"Get Into His Presence"

Scripture: "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." -2 Corinthians 3:17

If truth were told out there, we all have our favorite singers, actors, actresses, television show hosts/hostesses, and sports stars. Since we all have our favorites, there are times where we will do anything to get near our favorites. Within the DMV area, this month brought Maxwell to Verizon Center in DC and to Baltimore, Maryland. I had a co-worker who bought their ticket early in advance because she wanted to be near Maxwell. Another friend of mine spent a nicer piece of change to be by the stage to watch Maxwell. At the end of the day, both of these ladies were pleased and happy to be in his presence. If we hit the switch on this thing spiritually, we ought to want to get in God's presence just like that. We ought to put our hair appointments on the backburner, our nail appointments on the backburner, and any other appointment on the backburner that we may be able to get into the presence of God. Why should we get into the presence of God? I'm glad you asked. Today's text will provide an answer.

Today's focal book is found in the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians. This book was written by the Apostle Paul as his second installment/epistle to the church at Colossae. In this chapter, Paul discusses the preference of the Gospel over the Mosaic law and how his apostolic preaching was suitable to the evidence and excellency of the Gospel through the power of the Holy Ghost. Within this chapter, Paul gives us clarity why we should get into His presence.

Paul begins our text with the following statement: "Now the Lord is that Spirit". In verses 3 and 8, Paul uses the term "Spirit". In one case, he calls it the Spirit of the living God and the other case is just the Spirit. What He does here is makes it crystal clear that the Spirit inside of you is the Lord. The Spirit that should be inside of you is the Lord. One thing I love about God is the fact that He is a Spirit and He sits high and looks low and He has a way of coming to our rescue when we need Him. How can one know God is that Spirit? By praying to Him daily, by reading their Word, by giving Him praise, glory, and honor, by worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. He wants to be the dominant Spirit in your life! These things I just mentioned means you have to get into His presence! What's the benefit of getting into His presence?

Paul provides us the answer here in the closing of the text. He says, "and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty". Wow! When you get into the presence of God, and His Spirit is present, liberty is available. The word in the Greek for liberty is "ejleuqeriva", meaning "the liberty to do as one pleases". In other words, when you are in God's presence, you are free from your financial problems! You are free from your mental problems! You are free from your emotional problems! You are free from your spiritual problems! You are free to dance in His presence! You are free to cry in His presence! You are free to love in His presence! David lets us know that he had to get back the Ark of the Covenant because it represented God's presence! Paul links it together because where God is, there is liberty and the liberty is of one to do as you please! There's no need to sit there on "Boo-Hoo" Boulevard when you can get into His presence and be free! Many of us have received His power and His deliverance from things, but until you stay in His presence consistently, you will never walk fully in your deliverance! God is calling you out today, get into His presence so you can be free!

In closing, it's nice to see your favorite star in concert or favorite star in a movie. It's cool to pay good money to watch your favorite sports star. At the end of the day, it's even greater to be in the presence of God. When you get into His presence, there's liberty, there's freedom, and there's an opportunity to get loose from the chains that are holding you! Are you going to stay bound or are you going to get free? The choice is yours!

"God, Provide Me Restoration"

Scripture: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." -Psalms 51:12, NIV

Many of us, at one time or another in our lives, have been on the search for a place to call home. Some of us have found some beautiful homes that is practically brand new. Others of us have found homes that needs minor tweaking here and there. In addition, another set of us have found homes one would consider "diamonds in the rough". Because these houses were considered "diamonds in the rough", you checked everything out and made mental notes of the things that needed to be done. As you begin to count the costs of the little things here and there, you come to the realization that your home is in need of restoration. When you look at this thing from a spiritual standpoint, there are times where we are in need of restoration. There are times where the workplace has zapped us of our Spirit and we need just a little restoration. There are times where home has zapped us of our Spirit and we need of a little restoration. There are times where our families have zapped the energy out of us and we are in need of restoration. One thing is for certain, we have a God that can provide you and I the restoration we need during the time we need it. Today's text will expound on this point.

Like yesterday's devotional, our focal book is found in the book of Psalms. Also like yesterday's devotional, this particular division of Psalms was penned by King David. In writing this chapter, we find that King David was heartbroken after the prophet Nathan and he had a conversation pertaining to his committing of adultery with Bathsheba. If you go back to 2 Samuel 11 & 12, it gives you the story of David and Bathsheba and then the eventual conversation with Nathan and David. Once David and Nathan had this conversation, Nathan provided David with the punishments God had in line for him. These punishments included David's wives sleeping with other men in public and the loss of David and Bathsheba's baby. Throughout this time in David's life, he felt disconnected from God and disappointed in his actions. If we were to keep it real with ourselves, haven't we all felt like David in the sense that we have disappointed God and not worthy of being in His face? Through this pain and anguish, David writes this psalm and gives us clarity that God can provide restoration.

David begins writing the text by saying, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation". Because of this sin David committed, he wanted God to restore his joy. Ladies and gentlemen, if you think that you are going to walk around life joyful all the time, I got news for you: you are lying to yourself. If David went through this, so will we! Because of the fact that you won't always have joy, we know that we always have a God that can restore our joy back! When you lose your joy because of financial problems, God can restore your joy back! When you lose your joy because of marital problems, God can restore your joy back! When you lose your joy because of physical ailments, God can restore your joy back! When you lose your joy because of problems with people from the church, God can restore your joy back! No matter what you go through, God can restore your joy!

Not only did David ask for his joy to be restored, but he also asked the Father to "grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me". Brothers and sisters, there are times in your life where you have lost your joy and zeal that you also lose your ability to serve God and be willing to do His will. Since David felt like this, he asked the Father to grant him a willing spirit. He did not want to stay on the same street because of this incident. He wanted the ability to serve God and most importantly, he needed it for his sanity. There are times in our life where we need the willing spirit to sustain us. We need it because if we dwell on our own problems, we cannot focus on the tasks in front of us. Our greatest blessings come when we focus our energy on others and not ourselves. Ask Job because God blessed him with DOUBLE for his trouble and he got that when he prayed for his friends and took the emphasis off of the things he was going through. When you emphasize God and de-emphasize self, God will allow the willing spirit to sustain you. It will provide you joy and happiness. It will give you the things you need in order to survive.

In closing, life will tap you out in one form or another. The blessing is that we serve a God that is strong and mighty and that when we need Him, He's right there to provide us restoration. All you have to do is ask. That's what David did and after that, David got on with his life and lived to be 70 years old and serve Israel as king for 40 years. Isn't it a blessing to know that God can restore you?

"Thank You for the Invitation"

Scripture: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. "
-Psalms 122:1

On Labor Day of this year, my wife and I had dinner with another married couple from our church. For a good while, my wife and I had stated that we wanted to have dinner with them and enjoy their company. During our Family Reunion weekend at the church, the couple extended the invitation for us to come. When it was all said and done, we had played Wii, enjoyed some great food, had great fellowship, and have firmly established a new set of friends within the area. Because of that, as my wife and I were driving home, we were glad that they extended the invitation. If we look at this thing spiritually, God extends us an invitation every Sunday morning. He extends to us an invitation to come and worship Him in spirit and in truth! He extends to us an invitation to come and fellowship with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! How do we know this invitation is extended? Today's text provides us clarity.

Our focal book today is the longest book of the Bible, Psalms. This particular chapter was penned by King David. As he was writing this chapter, God had just established Jerusalem as the "Holy City" and said that this is the city where He would record His name. At this time as well, many of the Israelites came to Jerusalem to worship and participate in the feasts as well. Because of God's proclamation of Jerusalem being His city, David writes today's many scripture with excitement and jubilance.

We know that because he starts the text off by saying, "I was glad when they said unto me". If you translate the Hebrew word for glad, it's Samach. Samach means "to rejoice; to be glad". When you hear about someone receiving a promotion or a job they have been waiting on, you ought to samach with them! When you hear about someone receiving healing from a disease or receiving a good health report, you ought to samach with them! When God whispers in your ear, Good Morning and wakes you up, you ought to samach because God was good to you! When you get an extension to pay your bills when your change was strange and your money is funny, you ought to samach and thank God! Despite what this world gives you or what it looks like, you ought to samach each and every day you are living!

Now, we see that David was glad and he was samaching. What invitation was David thanking God for? The text closes it out by saying, "Let us go into the house of the Lord". Earlier, in the introduction, we mentioned how we ought to thank God that He extended us an invitation for us to worship Him, to fellowship with our brothers and sisters, and to see praise Him on Sunday morning. We ought to tell God Thank You for the invitation because He told us to come into His house! Ladies and gentlemen, God does not care how filthy or clean you are, He does not care if you are rich or poor, He does not how old or young you are, He does not care if you are sick or healthy, He has extended to you an invitation to come into His house! Because of that, we ought to give Him praise when we are in His house! We ought to give Him worship when we are in His house! We ought to love our families correctly when we are in and out of His house! We ought to tell Him Thank You for the Invitation!

In closing, my wife and I would not have learned more about our friends if they did not extend the invitation. Because they did extend the invitation, we are eternally grateful to them and they know that they come and see us anytime! Just like that, God has given us the chance to come and see Him at His house! He does not care about the condition we are in, He just wants us there! As I close today, in your quiet time, just tell God Thank You for the invitation and opening up His house to you!

"It's a Fixed Fight"

Scripture: "And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee." -Jeremiah 1:19

Back in March of 1999 at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City, boxing had the chance to crown its first undisputed heavyweight champion since the earlier part of the decade. The two combatants that had this opportunity was WBC (World Boxing Council) champion Lennox Lewis and IBF (International Boxing Federation) and WBA (World Boxing Association) champion Evander Holyfield. Through 12 rounds of action and pure domination by Lennox Lewis, the decision went to the judges. If there was anyone who watched this fight, they know the winner of this fight was Lennox Lewis. However, one judge, from the USA, scored the fight for Holyfield, another judge, from South Africa, scored it for Lewis, and the final judge, from England, Lewis's home country, had it a draw. After this fight, the boxing community was in so much turmoil, that commentators called this fight a "fixed fight" in the sense that all Holyfield had to do was show up and that he would at least get a draw or maybe a decision. In the realm of the spirit, God is just like that. He has given us opportunities to work in His Kingdom and He has blessed us despite the trials and tribulations that has come in our lives. In so many words, the fight with the enemy can be considered a "fixed fight". How can we consider this? Let's examine today's text.

Today's devotional journey brings us to the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, who served King Josiah, is known as the weeping prophet and served as a prophet to the people of God for approximately 40 years. This book is the second longest within the five books known as the Major Prophets. Major Prophets received more information and insight from the Father, thus giving them that title. Within this introductory chapter, God and Jeremiah dialogued about Jeremiah's life and the things God had in store for him. At the end of this dialogue, God gave Jeremiah assurance that he would be fine and that his upcoming fights with his enemies are fixed. With this being said, let's examine the text.

God writes to Jeremiah by saying, "And they shall fight against thee". Ladies and gentlemen, don't we all have fights? Whether it's a physical fight, an emotional fight, a spiritual fight, a health fight, an argument, or anything else, we are going to have fights. With the enemy, he has fought us financially, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and every way else. One thing I thank God for is the fact that we are living to be fought!

Since we are alive to fought, God tells Jeremiah and us that thou we may have fights, "they shall not prevail against thee". Hallelujah! Isn't that good news, my brother and my sister? Isn't it a blessing to know that though, the enemy may fight you, he cannot prevail! Isaiah said it best in the preceding book that "no weapon formed against thee shall prosper". Just in case, we forgot it there, God re-emphasized it to us here in Jeremiah! Don't you love a God of confirmation and a God of agreement? Don't you love the fact that the wars against you cannot stop you? Why can God say such a proclamation?

The text is concluded when God tells Jeremiah and us that "for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee." Despite the ugliness of your situation, God is there to deliver you! When your money is funny and change is strange, God is there to deliver you from your rut! Though your family acts salty and act like they do not care, God is there to deliver you from them! Though you may have some friction within your marriage, but God is there to deliver you! Though you may some friction with someone at the workplace, God is there to deliver you! Though you may be battling an ailment on today, but God is there to deliver you! David also gives us confidence in the Father when he wrote "many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth us out of them all". In other words, keep living and know that God has your back! Keep living because you will have some fights, but they will not prosper or stop you from achieving your destiny in God!

In closing, when this world tries to bog you down with its troubles, laugh at it and say, it's a fixed fight because my Father has my back and when I need Him, He will deliver me! Wherever you are today, you ought to give the Father a little praise for knowing that your fights in life are fixed!

"Getting The Most Bang Out of Your Life"

Scripture: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." -Ephesians 5:15 & 16, NIV

For the ladies in the Devotional Family, you all should have love for one word: SALE. Brothers, you ought to have love for this word as well. I know I do :-) In any case, some of the prettiest things and most essential things we get for our homes, selves, and others are found on sale. As we capitalize on these sales, we often say to ourselves that we "got the most bang for our buck". Just like we get the most bang for our buck from finding sales, God wants us to get the most bang out of your life. How do I know you ask? Let's examine today's text.

Our week of devotional journeys conclude with the book of Ephesians. This was a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus. Ephesus was the church that Jesus said "I have seen your great works, but you left your first love" in Revelations 3. Within this chapter, Paul gives exhortation to brotherly love, cautions against committing multiple sins, directions to a contrary behavior, and describes the duties of husbands and wives that enforces the spiritual relation between Christ and the church. Today's text is found within the section dealing with cautions against committing multiple sins. Within this section, we will obtain an understanding of how to get the most bang out of our lives.

Paul begins the text by telling the Ephesians and us to "Be very careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise". What a profound statement! Our Heavenly Father is watching us and every move we make on an everyday basis. He is checking us out if we have spent money unnecessarily on things. He is checking us out if we are watching the way we walk and the way we talk. He is checking us out to see that husbands are loving their wives like Christ love the church. He is checking us out to see that wives are submitting to their husbands. He is checking to see if we are honoring our parents as the Ten Commandments have stated. He's checking us out! Not only God, but the people that surrounds us on an everyday basis! We have a God to glorify and if we are not doing things wisely, how can God get glory out of our lives?

Then, Paul continues on and says to us and the Ephesian church that in getting the most bang out of your life, you are to strive towards "making the most of every opportunity". In other words, make the most of the idle time you may have after work. Make the most of your time by spending it with loved ones. Make the most of your time by visiting the sick in the hospital or at their homes. Make the most of your time by supporting your children in all they do. Make the most of your time by supporting your local church and letting them you will give them the best of you. Make the most of your time by stepping on faith into business ventures where your family won't lack in anything. Make the most of your time where your work at work is excellent and is recognized! Make the most of your time by praying to Almighty God on behalf of your brother and sister. All I am trying to say is the make the most of every opportunity, the most of everyday because God wants you to get the most bang out of your life!

The reason why God wants you to get the most bang out of your life "because the days are evil". Each and every day becomes a struggle because of the wickedness that resides in this crazy world. I am blessed to know that we live in this world, but we are NOT of this world. Though the days get more evil with the things going on, we have a covering in our Heavenly Father that loves us beyond measure and provides us with life, health, and strength that we may be able to make the most out of our lives. He gives us what we need in order to survive. Because of that, we ought to give Him our best and make the most of this precious gift called life!

In closing, as much as we love to get the most bang for our buck, we ought to want to get the most bang out of our lives. Paul told us to achieve this by watching how we live and make wise decisions and to make the most of every opportunity. My prayer for you on this day is that you maximize the gifts God placed in you and make the most of the life He has given you!

"I Need You to Pay Attention"

Scripture: "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." -Hebrews 2:1, NIV

God has blessed each of us to make it through some kind of school, whether if it was just high school, community college, a four-year college or university, seminary, culinary school or some other school. In any case, while you were in school, it was important to listen to what the teacher/instructor/professor was saying. In other words, you had to pay attention. Do you remember back in the days of either elementary, middle, or high school where you was talking and the teacher called you out and said, "I need you to pay attention"? Well, in the spirit realm, God is requiring each and every one of us to do the same. How can I make this statement? Today's text provides some insight.

Today, our devotional journey brings us to the book of Hebrews. According to Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, the theology behind Hebrews can be summed up in one word: Christology. The book focuses its energy on the person we know as Jesus and His redemptive achievements. Within this 2nd chapter of Hebrews, the writer gives warning to pay attention and discusses how Christ is made like His brothers.

The text starts off by saying, "we must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard". In other words ladies and gentlemen, not only are we to pay attention, but we are to pay more CAREFUL attention. We are to pay more careful attention to what we have heard. Brothers and sisters, there are many times where the enemy can use someone to sound like God's man/woman, but it's on you, man of God and it's on you, woman of God, to listen closely and discern what's not of God and what's of God. The Word makes mention that we ought to try the spirit by the spirit and see if the spirits either attract or repel. Also, Jesus gave us the parable of the four various types of soils and how one type of soil choked out the seed that was trying to grow. You can cool believe that there are people, assigned by Satan himself, who tries on a regular basis to choke out the Word that God has placed in your belly. Why is it vitally important to pay more careful attention to what you have heard?

The writer closes the text by saying, "so that we do not drift away". There's a song that's sung in churches today that goes a little something like this:

There's a storm out,
On the ocean and it's moving this way,
If your soul is not anchored in Jesus,
You will surely drift away!

The message that God is trying to convey to you today is that if you are attentive in your listening, you will not drift away! Your energy will be focused on Him and that you will be able to get the job done! Back to the school example I used earlier, when you paid attention, you understood the material and were able to get good grades and make your parents proud! Well, if you do the same for the Almighty God, He will be proud as well and not only is He the parent, but He is also the teacher/professor/instructor. When you are doing His will and being attentive to Him and your surroundings, then you will pass this class called life with flying colors! You will be an Honor Roll student!

In closing, it's important to tune your ears into Heaven's doors that God will give us encouraging words and words of wisdom and advice. My prayer for you is that you become the student listening to your Teacher that you may pass life with flying colors and not be the student who flunked because they were too busy being chatty!

"It's All About You"

Scripture: "I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”-Psalms 40:8, NIV

Through my five years of marriage, one of the greatest lessons I have learned is that life does not revolve around me. Outside of God, life revolves around my wife and family. God told us as husbands to love our wives as Christ loves the church. Each and every day, I strive to give her that kind of love. One instance that occurred recently was on a Saturday evening. We had been in our home maybe two or three weeks and after relaxing from a long week and fairly busy Saturday morning and afternoon, she asked me to get some more paint because we were painting, along with a certain type of curtain that only Wal-Mart carried. With that being said, I went off to Wal-Mart. Three Wal-Mart's later, I had the curtains and the paint. I tell this story because I could have stayed relaxed, but because I loved her so much, I went out and did these things. Because of that, she knows that I strive to make life "all about her". For my family that does not know her, she does the same in turn for me! She keeps a smile on my face and serves as great encouragement. As we have dedicated our lives to one another in marriage, we also have made life about God. Ladies and gentlemen, it's imperative to make your lives about God! If you have this in mind, then you will agree with today's main scripture.

Our Hump Day devotional takes us to the book of Psalms. The book of Psalms have been divided into five books where Chapters 1 - 41 is Book I, Chapters 42 - 72 is Book II, Chapters 73 - 89 is Book III, Chapters 90 - 106 is Book IV, and Chapters 107 - 150 is Book V. Today's psalm, written by King David, falls in Book I. According to scholars, David has his name assigned to 73 chapters. Within this psalm, David addresses his confidence for deliverance, Christ's work of redemption, and prays for mercy and grace. Within our main scripture, found in this psalm, we will understand David's thoughts when it came to making his life about God.

We understand this trend of thought from David immediately. He begins the text by saying, "I desire to do your will, O my God". Each and every morning, in order to let God know that it's all about Him, we ought to get up with this message on our lips: ___________ (place your name) desire to do your will, O my God. When we commit ourselves to making this statement, you can believe that you will be tested and honestly, we all have been tested. Have you had a day where you spent most of your day ministering to someone and you had other plans? It may not have been your will, but it was God's will for that day. Have you ever had to bless someone with something (food, money, etc.) and you had NO idea that they were coming? Here again, it's not your will, but God's will at that time and juncture. When we make up our minds or keep our minds fixed on making life all about God, then we can proclaim that we want to do His will and not ours!

David finishes this thought in an awesome way. When you have made life about the Almighty God, you will do this: "your law is within my heart". David allowed God to further understand that not only do I want to make my life about you in the things I do, but I also house the Word on the inside of me. Brothers and sisters, with the Word housed inside of you, it will make you draw back from cussing someone out. It will make you "take a look in the mirror" and see if you are living the life you are preaching/teaching. It will "slice and dice" you when you are in the wrong. When life is about God, you have to know His Word! David told us in the Bible that "thy Word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against Thee". Brothers and sisters, that's the point of the Word … it exposes to us the things we need to do! It gives us the instructions for life! If you are serious about making your life all about God, get in His Word!

In closing, we let the world know that life is about our spouses, family, and friends. If we were to really do self - evaluation, are we placing the same energy into God like we are our families? If the answer to that is no, then I encourage you to get in His Word and His face that you may be equipped and striving to do His will in your everyday life!

"The Benefits of Trusting Him"

Scripture: "The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him." -Nahum 1:7, NLT

Throughout our respective lives, we have all had a relationship or two where your mate asked you to trust him/her. Due to this request of trust, you do what you can to give him/her the benefit of a doubt. In some of our cases, trusting him/her was the best thing we could have ever done. It has led us down the aisle to marriage, prosperous relationships, happiness, and other things. On the other hand, trusting him/her has led to many scars, the birth of children, the death of children, some mental scarring, and more importantly, life's lessons. On today, I am encouraged because there's someone who wants you to trust Him. Of course Him is the Almighty God. Believe you me, if you trust Him, there are benefits. Today's text emphasizes a couple of these benefits.

Today, our devotional journey leads us to the Old Testament book of Nahum. Nahum is considered by scholars as a Minor Prophet and his book falls as the seventh book of the twelve-book series known as the Old Testament's Minor Prophets. To obtain a further understanding of what makes a prophet minor/major is based on the amount of information they have within their respective books. Within this book, Nahum was charged with the task of denouncing the destruction of the Assyrian empire, particularly in Nineveh. In addition, he provided consolation for his countrymen and encouraged them to trust in God. Within this initial chapter, Nahum focuses on the justice and power of the Lord along with His overall anger with Nineveh. With all of this being said, let's see what Nahum has to say to us about the benefits of trusting God.

Nahum starts the text by saying, "The Lord is good". Now that has a way of making you trust Him real quick! I thank God for knowing that in spite of everything around us that's bad, that He is good! Because He's good, He wants to be good to you! He can be really good to you if you trust Him! The text continues and lets us know that God is "a strong refuge when trouble comes". When you trust God, you trust Him in the good days and the bad days. Many of us have been rained upon because of this life. Many of us have suffered because we did not trust God. But, when you do trust God, you know that He is not just a refuge, but a STRONG refuge! How many of you remember the story of the Three Little Pigs? Within this story, all three pigs had houses and the big bad wolf said that he would huff and puff and blow your house down! He blew away two of the homes because one was made out of twigs and the other was made out of straw. However, there was one house that he could not blow down and that's because it was made out of bricks. God is the brick house as the enemy tries to huff and puff and blow your hope, your joy, your happiness, your successes, your testimonies, and anything else. Aren't you glad that God is your brick house that covers you from the winds and howling of the enemy?

Nahum has allowed us to understand thus far the benefit of trusting God comes with Him not just being good, but being a strong refuge when trouble comes. The last benefit we see within the text is that "He is close to those who trust in Him". Now that right there ought to make you trust God 1,000,000% more than you ever did before! Many of us have worked very hard in our respective walks with God by reading His Word, praying to Him, fasting to Him, worshipping Him, praising Him in the good and the bad, and the list goes on and on. Because of this communion with God, you have grown close to Him and in turn, He has grown close to you. What's the benefit? The benefit is because of your closeness with God, He can provide you insight on situations. He can tell you how to make your business dreams work. He can tell you how to love your mate that in turn, make them love you harder. He can share with you ways on how to love your children even when they disappoint you. He can show you how your bills will get paid when your money is funny. He can allow you to feel who's good for you to hang around and who's bad for you to hang around. These things are benefits, but the greatest benefit of trusting God is that He's close to you! When God is close to you, watch out now! Things can happen and the demons will tremble because they will not just see you, but they will see the GOD that's in you!

In closing, though we have experienced hurts and joys in trusting our fellow man, there are greater benefits when we trust our God! When we trust Him, He's there to be a strong refuge when trouble comes and He's close to you, closer than any brother / sister/mother/father/ husband /wife could ever be! With these things laid out, doesn't that make you want to trust God a little more with your life?

"It's Time to Have a Funeral"

Scripture: "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." -Colossians 3:5, NIV

Brothers and sisters, there is one part of this life that we must all experience at one time or another and that's death. When we die or see someone close to us pass, then comes the funeral. Depending on the individual, these services are often reflected as home going celebrations and others, funeral services. During the time of the funeral, we always pay our last respects to our loved one, friend, co-worker, or whomever and to let their families know that we have their back. Usually, most funerals I have attended, there are some happy moments, but predominantly, there are sad moments. On today, I am encouraged by God and His Word that we all have to have a funeral! When we have this funeral, it will propel us to greater things in the Kingdom of God. Today's text illustrates the kind of funeral we should have.

This week's set of devotionals begins in the book of Colossians. This book was written by the Apostle Paul, to the church located in Colossae. Within this book, Paul opposes false teachers who have been spreading error within the congregation there. Within this chapter, Paul gives rules for holy living and rules for Christian households. Our main scripture for today is located within the rules for holy living. Within this set of scriptures, we find out about this funeral each and every one of us needs to have.

Paul begins the text by saying, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature." In other words, he is saying to have a funeral for your flesh! One thing about our Heavenly Father is that flesh cannot dwell with Him and when we are in Heaven with Him, it will be our spirit that will make it there. Our flesh will be a part of this Earth. If truth were told, our flesh impedes the blessings God wants to bestow upon you and I! Our flesh, at times, wants to be in the "limelight", it wants its ego fed, it wants to shine on the brightest stages, but at the end of the day, NONE of that will matter because God is not concerned with your flesh, but He's concerned with your Spirit! Since He's concerned with your Spirit, He wants you and I to get the thing that houses our Spirit in order and that's our flesh. With this being said, Paul points out some distinct facets of our flesh/earthly nature that needs to be buried as well.

Paul points out the following things: "sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed". If truth were told, each of us deals with at least one of these things on a daily basis. With that being said, it's on you, my brother, and my sister, and it's on myself as well, to deal with these issues and bury them! As I fore stated earlier, God wants to do bigger and better things within each of us, but He wants our energy and drive to be focused on Him and what He needs for us! What you will realize is that when you can defeat these things and give them their proper funeral, then God can use you to deliver another brother/sister who's dealing with the same issue!

As the text closes, Paul lets us know that these things contribute to another thing that must be funeralized and that's idolatry. The 10 Commandments told us that "thou shalt have no other gods before thee" with thee being God. As I stated before, in order to receive God's blessings, our spirit must be in tuned with Him and if we are idol worshipping, we are not worshipping Him, and He desires that we must worship Him in spirit and in truth, and we cannot serve two masters! Because of this, it's important to bury these things and also bury idolatry! If you are loving on your car more than God, it's time for a funeral for that! If you are envying your brother for the kind of car he possesses, it's time for a funeral for that! If you have these sex crazed dreams about someone that's not your spouse, then it's time for a funeral for that! When you have been blessed with more than enough and you want more just to have more, then it's time for a funeral for that! When you worship your spouse/child more than you do God, then it's time for a funeral!

In closing, it's time to examine ourselves and see what parts of us need to die and be funeralized. God through the Apostle Paul has given you some real things to look at and bury. When you have this "flesh funeral", then watch your Spirit rejoice and the God of your salvation rejoice! We're in a time and season where God needs REAL warriors for Him, are you ready to die and yet, ready to serve?

"How Do You Supposed To Live?"

Scripture: "Now the just shall live by faith …" -Hebrews 10:38, NKJV

Each and every day, we get up out of our beds, give God His morning praise and adoration, brush our teeth, comb/brush our hair, wash up/take a shower, get our clothes on, drive on to work/catch the bus to work/catch the Metro to work, work, eat lunch, workout (if possible), and then drive back home, eat dinner, enjoy your evening, and then back to sleep. This is usually our daily routine of life. Even within this routine, God has blessed us to live in good sized houses, drive nice cars, make a decent income, and have a nice wardrobe. With these thoughts in mind, we often agree that this is how you supposed to live. Yes, you can live this way and it's a blessing to live like that. However, within God's Word, He has told us the way we suppose to live. He tells us this within our text on today.

Our main scripture today is found in the book of Hebrews. Within this book, it depicts Jesus Christ as the end, foundation, body, and truth of the figures of the law, which of themselves were no virtue for the soul. Ultimately, this book establishes Jesus as the true God. Within this particular chapter, the writer addresses subjects such as animal sacrifices being insufficient, the death of Christ fulfilling God's will, and the death of Christ perfected the sanctified. Within this same chapter, it gives instructions on how we supposed to live.

The text answers today's topic from the gun: How do you supposed to live? It tells us that "now the just shall live by faith". There have been times or will be times where we, as just people of God, has/have seen some issues pop off within our lives, but because of our faith, it will get you through or has brought you through. It's funny to me how the writer tells us to live by faith, but does not define the definition of faith until the next chapter. Within Hebrews 11:1, it lets us know that "now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen". Brothers and sisters, because of the God we serve, He has blessed each of us with a measure of faith. He has blessed us with the ability to walk in the "bind" and not know how things are going to turn out.

However, we know that because God is with us, through His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we know who makes tomorrow! We know who has all power in their hands! We know who can bless us and help us when no one else can! Because of faith, it makes us tap into the Father even the more! Yes, God has blessed us to have a nice living, but He wants us to live by faith! He does not want us to live off of the Benjamins! He does not want us to live off of the bling! He does not want us to live off of the Bentleys, BMW's, or any other rides we have! He wants us to live by faith! Faith in Him, knowing that He will provide for us and give us the push to move in the direction He has for our lives!

In closing, we're blessed to have the things God has given us such as our homes, cars, and other things. At the end of the day, as God's "just", He wants us to live to by faith. If we can live by faith, then we will never have to worry about anything! My challenge to you is to live your life on greater faith than you have ever before and watch what God does for you and your family!

"The Value of a Good Name"

Scripture: "A good name is better than fine perfume …" -Ecclesiastes 7:1, NIV


Within this day and age, there are some things that have more value than others. For example, if you were to visit a pawn shop and needed some money to help with a bill, it's better to take some gold there than silver, because gold has more value. As we continue to live this thing we call life, we often find out that the value of things decrease as they get older. Our cars lose value. Our jewelry lose value. Our clothes lose value. Our houses gain value, but it depends on its upkeep and if newer homes are being placed around there. The one thing that can always increase in value is your name. When we hear certain names in this world, they gain instant credibility. When you hear the name Barack Obama, you think great man. When you hear the name Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., you think great man. When you hear the name Dr. Maya Angelou, you think great woman. Today's text allows us to further understand the value of a good name.

Today's devotion brings us to the book of Ecclesiastes. As one of the Poetry books of the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes was written by the wise king Solomon. God blessed Solomon to learn a lot during his lifetime and in turn, Solomon has blessed us with his life lessons in Proverbs and in this book. Within this chapter, Solomon deals with the value of a good name (the focal point of today's devotional), oppression, anger, discontent, the advantages of wisdom, and experiences dealing with the evil of sin.

The text here answers how valuable a good name is. It tells us that "a good name is better than fine perfume". In those days, perfume costs quite a bit of money and truth were told, perfumes today cost a little bit of change as well. This scripture blesses me because of the man who wrote it. Solomon could make this point because when he assumed the throne as king of Israel, God asked him what did he desire. Solomon desired wisdom and because of this wisdom, God blessed him with not only the wisdom, but wealth, fame, honor, and everything else worthy of a wise man. Through Solomon's wise moves as king, his name became good and obtained notoriety. Ladies and gentlemen, God has blessed each of us with some wisdom of His. It's on us to use the wisdom He has blessed us with and in turn, make our names good names. When you do that, you will be able to obtain the finer things in life and be able to bless those who need it and take care of your family.

Throughout his reign, because of name recognition, Solomon was able to meet distinguish people from faraway lands. They came to visit him and marvel at the work God had done through him. In the same light, because of your good name, God can bless you to meet distinguish people as well or even have them to come to you. In this, it's critical that you do everything you can to protect your name! How do you protect your name? Pay your bills on time! When you make a vow/promise, do the best you can to be a promise keeper and not a trucebreaker! Love those that love you and even those that do not love you! Pray for those who have burned you in the past and pray for those who will help you in the future! Steer clear of gossip and the list is endless. Just keep your name clean!

In closing, the most valuable thing we have is NOT our cars, our houses, our jewelry, our family heirlooms, or anything else like that. It's our name! With our names, we ought to strive to make our names good names! When your name is good, it can provide you the best for your family and bring glory to God. Chew on this thought: If someone mentioned your name, what would people say about you?

"There's Greatness Inside of You"

Scripture: "… because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.." -1 John 4:4


2007 proved to be a blessed year for yours truly. In this year, God allowed me to defend my dissertation after four and a half years of doctoral research, graduate with my PhD on December 15, and land my job with the NRC. As the year was about to close out, I had a great conversation with my cousin, who gave me my name. This conversation took place on Christmas Day. During this conversation, he shared with me that in his opinion, I have lived up to the men who I was named after (Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and President Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya). To hear him say that made me feel that I have achieved some greatness. I stand before you today knowing that there's more greatness inside of me. It was one thing to achieve greatness within this world, but there's a greatness I want to further achieve and that's in the Spirit. Brothers and sisters, we all have greatness inside of us. It's on us to tap into that greatness. It's on us to make this greatness worthwhile and to a point where it impacts the world and those around us. The question I pose to you: Are you sitting on your greatness? Have you tapped into your greatness? Today's text will further identify what I mean by there's greatness inside of you.

Our devotional journey today brings us to the book of 1 John. Within this particular chapter, the writer cautions believers against giving heed to everyone that pretends to the Spirit (verses 1 - 6) and enforcing brotherly love (verses 7 - 21). Within this day and age, it's imperative to have your spiritual radar tuned in and ready to receive signals from the Almighty God when it comes to those who "operate in the Spirit". Within this chapter, we find out about the greatness that's inside of us.

The beginning of the text clarifies the greatness that's inside of you. It tells us that "because greater is He that is in you". Who is the He? The Almighty God through His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Ladies and gentlemen, the greatness that resides in you comes from the Father. It blessed me to hear my cousin say that I lived up to my name sakes, but it is a greater blessing to know that God is schooling me daily and is blessing me daily and working on me daily to achieve greatness in Him! If we just gave Him our gifts and team those things up with His greatness, the world would be on greater fire for the Lord! If we would tap into the greatness that's Him, we would never be broke! We would never be hurt! We would never worry about anything! We would be able to further encourage our brothers and sisters. We would be able to be more effective! However, it's critical to tap into the greatness that's God that's inside of you! Read your Word to tap into the greatness! Pray to your Father to tap into the greatness! Commune with other believers to tap into the greatness!

Because we know that God is our greatness in us, then it's greater "than he that is in the world". This "he" would be the enemy, Satan, the Devil, and any other term you would like to use. When the enemy says you cannot conquer your fear of people, God says you can! When the enemy says that you will not get that job, God says you can! When the enemy says don't start your own company, God says you can! When the enemy says that you are not able, God says you are able! When the enemy says you will never amount to anything, God says you will! Though I completed my PhD, there were many times I wanted to throw in the towel, but the He that was in me was greater than the he that is in this world! It's because of Him that I am here and I can tell the story! It's because of Him that you are alive and well and can testify to the same fact!

In closing, God wants each of us to achieve the best out of life! He wants us to be able to live and live comfortably. He wants us to be able to make an impact on the lives of His people. How do we do these things? By tapping into the greatness that resides in Him! If God gives you something, know that He is with you and He will never forsake you as you continue on this journey! Allow God to rule over every demonic spirit that tries to take you out because there's greatness inside of you! No one and nothing can stop your greatness unless you suppress it!

"What Are You Going to Do With What God Gave You?"

Scripture: "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money." -Matthew 25:14 - 18, NIV

One of my favorite sports personalities in the world today is Eldrick Woods. The world affectionately knows him as Tiger. Woods is the son of a Black man and a woman of Asian descent. God has given him a talent and it was to play golf. Throughout his childhood, Tiger, through the help of understanding the game from his father, would make appearances on late night shows, putting the ball in the hole, like he was a regular on the PGA Tour. In 1997, after winning three consecutive U.S. Amateur Championships, Tiger turned pro and as it stands, he's about to become the first billionaire athlete. Who would have thought that golf would take him so far? One thing is for certain, Tiger made things happen with what God gave him. In the same light, my brothers and sisters, God has blessed us all with talents and gifts. The question I pose to you on today is what are you going to do with what God gave you? Are you going to sit dormant on your gifts and talents? Are you going to use it to give God glory? What are you going to do? Today's text illustrates what three men did with what God gave them.

Our main scripture for today is found in the Gospel according to Matthew. Throughout the Gospel accounts, we find our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ teaching His disciples and those around Him valuable lessons about life spiritually and here on Earth. Today's scripture falls into one of these lessons. Within this particular chapter, we find Jesus schooling His disciples through the art of storytelling. The stories He told are known as parables. A parable is simply an earthly story with an heavenly meaning. If truth were told, many of us use analogies or stories to get our points across when it comes to ministering to God's people!

The parable begins where Jesus talks about a man who is going on a journey. As this man is going on a journey, he called for his servants and left them in charge of his property. The text continues on to show us that the man gave one servant five talents, another servant two talents, and the other servant one talent, according to their ability. One thing about God is that He knows what you and I can handle! Within this story, the talent given to each of these servants was money. According to my research, a talent in those days is worth over $1M in U.S. money today. If truth were told, God even today, is trusting us with His money, not your money, but HIS money! He's trusting you to make wise decisions! He's trusting you that you will provide for His house! He's trusting that you will bring Him His 10%! He wants to know what are you going to do with what He gave you financially!

The text proceeds to let us know that the man went on his journey and then, we find out what each of these servants did with their talents. The servant with five talents made five more talents. In other words, he doubled his money! Many of us can attest to being like this servant because many of us have been given multiple gifts and talents from God and He has allowed us to multiply and do bigger and better things! God is showing you, my brother and my sister, if you place your gifts at His feet, then God can multiply! God can further help you to take care of your house and home! Also, the text shows us that the man with two talents gained two more talents. Again, God needs you to step out on faith and make the gifts/talents He gave you work!

Lastly, we find the servant who received one talent, went out and buried it. Does that sound like you or I on today? If I was to hold up a mirror in front of each of your faces, could you be honest and say that you are using everything God has given you? If your answer is yes, then I am blessed to hear it! But if the answer is no, then it's my duty to let you know that the riches and wealth you desire is in your hands! The greatness that God has for you is in your mind! The things God has for you is right at your fingertips! Again, He poses the question, "What are you going to do with what I gave you?" If you use what He has given you, your financial troubles will be minimal. If you use what He has given you, your physical ailments will be minimal. If you use what He has given you, your emotional troubles will be minimal. All He wants is for you, my brother and my sister, to make your talents and gifts work for His Glory!

In closing, Tiger Woods could not have become a billionaire without making golf work for him. Many of us could not have become what we are in God on today if we did not make some of our gifts work. In order to reach the greater greatness God has for your life, we must surrender those talents and gifts to God, obtain clarity on how to use these gifts, and make good use of them that we may not lack and be the lender and not the borrower! I encourage you, to pull all the tools out of your tool belt, and begin to work the work God has placed in your hands!

"It Had to Go Down Like That"

Scripture: "And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." -Luke 9:22, NIV

Many of us revere someone within our communities because of a certain attribute they possess. The attribute may be strength, knowledge, wisdom, and other things. How did they obtain these attributes? They had to live life and deal with its circumstances. Since life "went down like that", they were able to obtain the strength, knowledge, wisdom, and other things you revere. One thing I always respected about people from the "old school" was the fact that they were independent. Because their lives took the road of dealing with so much, independence was birthed out of them. Many of us wonder why we had to endure hardship or why I was not accepted within a certain "circle of people". Today, I am here to let you know that "It had to go down like that"! Today's text illustrates an instance that had to go down like it did.

Today, our devotional journey brings us to the Gospel account according to Luke, the physician. Within this ninth chapter, we find Luke discussing the ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus at work. The subjects dealt with here included Jesus sending out the 12, Jesus feeds the 5,000, Peter's confession to Jesus, Jesus' transfiguration, Jesus' healing of a boy with an evil spirit, and the discussion of who will be the greatest. Today's main scripture is found within Peter's confession to Jesus.

As Jesus was sitting with His disciples, He lets them what will take place and what has to go down. He starts by saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things". Isn't that something? The Son of Man, the Messiah, suffering many things? However, it had to go down like that! If truth be told, the pains, blues, and agonies of life we go through, guess what? It has to go down like that! Why? Because when we go through, our character develops. When we go through, our faith in God develops. When we go through, our prayer life develops. Going through is a part of life and no matter who you are, you will experience some suffering!

Secondly, Jesus tells His disciples that He will "be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law". In those days, they knew who Jesus was, but the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law only cared about the law. Like most, they knew that a Messiah was coming and they thought that this Messiah was going to rule high on the throne, but not in the form of Jesus. Jesus was one that came that the law would not be condemned, but it would be fulfilled. Even with this, these leaders would reject Him and not accept Him nor His teachings. As we journey along this life, there will be some people that will reject the things God had spoken into your spirit for them. When that time comes, do what you are supposed to do, shake the dust off of your feet, and keep it moving!

The last thing Jesus told the disciples that had to go down was "He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life". This blesses me because though Jesus was going to be killed, He was going to come back and live again on the third day! This should bless you because though things occur in your life, it had to go down like that to birth the real you! It had to go down like that to be a testimony to someone! It had to go down like that because God needs soldiers in His army to tell of His goodness! It had to go down like that to strip you of the pride you may have once had! It had to go down like that because God wanted you to know that He's there and He cares! When stuff occurs, it's all good! Why? Because you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus! Though weapons are formed, they will not prosper! Though people's words do hurt, God can heal your pain!

In closing, we are often amazed at how someone has done so much in their lives. Even within that, they had to go down a particular road to get there. Jesus showed us the things He had to deal with and even things we deal with today. In order for you to get to the next level, you are going to have suffer, you are going to have to be rejected, and you are going to have to die (in your flesh) that you may live (in the Spirit). Are you ready to continue God's path for your life?

"He's Extending An Invitation to You"

Scripture: "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." -Isaiah 1:18, NIV

Most of us spend time with family and friends whether it's after church, someone's birthday/anniversary party, someone's wedding/baby shower, someone's bachelor's party, or anything else. Usually these things occur because some planning (impromptu or not) took place and an invitation was extended. On yesterday afternoon, my wife and I extended an invitation to some members from our church to fellowship with us over lunch and then visit our home and play some Wii. Because we extended the invitation, they gladly accepted, had an enjoyable lunch, enjoyed the time playing Wii, and the rest they say is history. As we think about this thing spiritually, God extends to us all, an invitation. The invitation is for us to be one with Him, to sup with Him, to praise Him, to worship Him, to read His Word, and do other things. Today's text provides more light on why He extends an invitation to you.

This week's devotionals begin with the book of Isaiah. This book was written by the major prophet Isaiah. His 66 chaptered book is the longest book of the Major Prophets of the Old Testament. Within this introductory chapter, Isaiah tackles such subjects like corruptions prevailing over the Jews (verses 1 - 9) and exhortations to repentance (verses 16 - 20). Today's main scripture falls under the latter mentioned subject.

As we begin to examine the main scripture, how can we tell God is extending an invitation to you and me? The beginning of the text answers this question. God says through Isaiah this: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD". What a profound statement! In the days of the Old Testament, it was God's way or the highway and yet in still, He has provided His people an opportunity to reason with Him. Just like them in those days, He is providing you that same opportunity on today! He is providing an opportunity for you and I to talk with Him, admit our faults, cry in His bosom, and let Him how much we need Him! How much we love Him! How much we care about Him! How much we adore Him! How much He means to me! In order to give Him this love, honor, glory, and respect, He just wants to reason with you! Why does He want to reason with you?

The conclusion of this text gives us illumination. The text concludes by saying, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool". Brothers and sisters, no matter how big or small you think the sin is within you, God will wipe it out! Though it's red, His love will make white as snow. Though your sins may leave you in a crimson mask spiritually, He will make them as wool. He extends the invitation to you so you can tell Him about the fornication! He wants to hear about the financial mishaps! He wants to hear about the pains you experienced in the past! He wants to hear about how you need help with relationships! He wants to hear about your emotional mishaps! He wants to hear these things so He can wipe your slate clean! All of these things cannot take place unless you accept His invitation!

In closing, we will never get to know people unless we get to know them and invite them to hang with us. You never know, you may find a friend that sticks closer than a brother or sister! In the meantime, there's someone who wants to hear all of your pain, agony, and blues! He wants to console you and give you a clean slate! His name is God through the Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Holy Spirit! Will you accept His invitation to reason together?

"What Are You Afraid Of?"

Scripture: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”- Proverbs 29:25, NIV

One of the most asked questions we get when we grew up and even today is what are you afraid of? Some of the answers include flying in an airplane, afraid of failing, afraid of disappointing your loved ones, spiders and other insects, and swimming to name a few things. Usually, when you are afraid of things, you do what you can to avoid them. If your family plans a trip to the beach and you are afraid of the ocean/water, you go to the beach, but you never make your way to the water. If truth were told, in the spirit realm, we are just as afraid as well. We are at times, afraid of the enemy, afraid of his vices, and other things. On today, I serve notice to the enemy and the "enemy inside of each of you" that there's no need to be afraid! God did not give you a spirit of fear! He gave you a sound mind, love, and power! Within today's text, we are going to obtain further clarity on what happens when you are afraid and what happens when you know that God has your back.

In closing out this week's set of devotionals, the Father has guided us to the book of Proverbs. This particular book is a group of clichés and wise sayings put together by the wisest king of all-time, Solomon. Throughout his forty year reign as king of Israel, God allowed Solomon to learn a lot and because of that, Solomon left us some wisdom and encouragement from his life's lessons. Today's main scripture is no exception.

Solomon opens up today's main scripture by saying, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare". What a powerful and yet true statement! If truth were told, we have all been afraid of man, in one form or another. Whether it is you asking your supervisor for a day off or talking to your parents about something or stepping up to a person who has rubbed you the wrong way or approaching your pastor about an idea God gave you, we all have been afraid! If you think about those times of you being afraid, you found yourself trapped. Trapped in the sense of figuring out which way to go or who do I run to in this situation and the list goes on and on. God wants you to know, on today, do not be afraid of man! David, Solomon's father, gave us great advice about fearing man. He tells us in Psalms 118:6 that "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do unto me?" Ladies and gentlemen, man cannot do ANYTHING to you as long as you carry the Lord with you! When you do not, your fear will become a snare or trap. It's time to break free of the traps of life! How can we break free and stop our internal/external fear of man?

The conclusion of this text provides the answer. The text is completed by saying, "but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe". A simple solution, but yet hard to implement, correct? In our flesh, the answer is yes. Many a time, we want to be the hero and solve the mystery and figure everything out. However, the last time I checked, God did not need me nor you to stick our noses in HIS business! In our spiritual walk and even every day walk, the answer to this question should be no. Why? Because if we trust the Lord, then we get out the way! We leave well enough alone and we say, "God, You have this situation and I will sit back!" Some of our greatest blessings come when we trust God! When we trust God, according to Solomon, we will be kept safe. Do you realize the times you could not pay a bill and yet your utilities stayed on until you could? It's because He kept you safe! Do you realize when that man/woman broke your heart and yet you lived life without any problems? It's because God kept you safe! Do you realize that through the scars and hurts from "church folk" that you are able to stand and smile? It's because God kept you safe! It's NOTHING you done, but it's because of God, His safety, and your trust in Him! I even hear Solomon back in Chapter 3 of Proverbs saying to us "Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding!" Ladies and gentlemen, it's a must to trust God 100%, not 50%, and not 75%, but ALL the way, in ALL aspects of our lives! When you do that, He will continue to keep you safe!

In closing, many of us have fears, but do not let man be one of them. They cannot place you in Heaven nor Hell. They cannot condemn you and cannot judge you. Only God can judge you and what He wants you to do is stop fearing man or anything else. He wants us to trust Him and He'll be our safety. Don't you want safety in your life on today? If so, lose your fear of man and increase your trust in God!

"Someone Needs Your Strength"

Scripture: "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." -Romans 15:1, NIV

About two months ago, my wife and I moved into our home here in the Metropolitan DC area. While we were moving into our home, our POD from Greensboro came in and in this POD was our furniture, clothing, and our other belongings. Over the period of about two solid days, we managed to move a lot of the little stuff and even some big stuff out of the POD. However, I reached a standstill when I tried to get the base of our dining room table off the POD and I said to myself, "That's it". I'm going to have to get some help. That Wednesday night, we went to church and my pastor asked if we were completely moved in. Once we told him no, he asked one of my brethren to get some brothers to help me complete the job. Two nights later, my brother from the church and his son came and helped me and when we were done, the POD was empty and we were moved in. I tell this story because I could not get this done by myself and I did not have enough strength to handle it. There will be times in your life where you are going to need someone's strength. Whether it's physical strength, mental strength, financial strength, emotional strength, or any other type of strength, you are going to need it! Today's text explains who should receive your strength.

Our devotional journey today brings us back to Romans. On this past Monday, we dealt with the thought "How to Praise God Another Way" from Romans 15:7. Within this text, we talked about accepting one another as another means to praise God. It's fine and cool to get your praise on, but at the end of the day, can you get off your praise horse and accept the brother that is not dressed like you? Can you accept the sister that wore a dress just a little bit shorter than the norm because that's all she had? Can you accept the little boy who asks 1,000 questions a Sunday in Sunday School because this is the only education on the Word he understands? In this same light, the writer of this book, the Apostle Paul, wanted them to understand something else of importance six verses earlier.

Paul begins this particular scripture by saying "We who are strong". Sometimes, when we hear the word strong, we often think of one being physically strong, being able to pick up so much in one fell swoop. Others think of strength of being able to endure many things and not cracking. If truth were told, each one of us are strong in something. Because of that, Paul wanted their attention at the church in Rome and He wants our attention on today, by saying we who are strong. What does he want the strong to do?

The remainder of the text provides a clear answer. It tells us first that we "ought to bear with the failings of the weak". That's a powerful decree and statement! In other words, we need to help someone in their times of weakness. We ought to keep them lifted up in prayer while they are suffering. Many of us are very good at being there for someone when a friend has experienced death in their family, but can the same be said when someone needs a shoulder to lean because they lost their job? We are very good at picking up the phone and talking to brothers and sisters about much to do about nothing, but can we minister to someone's soul when they need you? We are awesome at picking up some canned goods and things for a church Thanksgiving Food Drive, but can we be strong enough to help someone in our community who's struggling? God is looking for His people, with the strength He has given them, to step up and help those who have fallen on their luck and help those who are spiritually weak! As the Uncle Sam sign use to say, GOD NEEDS YOU and YOUR STRENGTH!

Not only does God need our strength to bear with the failings of the weak, but He needs us to use our strength where we are "not to please ourselves". One thing we have a very bad habit of doing is telling the world when we helped somebody and how good it made us feel. It's cool to feel good about it, but remember you are doing it to please Almighty God and not yourselves! When you tell the world what you did for someone, your blessing has been received. When you do things and do not tell a soul, then God can really bless you! He tells us that "what you do in secret, God will bless you in open". It's on you, my brother, and you, my sister, to bless others with your strength and do it to the Glory of God! When you do it to the Glory of God, watch how your brother/sister you helped will grow and eventually, bless the Father for you!

In closing, remember that you do not go through things in life for yourself. Someone will need your story to understand if God did it for you, then He can do it for them. Within today's text, Paul advises us to provide our strength, from our struggles and growth and life, to ought to bear with the failings of the weak and to do it in a manner where it does not please ourselves. Continue to give your best to God by being there for your brother and sister! Watch what He will do for you!