📖 “In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will prepare [a prayer and a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].” -Psalm 5:3 AMP
🙌 Such a joy to know that we too have the pleasure of serving a living God that blesses us with air in our lungs so that we can wake up and speak to Him. He loved us so much that He sent His only Son Jesus as a sacrifice so that we could be reconciled back with Him. Instead of having to sacrifice animals to be forgiven of our sins, we’ve been redeemed from the curse of the Law. We now have the pleasure of presenting ourselves as a “living sacrifice” to Him (Romans 12:1). Our prayers are just a start of our daily conversation with our Father. Selah. Lord help us to always remember that our prayers to you are a “conversation” and not a “monologue”.
🙏 How blessed and loved we are that you desire to speak to us daily, God. Thank you in advance for the love, direction, peace and insight that only you can give us today! We are eternally grateful.
“Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit; and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].” -1 Peter 3:8-9 AMP
🤔 When there Is unity in the body of Christ and more specifically in a body of believers, and that body is walking in love with one another, they disarm the enemy from sowing seeds of strife and weeds of discord from taking residence inside it.
When we were born again and into the Kingdom of God, God’s spirit took residence inside of us (1 Corinthians 6:19). In addition, when we receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit with evidence by speaking in tongues, it’s almost as if (just imagine) we were connected to a big “communications network” that’s ultimately connected to Heaven and the heart of God. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, and when we pray in tongues, our “connection” is strengthened. We also can receive direction and wisdom from God when we’re dialed in. Contention and strife are kinks - hindrances - to our heavenly communication network and can cause a “bad signal” or bad connection all together. However, when we have unity, especially in our church body, a platform is even set for the gifts of the spirit to be in operation without hindrances. As we prepare our hearts today for service and the word to be shared tomorrow. Let’s pray for God's best for our Pastor and each other. Let's ask God to help us to continue to walk in love with one another and to show us if we need to make any adjustments on our end, so that our "connection" stays and remains clear for Him to flow [in our services, the ministry and our personal lives].
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#unity #dailydevotional #vcccharlotte
🤔 The more we allow our hearts (convictions, priorities, etc) to mirror God’s, the more we become like Him; and the more we become like our Father, the more our faith is developed. Just as with any earthly relationship, the more time you spend with a person, the easier it is to trust them and “have faith” in them and their character. God’s given all of us a “measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and that faith is strengthened when we trust and rely in God and invest in our relationship with Him. In fact, it’s literally the only way to bring God pleasure. Seek Him diligently just as you would if you’d lost something of value to you. God will honor your heart and reward you and your faith in Him will grow even stronger. He is faith-full and proven 💯. You can firmly put ALL your confidence and trust in Him.
Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!” -Isaiah 40:4-6 NLT
Oftentimes, the path that we are on in life has already been “straightened” for us and sometimes without us even being aware - that’s the kind of good God we serve.He’ll cut down a mountain, smooth out rough ground or even people on our behalf to get us through, and the world will have to sit back and take notice at the way He does it. He will always get the glory. We have access to the Holy Spirit, and He’s our Guide. He desires to order your steps and direct your life (Psalm 37:23), so let Him! When you reflect on all that He’s blessed you with today, also be grateful for the things He’s removed…from your path without you even being aware. You are loved and precious in His sight and the location of both your steps and heart is important to Him. Trust in Him and rest (Proverbs 3:5-6)!
📖"But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also." -Matthew 6:33 AMP
🤔 Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Have you been focused on stocking up on earthly treasures or in heavenly ones? Is your heart in the hands of Heaven or of man? Only you can truly answer those questions, but the condition and “location” of your heart will eventually be revealed to others because that location will always fuel your priorities the actions that are carried out as a result.
Lord thank you for the daily reminders of your love and of the importance of being mindful of where we lay our hearts. As we seek righteousness and your ways, may your attitude and character transform us so that we honor you. May we never allow our spiritual bank account to get "in the red" because our hearts are misplaced.
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#dailydevotional #treasures #seekGod #seektheKingdom #heaven
📖 “The wise in heart [are willing to learn so they] will accept and obey commands (instruction), but the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.” -Proverbs 10:8 AMP
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🤔 May God help us all to be “part A” and not “part B” of this verse lol. We serve a God who desires to perfect those areas that concern us (Psalm 138:8); and as a result, God - our Father - gives instruction and sometimes even discipline to us because of His love for us. Like any good Father, it’s His desire to grow and get better so that we can serve better as His representatives. So never fret, get dismayed or annoyed at His instruction. One of the worse things in life is for one to go through life thinking you are wise or intelligent, but to viewed any others as foolish. Humility is one of our greatest assets. On God’s part, His “instruction” is a sign of His love. It should spark appreciation in our hearts. We should be honored to learn and receive it [God’s instruction]. SELAH and be sure to give God thanks for His unconditional love for you.
"Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." -Psalm 5:3
Good morning! Have a request? Just like the psalmist David, we can give our requests to God and expect that God will answer us. In fact, we can put our confidence in the fact that if those request please and honor Him, that He will not only heart those prayers, but He will answer them (1 John 5:14-15, Isaiah 65:24, John 14:14) . So, remove any doubt, un-forgiveness and ask God to reveal any other hindrances. Then wait patiently on God. You can depend on the Lord. He will never fail you! Rest IN Him this morning. Have a great day!
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." -Hebrews 13:8 NLT
Rejoice this morning that you serve a God that loves you unconditionally! He gave His absolute best for you when He sent His son Jesus (John 3:16-17). If He saved His people before, that means He still is well able to do the same for you today. If He was the Miracle Worker back in “the Bible Days”, then that means He’s in the same business today.If no spiritual principalities, death, life couldn't separate us from His love 2,000 years ago, that means that we are inseparable from His love today! If He gave you wisdom or got you through 10 years ago (or yesterday), then He'll give you wisdom and get you through today. Relax and have faith IN His consistent love for you this morning. He’s still the King of Kings, Lord of all lords, your Peace, your Comforter, your Healer, your Father and so much more. HAPPY SUNDAY, and we'll see you soon at service!
We're just a few days away from the half-way mark of the first month of 2019. Have you stuck to those commitments you've made to the Lord just 12 days ago? If those were spirit-led goals or new habits going into this New Year than keep your eyes on Jesus. Not only will He give you the strength to follow-through (Philippians 4:13), but He also perfects your faith to achieve it. Jesus is the ultimate Role Model on what it means to have a goal that you stick too regardless of any level of discomfort of sacrifice because of the end goal and the happiness you will have after achieving it. Trust God for the strength and discipline that is needed, whether they are regarding you walking in your purpose or more practical goals. He will continue to perfect those areas that concern you, just keep your eyes on Him. HAPPY SATURDAY to you!
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#commitments #goals #eyesfixed #faith #dailydevotionals #vcccharlotte
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” -1 Peter 2:9 AMP
Do you know who you are? Better yet…do you know WHOSE you are? You belong to God if you were born again into His family. He treasures you and has deemed you royalty, so hold your head up king/queen (Psalm 3:3; Proverbs 27:6)! If you were not “fit” for royalty, then God wouldn’t have proclaimed you to be “His people”; He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). God not only cares about our hearts, but He cares about our countenance. Does your life and mouth testify of the goodness of God? He cares about how we represent Him, as His “chosen” people, both in deed and in conversation. Who you identify with will eventually influence your decisions and how you live. May we accept and rest IN His love for us today and may He help us today to properly represent Him today both in word and deed. Happy Friday!
#dailydevotionals #chosen #Godschosen #royalty #HappyFriday
“He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool, but he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.” -Proverbs 28:26 AMP
Enough said, huh? We are to trust in God - not in our own emotions, will and personal desires. We serve an omniscient God; He knows ALL things and there is no information, no secret that has the ability to hide itself beyond His watchful eyes. Instead of relying on our flesh or intellect, we are encouraged throughout the Word of God to instead trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6) and to make sure that we are spirit led (1 Corinthians 2:11; Galatians 5:18,25). Walk in godly wisdom today. Your spirit man will always be more aware than your intellect will, and you will never be led astray when you allow the Holy Spirit to be your Compass. So don’t neglect praying in tongues throughout the day so that He can give you the direction you need and desire. Trust Him for wisdom, the words to say and for opportunities to share the Gospel - God's love - today. Happy Spirit-Led Thursday!
So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. -2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP
Rise and shine! It’s definitely a GREAT morning: you have the privilege of being an ambassador of the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords. You’re a representative of Jesus Christ! Most country’s ambassadors are entrusted with the responsibility of representing and communicating the interest of their home country while residing in a foreign land.
In a similar fashion, we as believers are aliens, strangers in this world. The world’s customs and priorities are foreign to us. Furthermore, we are just “passing through” for a temporary assignment on earth and while we are here, God encourages us to not be conformed to the world. Though we physically reside in the world, our citizenship papers are in Heaven (Philippians 3:20). It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day circumstances of life, but it’s important that we not loose site of the mission that we are on as sons and daughters of God. Never forget that one key way to stay “in tune” with your heavenly homeland and to make sure you are fulfilling the assignment of the King of that land is to regularly pray in tongues. We get direction, wisdom, power and insight that others aren’t privy to. Remember, we are “living epistles” (communicators) of God’s ability! Embrace the assignment and expect Him to move on your behalf!
Lighten your load this morning! God is willing and able to give you the strength that you need (physical, emotional, etc.) all while taking on any burdens you’ve been toting around as well!
Most of the time when we think of “burdens”, we automatically get an image in our minds of a person weighed down with a bulky camping bag. Any amateur or experienced hiker will tell you that the heavier that backpack is, the more difficult it is to trek on; and one of the most difficult parts of any hike is when that hiker encounters a hill or incline of any type. The extra weight can actually cause one to slip or lose their balance all together. Oftentimes, hikers will even have a guide that helps lead them through the hike and cheers on any newbies along the way. If the guide sees one of the hikers a little unsure on their feet, they may try to assist, but not in an instance where it would cause them to also lose their balance lest they both fall and injure themselves.
Well, unlike any human hiking guide, our God has the ability to lead us and hold us up. With a steady arm, He firmly navigates us through any difficulties (inclines) during this hike that we call Life. Miraculously, He can also handle carrying any burdens, concerns or anxieties that we may have in the process, if well just release them to Him. Rest IN Him. #HesGotYou
“The Lord is my SHEPHERD; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he LEADS me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He GUIDES me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” -Psalm 23:1-4 NLT
You can tell from David’s reflections in the twenty third psalm that He was convinced that the Lord desires to lead His children every step of the way in our personal lives. Shepherds LEAD their flock every step of the way. The Good Shepherd LEADS us beside peaceful streams (He doesn’t want us anxious or to fret about anything; He wants us to rest IN Him. Philippians 4:6). He GUIDES you and directs your steps to walk in the will and purpose that He desires for your life (Psalm 37:23). Even when we may find ourselves going through tough times or in the presence of company that is ill willed against us, our Good Shepherd gives us perfect peace and never leaves our side (John 14:27)!
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God desires to not only lead your life not only for your benefit - though He desires good for you (Psalm 139:17) - but also so that He gets the glory and more men & women are led into the Kingdom as a result. Find comfort in His love for you today and don’t forget to stir up the gift by praying in tongues throughout the day. That’s one of the key ways He LEADS you on a daily basis and not just with big life decision but with the day-to-day ones. He will give you the words to say, how and when to say them, tell you who to speak to, who not to and even what to do. Allow Him to lead you into this blessed Monday morning and the remainder of your work week. #RestINHim
