguish it from the fast paced life that we live.  I, too, am busy handling the multiple things that I have already planned and the few unexpected situations, so sometimes I become too busy to hear God talking.  But I’ve learned to slow down since I started this blog because I want to be able to hear his word clearly, especially if I am being a blessing to you.  This is even added to my morning prayer before I begin to type one letter.   

Now, in order to hear God’s word, you have to first know God and to know him you must study his word.  It isn’t like meeting a friend who you can talk to and they tell you all about themselves, but God has left all you need to know about him in his book, the bible.  James 1:18 says “He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”  If we study God’s word, then we get to know him and in getting to know him we know the word.  Many times we are often led astray because we follow those who say they are working for God.  But how do you know if your Pastor is actually studying the word if you don’t?  If I wrote these devotionals without studying, I could tell you anything and if you didn’t study for yourself, then how would you know if I was leading you the right way?  Just by reading the word that God has given me, it alone won’t save you because you have to give an account for yourself and using the excuse that I made you do it, won’t work at the gates.  2 Timothy 2:15 say “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  See, while studying the word, you also get an understanding of the word.  Don’t get me wrong, this is not an easy task and it won’t happen overnight but don’t give up.  I’m learning every day and every day it’s exciting.  It’s like taking a class for school or even a training class at work.  When you first begin, you might not have a full understanding, but if you continue to study its then that you gain a better understanding of what you’re studying.  Proverbs 4:7 says “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”  Studying God’s word for yourself gives you better clarity.  Yea, I’ve also found that have it broken down by others helps too, but it’s their opinion. You have to form your own understanding because when you have understanding, you open your ears to hear God and in order to hear him, you have to come to him with your ears and heart open ready to receive what he places in your spirit.  In Isaiah 55:3 it says, “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” See, God made David a ruler over nations because he listened.  How many blessings have you passed on because you didn’t listen to the voice inside of you?

Now, hold on, wait one second because not all voices are good voices.  Take for an example, you’re married but you and your spouse are having problems.  You don’t give him the time he needs and he doesn’t give you the time you need.  You go to work every day tired of the same old argument and the lack of concern that he or she shows you.  They haven’t even noticed your new haircut, suit or tie but your co-worker did.  He or She walks by every morning to pay you a compliment on your clothes, hair and even your smell.  They’ve invited you out for lunch a few times and you’ve always said no, because you’re married.  But Friday, you’re fed up with home and the voice inside is saying “It’s just lunch,” and before they can finish the question, you’ve said yes.  Now you’re sitting across from them at lunch, fantasizing, because they are saying all the things you are missing at home.  The voice again says, “What one won’t do..,” and now you’re having an affair.  Baby, you knew before you accepted lunch that this wasn’t God speaking but the first thing you say, “God knows my heart!”  Yes, God may know your heart but it doesn’t mean it isn’t filled with sin and unless you repent with your mouth, the sin that YOU’VE committed, you won’t be forgiven for it.  See, the devil knows your wants and he has wrapped them all up in a blue suit or dress and sat them on your doorstep and you’ve unwrapped the bow without giving it a second thought.  You have to decipher the voice that you hear for yourself because you’ve been warned in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  The thief, in my context, is the devil.  He doesn’t send you blessings (yes, the devils blesses too) because he wants you to blessed but because he wants you to spend eternity with him and if you sin, without repenting, that’s exactly where you’ll be.

You know how you see somebody begging for money, an ad asking for volunteers, a request for prayer from a friend or a person in need and you have this tugging on the inside that’s pushing you to do it – that’s God.  When you see something in a store that you just have to have and you know you don’t have the money, and a voice says get it and you take it anyway – that’s the devil.  When you see a friend, who you know has been going through some things, headed your way and you feel the need to stop and give them a hug – that’s God.  But when you see somebody, who you know has been going through some things, and you feel the need to give them a hug yet you don’t want to be bothered, so you go the other way – that’s the devil.  If God is in you and you’re a Christian like you talk to be, then it’s your duty to help always and not just when it is convenient for you.  Proverbs 17:17 says “A friend always loves, and a brother is born to share trouble.” Also, as friends, true friends, we are supposed to tell each other the truth regardless if it hurts or not.  You knew your friend looked a hot mess before you all left the house or when your spouse asked you how he looked and you said fine when you knew those pants were too short, that voice said to say something but you didn’t because you didn’t want to hurt their feelings, now folks are looking at them crazy and you pretend not to notice.  Chile, stop it! The bible says in Proverbs 27:6 “Wounds made by a friend are intended to help, but an enemy’s kisses are too much to bear.”

Before you listen to that voice that is inside of you, you must pray for a spirit of discernment.  Discernment is described as the activity of determining the value and quality of a certain subject or event.  When you pray for discernment, God will give you a spirit that will distinguish between what is good and what is not.  But again you have to be open and ready to receive that for which you pray for because he will give you just what you asked for.  So, to sum it all up you have to receive God, get to know God by studying his word, put his word into practice, open your ears and mind to receive God’s word and then work.  There is no sense in asking God to speak to you and then you sit on what he asks you to do.  Sometimes, he’ll ask you to go when you just got home and comfortable on the couch but go anyway because God will go for you even when you don’t deserve it.

Daily Devotional – 12/7/11 “Can I introduce you to this Man?”

Good Morning! To each of you, my brothers and my sister, reading this devotional.  I come before you to introduce the Man that has been a great help in my life.  This Man is the reason why I write the words you read each day.  He has bestowed in me a gift that not many are able to handle but he deemed me good enough and for that I am grateful.  Even when I don’t need him, he stands by the wayside waiting to come when I call.  Even when I don’t look for him, he is within my eyesight waiting for me to whisper his name.  When I have pain in my body, he is there with the medicine that I need to ease it.  When I am knocked down on my path, he is there to pick me back up.  Not only does he pick me up but he wipes the dust from my clothes, the tears from my eyes and cleans up the blood from the scrapes and cuts.  When folk tell me I won’t be anything, he proves them wrong.  When folk tell me I’ll never go anywhere, he extends my path.  When folk laugh at me when I face troubles, he makes me better.  When they laugh at me for the tears I shed, he makes me stronger.  When they laugh at me for trying even though I’ve failed before, he makes me wiser.  When daddy left, he filled the void.  When momma was kissed to sleep, he gave me comfort.  When family turned their backs on me, he opened his arms wider.  When friends were no longer there, he gave me his number to call.  See, this Man is not your ordinary man.  He doesn’t have to dress in expensive suits, ties and shoes to impress me.  He doesn’t have to take me to a fancy restaurant to get me full.  He doesn’t have to fill me up with an expensive bottle of wine to have his way with me.  He doesn’t have to open doors and pull out chairs to show me that he’s a gentleman.  He doesn’t have to come home to meet my parents to prove to them that he can be a provider.  I don’t have to worry about being taken advantage of with this man, because he is the advantage.  This man! Oh, this Man has put a burning on the inside of me I never want to burn out.  This Man makes me feel like running even when no one is chasing me.  This Man makes me feel like crying even when I happy.  This Man makes me want to shout even will I have no problems to report.  This man! Oh this Man heals me when I’m sick, covers me when I feel like I’ve been left in the cold and protects me when the storms are raging.  This man! Oh, this Man never makes me worry about him coming home late because he is always there.   I don’t have to worry about him being unfaithful to me because he is a faithful Man.  I don’t have to worry about trusting him because he trustworthy and I never have to ask more than once because he is reliable.  This man! Oh, this Man is worthy of my boasting because he doesn’t need to brag about himself.  He doesn’t need my accolades, tall trophies or plaques to cover his wall to know that he is great at his job.  Even when I don’t give him credit for the many things he does for me, he does them anyway.  Even when I am mean to him, he doesn’t leave.  Even when I don’t speak to him for a while, he comes running when I say his name.  Is this great?  I don’t know what I would do or where I would be without this Man.  He doesn’t mind that I bring other men into my life because he said he’ll wait for me.  He doesn’t mind when I don’t thank him for what he does, because he said he’ll still do them for me.  He doesn’t mind that I don’t talk to him before I go to sleep because he said he’ll be there when I wake up.  He doesn’t even mind when I ask him more than once because he said he’ll do it.  Oh, this Man is just what I need when I feel like I’m at my breaking point.  When I feel like I’ve fallen too far for him to reach me, he can still pull me up.  When I start acting crazy and want to go back to things I use to do, he said he’ll forgive me.  He doesn’t judge me when I make mistakes because he said he’ll wipe my slate clean every time.  Oh, this Man is just too good to be true but he is.  He has never failed me or left me by myself and he doesn’t run when the going gets tough.  He stays right here by my side.  He is, he is … well you’ll see for yourself.    

Ladies and Gentleman, I am pleased to introduce you to this Man.  Many of you may know him and some of you may have even read the book that he has written because it is a best seller.  No, he hasn’t been on any book tours because the book can speak for itself, if you read it.  No, he doesn’t give autographs, but he’ll write your name in his book if you believe in him.  No, he doesn’t answer questions, but he does answer prayers.  No, he doesn’t accept gifts but he asked that you give them to your brothers and sisters who are in need.  No, he doesn’t have an email address, Facebook account, Twitter, or text but he is only a call away.  No, he doesn’t have a limited supply of minutes to use for the month; you’ll never receive a busy signal when you call or an out of office reply when you write to him.  He only asks that you give him one day of your time each week for just a few hours.  Can you do this?   This Man is all that you need and he’ll supply all that you need if you believe in him.  Now, he didn’t say that all your days would be great but he said he’ll make them bearable, if you trust him.  Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and obey this man through sickness and in health for all the days of your life until death do you part? Then let me introduce you to this Man, my soul mate, your soul mate.  His name is Jesus!

“You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Deuteronomy 30:20

Daily Devotional – 12//6/11 “It’s all in what you say”

In the bible, Matthew 12:37 say, “For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.”  No matter how you read this verse, it’s powerful.  Let me tell you why.  When you speak on things, you can have the best intentions but depending on who you say it too, it can be taken the wrong way.  Also, depending on who you are talking too, they can spend it the wrong way but it’s all in what you say.  Now days, we’ve come to depend on technology to send our thoughts instead of talking face to face.  Sometimes you can send a text message one way but the person on the receiving end can interpret it a totally different way, and then the hell starts because they can’t hear the tone in the way you meant it to be, only the way they received it.  I’m sure I’ve shared this before but it won’t hurt to say it again, it’s all in what you say.  You can be the greatest husband, do any and everything for your wife but if you never tell her you love her, she might not know it.  You can be the most loving wife and your husband’s backbone but if you never tell him that you believe in him, how will he ever know?  Yea, I know that most people say you have to show love, but sometimes it’s all in what you say.  If you come home to find your spouse upset over something that happened at work or in their family, a small gift might not suffice, but if you tell them whatever they are going through won’t last long and offer a hug, it just might make them feel better.  It’s all in what you say. 

Now, the verse above says your mouth can acquit you and condemn you and if this doesn’t make you watch what you say, I don’t know what will. Proverbs 18:21 say “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  If you’re in court and you take the stand to testify on your own behalf, I’m sure your attorney has coached you on what to say because a slip of the tongue can mean jail time or freedom.  It’s all in what you say.  Your girlfriend is out at the movies and she happens to see your man at the same theater but the girl on his arm isn’t you.  She contemplates telling you but then she remembers all the times you saying, “I don’t care what he does,” so she doesn’t.  It isn’t her fault when you find out months later because it’s all in what you say.  You’ve allowed your daughter to go out and she realizes that her friends aren’t going to the same party she told you about so she starts to call you, but then she remembers you saying, “I don’t care where you go but you’d better be home by 1,” so she doesn’t call.  Now, you find out because something terrible has happened, but who is to blame?  It’s all in what you say. 

When you are constantly saying, “I’m broke,” you will be.  Try saying, I’m temporarily out of funds or my funds are a little low this week.  Because I’ve found that with the Lord, I am never without.  Yea, my bank account may be without money, but I’m not hungry, my lights aren’t off, I’ve got enough gas in the car to make it until pay-day and I’m alive.  When you consistently say, “I’m sick,” you will be. Try saying something like, I’m not feeling well but I’m here, so I won’t complain.  The tongue is small but so powerful.  It’s one thing that can make a person love you and hate you.  It has also been the cause of many deaths among folk because they talk when they should be quiet.  James 3:5 says “In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.”  Isn’t that something? Think about it; a small match can cause a huge fire the same way your small tongue can cause a huge argument.  You know you can never keep a secret so why lie like you can when you know your mouth runs like water.  “Girl, I won’t tell a soul,” is what you say when you know your intentions isn’t to tell one but many to begin with.  “You can trust me,” is another lie that most folk tell when they know they aren’t as trustworthy as a 50-year-old chair.  But you believe them because it’s what they said that got you.  “Baby, I’d never hurt you because you mean the world to me,” is yet another lie but you fall for it because it’s all in what you say. 

When folk gossip, it only continues when folk add to it.  It’s just like starting a fire in the fireplace, the only way it continues to burn you have to add wood to it because as soon as you stop adding to it, it goes out.  Well, when Shelly comes to you gossiping about what she heard about Sue, she’ll continue talking as long as you keep adding your 2 cents, but if you don’t put wood on her fire, she eventually burn out.  If we stopped entertaining mess, then our life wouldn’t be messy but if you keep allowing folk to bring trash into your yard, it’ll soon start looking like a junk yard.  Why do you need to collect other folk’s trash, when you got enough stuff of your own to deal with?  If you keep allowing Nosey Jim to bring you junk from his yard, you won’t have space for your own stuff. But every time you see the police in your neighborhood, here come Jim with the 411 even if he doesn’t have all the facts, he’s speculating and you’re caught right in the middle.  But if you stop adding words to Jim’s gossiping conversation, he’ll soon run out of things to say and when he realizes you don’t entertain the gossip that he brings, he’ll stop coming. Proverbs 26:20 say “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”  Take for instance, you’re mad at your sister because your cousin text you saying she was talking about you.  Instead of calling your sister to straighten it out, you text your other cousin who adds her opinion in on it and now this mess that could have been laid to rest has spiraled into a full forest fire. Why, because, you added fuel to it by putting others in it?  It’s all in what you say.  If you acted like the adult you are and nipped this in the bud at first, by calling your sister, you wouldn’t have the whole family in the middle of it.  But the first person who started it is nowhere to be found because all they did was start the fire, you’ve taken over control.  Proverbs 16:28 says “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.”   Just imagine how much better we would be if we would take the time to pray for folks as much as we gossip about them.  Aren’t I supposed to be my brother’s keeper?  But how can I be when I’m the messiest person ever?  I don’t ever have anything nice passing through my lips because I’m too busy being in other folk’s business.  I can’t keep my own front porch clean because I am too busy sweeping off my neighbors.  I can’t build my own home up because I am too busy tearing down my brother’s.  I can’t pray for momma who is sick because I’m too busy with the phone to my ear gossiping about other’s business.  I can’t offer you a hug because I’m too busy trying to see who is stabbing you in the back.  I can’t help pull you out of the ditch that others have pushed you in because I’m too busy asking why are they pushed you.  If I keep my mouth, I’ll keep my blessings.  Proverbs 10:19 say, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”  It’s all in what you say, so choose your words and who you share them with carefully.  Just because they call themselves friends, it means they are.  The devil can be in the cleanest suit too!  

Why do you talk about me when I cross your mind when you could easily say a prayer? Why do you hate on me because of the clothes I wear? Why are you jealous of the blessings I’ve received, favor isn’t fair.  But maybe if you took the time to worry about your own life instead of others, you’d be blessed too because God has enough to share.

Daily Devotional – 12/5/11 “If just for one day!”

If you could give up all your troubles for one day, would you?  Then try it, yea, try it; if just for one day.  Wake up one morning without worrying about bills, about what folk are saying about you, how others treat you, your workload or not having a job, stress and all of that.  I know that it’s easier said than done, but give it a try.  Make an effort to be happy, if just for one day.  Let the stress of this world roll off your body, like the rain drops that are falling; if just for one day. 

See, we choose how our day goes, whether it’s happy or sad and we choose how we react to situations, whether good or bad.  We set the tone for our day.  If God has given us joy, why do we allow folk to take it so easily?  You wake up in a good mood but before you make it to work a mean driver has stolen the smile from your face.  You walk into the job humming and as soon as your coworker sees you, they come with some bad news and now your song is gone.  But, if just for one day, take back the joy that is so rightfully yours.  No matter how folk look at you, how they make you feel and even what they say; don’t let go of your joy.  Nehemiah 8:10 say “for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” If this joy gives you strength, when you allow folk to take it, it makes you weak.  Take for instance; you have 4 books propping up a table that you’re using.  If for 4 days you remove 1 book all that remains is a table with 3 legs; what good is it?  If you use a chair over and over again, eventually you will wear it out and the springs will push up through the fabric and that will make it impossible for you to sit in, what good is it?  It’s the same way with you.  If you continue to allow folks to take away the joy that’s propping you up, you will lean and if you continue to allow folk to sit all over you, you’ll soon wear out and then what good will you be?  What will you be able to do leaned over or worn out?  Once folk have used you up, they’ll put you on the side of the road just like they do old trash because you’d be no use for them any longer. 

Folk will do what you allow them too.  If just for one day, say no to some of the tasks that are placed on your plate that you really don’t have time for.  If just for one day, say no to the ones that are begging because you don’t have it to give anyway.  If just for one day, relax because you know that you can really use it anyway.  If for one day, call in or take a vacation day and do you!  If you continue to allow the world to rob you of the things that God has given, you’ll eventually dry out like a slice of bread left out on a table.  If you don’t believe me, try leaving a slice of bread out for a few days.  Well, on this Christian journey, you too, can become dried out, if you allow yourself to be left out to dry.  If you constantly go without taking a break, you’ll dry out.  If you constantly give without receiving, you’ll dry out.  If you constantly listen to folks problems without someone to listen to yours, you’ll dry out.  In order to be able to breathe after you’ve stopped, you have to be revived.  Once you’ve been revived, then you have to be rejuvenated.  You do know that when you’ve been rejuvenated, you are being restored to an original or new state, right?  2 Corinthians 5:17 say “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

If just for one day, take the time to be rejuvenated.  There is only one you and once you’re gone, you can’t be replaced. Spend some time alone, resting and meditating on God’s word.  When you are strong, you are capable of defending yourself against the devil’s attacks but when you’re weak, your guards are down.  When you are strong, you are able to help somebody up who may have fallen, but if you’re weak you’ll probably get pulled down reaching out to them.  When you’re strong, you can whether the storms that come into your life, but when you’re weak, you’ll run and hide as soon as the thunder starts.  When you are strong, you are able to handle the death of a loved one, but when you are weak, you’ll allow it to consume you.  You are strong because God has built you with unbelievable strength.  Don’t believe me, read Isaiah 40:29 which say “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”  Still don’t believe me, read Psalm 29:11 that say “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

If just for one day let go and let God handle all the things that have you burdened down.  If just for one day, smile instead of crying.  If just for one day, love instead of hating.  If just for one day, pray for someone instead of gossiping.  If just for one day, help somebody instead of hurting.  If just for one day, live like there is no tomorrow.  If for just one day, stop worrying about the past because you can’t change it no way.  Matthew 6:27 say “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”  If for one day, stop worrying about the future because it isn’t promised.  Matthew 6:34 say “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  There isn’t much sense in worrying about things that you can’t change.  So if you would, if just for one day, let God handle your problems.  He is much more capable of getting them fixed faster than you or I can.  Just have a little faith and trust in him.  He’ll see you through every time.  Colossians 1:11 says “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” 

Daily Devotional – 12/4/11 “Sunday Prayer”

Our Father which art in Heaven; I come petitioning your throne of mercy today. Lord, I’ve got to first thank you because when I laid down on last night you protected me, my family and my home from the dangers lurking outside and even those that were possibly on the inside. Lord, even though I was too tired to kneel and say my prayers you gave me peaceful rest. When daylight broke you put breath back in my body, you gave my eyes sight, my arms and legs movement, my mind thoughts and strength to get up. When I heard my spouse get up, I was blessed. When I heard the kids moving about, I was blessed once again. When I flipped the switch I had lights, when I turned on the faucet I had warm water, I had food in the refrigerator; oh God, blessings too numerous to count and for that Lord, I just can’t thank you enough. You continue to bless me even when I’m not worthy. Even when I do wrong and sin, as I sometimes do, you still bless me. When I’m too mean to tell you thank you for keeping me, you keep me still. Oh Lord, I can’t make it without you and I’m so thankful that I never have too. When I forget about you in the midst of my busy day, you don’t forget me. When I forget to bow my head before eating, you still give me an appetite. When I forget to pray before bed, you still send rest. When I forget to thank you for my day, you still see me through. Oh Lord, I thank you.

Now Lord, I ask you to bless the person reading this today. I don’t know what they are going through or what they are praising you for, but I thank you for them. Lord, guide their hands to be the best at whatever they choose to do and make them the best person they can be. Lord, send them the answers to the prayers that they are waiting on. Heal their bodies from whatever ails them. Protect their home, job, children, spouse and family. Oh Lord, raise the head of the person who feels defeated today, wipe the tears of the person crying now, comfort the person that’s grieving now. I know that you’re able to do it Lord, because I trust in your word that say you’ll never leave nor forsake us. Lord, you are worthy of all the praise and I will lift my voice to praise you every day.

Thank you for entrusting me with the gifts you allow me to use daily. Lord, I’m praising you in advance for future blessings. I’m storing up my praise for things that are not even in my possession yet but you said if I ask, I’ll receive. I thank you for your word on today. I thank you for giving me what you will have me to say on today. Lord, if one person is touched, if one that use to doubt now believes and if one that sins now repents by your word through this devotional, your work through me is not in vain. Lord I thank you! Bless all on today with the blessings they stand in the need of. I don’t know their concerns, prayers or requests but I know that you’re able to hear them all and after hearing them you can do them! For that I’m grateful.

Thank you for being with me, God, even when I don’t deserve your mercy. Thank you for granting me grace even when I shouldn’t have it. Praise your holy name God! Oh Lord when you shall decide to kiss me to sleep on this side, I shall rest until you call my name to serve eternally with you in the place you’ve prepared for me. God I’ll go for you even if I have to go by myself. I bless your name father for your name is above all names!

This prayer I humbly submit to you on today. Amen