The master of deception

The trickery of Satan will have you on a guilt trip. Focusing on past mistakes and sins. Forgetting God’s promise, when we confess our sins he will forgive and cleanse the unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Though committed, our mistakes and sins have purpose. Sins can become testimonies to help others. God can take all events, good & bad and use for his purpose. Your sin that was intended to destroy can be transformed to good. All things God works for the good For those who love the Lord (Rom. 8:28). Stop letting Satan trick you. 

Take time to rest

Good night 

There are 14,400 minutes in a day. For some, they try to use every second doing something. Learn to use your time wisely. Jesus routinely rested between sermons or miracles. He also suggested to the disciples to follow him to a quite place and get some rest (Mrk. 6:31). Rest means to turn off phones, TV, or anything that will distract you. Find a solitary place (Mrk. 6:34). Take time to recharge. God can not use a tired worn vessel. 

Be humble

For most people it’s easier to say I’m humble than to implement. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector can be misconstrued if not careful (Lk 18:9-14). We read of the “humble” Pharisee who prays to God thanking him for what he is not- evildoer, robber, adulterer, and not like him 👇🏾, the tax collector. The “humility” of the tax collector appears genuine, he asked for God’s mercy for he is a sinner. So what’s the issue? God wants us to be humble, acknowledge our sins, and pray for his Grace & Mercy. The dilemma is this, Humility is like trying to stand and balance yourself on a ball. If you sway too far either side you will fall into focusing more on you than God. The key to true humility is to focus more of our time and thoughts on almighty God, rather than boasting of not being like Pharisees or tax collectors. 

Be persistent

Faith – it cannot be felt, tasted, touched, or seen yet we believe. Faith begins where reasoning ends. The parable of the persistent widow (Lk 18:1-8), illustrates how deep her faith was and how Her steadfastness prevailed. For many, all hope would have faded at the first rejection. After a few more denials, they would revert back to their own understanding, disbelief in man, and doubtfulness in God’s capabilities. 

Faith is a way of life. It’s a life of fearing God, respecting neighbor, trusting in God’s goodness and power, even while being surrounded by injustice.

Life’s challenge is how to live in this cruel unjust society loving neighbor, seeking to do justice, and trusting that in the end God’s will shall be done? God hears your prayers. He knows your situation and pain. Through prayer, never give up. God answers prayers in his own time. It’s through faith we don’t lose heart. ❤️

Underestimating God’s power

There is something someone has been grappling with for some time.  It could be a job, family issues, lost dreams, or health. Despite your continuous efforts to stay positive, prayed up and in the word, faith’s fire of hope is dimming. Never underestimate the power of God! You may recall when Jesus made wine at the wedding (Jn 2:1-11), where he made the best wine! It takes years to make good wine. Yet Jesus makes the best batch instantaneously.  Whatever you are going through, be it one year or 20 years God can change it instantly. Don’t lose faith. 

Every journey is not smooth

Blessings are often missed because we select our plans opposed to God’s plan. When our clarion prayers are answered we second guess God’s response. No matter how tough the journey learn to trust God and walk in faith. For every hard task rejected because  we believe it will cost pain or struggle it has a sweet in it. By not doing it, we miss the blessing from God. For every heavy load we are asked to carry, God will provide the needed strength and guidance. Seek God in everything thing. Pray. Study the word. Allow God to order your steps (Ps 119:133-136) and his word to be a lamp under your feet, and a light unto my path (Ps. 119:105).  Be encouraged. 

Does your soul leak?

One does not know a roof leaks until it rains.  Likewise, Christians go through life oblivious of leaks in their soul until the storms of affliction come. It is then we find unbelief, fear, and impatience, seeping from within our carnal minds. It exposes the true depth of our faith. It’s when the flood gates of distress are opened and life’s trials are thrusted upon us do we realize defects in our spiritual armor. Save me God for the waters come unto my soul (Ps. 69:1). It’s during these times we must tread the stormy waters and trust God. For he holds all the waters in his hands. Your struggles are only a test to reveal your spiritual needs. The leaks can be  repaired by prayer, Faith building, and yielding to the Holy Spirit.

What do people really want?

MONEY, independence, security, MONEY, attention, love, MONEY. Many people desire at least one of these attributes in life. Some put emphases on MONEY & INDEPENDENCE. While others want ATTENTION & LOVE. Once people receive their desire the question that still remains, WHAT DO PEOPLE REALLY NEED? God. So much emphasis is placed in storing up earthly treasures and little focus on God. If your heart is focused on things you exclude God. 

How do you start your day?

How do you start your day? 

Do you check emails, social media, turn on the TV or radio first? Do you head to the kitchen to make coffee, or prepare lunches for the children? Prayer should be the first action of the day, it is essential to a healthy relationship with God. Jesus prayed often. He started his day rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark to pray (Mark 1:35). David rose early to also pray. Before the day’s chaos overwhelms you set the tone for your day. Pray. Before you get out of bed whisper a prayer to God thanking him for waking you up! While sitting on the edge of the bed, opposed to complaining, say a little prayer for community, health, joband family. While brushing your teeth and taking a shower, ask God to pour into you his will. Prayer should be continuous conversation with God.The way your day start is very important. Prayer can change your attitude for the day! Take time to pray daily. 

God can restore life again!

Someone reading this devotional is going through difficult times. You could be experiencing job loss, physical disability, or family crisis. If not careful, the outward man will focus MORE on the problem and LESS on God. Just like Job, We often search for reasons for our lamentations. Yet in fact, the suffering could be leading one closer to God (Heb. 12:4-11), building character (Jas. 1:2-6), or an opportunity to glorify God (Jn. 9:1-3). Whatever the cause, don’t lose heart. Fix your eyes on what is unseen. (2cor. 4:16-17). Though you don’t know how to relate to the cause, always remember to proclaim God’s mighty acts. He can restore life again! (Ps. 71:15-20)

You can edit your life on social media

People edit their lives daily on social media to be socially accepted. How would you react if every thought from the past six months flashed across the Internet for all to see?  If such a thing was possible you would runaway forever. You may hide your true thoughts from man but you can’t hide from God. No matter how much you attempt to conceal, your true thoughts the true character of a person is in the heart. For as a man thinks in his heart so is he (Prov. 23:7). Take time to adhere to God’s recipe for your life (Phil. 4:8) whatever is true, noble, pure, excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.