Tag Archives: Devotional

Can’t Buy Faith

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Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6

I love this story in the Bible, as it shows you Peter healed the man by their faith in Christ and not by money.  Isn’t this the approach and attitude our Christian Churches and Ministries should be using? You can’t go to a church service or watch a service on TV without being begged for money. What faith do these Christians really have?  Well they’ll bring up we must tithe. Let’s examine tithing from the Bible.

(Deuteronomy  14:22)” Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year”

There are a couple of Old Testament scriptures about tithing; here Moses gives the command to give 10% of all that you have to God. Problem is this is part of the Old Covenant. If you truly a Christian your part of the New Covenant. Let’s see what Jesus said about money.

(Matthew 19:21) “Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.””

When a man asked Jesus about following the commandments, Jesus told him to sell everything and give to the poor. How many Christian churches follow this practice? My point is Jesus never asked for or required money to spread his Gospel. If you have money and want to praise God help someone in need with it.

(Matthew 6:24) “”No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

I know that it takes money to operate a church or ministry, but in the pursuit of fulfilling the budget needs I think a lot of Christians have lost their real purpose and reason for the Gospel. You don’t need an elaborate Church to worship God, Jesus would spread the Gospel anywhere and everywhere.  This is why I believe Jesus said to just give it all away. He knows once you make money a priority you cannot serve two masters.

(Matthew 7:15,16) “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not ant-Church or ministry. My point is don’t lose your focus on Jesus. Instead of putting financial burdens on your members, put your faith in God. He will make a way if you truly have faith in him. And beware there are a lot of false prophets and ministries out there that are will cash in on your faith and generosity.  As Jesus said you will know the false prophets by the fruit there producing. Are they leading people to Christ or leading money to their bank accounts?

I pray for all the churches and ministry’s that they remember the real reason they started was to bring people to Jesus Christ. Please help us seek and see the truth in Jesus name Amen

Be strong in The Lord

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Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Are you struggling today? Are you involved in a battle that you feel like your losing? Who do you call on for strength? Are trusting in God to be your refuge thru your times of trouble? With God you are not alone, if you stand with him he will stand with you. If God is for us, who can be against us?

(Psalms 136:1) “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endurethfor ever”

 

King David understood this principle, when the world was against him and everyone was trying to kill him. He called unto God for his strength and he delivered him as always. For God promises his mercy endures forever. Call out to God today and he will not forsake you.

(Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

 

This is probably one of the most popular scriptures in the New Testament, however when Paul wrote this he was chained in prison. He didn’t proclaim this while living in paradise, he proclaimed this during his time in prison. He called onto God to give him strength no matter what man was doing to him.

(Ephesians 6:10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 

Again Paul tells trust in God to get you thru your battle and lean on him for your strength. Do you have this faith today? Are you fighting your battles alone or do you have God on your side? If you trust in him, he will not forsake you.

(Jeremiah 17:14) “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.”

 

Are you praising God in the storm or cursing him? So this is the true reveal or you faith. Anyone can be faithful during good times, but what about the hard times? This is what reveals who you really are. Thru you faith you will dig deep roots and endure any storm. Be strong in the Lord. In Jesus name Amen

Power of the Cross

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For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. I Corinthians 1:18

The cross originally designed by the Romans to be a torture device was transformed into the symbol of hope, love, and most importantly victory over death

As it says in the scripture above anyone who doesn’t understand the “Power of the Cross” is not only a fool but will perish. As Jesus said (John 14:6) “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus is the only way to heaven and that way was paved by his sacrifice on the cross. Many false religions will try to downplay the crucifixion, but that’s because they know the importance of this event. The war was won on this day. As Jesus said “It is Finished! (John 19:30)

This also provided an example of how we should live our Christian lives as Jesus said in (Matthew 16:24) “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

What did Jesus me by taking up your cross? Think of what the cross entailed, the ultimate sacrifice committed by Jesus. He was willing to lay down his life for everyone even though he knew many wouldn’t ever love him back. What about the humility he displayed? He has the power to wipe out the entire Roman army with one command, but chose to lay down his life to save ours.

Satan wants you to live in fear and feel hopeless, but by Jesus Christ and the “Power of the Cross” you are and always will be victorious. Remember what Jesus said in Matthews 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Thru Jesus Christ and the Power of the Cross, you have defeated death, no matter what Satan throws your way. Carry your cross and follow him, don’t be a fool and perish. In Jesus name Amen

Happy New Years

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Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Every New Year’s we try to start over, we reflect on the past year and our failures and downfalls.  We then usually make a commitment to make changes or improvements in our lives

This is the same when you give your life to Jesus, you become transformed and work upon improving yourself and your life so it can Glorify God.

(Ephesians 23-24) “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Does this mean thru Jesus we become perfect? Of course not, the reason we need Jesus is because were not perfect. He paid the price for our sins, thru him we can learn to become transformed.

(Philippians 1:6) “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

To really begin to change we need to learn humility and love. We need learn to let go of our pride and trust in God.  Jesus taught us all about humility and love. He gave himself up to be mocked and crucified to save us all. How many of us would be willing to do this?

(Proverbs 11:2) ” When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

So this New Year’s reflect on your life, reflect on your legacy, what would people say of you? Are you leading the life you wish? What captures your heart?

(Proverbs 27:9) “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

This New Years let’s make a commitment to Christ..Give your life to Jesus..carry your cross and follow him..and you will see your old self pass away and your new self-become transformed. Amen

You are Gods Masterpiece

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I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12

If I only looked like them.. If I only had more money..If I only had their connections.. We can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and sadness in our life when we constantly compare ourselves to others. We need to learn to have the attitude Paul did in this scripture “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation”

You need to realize God has supplied you and blessed you with everything you need in your life. When we are ungrateful for what we have or giving, we are being ungrateful to God. We need to realize that you are a “ masterpiece” to God.

(Ephesians 2:10) “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

We need to learn to trust in God to supply all our needs. He knows better for what we really need or don’t need.  Think back to the story of Abraham, God promised him a son. But him and his wife lost there patience and he had a child with her servant. Because he didn’t follows Gods plan he created a lot of extra heartache for him and his whole family. Eventually God fulfilled his promise and delivered Isaac. We need be more patient and content with God plan and what he provides for us.

(Proverbs 3:5) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”

With Social Media today it’s easier today to become discouraged, many people exaggerate or brag about their lives to build themselves up. But realize most people do this to compensate for their own emptiness. Be grateful for what God has giving you, if you can’t appreciate what you have now, why would God bless you with more?

(1 Thessalonians 5:18) ” give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Remember what Jesus taught us if something is causing us to sin to cut if off. Meaning if going on Social Media, ect is causing you distress or making your self esteem suffer, cut it off.

(Mark 9:47)” And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,”

Don’t let the outside world ruin your appreciation for what God has blessed you with. In Jesus Name Amen

WE are ONE

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So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27

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With all the racial tensions in the world today it’s important that we understand we are all One. We are all made in the image of God, we are all One Race, and we are all one thru Jesus Christ.

(Galatians 3:28) “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.”

How can we all be made in the same image if we all look different? This is because of “Adaptation”

Adaptation– any alteration in the structure or function of an organism or any of its parts that results from natural selection and by which the organism becomes better fitted to survive and multiply in its environment.

Adaptation should not be confused with Evolution. As Evolution the theory is a species turns into another species. Where adaptation is just the changing of traits in the existing species.

To understand how it all began we need to reference “The Tower of Babel” (Genesis 11) in the Bible

Before this event the world had one language and when they conspired together to build a Tower to reach the heavens and proclaim themselves Gods, they were scattered all over the Earth and giving different languages so they did understand each other.

So after everyone was scattered among the Earth, their bodies over time started changing characteristics to adapt better to their climates, hence adaptation.

(Genesis 11:8) “So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

So if you hate your neighbor you hate yourself. For we are all in this together.  If you truly love God then you must love everyone as your brother and sisters

(1 John 4:21) “And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Racism is complete ignorance, let’s stop looking and judging each other as separate races, We ARE ALL ONE. One thru Jesus Christ. We need to stop judging people based on there bodies adaptations and accept each other as equals.  If we can’t accept each other were probably not worthy of the Kingdom of God.

 

Your Mission

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For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Why did this happen to me God? How can you allow this to happen to me God? These are typical responses we lash out at God when tragedy strikes. But we need to understand we are the hands and feet of God.

If you are a Christian, then Jesus is living thru you. Therefore God should be living thru you, you should be doing the will of God.

(Romans 8:11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

 

Is this easy? Of course not, God never said it was going to be easy but if we trust in him all things are possible. How can I possibly make a difference? Let’s reflect on the story of Exodus. 400 years the Isrealites were trapped in slavery only to be freed my Moses. Did Moses do this alone? Of course not God sent the plaques, parted the Red Sea, ect. but he used Moses as his “hands and feet.

(Mark 10:27)” “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

 

Where do we begin? How do we save the world? One person at a time. Remember charity begins at home. Take care of your family, take care of your friends, take care of your neighbors, take care of your community. If every did this we wouldn’t have anymore problems.

Would there be any homeless if every family took care of each other? God has put you where you are for a purpose. Your family, your neighbors, your community, are tied to you for a reason. People travel far looking for mission trips but your mission is right where you are. Let Jesus live thru you and server your family, friends, neighbors, and community. Be a blessing to them.

(Jeremiah 29:7) Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

 

I pray that thru Jesus we are able to save and serve our families, friends, neighbors, enemies, community in Jesus name Amen

Fight the Good Fight

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Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses 1 Timothy 6:12
Satan wants you to believe your losing the battle, that all your struggles and obstacle you’re facing are going to destroy you. However the real truth is the war is already won.
As Jesus said “It is Finished” (John 19:30) During that moment Jesus not only conquered death but also defeated Satan. There is nothing he can do against you that we can’t overcome thru Jesus Christ.
From Revelations 20:10 we know Satan’s destiny “ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Victory is ours thru Jesus Christ, don’t believe the lies and deceit of Satan and his followers. They are only buying their time because it’s becoming limited. Their destination is Hell our destination is eternal life in paradise.
With that said you would face trials and tribulations during your time here as Jesus said in John 16:33 “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.
But notice what Jesus said “ I have overcome the world” meaning the war is over and Satan has already lost. But don’t be mislead Satan isn’t going down without a fight. He plans on taking down as many souls as possible, that’s why you need to put on your Armour of God and keep fighting the good fight.
I admit somedays the battle seems greater than me but then I remember1 John 4:4 “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” With Jesus we can’t be defeated.
So no matter what battle you are engaged with today, we need to be strong, stay in faith, and continue to “Fight the Good Fight”. For victory is our thru our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, if you believe Amen

Root of all Evil

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For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10
Isn’t it amazing that even back in Biblical days, people were obsessed with money. What is it about money that people are literally willing to sell their soul? Is it the false sense of power? Is it the collection of material things? Whatever it is, Satan knows you want it and will use it to manipulate you.
Remember the story of the disciple Judas who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Luke 22). Judas who was literally a disciple of Christ sold his soul for a few dollars. It didn’t end well for Judas either as the guilt overcame him or eventually he hung himself. I think Jesus said it best (Matthew 16:26) “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Consider what Jesus said about wealthy people in Mark 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Why is Jesus being so harsh on wealthy people? Is it a sin to become wealthy? To understand let’s examine what Jesus said in (Matthew 19:20-22) 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.…
Jesus was asked about the possession of wealth and he simply told the man to give it all to the poor, obviously the man was not happy. Why is it so difficult for us to be willing to give to others? In my opinion this is the main root why Jesus has a problem with wealth. In order to be wealthy you need to continually obtain money and possessions, most likely more than we need.
Therefor becoming wealthy essentially makes you selfish and greedy because you’re constantly wanting or withholding more from others. We probably heard the phrase “Share the Wealth” sometime in our life, this is exactly what we should be doing as Christians. In Jesus Name Amen

Citizens of Heaven

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But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20

 Do you ever feel out of place in this world? Well that’s because you are, your true home is in heaven.    The afterlife is a subject most of us don’t want to talk or think about; but it’s reality. The good news is that death is not the end for us thru Jesus Christ.

As Jesus promised in this scripture he has already prepared a place for us in (John 14:1-3 “”Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2“In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

 What will this place be like? I think Revelations 21:4 sums it up best “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”   Think about all disease and sin are gone, we can once again live in perfection again as God intended.  As we remember Jesus conquered death on the cross so we can have eternal life.

One story in the Bible always intrigued me, referred to as the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9). During this story Jesus takes his disciples up the mountain. During this time Jesus becomes radiant and they meet Moses and Elijah. The reason I love this story is because it proves there is an afterlife with Moses and Elijah reappearing. During this time God also confirms Jesus is the “Son of God”

I also love the scripture from  2 Corinthians 5:6-8 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord  While we are on this Earth we are away from our true home because we are “Citizens of Heaven”

 Remember what Jesus said to the sinner next to him on the cross. (Luke 23:43) Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Jesus not only promises him eternal life but describes heaven as paradise.

So remember heaven is awaiting you, don’t be discouraged or fearful of this world. As Jesus promised one day you will be a “Citizen of Heaven” in Jesus Name Amen