GETTING REJECTED

It has been my experience that when I have been rejected from someone whom I really desired to be accepted and loved by, my response is to lash out in anger towards them. This is because they hurt my feelings. Life is just full of different situations where people are not nice to us. God's instructions for us are really clear. We are to be like Jesus and not fight. We also are to forgive them for the way they have treated us.

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

1 Peter 2:23

When they hurled their insults at him(Jesus), he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no treats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

If we walk closely with God, the fruits of the Holy Spirit will help us. A few of them are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self control. it takes two to argue, the best choice we can make is to remove ourselves from the other if a hurtful situation begins. Then talk to a friend we can trust about our frustrations as soon as possible.

The sooner we can do these things the better we can protect ourselves from effects of getting rejected. Many times people don't mean to hurt us, but if we can learn to avoid getting hurt, we will experience a lot less pain when rejection comes knocking on our door.

ARE YOU FOLLOWING JESUS?

When Jesus was on the Earth He called out to a select few by saying: "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."

Are you following Jesus?

Did He call out to you and now you are His follower?

Here are a few tough questions:

Mathew 4:19

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

When was the last time you put into action the intent to tell someone about Jesus?

Has anyone ever dedicated their life to Christ through you having directly brought the message of salvation to them?

Are you catching any men for Jesus?

Are you dedicated to learning about how to win souls for Christ?

It's difficult to understand. People will either go to Heaven or to Hell. The message of how to get to Heaven will be locked up behind our lips if we never try to direct souls towards Christ. Jesus said that He came to save the world. Are you following Jesus? Make a decision today to get educated about how to direct men toward Christ and then start fishing. We have much work to do.

REWARDS FOR PRAYING IN SECRET

This is just a reminder to take time out of our busy schedule today and pray.

Matthew 6:6

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

How much time do you spend having quality prayer time everyday?

Does your prayer life consist of constantly telling God all the day long that you need help with this or that?

Consider making a list of people and things to pray for today. Then, go into your room, close the door behind you and pray in secret for awhile. I could use a reward from the Lord, how about you?

ARE YOU REALLY SAVED?

I remember when I first became born again many years ago, I was part of a street witness team. Every other friday night we would go out somewhere in our city to witness to people about the things of God. Often times, we would sit and speak with people who would be plastered drunk, cursing, smoking, and obviously living a life filled with sin. Many of them will profess that Jesus was their best friend.

How would people live if they have truly surrendered their lives to Jesus?

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

1 John 3:9

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seeds remain in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred and discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

One night one of the street team participant ask me: "These people who claimed to be saved and live a life filled with sin are they really saved?"

I replied: Only God will decide who will and will not enter into the heaven for eternity. The one thing I do know though is that if Jesus comes into our lives, then Jesus should be flowing through us and coming out of our lives."

GOD'S LOVE IS NOT STATIC OR SELF-CENTERED

God's love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. God sets the pattern of true love, the basis of all relationships. Some of us are repulsed by the idea of eternal life because our lives are miserable. But eternal life is not an extension of our miserable, mortal life; eternal life is God's life embodied in Christ, given to us believers now as a guarantee that we will live forever.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God paid dearly with the the life of His son, the highest price for our sins. In return offers us the new life He bought for us for free. For this reason when we share the gospel with others, our love must be willing to give up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God's love too. If you have never trusted God, let this promise of everlasting life be yours today.

WALKING IN HIS LIGHT

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Friends let's not forget this from today into eternity, the path of Jesus is the best one to walk on in this life. Trust Him with your life no matter what! At times we may not know if we are going in the right direction or not, but if we choose to try and follow His steps every day, then we are on the right path.

It is when we stop seeking after Him daily, that we begin to walk in darkness. When we keep our eyes fixed on Him through prayer, Bible studying, worship and fellowship with other serious believers, then we are doing our best to commit our way to His leading.

When we surrender our lives to Him in this way, we begin to experience a real relationship with a living God. That's when; we just know , no matter what, we are going to be OK.

A TRUE WORSHIPER

When we surrender our lives to God and accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, our spirit becomes born again. When our mother brought us into the world, we were born in the natural flesh, but when God caused us to be reborn - it is our spirit that new life is given to. The Bible says, that our spirit bears witness with God's Spirit that we are children of God.(Romans 8:16)

John 4:23

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

John 3:5-6

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

A true worshiper has been spiritually reborn through the power of Christ's death and resurrection. This is the only way to worship in spirit and in truth. Because we have become God's children through surrendering our lives to Christ, our spirit can connect with His Holy Spirit and true worship can happen. Any other type of worship is considered false worship in the eyes of our Lord. You must be born again!!!!

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GOD'S GRACE UPON ME

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GOD'S GRACE UPON ME

GOD'S GRACE UPON ME

In the Christian's world, what does it mean when people say things like God's grace was upon me? Grace is God's ability given to us and upon us. You are saved by it, which means that there is nothing you can do to earn your salvation; it is a gift from God. It is what God has finished for you. I have also seen that the disciples prayed that God's grace would be added to one another often.

The bible says at hand there is a gift of grace, just like there is a gift of faith, leadership, encouragement and others. As we depend on God completely for His ability (grace) to operate through us, then we look to His power working through us, and we no longer have to consider simply our own ability but that God is working through us. That is where the power to overcome difficulties and furthermore to minister to others is discovered. I can accomplish all things through Christ who Strengthens me.

1Cor.15:10
"But by grace of God l am what l am: And His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but l labored more abundantly that they all: Yet not l, but the grace of God which was with me."

Once we get God's grace upon us and working through us, we will be used to touch many peoples lives. When we experience the reality of His grace working through us, we will never again wonder what it means to have it upon us.

WHEN WE ARE IN GOD'S PRESENCE

There are many things that happen when we get into right alignment in the the Holy Spirit's world. In God's presence - nothing is impossible. Many miraculous healing's happen when praise and worship is occurring. Why is this? The Bible says, that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people. Sickness cannot reside in His presence.

Psalm 22:3 (Amplified Version)

But you are Holy, O you who dwell in (the holy place where) the praises of Israel ( are offered).

There's a scripture found in 1 John 4:18 which says: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." God is perfect love. So in His presence all fear disappears.

Jesus turned water into wine. He paid His taxes with a coin from a fish's mouth. The dead were raised of life. When there was no wine left at the wedding, He turned barrels of water into the best tasting wine. On another occasion five thousand people were fed after He gave thanks to His Heavenly Father for a couple of small fish and a few loaves of bread. People who were totally blind could suddenly see when Jesus was around.

We need to make a commitment to get into the presence of God. There are mighty miracles waiting to happen if we could just press into where God is. He does not live in the realm of the flesh. What can we do today to step out of the natural realm and into the realms of the Holy Spirit of God? There is nothing telling what will happen when we get into the Lord's presence. One thing is for sure they are going to be good things that happen.

WHAT HAS GOD SAID?

Without faith the Bible says it is impossible to please God. Jesus in many occasions told people that God had acted on their behalf because of their faith. He made statements like,"You of little faith" and "Receive your sight, your Father has healed you." God has said that faith was very important.

Luke 6:46

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I say?"

Mark 11:22

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.

Matthew 14:31

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith," He said, "why did you doubt?"

If we are going to live a life dedicated to God, then we must walk in the things that God has said. Will you choose to be a faith walker today? He is faithful; trust Him today with every area of your life and the peace of God will guard your heart and mind. Give Him your worries because He cares for you.

WHEN WITNESSING FOR CHRIST

At times we think there are many things we must say when witnessing about Christ. The truth is our messages never change; Jesus is the way to heaven. He is the ticket or free pass that God has provided in order for us to spend eternity in Heaven.

The Bible says, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. So we should learn how to speak the word of God in love.

1 John 5:11

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

John 14:6

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.

John 14:6

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Sometimes when I am witnessing about Christ, I just keep it simple and inform people of what the gospel says about how Jesus is the only way. There are times when I say many things in an effort to convince people that Jesus is the way. When it's all said and done, it is the gospel that has the power to touch and transform a life. When we speak the truth of God's word into hearing ears, God can then access those scriptures and speak through His Holy Spirit to the people whom we were witnessing to whenever He chooses to.

When they get home and are all alone reminiscing about their day, the Holy Spirit can say to them "I am the way, the truth and the Life." After all, the Bible is the living word of God.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: HELPING ONE ANOTHER

DAILY DEVOTIONS: HELPING ONE ANOTHER

HELPING ONE ANOTHER

Exodus 17:10
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

This is a clear illustration of how we work together helping one another get through difficult situations. Sometimes people get tired of battling various things in life, and like Moses, they may want to just give up because they are too weak to continue. Maybe you're the one who is feeling like giving up. If so, then find some friends in church, church leaders or adults, and ask for prayer.

Discuss the difficult things that you are facing with someone you can trust. I would think that Moses told his friends that his arms were tired and he needed help holding them up. Because the others helped him, the difficult battle was won. If you can be a friend to someone, who is going through a difficult time, then do it today and don't delay.

If you need a friends help because you are tired or lonely, call your pastor or get in touch with someone you are close to and can trust. If you are in need of friends to help strengthen you, but don't really have any, then ask God for them. He will be faithful and will answer your prayer.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GOD CREATED ME TO BE WHO I AM

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GOD CREATED ME TO BE WHO I AM

GOD CREATED ME TO BE WHO I AM

Psalm 139:13

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."

Have you ever wanted to be like someone else or maybe for a moment thought that you don't like yourself or the way your life is going?

When I have these types of thoughts, I just try to focus on the fact that God created me to be who I am. I had no control over who He chose me to be. I do have control over trying to better my life though, by staying close to God and seeking after His plan and purpose for my life. When we give our lives to the Lord, we become born again. A new man or woman starts being formed and the purpose is for us to become more Christ like. Sometimes, I tell the Lord, "you made me, now fix me, I want to be more like you." Just remember today that you're special, no one on this earth is like you and God is not through molding you either.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: DEALING WITH TROUBLE

DAILY DEVOTIONS: DEALING WITH TROUBLE

DEALING WITH TROUBLE

James 5:13

Is any of you in trouble? He should pray.

I don't think it gets any clearer than the simplicity of this verse, pray. Persistence in trusting God is the way to get through times of trouble.

When we are new at trusting the Lord, we can sometimes be tossed about by situations that bring trouble into our lives. Through time, as we become close friends with the Lord, we learn that He will never leave us. In the middle of the biggest messes, He suddenly speaks peace to the situations and they become calm. As we grow in knowing a little about how God does things, dealing with difficult people and situations becomes easier because we know He is with us and working for us. If trouble is knocking on your today, pray. God is listening and in His time will reveal Himself in the situation that you're dealing with.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: HOPE IN THE LORD

DAILY DEVOTIONS: HOPE IN THE LORD

HOPE IN THE LORD

The Scripture below has helped me overcome issues in my life which I sometimes find myself either concerned, troubled or gloomy about. Why do I permit these feelings to control my thoughts? This passage has given me faith to set my hope in the Lord. As hope is entrusted to Him, I find that the unease, anxiety and sorrow go away. My soul is no longer so distressed. That's the power of God's Holy Word. It is able to direct us away from destructive thoughts and guide us towards a good God who fix everything.

Psalm 42:5-6

"Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my saviour and my God."

With help from God, I am able to set my mind on things above and move my thoughts away from gloomy, earthly things simply by putting my hope in God.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GROWING STRONGER

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GROWING STRONGER

GROWING STRONGER

Everyone who is great at doing anything has spent a lot time practicing. Growing strong in the things of God is going to take a commitment to living in His ways. Swimmers who have won gold medals in the Olympics received the highest achievement reward because of their commitment to training. When we learned how to ride a bicycle it took a lot of practice to get good at keeping our balance. The same principles apply to increasing in spiritual strength.

Luke 6:47-49

"I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

If we regularly practice the things that the Lord has taught us and continues to teach us, eventually we will get stronger in the ways of God. Our ability to stand strong in faith will increase as we continue to live a lifestyle of believing that God can do the impossible.

I was recently telling a friend it takes twenty-one days to break a habit. There are things that we must do in order to get stronger in God. We must read our Bible, pray and spend a lot of quality time with Him. If you haven't been growing stronger in God, consider making a commitment today to do things differently for the next twenty-one days of your life.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: RESISTING TEMPTATION

DAILY DEVOTIONS: RESISTING TEMPTATION

DAILY DEVOTIONS: BEARING GOD'S SPIRITUAL FRUITS

DAILY DEVOTIONS: BEARING GOD'S SPIRITUAL FRUITS

BEARING GOD'S SPIRITUAL FRUITS

In order to do good works for God, we must bear much delicious spiritual fruits. How can we bear fruit? The answer is simple, we must remain in Jesus.

John 15:1-4

" I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

Let us consider keeping a conscious contact with the Lord today by communicating with Him regularly. Including Him in everything that we are doing; unless you are doing things that Jesus would not enjoy being a part of. Remember He is a Holy God.

RESISTING TEMPTATION

If you have sincerely demonstrated to God that you are serious about following Him, then He will provide help for resisting temptations. Actually, we will find many helpful scriptures which the Lord has already spoken through His written word, the Bible. He has promised to help in our time of need.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out to that you can stand up under it.

Hebrews 2:18

Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

The two verses above indicate that God wants to provide help for us when we are being tempted. If you are having trouble resisting temptation, ask God for help. He will provide help because of His love for us.

Because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross, we have an abundant provision of God's grace that will help us resist and overcome temptations. He was tempted in all areas as we are, but was able to remain without sin. Our saviour can teach us how to be strong when it comes to resisting temptations.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: FULLNESS OF JOY

DAILY DEVOTIONS: FULLNESS OF JOY

FULLNESS OF JOY

John 15:9-11

As a Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Fullness of joy is found in the presence of the Lord. When we remain connected to Him through prayer, worship, walking in obedience, reading the word and fellowhshipping with other Christians, we can experience a level of joy that the world cannot give to us. Jesus refers to it as, "My joy" in today's scripture.

Remaining in God seems to be the key to experiencing greater measures of His joy. Psalms 16:11 says: "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Today, consider setting aside some additional time for the Lord and set the purpose in your heart to find a place within His presence where an abundance of joy is found.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: TOO BUSY TO PRAY

DAILY DEVOTIONS: TOO BUSY TO PRAY

TOO BUSY TO PRAY

There are four things we should never be busy for: prayer, fellowship with other believers, worship and reading the Bible. These are the very things that help keep us Christians strong in our faith.

How much time do you spend praying in a day?

Mark 1:35

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.

Luke 5:16

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

2 Timothy 1:13( Amplified Bible)

I thank God whom I worship with a pure conscience, in the spirit of my father, when without ceasing I remember you night and day in my prayers.

If you're too busy to take time to get on your knees and give God your complete and total attention for a while, it is time to make some changes in your prayer life. Have you ever prayer for an entire hour? Jesus did. Actually, there is a recorded account in the Bible where Jesus prayed all night. When was the last time you did that? I am going to spend some time in prayer now; I need to make some changes.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: JESUS GOT WHATEVER HE DESIRED

DAILY DEVOTIONS: JESUS GOT WHATEVER HE DESIRED

JESUS GOT WHATEVER HE DESIRED

By examining a few Bible stories about Jesus, we can see that He actually was rich because Jesus could get whatever He wanted. Now please take a note that the miracles He performed were in alignment with His Father's will.

Why I Think Jesus Was Rich;

1. Jesus was able to turn water into wine at a wedding and the supply never ran out. See John 2

2. He fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fishes. Refer to Mark 6

3. He paid His taxes with a coin that was found inside of a fish's mouth. Look at Matthew 17

4. He travelled with and provided for twelve disciples.

5. Judas with His treasures. You must have money to have a personal treasure.

Whatever Jesus desired He was able to get. Rather than having a huge abundant supply of funds that would purchase whatever He needed, His faith in God delivered miracle after miracle. Do you think Jesus was rich or poor?

DAILY DEVOTIONS: JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF

DAILY DEVOTIONS: JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF

JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF

Since surrendering my life to God and seeking after His will for my life, I have experienced Him in very real ways. When we love Him with all of our hearts and trust Him with everything in our lives, He reveals Himself to us. When we seek His Kingdom first, then we will begin to see God at work in our lives.

John 14:21

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I, too, will love him and show myself to him."

All throughout the Bible God reveals Himself to those who love Him in thousands of ways. God never changes. He was and is the same: yesterday, today and forever. Even today we can experience angelic encounters, supernatural healing in our bodies and the wonderful presence of His Holy Spirit. Jesus has given us the keys in the scripture that will cause Him to reveal Himself to us if we choose to use them.

Will you choose to obey God and love Him today? If so, then He will reveal himself to you.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: "GOD, WHY AREN'T YOU ANSWERING MY PRAYER?"

DAILY DEVOTIONS: "GOD, WHY AREN'T YOU ANSWERING MY PRAYER?"

"GOD, WHY AREN'T YOU ANSWERING MY PRAYER?"

We tend to want things right away in this day and age that we live in. Is it any wonder that our attitude is this way in England? With convenient stores on every corner, fast food restaurants at our fingertips and microwaves in our kitchens, we are able to instantly gratify our desires.

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

"God, why aren't you answering my prayer?"

Consider what the verse says today: " No good thing does He withhold." Maybe what I think would be a good thing, God knows it would be a destructive thing to have in my life. This is just one of many possibilities as to why God isn't answering a prayer request. But it doesn't mean He doesn't love you. He loves you very much and will give you all things that are good in great measure according to His promises.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: LORD SPEAKS GREAT REVELATION

DAILY DEVOTIONS: LORD SPEAKS GREAT REVELATION

LORD SPEAKS GREAT REVELATION

Present is a place in the realm of the Spirit where the Lord starts to speak openly and with intense revelation. If you have ever had those moments when you have been studying your Bible and the Holy Spirit Spirit, the teacher, is speaking at full volume, then you understand the Scripture. the pen in your hand moves quicker than ever beforehand as the thoughts regarding the ways of God occur clearer than ever in the past. In a moment, God gives an understanding of His kingdom and an awareness of His presence that is almost more than we can bear. With this kind of experience with the Lord the understanding of what God is revealing is spread out over a great length of time, with little gold nuggets of revelation. We are compelled to go further into the Word of God. My scripture indicates that Jesus has an abundance of things to reveal to us. Open your heart to receive all which God has today and expect weighty revelation from Him.

John 16:12

"I have still more to say to you, more than you can bear."

The Lord is just waiting for us to get quiet enough to listen for great revelation to come from heaven. When we purpose to spend time with Him in prayer and by reading the Bible, He speaks. Take a moment and ask the Lord to reveal some power fruit things to you in His Word.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: FINDING WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE IN CHRIST

DAILY DEVOTIONS: FINDING WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE IN CHRIST

FINDING WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE IN CHRIST

The Bible tells us that if we seek we will find. Do you need wisdom and knowledge? If so, then look for them. Where are we to find these two much-needed treasures?

Colossians 2:2-3

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

God is the source of everything. In Christ we will find everything that we need, but we must seek through prayer and through living a life dedicated to God first. The Bible says: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33.

Consider taking some extra time in prayer today seeking God concerning His will and purposes for your life. We will find everything that we need in Him, but we must seek first the Kingdom of God to find things like wisdom and knowledge.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GOD IS PLEASED WITH YOU

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GOD IS PLEASED WITH YOU

GOD IS PLEASED WITH YOU

If you are a believer and trying to practice your faith in God on a daily basis, then He is pleased with you. Think of how many people are blatantly ignoring the Lord. What about the ones who look righteous on the outside, but on the inside they are full of deception? You are not like that; you are God's child. He loves and cares for His children.

Psalm 145:20

The Lord watches over all who Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

Sometimes I think we get caught up in thinking we to do all these things right in order for God to be pleased with us. This is not true. He desires for us to continue to become more Holy, but He is not condemning towards us if we fail. God sees the intention of our hearts. He knows who His real kids are and He loves them with His undying love.

If you are seeking after the things of God daily and pressing into getting closer to Him, He is pleased with you. God smiles upon His kids, the true believers who want to spend time with Him.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: BE GRATEFUL

DAILY DEVOTIONS: BE GRATEFUL

BE GRATEFUL

God has been good to us. What are some of the things He has done for you? When we remember the great things He has done in our lives, we will find a place where our faith beings to be renewed. The more I thank God for what He has already done the more God will take care of things I am presently facing.

Psalm 77:11

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

It is faith that moves the hand of God on our behalf not the circumstances that surround our lives. Take a moment to recall some of the great things that God has done in your life. Find those situations from the past where God proved His promise that He would never leave you. Trust God today with every area of your life. He loves you. He can handle all of your difficulties.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: THE LORD IS NEAR

DAILY DEVOTIONS: THE LORD IS NEAR

THE LORD IS NEAR

No matter what is going on in our lives today, the Lord is near to us. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He loves you and I very much.

Psalm 145:18-20

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfils the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

Trust God with all your life today...all of it. Take a moment to just acknowledge His faithfulness and recall the times when He has revealed Himself in real ways. He will never let go you ever.

DAILY DEVOTIONS: DRAWING NEAR TO GOD

DAILY DEVOTIONS: DRAWING NEAR TO GOD

DRAWING NEAR TO GOD

Jeremiah 29:13

" You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

James 4:8

"Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

One of the quickest ways to draw near to God is through prayer. Getting close to Him happens when we purpose to pursue the places where He dwells. Jesus withdrew from the crowds often to lonely places to pray.

Sin separates us from the Lord. We are reunited with God and He comes closer to us, by repenting from wrongs that we have done and asking for forgiveness. We are able to come boldly before His throne (face-to-face with Him) and receive mercy and grace in our time of need.

The Bible says that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people, Psalm 22:3. We enter into a place where God draws near to us, by spending time praising Him. By reading God's word He will speak to us. Drawing near to His voice in this way is an easy way of getting close to Him.

How will you draw near to God today?

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GREET ONE OTHER WITH A HOLY KISS

DAILY DEVOTIONS: GREET ONE OTHER WITH A HOLY KISS

GREET ONE OTHER WITH A HOLY KISS

Without examining what Biblical traditions may surround the statement which instructs us to "greet one another with a holy kiss," I would like to share a few of my own views.

When I think of the word "holy" I am reminded of a scripture that says we are to be holy as God is holy.

What would God's "holy kiss" be like?

What is the person of the "Holy Spirit" like?

How has Jesus kissed us?

What does it mean to greet on another with a holy kiss?

2 Corinthians 13:12

"Greet on another with a holy kiss."

Because a kiss represents an expression of affectionate love, I believe that we are to greet one another with every possible way that God has expressed His holy love towards us. If we keep in line with the fruits of the " Holy" Spirit, then we are to greet one another with love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, gentleness and self-control.

Taking it one step further, Jesus has demonstrated His love and affection towards us through forgiveness.