And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. “But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev 21:5-8

Although this scripture is speaking of the new heavens and new earth when Jesus returns it can also be applied to our lives when we made the decision to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. God never intends for us to stay the same spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or materially. We can examine the great men and women of God in the Bible as well as Christians today that have dedicated their lives to serving Christ, he never left them as they were he continued to elevate them in every way. Although the elevation and change is a blessing to us the main focus is for God to receive the Glory so that others may see the manifestation of how wonderful and awesome our God is, in hopes that they too may believe and make God their Lord and Savior walking in the obedience and favor of his word.

For 2015 I am making a conscious effort to reach others so they may know the love and goodness of God. The cornerstone for Christ dying on the cross for our sins is so that we would have life. As his disciples we have a command to tell others about the gift that saved us. We are all priest and ministers of God being most effective in our daily walk with others. I am asking God to place individuals in my path this year so that I may have the privilege of telling them about Christ to plant a seed that God will grow so they too will experience the greatest gift of all which is Jesus Christ.  Won’t you join me?

Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. Psalm 2:8 NIV

 

As we come to the close of another year I pray that you will reach and stretch for the goals that are deep in your spirit. I pray that you will believe God’s word and remind him of his promises to you, “do not give him any rest” until you see the manifestation of his word in your life. We serve a loving, faithful God who is able to do all things. Our job is to walk in faith and obedience to his Word, it yields blessings and favor beyond anything we could ever imagine.

I challenge you to take every step in faith this year to experience the manifestation of what God has personally destined for you.  May God show up in your life in 2015 like he has never done before.  

…God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. Isaiah 60:2 MSG

 During the holiday season while many are celebrating and rejoicing some are struggling with loneliness and depression. We as God’s blessed people should take the time out to help others as well as care for ourselves so our spirits stay lifted through Christ Jesus. We have a reason every day to be thankful and grateful because the greatest gift has already been given to us Jesus Christ who continues to pour blessings and favor on our lives continuous. What a mighty God we serve!!!

 Merry Christmas, and keep Christ as your focus…

They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls. 1 Peter 2:22-23 MSG

So many times we are so quick to respond or react to an offensive comment on gesture, however Jesus, the King of Kings & Lord of Lords with all power in His hands was able to “suffer in silence” with the confidence that his Father would handle all things. I believe the detail of Christ response when being persecuted is so clearly described in the Word of God to assure us that we don’t have to fight with those that attack our character. God won the battle for us in silence and power on the cross. Our job is to be obedient in our daily living through Jesus Christ having confidence in him to settles all accounts and provide us with instruction for every situation.  

 

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. Jude 1:24 NLT

The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married, for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. Isaiah 62:3-4

God has not forgotten his promises towards you. Isaiah gives us confidence of this displayed  perfectly in his prayer concerning Jerusalem that can be read as Jesus giving us the confirmation that he loves us and will continually pour blessings upon us from generation to generation. My friend, you are always on Jesus mind and he is working things out giving you the final victory in every situation. The number five symbolizes God’s grace, goodness, and favor towards us. As we move closer into 2015 expect great things, expect God to move in your life personally. Take Isaiah’s advice and “put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes” your every desire. Isaiah 62:6-7

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. Psalm 138.2 ESV

In life we all have moments when we’ve hoped for better outcomes and experienced disappointment. Many times our spirit begins to grow weary and we allow doubt to creep into our hearts. It is in those times that we need to be reminded that based on the word of God we have a guarantee that cannot be broken; all things will work for our good. The Psalmist exclaims that God’s exalted name and word is greater than all things. We can stand on God’s name because it encompasses everything we need strength, power, healing, holiness, provision, and peace. We can stand on his word because he is the Word that has always existed and cannot fail, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”(John 1.1 GWT) Counteract your circumstances, your past, and the negative voices in your ear with the living Word, there is nothing more sure and reliable for “it is sharper than any two-edged sword and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet.” (Hebrews 4:12 GWT)

The grass dries up, the flowers wither, but the decree of our God is forever reliable." (Isaiah 40:8 NET Bible)

Today, God desired me to tell you that “he loves you.” A short message but the most powerful life changing statement you will ever embrace. I pray that you will allow the love of God to encompass every area of your life so that you may experience his glory and walk in his favor as he transforms you into His image.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zeph 3:17 NAS

A Call to Action

…And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book…

2 Thess 2:3-7

Many are baffled by the events of the world today, however if you search the scriptures you will find a clear description of the many tragic events that are taking place on the earth, Jesus did not leave us without understanding. Throughout God’s word he gives a clear description of what will take place before Christ returns to the earth. As Christians our response should be to seek salvation for everyone we meet, plant a seed in the hearts of others so they will have the hope offered through the blood of Jesus. We are living in critical times that demand radical action. We are the elect of God called to bring others to Christ. The call is urgent demonstrated by the many lives lost and the wickedness embraced by the world. Ask God to afford opportunities for you to witness to others so they will consider the gift of life through Jesus Christ.

“Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”  Rev 7:3

Who Do You Run To?

 

We often run to people for comfort when we really should run to Christ, the Chief Physician. When I was thinking about this statement I was reminded of an old song that I thought was secular but after reading the lyrics felt it is clear description of how Christ feels about us and desires to heal the pain in our lives. As you read the words to the song imagine God speaking to your heart. And if you are anything like me download it and listen to it as a reminder that God is always with you through the challenges you are experiencing in your life. Be confident that he cares about everything that concerns you.

Lay Your Troubles Down

by Angela Winbush & Ronald Isley

Lay…your…troubles…down
Lay…your…troubles…down

Give me your heartaches
Give me your pain
In troubled waters I will touch you
And you shall be changed
Give me your sorrows
Your greatest fears
I'll give you tomorrow for your tears
And make theirs disappear
You know my yoke is easy
And my burdens are light
I'll love you like no other
And I'll make things right

Give me your sickness
You shall be healed
Give me your wildest hopes and dreams
And they shall be revealed
Give me your faith
Give me your trust
I want to be closer to your heart
And soul than your own blood girl

Just believe in me
Like I believe in you
Do unto me baby
As you'd have me do unto you

…for He [God]  Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!].  Heb 13:5-6 AMP

Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ (Gen 14:22-23)

I admire the way that Abram protects God’s reputation, he made sure even in his receiving that God was magnified and given glory for the blessings in his life. In essence Abram was all about “blowing” God’s name up on the earth, bragging on his Father’s goodness and protecting his name, and rightfully so. Everything we have, material possessions, health, peace, employment, children, a spouse everything is a result of God’s Grace and Mercy in our lives. The Bible says “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another” (John 1:16 NLT). Our gratitude for the blessings of God should be displayed in our life style and daily walk by letting others know that any goodness in our lives is a result of God’s Grace and Mercy. I personally think we, as Christians would be more effective as disciples if we stepped it up a couple of levels in this area. We are all a living testimony and result of the things that God will and can do when you receive him as your personal Lord and Savior. Let's magnify and glorify the Lord so others can join the family of salvation and experience the love of God in their lives.

Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:3 NLT)

Do You Know Who I Am?

"I am the bread of life" (John 6:35,48,51).

"I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).

"I am the door of the sheep"(John 10:7,9).

"I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11,14).

"I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25).

"I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

"I am the true vine" (John 15:1,5).

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end" (Revelation 21:6).

"I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star"(Revelation 22:16).

There are many scriptures in the Bible that vividly displays the love and character of God, Bible scholars have noted that God speaks of who he is (I am) in multiples of seven in many books of the Bible denoting that all things are complete through him. So my question to you is: Who is God in your life? Have you completely turned him over as your bread of life (provider), Shepherd (the one you seek and follow), and truth? Is he the vine that you hang on to for direction and guidance? Do you make him your first in the morning and your last at night? Have you allowed him to resurrect you from sin and death and he is now your life? God desires to take control of every area of our lives he is in our midst and delights in us. (Zeph 3:17) Praise His Holy Name! When we seek God through his word, prayer, and worship he ultimately demonstrates to us exactly who he is but it’s based on our desire and humbleness to invite him in. His love is so awesome he never forces himself on us but patiently waits for an invitation to saturate our hearts. Selecting what areas we want to give to Christ is not an option if we want to experience the full manifestation of his love that spills over in every area of our lives. I pray that you will be able to continue the list of I am’s based on how God has revealed himself to you as you walk in personal relationship with him.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalms 1

On the days when what you see speaks louder in your head than God’s promises, remind yourself that you have a sealed covenant by the blood of Jesus with benefits. The only correct response to any situation is to do all things based on God’s instructions and guidance. Let your response be “yes” and move by faith. Walk in the confidence that when you follow the Lord’s instructions “everything you do will prosper.” God will honor your faith by trusting in him. STAND on the word of God!!

My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow. It will not come back to me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do." Psalm 55:11

A Thankful Heart

After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." (2 Chronicles 20:21)

Giving God thanks should occur several times a day for Christians. A thankful heart not only keeps us humble but it’s a constant reminder that Jesus reign’s and is in control. Jehoshaphat obviously realized the strength and hope we are filled with when we acknowledge our thankfulness toward God, he appointed specific men to sing praises unto God as they went to the head of the army having direct contact with the opposing military. Spiritually we face an enemy every day but we have a God who has saved us by Grace and allows us direct access to him so he is able to take care of the enemy’s tactics against us. How much more should we be grateful and thankful unto to God for all the marvelous things he has done in our lives? The fact that you are reading this devotional right now should give cause for thankfulness, you are still here which means God has a purpose for your life. The Bible says “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong on the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” I don’t know about you but I need God to show himself strong in every area of my life so as his eyes roam the earth I want him to catch me thanking and praising him for who he is in my life….

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: (here’s the part that messes me up) for his MERCY endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Poised in a  Position of Prayer

Today as people and servants of the only true God and Judge our voices should be in prayer for the family of Michael Brown and so many other families who have lost their Sons by the brutality of police officers. Our attitude, position, and action should be that of Isaiah:  “I have set watchmen upon your walls, O Jerusalem, who will never hold their peace day or night; you who [are His servants and by your prayers] put the Lord in remembrance [of His promises], keep not silent, And give Him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her a praise in the earth. (Isaiah 62:6-7)

Never doubt that God sees and knows all things but he reacts and responds to the prayers of his people.

What Did God Say About You?

Have you ever noticed how many times people will try to put you in a box and try to determine your future based on very superficial circumstances and accomplishments? For example, some people form their opinions based on our size, race, religion, personality type, hobbies, martial status, education, city or state we live, our friends, the car we drive, hair texture, career ...bla...bla...bla…. Aren't you glad God looks at the heart? I believe many people try to put you in a box so they will feel comfortable. What most people don't realize is when you are a child of the most high God they cannot determine your destiny. When God is leading in your life, you don't stay in the same place. You continue to move forward, allowing God to promote every area of your life. The word of God says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born, I separated and set you apart, consecrating you: [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations (Jerm 1:5 AMP). Isn't that awesome? So let’s think about that for a minute. If God approves of you and if your destiny has already been determined by God, man's negative opinions based on outward appearance and situations mean absolutely nothing. Do not ponder those negative words and situations over and over again in your mind. They are designed by the enemy himself to discourage you to the point where you will value man's opinion over that of God, who placed you here for a purpose. This is an area that the enemy uses daily to try to destroy our self-esteem and dreams. Satan will use people, in particular those who have low self-esteem, to try to tell them what they can't do and what they never will become. Beware. They are all lies, pray for those individuals. The enemy has used these lies to cripple us both physically and spiritually. This country is plagued with individuals struggling with depression based on the opinions of others. This is an ongoing attack for many of us, and it’s time to stand up and take authority through the blood of Jesus. We can do this by speaking and believing what the word of God has already destined us to be. Every promise in the Bible is a promise personally to you. Jesus said whatever you ask I will do it. Ask Him to manifest the word of God in your life. I have listed a few of my favorite scriptures below that will assist against this attack of the enemy. Speak these scriptures out loud on a daily basis. Search the word of God for additional scriptures that speak to your heart and use them as a weapon against the enemy.

God is my shield, my glory, and the lifter of my head (Psalm 3:3).

Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation (Psalm 91:14-I6).

In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge (Proverbs 14:26).