I pray this week’s devotional finds you in a place of peace and hope in Christ Jesus. How was your summer? I hope you set aside some enjoyable time for yourself or with your family.
Self care is extremely important. You are one of a kind with a special and unique spiritual and physical fingerprint. Your assignments are specific to your gifts, talent, anointing, and calling.
If we are not conscious about our self care, then we can burnout and run out of steam and/or motivation. I encourage you to set aside time for yourself and time with God.
If your days are full, like mine, I understand that setting aside time can feel like you are being unproductive, or even selfish. Think of it this way, if Jesus set aside time to be alone and have time with God and time with himself, how are we different?
Typically, I add a scripture passage to the devotional. However, this week, I want you to listen to this song in your alone time and pay close attention to how God speaks to your heart. Please share with us, as you feel led, what passages you heard or were led to read.
I love you with the amazing and everlasting love of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Go in peace, while serving and praising the Lord.
I pray this week’s devotional finds you in the perfect peace of God. No matter what is going on in our lives, the Peace of God is consistent.
What are some signs that we are walking in peace, God’s peace? What do the scriptures have to say about the Peace of God? Why is it so important to dwell in a mind and heart of peace?
The peace of God commands how we respond to any situation. The peace of God calms us to a state of knowing that whatever it is, God has already made a grace-filled provision to handle it. Being still also strengthens our faith muscles. We understand, by faith, that by trusting in and relying on the perfect peace of God, we have nothing to fear.
I especially love the clarifying and descriptive words of the Amplified Bible in this passage about Peace. Read the passage below, taking in every word.
Scriptures of Peace
Colossians 3:14-16
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].
15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
16 Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
Songs of Peace…
Final Words…
Family, be steady in your faith walk. Make every step an act of worship. Be mindful of your words, your energy, and your actions. Plant seeds in your life that will bring forth good fruit (because your fruit will always tell on you…good or bad).
I love you with never-ending and amazing love of God. May your hearts and minds be forever on and in Him.
Family, if you didn’t get a chance to read last week’s devotional, I encourage you to read it now and then come back and read today’s message.
Last week, we walked in love and asked ourselves if there was anything that we had replaced God with in our lives. We said that in the coming days and weeks, we were going to search our hearts with the help of the Holy Spirit for anything that we worshiped above God.
In the Ten Commandments, the most important thing to remember, if we don’t remember anything else, are the first and second commandments. The scripture directs us to search ourselves. Have we put anything in front of God’s Throne? Have we made a physical, mental, or spiritual connection with something or someone that is standing in the way of our full access to Throne Room of God?
The scripture for today is a question as well as a directive. What are the greatest commandments? I had to ask God for forgiveness. As the Holy Spirit searched my soul, I was shown the areas that had pushed God out.
Scriptures for Direction..
Matthew 22:34-40
New International Version
The Greatest Commandment
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a]38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Worship Through Sacrifice…
This week, I have been spiritually cleaning house. I’m clearing my path back to the Throne. As I laid bare before God, the sounds that came out of my heart, as I travailed before him, was from the deepest part of my heart and soul. I asked God for forgiveness for placing anything before him.
In Genesis 22, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his most precious gift, his son Isaac. The scripture says that Abraham packed up and headed toward the location God gave him to sacrifice Isaac? When God saw that Abraham loved God more than anything or anyone, THEN THE RAM APPEARED.
There is a place of blessing that God is preparing us for, but first we must take our “Isaac” to the altar and be willing to sacrifice it because we don’t want anything to separate us from God.
Is there anything you use to “cope” or “manage” your feelings? Is there someone you always run to who makes you “feel” better? Those things and people are your “Isaac” if you go to them BEFORE you go to God.
Please hear me. If you have a medical condition that you are taking prescription medications for, that is not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about those things or people that numb the pain. Go to God. Give it to God. Lay it on the altar and sacrifice it.
I love you all with the amazing and everlasting love of our Lord and Redeemer Jesua Christ. May your journey to healing and wholeness be blessed. I’m joyfully and prayerfully walking with you. You are not alone. Travel Light. His Yoke is easy.
I send my love to you. I encourage you to have joy and to be at peace. Even though the peace and the joy of the Lord are freely given, sometimes we as humans carry so much stress, pain, and other things that it prevents us from knowing how to release control and allow God to handle “it.” I like to call those things Spiritual Weeds. The weeds become evasive and over time they strangle our relationship with the Lord.
What would it take for us to know that we can trust God? What would it take to release those things that God has clearly said, “Let me carry the load. Please let go.”
I understand that we are used to being in control. We are taught to be the masters of our own destiny. As believers, we have read and studied that more than anything God does not want any other god to be put in His place.
When we show God that we believe we can manage the situation better than he can, we are pushing God off the Throne and takung his place. God is forced to let go until we get to a point that we surrender whatever it is that we are trying to control, fix, or change.
Are you tired yet? Have you lost enough sleep yet? Are you using substances to try and numb the feelings? If so, it’s time to give it to God.
Scriptures of Hope
(Scripture 1) Matthew 11:28-30
New International Version
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Scripture 2) 1 Peter 5:6-8
Amplified Bible
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, 7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.
Song of Hope
Family, I love you, and I am sending so much love your way. I know the thought of letting go of whatever you may be holding my be scary, but trust me, God is big enough to handle it.
Allow God to place his yoke of peace and joy on you in exchange for whatever you are carrying.
I pray this week’s devotional finds you in a place of peace and joy. This week, on my Facebook page, I honored my mother in celebration of Juneteenth.
Why celebrate my mom? Two reasons, my mother was my first role model and the first Bible I ever read. A child, under the age of five years old, has no full understanding of what it means to be a Christian. The only examples I had were my mom and dad.
Growing up, my father’s first love was music. My Dad played the organ while my mom and other family members sang in the choir. My mom taught me how to pray the Lord’s Prayer. She also taught me to talk to God any time. She would always say, ” If you are ever scared, just pray and talk to God.
My mom was a Civil Rights Activists, a Social Worker, and a part of the Big Sister Program. The one thing I always saw is that my mom loved helping people. No matter what they looked like, smelled like, what their political position was, or who a person loved, my mom saw everyone as a Child of God that deserved love.
Scriptures of Love
Luke 6:32-36
New International Version
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Songs of Sharing God’s Love
Danny Gokey
Precious Family, if we say that we love God but don’t love our brothers and sisters that are different from us, how can we love? The Word says that it is easy to love someone who loves you. Are we guilty of loving ONLY when it’s easy? I hope not. Where would we be if God did that to us.
I will tell you a secret. The more you give love and share it with the world, the more love will come to you. Whatever kinds of seeds you plant Think on these things. Love NEVER FAILS!!!!
I love you with the amazing and everlasting love of Christ Jesus our Lord, Savior. Redeemer, and Wayshower.
I heard a song by Smokie Norful a couple of weeks ago. The song went straight to my pain. When I tell you that I was having a bad that day, it would be an understatement. I was questioning so many things. I needed reassurance, from God, that I was going in the right direction.
I was driving home from work, the song “I Still Have You” came on. In that moment, God was telling me that he knows my heart and my desire is to please Him. Some days, it feels like so many things are taking my time, and I’m running from one task to another.
I remember, when I was younger, I would spend hours reading the Word, singing and worshipping God. I would dance before Him and then I would feel the Holy Spirit’s presence enter the room. I would instantly fall to the ground and bow or lay prostrate.
Sometimes, I miss my life when it was just me and God. However, I know that my time with God has been preparing me for my life now.
Scriptures of Grace…
Ephesians 2:8-9
New King James Version
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
I pray that this song, by Pastor Smokie Norful, blesses you as much or more than it blessed me.
Song of Hope...
I love you all with the amazing and everlasting love of our Lord, Savior, and Way Shower, Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen.
I pray that this devotional finds you in a place of perfect peace. When I say, “Perfect Peace,” I don’t mean that everything in your life is perfect. The peace I’m talking about is not like what the world would call peace. The peace I’m speaking of is the peace that comes from the Lord.
In the 14th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus is preparing the disciples for His departure. He is also preparing them for the arrival of the Holy Spirit.
There is always a process and an order with God. First the birth, then the life, then the death, then the resurrection, then the gift of the Comforter to continue teaching where Jesus left off while he was there in the flesh.
Scriptures of Hope
John 14:23-27
New International Version
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Song of Hope
So many times, one of the hardest things for us to do is to simply let go and let God lead. Please trust that if God brought you/us this far, He will continue to be faithful to bring us all the way home.
If you don’t know how to let go, just ask God. God never sleeps or slumbers. God is always available to listen. More than anything, God just wants to spend time with you. No fancy prayers are required. Just lay your head on God’s chest and talk. Be sure to have an open heart so that you will be able to listen.
I love you with the amazing and everlasting love of our Redeemer and Lord, Jesus, The Christ.
I have enjoyed seeing so many friends and family members post graduation pictures from Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, colleges and universities. What an amazing adventure. The joy of crossing over from one season in your life to another.
All of these graduates have one thing in common. They are leaving the known and stepping into a new unknown season. This time is exciting, but it can also be a little scary. Most people are a little apprehensive about change, even if it’s positive.
No matter what, I encourage you to be strong and sure, knowing that if God has walked with you this far he will continue to do so. One thing my husband always says is, “God hasn’t brought me this far to leave me.”
Scriptures of Hope
New International Version
Joshua 1:1-8
Joshua Installed as Leader
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Songs of Worship and Hope
Maverick City Music
Be encouraged, Family. God has prepared a place for you. You have trained, studied, and have been tested. You have graduated from the level you were on. Take a deep breath and Trust God.
I encourage you to spend a few minutes with God, every day, during the most peaceful and quiet time of your day. Ask the Lord how he wants to be worshipped through you. Stay close to his heart, so that you can hear the whisper of his voice.
I have a question for you. When you hear the word “awesome,” what attributes do you think of? The Oxford dictionary says, “stunning, amazing, breathtaking, astounding, extremely impressive, inspiring great admiration, and amazing.“
Scriptures of Hope
Psalm 47:1-7
New International Version
Psalm 47
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
2 For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. 3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. 4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.
5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. 7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.
Song of Praise
Family, when I think about the goodness of God and ALL He has done in my life, I have to pause and just say, “Thank You, Lord.”
Your homework this week is to find scripture passages in the Bible that let God know you feel.
I love you with the amazing and everlasting love of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus, The Christ.
Since last Wednesday’s Devotional, there has been a reoccurring theme in the conversations I’ve had with several close people in my life.
The topic that the Holy Spirit keeps bringing up is regarding leaning NOT on our limited understanding but instead to trust God and the instructions he is giving us, no matter how they may sound. The Word of God is very clear when it comes to our understanding and God’s infinite wisdom.
Word of Instruction
Proverbs 3:5-6
New International Version
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.[a]
Trust and independence are two attributes that tend to bump heads. Typically, a person that is very independent, likes to be in control of the world around them. One of the hardest things for most people is to release control to someone else.
The main reason why there is so much hesitation in trusting God is that the person can not be in control of the outcome. However, trusting in the Lord and surrendering our will to His is a true faith walk as well as a daily act of worship.
We must understand that God’s Word is full of amazing blessings and promises when we put our whole trust in him.
Our prayer today needs to be a prayer of trust and faith. We must understand that the Holy One, who knew us even before we were in our mother’s womb, is the same Holy One that knows us now. We were created with a purpose. Trust God and believe that if you ask in faith, Jesus will…
Homework
Over the next week, study the Bible for passages about trusting in the Lord and having faith in the Lord. If you feel led, share with me what passages you read and how they helped you.
Song of Worship and Faith…
I love you with the amazing and everlasting love of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus, The Christ.
Sacred Journey Devotionals - Where Christianity and Metaphysics Meet 