Thursday, April 30, 2020

There is no one like Him....

"My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are days that I struggle, days that I am weak, days that I do not know how to respond to my enemies. On those days, I have no where to turn, no where but to God.

You see, my God is strong, He picks me up and carries me. My God fights my enemies for me when I cannot. My Hid is a Rock, He settles my struggles. My God is Holy, there is no one like Him!

Who do you turn to during times of trouble? Let me introduce you to my God, there is no one like Him!

Be Blessed!

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

His word is true...forever

"I've known all along how true and unchanging is every word you speak, established forever!"
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:152‬ ‭TPT‬‬

God's word was written over 100s-1000s of years ago. His word was true then, when he spoke it to King David, Moses, Isaiah, Samuel, Peter and Paul just as it is today when He speaks to us.

His promises are true from the day he created Adam and Eve till this morning and tomorrow.

He promises to love us, care for us and heal us. He will walk beside you and He will carry you when the times get tough.

Dive into His word and read His promises. He loves you and wants a relationship with you.

Be Blessed!

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Trust in the Lord..

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

"If my God's not nervous, then why am I?" - Pastor Chris, COTH

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Tomorrow is in the Lord’s hand..

"But you don't have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes! Instead you should say, "Our tomorrows are in the Lord's hands and if he is willing we will live life to its fullest and do this or that.""
‭‭James (Jacob)‬ ‭4:14-15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Are you worried about tomorrow? I think we all are right now? Will we be healthy and safe? Will we have jobs? Will we survive? Tough questions, but I know the man that has the answers.

Now as humans it is very difficult to relinquish control. We like to be in control. But this is where faith comes in, faith to believe in the one who created you and knows your future.

My faith has kept me from sheer panic and anxiety in my past? A sick child, a bad diagnosis, a lost job; all can cause us to worry. But my God always come through, He knows and He hold my future. I must trust in Him.

Are you trusting in the man that knows your future right now?

Be Blessed!

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Loyalty divided..

"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."
‭‭James‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Where does your loyalty lie? To your wife, your family, your work, your social media accounts? Your savior?

In today's wicked world, we are pulled in every direction. Spend more time at work, binge in TV, check our social media, buy the fanciest cars and homes.

Have we forgotten who gives us all things, have we forgotten where our loyalty should lie. Humble yourselves before God, draw close to Him. He has so much more to offer than those false loyalties of the world.

Set aside some time each day and draw close to your Savior, the returns will amaze you.

Be Blessed!

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

God chose to save us...

"For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever."
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:9-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What are the odds that you will get the Corona Virus? Cancer? Heart disease? Diabetes? Some of these odds are greater than others. When bad things happen, some people think, Is God angry at me? I have asked that same question in the past.

But see God LOVED you so much, that he sent His son to die for us. Not so that we might live a perfect life here on earth, be happy and healthy all the time. But so that when He returns, we can live with Him forever!!

You see, it's not always about the journey. The journey makes you who you are, but ultimately, it's about the destination. Heaven! To live eternally with our Savior, Christ Jesus!!

Remember God chose you save you, because He loves you!!

Be Blessed!

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Patience...

"The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Now I grew up in a Christian home. Went to church every time the doors were open. For me to think that people had not heard about Jesus and His redemption was odd.

As I grew up and out on my own, I found that the world was much bigger and many people had not heard of my savior, Jesus.

Many people think and wonder, why has Jesus not returned yet to free us from this cruel world? Well, Peter tells us that God is being patient, he is waiting on EVERYONE to have a chance to hear the gospel. He doesn't not want anyone to be destroyed. He wants everyone to have the chance to repent.

So my theory is, if we as Christians, want Jesus to return sooner, then we must get to work. We must spread the good news so that EVERYONE has a chance to hear it and repent. The balls in our court, what are we doing to help spread the good news about our Savior, Jesus Christ?

Be Blessed!

Monday, April 20, 2020

Do not be discouraged...

"This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's."
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:15‬ b NLT‬‬

How many of you have been discouraged over that last few weeks? I know I have. It seems like the world is falling in on us. We may have lost our job, struggling with finances or your new role as teacher, housekeeper and cook.

Set some time apart for you and God. Dive into His word! Let your Heavenly Father encourage you! Put on some praise and worship music as you cook or clean.

This battle we are fighting as a family, city, state and nation may be physical, but it hits us emotionally and spiritually. Let God fight those battles, but to do that, you must abide in Him. Let Him take your burdens.

If you would like us to pray for you or with you, just comment or PM. We would love to stand along side you!

Be Blessed!

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Healing...

"Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's!"
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:2-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I, personally, have been affected by many physical aliments since birth. Born with a congenital heart defect that lead to many other complications. But as I look back at my life, God always blessed me! He always came through and healed me. I am living proof that God fills my life with good things and my youth is renewed.

God knows the struggles your going through, physically, emotionally or spiritually. He sent his son to die for you, to forgive your sins and to heal your diseases.

Now don't asked me why bad things happen to good people, I can't answer that. But I can tell you, that if you allow Him, God will use everything your going through for His glory.

Let all that you are praise the Lord, May you never forget the good things He does for you!!

Be Blessed!

Friday, April 17, 2020

What are you afraid of?

"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
John 14:27 NLT

What are you afraid of? Is it mice, snakes, spiders? Maybe it's something bigger, poor health, loss of a loved one, financial collapse, death?

God does not give us a spirit of fear. Jesus paid it all, so that we might live in peace. God wants us to prosper and live in joy.

What are you allowing to enter your mind as fear? Give God your troubles and he will give you peace in return.

Cast all your cares upon him and receive the joy that comes with living in him.

Be blessed!

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Double share of honor...

"Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Isaiah tells us that we are not to live in shame and dishonor. We are not to believe those lies that the devil fills our head with.

As children of God we have been given a DOUBLE share of honor and prosperity, and everlasting joy is our promise!!

Are you letting the devils lies drag you down? Are you listening to the wrong voice, the voice of the enemy? God wants to bless you and give you joy, He wants you to live in honor.

Open your heart, allow God to fill you with His promises. You are forgiven, now it's time to forgive yourself and receive your double portion of honor.

Be Blessed!

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

We punish ourselves...

"He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:10-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever thought to yourself: "I'm not worthy to do that? God can't use me after everything I have done in my past? No one would listen to me after that kind of person I have been."

I hate to tell you, these are all cop outs. They are thoughts that the devil puts in our heads to hold us back. Satan does not want us to be witnesses for God and he will say and do any to prevent it. We punish ourselves by listening to his lies.

Your God Loves you deeply. If you are His child, he has forgiven your sins, as a matter of fact, He doesn't even remember your sins.

You are worthy, you can be used by God, you are loved. No matter your past, no matter your sins, God can use you for good. Will you let Him?

Be Blessed!

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

The difference of one...

"Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Due to one man's sin, Adam, we were all condemned; but due to one man's obedience, we were all made righteous!

Wow, think about that, the power of one man. What kind of difference can you make? One person can make a difference in your household, your community, your workplace, your church.

The guidance and courage of one person to stand up and do what's right can make such an impact, such a shift in the mentality, such a difference!

God is just asking for one, one person to stand up for what's right, to proclaim is glory, to share his love and promises. Can you be that one?

Be Blessed!

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Keep on asking...

""Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So for years I have struggled with this verse and it's companion verse in Luke 11:5-13. It tells us to continually ask, seek and knock. To be persistent in our prayers.

One particular prayer of mine has been constant for over four (4) years. The same prayer, daily, multiple times a day. So how do you pray continually without an answer. Well that's is the seeking part. I try and seek Gods face. I try to stay in His word and fill my life with His guidance.

Now I don't proclaim to know Gods ways, or Gods timing. God is beyond my human understanding, that is where faith comes in. I know that if I continually ask, persistently seek, that one day as I knock, the door will be open.

It definitely won't be on my timeline, but on Gods. He will work things out, just as the following verse say: "how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!" (Matt 7:11)

Continue to ask, persistently seek and always knock, one day that door will be opened!

Be Blessed!

Thursday, April 9, 2020

For spiritual families

Friday: For Spiritual Families

Daily Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:2-3, 13-14 (TLB)

"Timothy, you are like a son to me in the things of the Lord. May God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord show you his kindness and mercy and give you great peace of heart and mind. As I said when I left for Macedonia, please stay there in Ephesus and try to stop the men who are teaching such wrong doctrine."

"even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ. I hunted down his people, harming them in every way I could. But God had mercy on me because I didn't know what I was doing, for I didn't know Christ at that time. Oh, how kind our Lord was, for he showed me how to trust him and become full of the love of Christ Jesus."

Father, we pray for the divine relationships that you've provided us—for every pastor, leader, coach, small group leader, mentor, and spiritual parent who has invested into someone else. Please bless and encourage every leader and those in which they've invested.
Though this may be a season of physical distancing, help us to remain relationally close. We ask that you would continue to grow these relationships and provide fresh inspiration on how to stay connected during this season. May gifts and relationships be strengthened and developed, and may they be used for your glory, we pray. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

A new life...

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do your coworker look at you and say, "There is something different about them." Have you given up the things in your past that caused you to sin? Do strangers think you are a refreshing encounter when they meet you?

If the answers to those question are not a resounding "Yes", then why not? God gave up His only son for you, so that you could have a new life. Why are you not living your best life?

Gods new life for you produces: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.

We should be different than the world, we should be a light for others, not because we have to but because we love our Heavenly Father and we want to!

What's hindering you from living the best life God has for you? If we can pray for you or with you, comment or send a PM.

Be Blessed!

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

As you love yourself

"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, ..."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:33‬ ‭NLT

Speaking to husbands today.

We must put ourselves last, we must die to ourselves and love our wives more than we love ourselves. For some that is difficult, but marriages fail because we are selfish. We focus more on what "we" want than what our spouse needs.

We must live our married lives as a life of sacrifice. We must put our spouse first, just as Jesus did. He dedicated His whole life to the service of others. He washed their feet, healed their illnesses and eventually, sacrificed His life so we may live!

Husbands, take note, your marriage may be rocky right now. But take up Jesus' sacrificial life as your own. Die to yourself and love your wife more than you love yourself, put her first, pray with her, serve her well. We as husbands have the responsibility to serve our wives and our families.

Give it a try and see how well your marriage improves!

We would love to pray for you and with you, leave a comment or send a PM.

Be Blessed!

Monday, April 6, 2020

Not against flesh and blood

"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As I was doing another devotion today, I came across this verse. Although COVID-19 is a truly physical manifestation, I believe what we are fighting right now is beyond physical.

People are suffering depression, fear, anxiety, hatred! We are lashing out against one another. We are playing right into the devils hands! He wants us to be afraid, he wants to control our minds and thoughts, to fill us with fear and anxiety.

We must fight back! We must turn to God! We must put Gods word in our hearts! We must fill our houses with praise and worship! Our God will fight for us, DO NOT be afraid! The best place we can be right now is on our knees!

We would love to pray for you or with you, just send a comment or PM.

Be Blessed!

For marriages

Weekly Focus: Our Families

Monday: For Marriages

Daily Scripture: Malachi 2:15 (NLV)

"Has not the Lord made them one in flesh and spirit? And what does He desire but God-like children? Be careful then in your spirit, and stay faithful to the wife you married when you were young"

Father, today we ask for a great work in the marriages in our church, our city, our nation, and across the Earth. We for pray unity in marriages, that You make them one in spirit and flesh and centered upon Jesus. Give them the same spirit of forgiveness for each other that you have for them. When we are unified as one and unified in prayer, anything we ask for will be done by our Father in Heaven. We ask that You would use these couples and those yet or soon to be married. Use them for your glory and provide them opportunities to be a blessing to others in our church, our communities, and our cities. In Jesus' name, Amen.

#unite714

Friday, April 3, 2020

My personal ministry

Week One Focus: Our Community
This week, we'll pray daily for those in our sphere of influence, interceding for those God has placed in our daily lives

Friday: My Personal Ministry

Daily Scripture: Romans 1:9 (NLT)

"God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son."

We thank God for our personal relationship with Jesus, asking Him to help us grow more in love with Him daily. We ask God to remind us of and confirm the calling that He's placed on our lives and the gifts He's given us to complete that calling. We pray for blessings and favor over the teams and people we serve with and that God would use us to share the love of Jesus daily with those in need

#unite714

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Our campus

Week One Focus: Our Community
This week, we'll pray daily for those in our sphere of influence, interceding for those God has placed in our daily lives.

Thursday: Our Campus

Daily Scripture: Ephesians 6:19-20

"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:19-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We pray for our Campus Pastor and his family, the campus staff, leaders, and coaches as well as our members and attendees. We ask that God gives our campus and its leaders increased influence and a spirit of wisdom to boldly share the love of Jesus with our local community. We are believing for revival in and through our campus, that God will send us more people in need, and that our campus will be a light that points people to Jesus

#unite714