DAILY DEVOTIONAL | January 8th

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

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | January 7th

“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

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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

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | January 6th

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" -Isaiah 26:3 NLT

What we keep our eyes fixed on can eventually influence our perception on the world (Read the account of Jacob, Laban and the spotted sheep in Genesis 30:25-43) externally. In a similar fashion, what we keep our thoughts on can influence us both emotionally, spiritually and even physically. When our thoughts are fixed on our Father instead of others or the circumstance around us - good or bad - He gives us "perfect" peace, the type of peace that doesn't even make sense to the world (John 14:27). Rest IN Him today by keeping your thoughts and heart on Him. #HesGotYou

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | January 5th

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit!  I can never get away from your presence!” -Psalm 139:1-7 NLT

Where can we go that is beyond our Father’s watchful eye? Is it even possible to stray outside of His care? Nope…it’s impossible. So, why delay in opening up to Him for wisdom, for direction…for peace? Not only is He omnipresent; He’s also omniscient - He knows all. So wherever you go, whatever is on your mindHiding from His presence is the equivalent of hiding in broad delay in the middle of an open field…pointless. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons He prods us to not only trust Him but to seek Him for direction (Proverbs 3:5-6). He literally already knows the end from the beginning and can give you the wisdom and direction you need for your situation. In order to truly be “living” (active, full of life or vigor, functioning) epistles of our Father, our relationship with God cannot remain in a dormant state. We have to actively stir up the gift and rely on the Holy Spirit for day-to-day instructions and leading for the will of God to be in operation in and through our lives. Just like with any other meaningful relationship earthly relationship, God wants to be “present” AND “active” in your life. Stay sensitive to His voice so that He can be.

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL | January 4th

“Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” -Psalm 94:17-19 NLT

Good morning! It’s actually a GREAT morning when we reflect on the goodness of God and His love for us. NO ONE loves you more. ‘Unfailing’ means “constant, reliable, dependable, steadfast, steady”, and those are properties that accurately describes His agape love for us. We can always depend on God’s love for us no matter what. When doubts or feelings of uncertainty try to fill our minds, we are encouraged to give them to God (1 Peter 5:7, 2 Corinthians 10:5). So, don’t try to handle things on your own (Proverbs 3:5-6). In exchange, He gives us joy and a reaffirmed sense of hope! Go to Him…run to Him, and He will give you the comfort that your soul desires. Have a blessed day. Rest IN Him.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | January 3rd

…“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT

Just as Paul finally came to revelation that God desired to use his (Paul’s) weaknesses and hardships to demonstrate His power, we must also stay mindful of the fact that God has a greater purpose for our weaknesses as well. There are no weaknesses, past failures or any idiosyncrasy in the eyes of man that are a match for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18). Mankind just isn’t that powerful (shrug). So, if you’ve received instruction from God and have been led to move in a certain direction but haven’t yet, don’t falter any longer! Not only is His strength made perfect in our weakness, but He honors our obedience. He is pleased when we step out and trust Him even when circumstances are beyond our control, and we don’t quite understand how things will work out (Hebrews 11:6). Most importantly, when God gets the glory, and it is evident that it is Him and not ourselves that have accomplished a feat, it puts the focus on God. Then He closes the deal by drawing that man or woman’s heart to Himself; and that’s what it’s all about if we are His ambassadors here on earth, right? Be blessed!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | January 2nd

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’” -Luke 14:28-30 NLT

Just as we should “count the cost” pertaining to our relationship with Christ and what a totally committed life to Him looks like and requires of us as believers; the same principle can and should be applied to our personal lives. Oftentimes the regrets or failures that we’ve encountered in life are not because of an inability to achieve our goals; rather, it’s the result of a failure to properly plan or estimate what is needed -  whether it is financial sustenance, emotional resiliency, godly wisdom, etc. The Word of God would lead us to believe that there is great value in documenting the vision, plan and purpose that God has spoken to our spirit (Habbakuk 2:2). It’s the beginning of a new year and you hear new “resolutions” thrown out from every angle. Unfortunately, many will never accomplish any of them because they neglect to take the time to write them down, pray over them and look over them regularly. Writing down our goals or the instructions God gives us not only keeps us organized and focused on the next steps and what is needed, but it also keeps it at the forefront of our minds. What is the vision or purpose God has for your life? Have you even consulted with Him about it?

Once your vision is written down, then as soon as you wake up every morning, you have some sense of direction for your life. Seek God’s direction for your life’s purpose, as a whole, and for day to day direction when needed. He’ll give you insight on what to do, who to speak to, what to say and when. Resolve today to let Him lead your life, He has your best interest at heart, so resolve today to let Him lead your life. After that, write down what you hear from Him and meditate on it regularly. #GodsGotYou 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | January 1, 2019

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name [as My representative] He may give to you.” -John 15:16 AMP 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We’re so happy that God has graced you with yet another year! Another year as His chosen select to do His will and to continue to grow and mature in the things of God. May our lives be a “living epistle of God’s ability, His goodness and mercy. We are blessed with the opportunity to represent Him on earth, so may we never take that for granted.  

(You missed out on a POWERFUL message entitled “A Living Epistle of His Ability” by Pastor Gool at our New Year’s Eve service if you want in attendance. The message will be available later this week in the VCC Wordshop, but here are a few reminders from Pastor Gool’s encouragement and Word from the Lord, as we’ve stepped into 2019...SELAH: 

1) Don’t give up on overcoming. 

2) That sowing and reaping pays off.  

3) Don’t concern yourself with coping or losing your mind. 

4) To expect miracles that are mind-boggling. 

5) Get ready to get back on your feet! 

 
God may you use us for your glory like never before in 2019. May our lives be “living epistles” that communicate your goodness, mercy and POWER to this world. We do believe that “we are sent by the Spirit of God to individuals and to groups of people”, and we accept the assignment! Continue to perfect those areas that concern us so that we better represent you this year. We believe you can do it and that our lives and others will be changed like we’ve never experienced before – all for your hon or and glory! In Jesus name. AMEN! 

 

 

 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 31st

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you.” -Jeremiah 29:11-12 AMP

Feeling a little antsy or unsure about what the New Year will bring? Understand that just as He did with the prophet Jeremiah, God’s thoughts and plans for your life as His child are good. And your life is in His hands! He only desires the best for your life - no evil - so there’s no need to fear. Trust Him for direction in the affairs of your life both big and small (Proverbs 3:5-6). Ask Him for help with building the discipline needed to accomplish any task; He is happy to give it (Hebrews 12:10-11). Even when we fail so called New Year “resolutions”, God sees the end from the beginning, and it don’t phase Him. When we’re successful accomplishing goals, it’s only by His grace, so keep your eyes on Him and don’t give up! Place your confidence in Him. He will give you the strength and peace that you need. Call to Him; He’s got you, and He’s given you the upper-hand through the Holy Spirit, so stir up the gift! This will be THE BEST year yet with His help!

God help me to get and keep a desire to do your will and to accomplish the purpose that you have in place for my life. Let the things that are important to your heart consistently stay priorities on mine. My gifts, talents and abilities are all from you; so please show me how to use them in the way that best brings glory to you and your Kingdom. I confess and degree that “I can do all things!” because you have given me the strength that I need to accomplish them in Jesus’ name! I commit my life and this New Year afresh to you. Thank you for your love & faithfulness to me and for the favor, protection and direction you’ve given me as your child. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 30th

As we soberly begin to prepare our hearts and minds for yet another year that the Lord has blessed us with, let’s not forget the mindset and demeanor that the Word of God encourages us to have as we come to Him for mercy, grace and/or direction about any matter. Like a curious toddler saunters over to their mom or dad at least 50x a day to ask them whatever question pops into their head - God expects that level of boldness. We are to come to Him with the upmost respect but with an equal confidence in the fact that He loves us and that our well being is held in very high esteem in His eyes.

Just as fear and love cannot co-habitate in our hearts (1 John 4:18), neither can faith and fear. We must become like children (Matthew 18:2), trusting once and for all that our Father God cannot and will not lie to us. He cares about you and desires to meet you at the point of your need. Those TRUTHS will never change (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 13:8; Jeremiah 29:11). So as you continue to trust Him for direction moving into this New Year and possibly new season in your life, trust that He will provide for you every step of the way (you don’t need to try to make anything happen). Your heart, emotions, spirit and physical well-being are all safe with Him, so rest IN Him.

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 29th

“The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.” -Luke 6:45 AMP

What type of man or woman are you really? Is your conversation overflowing with good or evil? We may be able to fool others for a period of time, but eventually, what’s inside will eventually come out - good or bad - because our words are indicative of the true condition of our heart. Thoughts will become words and then words eventually translate into actions, so be careful about the type of treasure you allow to be stored in your heart. Only you have the authority to determine whether the conversations you’re a part of, the music or shows you watch, the material you read glorifies God and mines good treasure or bad in your heart.

Create in me a clean heart God (Psalm 51:10) so that my words do not deceive or misrepresent You as I am your child. I desire for the treasure in my heart to honor you so that my thoughts are good, lovely and pure (Philippians 4:8), so give me wisdom and discernment on what I’m exposing myself to daily. Thank you Lord for your love and grace to send the Holy Spirit as my Helper so that I may honor you in word and deed. Amen.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 28th

“The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].” -Psalm 37:23 AMP

What path are you taking? Are you allowing God to take the lead in your life? If you are a child of God and have made the commitment to obey the instructions of your Father, God is leading you step by step - like a young child - in the path that He has desired and purposed just for you…and He finds pleasure in doing it! The Holy Spirit is the guide that He has graced us with to give direction to our spirit man while at the same time giving peace and comfort to our soul, regardless of how the path may appear to us. Sometimes the path God leads us on may be outside of our comfort zone, we may feel uneasy because it’s not what we’re use to. However, we can always rest assured that God not only has our best interest in mind, but He is daily perfecting those areas that concern us (Psalm 138:8), and He specializes in making unsteady steps firm (Psalm 119:133) because He is a Good Father. Make a conscious effort today to allow Him to lead you through your spirit man (pray in tongues). He has already established your next steps. Just trust Him. 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 27th

“Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him; I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never]. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. “With a long life I will satisfy him And I will let him see My salvation.” -Psalm 91:14-16 AMP

In need of assistance? Just call on Jesus! It’s interesting to see how the characteristics of so many “super heroes” that we are familiar with like Superman & Batman, pattern themselves with being just “one call away” from those that are in need of their help. Well, our God & Savior has promised that if we know His name, He will answer us and be an ever-present in our time of need (Psalm 46:1); but unlike other superheroes, He is not limited to just physical protection, but is well able to save our our souls and heal us both physically and emotionally! He is not restricted to the laws of gravity or time or to assisting one person in need at a time! He is able to assist us all simultaneously - and it doesn’t phase Him. Despite the fact that our sinful nature technically made us the ‘villain’ and separated us from our Creator, this HERO still died for us to reconcile our relationship with Him. He’s got all power (Matthew 28:18)! So, don’t fret today over anything…remember your Superhero, Savior and Friend already knows, but He’s just “one call away”. Talk to Him, give Him your burdens and seek His direction in the situation. He’s got you, and He’s more than able to bring you out! Have a blessed day.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 26th

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” -1 Peter 5:6-7 AMP

It’s important that we daily exercise humility and examine whether we’ve truly submitted our will and desires to God. Once we do this, we position ourselves not only to be honored by God, but for Him to save the time that we often waste trying to figure out our own lives and purpose as well as the fruitless efforts spent attempting to bear the cares of this world. God wants us to put our confidence in Him and trust that He is more than able to handle any burdensome emotions or concerns that have tried to come against our minds. He cares about each and every detail of your life. So give them to Him once and for all. He’s consistent even when others and even our own emotions are not (Hebrews 13:8); and His affection towards you won’t change. Rest in that fact today. YOU. ARE. LOVED.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 25th

“She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The Lord is salvation), for He will save His people from their sins.” All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet [Isaiah]:“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel”—which, when translated, means, “God with us.” -Matthew 1:21-23

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“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” -John 1:14

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us never forget the extensiveness of His love and faithfulness to us. Before we even knew the true state of our sinfulness in comparison to the holiness of our Creator, He counted us worthy and valuable enough to develop a plan to save us from our sins thousands of years ago, even before the birth of Christ through his prophet Isaiah.

Praise and glory to God for Him sending His Son Jesus to earth so that we can be saved (John 3:16). Take time today to reflect on His love for you and what sacrifice that love moved Him to. Honor Him as His representative by sharing about His love and sacrifice with others. Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 24th

“But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.” -Hebrews 11:6 AMP 

Good Morning! You have so many things to smile about and be grateful for this morning (air in your lungs, eternal life, joy, peace just for starters. Want to make God SMILE too??  Make a conscious effort to solicit His help in growing your faith. We could never repay God for all that He’s given us so freely through the gift of salvation, but we can please Him and make Him proud by trusting in Him and exercising our faith daily! Spend time seeking God by meditating on His Word and praying in tongues (stir up your inner man) regularly. Apply God’s Word the fruit of the Spirit to be developed in your life. Faith is obeying and trusting that God always has your best interest at heart, even when you don’t know HOW things will work out.

"Lord, I want to be in your will for my life! Grant me with the courage and boldness to trust and obey you when I don’t know how the pieces will all fit together. Give me a desire to seek you and meditate on your Word (Your will and instruction) daily so that I make you are pleased and I make you smile today…and for the rest of my life."

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 23rd

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” -Philippians 2:12-13 

Salvation and our relationship with Christ, as a whole, should not be a stagnant one. Continue to grow, learn and study the things of God, so that you develop spiritually everyday. Pray in tongues regularly so that the Holy Spirit - your Teacher - can instruct you and give wisdom and guidance where needed. What a merciful Father we serve! He wasn’t just interested in “saving” us, but after He did, He cared enough for us to perfect those things that concern us and use us for His will (Psalm 138:8)!

God please continue to work in and through us for your good pleasure and purpose. Thank you for the pleasure and privilege of being fit for your use, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 22nd

Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem. In the sight of God and man. -Proverbs 3:3-4 AMP

How are you known to others? Has your name been associated with being merciful and kind? Are you known for being a bearer of truth or deceit? We may not be able to always affect other people’s perception of us, but we can definitely influence or clarify the character traits that they begin to identify us with. Even if kindness or truth just hasn’t been part of your story in the past, never forget that our God is FULL of compassion and mercy; and every morning is a new opportunity to get it right (Read Psalm 145:8-9, Lamentations 3:22-23)! Ask God for His help with this, and you’ll find favor both in His sight and in the sight of others. Have a wonderful Saturday!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 21st

"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas..." -Psalm 46:1-2 AMP

Need a little boost of power this morning? Feeling a little unsettled? Not only will God provide you with the strength to sustain you through the day today, He will also provide you with the protection and security that you need, whether physically or emotionally. Run to Him, sit in His presence and rest! No need to put up your guards, your heart is safe with Him (Psalm 91:2). He has already proven Himself to be a reliable place of shelter in the midst of the turmoils or business of life. You ARE divinely protected (read Psalm 91:9-12). As you leave out of your home today (“earthly covering”) today, remember you have already stepped into "His shelter" in your mind and heart. Stay even closely connected to Him by praying in tongues throughout the day; He will give you wisdom and guidance. Have a blessed day IN His shelter today.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL | December 19th

“For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was being formed in secret, And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” -Psalm 139:13-14,17 AMP

Did you know that before you were formed in your mother’s womb, before your heart, lungs and organs were even developed, God’s love for you was already displayed by the level of care He took with creating you - inside & out. While your existence may have even been hidden from the world, God was already aware of your arrival and the thought of you even then brought Him joy (v.17)! God, your Creator (Inventor) has created you for His own unique purpose and plans, so don’t grow weary of taking the time to review His Instruction Manual for your operation (assignment) here on earth. The Holy Spirit will help bring understanding and revelation on the application of those instructions He’s given and how they apply to your life. There is literally no one else on this earth that has been equipped with the same gifts, talents, personalities, etc. that you have been, so thank God for the portion He has entrusted to you. Selah and smile…you are loved and one-of-a-kind!