Category Archives: God

Fisher of Men

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Now when he had ceased speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch. Luke 5:4

We all heard about Jesus, but what’s it going to take for you to truly believe in him? Why do we have such a hard time with faith? Jesus was teaching to Peter and others but could tell they weren’t getting it either, so he decided I’ll show you who I am

And Simon answering said unto him, Teacher, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at your word I will let down the net. Luke 5:5

Peter was a professional fisherman so he probably was a little annoyed at Jesus request, but out of respect he did it anyway. Do we feel this way sometimes when God is calling us to do something? We get settled in our own ways but need to remember Gods ways are higher.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. Luke 5:8

Peter witnessed the miracle and knew immediately he was in the presence of God. Peters response was correct as he immediately asked for forgiveness as he knew the holiness of Jesus. What would your reaction be if you were face to face with Jesus?

And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from now on you shall catch men. Luke 5:10

Jesus showed kindness and mercy to Peter and told him he was going to be one of his disciples! We need to remember we don’t choose God, God has chosen us. Allow God to work wonders in your life today , let Jesus make you also a Fisher of Men Amen

Amazing Faith

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So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. Luke 7:6-7

What can we learn from the centurion? Here he is being honest with Jesus, he knows Jesus can heal his servant but doesn’t feel worthy to even approach Jesus. Do we feel like the centurion or do we feel like God owes us?

What we do learn is that we should have faith and know that God can do all things, but we should also be humble and not expect that its his will to do as we request.

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Luke 7:9

A centurion is a commander of the Roman army, he had great power and authority just as he expressed to Jesus. But he also showed that he believed Jesus has greater power and authority than him.

So when Jesus heard that faith coming from a centurion, he was amazed. Herse a man whose job is to enslave the Jews, but this man recognizes that Jesus is the Messiah.

Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. Luke 7:10

The centurion knew that Jesus didn’t need to even see his servant to heal him, and he was correct. Do we understand this also? We can pray for others and don’t have to be with them for them to be healed. God is everywhere, the Holy Spirit lives inside us all, amaze Jesus with your faith also Amen

Are We Truly One?

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Are we truly One?

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

We live in a world that likes to segregate us, that likes to label us and put us into categories. But when you’re truly a Christian, this is not the case. For God sees all his children equally, for God does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11)

Then why do we have so many different Christian denominations when we supposedly all worship the same Christ? This is because Satan wants to divide and conquer, Jesus said a kingdom divided among itself will not stand (Matthew 12:25) So when we separate ourselves from each other were doing the work of Satan and not God.

Jesus taught us to Love our neighbor as yourself, (Mark 12:31) he didn’t say to just love yourself or your family. Jesus also taught to even love your enemy (Matthew 5:44), so why is there so much separation between the Church and the rest of the world?

If we truly want to be one in Christ then we must be more like Christ, meaning we eat with sinners (Matthew 9:10), associate with people of different nationalities (John 4), stand up for injustice (John 8:7) and rebuke corruption in the church (Matthew 21:13)

So are we truly one? Or did we create walls to divide ourselves? Remember there is only one God and one Heaven, and only one human race. We were all created in his image, its time we unite through Jesus Christ as he intended Amen

The Vine Part 2

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I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

Jesus teaches us the oneness we have with him, I think the word “adbideth” is interesting here. When you look up the meaning for that word it states “the archaic third person singular present tense suffix” sounds like the description of the Trinity.

So when we stay faithful to God and follow his will, the Holy Spirit abides in us and helps us to create good fruit. Without the power of God, we can do nothing !

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:6

Jesus teaches us another revelation of hell, and he says anyone that doesn’t bear good fruit is cast into the fire. When we seek to do our own will, we live a destructive life, therefor our lives become meaningless full of sin and selfishness

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7

When we are fully connected to God through the Holy Spirit and follow his words, we will produce “good fruit” (Galatians 5:22-23) And when we seek to do the will of God, he will bless us. For it pleases The Father to give to his children

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:8

When we bear “good fruit” it glories God and we truly become disciples of Christ. The key is to stay connected to God  through the Vine of Jesus Christ Amen

The Last Supper

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So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. Matthew 26:19

The disciples didn’t prepare The Last Supper because it was there idea, they were commanded by Jesus to prepare The Last Supper, Why? Because Jesus wanted them and wants you to know how important his sacrifice on the cross is. This is an event that will change the world forever, change the destiny of humanity forever, and defeated sin and death forever.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26

Notice Jesus First Blessed the Bread, Then Broke The Bread, and Then gave it to everyone. Just as when Jesus fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread, he first Blessed The Bread and then Broke it. Breaking of Bread is a Jewish custom that the head of the table or household says the blessing and breaks the bread.

Jesus is not only showing them that his body on the cross will be a broken sacrifice for us like the Bread but also he is the King of Kings, he Blessed, Broke, and Delivered the Bread of Life for all of us

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27-28

Without Blood there is no life and without the Blood of Jesus there is no forgiveness for our sins. He is The Lamb of God, the atoning sacrifice for our sins. So by drinking the wine, remember the importance of Jesus sacrifice on the cross.

The cross created a new covenant with God which allows all of us to be a Children of God. Its because of the Blood of Jesus we can stand before God, pure as snow, unblemished.

I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:29

Jesus is preparing his disciples on what is about to happen at Calvary. But Jesus gives them words of hope and victory as he tells them they will celebrate again in Heaven.

So when you take communion remember what it means, remember the sacrifice Jesus made for you, and remember the victory we have thru Christ Amen

Prophet Without Honor

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Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Matthew 13:54-55

When Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth during his ministry, the reaction was not what you would expect. Instead of people being joyful that the Messiah was from there hometown they began to question his legitimacy. Because they knew Jesus there entire lives they believed there is no way Jesus could be the Messiah, he just the carpenters Son

How you ever experienced this in your own life? Nobody how much you accomplished or how much you changed your life for the better your always going to have haters. There going to say “I knew this person growing up, they could never change” or “ I know where you come from , I know your family, you could never amount to anything”

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.” Matthew 13:57

Imagine how Jesus felt, these people he grew up around all his life, including his family mostly rejected him. The people he thought he could count on the most were the ones who doubted him the most.

Are there people in your life doubting you today? Or maybe your doubting someone in your life? Remember God works in mysterious ways, his ways our higher than our ways. God took a poor carpenter Son and saved the world with him. Don’t let peoples doubt stop your from your diving destiny.

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. Matthew 13:58

Notice there lack of faith prevented Jesus from performing miracles. Imagine if they just had the faith the size of a mustard seed, how many miracles Jesus could have performed for them. But there doubt prevents the power of God from activating.

This is the same with our life, do you ever say “I don’t see any miracles” question is how much faith do you have? Is your lack of faith preventing Jesus from working in your life today? Remember with man it’s impossible but with God all things are possible in Jesus Name Amen

Happy Birthday Tanner

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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”   John 16:33

As I reflect on another year of Tanners life, one word comes to mind “Overcomer”. This year Tanner started Kindergarten, we have a lot of questions and doubts going into this year how Tanner would do transitioning into regular school. However Tanner has not only adapted he is thriving!

Of course there were days that were tougher than others, but Tanner is a overcomer. When he sets his mind on something, he will work harder than everyone to get better. Even though he’s only going to be 6, hes been a huge inspiration to me.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The original plan was for Tanner to only spend 60% of the time with his regular class, and the other 40% with his support class. However Tanner had adapted so well since Day 1 that he has spent 100% of the time with his regular Kindergarten class. During our last meeting with the teachers they decided moving forward Tanner won’t need the support class at all as part of his plan.

Tanners teacher also revealed that during a grade wide testing, Tanner scored the highest of all the kids in  the entire Kindergarten for his reading level. Tanner actually reads text books to his classmates because they can’t.  I know I’m bragging a lot but you have to remember Tanner was labeled Autistic by the world, therefore the world assumed he would fail. Tanner not only overcame all those obstacles but he’s thriving above and beyond.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Once Tanners teachers and classmates get to know him, they instantly want to be his friend. Tanner is a light to this world, his big heart and charming personality make him addictive to be around. Anyone who takes the time to get to know Tanner, can see he is a blessing to this world

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

I’m so proud of Tanner and honored that he is my son. I love him with all my heart and soul and want him to know every step he takes on this journey, we are right there with him. Anyone who ever met Tanner will tell you he is a light to this world. He radiates love and kindness. A true pure soul. I pray that God continues to bless him and guard him with his angels in Jesus Name Amen

Love Your Enemies

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“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Matthew 5:38-39

One of the toughest lessons we learn from Jesus is to love our enemies. It’s difficult when people have wronged us it’s our natural instinct to seek revenge on them. But as Jesus is telling us we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard, take the higher ground. Instead of retaliating just shake it off and hold your peace.

Usually when we engage in the conflict its escalates it even further. As Christians we need to learn to be the peacemakers, to try to defuse a potential explosive situation not add fuel to the fire.

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:40-42

Most of us, we work hard for the things we have and God rewards us for working hard with honesty and integrity. However we just need to make sure our possessions don’t end up possessing us. If you see someone in need, if its possible help them out. Doesn’t always mean giving them money either, maybe they just need a friend or a ride to work. The little things can sometimes be the biggest blessings to someone

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:46-48

It’s easy to love our family and friends but to love your enemies is a daunting task. Jesus showed us a great example of this when he was crucified on the cross, instead of cursing his enemies he prayed for them and said “Father Forgive them for they know not what they do”

We need to strive to be like Christ, just as Jesus said strive to be perfect just as God is. We know its impossible to be perfect but we can strive for perfection, set the bar high, love your enemies in Jesus Name Amen

Thank you Veterans!

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Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Today is Veterans Day, a day when we need to honor our real true heroes of this nation, past and present. Today’s society defines hero as a reality star or pop star. But if you want to see a true definition of a hero look no further than the men and woman who sacrificed it all for you!

I’m proud to say my Father is a hero, a Vietnam Veteran who spent 3 years in Hell for all of us. Without him I wouldn’t be able to even write this devotional, think about it. You have freedoms in the country including religion and speech because of heroes like my Dad, don’t let anyone take those freedoms away. They were not gained in vain.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Jesus sacrificed his life so we can have eternal life, this is called “Agape” which is the highest form of love that is not selfless but sacrificial and spiritual. Jesus showed us what the ultimate act of love is, it’s an act not just a feeling.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Theres a time for everything, Veterans have been through the worst of times, let’s support them and help them see a time of healing and peace. We know that the only Peace for our soul is thru Jesus Christ, let them see that Peace through you.

Honor and Thank all Veterans today, past and present. Remember the sacrifices they suffered and the sorrows they had to bear for all of us. May God give them faith , hope , and love in Jesus Name Amen

Blessings Stored In Heaven

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The faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world–just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. Colossians 1:5-6

When we truly understand God’s grace that has been delivered to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, then we have expectations of blessings from Heaven. We know we can overcome the world because Jesus has already overcame the world.

Notice the scriptures says “hope stored up for you in heaven” As I taught in an earlier devotional, the original Greek word for Hope is Elpida which mean expectation. So we can expect blessings from Heaven when we store them up thru prayers and thanksgiving to God.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Colossians 1:9-10

We can’t underestimate the power of prayer, its your greatest weapon. When we pray from the heart, our prayers release and aroma of sacrifice to God (2 Corinthians 2:15)

Just like in the Old Testament when they used to burn incense for a pleasing aroma for God, your prayers to God release a pleasing aroma to God.

being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:11-12

We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, we all have heard this, but we need to believe it , think it , and live it. The power of The Holy Spirit has been giving to us all from God, welcome The Holy Spirit into your life today.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

The atonement sacrifice of Jesus has rescued us from the condemnation of death. Satan has a dominion of darkness right here on Earth and its looking to devour you like a Lion. But thru Christ we are victorious, give praise and thanksgiving daily to our Heavenly Father and store up the blessings in Jesus Name Amen