"The Attributes of Wise People"

Scripture: "Let the wise listen and add to their learning … -" -Proverbs 1:5, NIV

When you think of a person, whether if they are a part of your family or part of your friends' circle, each of them have a set of attributes that makes them their own, unique individual. For example, if I was to describe my wife, her attributes would include hard-working, kindhearted, giving, nurturing, vocal, and a few other things. These attributes make her the woman that she is and the woman that I love, respect, and admire. Throughout life, you are going to or have met people who have attributes that are negative and thus, you do not want to hang around them. The big thing we desire in life is to hang around people with positive attributes and not negative ones. One of the greatest type of people we should hang around are wise people. How do we know a wise person in person? Today's text provides us with some insight on the attributes of wise people.

Today's text is located in the book of Proverbs. The author of this book was the great and wise King Solomon, son of King David. In the book of 2 Samuel, God told David that the next king of Israel, after him, would be responsible for the building of the Temple where people could come and worship God. This task fell on Solomon, who assumed the task with no problem and in a little to no time, the Temple was completed. Also, during his reign, Solomon was blessed by God to receive anything he desired and Solomon desired wisdom. What greater man to discuss the attributes of wise people than King Solomon himself! Within his Proverbs, Solomon imparted his wisdom through sayings and proverbs that would benefit us as we continue to make our respective Christian journeys.

Within the fifth verse of the introductory chapter of Proverbs, Solomon addresses the attributes of wise people. The text begins by saying, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning". Profound statement, right? On yesterday, my wife and I had a great gathering with two other married couples where the brothers are ministers at my church. During our gathering, one of the things my brothers noticed about me was the fact that through the conversation, I said the least and they were like, "Lindsay, you are a quiet brother and do not have much to say". I told them that I am quiet because there is no need to always say something. You speak when necessary and more importantly, the less I talk, the more I am listening, and the wiser I become about a person or subject. If you think about the human body, God gave us two ears and one mouth and it's twice as important to listen than it is to talk! Ladies and gentlemen, whether you are in a relationship, a marriage, or relationship with the Father, you must know when to talk and when the listen and if you take time to listen, then it displays a bit of wisdom!

Not only do the wise listen, but they add to their learning. Just as I mentioned a moment ago, when you are listening to someone talk about a particular subject or issue, you obtain a greater perspective on it. As you obtain a greater perspective on it, you learn more about it. The one thing about adding something to your knowledge base or tool belt, if something was to happen within a given area, you are more aware of it than you were previously. You have a greater opportunity to focus your energy and attack it head on. That's why it is key, brothers and sisters, because God is looking for us to add to our learning trees because we are going to use our learning to help others, help ourselves, and continue on with this good fight of faith!

In closing, it's important to identify wise people from not-so-wise people. You can identify these types of people through their attributes and the way they carry themselves. Solomon provided us some insight on how to identify wise people. He gave us the attribute of listening and the attribute of learning. Identify the wise people within your circle or become a wise person for your circle. At the end of the day, God is going to need your wisdom and so will someone else!

"You Have His Permission"

Scripture: "… Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you." -2 Samuel 7:3, NIV

As adults, we have the freewill to do what we want to do and when we want to do it. However, if we turned back the hands of time, as children, we had to get our parents' permission to do what we wanted to do. I don't care if it was just you going to a basketball game at your high school, going to a movie with your teenage boyfriend/girlfriend, or just simply spending the night over a friend's house, you better ask Mama or Daddy for their permission. Usually, when Mama, Daddy, or both give you their permission, they expected you to act on your best behavior and not only represent them, but represent yourself in a respectable manner. If we draw the link to this thing spiritually, that's how God is with us. We have freewill to make most of life's decisions; however, when it comes to the big stuff and even not-so-big stuff, we need to consult with God and obtain His permission. Upon receiving His permission, we are to represent Him in a respectable manner. Today's text illustrates the blessing of having His permission.

We end the week the same way we began the week as far as location of today's main scripture, 2 Samuel. 2 Samuel served as a book to discuss the reign of King David during his forty-year reign over Judah and united Israel. Within this particular chapter, we find King David relaxed and enjoying the rest that God has blessed him with from his countless battles with his enemies. In this battle of life, there will be seasons where God will allow you to rest to heal up from the battles you have had to endure. Through this awesome time of relaxation and rest, David is disappointed about something. He's disappointed because he has this lavish palace and yet, the Ark of the Covenant (indicative of God's presence) is residing in a tent. Wouldn't it bother you if God's presence could not be in your respective palace or work place or home? With this thought in mind, it provides us the seg way into today's main scripture.

As David was making the declaration about the Ark of the Covenant being in a tent, he was saying this with Nathan the prophet around him. As Nathan heard what David was saying, God spoke something into his spirit that I would like to speak into your respective Spirit on today. He tells David, "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it". Wow! Isn't that a powerful declaration for God to send through His manservant Nathan? There are oftentimes where fear has caused us not to operate in our callings and our gifts, but God says today "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it!" There are oftentimes where God wants us to expand our horizons and quit limiting Him to a finite area, He says today "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it!" The birthing of your business, the birthing of your non-profit, the birthing of better financial habits, the birthing of better spiritual habits, the birthing of re-structuring life's relationships, God says to you, my brother and to you, my sister, "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it!" In other words, you have MY PERMISSION!

Why would God make such a declaration through Nathan for David and us today? Because the text closes by saying, "for the LORD is with you". If the Lord is for us, who can be against us? Ladies and gentlemen, stop letting fear dictate to you and start dictating to your fear! Start letting the enemy know that just as you have gained permission from God to mess with me, God has given me permission to step out and do the things He has placed in my hands! It's a blessing to know that we serve a God who loves us, even when we mess up, but that's good, because He's with us! He wants us to go to another level in Him and achieve the greatness He has placed inside of us! He needs us to step out and be His mouthpieces and proclaim His Word that others may know Him!

In closing, just as we use to ask our parents for permission to do things, we have to ask God for permission as well. In today's lesson, as Nathan told King David, God has given you, my brother, and you, my sister, the green light to pursue your dreams, your happiness, your joy, and the things that would make Him pleased and you effective! Through receiving this green light, know that God is with you! If He brought you to it, He will bring you through it!

"I Need Your Therapy"

Scripture: " … And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. "Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe." The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour." -John 4:46 - 52, NIV

One of the nicest CD's I have listened to this year comes from one of the greats in the genre known as Neo-Soul. This great's name is India Arie. She has had some interesting songs like "I Am Not My Hair", "Hope", and "Little Things". On her latest CD entitled "Testimony: Volume 2: Love & Politics, Arie has written and sung another awesome song that caught my attention, thus bringing us into today's title. The song is entitled "Therapy". Within this song, Arie sings about how she needs the love of her man and how she calls this love from him her therapy. If truth were told, we all, whether it is now or later, will need the therapy of God. There are going to come times where we are going to need Him to love us more than we love ourselves. There are going to come times where we need Him to heal our aching bodies that we may run this race. Then again, He's God, He knows all about us and is right there to provide His brand of therapy for you and me. Today's text puts this title into perspective.

Our main scripture for today can be found in the Gospel account according to John. This particular account of the Gospel differs from those of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John introduces Jesus as the Word that has been with God since the beginning. Later on within the introductory chapter, John states that the Word, being Jesus, became flesh and dwelt among us. Within this particular chapter, Jesus has been performing ministry, just like He has been doing through this account. We find Him ministering to a Samaritan woman, then getting back together with His disciples, obtaining respect and belief from the Samaritan community on the basis of the woman's testimony, and healing an official's son, where today's main scripture is located.

The beginning of this text actually reveals to us that Jesus is back in Cana, the place where He performed His first miracle of turning water into wine. As He was going through town, a certain royal official was there in the area who had a son that was sick. Due to this man hearing that Jesus was in town, he went to find Jesus in search and need of His therapy. One thing God encourages us to do is to "seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all of these things will be added unto you". This royal official did not seek a medical doctor! He did not seek a witch doctor! He sought the Balm in Gilead, waiting to heal the sick, and that man was Jesus. As the man went to Jesus, the text revealed that he begged Jesus to come to his home and heal his son because he was close to death. Given that this man was a royal official, his humility here blessed me. Can you imagine being an important figure in your town/city and then begging the Savior to do something for you in front of people? This official put away his pride because there was a greater need: his son! Ladies and gentlemen, when you are in need of God's therapy, there are times where you are going to have to swallow your pride in order to get what you need! If you are ashamed of praying, then wake up, swallow that pride, and begin praying! If you are ashamed of reading God's Word, wake up, swallow your pride, and get counsel on reading a version of the Bible that can bless you! All God wants from us is to lay down our pride, trust Him, believe Him, and He'll do the rest!

Jesus continues on in the text and says, "Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe". Wow! What a profound and yet true statement! Many of us need to see it before we believe it and God is challenging us to break that mindset! He wants us to trust Him and believe in Him and His power! Don't you realize that some of us put more faith in our vehicles and public transportation than we do in God! God wants us to exercise "now faith" as prescribed in Hebrews 11:1. He wants us to exercise the "Proverbs 3:5" trust that we will lean on Him and not our own understanding. He wants to provide His therapy for you and me, but He needs our faith and trust! Then, the man asked Jesus to come to His home and heal his son before he dies. Jesus tells the man "You may go, your son will live". At that moment, Jesus provided this man and his son the therapy he needed. This therapy was clinched when the text revealed "the man took Jesus at His Word and departed". This man has now placed his faith and trust in Jesus to work. In order to receive the healing you desire, you must take Jesus at His Word. In order to receive the best for your family and friends, you must take Jesus at His Word. In order to receive what God has in store for your church, you must take Jesus at His Word. The therapy Jesus provided for the man would have been all null and void if he did not take Jesus at His Word! What happened when the man took Jesus at His Word?

The text reveals that "While he was still on his way (on his way home), his servants met him with the news that his boy was living". Because the man took Jesus at His Word and received His therapy, his son was healed and the dead has became the living again. Ladies and gentlemen, there are some of you that have some dead situations that you want Jesus to resurrect. If you can just take Jesus at His Word, the dead situation of your marriage can rise and live again! The dead situation of your bad health can turn into good health! The dead situation of your finances can turn into healthy finances! The dead situation of your relationship with God can turn into a healthy one! The dead situation of your bad relationships with family and friends can turn into healthier and greater relationships! Whatever you want resurrected from the dead, receive Jesus' therapy, and take Him at His Word!

In closing, the man found out that his son's fever left at the seventh hour and this was prevalent because this was when Jesus spoke the therapy into the atmosphere. My encouragement to you on today is that we are in need of God's therapy. My prayer is that you figure out what kind of therapy you need, whether it's mental, emotional, spiritual, or whatever. When you figure it out, go find Jesus, and let Him doctor to your situation, and last but not least, trust Him, believe Him, and take Him at His Word! If He healed the official's son, can't He heal your dead situation?

"When God Intercepts the Devil's Plan For You"

Scripture: ""But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. "Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams." When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. "Let's not take his life," he said. "Don't shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the desert, but don't lay a hand on him." Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the richly ornamented robe he was wearing- and they took him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it." -Genesis 37:18 - 24

As many of you well know, we are in the heart of football season (whether if it is the NFL, the CFL, the UFL (newly formed United Football League), or College Football). One of the most exciting plays in football is an interception. In Super Bowl XXX, in Tempe Arizona, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27 - 17, to win their fifth Super Bowl title. The Cowboys could not have won this game without the defensive play of the Super Bowl MVP and cornerback, Larry Brown. As the Steelers tried to march down the field and score some crucial touchdowns to turn the game around, Brown intercepted two of the passes thrown by Neil O'Donnell, the then Steeler QB, on two occasions, and those interceptions led to two Cowboy touchdowns. In this game called life, the enemy has tried to score many times on us, thus defeating us and the purpose God has for our lives. I can stand here and tell you that God would have not it! God plays defense when it comes to His children and when He sees the enemy on the attack, He intercepts the plots of the enemies. Aren't you glad that He intercepts the enemy's plots for your life? Today's text will provide a Biblical example of this thought.

Today's main scripture is found in the first book of the Old Testament and the Bible, Genesis. By definition, Genesis means "the origin; the beginning". With this said, Genesis illustrates the beginnings of Heaven, Earth, life on Earth, and people. It also discusses the lineage of Adam and Eve all the way down to Jacob's children, ending with the struggles and triumphs of one by the name of Joseph. Within this particular chapter, we learn that Joseph is the 11th child of Jacob, now named Israel, and one that Israel favored. Not only did Israel favor him, but God favored him as well. We knew that his father favored through him because he made him a coat of many colors. According to scholars, this coat of many colors indicated that the wearer would assume family leadership in the future. As you read this chapter, you find that on two occasions, God gave Joseph dreams about him ruling over his family and because of that, his brothers were mad! Haven't you know anyone just to be mad at you because God favored you? Haven't you know anyone to be mad at you because your blessing came before theirs? Because of their madness, these brothers plotted to kill Joseph. With this backdrop, let's go into our main scripture.

Today's main scripture begins with Joseph looking for his brothers and as he came into view, his hateful brothers had a plan. The text reveals to us that the brothers wanted to kill him and throw him down in a cistern or a ditch afterwards and say that an animal ate him. With this thought in mind, then they said, "Then we'll see what comes of his dreams". The enemy's job is simple: it is to kill, steal, and destroy. As he tries to steal, kill, and destroy your life, he wants to eliminate you from achieving the things God has for you. Not only this, the enemy wants to see can you make it after he has hurt you or turned your life upside down.

The next part of the text blesses me. The text moves on to say that "When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. Let's not take his life, he said. Don't shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the desert, but don't lay a hand on him". If you recall from earlier in the book of Genesis, Reuben is the oldest brother of them all. Usually when big brother talks, the rest of the family listen. How does this tie into today's topic? Though the enemy's goal was to kill Joseph and not allow him to get to his destiny, God intercepted the enemy's plan by giving Joseph a timeout. Ladies and gentlemen, there are times where things in your life are going to be bad, but God's destiny for your life will still be fulfilled. Many of us were raised in homes that we are ashamed of, but look at what God has done for you now! Just think if the enemy would've kept the poor mentality inside of you, you would have never made it to the place God had for you. Instead, God intercepted the past and made you want to work hard and excel! As the story goes, they did tear up Joseph's coat of many colors, they did throw him into the ditch; however, they did not kill him! See what God did! He intercepted the ultimate goal of the enemy!

In closing, we know that Joseph went on to become second in command in all of Egypt and ended up feeding his family when a famine hit Canaan. Just imagine if God did not intercept the enemy's plan. Joseph's family would've starved to death and died. Because God intercepted the enemy's plan, Joseph provided for his family and in turn, forgave his brothers for the things they did to him. Aren't you glad that God intercepted the enemy's plan for you? If so, you ought to go out, seek God, and find out what is God's destiny for your life and achieve it!

"I Have Got to Have It"

Scripture: "The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household. Now King David was told, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing." -2 Samuel 6:11 - 12, NIV

For my shoppers in the Family, there are times where we have seen something on TV or have saw someone with an item and said to ourselves, "I have got to have it". For my ladies, there have been times where you saw another woman with a bad dress or a nice pocketbook or bad set of heels and you said, "I have got to have it". For my men, we have seen the suits one may wear or the newest electronics like a flat screen TV, Nintendo Wii, XBox360, Blu-ray player, etc. and said to ourselves, "I have got to have it". When it comes to the Kingdom of God, God wants you and I to have this same Spirit for Him and the things He has willed for your life. He wants you to have "it" whether "it" is your happiness, your degree from college, your own business, your own non-profit organization, your joy, your wealth, your good health, your sanity, etc. He wants you to have "it". Today's text shows us an example of a man who had to have it.

The setting of today's devotional takes place in the book of 2 Samuel. This book, along with 1 Samuel, discusses the birth and death of Samuel, the reigns of King Saul and King David, and the events of David's life before becoming king and afterwards. In the previous chapter, David becomes king over all of Israel, after serving seven and a half years as king of Judah. After assuming Israel's throne, David conquered Jerusalem and defeated his trusted rivals, the Philistines. As we enter into the sixth chapter, David and his people were praising the Lord and along with that, the Ark of the Covenant (indicative of God's presence) was brought into the city. As they brought the Ark into the city, Uzzah, one of David's men, touched the Ark and died right there on the spot. In those days, it was sacred for priests to carry the Ark and that the Ark itself was not to be touched. Because of Uzzah's death, David did not want to take the Ark with him, thus leading us into today's main scripture.

Since the Ark of the Covenant did not go with David, he took to a man's home by the name of Obed-Edom who was a Gittite. While the Ark was in his presence, God was in his presence and blessed him and his household. Do you realize that when you are a child of God, not only will He bless you, but He will bless your entire household? Do you realize that you don't have to cry about your children if you are serving Him in the right Spirit and that His presence is with you? These blessings flowed from God into Obed-Edom's house for three months, the duration of time the Ark resided there. Anytime you are ready to receive the blessings of God, just get into His presence and He will be ready to pour into you!

As the text continues, we find that King David was told what was going down in Obed-Edom's home. The text says that, "The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God". It's funny to me that David did not trust God from the get go, given everything God had for him. This was the same God that allowed him to defeat Goliath. This is the same God that allowed him to plea being insane to protect his life around the Philistines. This was the same God who allowed him to step into kingsmanship at the age of 25. Yet and still, he was afraid. There are times where we know God has blessed us with the job we did not deserve, the love of a good man or woman, the ability to conceive and have children, the ability to bring meat into His house through tithes and offering, to bless those who are less fortunate than we are, but when He asks us to do something or step out, we get afraid. Remember, brothers, and sisters, what Paul wrote to Timothy that God did not give you or I a spirit of fear! What does David do now that he has heard that God has blessed Obed-Edom and his home?

David possessed the "I have got to have it" attitude and went to Obed-Edom's house to get the Ark of the Covenant to bring into Jerusalem! As he went to get the Ark of the Covenant, he did it with rejoicing and thanking God! Ladies and gentlemen, in this season of your life, God wants you to have the best! God does not want you nor your family to struggle! God wants you to step out and do the bigger and better things He has placed in your heart and soul! God wants you, my brother, and you, my sister, to possess the "I have got to have it" attitude. When you possess that attitude, there's NOTHING you cannot achieve! The home you desire with your name on it, with God, you can have it! The business of your dreams exercising your God-given talents, you can have it! The man/woman you desire to complete you, you can have it! Finances to take care of you and your family, you can have it! Good health to live to see your grandchildren and their children, you can have it! There's NO GOOD thing that God will withhold from you, but you have to show Him that you have got to have it!

In closing, it's sweet to want the designer pocketbooks, high heels, flat screen TV's, top of the line cars, and other things. There's nothing like having God in your life and His presence circulating through you and your household. When David left the Ark of the Covenant at Obed-Edom's home, God blessed him! When he heard about the things God did for Obed-Edom, he had to have it! Many of us listen to the stories of successful people and say, "I wish I could have what they have". God is saying to you today, YOU CAN! My encouragement to you on today is to go get what God has for you and let no one and nothing stop you!

"Don't Be Tardy for The Party"

Scripture: "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' "'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut."

-Matthew 25:1 - 10, NIV

For those of you who do not watch Bravo TV, there has been a series of shows that has been running over the past few years entitled "The Real Housewives". Within this series, the empire of the Real Housewives has expanded from Orange County to New York to New Jersey and Atlanta. The Real Housewives of Atlanta has been by far the most watched of the Real Housewives series. During this second season, Kim Zolciak, along with the newest housewife, Kandi from XScape, did a track that has gained much play and notoriety entitled "Don't Be Tardy for the Party". This song originally was written by a country singer, but Kandi put a club and urban spin on it to "make it hot". The lyrics of the song talk about getting ready to hang out and enjoy life after a long week at the workplace, but just do not be tardy for the party (smile). If truth were told, we (me inclusive) always make it our business to be on time for work, but for some reason or another, is tardy for the Lord's party known as church on Sunday mornings! Within today's text, we will understand why it's crucial not to be tardy for God's party.

This week's set of devotionals concludes with the main text being found in the Gospel account according to Matthew. Within Matthew's account, we learn about Jesus' ancestry, His battle with Satan in the wilderness for 40 days, the beginning of the 12 Disciples, understanding Christ through parables (an earthly story with a heavenly meeting), His set of betrayals, His death, His resurrection, and other things. Within this twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, we find Christ speaking this entire chapter through parables including the parable of the talents, parable of the sheep and goats, and the parable of the ten virgins (today's main scripture).

Within the text, we are told that there are ten virgins, five that were foolish and five that were wise. With these virgins, they each had a lamp and supposed to have had oil to trim their lamps. These virgins were awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom who has been on his way for a long time. If truth were told, this parable correlates very well with this world today. It correlates because God has given us all, whether if you are the wise virgin or the foolish virgin, an opportunity to get ourselves together before His return ( the bridegroom). As we continue to read the text, we notice that the wise virgins had oil ready for their lamps, while the foolish did not have any oil and eventually wanted the wise to share their oil for their lamps. In this day and age, ladies and gentlemen, it's critical to watch who you give your "oil" to because they may not appreciate it. Christ told us in the Word to "not cast thy pearls unto swine" and this was the thought process these wise virgins had. When the day was all said and done, all ten of the virgins went to sleep.

How does today's title tie into the text? It ties in when "the bridegroom came". Upon his arrival, the ten began to trim their lamps. However, the foolish five asked the wise five for some of their oil because their lamps were going out. Then the wise ones being wise told the foolish ones, "No". Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes down to the eventual arrival of Jesus, you are going to have to tell the foolish backbiting spirit No! You are going to have to tell the foolish angry spirit No! You are going to have to tell the foolish divorce spirit No! You are going to have to tell the foolish fornication spirit No! You are going to have to tell the foolish depression spirit No! You are going to have to tell the foolish suicide spirit No! Make your no's no! Because they did not have their oil, the foolish went to buy their oil, and as they went, the bridegroom came, swept up the virgins and took them to the banquet hall, and the door was shut. My brothers and sisters, in order to not be tardy for God's party, it's critical to get your respective houses in order and have enough "oil" for your lamp when He returns. God is not looking for perfection, but He is looking for people to strive towards perfection! He is looking for us to serve His people within His Kingdom, and He's looking for people that will serve Him in spirit and in truth.

In closing, the song "Don't Be Tardy for the Party" is a catchy tune and it will make you want to have fun, bob your head, and other things, but it has a real world meaning. As the wise five virgins, they had enough oil and were prepared for the bridegroom. Let's get ready for our bridegroom, Jesus, because He is soon to come! He's coming sooner than we think!

"The Power of Positive Words"

Scripture: "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." -Proverbs 16:24

On yesterday, I attended a Leadership Seminar for one of our offices within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Within this seminar, the topic of discussion dealt with leveraging strengths. While Jim Trinka and Les Wallace gave their respective presentations, one of the big things that jumped out at me was recognizing the work of a staff member. These gentlemen stated to the leaders it would be beneficial to praise staff for their contributions and if it had a true impact within your Office, describe it in a year-end report where everyone could see. One thing about praising your staff or colleagues is that it will give them confidence and make them want to work that much more harder for their supervisor. Within the body of Christ, as believers and as brothers and sisters in Him, we ought to praise one another for victories, encourage one another through the bad times, and just love one another no matter what. Saying all of this requires the use of positive words and positive thoughts. Today's text will provide us with clarity on the power of positive words.

Today's text is found in the book of Proverbs. These group of sayings, clichés, and proverbs were written by the wisest king of all-time. This man being King Solomon. During his forty-year reign, Solomon learned a lot, met a lot of people, and through his penmanship, has given us words to live by and thoughts to consider. Today's text is no exception to the rule. What a great example to help us understand greatly the power positive words carry.

He begins the text by saying, "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb". As anyone of us should know, when you think of honeycomb, you think of honey. When you think of honey, you think of it being sweet and tasting good. The power of positive words or as Solomon says, pleasant words, provides sweetness. Many of our relationships would be better if we knew how to speak or talk with our brother and sister. Our marriages would be stronger if we knew how to speak to our spouses. Our relationships with our children would be stronger if we gave them more positive words than negative words. Our work relationships would be stronger if we iterated our thoughts in a positive and pleasant manner rather than a negative manner. Before you say anything, think about it, because if you sow negatively, you will reap negatively, but if you sow positively, you will reap positively!

The text concludes by stating that not only are pleasant words are as an honeycomb, but they are "sweet to the soul, and health to the bones". I tell people all the time that you are as good as you feel and what your words say. If you say that you are sick, then guess what? You are sick. If you say that you are well, then guess what? You are well. When you receive positive words or speak positive words, it provides sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. When these things occur, just like increasing productivity in your workplace, it will increase productivity in God's workplace. God is at the stage of the game where He is looking for those who will get on their grind to serve Him! He's looking for those that will receive positive speaking and words from Him and those He send your way to encourage you to work even harder in His Kingdom!

In closing, it is beneficial to receive positive words. The power of these words bring about sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. I wonder on today, have you spoke positively in the lives of people or negatively in the lives of people? Just as a boss praising his/her employee would bring about greater productivity, praising God for your brother/sister would bring about greater productivity within His Kingdom. Think about what you say to one another and know that positive words carry power!

"Drafted to Be Blessed"

Scripture: "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:" -John 15:16

As a sports enthusiast, I get really excited when it is time for the NBA Draft. It takes place on the last Thursday in June and is usually held in New York City's Madison Square Garden. On this particular night, sixty young men realize their dream of being drafted from their respective colleges and countries to be a part of a NBA franchise. After the Draft is said and done, the players meet their teams, their coaches, and most importantly, sign the contracts that may allow them to bless their families and take care of their personal needs in the present and for the future. If truth were told and we examined this thing from a spiritual aspect, God has drafted you and me to be blessed! Notice what I said here, GOD has drafted us to be blessed and today's main scripture will emphasize this point of His drafting of us to be blessed.

Our main scripture today is located in the Gospel account according to John. John's account is the fourth and final account of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the New Testament; however, he writes his account from a different angle. The previous writers, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, dealt with Christ's geneaology and being born of a virgin Mary. On the other hand, the Gospel according to John depicts Jesus as the Word in the very beginning of the book. You catch this thought process when the book begins with "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" and that "The Word became flesh". Within today's focal chapter, Christ is on the scene discussing the Vine and its branches and how the world hated the disciples. Within the first theme of Christ's discussion of the Vine and its branches is where we find our focus text.

John captures Jesus' thoughts by writing, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you". In other words, God has chosen each and everyone of us. Even those who have not came to Him just yet, He has chosen them as well. Jesus wanted the disciples and believers everywhere to understand that God and He chose us. He chose us to blot out our sins! He chose us to give us a fresh start in life after sin! He chose us to help us defeat the enemies of our past! He chose us to birth the visions He has placed in our bellies! He chose us for greater dimensions in Him! He chose us to help our brother and sister out! In other words, God had a night where He drafted you! He said, "With the first pick in God's draft, God selected ___________ (fill in the blank with your name)"!

Because God chose us and not us choosing Him, He also did something else. The text says that not only did He chose you, but He "ordained you". Isn't that a powerful thought? God drafted you and ordained you! When God ordains you, there's something special that He is brewing inside of you. Many of us have been ordained to love, to help our families seek the Lord, to be a beacon of light at the job, to display love where everyone sees real love, to show people why Jesus is the better than the best, and other things. You, my brother, and my sister, have been ordained for greatness! How do I know you've been ordained for this?

We know this because the text concludes by saying, "that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit shall remain!" Since God ordained you and I, and chose us, He has drafted us to be blessed! He has drafted us that our seeds that we have planted will excel and be fertile! He wants the best for you and I! With this being said, make the most of being drafted by God! Make the most of the blessings He has for you! Make the most of life and watch what He will do for you!

"Thank God for Whipping Me"

Scripture: "For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” -Hebrews 12:6, NLT

I knew of a five-year old little boy back in the 80's struggling to make good grades. In the days of Kindergarten, you did not have A's or B's, but you had number grades where 1's and 2's were the equivalents of A's and B's. During this time, the little boy was making 3's and 4's and for some reason or another, did not really pay attention to his teacher. Because of that, the teacher contacted the little boy's mother and once the little boy made it home, the mother whipped him one good time. Afterwards, the little boy went from making 3's and 4's to making 1's and 2's. If truth were told, many of us have experienced beatings or whippings from our parents because we either ran our mouths too much, lied about something, and the list goes on and on. If we take a look at this thing spiritually, we have a God who whips us when we get out of line and unruly. Why does God whip us as His children? Today's text will provide further clarity on this matter.

Today's main scripture can be found in the book of Hebrews. Within this book, we learn about the great word faith and our forefathers and foremothers who exhibited faith, the greatness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and other things. Within this twelfth chapter, the writer provides us with encouragement to be constant and persevere. This trend of thought takes me to what Paul told the church at Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 15:58 to "be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the works of the Lord …". Though the chapter provides us this encouragement, this chapter also provides us with why we should thank God for whipping us.

The writer of Hebrews answers this question right from the get go. He tells us "For the Lord disciplines those He loves". Deep but simple thought, right? If we sit and think back, many of the beatings and whippings we received from our parents forced us to grow up and stop doing the things we did. Once upon a time, you may have lied to get yourself out of a situation, but once Mama or Daddy whipped you, you stopped lying! Once upon a time, you may have cheated to get through a class in grade school, but once Mama or Daddy or whomever whipped you, you stopped cheating! In the same aspect with God, when He saw that you were going down a road that was not pretty, He whipped you so you would turn from your wicked ways and go straight! Many of us have called ourselves being bad and hurting peoples' feelings, but when God whipped us, we stopped hurting peoples' feelings! Through these whippings/beatings, God, just like your parents, wanted you to do right and still let you know that He loves you!

Because He loves us and disciplines us, the text concludes by saying, "and He punishes each one He accepts as His child". Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to think about something for one moment: Haven't we all had the "Why me, Lord" times in our lives? Well guess what? You ought to say now, Why not me? God allows things to occur in your life because He wants you to know that He accepts you as His child. As kids, our parents would punish us, but at the end of the day, we were still their child. If truth were told, anytime you were on punishment, you could not do what you wanted to do and it gave you an opportunity to think about your actions. When God punishes us, it puts us in that same boat to think about what did you do wrong and how you will straighten out in the future. We ought to Thank God for His punishment, that in turn, assures us that we are His children!

In closing, the whippings/beatings we received growing up may have hurt for a moment or two, but the long term effects have benefited us throughout the duration of our lives. God disciplines and punishes us because He loves us and He wants us to straighten up and fly right! Aren't you glad that God whipped you? I am!

"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!