There's No Life Without Christ

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. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Matthew 16:24-25

There are two paths that one can travel in this life. The first is the path of eternal life, paved with submission, humility, and modesty, while on this earth. This path requires one to sacrifice the desires of the eye to store up rewards for when this physical life comes to an end… The second path is the path of worldly lust; this path is paved with all the fine riches and measures of success as decreed by the standards of the world we live in… In choosing this path, one is required to focus on self, seek the advancement of their lives at any cost, and to reject future rewards, always desiring to have things now… As we come to understand these two contrasting paths, the question I pose to you today is simple: What is your spiritual destination worth to you? 

So many of us proclaim that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, but how much does Christ really mean to you and the direction in which your life will go? These two profound and critical questions are the questions that we must ask as we decide on whether we will pursue the dreams that the world lays out or the vision that God has for us, which will not bear its truest rewards on this earth… Understand that Jesus wants us all to realize that walking in the will of God is no small task, and it takes a dedicated, enduring, and persevering person to reach the levels that God has set… Take up our cross today, don’t be troubled by the ways of the world or the views that people may hold; know that by giving up yourself you will find your true worth and live life more abundantly!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

A Mess Won't Be Blessed

"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order."

1 Corinthians 14: 39-40

There are many things that occur during a church service, including various “moves of the Holy Spirit” accompanied by shouts of praise and adoration. Even though these things are apparent, we must come to understand and realize today that “…all things be done decently and in order…” We intentionally examine these verses from back to front, knowing that we serve a God of order… We all desire to please God and walk in the gifts that He has bestowed upon us; however, it is of the utmost importance that in walking in our gifts, we travel the path that has been laid before us instead of putting the cart before the horse… There is nothing wrong with prophesying or speaking in tongues; however, there is a correct order in which these things are to be carried out… I can recall a story that my father has shared with me several times; this particular story depicts a woman who attended his home church in Washington, D.C. Every Sunday at the same time, this individual would catch the “Holy Ghost” and begin to shout… One Sunday, at the appointed time, this lady jumped up, swung her hand out, and knocked another lady's hat off her head… To my knowledge, no fights broke out or words were exchanged; however, the following Sunday, the lady whose hat had been knocked off confronted the lady with the “timed praise” and told her that she better not touch her hat again. Wouldn’t you know when the clock struck her appointed time to shout, she lifted her hand up, ensuring that she would miss the lady's hat… I recall this story today to highlight the importance of sincerity within our praise… The Holy Spirit flows without a timetable; however, there are some people in the church who want to display gifts that God has not given them, and so when they do this, they are not “done decently and in order…” Speaking in tongues isn’t a bad thing, prophesying isn’t a sin, but understand that in all things God is to be glorified and His name is to be exalted (not yours)… 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

There's Still Room For You

Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger forever.

Jeremiah 3:12 

Despite the many avenues you have traveled in life and the dark paths you may be on right now, be encouraged to know that God desires for you to “Return…” Just like the prodigal son, no matter your current situation or how far you have fallen, God is standing with open arms waiting for you to come home… In a vision concerning Jerusalem and Judea, Isaiah, the son of Amoz, records words from the mouth of God in the 1st chapter and 18th verse of his prophetic book. The words are as follows; "Come now, let us reason together, "says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Make no mistake about it today, you are a filthy rag and without the cleansing blood of Jesus, hell has an RSVP with your name on it… Even as ugly as it may be or hard as it may seem, know that you have made mistakes, acknowledge that you have given in to temptations; however, come to the realization today that you can overcome and be victorious through the saving power of Jesus Christ… 

Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet; his words were recorded in light of the coming destruction that the house of Israel would face… His tears were sown knowing of the coming doom and bondage that was on the horizon… Today, know that these same tears are sown in your life when others see you heading down the wrong path; these tears are sown in your life when people see the direction in which you are headed and how your life seems to be spiraling out of control… These tears are sown not because of the destruction, but because God’s desire is not for you to go against His will… Today, stop asking why you have all these bills piling up on your coffee table and be thankful that you aren’t out on the streets… God keeps providing opportunities for you to return to Him… The father’s arms are open. He wants you to let Him in and allow Him to transform your life… Just like we read in multiple passages, Jesus is waiting with open arms, saying, “WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM COME”.

The question of the day is, is He speaking to you?

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Stay Positive; Things Could Always Be Worse

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The challenge of every Christian is to live every day and every hour of their life to fulfil God’s will… This doesn’t mean simply inquiring about God’s will, but executing the very steps outlined in today’s devotional scriptures… We are called to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances… The part we tend to lose sight of is the “in all circumstances” as we find ourselves from time to time becoming distracted by situations both positive and negative, and ultimately losing sight of what God’s will is… Understand today that it is very easy and even natural to rejoice when things are pleasant; it can become second nature to pray when things become difficult, and we can bear thanksgiving when we hear things which we have longed for… But how do we handle the opposite; are we able to rejoice when things or situations are unpleasant? Can you continue to pray to the Father when the storm has left your doorstep? Can you give thanks when you don’t receive what you desire…? These are the questions that we must ask ourselves today, knowing that we are to live these points in every area and situation of our lives. As Christians, we are to rejoice in all circumstances, pray without ceasing, and be thankful for everything. God has a plan for you, and it is perfect. You rejoice because your Master is in control, you pray because this is your direct line of communication with the Father, and you remain thankful because things could always be worse. 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

It All Starts With Christ

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26-28

We live in a world where people are constantly frowned upon based on their religion, upbringing, color, or nationality. The same things that plague our communities today are the same things that existed at the time this letter was written by the Apostle Paul. It is through today’s devotion that we are reminded that Christ justifies every walk of life to be clothed with Him in and through Faith… Neither your economic status nor your popularity has any impact on your heavenly dwelling… It is only through Christ Jesus that we have life and have it more abundantly… This message today is an important one, as we all at some point in time have felt or have been deemed unqualified...  To understand that there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, teaches us that your former doesn’t have to restrict your latter in Christ… Yes, we all have done things which we are not proud of; we all have missed the mark and fallen short of the glory of God… Paul once called himself the chief sinner; however, through Christ, His former was wiped clean and His latter included writing a majority of the New Testament… We must understand the message written to the church of Galatia and how it applies to our lives today; we cannot allow our thoughts to be captivated by the enemy and thus begin to disqualify others from knowing Christ based on their past… You yourself do not have a right but have been afforded a privilege and an opportunity to come to know Christ, and it is your duty to share Him with others... We all have our own testimony as to how we came to know Christ as our personal savior; we all have a past; however, the end result of each member of Christ is the same (we are saved through Him)… 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Give God Your Best

​Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Proverbs 3:9-10

The priority that God holds in your life is demonstrated not when you are without but when you have plenty… It is very easy to cry out to God when we need something; however, how many times have we found ourselves forgetting about His saving/delivering power when we seem to be ascending…? In all phases of life, the Lord should be honored “…with thy substance…” This isn’t just a monetary application, but a principle that we as Christians are called to live by… When God receives the firstfruits, you are making a declaration not only to the position He holds in your life, but you are recognizing that it is only by His grace that you have obtained the level of increase in your life… The 6^th chapter of Matthew, verse 33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The key to success is not how much money you make or how many degrees you have; on the contrary, the key to success lies in the priorities that you have in life… Hardships come knocking on everyone’s door; however, when we are aligned with the will of God, we see numerous times throughout the bible and in our everyday life that success follows thereafter... The book of Proverbs tells us that our barns will be filled with plenty and they shall burst out with new wine; in short, you will be prosperous, you will do great things and reach higher heights, but let us notice the first thing that we are to do in this scripture, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase…” Recognize God in all things and give Him your best!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Everybody Will See His Glory

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Isaiah 40:5

Despite how daunting this Christian journey may appear, there is good news for you and me today to hold on to… Many people in the world appear to be succeeding in various aspects of life, even though they are not walking according to God's will. Isaiah informs us today that we must be careful not to get caught up in the way things appear or seem to be because “…the glory of the Lord shall be revealed…”God will be exalted, He will be recognized as Lord of Lord and King of Kings and you should find courage today in your walk because you know that when His glory is revealed, you will be as well… Those who think they are mighty will become weak, those who think they have plenty will not have enough and it’s good news for all those serving in whatever capacity that God desires of them to know that “…all flesh shall see it together…” Everyone will come to know your path and see how God has kept you and secured you… There are times in life when circumstances aren’t what you desire them to be; situations that seem unfair and unjust; times when the trials and tribulations, the storms and rain, just are too much to even comprehend. Again, this passage that we focus on today informs us that the glory of the Lord will be revealed.  That means that we will behold His majesty, we will see His omnipotence, and feel His favor. Some things take place in your life so that you will understand that only God can deliver you, and some things happen so that you will increase in faith in the Lord. 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!