When Only a Divine Intervention Can
"The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:37
David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:45-47
Thinking back to when I was growing up, I always told myself, "I'm going to college, gonna graduate, and be successful." And of course along comes the king of all haters, you know him, you love to hate him, you can't stand to be around him, the devil. He throws all kinds of doubt-filled words and terrible situations my way to distract me. But I still remember saying, I will finish school. And what did I do—finish school. When most would have given up, I stayed and worked hard. When people would have taken time off to recover, I went to Turkey. When most would have come up with excuses, I cried out to God. Only divine intervention can keep you focused when everything you know has been obliterated. Because as Isaiah 38:17 says, "Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish." And it was—I'm much stronger and now God is equipping me for His work.
Take my new nephew Josiah(Smile Esha, Mimi, and Ms. Sylvia; I couldn't help it).(I have got nieces and nephews out the ying yang now lol) I tell you he is a trooper! He has been fighting for 9 months to get here and he gets stronger and stronger each day he is here. But I know something that most doctors and atheistic people don't know, that God put His hand on Josiah and Josiah grabbed tight with His little hands. Like my own baby brother--they both inspire me, who fought that same fight, he said in his little mind, "I have too much to do, too many people to meet, and I am coming. So devil leave me alone!" When no one else can do it, God does it. He continues to provide, He continues to win. Like in John 16:33, Jesus says that He has ALREADY overcome the world—so you can guarantee with faith and trusting and yielding that God has already taken care of it. This is not to say that it isn't hard, but you can trust that God still knows how to straighten out situations that seem irreversible.
Put your comfort in this scripture:
"For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." 2 Corinthians 1:5
"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." Psalm 119:50
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Daily Devotion
The Tortoise and the Hare
But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15
I love folk tales. Because they not only teach realistic lessons about life, but they do it in a lighthearted way. I hope that you had a great thanksgiving and gave God all the thanks that is due to Him. The tortoise ended up beating the hare in that story, and patience truly does deem you the winner over whatever ills you may face. It is a hard lesson--Lord I am preaching to myself :D--but as in Luke 21:19, "By your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win the true life of your souls." That includes all the blessings you seek and the guidance needed to make the best decisions. Like the seed that fell on fertile soil, blessings are harvested with patience. Nothing happens overnight. Growth is not on fast forward, and neither is progress. As the saying goes, progress is a slow process. The only way to get that growth and get to that harvest is to water and feed your seeds with the proper foods: reinforcing scriptures, people placed in your life with wisdom and insight, and spending time in God's presence. So feed your need for God!
"May the Lord direct your hearts into [realizing and showing] the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ and in waiting for His return." 2 Thessalonians 3: 5
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Daily Devotion
What is your reason for Thanksgiving?
Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know that I am thankful to be alive. Just last year, I was fighting to salvage my last 12% of kidney function, sleeping nearly 12 hours just to be up and work, and wasting away. But look at me now and tell me God ain't good! Of course I have experienced ups and downs, but I must truly say that this has been one of the best years of my life. I claimed on the last day of 2008 that 2009 would be my year--I have had many things to happen to challenge that declaration. But I must earnestly say that God has held me down and had my back even when those I always thought would be there have not. I have had my life nearly taken several times, lost those dear to me, and been under nearly insurmountable amounts of stress. But I am thankful for God because I have gotten through! I now know and embrace His calling on my life and plan to do what He tells me. I now have the undaunting faith that He will always provide! I pray that you too have experienced that kind of faith and God's faithfulness. But I ask, what are you thankful for? What has God done for you that you can thank Him for every single day? Health, wealth, love? What ever it is, be sure to give God all the praise and glory all the time.
Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9: 11
2 Corinthians 9: 11
I give thanks to Him Who has granted me [the needed] strength and made me able [for this], Christ Jesus our Lord, because He has judged and counted me faithful and trustworthy, appointing me to [this stewardship of] the ministry. 1 Timothy 1: 12
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Daily Devotion
Appreciating the Quiet
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39
Sometimes our minds get to running so far off course that we get ourselves into trouble. I realized that today is a quiet day, and I was just calm and quiet, no worries kind of day. But I kept getting thoughts in my head, annoying thoughts dead set on destroying my peace. Fortunately I recognized it and went outside into my car for my break, read a little, and took a nap. Put those thoughts to bed so that I could appreciate the calm and quiet that God has given me.
The context of the scripture above is like so: Jesus had just gotten finished preaching to the multitude and decided to leave and travel across the lake. There were other ships around with them. All of the sudden, a windstorm, and I assume much like our hurricanes came upon them. The waves were beating against the ship and caused the ship to fill with water. The disciples, who had not quite understood and appreciated the miracles Jesus had just performed, were quickly frightened and fearful. They go to Jesus, who is sleeping in the bottom of the ship, and probably cry out in fear at His lack of concern about the storm. See this is the learning point here. Jesus is the Son of God, so why would the Master of All be afraid of some little storm? He had just performed great miracles in healing the diseases and casting out demons of the crowds that He had encountered, so why would he be concerned with a few waves?(Mark 3-4) But we look at the “waves” and go ballistic! We lose all faith and are barely able to weather a light shower.
Even in times of damp ground and peace, we look and anticipate bad. So what happens, we get it! I am glad God allowed me to recognize what the devil was doing. I am on alert because he does get crafty and try to sneak up on us, but I recognize the power in changing your thoughts by speaking out loud. I said, I am going to take a nap and instantly the thoughts were gone. He was trying to make me find something to negatively meditate on. He was trying to make me find a fault with anything today and I must say that I am glad for my progress because I karate-kicked that fool! I embrace the great calm that God has given me and want to relish in it. Because not a single man or woman alive can give that to you, you should appreciate those points of peace and quiet. Be on guard because that great imp is always gearing up for ways to attack you. Be blessed and let God’s peace fall on you today!
“You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.” Psalm 89:9
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39
Sometimes our minds get to running so far off course that we get ourselves into trouble. I realized that today is a quiet day, and I was just calm and quiet, no worries kind of day. But I kept getting thoughts in my head, annoying thoughts dead set on destroying my peace. Fortunately I recognized it and went outside into my car for my break, read a little, and took a nap. Put those thoughts to bed so that I could appreciate the calm and quiet that God has given me.
The context of the scripture above is like so: Jesus had just gotten finished preaching to the multitude and decided to leave and travel across the lake. There were other ships around with them. All of the sudden, a windstorm, and I assume much like our hurricanes came upon them. The waves were beating against the ship and caused the ship to fill with water. The disciples, who had not quite understood and appreciated the miracles Jesus had just performed, were quickly frightened and fearful. They go to Jesus, who is sleeping in the bottom of the ship, and probably cry out in fear at His lack of concern about the storm. See this is the learning point here. Jesus is the Son of God, so why would the Master of All be afraid of some little storm? He had just performed great miracles in healing the diseases and casting out demons of the crowds that He had encountered, so why would he be concerned with a few waves?(Mark 3-4) But we look at the “waves” and go ballistic! We lose all faith and are barely able to weather a light shower.
Even in times of damp ground and peace, we look and anticipate bad. So what happens, we get it! I am glad God allowed me to recognize what the devil was doing. I am on alert because he does get crafty and try to sneak up on us, but I recognize the power in changing your thoughts by speaking out loud. I said, I am going to take a nap and instantly the thoughts were gone. He was trying to make me find something to negatively meditate on. He was trying to make me find a fault with anything today and I must say that I am glad for my progress because I karate-kicked that fool! I embrace the great calm that God has given me and want to relish in it. Because not a single man or woman alive can give that to you, you should appreciate those points of peace and quiet. Be on guard because that great imp is always gearing up for ways to attack you. Be blessed and let God’s peace fall on you today!
“You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.” Psalm 89:9
Monday, November 23, 2009
Daily Devotion #2
Having Faith in the Name
"And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all." Acts 3:16
Growing up, among many things I did not like about myself, I could not stand my names. I looked up my first name often to find no meaning; it was not a typical name. As I got older, I realized that my name instantly cast me into a box—definitely African American. For the life of me I did not understand where they came from or who thought of them. My momma was always the one to correct people when they mispronounced it. I had this one teacher…all my EC alumni know how…who absolutely annihilated my name every single time she called on me. From Maqwista Piester to her having to think of a monkey—picture that right—to pronounce it right, I am certain she hasn't forgotten it. Despite that, I excelled in her class and even had to teach my classmates when she could not effectively explain a topic. It was not until I went on this journey of embracing me and everything about me, including my name, that I learned to accept it for what it is, and that I, not anyone else defined it. Even better, I really embraced it just this Saturday, as Miss Black SC USA 2009 told me and my fellow queens how she came upon the name for her company. I'm sure everyone has heard or read the story of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon, how she sought wisdom from a place that took 9 months for her to travel to.
What I learned that nearly brought tears to my eyes was that her name was Makeda, or Maqueda and a host of others in different interpretations. It took me learning that to learn so much more about God. We are supposed to have faith when we call on that glorious name of Jesus that we can expect to receive whatever we ask for. We can expect that we will bless us, deliver us, heal us, save us, carry our burdens, and that oh so difficult thing change us. Nothing is too hard for God. Nothing is outside of the realms of His power. So embrace who God made you to be, and define your name, because in His name, all things are possible!
"I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him." John 5:43
"And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all." Acts 3:16
Growing up, among many things I did not like about myself, I could not stand my names. I looked up my first name often to find no meaning; it was not a typical name. As I got older, I realized that my name instantly cast me into a box—definitely African American. For the life of me I did not understand where they came from or who thought of them. My momma was always the one to correct people when they mispronounced it. I had this one teacher…all my EC alumni know how…who absolutely annihilated my name every single time she called on me. From Maqwista Piester to her having to think of a monkey—picture that right—to pronounce it right, I am certain she hasn't forgotten it. Despite that, I excelled in her class and even had to teach my classmates when she could not effectively explain a topic. It was not until I went on this journey of embracing me and everything about me, including my name, that I learned to accept it for what it is, and that I, not anyone else defined it. Even better, I really embraced it just this Saturday, as Miss Black SC USA 2009 told me and my fellow queens how she came upon the name for her company. I'm sure everyone has heard or read the story of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon, how she sought wisdom from a place that took 9 months for her to travel to.
What I learned that nearly brought tears to my eyes was that her name was Makeda, or Maqueda and a host of others in different interpretations. It took me learning that to learn so much more about God. We are supposed to have faith when we call on that glorious name of Jesus that we can expect to receive whatever we ask for. We can expect that we will bless us, deliver us, heal us, save us, carry our burdens, and that oh so difficult thing change us. Nothing is too hard for God. Nothing is outside of the realms of His power. So embrace who God made you to be, and define your name, because in His name, all things are possible!
"I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him." John 5:43
Daily Devotion
Kill the Victim
"But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57
"The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties." Romans 8:37
I was having a conversation with one of my friends last night and was told that I can play the victim role very well. I was like no I don't—naturally! But that got me to thinking, I remember my ex-boyfriend saying on a regular basis that I played on his sympathy. And that is not what I want to do! I realized that I must immediately stop this. I don't want pity, I want compassion. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, I want encouragement to keep striving and occasionally someone to vent to and share my burdens with. We must stop allowing ourselves to be victims—whether subliminally or explicitly. Bad things happen to everyone—good and bad although as good people we like to believe that we are uniquely plagued by ill-intended events. The difference should be in how we react.
As I look for the definition of victory, several things popped up first: there are many churches that have victory in their name. Most associate victory with our war-centered world; in fact, war is the perfect thing to associate victory with. We have a war over our emotions, thoughts, and carnal desires. We go to war against the battle of the bulge, sickness and diseases, and ignorance every day. The hard part is that in more difficult situations, we do not always remember the promises and affirmations that are given to us. Romans 8:37 says that we are MORE than conquerors. Not less, not equal to, but more than. That means we cannot keep making every situation about us. We cannot continue to act as if every wrong in our lives are personal attacks. We cannot continue to be the victim! As in Colossians 2:8, "Be careful not to let anyone rob you [of this faith] through a shallow and misleading philosophy. Such a person follows human traditions and the world's way of doing things rather than following Christ." Don't be so vain and wrapped up in your own problems that you allow yourselves to be victimized. Don't let the devil mislead you to think that you should not be suffering because as in one of my favorite verses, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."
Suffering brings refinement, but if you keep victimizing yourself—because that's what you do when you continue to feel sorry for yourself, you put yourself in a continual loop. Kill the victim and like Job, come out as gold! "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Job 23:10
"The purpose of these troubles is to test your faith as fire tests how genuine gold is. Your faith is more precious than gold, and by passing the test, it gives praise, glory, and honor to God. This will happen when Jesus Christ appears again." 1 Peter 1:7
"But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57
"The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties." Romans 8:37
I was having a conversation with one of my friends last night and was told that I can play the victim role very well. I was like no I don't—naturally! But that got me to thinking, I remember my ex-boyfriend saying on a regular basis that I played on his sympathy. And that is not what I want to do! I realized that I must immediately stop this. I don't want pity, I want compassion. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, I want encouragement to keep striving and occasionally someone to vent to and share my burdens with. We must stop allowing ourselves to be victims—whether subliminally or explicitly. Bad things happen to everyone—good and bad although as good people we like to believe that we are uniquely plagued by ill-intended events. The difference should be in how we react.
As I look for the definition of victory, several things popped up first: there are many churches that have victory in their name. Most associate victory with our war-centered world; in fact, war is the perfect thing to associate victory with. We have a war over our emotions, thoughts, and carnal desires. We go to war against the battle of the bulge, sickness and diseases, and ignorance every day. The hard part is that in more difficult situations, we do not always remember the promises and affirmations that are given to us. Romans 8:37 says that we are MORE than conquerors. Not less, not equal to, but more than. That means we cannot keep making every situation about us. We cannot continue to act as if every wrong in our lives are personal attacks. We cannot continue to be the victim! As in Colossians 2:8, "Be careful not to let anyone rob you [of this faith] through a shallow and misleading philosophy. Such a person follows human traditions and the world's way of doing things rather than following Christ." Don't be so vain and wrapped up in your own problems that you allow yourselves to be victimized. Don't let the devil mislead you to think that you should not be suffering because as in one of my favorite verses, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."
Suffering brings refinement, but if you keep victimizing yourself—because that's what you do when you continue to feel sorry for yourself, you put yourself in a continual loop. Kill the victim and like Job, come out as gold! "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Job 23:10
"The purpose of these troubles is to test your faith as fire tests how genuine gold is. Your faith is more precious than gold, and by passing the test, it gives praise, glory, and honor to God. This will happen when Jesus Christ appears again." 1 Peter 1:7
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Daily Devotion
The Crooked Pointing Finger of Blame
"All of us make a lot of mistakes. If someone doesn't make any mistakes when he speaks, he would be perfect. He would be able to control everything he does." James 3:2
It always seems easier to point our fingers at someone else when things are going haywire in our lives. We do not like being responsible for anything; no one likes accepting fault and taking responsibility in bad situations. But as my second father said last night and my own little variation: when you point the finger at someone else, you have three pointing directly back at you.
The infamous Pharisees and Sadduccees were always trying to find something wrong with Jesus. They hated that He always answered their tricky questions and embarrassed them. They were judgmental of His eating and socializing with sinners, healing people, and preaching. But they themselves did not always live by the Law. They obeyed what they wanted and broke laws that they felt did not apply to them.(Matt 16:1-11, Luke 5:33, John 7:32, Mark 2:18) Haven't you met people like that, always finding something wrong with you or blaming others for their problems? Yet their solutions often bend the rules or involve them vindicating themselves. I recently had the experience with a stranger and also some very close to me, where they are questioning their faith because of the difficulties or trauma in their lives. But I ask the question, if you are living according to your own plan, how can you doubt God when your own plans have failed or caused you great pain? Isn't your present state evidence enough of His existence and greatness? Isn't His power and how He has worked for you in the past evidence that things can truly change?
Look at me. I was disobedient and chose to stay in my major when I have known my entire life that I was supposed to be doing something related to counseling. Even when I figured it out my junior year, I still did not change my major. I said to myself, "Self, we are gonna stay in this major and make lots of money. We love math so its just as close. Plus we can always go back to school later." Well little did I know how close I would come several times to not seeing that later! I have had so many close brushes with death that it reminds me just how much favor I have and that God has a great plan for my life that He wants me to finish. Once I got my plan in line with His(and this is a DAILY process), which was not until recently, and only then did I get peace. I had some terrible things to happen that I opened myself up to by not yielding to Him, by being disobedient, and I found everyone and everything I could to place the blame. Until I was walking in God's will and accepted as the priority above my own, He would keep doing and allowing what He needed in my life to get me into the fold. I had to stop blaming others for everything that happened in my life--the kidney failure, the personal difficulties, even now with my feelings about my living situation and work. I was not living blamelessly, so how could I truly expect to not feel the consequences, good and bad, of my choices?(Phil 2:15) And yes God has already made some of the side effects work out for my good--new kidney from my brother, peace because I am sharing what He tells me with others, and just happiness.(Romans 8:28) And I definitely have no doubt that things will continue to do so.
Quit blaming everyone and everything. I always ask my mentee what did she do in a situation to cause it escalate when she gets in trouble, because when things go wrong most times we have always contributed to it. Yes there are circumstances where things happen just because of the world we live in. We cannot control the evils of others. But always look at yourself first. Do you have unforgiveness and bitterness in your heart--how can you expect to truly progress? You already have boulders dragging you down, slowing your progress. Did something not turn out the way you thought it would? Did you even ask for help? I try to say this everyday: "Life is not meant to be easy. Some things will not turn out how I plan, but pain is temporary. But I ask you Lord to direct my steps and lead me in Your will. God loves me unconditionally." God's will does not fail; He will keep you from falling!(Jude 1:24)
I want to share this with you. Romans 1:25 tells us that the truth of God has been exchanged for a lie. We do that when we point the finger or get angry and upset with God because we do not understand. God's ways are not our ways; we do not always immediately understand.(Isa 55:8, Proverbs 3:5) But as long as we yield to His way, life will be easier. Look at Jonah; his life fell apart when he disobeyed God. It's hard when you are going against everything you know, everything you see, everything you feel. But remember regardless of whatever way that finger is pointed--up at God, or around you at something or someone, you still point at least three back at yourself. Be encouraged today!
"If someone obeys all of God's laws except one, that person is guilty of breaking all of them." James 2:10
"For this reason, my brothers, take all the more care to make your selection and approval certain; for if you do these things you will never have a fall:" 2 Peter 1:10 Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Daily Devotion
Lurking in the Shadows
“The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. As a result, they don't see the light of the Good News about Christ's glory. It is Christ who is God's image.” 2 Corinthians 4:4
“He sits in the lurking places of the villages; In the hiding places he kills the innocent; His eyes stealthily watch for the unfortunate. He lurks in a hiding place as a lion in his lair; He lurks to catch the afflicted; He catches the afflicted when he draws him into his net.” Psalm 10:8-9
I have had an interesting day so far. I’m not sure if you have heard and read the Shaniya Davis story—the tragic situation that happened lately with the beautiful 5yr old little girl that was being sold for sexual favors by her mother. She was raped then brutally killed. She had been living with her father and her mother supposedly had gotten her life together so he allowed her to go stay with the mom. So this morning my best friend’s brother posted a question to God of why He would allow this to happen. Because this is so ironic that I was talking about something similar last night, I could not resist.
Back when Adam bit the apple—actually the moment he decided to follow his wife, and I assume it went like this: “Honey, here have some of this apple. It’s from the forbidden tree, and I don’t feel any different. I was talking to the snake and his words made me curious…so here, you try it. Maybe God was just pulling our legs…” and the rest is history. Once that decision in Adam’s mind was made to disobey the DIRECT order HE received from God, as it is said in Genesis 3:6-7, “6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Immediately after Adam ate the fruit, their eyes were opened. As you’ll also notice, God had noticeably more angry towards the snake and the man, resulting in curses upon them.(Gen 3:14-19) When Adam disobeyed God, it was almost immediate that trouble started happening. After Eve gave birth to Cain and Abel, Cain kills his brother.(Gen 4:8) God at this time, still had a direct connection with them, and spoke directly to them. But as the days went by, people gave more and more power to the devil, who became lord of the earth when the apple was bitten.
What most people do not realize is that once man fell, we were reborn into sin. When God created Adam and Eve, they knew no sin. That’s why when you accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you are born again. But because we are naturally predisposed to sin, we do it. It is easier to sin and follow the natural tendencies of your flesh than it is to do what is right. But back to the debate—the question was why would God allow such a thing to happen if He is God—my reply was multi-faceted of course. Satan lurks in the shadows, in the back of our minds, planting and harvesting negative and evil word seeds in the minds of all. If a person yields to their self-centered, sinful nature—perfect example, when babies are of an age to make decisions for themselves, i.e. if you tell a child not to touch something, what do they do? They go and touch it—the natural desire to be disobedient or as explained away by atheistic believers “curiosity”. Curiosity killed the cat, didn’t it? Of course, that is not looked at as sinful, but the older they get, the more they try to push the boundaries and that is why you have to discipline. But that’s for another day lol. I do not know the background of the mother, but I do know that hurting people hurt those they love. I also know that the devil will use anyone he can to get to you, including your family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, strangers, anybody.
We have to understand that God owes us no explanation for the things that happen in this world. We also have to understand that God gave us free will—hence Adam choosing to disobey God. We furthermore have to realize that those that get hurt are those often without a voice—children and others seen as weak. The devil wants to kill us all and will do it in whatever way he can. I do not condone the situation; I have just grown to realize that we can allow ourselves to be used by the devil and to fall victim to his attempts to trap us and that it is a constant battle. It’s like a lion that stalks its prey. Lions are said to pay attention to the feeding/sleeping/grazing habits of its food. Then it stalks it slowly to find the most opportune occasion to pounce and kill. Same for the devil! He waits until you get to your lowest point, when you doubt God—job loss, child loss, other family or friend loss, argument, whatever—and then he launches another attack on you. Our weaponry in this case is the Word of God.
This goes back to fortifying your mind, keeping God’s word in front of you at all times because one thought that is given attention is all it takes. One of the people that commented said that he did not believe in God. Instantly, I was moved with anger, but then I felt compassion. Because how can you not believe in God? What do you think will happen to you? Of course, I messaged him and told him I would share my story with him of how I know God exists. But all I know of the situation is that people allow Satan to pounce on them and become his puppets, like the mother in this situation and a beautiful little girl is gone. At this point we cannot bring her back, but I rejoice at knowing that God has used that opportunity to take her back to himself. Don’t be anyone’s dummy? Who is your ventriloquist? The key to being able to fight Satan is in keeping an arsenal of spiritual weaponry in your corner at all times. Find scriptures for forgiveness and bitterness.(Mark 11:25, Matthew 6:14-15) Speak healing-Jeremiah 30:17, deliverance-Jeremiah 30:11 and Jeremiah 1:8, and financial elevation (Jeremiah 30:18) scriptures over your situations. When you are weak, recite “Greater is He that is in me than he who is in the world” and “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” out loud.(1 John 4:4, Phil 4:13) And when you feel the enemy is near, when he hovers around or over you in your home, tell him to get the heck out! As I learned last night, sweep that trashy, good for nothing idiot right on out. Anoint your house so that God only dwells there and gives you the power to rid the devil from hiding in your shadows! Seek the light. Hahaha “Come into the light, Carol Anne, come into the light.!”
“You will help them understand and turn them from darkness to light and from Satan's control to God, so that their sins will be forgiven and they will receive a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'” Acts 26:18
“The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. As a result, they don't see the light of the Good News about Christ's glory. It is Christ who is God's image.” 2 Corinthians 4:4
“He sits in the lurking places of the villages; In the hiding places he kills the innocent; His eyes stealthily watch for the unfortunate. He lurks in a hiding place as a lion in his lair; He lurks to catch the afflicted; He catches the afflicted when he draws him into his net.” Psalm 10:8-9
I have had an interesting day so far. I’m not sure if you have heard and read the Shaniya Davis story—the tragic situation that happened lately with the beautiful 5yr old little girl that was being sold for sexual favors by her mother. She was raped then brutally killed. She had been living with her father and her mother supposedly had gotten her life together so he allowed her to go stay with the mom. So this morning my best friend’s brother posted a question to God of why He would allow this to happen. Because this is so ironic that I was talking about something similar last night, I could not resist.
Back when Adam bit the apple—actually the moment he decided to follow his wife, and I assume it went like this: “Honey, here have some of this apple. It’s from the forbidden tree, and I don’t feel any different. I was talking to the snake and his words made me curious…so here, you try it. Maybe God was just pulling our legs…” and the rest is history. Once that decision in Adam’s mind was made to disobey the DIRECT order HE received from God, as it is said in Genesis 3:6-7, “6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Immediately after Adam ate the fruit, their eyes were opened. As you’ll also notice, God had noticeably more angry towards the snake and the man, resulting in curses upon them.(Gen 3:14-19) When Adam disobeyed God, it was almost immediate that trouble started happening. After Eve gave birth to Cain and Abel, Cain kills his brother.(Gen 4:8) God at this time, still had a direct connection with them, and spoke directly to them. But as the days went by, people gave more and more power to the devil, who became lord of the earth when the apple was bitten.
What most people do not realize is that once man fell, we were reborn into sin. When God created Adam and Eve, they knew no sin. That’s why when you accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you are born again. But because we are naturally predisposed to sin, we do it. It is easier to sin and follow the natural tendencies of your flesh than it is to do what is right. But back to the debate—the question was why would God allow such a thing to happen if He is God—my reply was multi-faceted of course. Satan lurks in the shadows, in the back of our minds, planting and harvesting negative and evil word seeds in the minds of all. If a person yields to their self-centered, sinful nature—perfect example, when babies are of an age to make decisions for themselves, i.e. if you tell a child not to touch something, what do they do? They go and touch it—the natural desire to be disobedient or as explained away by atheistic believers “curiosity”. Curiosity killed the cat, didn’t it? Of course, that is not looked at as sinful, but the older they get, the more they try to push the boundaries and that is why you have to discipline. But that’s for another day lol. I do not know the background of the mother, but I do know that hurting people hurt those they love. I also know that the devil will use anyone he can to get to you, including your family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, strangers, anybody.
We have to understand that God owes us no explanation for the things that happen in this world. We also have to understand that God gave us free will—hence Adam choosing to disobey God. We furthermore have to realize that those that get hurt are those often without a voice—children and others seen as weak. The devil wants to kill us all and will do it in whatever way he can. I do not condone the situation; I have just grown to realize that we can allow ourselves to be used by the devil and to fall victim to his attempts to trap us and that it is a constant battle. It’s like a lion that stalks its prey. Lions are said to pay attention to the feeding/sleeping/grazing habits of its food. Then it stalks it slowly to find the most opportune occasion to pounce and kill. Same for the devil! He waits until you get to your lowest point, when you doubt God—job loss, child loss, other family or friend loss, argument, whatever—and then he launches another attack on you. Our weaponry in this case is the Word of God.
This goes back to fortifying your mind, keeping God’s word in front of you at all times because one thought that is given attention is all it takes. One of the people that commented said that he did not believe in God. Instantly, I was moved with anger, but then I felt compassion. Because how can you not believe in God? What do you think will happen to you? Of course, I messaged him and told him I would share my story with him of how I know God exists. But all I know of the situation is that people allow Satan to pounce on them and become his puppets, like the mother in this situation and a beautiful little girl is gone. At this point we cannot bring her back, but I rejoice at knowing that God has used that opportunity to take her back to himself. Don’t be anyone’s dummy? Who is your ventriloquist? The key to being able to fight Satan is in keeping an arsenal of spiritual weaponry in your corner at all times. Find scriptures for forgiveness and bitterness.(Mark 11:25, Matthew 6:14-15) Speak healing-Jeremiah 30:17, deliverance-Jeremiah 30:11 and Jeremiah 1:8, and financial elevation (Jeremiah 30:18) scriptures over your situations. When you are weak, recite “Greater is He that is in me than he who is in the world” and “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” out loud.(1 John 4:4, Phil 4:13) And when you feel the enemy is near, when he hovers around or over you in your home, tell him to get the heck out! As I learned last night, sweep that trashy, good for nothing idiot right on out. Anoint your house so that God only dwells there and gives you the power to rid the devil from hiding in your shadows! Seek the light. Hahaha “Come into the light, Carol Anne, come into the light.!”
“You will help them understand and turn them from darkness to light and from Satan's control to God, so that their sins will be forgiven and they will receive a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'” Acts 26:18
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Daily Devotion # 2
Just like Tricks are For Kids, Pity Parties are Too
“Insults have broken my heart, and I am sick. I looked for sympathy, but there was none. I looked for people to comfort me, but I found no one.” Psalm 69:20
Ask yourself: in the midst of your situation, of all your self-pitying and loathing of the world, have you CRIED out to God? Have you tried laying your grievances at His feet and stepped back? Have you sought mature religious counsel and ACTUALLY listened to what they have said? Have you encouraged yourself? Have you reaffirmed your faith with scriptures specifically tailored to your circumstances? Have you gotten on your knees and prayed? Have you had one of those good ole, soul-purging cries that allows you to be filled by the presence of the Holy Spirit, warming your body until you feel like it’s 100 degrees and its only 50 around you—well everybody may not get that feeling lol. But if you have answered no to at least one of the above questions, it may be that you are wallowing in self-pity and making yourself the only guest of a pity party.
Wake up and realize that the only people that are allowed to do this are little kids. Even then its not cute nor is it healthy. When I was in the hospital when I first got sick and immediately after, I was in a major pity party. I had reason and it took me a long time to come to terms with what had happened to me. But by the grace of God I am glad to be gone from that place. You submit yourself to unnecessary mental anguish when you allow yourself to live in pittance alone; you allow nothing that anyone says to you to cheer you up and you ignore the blessings that you have. You begin to doubt your faith and ignore the promises God gives. The Psalmist above suffered from insults and could find no human to comfort him. They poisoned his food and gave him vinegar to drink—what a way to treat someone, but what he did in verse 24 was implored God to seek His wrath on them.(Psalm 69:24) We can do the same—ask God to change our situations, to avenge our hurts and wrongs, and to change things for us. It does us no good to remain in self-pity, because this is only a situation where we continue to hurt ourselves. We allow whatever caused us to get in that state to keep opening the wound by deciding to live in it and hold onto it. Job received no comfort from his so-called friends and instead became the butt of false accusations as to his downward turn. But the most glorifying thing in that whole situation came when He called upon God and repented for pitying himself. Don’t you know that God changed it all for him, and that God delivered him and restored EVERYTHING Job lost!(Job 42) That is, of course, after He corrected him. Several times throughout the Bible God tells us to give Him our burdens and to ask Him for our needs. But how can He do what He needs to do if you don’t let him? You cannot move if you do not first lift your foot to take a step FORWARD. Think about it…where would we be if Jesus had chosen to have a pity party for being the sacrifice for ungrateful and undeserving people? So quit being stubborn and stop feeling sorry for yourself. You will spend a lot of time by yourself and miss out on boundless blessings that way…
“You greatly rejoice in this, even though you have to suffer various kinds of trial for a little while, The purpose of these troubles is to test your faith as fire tests how genuine gold is. Your faith is more precious than gold, and by passing the test, it gives praise, glory, and honor to God. This will happen when Jesus Christ appears again.” 1 Peter 1:6-7(ISV, GWT)
“Insults have broken my heart, and I am sick. I looked for sympathy, but there was none. I looked for people to comfort me, but I found no one.” Psalm 69:20
Ask yourself: in the midst of your situation, of all your self-pitying and loathing of the world, have you CRIED out to God? Have you tried laying your grievances at His feet and stepped back? Have you sought mature religious counsel and ACTUALLY listened to what they have said? Have you encouraged yourself? Have you reaffirmed your faith with scriptures specifically tailored to your circumstances? Have you gotten on your knees and prayed? Have you had one of those good ole, soul-purging cries that allows you to be filled by the presence of the Holy Spirit, warming your body until you feel like it’s 100 degrees and its only 50 around you—well everybody may not get that feeling lol. But if you have answered no to at least one of the above questions, it may be that you are wallowing in self-pity and making yourself the only guest of a pity party.
Wake up and realize that the only people that are allowed to do this are little kids. Even then its not cute nor is it healthy. When I was in the hospital when I first got sick and immediately after, I was in a major pity party. I had reason and it took me a long time to come to terms with what had happened to me. But by the grace of God I am glad to be gone from that place. You submit yourself to unnecessary mental anguish when you allow yourself to live in pittance alone; you allow nothing that anyone says to you to cheer you up and you ignore the blessings that you have. You begin to doubt your faith and ignore the promises God gives. The Psalmist above suffered from insults and could find no human to comfort him. They poisoned his food and gave him vinegar to drink—what a way to treat someone, but what he did in verse 24 was implored God to seek His wrath on them.(Psalm 69:24) We can do the same—ask God to change our situations, to avenge our hurts and wrongs, and to change things for us. It does us no good to remain in self-pity, because this is only a situation where we continue to hurt ourselves. We allow whatever caused us to get in that state to keep opening the wound by deciding to live in it and hold onto it. Job received no comfort from his so-called friends and instead became the butt of false accusations as to his downward turn. But the most glorifying thing in that whole situation came when He called upon God and repented for pitying himself. Don’t you know that God changed it all for him, and that God delivered him and restored EVERYTHING Job lost!(Job 42) That is, of course, after He corrected him. Several times throughout the Bible God tells us to give Him our burdens and to ask Him for our needs. But how can He do what He needs to do if you don’t let him? You cannot move if you do not first lift your foot to take a step FORWARD. Think about it…where would we be if Jesus had chosen to have a pity party for being the sacrifice for ungrateful and undeserving people? So quit being stubborn and stop feeling sorry for yourself. You will spend a lot of time by yourself and miss out on boundless blessings that way…
“You greatly rejoice in this, even though you have to suffer various kinds of trial for a little while, The purpose of these troubles is to test your faith as fire tests how genuine gold is. Your faith is more precious than gold, and by passing the test, it gives praise, glory, and honor to God. This will happen when Jesus Christ appears again.” 1 Peter 1:6-7(ISV, GWT)
Daily Devotion
Run Away from the “Team of Me” Mentality
“Don't act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves” Philippians 2:3
I don’t know if you saw the movie “Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins” but it was good and actually subliminally educational. How can anyone truly expect happiness and fulfillment when the only person they feel they can depend on is themselves? I am a recovering “Team of Me” participant. Now don’t get me wrong, I still do not truly rely on others—but I have since learned to go before God with my needs and desires. That way I will not live selfishly and believe that I am the reason for my success. That is a selfish way to live—sadly many people live like this and do things for self-gratification. But I know that ever more clearly now—God and my very own brother are the reason that I am still living right now!(1 Corinthians 4:7)
When you get in those situations where you have done everything that you can to succeed and humility comes to knock you off that high horse, that is your best opportunity for growth. God can use you in those situations to bless others and in turn, turn your situation around and prove that the devil is a liar. Maybe you grew up like Roscoe did, where no one encouraged him or believed in him and it proved that you only had yourself, your will power, and your inner reserve to get you through. You may even become very successful, but be sure the day of reckoning is swift to put things in proper perspective for you. Life has its way of doing that, but once you learn that it is untrue, you must back away from pride and humble yourself. Letting yourself live in such a delusional state allows you to be victim to confusion and miss out on God’s presence.(1 Corinthians 14:33) Letting go of our pride allows us to become more like Jesus—who willingly gives us His lighter burdens to carry.(Matthew 11:29) We have no reason for pride because faith tells us that God will give us what we ask for. Romans 3:27 says “What reason, then, is there for pride? It is shut out. By what sort of law? of works? No, but by a law of faith.” And let me clarify: pride in this case is not the pride you have for a brother, sister, son or daughter, but this is the pride elevator that puts other people down in the basement and makes your own view of yourself overly exaggerated…run away if you are suffering from this ailment…run away QUICKLY!
“See then that God is good but his rules are fixed: to those who were put away he was hard, but to you he has been good, on the condition that you keep in his mercy; if not, you will be cut off as they were.” Romans 11:22
“Don't act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves” Philippians 2:3
I don’t know if you saw the movie “Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins” but it was good and actually subliminally educational. How can anyone truly expect happiness and fulfillment when the only person they feel they can depend on is themselves? I am a recovering “Team of Me” participant. Now don’t get me wrong, I still do not truly rely on others—but I have since learned to go before God with my needs and desires. That way I will not live selfishly and believe that I am the reason for my success. That is a selfish way to live—sadly many people live like this and do things for self-gratification. But I know that ever more clearly now—God and my very own brother are the reason that I am still living right now!(1 Corinthians 4:7)
When you get in those situations where you have done everything that you can to succeed and humility comes to knock you off that high horse, that is your best opportunity for growth. God can use you in those situations to bless others and in turn, turn your situation around and prove that the devil is a liar. Maybe you grew up like Roscoe did, where no one encouraged him or believed in him and it proved that you only had yourself, your will power, and your inner reserve to get you through. You may even become very successful, but be sure the day of reckoning is swift to put things in proper perspective for you. Life has its way of doing that, but once you learn that it is untrue, you must back away from pride and humble yourself. Letting yourself live in such a delusional state allows you to be victim to confusion and miss out on God’s presence.(1 Corinthians 14:33) Letting go of our pride allows us to become more like Jesus—who willingly gives us His lighter burdens to carry.(Matthew 11:29) We have no reason for pride because faith tells us that God will give us what we ask for. Romans 3:27 says “What reason, then, is there for pride? It is shut out. By what sort of law? of works? No, but by a law of faith.” And let me clarify: pride in this case is not the pride you have for a brother, sister, son or daughter, but this is the pride elevator that puts other people down in the basement and makes your own view of yourself overly exaggerated…run away if you are suffering from this ailment…run away QUICKLY!
“See then that God is good but his rules are fixed: to those who were put away he was hard, but to you he has been good, on the condition that you keep in his mercy; if not, you will be cut off as they were.” Romans 11:22
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Daily Devotion
Moment of Clarity
"A person's steps are directed by the LORD, and the LORD delights in his way." Psalm 37:23 GWT
Have you ever felt like you have been in a tornado or hurricane, with thoughts flying all around you? Confusion abounds and you just don't know what to do? I've been there, and it is not a pleasant feeling. It sometimes gets so heavy that it overwhelms me, making me feel alone and with nowhere to turn. Problems come to make you lose direction sometimes and it is not an easy thing to deal with. If you get to that place where it appears that nothing is going right, and that there are choices in front of you with no clear answer, the blessing we have is that we can always turn to God.
"Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually."
"Search for the LORD and his strength. Always seek his presence."
"Let your search be for the Lord and for his strength; let your hearts ever be turned to him."
1 Chronicles 16:11 or Psalm 105:4---exact same verse!
Jeremiah 10:23 says that "I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." So we should not rely on our own abilities to solve our problems either. As soon as I finished my purging crying last week, and really decided I would let God deal with everything, I felt lighter. I felt like I could think straight and breathe clearer. Sometimes we spend so much time worrying about things that the answer goes right before our eyes and we miss it altogether. Trying to sort out a million thoughts or tackle any issue without seeking God first will leave us worse than when we began. We know that God promises to give us the desires of our hearts, but He also promises to direct our paths and leave us with peace.(Isaiah 26:7, Psalm 25:4, 2 Thess 3:16, John 14:27) So stop complaining about it, get out of that storm! Let God direct you and give you peace. Then in an instant, before you know it, you will have clarity.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Daily Devotion
Love is...
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
I wonder how people assumed that love does not hurt. It is not listed in any of the verses above. Walking in God's love is sometimes painful, because in the process of refinement, we get scraped, scratched, and sometimes gouged to get rid of the impurities. Sometimes the negative thoughts we think must be strained away from the clear waters of our mind to have a place for God's will to lay on our hearts. If you aren't willing to be hurt or experience pain in the name of God, you may not allow yourself to go through some necessary cleaning.
Moses experienced hurt at the hands of the Children of Israel, because he would repeatedly go before God asking for His mercy on them. Can't you imagine how that would hurt? Somebody constantly being faith-less and disobedient, but you believing in them and going before God on their behalf? Any parents experience that? Jesus even asked how much longer would He have to be with the people that would not believe or have faith in what He would tell them.(Matthew 8:26, Matthew 17:14-20, Luke 9:38-42) The disciples, chosen by Jesus, did not believe in their ability to cast out demons, and the man did not believe that the demon was gone from his son in the latter verses.
Love is in the fact that God did something--allowing a part of Himself to die for us; inflicting pain upon Himself for our ultimate elevation. Sometimes when a person does not believe but looks to what the world is giving them as how their life is going to go, you must keep loving them, having faith in God for them, and simply trusting in God's word for them until they know for themselves. No, this does not mean stay in an abusive relationship, that's just crazy. That does not mean you have to condone someone living destructively or inflicting pain on you, your family, or themselves. No, you are supposed to love your brothers and sisters to the point of willing to die for them. No, you are supposed to love God even when you do not love yourself--actually I take that back, we are made in the likeness of God, who loves us and created us in His very image--or you feel that no one loves you. Love bears all things---meaning the good and the bad, stress and strife, even when you are at the lowest point and cannot see above you to go up. Love hopes for and endures all things; you must endure the difficulties that life gives you and continue to seek God's face in the midst. You must not doubt God's love because it is there for us all. God has no favorites. So I pray that you allow yourself to walk in the love of God and do not dare be afraid to experience everything it has to offer, even if it hurts a little.
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Daily Devotion
Fairy Tales are Real
"Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces," Esther 1:1
I bet you wonder why I said that, right? Well, a typical fairy tale consists of a protagonist, the hero, an antagonist, the villian, and a damsel in distress, the prize to be won. Well, the people of Israel have always been God's favored people. But they have always either turned their backs on God or victimized in some way. They are the damsel in distress, but with a twist--they were often disobedient, more like the Prodigal Son. The different prophets, like Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah, were their fairy "godfathers", warning them of what would happen if they were disobedient. God sends Jesus, our hero, and He dies to save us. Isn't that what fairy tales consist of?
One of my favorite books of the bible is Esther. Now when I was little, you could find me reading anything. I had to have read every single book in the John P. Thomas and Gibbes libraries while I was in school. But nothing was like Esther was. She was beautiful, chosen by King Ahasuerus (aka Xerxes), to be his new queen. Unknown to her, Haman, an evil Agagite, secretly plots to have all Jews killed. Because the King trusted him, he did not know what Haman was planning. Esther's uncle helped her inform the king, and Haman was put to death instead. Without Esther, there would not be many Jews--for as history tells it, it was not until after Xerxes that the Temple in Jerusalem was officially completed. All of the Jews would have been killed. God put a story like this in the Bible to inspire us--that although we sometimes face great dangers, He will be sure to rescue us and make a way for us. Although you may face difficulties, you may even face death at times, God will make His righteous prevail. And even if you die, we have already won because of His sacrifice with Jesus. Good night!
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God loves you...He blesses you with another day so make the most of it!
Marquita B. Priester
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God loves you...He blesses you with another day so make the most of it!
Marquita B. Priester
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Daily Devotion
Wash it ALL away
"Turn your burdens over to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will never let the righteous person stumble." Psalm 55:22
Ahh! I have a work holiday today, and its been raining since last night. But its quiet so I'm very happy!! Even though the evil woman upstairs always parks in my space, her stinky dogs have fleas which have somehow migrated into my apartment and bite me all up, they stomp and walk hard all day, and with a hurt foot I could really use the parking space back, I'm okay--no complaints, things could be much worse. I do not know about you, but I cry a lot. Not always because something bad is going on, but because it helps me release my frustrations. My tears, much like this rain, helps to wash away my worries and cares. Being an independent-minded individual, I usually hold everything to myself and have found it very hard to turn my burdens over to God. But then I realize the only person I am hurting is myself, carrying something I was not made or created to carry.
In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus tells Martha, Lazarus' sister, that she is worried and upset about many things. Mainly because she was cooking and serving everyone while Mary, her sister, was sitting and listening intently to Jesus. Had she simply took time to spend with Him, maybe some other idea would have come about so she did not have to do anything. Sometimes things in life get us so riled up that we worry and fret and stress over them without first considering God. I suspect that we should first go to Him with any troubles that may arise and then if He tells us to do something about them, do it! Spend time in His presence to gain the clarity and peace that only He can give. If you try to do it yourself, you can be led to make bad decisions and mistakes--"Do not fret--it leads only to evil." Psalm 37:8
I guess that was why my heart was so heavy; I was too busy being angry and worried about things. Thanks to one of my bffs yesterday giving me good news and me talking to God I feel much better.(Proverbs 12:25) Worrying is not a hard thing to do, considering going to the doctor and getting bad reports on things. But resting in God and bringing it all to Him in prayer has lightened my load, and washed them all away. So I'm going to enjoy this day at home and get as much rest and "work" done as I can...gonna work on school applications and looking up different programs. Be blessed and don't get wet if you're out in this mess!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Monday, November 9, 2009
Daily Devotion
Trusting in and Appreciating the Gifts You were Given
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:32
Hi!
I wish the sun would have been out today; would have helped to brighten my mood. I hope you had a good day! My foot still hurts and it actually feels worse when I elevate it, kinda weird huh?
Anyway, after yesterday's devotion, I wanted to elaborate more on Joseph. Joseph was the first-born son of Isaac through Rebekah, his treasured and hard-earned wife, and born during his old age. So Joseph held special favor with his father. Joseph was also born with a gift of dreaming and interpreting the dreams. After dreaming that his brothers would bow to him, plus their dad loving him more than all of them, they hated him and plotted to kill him.(Genesis 37:1-20)
All this hatred and opposition did not stop Joseph from trusting in God and the gifts He gave him. Because one of his brothers was trying to save him, Joseph was not killed, and instead, his jealous brothers sold him into slavery. Joseph eventually works in Potiphar's house, is blessed with success by the Lord, and then is blackmailed by Potiphar's wife. Joseph is jailed, then uses the gifts that God gave him, and is elevated by Pharaoh.(Genesis 39, 40, 41)
After all of the trouble that Joseph went through with his own family--dream killers--God still favored Joseph and blessed him. Even when those closest to him betrayed him, God delivered him and gave him favor. "Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." Ecclesiastes 5:19-20
God blessed Joseph; he delivered him and prospered him because Joseph continued to trust in God. He put God first and trusted in his gifts and talents. He used his gifts whenever they were needed and always gave glory to God in doing it. He could have easily succumbed to doubt and fear after his own flesh and blood betrayed him. He could have committed to quitting after being wrongly accused by his master's wife. He even stayed in jail an additional two years after the butler forgot about him. But because he trusted in the gifts God gave him and put them to use, Joseph was favored by God.
Remember, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 And Psalm 21:2 promises that God will grant us the desires of our hearts and will not withhold the requests of our lips...So trust in everything about God: His Word, His promises, His Son, and His love.
Be blessed!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Re: Daily Devotion
Another point to add,
Just like all people that hurt others have been hurt themselves in the past, dream killers are only people whose own dreams may have been killed in their past. Break the cycle! Be encouraged!
"I have said all these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble: but take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Daily Devotion
Stop Letting Dream Killers stop you
"Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. Genesis 37:19
Hey y'all... Today my heart is very heavy and for what I really haven't figured out yet. I want to say something to my fellow dreamers: stop letting the ignorance (Yes that is what they suffer from) of dream killers kill your dreams! Believe in yourself, even when no one else does. When you don't get the feedback and encouragement that you desire, keep going. Keep fighting for that dream because once you give up on it, no one can get it back for you but you.
The only thing I wanted to do when I was younger is, quite honestly, was sing and dance and be a psychiatrist. I ALWAYS danced, and I had a karaoke machine and was singing too. I was also a Little Miss Dr. Phil too, trying to solve all the relationship problems in my family. Now I don't claim to be the best of either and I am working on pursuing the correct variation of the latter, but when you may not have been encouraged to do that thing why would you pursue it? All I heard all day long at school was you should be a doctor, you're so smart. I really didn't know that being a dreamer and following my heart is the way we should go. God put desires, talents, and gifts within each of us. God knows His plans for us, and it's our responsibility NOT to allow anyone to change or deter them.(Jeremiah 29:11) We should not question the things of our hearts, because that is where God resides.(Luke 24:38) If anything is pure and true, it is what He put in our hearts. Discouragement comes in some of the most unforeseen places, like from parents, friends, mentors, loved ones, anyone that you may hold close to your heart. But that's where discernment comes in. "I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8
Now there is a difference between dreams, delusions, and hallucinations. The good thing is you can pray for clarity on a thing, or even explore the Word for the validity of a dream. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery and tried to kill him because of his dreams.(Genesis 37-50) Some people are intimidated by your dreams and the power that God has placed within them. People called by God with great purposes will be targeted from every angle to kill the dreams. They will even try to kill you to stop your dreams from coming to fruition. That is when you need to amp up your pursuit of your dreams and lean on God to guide you.
Stop your dream killers and go hard! lol Be blessed!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Daily Devotion
Breaking Away from Tradition and Seeking God
'He answered them, "Why do you break the commandment of God because of your traditions?"' Matthew 15:3(GWT)
Afternoon people! I listened to so much stuff before my hour of lucidity this morning, that quite frankly I do not remember where this was inspired from. Lol I woke up like three times: at 5:40am and the radio was on with a sermon that I cannot recall, around 6:20 for the regular alarm and late alarms, then at about 7:50ish lol when I actually got out of the bed. Christ tells us that He will make us fishers of men(Matthew 4:19), that we are to preach the Good News and bring others to Him(2 Timothy 1:8); I guess He wanted me to go fishing early--I really gotta stop going to bed so late.
Traditionally, only men are pastors and ministers. In some religions, a person can only be considered a member if they convert or traditionally through the lineage and belief of one of the parents. In modern day traditions, there are denominations in churches. Traditionally, there is only one type of Christian music. In the world, traditionally only women are nurses, men are politicians, and sadly, traditionally in order to be successful as black people, you have to be an athlete or an entertainer.
I have always wondered why there is so much opposition to change. There has been problems with breaking "traditions" since forever, and including before Jesus came. Here at work I am certain much of the difficulty I am having with my supervisor is because traditionally, this is a white older male industry, in a traditionally white town where historically the black population was enslaved, ignorant, or very poor (So yes imagine the discomfort I have each day I am here in Charleston). But didn't God send many saints and prophets to change traditional thinking and to simply be obedient, i.e. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and John the Baptist to name a few. Before and after Jesus came, many were persecuted in His name and for preaching to the world to change and break away from their sin.(2 Timothy 3:12-13) Everybody wants to live their way, the same way they have lived for the last unknown number of years. Some things get brushed under the rug, hidden in the closet or ignored altogether because of tradition and refusal to go against it.
I have a new found respect for musical pioneers like Kirk Franklin to some recent talent like Canton Jones and Mary Mary. Reach me how God wants you to! Don't make me conform to a traditional way of thinking. Our purpose is to share God's word and the salvation given by Jesus Christ; not to put God in a box called Methodist or in a container called Gospel.(2 Timothy 4:2) Think about it, were there such stiff traditions as we have today in the New Testament? Yes there were, hence the Pharisees plot to kill Jesus; they didn't like the change He was bringing and the light He shed on their evil ways. But Jesus preached from boats, in people's homes, the temples and synagogues, wherever the Father had him go.(Luke 5:1, Luke 5:3, Luke 5:17, Luke 6:6) The only way to know what God wants you to know is by reading His word, interpreting it and discussing it with mature Christians. Don't accept someones way of thinking, be influenced in a negative way because of a tradition or let it define how you view God: seek Him yourself, because He desires an intimate relationship with each of us. I think that was one of the best things about me going to Clark; my school was Methodist, I grew up Baptist, I ended up attending a nondenominational church and seeking God from many different backgrounds. I seek my own personal understanding.
The whole new testament in its entirety is a break away from tradition. Many people did not accept Jesus, hence His crucifixion for our sins! I'm glad that God saw fit to break away from man-made tradition to save me, don't you?(Romans 5:6) Because if tradition still stood, we would not know Christ; salvation was not originally entitled to the Gentiles.(Ephesians 2:13) Ask yourself, why would God create so many different people from diverse backgrounds if He did not want to save us all?(1 Timothy 2:3-4, Romans 10:12-13) We are all justified to seek Him!(Romans 5:9)
Be blessed and think outside of the world's box and on the glory of God!
'He answered them, "Why do you break the commandment of God because of your traditions?"' Matthew 15:3(GWT)
Afternoon people! I listened to so much stuff before my hour of lucidity this morning, that quite frankly I do not remember where this was inspired from. Lol I woke up like three times: at 5:40am and the radio was on with a sermon that I cannot recall, around 6:20 for the regular alarm and late alarms, then at about 7:50ish lol when I actually got out of the bed. Christ tells us that He will make us fishers of men(Matthew 4:19), that we are to preach the Good News and bring others to Him(2 Timothy 1:8); I guess He wanted me to go fishing early--I really gotta stop going to bed so late.
Traditionally, only men are pastors and ministers. In some religions, a person can only be considered a member if they convert or traditionally through the lineage and belief of one of the parents. In modern day traditions, there are denominations in churches. Traditionally, there is only one type of Christian music. In the world, traditionally only women are nurses, men are politicians, and sadly, traditionally in order to be successful as black people, you have to be an athlete or an entertainer.
I have always wondered why there is so much opposition to change. There has been problems with breaking "traditions" since forever, and including before Jesus came. Here at work I am certain much of the difficulty I am having with my supervisor is because traditionally, this is a white older male industry, in a traditionally white town where historically the black population was enslaved, ignorant, or very poor (So yes imagine the discomfort I have each day I am here in Charleston). But didn't God send many saints and prophets to change traditional thinking and to simply be obedient, i.e. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and John the Baptist to name a few. Before and after Jesus came, many were persecuted in His name and for preaching to the world to change and break away from their sin.(2 Timothy 3:12-13) Everybody wants to live their way, the same way they have lived for the last unknown number of years. Some things get brushed under the rug, hidden in the closet or ignored altogether because of tradition and refusal to go against it.
I have a new found respect for musical pioneers like Kirk Franklin to some recent talent like Canton Jones and Mary Mary. Reach me how God wants you to! Don't make me conform to a traditional way of thinking. Our purpose is to share God's word and the salvation given by Jesus Christ; not to put God in a box called Methodist or in a container called Gospel.(2 Timothy 4:2) Think about it, were there such stiff traditions as we have today in the New Testament? Yes there were, hence the Pharisees plot to kill Jesus; they didn't like the change He was bringing and the light He shed on their evil ways. But Jesus preached from boats, in people's homes, the temples and synagogues, wherever the Father had him go.(Luke 5:1, Luke 5:3, Luke 5:17, Luke 6:6) The only way to know what God wants you to know is by reading His word, interpreting it and discussing it with mature Christians. Don't accept someones way of thinking, be influenced in a negative way because of a tradition or let it define how you view God: seek Him yourself, because He desires an intimate relationship with each of us. I think that was one of the best things about me going to Clark; my school was Methodist, I grew up Baptist, I ended up attending a nondenominational church and seeking God from many different backgrounds. I seek my own personal understanding.
The whole new testament in its entirety is a break away from tradition. Many people did not accept Jesus, hence His crucifixion for our sins! I'm glad that God saw fit to break away from man-made tradition to save me, don't you?(Romans 5:6) Because if tradition still stood, we would not know Christ; salvation was not originally entitled to the Gentiles.(Ephesians 2:13) Ask yourself, why would God create so many different people from diverse backgrounds if He did not want to save us all?(1 Timothy 2:3-4, Romans 10:12-13) We are all justified to seek Him!(Romans 5:9)
Be blessed and think outside of the world's box and on the glory of God!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Daily Devotion
Surrounded by Adversity
"Troubles are round us on every side, but we are not shut in; things are hard for us, but we see a way out of them; We are cruelly attacked, but not without hope; we are made low, but we are not without help;" 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Isn't it great how one scripture can have so many applications? Lol anyway, don't get frustrated with me for beating the same horse, but quite frankly, people of God suffer! We face all kinds of troubles and stress, pain and strife, problems and troubles, and every other name you have for them. We lose jobs, houses, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, cousins, other relatives, our minds, money, everything! I don't know about you, but if I really sat down and counted, I'm sure there is something that happens to bother me everyday. But the difference is, I do not dwell on it; because I know God's reward. Yes yes yes there are some DAYS, I mean, SOME DAYS, that I would pray and pray and pray that God change it in an instant. But the power is in the Word, and having mountain-moving faith in His promises.(Luke 17:6)
1 Peter 4:13 says "Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." Really! This is not something that you can often do alone. In the midst of all my suffering, I cried out to God many many times. Finally, I have a peace that I cannot explain. He promises to deliver us!(2 Timothy 4:18, I know that God is going to reveal His glory at the end of all of this. Now I'm not going to ask for more, lol, because who would? But I will ask that in spite, God give me the strength of Christ to sustain me, His grace and favor to maintain me, and that I stand still in the midst. In these times you must just trust God to get you through it!
"Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Daily Devotion
Steadfast in God's Promises
"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13
I'm not sure how many of us know what is entitled to us as Christians through Christ and as Children of God, but I wanted to share some scriptural promises with you.
One that I hold most dear, and you should to is that God promises to supply our need. (Philippians 4:19). Even when things seem almost insurmountable for me, I hold true to this scripture because looking back, God has gotten me through these same types of circumstances before.
God tells us that His grace is sufficient for us in our weakness, and that we can do all things through His son Jesus who gives us strength. Even when we are too proud to call on Him or give the problems to Him, God's grace is there for us! (2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13)
God promises that when difficulties get too hard, that He will do many things: He will provide us a way of escape, He will carry the burdens for us, and He will deliver us from evil! So trust and know that your prayers are heard and they work!(1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 11:28, 2 Timothy 4:18)
God promises us that we will live and not die. All redeemed shall only fall asleep and be lifted from the curse of death. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Psalm 118:17)
Probably the most important of these is salvation and everlasting life! Jesus died for us; He did to redeem us from sin and the curse of the law. He died to bring us into the fold and extend salvation to those of us not covered. (John 3:16, Romans 10:9, Acts 2:38)
And God promises to make it work out for our good! "And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." Romans 8:28 We are partakers in the Holy Inheritance, so live these promises and call on God when you need them! (Ephesians 1:11)
Good night and walk in these promises!
'Certainly, Christ made God's many promises come true. For that reason, because of our message, people also honor God by saying, "Amen!"' 2 Corinthians 1:20(GWT)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Daily Devotion
Fighting an Uphill Battle
"They strengthened the disciples in these cities and encouraged the disciples to remain faithful. Paul and Barnabas told them, "We must suffer a lot to enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22(GWT)
Shoutout Numbers and Founders yay! LOL Anyway, how are you? I know I had a mini breakdown today. Difficulties abound but because I know His Word I cannot doubt Him. But its hard fighting something that seems unwinnable (impossible to win) lol. But because there is nothing that is impossible for God, I know that I am in the wake of my breakthrough. Change is a-coming! I can feel it!
It is hard to persevere sometimes when you feel all alone outside of your comfort zone. The devil has chosen you on his list of people to attack today and he's going hard on you! He ramped up in his attacks, often taking you to the brink of breaking, like a good breeze would knock you down. He wants you to fail because he HATES you, he wants you to be defeated so that he can gloat to God--look at the book of Job in the first 3 chapters if you don't believe me. A very wise lady from my job and I were talking and she said something that makes this crystal clear: why would the devil attack the wicked, those that are living outside of God's will? He already has them doing what he wants so he can spend his extra energy attacking you!
Its at these hard times that you should build your team and share the weight with your teammates. You already have three in your starting lineup: The Father, The Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit that are here with you everyday! When troubles stretch you to the point of breaking, its time for you to go to other mature Christians and gain some perspective. Vent to them, and allow them to reflect back to you with words of wisdom from God. In Proverbs 19:20-21, the Lord tells us to seek wise counsel. You will solve two things at once: you get the relieve the pressure of carrying your burdens alone, and you receive the truth only to be found in God's word. We are going to experience suffering in God's name, but we must not give up! We must use the tools and resources God gave us through the Holy Spirit, His Word, and other members of His body. Keep fighting until your victory is won--God knows I love that song! Good night!
"so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this." 1 Thessalonians 3:3
Monday, November 2, 2009
Daily Devotion--11/1/2009
When the Seasons Change
"I, the LORD, never change. That is why you descendants of Jacob haven't been destroyed yet." Malachi 3:6
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:7
I don't know about you, but when it's time to "Fall Back", I brace myself for the change in season. The leaves if any are left on the trees, fall rapidly. They go from the vivid colors of the fall to the naked trees of the winter. It gets darker sooner, the sun only graces us with its presence for a short time, and it gets cold. As drastic (to me) as changes in season are, our own human change is usually not. Human behavior does not mirror that of the changing world because we do not naturally like change. Over time, we get accustomed to it, but who in their right mind would welcome it?
The only steadfast and permanent thing in life is God's love, presence, and whole state of being. God does not change. Neither does His love, plan, and goal for us. God does not change like our shadows. He does not fluctuate like our weight, and He does not waver! The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one and their promise to be there for us is still valid. The seasons change and are the opportunity for us to grow in God. Good night and I love you! Keep me in your prayers and I will do the same!
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever." Hebrews 13:8
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God loves you...He blesses you with another day so make the most of it!
Marquita B. Priester
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Yesterday's Daily Devotion
I copied the wrong scripture for Acts 20:31...guess I highlighted it
and didn't select the copy key. That's why I always try to reread
these on the same day. But if you wait till the last minute...but I
caught it! Yeah there are scriptures in the bible that say the same
thing but not that much alike lol!
and didn't select the copy key. That's why I always try to reread
these on the same day. But if you wait till the last minute...but I
caught it! Yeah there are scriptures in the bible that say the same
thing but not that much alike lol!
"So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped
warning each if you night and day with tears.". Acts 20:31
http://enterthemindofmarquita.blogspot.com
"The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
Marquita B. Priester
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