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!
・・・
#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)!
・・・
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
"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
“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.
・・・
“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.
…“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!
“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
“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!
“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!
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.
・・・
“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.
“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.
“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.
