Good morning! As we prepare our hearts and minds for service this morning, let us remember Pastor’s message on the importance of unity (Romans 15:5-6). As believers, God wants us to not only be a constant source of encouragement, love and kindness to one another in spirit, but we should never take for granted the physical opportunity we have to ourselves to do just that. We need God, and we each other. May we rejoice as we walk in - unified - through His gates this morning, trusting and believing that He will continue to help us grow & develop us both individually and collectively, as a body (Psalm 138:8).
📖 “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” -Philippians 4:8 AMP
🤔 Garbage in, garbage out. Whatever we feed our minds with today will eventually surface in our lives tomorrow or in days following. Are you satisfied with your current “thought life”? More importantly…is God? Thoughts are one of the things that we can hide from others, but they eventually reveal themselves because our thoughts will eventually influence and impact our actions. There’s a reason that God tells us to meditate - to center our minds - on things that are pure, wholesome, confirmed by His Word and honorable; He cares about what is on our hearts and our minds even when others are not aware (1 Samuel 16:7). So, if you’re struggling with anger, impure thoughts, doubt or even trusting God and building your faith, take a look at what you’ve allowed to “center your mind”. Even strengthening our relationship with God - just like any other relationship - demands devoting time to it and studying His Word. Think on those things that honor God and ask for His help to stay focus on those things. He is not only willing, but He desires to help you (Psalm 46:1).
#dailydevotional #thoughtlife #thoughts #meditate #vcccharlotte
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:8-9 AMP
How’s your diet been working out so far in 2019? Not talking about your nutritional diet (though we wish you the best in that area too lol). How has your spiritual appetite been? Most likely you’ve heard the expression “You are what you eat!” at some point in your life and with that statement is the connotation is that whatever foods you are consuming on a daily basis - good or bad - can affect your physical well-being. Well, in the same light, whatever you are meditating on a regular basis whether it’s God’s Word or entertainment, social media, etc. will eventually influence and affect your spiritual health and your outlook on the world and the Kingdom of God. God desires and has called for us to meditate (think deeply or focus one's mind for a period of time) on His Word so that our spiritual man is strengthened and so that we will know His heart and become aligned with His will for our lives. By obeying His Word, we set the scene for God to bless and prosper us! On top of that, He’s promised that He won’t abandon us while we walk in obedience. He’s promised to be with us every step of the way! Glory to God! Have a blessed & prosperous Friday.
“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].” -Ephesians 2:10 AMP
God desires for all of His children to live the “good life”, but at the end of the day, it’s up to them whether they ever truly walk in it. Are you walking in the promises of God? He has a unique purpose for your life, but have you been obedient to His leadings and truly allowed Him to transform you from the inside out? We are so loved and treasured by our Creator. He literally considers more valuable than any piece of art that dawns the walls of any earthly museum. The beautiful montage of gifts, talents, and what you think are useless idiosyncrasies sometimes, all add to the work of art that is YOU! You are a living, breathing masterpiece…a walking representation of the artistry, craftsmanship and handiwork that can only be embodied by the Creator of Universe! So smile and hold your head up! Take comfort and trust the value that was already placed on your worth and value over 2,000 years ago! And may that “trust” lead you daily to trust the original purpose and plans of your Creator for YOUR life today. He didn’t haphazardly create you, so trust that He knows best for your life so trust Him for the wisdom and direction to walk out His plans for you life. You’re HIS masterpiece. Lord renew us and transform us so that we are ready to be used for your WORK today! Selah.
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 NLT
Just as He was with His servant Joshua, we can rest assured that God is with us too only, the Holy Spirit lives IN us (1 Corinthians 6:19). When we receive instructions from the Lord, we have nothing to fear. God is with us, and “They that be with us is greater than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16, Hebrews 13:6)! God has given you the wisdom, insight, favor and the POWER (2 Timothy 1:7) to accomplish all that He’s called you to. So don’t be discouraged or hesitate about obeying the call on your life or following the specific instructions God has given you (Philippians 1:6). He’s backing you up, and He’s equipped you with power to fulfill each and every part of the assignment.
📖 “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
🤔Are you known for showing mercy and kindness to others? Is that your “staple”? In addition to being defined as 'a thick piece of square-shaped wire' that is used as a fastener on papers; a 'staple' is also defined as 'a basic or principal element or feature'. Is one of the principal elements that defines your character mercy, kindness and/or love? We have the awesome responsibility and privilege of representing the King of all kings - the Creator of the universe (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are His ambassadors and that means communicating the “staples” of His priorities and passions with love and truth being at the core of them. So, for those of you that are more visual, just imagine as you go throughout the day that you’re walking around with little pieces of paper “stapled” to your shirt. On each of those pieces of paper is written the character traits that you are known for by others, only you can’t attach them to your garments yourself. Only those that interact with you can attach the staple and description based on what they honestly observe. Would you be proud or satisfied with the descriptions that you had to wear around or would you be ashamed? Let’s commit anew and ask for God's help in more accurately demonstrating the heart of God to others. Not only will it make God proud, but it will bring us favor both in His sight and in the sight of others. Have a blessed day.
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” -Romans 12:2 AMP
The more we develop in our relationship with God and reject carnality, the more we will be spirit-led. The more time we spend in His presence and His Word, the easier it will be to view things from a godly perspective because God transforms us into a new person by adjusting the way we think. When our minds are renewed, we better position ourselves to receive insight from God on how to fulfill His will and what His purpose is for our lives. Even though we may have our own plans that we want to accomplish, when we renew our minds, we have to make the decision to surrender our will and desires to Him EVERY TIME knowing that He loves us, knows and wants what’s best for our lives (Proverbs 20:5, Jeremiah 29:11).
🙏 God, elevate my way of thinking. Make your heart my heart. Make those things that are a priority to you become my priorities. You created me and are aware of your purpose for my life and the gifts and talents you entrusted me with, in the process. Therefore, I will submit my plans and my mindset to you. Show me my heart and any areas where I may have unintentionally adopted a carnal way of doing or viewing things. Create in me a clean heart (Psalm 51:10, Proverbs 3:6, Psalm 37:23) and direct my footsteps God. I trust you and your plans for my life...period.
📖 “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
