GOD LED

   Most times in life, we miss great treasures as we go about our daily lives… One of such is found in the book of Joshua 2:1b. Having read this passage so many times, I missed so great a treasure contained in this verse but discovered it recently: "…And they went and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab. And they stayed there." Seeing it again and by the help of the Holy Spirit, I began to ask the right questions for the first time. "WHY DID THEY ENTER THE HOUSE OF RAHAB?" I want to believe that her house is not the only...

Not now

“Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (Hebrews 10:35) Have you been praying and believing for something that seems like it’s taking a lot longer than you anticipated? Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their “due season” come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today; your answer is closer than you think! If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just...

Forgiveness

If I were to ask you to name something that Christians struggle with, what would your response be? If someone were to ask me that question, my response would have to be forgiveness. Forgiveness is not something that comes naturally to people. Much of this comes the conditioning the world administers to us even at an early age. We are taught not to let others take advantage of us. We are taught to stand up for ourselves and our rights. We are taught these and other similar things time and time again. Sometimes people we know either do something or say something to which we take exception. Often...

- Fear -

We all battled with the fear at different times - this is a feeling that can paralyze our journey. Doubt, insecurity and fear, in any way, prevent us from walking in the plans God has for us. Many times we are afraid to acknowledge our capabilities , we fear 'cause don't see beyond the whats happening or even by lack of faith. Different from what the world thinks, you can confess your fears, and when this is done the way wise, produces fruits of daring, because the Lord has pleased us incase of force.The enemy sends fear to torment us. He wants...

Broken

For over 10 years I have been attending or working at churches that participate in taking communion every Sunday. During that time in our worship service there is usually someone who shares a short devotion along with explaining what communion is. Often I've heard the words, "this is my body broken for you." Broken? Is it possible that I've heard that line so many times that I'm losing sight of what it means? Jesus' body was broken for us... I know that He was beaten, flogged, spit on, laughed at, punched, and humiliated. Physically I know...

Tough Love

If you're a parent, you know that one of the most important lessons you can teach your children is the "law of consequences": if you choose to misbehave you're going to suffer the natural and ordained consequences of your acts. Learning what are the consequences of making certain choices, and acting accordingly, is fundamental to "growing up." Notwithstanding all the guidance provided by parents, teachers, and scripture, it's still largely a trial and error process--we end up learning  "the hard way"!That process doesn't end the moment...

I will not sacrifice to the Lord offerings that cost me nothing

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15) Have you ever thought about what it means to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise? That word “sacrifice” means that it cost you something. It means doing something when you don’t feel like it. It’s when you say, “God, I’m hurting, but I give You praise.” “God, I’m lonely, but I give You praise.” “God, it wasn’t fair. They did me wrong, but I give You praise.” But the king replied to Araunah,...

It pain...

  Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,…”Change can reflect our grandest hopes and dreams. It can reveal our greatest fears. On some level we all want change. But many times we are slow to embrace it, almost resistant. When it comes to making changes we are often very patient and understanding with ourselves. We give ourselves great latitude and room for failure. But when the change involves other people we are much more demanding, far less inclined to give them the benefit...

Trusting God

Matthew 19:14 (NET) - But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." God continually blesses me in unique ways. Our church hosted Vacation Bible School this week and I always find this week to be very rewarding. This year’s theme was about trusting God. I had the privilege of teaching two of the adult classes. One night I had to base the class on Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. I taught this class from the perspective of the Disciples, Martha, Mary ...

Life's Necessity

             On one occasion a Jew born in Bethlehem began preaching about the Kingdom of God and the select disciples for an important Ministry. Of course you know what I'm talking about Jesus. This man had grown up in a tough environment. Judea was living on the domain of a cruel and tyrannical Empire, the Roman Empire. The social condition was deplorable, aggravated even more by collecting taxes at exorbitant charged by the emperor. The environment was not the most quiet. The Jewish people listened just...