Mother's Day Gift

A mother’s love is so special. It’s something that you can’t describe. Whether you believe your mother to be “Mother of the Year” or not, you are truly blessed because you needed your mother to enter this world. You can always grow from your relationship with your mom. If she was an inspiration, you can emulate her. If she made some mistakes along the way, you could learn from her. Either way, she has gifted you with an irreplaceable gift. Life.

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And as you share this Mother’s Day gift with the world, remember to tell the children in your life about Jesus. After you, yourself, have committed to God, share your commitment over and over again with them. Talk to your children, nieces and nephews, God children, cousins, friend’s children, and neighborhood kids about Christ. Talk about Him when you’re at home and on the road. Talk about Him when you go to sleep and when you get up. It’s the best Mother’s Day gift there is!

She’s my favorite girl

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with a mother. Because of her, You have given me life and a gift. I glorify You by appreciating her for this gift and I will share The Gospel with every child in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Can't Compare

God didn’t bring you this far to leave you. Whatever craziness is going on in your life doesn’t define you. God defines you! You are His creation, created with glorious purpose. And whatever Christ allows you to go through, believe He will work it out for your good.

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Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. Not trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or weapons. Whatever you are suffering right now, it is nothing compared to the glory God will reveal in you. Keep your faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus and seek Him. There you will find rest for your soul and eternal peace for your mind.

Keep moving forward

Heavenly Father, I know You have great plans for my life. Whatever trouble You allow me to face, You have already prepared me to overcome. The suffering I’m experiencing now is nothing compared to the glory You will reveal in me. Thank You for Your rest. Thank You for Your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

After the Storm

This week, strong storm systems formed from the West growing across states into the Midwest. Cities like Kalamazoo, that normally don’t experience tornadoes, were hit. There were rumors of adverse weather, but for the first time as a resident of Kalamazoo, a tornado watch alert overtook my mobile phone as the city’s alarms blared warning us to take cover. After the storm, reports of homes lost, damage to property, and businesses destroyed were shared, but thank God, lives were spared.

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You too will experience loss, discomfort, and sorrows, but take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. After your unexpected storm hits, you can thank God you still have life, and you have His peace. You don’t have to wait until there are rumors of storms to take cover. You can take cover in Christ right now while the sun is shining on you, while friends are smiling, and times are good. So, when your storm does hits, you’re already covered in His peace. And even if it feels like you’re all alone after the storm, remember Jesus said He would never leave you, nor forsake you. He’s with you after the storm, in the storm, and before the storm.

You’re covered!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your peace in my storm. You said You would never leave me, nor forsake me. I can take heart knowing that You have overcome the world and I am covered in You. Please comfort those across the land who have experienced any loss due to storms. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let God Do It

You know how I get in trouble all the time? By trying to take God’s place. I find very often that the thing I need in life, I go absolutely out of my way trying to work to get it, when God wants to do it for me. Example, you ask. Sure! Peace on my job. I try all kinds of ways to obtain peace; bending over backwards, pleasing people that couldn’t care less or stressing about what people think about me, when God simply said, if you want peace, keep your mind on Me.

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Do yourself a favor… Get out of God’s way! He’s an awesome God and great King of all the earth. He’s promised to provide everything you need. You only need to obey His word. He is ready to subdue entire nations on your behalf. He is ready to put your enemies beneath your feet. Let God do it! You can’t do what God can do so don’t waste time trying. Instead, use your time wisely by thanking Him in advance for what He said He would do and start your praise party today!

Won’t He do it?

Heavenly Father, it’s already done, in Jesus’ name. I have peace. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I am the head and not the tail. I am more than a conqueror. I can do all things because You give me strength. My enemies are my footstool. Thank You for doing it for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Everything is Beautiful

The beginning of Ecclesiastes chapter three explains what we can expect out of life. There is a time for everything, and if we’re blessed to live life long enough, we will experience a bit of just that – everything. This scripture prepares the Believer so that when “everything” does indeed happen, we have full understanding it is God’s will, and He has made everything beautiful for its own time.

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I took a short break from writing. (I’ve missed you too!) During this break I’ve received promotions, was elected Chapter President of my Fraternity, maintained responsibilities as Chairman of our Deacon’s Ministry, buried my mother, and recently graduated with my Masters. It was God’s timing to reorganize and reprioritize the many things I juggled. And though I could not see the whole scope of God’s work, I knew it was Him working - and that was enough. Today, whatever you’re juggling, allow God full control. It’s OK to say, “No.” It’s OK to take a break. It’s OK to be happy. It’s OK to simply breathe. There is a time for everything. And when you understand God’s timing is perfect, everything is beautiful.

Its own time

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your strength. Today, I give You full control over my schedule, my dealings, my life. Your timing is perfect. I see Your hand at work in my life - and everything is beautiful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Gain in Christ

Can you remember the last thing you gave up for the sake of Christ? Did you sacrifice working overtime so you could attend bible study? Maybe you gave up smoking marijuana or binge eating. Perhaps you stopped cursing or the gossiping that once made you the “cool kid.”

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For some, the above examples may not be significant or life altering events, but they can contribute significantly to hindering your walk with Christ. Don’t allow fear to enter your heart or mind and intimidate you into thinking you can’t accomplish what Christ has already empowered you to do. Whatever you sacrifice, replace that void with something Christ-centered. You’ll soon see what you gain in Christ is well worth the loss.

Goals and boundaries

Heavenly Father, I will step out in faith and give my life away to gain eternity in You. I have the strength through You to give up things of my flesh to gain the blessings You have stored for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Victory to the Anointed

Scripture says that Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for prisoners, and to set the oppressed free. After Christ left the earth, He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. As a believer you too are anointed, chosen for a specific purpose in furthering God's Kingdom just as God anointed and chose Jesus. This anointing not only means He blessed you with spiritual gifts, but also His protection, empowerment, and victory.

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God has stored victorious power in His right hand for you to receive through your anointing. There’s no reason for you to walk in lack, hopelessness, or defeat. Boldly go to Christ and lay your problems at His feet. Allow Him to answer you from His heavenly sanctuary. The victory you search for is already yours. Claim it today over all the concerns and obstacles that stand in the way of your victory lap!

I’m walking victoriously

Heavenly Father, I am anointed and claim Your victory today. Thank You for answering me from Your heavenly sanctuary when I call. I am victorious in all I do! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stand Firm

Scripture says there is no temptation new to man. That means, whatever you’re going through, there’s someone else who has experienced the same. Satan is the father of lies. He can really be convincing in his trickery, but stand firm in your faith and resist him. There is nothing Satan can do to you without God’s permission. So, if God is always in control, then you have nothing to fear.

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Remember, Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion. You catch that? “Like.” He’s not even a real lion. Lions roar as a tactic to intimidate and let other animals know they’re there. It’s ok to acknowledge the enemy’s tactics, but understand he has no power over you or the God in you. When you need to be encouraged, recall those family, friends, or biblical giants who experienced the same sufferings that you may be experiencing today and stand firm in your faith. If God delivered them, He surely can deliver you.

Same God yesterday. Same God today.

Heavenly Father, I will resist Satan and stand firm in my faith. I know You have delivered my family and friends from the same kind of sufferings and will deliver me too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Don't Have To

Have you taken a look around today? It seems like everyone is into something destructive lately. Every corner you turn is a new weed spot. Drug addiction is at a record high. Ratchetness is ratcheting up and the most common laws are being broken just because. You would think that nobody cares about anyone or anything.

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Whether this is your outlook or reality, it doesn’t have to be. The world has its agenda, and you don’t have to follow it. Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t give you an excuse to. You have been called with a purpose. You have a Kingdom agenda. Wide is the gate to destruction and though it may seem appealing at times, stay the course Christ has for you. In those tempting, trying times, call on the Lord for strength. Your family needs you. Your friends need you. Your community needs you. So, if the world around you is going to hell in a handbasket, you don’t have to. Remain the godly example Jesus has called you to be.

Be the light

Heavenly Father, forgive me for trying to do life without You. I know I can rely on You to carry me through whatever hardship I may experience. You are my rock and my salvation. Thank You for being my shield and lifting my head to experience Your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rely on God

2024 has gotten off to a rocky start for me and my family. We’ve experienced disappointment, financial crisis and health issues that we didn’t see coming. It’s literally been one thing after another. We’re blessed to have family and friends praying for us and encouraging us, but what about the times when no one is around? When those small, doubtful voices get louder and louder.

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In those times remember to rely on God. He is your shield that protects you from dangers seen and unseen. When you’re down and out, and those doubtful voices creep in, it’s God who will lift your head above all your despair. And sometimes you’re going to have to encourage yourself. You’re going to have to speak scripture into your life and situation. When you rely on God you won’t drown in your tidal wave. You won’t get burned in the fire. You’ll only come out protected with your head held high.

Look to the hills

Heavenly Father, forgive me for trying to do life without You. I know I can rely on You to carry me through whatever hardship I may experience. You are my rock and my salvation. Thank You for being my shield and lifting my head to experience Your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Once You're In...

I was presented with a very interesting question over the weekend. An older person asked me if it was possible to lose your salvation? Their concern was if they did some wrong things, and got off track in life, would they still be saved. I quickly told them, “No!” and not to entertain tricks of the enemy. I reminded them that once you’re saved, you’re always saved, and nothing, or no one, can change that.

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When you accept salvation, you become sealed by the Holy Ghost, in Christ Jesus, in the righteous righthand of God. That’s triple protection! For you to lose your salvation, the enemy would have to go through God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to get to you. So, once you’re in, you’re in! If you’ve gotten off track, come back to Christ and get back on track. He’s waiting for you. He’ll never leave you. He’s still got you in His hand. And no one is able to snatch you out of it.

No, never!

Heavenly Father, thank You for never giving up on me. You said in Your Word that You would never leave me or forsake. Please forgive me of my sin. I am available to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do Something New

How many times have you heard a person say they are going to change something about themselves, but it’s going to take time? They may say, “I’m going to stop being mean to people, but it’s going to take time.” Or maybe you’ve heard someone say, “I’m going to go back to church once I get myself together.” Well, my friend, that’s not the spirit that God wants you to have when it comes to changing for the better.

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When God wants you to do a new thing, He’s already blessed you with the ability to do so. “It’s going to take time” is a trick of the enemy. When God does a new thing, it springs forth. When He said, “Let there be light,” light didn’t show up next week! It was immediately. It doesn’t take time to forgive someone. You make the decision and you do it. It doesn’t take time to walk with Christ. Obey the one scripture you know today, and Jesus will give you another tomorrow. It doesn’t take time to do something new. With man, things are impossible. With God, all things are possible.

Don’t delay

Heavenly Father, thank You for doing a new thing in me. I will not give into the enemy by procrastinating but do what Your Holy Spirit is directing me to do immediately. Thank You for Your will, Your Power, and Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Make Good Habits

Researchers have determined that it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become a habit. Alcoholics Anonymous reports that replacing a habit with an equally time-consuming habit yields the best results in kicking a bad habit. The brain cannot distinguish between good and bad habits and therefore it is difficult for the brain to unlearn them. Bottom line, the flesh wants what the flesh wants and that’s why we need Jesus!

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We have to consistently renew our minds daily and walk in the Spirit. And renewing our minds takes us feeding it with things that are spiritual to replace and overcome things our brain tells us we want. We don’t need to smoke weed to feel better or forget our problems. We don’t need to make that purchase we can’t really afford to impress people we don’t really like. What we need is more Spirit. More Word. More Jesus. And with Christ it doesn’t take 66 days to break a bad habit. He already broke it for us on Calvary. We only need to accept what Christ did and start making good habits.

Break it today!

Heavenly Father, I realize there is freedom walking in the Spirit. I no longer have to give into my flesh, but instead, give my flesh to You. I will feed my Spirit with Your Word to replace the world that’s in my mind. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Power Over Fear

It’s pretty darn human to think “what if” in life. What if I run out of gas in the middle of nowhere? What if I forget my speech in front of the audience? What if I’m confronted with racism? What if I can’t pay my bills next month? What if my health fails? We’re surrounded by “what if’s” every day, but never forget you’re surrounded by a Savior who can – and will – deliver you from all your fears.

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It’s OK to think about worst-case scenarios. After all, you need to plan and be prepared in life. It only becomes a problem when you think about them over and over again. That’s when thoughts cripple you and begin to consume and arrest your development. When you allow fear to move in it renders you hopeless and unable to hear God’s voice. Just remember to seek the Lord when entertaining the “what if’s” of life. It is then your heart and mind will become infused with positivity and productivity instead of negativity and destruction. Christ will deliver you from all your fears, but you have to seek Him. Call on the name of Jesus and activate your power over the tricks of the enemy today.

Thoughts have power

Heavenly Father, I made the choice to seek You today over the what if’s of life. I know You can, and will, deliver me from all my fears. Today, I walk in Your freedom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Community

I often hear of times where our neighborhoods were close knit and supported one another in their times of need. I’ve heard about rent parties to help individuals raise funds so that they would not become evicted. I’ve heard about neighbors discipling children that weren’t their own when they were caught doing wrong. It seems these support systems have dwindled away and the concern for our neighbor has decreased over the years.

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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. You can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be.” To achieve this, it takes community. It takes me not only looking out for my interests, but also my neighbor’s. It takes me embracing the idea that I’m not blessed until my neighbor is. God blesses us to be a blessing to others and your blessing is in serving those in our community.

More than a day of service

Heavenly Father, I am blessed so that I can be a blessing to others. You have given me victory so I can help others become victorious in You. I will no longer be consumed by my own interest, but the interest of others until we are all blessed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You'll Understand Later

There’s a lot of things my mother did for her three sons growing up that I didn’t understand as a child. I couldn’t understand why she told me “No” for things that I wanted so bad. I couldn’t understand how giving me a whooping hurt her more than it hurt me! I couldn’t understand how she could give me the food off her plate just because I asked for it. It wasn’t until I got my own kids that I began to realize what she was doing, but she didn’t explain it back then. I couldn’t understand then. She knew later on in life I’d understand.

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Everything you ask of Jesus He may not bless you with right away. You may think you’re ready, but He knows you’re not ready yet. COVID-19, shelter in place, can’t vacation, can’t visit family and friends may all seemed like punishment back then, but God had a plan. It wasn’t what God was stopping you from doing, but maybe He was stopping something from happening to you. Whatever the case, God is in control and everything He does, and allows, is for your good. You may not realize what He’s doing, or why, but just continue to pray and listen. Trust me. You’ll understand later.

The Good Parent

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the ultimate Good Parent. I know You love me and everything You do for me is for my own good. I may not realize what You are doing, but I know You’ll help me understand later. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Him

What if you tapped into your true potential? What if you totally gave yourself to Christ and allowed your faith to guide your every step? What if you truly believed who God said you are? Today, you no longer have to wonder what if. Live your life today knowing you are complete in Him. There is no lack in you. You have everything you need to become who God designed you to be.

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In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. That’s the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Do you realize how much power that is? All that power lies in you. There’s no failure in you. There’s no defeat in you. No darkness. No fear. You are complete in Him. And if that be true – which it is – then allow nothing that is not of Christ to reside in you. In you are miracles, love, truth, peace and power. Turn the world upside down because you are complete in Him and it’s time you showed it!

You are complete!

Heavenly Father, I am complete in You. Everything I need is in You. Thank You for Your power. Thank You for Your Son and Your Spirit. I am unstoppable in You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Ready Student

In Greg Harden’s book, Stay Sane In An Insane World, there’s a quote Tom Brady used in the forward that says, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” The seven-time NFL Super Bowl Champion was illustrating that no matter how much Greg taught him and spoke into his life, it would have no effect until he was ready to accept those words, apply them, and do the work. Tom sat under Greg’s coaching day after day, but nothing changed for him until he made the decision to do what Greg said.

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We have the ultimate teacher in Jesus Christ. In His Word He tells us how to have life, and life more abundant. He tells us how to treat one another. He tells us how to receive His precious promises. But until we make the decision to do what Jesus says, the Word of Truth will have no effect in our lives. Until we decide to do the work, our faith is dead. When we’re ready to receive God’s Word and commit to executing it, He will appear to us and reveal His plan for us. It is then we will achieve greatness and our lives will never be the same.

Be doers of the Word…

Heavenly Father, I commit to be more than a hearer of Your Word, but a doer. I am ready to execute Your Word and bring You all the glory and praise through my blessed life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ready For This

Whenever I’m given a task at work, it’s accompanied with whatever resources I need to get the job done. If I need to collect data, the company provides a laptop. If I need to store that data, the company provides the software. If it’s a strategy I’m not familiar with, the company provides training. Bottomline, the company trusts that I am capable of finishing the task and therefore provides all I need to do it.

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Whatever God is asking you to do He’s going to provide all you need to do it. He will never ask You to do something you cannot do. God already knows you are capable of doing what He asks because He created you. You’re the one that needs convincing! Plus, God is working in you and giving you the desire and the power to do what please Him. That means He won’t allow you to fail. Now, what He asks will be bigger than you, but that’s okay because He will provide the people to help you. And guess what? You don’t get to pick those people! Just know when you start moving, He will start sending every resource you need – and even ones you didn’t know you needed.

My God shall supply…

Heavenly Father, I believe that I am what You see. I am capable. I am victorious. I am free. I am more than a conqueror. Thank You for giving me desire. Thank You for giving me Your power. I feel You working in me to do what pleases You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If He Said It...

I love movies! Before streaming movies became popular, my DVD collection was upwards of 2,000 plus! My friends and I like to use movie quotes in everyday life situations. (It helps to laugh at life every once in a while.) No matter how famous, people misquote movie lines all the time. For example, Darth Vader never says, “Luke, I am your father” in Star Wars. He actually says, “No. I am your father.” I know, I know! You may think it’s small, but not knowing exactly what was said can change the whole movie.

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You know what’s more important than knowing famous movie lines? Knowing scripture! Just as knowing a movie quote can change the entire movie, knowing scripture can change your entire life. When you know what God said, you can expect to receive it. There are so many blessings you ask Christ for in prayer that you don’t have to pray for. You don’t have to pray for peace, increase, or healing. He already told you in His Word how to get those blessings and more. And if He said it, it will not return to Him void. It will be done in your life and prosper in the thing for which He sent it.  Don’t ask for it. Obey for it.

What did He say?

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that gives me life. Open my heart and mind to receive Your Word and to do what it says knowing that it will not return to You void, but it will accomplish what You please. In Jesus’ name. Amen.