On the edge of a season, I sit. Not sure what paths are ahead. I keep my eyes fix and focused on the One who called me, created me and ordained me. My fears are real, in my head, but my heart tells me that it is Well with my Soul. I now stand at the edge of this season, I take a step of blind faith, as I hold my Daddy’s hand.
Good morning, Family:
This morning, before I close out today’s devotional, I want to honor two great human beings. Senator John McCain and Aretha Franklin. Both of these incredible people have lived a life doing what they loved.
Senator Mccain loved this country. He knew that the flag stood for something. He was willing to do whatever it took to make sure that our flag was honored. Senator Mccain loved his family and was a wonderful family man. Today, I honor his life, his work and his heart. May your walk into your next season be peaceful and blessed. Go with God.
Aretha Franklin had a calling on her life from a very young age. Raised in the church, with a voice that could crack open heaven. Aretha’s gift touch millions and millions of lives over her lifetime. Thank you for your dedication to your craft and your calling, Ms. Franklin. May you enter into your next season singing a heavenly New Song. Go with God.
13 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
Romans 3:21-24
Living Bible (TLB)
21-22 But now God has shown us a different way to heaven—not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. 23 Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; 24 yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.
Beloved Family,
There are no words that can convey how much God loves us.
What A Love.
What A Power.
What A Sacrifice.
There is Fountain Filled with Blood
Written by William Cowper
There is a fountain filled with blood,
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains:
Lose all their guilty stains,
Lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in His day;
And there have I, though vile as he,
Washed all my sins away:
Washed all my sins away,
Washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he,
Washed all my sins away.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its pow’r,
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are safe, to sin no more:
Are safe, to sin no more,
Are safe, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are safe, to sin no more.
E’er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die:
And shall be till I die,
And shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.
When this poor, lisping, stamm’ring tongue
Lies silent in the grave,
Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save:
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save,
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save;
Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save.
There is a love that encompasses all of our sins and faults. The grace, mercy and yoke-breaking Blood of Jesus.
There is no sin so great that God cannot forgive you.
There is not a scar so deep that Jesus cannot heal you.
There is not a distance too far that God cannot reach you, with His arms of Love open wide.
I hope this morning finds you doing well and at peace in your heart and soul. I pray that the sound mind of Christ, and the Holy Spirit, would lead you and guide you in all that you do.
My heart is somewhat heavy this morning. As a worshipper of God, my highest desire is to be pleasing to Him. Above all else, I dont want anything from God, I just want God. His presence is the most precious treasure.
My heart hurts because God’s heart hurts. God desires nothing more than to fellowship with His creation. That is why we were made. We were created to worship and walk with God. God’s heart hurts because, in the times that we are in now, people are turning their hearts away from God, unless he gives them what they want.
If you were a parent, how would you feel if your children never wanted to spend time with you unless they wanted something from you? What happens when they dont get their way? Do they pout while slamming doors, screaming, crying, and possibly even running away? How does their reaction make you feel? Now, imagine God’s heart when we do it to Him.
As I have matured, in Christ, over the years, I have learned that there is big difference in one aspect of how people see God. In one group, people either want access to God for what He can do for them. Or, in another group, they want access to God for who He Is.
Please hear my heart. One group is not better than the other. Growing in the knowledge of God, for who he is, takes time. It means building a relationship through intimate worship, prayer and learning. As a matter of fact the act of Praise and Worship is thanking God for all He has done AND WORSHIPPING HIM just for who he is. Its important that we praise God, but even more important that we Worship God just for who He Is.
The bible says that God knows our hearts. He knows when we ONLY want what he can give, and have no desire to know him intimately.
The bible encourages us, as Christians, to seek and chase after God. When we chase God and desire to be in His presence, the result is that God wants to bless us and give us the desires of our heart, as long as it lines up with His will for our lives.
What is the desire of your heart. Is your desire what God can give or is your desire for God Himself?
Lets read Psalm 37.
Psalm 37:1-11
Living Bible (TLB)
37 Never envy the wicked! 2 Soon they fade away like grass and disappear. 3 Trust in the Lord instead. Be kind and good to others; then you will live safely here in the land and prosper, feeding in safety.
4 Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart’s desires. 5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it, and he will. 6 Your innocence will be clear to everyone. He will vindicate you with the blazing light of justice shining down as from the noonday sun.
7 Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who prosper.
8 Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm. 9 For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing. 10 Only a little while and the wicked shall disappear. You will look for them in vain. 11 But all who humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace.
Father, God, we love you. May our hearts’ desire be for you and you ALONE. To be in your presence, in the beauty of your holiness.
I hope all is well with your soul and you are at peace.
I’m here drinking my coffee, as I prepare to begin writing today’s devotional. I just keep seeing a light bulb and hearing the words, “You Light Up My Life.”
If you are old enough, most people think of the popular song by Debbie Boone with the same title. However, when I say the “Light,” I’m speaking of the Light of Christ. We are called to be Lights, in this dark time and place. Now, more than ever, the world needs the Light that offers love, hope, and peace.
Matthew 5:14-16
English Standard Version (ESV)
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
1 John 1:5-7
English Standard Version (ESV)
Walking in the Light
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Be blessed in all you do, today. See yourself as a Light, walking, all throughout the day. People wont know exactly what it is about you, but I’m sure someone will say, “I’m not sure what it is about you, but there is something different about you.” Allow God to shine in and through you today and every day. Use that opportunity to tell others where your “Light” comes from.
If you didn’t already know, I’m an adult student at Ohio Christian University in Morrow Georgia. Last night, in class, we were going over the devotional passage for class.
The passage came from Hebrews 12:1-3. And it reads as such:
Hebrews 12:1-3
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Race of Faith
12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Discipline of God
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
We talked at length about what the passage meant to each of us. For me, I said the passage encourages us to get rid of anything that would slow us down, as we run this Christian race.
I asked the class if they remember the scene from the movie Forrest Gump when young Forrest had braces on his legs. Forrest was trying to run with the braces and brackets on his legs, but it was very awkward for him. What happened next was amazing. Forrest began to run faster, and as he did, the hardware on his legs began to break apart and fall apart. He began running so fast and free that he began to run everywhere throughout the rest of the movie.
We are encouraged to look to Christ. He has already finished the race and as our Wayshower, he has given us both instructions and an example of how to run. He went through every trial and snare, but he finished his race victoriously and is seated at the right hand of God, The Father, interceding on our behalf.
Jesus is saying, “Follow Me,” I have already left you a road map of the race route.
I encourage you, brothers and sisters, in Christ, to keep running unencumbered. Be encouraged by my favorite gospel song from the New Jersey Mass Choir entitled, “Follow Me.”
I love you with an amazing and everlasting love. Run well and keep the faith!!
I WILL, REJOICE, AND BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD IN IT!!!!
Where are my shouting shoes?
Psalm 103
The Message (MSG)
A David Psalm
103 1-2 O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!
3-5 He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
6-18 God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said.
19-22 God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He’s the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says. Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills. Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are— everything and everyone made byGod.
I’m so thankful for each of you and I continually pray for your strength in the Lord. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Do everything in decency and in order. Let no words come from your lips that have not been filtered through the Precious Holy Spirit and Word of God.
Today, I want to encourage you to seek God’s direction BEFORE you make a decision that you are unsure about. Counseling with God prior to making a decision brings forth several things.
First, seeking the direction and counsel from God puts you in right alignment with God. It puts you in a place of submission and it gets you out of the way.
Secondly, when you ask God to order your steps, you are showing God that your faith and trust, in Him, are strong.
Third and finally, when we dont seek God first it creates an even bigger mess. Why? Not only does God have to now take extra time to rescue us from US, but he must prepare the situation/season again. We then must walk in obedience into the direction he had prepared originally.
Hopefully we wont keep making the same mistakes over and over. That gets old really quick. The Sovereignty of God will not allow us to into a higher, more advanced, season if we are not prepared for or equipped to handle.
I wonder how many seasons of blessing and destiny have been missed or delayed because we didnt wait on God’s timing or seek His face.
Philippians 4:5-7
Amplified Bible (AMP)
5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
I encourage us, brothers and sisters, to do things in divine order. Seek the Lord, while He may be found.
Isaiah 55:6-7
King James Version (KJV)
6 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
I love you with an amazing and everlasting love. I want God’s very best for us all.
Pray the Lord’s Prayer today, and every day.
Make saying the Prayer a habit. If you have to say it twenty times a day, do it. It will get you in the habit of praying and seeking God. The Lord’s Prayer gets OUR agenda out of the way and forces us to focus on God.
Be Abundantly Blessed and Obedient, in Jesus name. Amen.
3 There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:
2-8 A right time for birth and another for death, A right time to plant and another to reap, A right time to kill and another to heal, A right time to destroy and another to construct, A right time to cry and another to laugh, A right time to lament and another to cheer, A right time to make love and another to abstain, A right time to embrace and another to part, A right time to search and another to count your losses, A right time to hold on and another to let go, A right time to rip out and another to mend, A right time to shut up and another to speak up, A right time to love and another to hate, A right time to wage war and another to make peace.
9-13 But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? I’ve had a good look at what God has given us to do—busywork, mostly. True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he’s left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he’s coming or going. I’ve decided that there’s nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That’s it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It’s God’s gift.
14 I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
15 Whatever was, is. Whatever will be, is. That’s how it always is with God.
Again, trust God. Trust the process.
Yes, you could spend all weekend worrying about something, but Why?
If you have prayed about it, in faith, and you have said, “God, let your will be done….”
I pray you are staying strengthened in the Lord. I understand that some seasons of our lives may be better than others, but be encouraged and know that every season has a divine purpose.
Proverbs 16:9
New King James Version (NKJV)
9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
This is a very short verse, but it is packed with so much truth. I know there is a plan that we chart out for our lives. Whether it’s the perfect job, the biggest house, the family with 2.5 children and a dog named Spot. Nothing is wrong with wanting any of these things, as long as it is in the will and timing of God.
So how do we know if our will is in unison with God’s will? We seek God. We study the Word. We listen to the Holy Spirit that lives with us.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Matthew 6:10
English Standard Version (ESV)
10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Psalm 37:3-6
New International Version (NIV)
3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous rewardshine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
Keep the faith…
Trust the Process…
It’s not time push yet. Give it full time to grow and mature.
Some of you may not be old enough to have seen the movie The Bodyguard with Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. There is one scene, from the movie, where Kevin’s character is out in woods and snow trying to catch a sniper. The sniper is wearing all white so he is blending in with the snowy landscape. In order for Kevin to find him, he drops to his knees, closes his eyes and becomes completely silent. He is doing this to heighten his hearing, since he cannot rely on what things look like.
The same is true for us, saints. When life gets stressful and you are filled with anxiety and your chest feels like someone is standing on it, Release the Moment. Drop to your knees, go to your secret place, or sit quietly and just allow the Spirit of God to speak to your heart, while in the silence, to lead and comfort you.
Every day, we have to walk out this Christian life. Some days are easier than others, but no matter what, we have to show up for duty. We were called to be Good News Sharers. Remember, we are NEVER alone. God promised to never leave us or forsake us.
On the days when you dont quite “feel” like begin a Christian, remember the words of Jesus and follow his example:
Luke 22:41-42
New King James Version (NKJV)
41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; neverthelessnot My will, but Yours, be done.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
New King James Version (NKJV)
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
I love you with an amazing and everlasting love. Keep the faith, be of good courage and be strong. I’m standing right by your side. We are all in this together. Encourage one another, remember why you said, “Yes” to Jesus.
Good morning, Family:
Sacred Journey Devotionals - Where Christianity and Metaphysics Meet 