Bless The Lord; in everything we do

Read: Psalms 103

 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Psalms 103:1

 

Good Morning!

In everything that you do, bless the Lord. Blessing the Lord: How can it be done? With our daily chaotic schedules, how can we bless the Lord? 

Learning how to Bless the Lord, David is a great example. Throughout the book of Psalms, his deep affection for God is displayed.

"Bless the Lord with all my Soul. Praise the Lord and forget not all his benefits (Psalms 103:1-5).  How can we Bless the Lord today?

 

"Barak" is the Hebrew word for blessing, which means praise or kneel. Praising the Lord daily is the initial method for us to Bless the Lord. In Ephesians 5:20, Paul instructs to always give thanks to God. How can we always give thanks to God with our busy lives?

 

Throughout the day, the Children of Israel took time to bless and praise the Lord. they intertwined blessings and thankfulness by Incorporating brief prayers of thanks, they would honor God. To bless the Lord daily, what can we do?

 

Bless the Lord not only in the morning, but also throughout the day, as there are countless reasons to be thankful. 

We can bless the Lord for he is the creator of the beauty and splendor we see and enjoy as the days shift from light to darkness and the seasons change. We can Bless the Lord for the storms we face, including rain, snow, and clapping thunder. This and many other things to remind us of his greatness. Bless the Lord in both good and bad times. Bless the Lord while waiting for joyous moments, like a birth, birthday, or wedding.

 

The more we Bless the Lord in our daily lives, we will begin to see that the whole world is full of his Glory. Bless the Lord with all your soul. 

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Teach us how to pray; Can You Pray Like Jesus?

Read:  Luke 11:1-4

Lord teach us to pray Luke 11:1

 

Good Morning!

Several examples of Jesus praying are shared with us in the Bible. Trusting God's word, Jesus would frequently pray. How much greater could life be if you had a healthy prayer life?

 

Using Jesus as our model, Have you ever wondered why the Bible never mentioned the disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to preach, but instead focused on how to pray? Jesus, in Luke chapter 11, teaches us how to pray by giving us the Lord's Prayer as a model.

 

 Prayer is an essential part of our daily journey as Christians, and it should be incorporated into our lives regularly. Through prayer, we build a relationship with God the Father, drawing closer to Him and communicating with Him.  Likewise, Jesus was always faithful in his commitment to prayer.

 

For us to pray boldly and faithfully to God, we should likewise follow Christ's example. Like Jesus, we also encounter hardships but we should pray in the manner desired by God, we should emulate Jesus.

 

 To learn how to pray as Jesus did, here are a few bible verses.

 

· Matthew 6:9-13 - This is how you should pray

· Philippians 4:3-7 - Rejoice in the Lord always

· Luke 22:42 - He knelt down to pray

· James 1:6 - ask boldly without  second thought

· Ephesians 6:18 - Pray in the Spirit on all occasions

 

As you study these bible verse examples of prayer, we also should follow these examples of Christ by praying in this manner.

 

· Praying for others - Luke 22:32

· Pray Regularly - Luke 22:39

·  Pray before decisions - Luke 6:12-13

·  Pray in confidence that God hears you - John 11:41

·  Pray alone - Luke 5:15

·  Pray with other Luke 9:28

 

These powerful examples are ways to increase your praying so that you are praying Like Jesus.

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Obedience of Love is loving God

Read:  Luke: 5:1-11

If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15

 

Good Morning!

Obedience is an expression of love. Jesus mentioned several times in the bible, "If you love me you will obey my commands."  In First John 5, we are also reminded that obedience is “ love for God that we obey his commands and his commands are not burdensome.”

 

At an early age, we are taught the importance of loving and obeying – parents, teachers, elders, and God. As years pass, we tend to forget the obedience of love for God.

 

 One of the first disciples to follow Jesus was Peter. Known for his impulsiveness, he cut off the soldier's ear and displayed his self-assertiveness by stepping out of the boat. Although Peter would sometimes comment without fully comprehending, he was always obedient to Jesus' requests. Peter was obedient from the start.

 

A skilled fisherman, Peter knew the waters well. Typically fishing at night, Peter and the other fishermen would cast their nets in the shallow waters where the fish migrated.  After a catchless night of fishing, Jesus arrives at the seashore. He tells Peter to go into the deep waters and cast their nets. Peter, an expert in fishing, told Jesus, "Master, we have toiled all night, but caught nothing." I will let down the nets because you say so.

 

Christians often get tangled up in our relationship with Christ. Due to our strong convictions, we sometimes believe we possess a superior understanding compared to God. We tend to question God and disregard the directions from the Holy Spirit, choosing to follow our own will instead of God's guidance.

 

 The way God works is truly amazing.  Peter’s obedience netted him the catch of a lifetime – boats so full they almost sank!

 

 In my spiritual journey, I constantly remind myself to heed and obey the soft voice of the Holy Spirit. Obedience is an expression of love. Obeying Jesus' commands, even when they don't make sense, is a reflection of our love for Him.

 Let us follow the commands of God, no matter how impulsive, self-assertive, ambitious, or quick to comment without full understanding, we need to be more like Peter.

 

Although Christians claim to love the Lord, their actions often contradict this sentiment. Showing God your love is not just about telling Him, but also about demonstrating it through your obedience.

 

Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your infinite love. We apologize for not consistently obeying your instructions. Acknowledging our love for you is to obey you. In Jesus' name,  Amen

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Fill my Cup Lord; Pouring into others

 

Read: Luke 6:27-38

My cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

 

Good Morning!

Society has taught us that happiness is derived from being filled or full. Contrary to popular belief, throughout the Old and New Testaments, the Bible emphasizes the importance of investing our time, knowledge, and resources in others.   Jesus, who ministered, healed, and blessed others, is the epitome of this pouring practice. Paul served others through his ministry, pouring out himself like a "drink offering" (Philippians 2:17-18).

 

 Lord, fill my cup. Before God can pour into us our cups (spirits) must be empty to be filled or poured into. Once God fills our cup, we cannot be selfish and keep the blessings to ourselves. We should Act with selflessness and love by pouring into others. In Philippians 2:4, Paul advises us to consider not just our own interests, but also the interests of others.

 

As we pray to ask God to fill our cups and as He gives it to us in good measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over, (Luke 6:38) Helping others in need on God's behalf, as Proverbs 19:17 reminds us, will result in the repayment of the good deed (blessing). The repayment of the blessing circles back to our cups overflowing with good measure, pressed down and shaken together. The blessings are never-ending. 

 

 As you grow and progress on your Christian journey, make a conscious effort to share your blessings more intentionally. Giving to others is more blessed when it comes from the heart than receiving. When we give, Jesus reminds us that it will be given to us. God's blessing principal ensures that our cups are constantly filled with blessings, even if they come in different forms than what we initially gave.

 

  Be prepared to pour out and invest in others as God fills your cup. Offer encouragement, share your wisdom, testify of God's goodness, and give according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Do everything with a loving and caring heart, without expecting anything in return.

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Success: Everything has its time

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3

 

 

Good Morning!

What is your definition of success? Success can be defined in different ways, with some valuing material possessions and others emphasizing personal growth and development. While some value relationships and well-being as success, there is another sect that measures their professional achievements.

The hard work put into trying to achieve success often results in sorrowful days and nights filled with vexation for many. God finds no value in earthly pursuits being the focus. 

From God's perspective, what does success entail? When aligned with God, what you have received and perceived as success cannot compare. When aligned with God, our earthly pursuits can hold great value for God, you, and others. 

God wants us to be successful! True success, according to Proverbs 16:3, is achieved by committing your actions to the Lord. It emphasizes that when you do what God created you to do, your plans will succeed.

The key to success is found in 3 John 1:2, “Just as your soul prospers.”  Our soul is the mind, will, and emotions. When it is unhealthy, it impacts the core of our well-being.

Spending time in the word of God is the path to a healthy soul. Philippians 4:8 encourages directing one's thoughts towards good and holy matters. Meditating on and reading the word nourishes the soul.  When we Seek the kingdom of God first that all things will be added unto you.  Your earthly success can be the key to biblical success. 

Running God's earthly kingdom requires time, money, and talent. By taking the time to witness to others, you can use your "earthly success" to become a blessing. In Genesis 12:2, God blesses you so that you may become a blessing.  Your money not only provides for your family but when you are a good steward over a few things God can bless and increase which also enables you to help others by feeding the homeless, giving to the needy, or being able to donate to a good cause. 

When you find your true biblical success, you will glorify and bless God.

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It is not about you; Your life is all about God

 

Read: Philippians 1:12-18

doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself. Philippians 1:3

 

Good Morning!

 Life can seem to be unfair. Despite your prayers, education, and talents, you may find yourself trapped in a job while your less educated and talented coworker gets promoted.

 “Selfish ambition,” Paul called it. People who are solely driven by self-advancement will go to great lengths to get ahead in the name of Jesus.

In the movie Amadeus, Antonio Salieri was a talented court musician in Vienna. With great dedication, he diligently honed his skills. Blessed with talent, he knew that God had bestowed upon him this gift. He had fervently prayed to God asking for the ability to create music that would glorify his Father. He wanted to lift the hearts of people while serving God through his music. Though Salieri prayed to God for favor, his motives were selfish ambitions.

 A young prodigy, Mozart, blessed with immense talent, effortlessly dazzled crowds with his music. In addition to his musical genius, Mozart exhibited immaturity, vulgarity, and obscenity.

 Why is life so unfair? Despite living a pious life as a servant of God, Salieri's talents go unrecognized. How can Mozart achieve success while indulging in worldly pleasures? Throughout his lifetime, Salieri dedicated himself to arduous and monotonous labor. Why should Mozart have found everything so easy?

Philippians 1:12-18 reminds us there were Christ followers Like Salieri, who envied others. Paul continued to spread the Gospel, whether in prison or facing other encounters. Paul was envied by many followers of Christ. In their quest for prestige, these followers used Paul's imprisonment as a means, to promote their prestige, not God’s.

When we focus on the blessings of others we lose focus on God’s plans for us to be able to minister to others with our unique gifts from God.

Don’t end up like Salieri who found himself in an insane asylum, where he cursed God for denying him the kind of talent that blessed young Mozart. Envy lurks on the path of the crushed spirit. Our life is not about us, it is all about what we can do for God

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Assault on God's Word Be persuaded to follow God's word

Read: Acts 17:1-9

 

 But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar.Acts 17:5

 

Good Morning!

As I read the Bible, I often contemplate how the Word would be received in today's world, striving to understand its contextual implications. We often question why certain people, like the Pharisees or some Jews, did not receive the Gospel from Christ himself or from the disciples who were spreading the Gospel and performing miracles. In real-time, they witnessed it. As Christians today, we read and accept it as the truth. 

 

 In Acts 17:1-9, Paul, Silas, and Timothy were continuing their mission to spread the gospel,  after their release from prison. Paul took every measure necessary to come into town and present himself and the Gospel accordingly. First, he met with the Jews. He ministered and taught on three Sundays. Due to the teachings, Paul attracted a multitude of devout Greeks and led women to follow the Gospel.

 

 Many Jews were not persuaded. They became envious, formed a mob, and caused an uproar. They wanted to run Paul and his crew out of the city. Unable to locate Paul, they seized a man named Jason, accusing him of being the instigator behind the city's chaos. 

 

 Today's society behaves no differently. An uproar occurs when something contradicts our true beliefs. Even when it may be the truth, committees, organizations, and government parties align to stand against it and cause an uproar. They try to turn things upside down.

 

 Not everyone is meant to receive God's word. Jesus knew many would not be receptive to his message, thus the reason he spoke in parables (Matthew 13:34-35). In Matthew 13:20-22, Jesus also compared his words to seeds, which could fall on various types of ground - stony, weeds, and fertile. Some will be glad to hear the word but it will not go down deep in their hearts, because when hard times come they will forget Christ.  There will be those who fall into the weeds. Because they prioritize worldly pursuits, their belief will be short-lived due to being easily overwhelmed and choked out. 

 

 Every year should be a year of growth. You will observe and experience different things throughout the year. Whatever that may be study and get an understanding. Don't take it for face value.

 

God's word is particularly significant. As you listen to your pastors or preachers on television as you read these devotions, pull out your bible, and study what you hear and read. Make sure it aligns with God's word as it has been written.  Follow the Gospel like the multitude who believed; do not be like the mob who sought to destroy it.

-- 

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A new prayer to Claim for the new year; The Prayer of Jabez

 

Read: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us Ephesians 3:20

 

Good Morning!

Understanding and appreciating who you are and where you come from is made possible by knowing your identity. A sense of belonging can be derived from one's identity. Some of us were named by our parents, after relatives, as well as after other people, places, and things. During biblical times, mothers frequently chose names for their children based on the challenges or hardships they may have experienced, thereby perpetuating a sense of "negativity" within the child. Powerful are the words that come from our mouths. Even when we do not intend to, the power of our tongue can speak life or death.

  Jabez, a member of the family lineage of Judah, is highlighted in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Jabez, born out of negativity, was his name. Jabez was named by his mother due to the pain she experienced giving birth to him. In a negative sense, Jabez is starting his life by hearing himself being called a pain. The words we speak can have the power to bring either life or death upon us.

  Despite his negative name, Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, as the word indicates. Does this sound familiar to you?  Do you constantly find yourself striving to do good and honorable things, only to be attacked, ridiculed, or talked about negatively?

  Refusing to accept his negative fate, Jabez took a stand. In search of blessings, he turned to God in prayer. Just like Jabez, there is nothing wrong with us praying and asking God for blessings. In his petition, Jabez asked God to protect him from evil and prevent him from causing pain.

  Daily, we confront evil. Regularly, we will face trials and tribulations, as even the Bible tells us. The difference is determined by how we respond to our evils. Jabez's request was to enlarge his territory. This implies that God's blessings extend beyond us. It is the actions we undertake for God's honor and glory that surpass our impact on others.

  Take time this year to seek God's blessing. Ask him to help regain your identity in him. 

  For a deeper understanding of this concise yet impactful prayer, I recommend exploring the book The Prayer of Jabez available on Amazon.

 

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Your setbacks are setups for God’s greatness

 

Read: Galatians 4:12-16

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

 

Good Morning!

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the greatest composers. His nine masterpiece Symphonies have withstood the test of time and continue to be performed by numerous symphonies today. At the height of his career, this esteemed artist lost his hearing. Despite suffering from hearing loss, Beethoven's ability to compose music remained unaffected, although performing at concerts became increasingly challenging for him. Despite facing physical setbacks, he did not allow them to hinder his talent.

  The ministry of the Apostle Paul was accompanied by various challenges and hardships. In Acts 14:19-20, Paul was brutally beaten, stoned, and dragged by Jews, resulting in possible broken bones, cuts, and bruises. He was bitten by a snake on the island of Malta after a Shipwreck. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, we must remember Paul's proverbial thorn in the side. Adding to the existing problems, it seems that he was not a very good speaker either. In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul admitted that the Corinthians church had many criticisms of his preaching, which they considered to be unimpressive.

  On his deathbed, Beethoven was quoted as saying, "I will hear in heaven." After reading this quote, I thought about people who often come up with excuses or create obstacles for themselves, preventing them from doing what they are capable of.

  Despite his inability to do anything else, Beethoven recognized his talents as a gift from God in the form of his ability to write music. Among the many things Paul endured and suffered from, he didn't allow them to hinder him from spreading the Gospel.

  As you create your New Year Resolutions, evaluate yourself to determine what is causing metaphorical deafness. What is the barrier preventing your progress?

 if Ludwig van Beethoven can write great musical scores without hearing, just think what you can do!

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