When Smartphones Compete with God

Good Morning! 

Smartphones were already taking over our lives twelve years ago, but today they dominate nearly every moment. 

Since COVID, many believers now stream church on phones and tablets, scroll through devotionals, and depend on apps to guide their spiritual routines. Technology is convenient, but it can quietly replace the discipline of seeking God for ourselves.

Prayer apps and reminders may help, but they cannot create a praying heart. Prayer is not a notification, it is communication with God. It doesn’t require perfect posture or special wording. Scripture shows people praying standing, kneeling, silently, or aloud. God listens to the heart, not the device.

Life is busy. Work, family, school, and endless to‑dos make it easy to forget to pray. But God’s blessings should be our reminders. 

Did you wake up? Pray. 

you have food, shelter, & safety? Pray. 

Did God carry you through another day? Pray. 

His goodness is the greatest alert you will ever receive.

Prayer is both routine and spontaneous. Begin each morning with thanksgiving. Talk to God while driving, working, or walking. Celebrate good news with praise. Seek Him before decisions. Whisper gratitude just because you love Him.

Paul urged the church to pray continually, not as a scheduled task, but as a lifestyle of awareness, dependence, and gratitude. In a world filled with distractions, seductive images, and constant noise, prayer keeps us anchored.

Use your phone for calls, texts, and entertainment, but don’t let it replace your time with God. Start each day with prayer, end each day with thanksgiving, and let your heart stay connected to Him long after the screen goes dark.

Do you know how to pray?

Prayer is essential. Prayer is transformational. Prayer is our way of communicating with God, yet many don’t know what to pray. When loss for words or prayers become monotonous, pray using scripture. Allow God’s words to be your prayer. Don’t know where to go, start with the prayers in Psalms. Praising God, (Psalms 105), prayers for the afflicted who is now weak (Psalms 102), prayers for grateful praise, (Psalms 100). By reading/praying God’s word you are aligning yourself with him! Prayer takes on a new meaning. They are not self-gratifying, or egotistical prayers for desires. 

Prayer is your intimate time with God. If you are desiring to Draw closer to God the Father, affirming His words in prayer is one way of doing so.  Remember, Prayer is: 

• Action – pray without ceasing Thes. 5:17
• It’s supplication – Phil. 4:6
• It is NOT vain repetition Mat 6:7

Father God, your eyes are on the righteous and your ears are attentive to their prayer. For everyone who reads this devotion, I ask for  you to keep them covered in your grace. May they become more connected through prayer and supplication with you. This is my prayer in Jesus name - Amen. 

 

Are you leaking?

Leaks are gradual. One does not know a roof leaks until it rains. The leak go unnoticed until it’s too late. In life, we disregard the warning signs of our leaking souls when we stray from God. Our prayers are shorten, we put off studying the Bible for another day, and we skip church a Sunday or two. It’s when the storms of life affect us do we realize that something is missing. It’s not that God has left us, we have put less emphasis on God. This is the time we seek him - Save me God for the waters come unto my soul (Ps. 69:1). We cannot be foolish in our daily living. At all times we should strive to keep ourselves filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:19-21.) yield completely  to God so that you can be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

There are benefits in prayer

All too often we claim to believe in God and the power of prayer. Yet, No sooner than we finish praying our minds divert back to believing we can solve our problems or we doubt If God can fix the problem. Daily prayer is essential.

1. PRAYER develops a relationship with God 

2. PRAYER helps you gain understanding 

3. PRAYER helps you find direction in life

4. PRAYER aligns you with God’s will

There are benefits in prayer. Take time to pray and give thanks daily. 

The Faith prayer for others

Today's affirmation: #pray #friends

pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (Jam. 5:13-20)

Good Morning! ~ Your Suffering Don't Go Unnoticed

Good Morning! ~ A Few Words of Prayer

Good Morning! ~ Hope in the Lord

A Stranger’s testimony:Life experiences are testaments of God’s Favor

Read Mark 5:1-20

 Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you…  Mark 5:19

 

A stranger at the grocery store told me he was held up at gunpoint.  He proceeded by saying "My experiences are such that they would make this day a joyful one!"

A few days ago he almost lost his life. His wallet, containing a few hundred dollars, his driver's license, and his debit card were stolen. Strangely, his pricey gold watch, valued jewelry, and recently purchased truck were left untouched.

With tears in his eyes and visible anguish, he uttered, "I came so close to losing my life."

 There's a way in which God captures our focus. When we finally undergo "the experience", it has the potential to bring about a profound, transformative effect on our life. This Stranger's awakening occurred after a brush with near death.

During our scripture lesson, a man possessed by many demons expressed his desire for freedom. The most convincing aspect of Jesus' restoration was when he refused to let the man with many legions participate in the crusade. Instead, Jesus instructed him to share his testimony and spread the word about all the wonderful things that the Lord had done for him.

 When we face difficult situations and adversities in life, it may not occur to us that these moments of despair could serve as opportunities to share and inspire others. The stranger's blessing was that he could survive another day and share with me, a person he had never met before, the story of how God blessed and rescued him.

 Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences and share a testimony with either a friend or a stranger. Inform them of the blessings that God has bestowed upon you.

 

Your setbacks experienced in the past serve as inspirational messages to both acquaintances and strangers. The takeaway is to give honor to his name during difficult and favorable periods. Even though you may have faced some obstacles, remember that God is on your side!  Allow God to use your experiences as a testament to inspire others.

Prayer

Father God,

Thank you for your testimonies. Thank you for your life lessons.  Help me to praise your name during the pain, and suffering, and when it appears you are not there. For I know Lord in the storm you are still nearby.  Help me to be a witness to others. My life experiences can be a stepping stone to helping others out of their pit of misery. Thank you for your Grace, Mercy, and continuous blessings.  Amen.

Testimony of Victory: A Breast Cancer Survivor

Felita Smith - Breast Cancer survivor

Read Matthew 8:5-13

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Life’s detours

Life is filled with unexpected detours that take us to momentous highs and devastating lows. These by-passes come without warning, disrupting finances, relationships even health. “Lord why me?” 

It was late April, a dear friend was laying heavy on my mind.  I’ve known Felita since birth. Born two days apart, lived on the same street, only eight houses separated us. We grew up attending the same church and schools. She was the younger sister I never had.

There was no apparent reason Felita was on my mind, I just called. I received the usual warm and hearty greeting, always joyous and genially happy, “what’s going Tigner Rand.” During our catch up, in a matter-of-fact type a way, she dropped the “big C - word” – Breast Cancer.  The statement took me by surprise.  My heart sank and eyes began to swell.  The day was warm and picturesque yet a cold chill overwhelmed me. Thoughts of disbelief ran through my mind. “Not Felita, how could this be?”

Jesus heals

How deep is your faith?  God’s word reminds us of his willingness to be with us – just call his name. Today’s scripture bares witness to how a Centurion soldier who knew nothing of Jesus but from his servant. The servant’s faith was so deep the soldier had to find Jesus so he could heal him.

My friend’s journey began November, 2012 after an annual mammogram when doctors asked her to come back. “Because of the tissue in my breast it was not unusual for a second visit” stated Felita.

Thinking nothing of it, a second procedure was performed.  This time, unlike any other, the radiologist wanted to meet again. “We see something that looks unusual.”  A follow up appointment reveled a biopsy was required.

With Thanksgiving looming and the family planning for travel, Felita suggested, “Let’s schedule biopsy after the holidays.” An unpredicted, “No we are not waiting I will schedule you for next week,” confirmed something was wrong, followed by numbing words no patient want to hear - “You have cancer.” 

Breast Cancer affects men and women

Breast Cancer has no enemies.  It roams the earth seeking men and women whom it may devour. Unexpected cancer (circumstances) in life can create disbelief and denial. “This must be wrong.” “How did this happen to me?” Rationalization with self overtakes the mind trying to make sense of a bad situation. “How could this be?”

There are various types of Breast Cancer

• Invasive ductal carcinoma  - Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
• Infiltrating (invasive)
• Lobular carcinoma - Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

Felita had Estrogen positive which feeds off estrogen found in the body. Tamoxifn combats estrogen build up reducing the source which could cause breast cancer to return.

In the middle of a storm

Experiencing cancer can be distressing, even harder without the support of family and faith in God. In a storm God is often questioned – “why did this happen to me?” Felita was no different. But her fear was eased from prayer, and support from family and friends. 

“This ordeal made my relationship with God closer, without God’s strength where would I be?”  “It was only through God that I made it through,” confessed Felita.

Seven millimeters

Surgery went has scheduled and seven millimeters of tumor extracted. After surgery came radiation and the Oncotype DX test. Oncotype DX diagnoses the probability of cancer returning.  It also determines if chemotherapy is needed. Doctors use a scale from 0-100 to assess test results. Felita’s came back 26.  “In my mind 26 was very low.” But the doctors saw it as a seventy-four percent chance cancer could return.

Fear of chemo warranted a second, third, and fourth opinion from local oncologist as well as a close doctor friend back home in Texas where she and her colleagues suggested chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is known to wreak havoc to many.  Despite the fact chemotherapy was recommended, Felita did not want the treatment. The main reason was fear of sickness, nausea and of course loosing the hair.

Crazy with no hair

Appearance and image weighed heavy mentally. Felita did not want to look bad. There was a job, husband, and two boys to take care of. “Lord, I don’t want to walk around looking crazy with no hair.” Faith was put to the test.  Affirmations and prayer prevailed.  God spoke and comforted Felita… “Go ahead take chemotherapy,” the voice within spoke.  

Chemotherapy – no side effects

Loss of appetite, nausea and sickness are common side effects from chemotherapy and occur within four days after first treatment.  Patients speak of waking up horrified, finding hair on the pillow or combing out large patches.

Following four rounds of Chemotherapy God’s grace and mercy covered Felita.  Not once had she felt sick, if anything an increased appetite.  “Thank you God for getting me through.”

By Round three the inevitable came – hair loss.  In preparation of the metamorphoses Felita wore a wig cap. When it came time to remove the cap, also came the hair – literally. Prayer brought peace and acceptance of the one thing that was feared, it eased the pain of watching hair slowly fall out.  “I didn’t have to cry about it, because I knew it would happen.”

After the storm

Each of us are vessels designed to serve and witness others.  It is our job to speak on God’s behalf and help those in need.  Recently, Felita’s first cousin was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Recognizing her cousin’s pain, Felita witnessed – as a survivor.  The conversations gave strength for the cousin to cope. 

In life, no matter how perplexing a situation; find a way to be a blessing to others. Do not let situations control you. Persevere through the storm and be in control of your situation through God.

Our task as Christians is to always be prepared to speak words of encouragement, uplift others, and console those in need.  There is no testimony with out a test.

I am a survivor

I asked what did the doctors say about her cancer? The journey is not over but in retrospect Breast Cancer has made Felita more compassionate. Though the cancer has been removed and in remission “I will never be cancer free,” but she will have a message to spread and encourage others.

Never being cancer free are not words of assurance but as a child of God Felita’s belief is “Cancer is never coming back because God made sure the doctor took it all and I am done, I am claiming cancer free.”

Father God,

Cancer can be a deadly disease.  Many of your children have fell victim to its debilitating power.  I speak with authority that your Holy Spirit will touch and heal your children who are suffering from cancer and other illness.  By your word and the strips of Jesus Christ I claim healing and victory.  Cover each family give them strength and let them know that you will never leave or forsake them even through their storms.  This I pray in your son Jesus the Christ name. Amen

For more information about Breast Cancer awareness:

www.cancer.org/fight

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://www.storiesofthegirls.com

NOTHING GOOD HAS HAPPENED

Frustrated thoughts

Read: Exodus 14:10-16

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubt is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

Nothing good for me

Four months of this year have pass like sand in an hour glass.  Pondering past encounters what went wrong and asking “where are you Lord? Have you abandoned me?”  Nothing good has happened to me all year. 

Sure I have a job but I don’t like it.

My family says they love me but I doubt they do.

I have a house but it is not a home because I want something new.

If it is not one thing it is another.  Sickness lurking around, leaking house, broke down cars, a dysfunctional life filled with disappointments and let downs.

God, Your word tells me to ask, seek, and knock but there is no answer. Nothing God has happen to me this year! Father God in heaven where are you? 

Life is not all bad

The mind will play tricks on a person creating an illusion that life is bad and God has abandoned them. The Frustration can cause a person to doubt God. But remember, blessings come in various sizes – small to large and God answers in his own time. Regardless of how dismal life may appear God has blessed you.

Parting the Red Sea

The Israelites faced such a dilemma during their exodus out of Egypt. When trapped in the valley between mountains, sea and Pharaoh in hot pursuit the Israelites wanted to give up. God cleared up the temporary delusional state of mind by telling them to “move on.” 

What enabled Moses to manifest God’s plain was the fact he had a relationship with God. This is the source and power needed to function when life appears to go awry. 

All things are possible

Know that God is able

He has never forsaken any of his children

He sits high and looks low

There is no one Greater

He is awesome just allow him to do miraculous miracles in your life. Establish a strong relationship with God through prayer, and supplication. Ask for His will and NOT your will be done. All things are possible. 

Look back over your life – the past four months – God’s blessings, grace, and mercy should outnumber the bad.  When you find yourself complaining stop and think of how God has blessed you.

1.   Being alive – no day is promised
2. Good health
3. In your right mind
4. A job – so many people more qualified are jobless
5. Family
6. Good children – trouble free
7. A home
8. Utilities paid
9. Food on the table

Many have experienced the aforementioned setbacks while others often take them for granted. Those who have suffered would happily take your place in a heartbeat.

This to will pass

Regardless where life has placed you know that this too shall pass.  God is still in the blessing business. For each day we rise and face a new day God has granted us an opportunity to do something great. You did not get that job you prayed for but don’t forget the blessing of finding twenty dollars in your pockets! Take time to recognize God’s small blessings in your life.

Prayer: Father God, remove the scales from your children’s eyes.  Unstop their ears, and clear their mind. Help them to see, hear, and recognize your daily blessings.  Amen

Pain and Faith one in the same

Read  Hebrews 11: 3-14

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10

Pain and faith

In all intents and purposes, we believe in doctors. We trust in their diagnosis despite the fact they cannot feel, see, touch, or taste our pains.  The same is true with faith – it cannot be felt, tasted, touched, or seen yet we believe.  Faith begins where reasoning ends. 

How deep is your faith?

In the bible faith is described as active trust in God and his word.  To a true believer there is no such thing as “blind faith.” Faith is always tied to God’s word.  It is not some random thought or “Jedi” mind trick of persuasion. Faith is God’s gift to his believers Ephesians 2:8. Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message heard through the word of Christ Romans 10:17. Have you not heard? Then how deep is your faith?

When obscure pain impedes the body people probe their minds searching for answers. Stump your toe on a rock it’s obvious. Dealing with an agonizing chest pain, or severe headaches we reach out for help.  Though the doctor is not experiencing the same pains we trust they will find the primary cause. 

No logic in religion

We tend to place logic in religion.  Too bad people don’t take their walk with faith the same way as pain.  As long as we can see a thing, touch a thing, feel a thing, taste a thing, we are comfortable but when logic evades us fear, doubt, and frustration sets in.  How deep is your faith?  Pain and faith – one in the same – neither can be seen, touched, tasted, or felt yet we believe.

What is faith?

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. So as it is with a non believer who questions the walks of faith, remember both pain and faith are one in the same.  Until you experience it for yourself it will only seem foolish. 

Part I - Unanswered Prayers… When God refuse to hear

Doubting prayer

Part I

...I cried out with my mouth his praise was on my tongue. If I cherished sin in my heart the Lord would not listen; but God has listened and has heard my prayer... Psalms 66:16-20

All knowing God

God is omnipresent. He knows, sees and hears all prayers.  So why does God refuse to answer? Do people annul their petitions to God?  Are their actions, stubbornness or refusal to adhere to God’s word the cause of ineffective results? 


The Bible mentions several viable reasons why.

• Sin – 
• Don’t wander, restrain from evil – Jeremiah 14:11-12  
• Don’t harbor wickedness in your heart – Psalms 66:18  
• Don’t believe God is too busy to hear your prayer and refuse to         ask for forgiveness – Isaiah 59:1-2

• Disobedience – 
•  Don’t turn away from God’s word – Prov. 28:9

•  Lack of faith – 
• Can’t please God without faith – Hebrew 11:6                          
• Ask and don’t doubt God’s ability James 1:6 

• Insincerity - 
• No lip service give God your heart – Isaiah 29:13

•  Pride – 
• Don’t exalt yourself like the Pharisee – Luke 18:9-14

• Wrong motives – 
• Praying for self gratification – James 4:3     
• Don’t be boastful pray in the closet – Matt 6:5-6 

         

• Unloving attitude – 
• Spouses honor each other – 1 Peter 3:7

  

The Broken Covenant

Jeremiah was chosen to turn Jerusalem away from their immoral behavior of worshiping false gods, idolatry, and doubting God’s ability. He saw his nation being destroyed because of disobedience. Jeremiah’s plea to obey the covenant and God’s warning signs all fell on death ear. When they refused to hear and obey God’s covenant He brought disaster and told Jeremiah not to pray for them. Though they cry out to me I will not answer Jeremiah 11:11.  

I am the man in the mirror

The man in the mirror is you

During a season I was guilty of several of the seven deadly sins and questioned God. "Do you hear me Lord?" I took a look at the man in the mirror and asked – "Show me your ways Lord teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me" Psalms 25: 4-5. I finally realized God’s hearing was not dull but my behavior had separated me from His love – Sin, disobedience, Lack of faith, Insincerity, and Pride.

Once I shifted my paradigm and trusted God the more he revealed himself.  Through prayer, action, and deed God is now present. Was it clear as a glass of water? No. There were days like Moses - asking for multiple confirmations and other days like David - it was no doubt God was present.

God's Delayed answer

Many of you are totally connected with God yet you still question. What appears to be an unanswered prayer could be a delayed answer. Our God’s deny of a desire could mean He has something better! Either way, always humble yourself, pray, and seek God’s face. Know that your prayers are heard and will be answered in God’s time.

Tigner Rand 

Raindrops mixed with tears: God answers Prayers

If one member suffers all suffer together; if one member is honored all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26

God is still present

Raindrops got in my eyes this morning.  I was overjoyed; God answered a prayer.  Raindrops mixed with tears filled my eyes this morning I heard from a friend who was missing in action. 

Each time my brother in Christ created an illusion and disappeared my heart grew concerned.  I prayed and God showed up. 

Our Afflictions

My brother in Christ is no different than any of us he struggles with some aspect of life.  He, like others, is afflicted with personal thorns, unable to move forward in God’s purpose. During Paul’s ministry he experienced a “weakness” which obviously hindered or slowed progress. Being cognizant of it Paul asked God three times to remove the thorn. God’s reply, “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 7-10

Praying for the right things

When praying we generally focus on self rather than others. Asking for the desires of our heart, blessings, favors, and healing. Nothing wrong with lifting up a personal request but remember God restored Job’s fortunes when he prayed for his friends Job 42:10.  Surrounding us are people who are spiritually, emotionally and mentally paralyzed. They are in need of prayer.  Thank God the power of prayer can heal. 

Christian Walk

I cried this morning because God answers prayers.  During my Christian journey I now realize and understand the more I pray for others God is present. Frequent prayers for my wife, children, family, and the well-being of others supersede my desires. Take time to pray more for others.  Lift up your family, friends, strangers on the streets, Preachers, teachers, schools and government leaders. Call them out by name. Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

God knows your needs

Though prayers may appear to go unanswered, hearing from my friend

reassured me that God is real.  He knows what we need and he answers right on time.  As for my brother in Christ barriers are present in his life but he fathoms people are praying for him. As for me, each time I pray and hear from my dear friend, it is one more day I cry tears of joy that God is still present and answering prayers.  

Today, let us begin praying more for others and less for ourselves. 

G.A.P.S. - God Answers Prayers Still

Bridging the G.A.P.

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures James 4:3




A large number of Christians are members of the D.U.A.P. club; ‘Doubter of Unanswered Prayers'. These individuals argue God does not respond to prayers. Desires were not met when wanted. 

There is a misconception that prayers are instantly answered. Let me remind you God hears all prayers however it’s only in due season he responds. Jesus stated whatever you ask in my name I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son John 14:12. What’s most often omitted from this verse by believers is they are not asking in Jesus name for the desires. Furthermore, prayers are typically for your own satisfaction opposed to the Father being glorified in the Son. John also elaborates, prayers are answered because we keep God’s commandment of believing in the name of Jesus Christ and loving one another 1 John 3:22-23.

God Answers Prayers Still

Praying can close G.A.P.S., (which stands for God Answers Prayers Still) 
Prayer is empowered by reading, meditating, and studying God’s word daily. I ran across an acronym, T. R.I. P., which teaches how to pray using scriptures. 

THANKS: What in this verse makes me thankful?

REGRET: What in this verse causes me regret?

INTERCESSION (prayer): What does this text lead me to pray for?

PURPOSE: What action does this text encourage me to take today?

prayer changes things

During your supplication, incorporate T.R.I.P. to develop your relationship and grow in faith. Don't fall back into bad habits of quarreling in your mind  and asking God with some doubt. He who has doubt is like waves of the sea James 1:5-8. Such a mind set will keep Christians confused, bitter, and angry with God. 

Transform the mind

Transformation of the mind and spirit begins when you show humility and start applying the A.S.K. principle during prayer, as Jesus stated Matt 7:7: ask, and it will be given to you, seek and you will find and it will be opened.

There is blessedness from answered prayers when you lift God’s name in praise, trust in him and ask, with right motives. Though weeping may endure for a season, in return God arms you with strength by turning your mourning into dancing, and depression into gladness. Never be silent, sing praise and give thanks to God so that your prayers will not fall in the GAPS again.

Tigner J. Rand



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Shampoo & Shoe Polish: The Rebirth

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. Psalms 113:3

For days, all eyes were glued on Reality TV, watching the rescue of 33 miners of Copiapo, Chile who were buried alive in a copper mine. We saw interviews from family members, distant relatives, and friends all hoping for a safe resurrection. Nearer the day of rising came the men asked for special items. The request where typical, tooth paste, brush, and socks however there were two items that caught my attention; shampoo & shoe polish. When asked, these men indicated they wanted to present themselves looking their best to their families. Wow, 69 days buried alive, not knowing if they would ever survive and what was most important to them was their appearance.

I perceived this action as a new beginning, cleansing, purging from a death back to life. Or could it be a sacrificial offering of themselves not only to family but to the state, country, world and most importantly God. Chile is Christian community which takes its religion seriously. So seriously most wore t-shirts inscribed with In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him Psalms 95:4. This miracle made way for two miners to give their life to Christ. "The people say, 'It is a miracle. Thank you, God."

There was a time in our society where people wanted to present themselves to God looking their best. Often a family would own one good church going outfit which was adorned during praise and worship time! No, your outward show is not a prerequisite for a person to experience a revival. What I am saying is we need find our own way to present ourself to God through word action or deed. For example, live by the old saying “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. Are your actions, words, or deeds, good in God’s eye sight? Are you praising him for the many blessing that are taken for granted? As stated by Rev., Dr. Stafford J. Wicker, “We are all blessed with more than two pair of shoes in our closets, a tooth brush, transportation, and food on our tables. There are people all over the world who would love to take any of our used items and would be happy!”

There is no right or wrong answer just food for thought. One has to believe that 33 men did not take they rescue for granted. They found it imperative to be clean and a blessing from God to be alive. This was the one way they could show their gratitude to God by requesting Shampoo & shoe polish!


Tigner Rand