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). 

What Are Your Issues?

From the beginning of time men and women of God have had issues. For example, Adam obviously wasn't comfortable with his position as head of the household and allowed Eve to deceive him. Now this is a man who walked and talk with God, named every animal on the earth, and God used his rib to form Eve. Why would he listen to her? Eve was insecure about her place in life and allowed Satan to deceive her out of paradise. Seriously think about it. She was the only woman on earth. She was perfect and living in paradise. What was she insecure about? David refused to address his family problems and allowed lust to lead him in making wrong decisions. This is a man who killed lions and bears as a shepherd boy and was the only one brave enough to go after the giant Goliath. But he was afraid to address his children concerning their behavior, and not strong enough to look the other way? We all have issues "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). It doesn't matter what title you hold, how long you have been saved, or your educational status. We all have issues that we deal with. The amazing part to me, the part that I praise God for is that God still used the great men and woman of the Bible to glorify His name in mighty ways, issues and all, and he will do the same thing for us. Haven't you noticed that God specializes in using the people who are counted as nothing by man's standards and transforms them into Christ’s love to do his will? Glory to God! Believe by faith that God will heal and deliver every issue you may be dealing with.  It’s a promise!

Dear Lord, for every issue, unresolved emotional pain, and addiction, we release it to You believing by faith in Jesus Christ that we are healed and made whole by Your precious blood. Thank You for dying on the cross so that we may have life and have it more abundantly, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.