Today's Simple Prayer...

Thank You Lord for this new season of Advent.  Thank You Lord for all the blessings given to us.  Thank You Lord for safe travels to and from our destinations this week and every week.  Thank You for keeping us in Your care.  Thank You Lord for provision as Your revelation unfolds.  As we come to a close of another year, let us approach the new year with fervency and grace, surrounded by Your mercy.

Let's remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. And if we don't receive the gift of our choice, be reminded that God has already given us the Greatest Gift of all...and His name is Jesus! 

 

I pray that as we celebrate the birth of God's one and only Son, we equally anticipate His return.  I pray this prayer in the name of the Father...and of the Son...and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Words of Wisdom

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure." Bill Cosby

Food For Thought

"Don't allow the disappointments of life measure your distance of success" -dgd

Always remember that the sky is the limit so reach for the STARS!!!!

Be blessed and enjoy this new HARVEST season!

- Pastor D

Stop the Hate!

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which ties everything together in unity.  Colossians 3:14

Food for thought: "Remove the mask of hate and put on the robe of love"

The Bible tells us that LOVE covers a multitude of sin.  LOVE can also generate a much better world and opens up the opportunity for ALL people to prosper -- not just a few. 

 

It's true that nobody is perfect and no one gets it right all the time but at least applaud their efforts; even perhaps help them succeed as you'd want someone to help YOU succeed.  My, what a concept!

 

We as a Nation, have to cease judging others lest we be judged and...by the same measure in which we judge.  If you pray or seek someone's demise because you don't agree, then you bring that same damnation on yourselves. So wishing horrible and bad things on a person only brings that SAME karma back to YOU...karma is cyclical!!!

 

All of us are a work-in-progress and should be forever evolving in order to keep growing, both individually and as a Nation.  If we ALL seek to help one another (both Dems and Reps) then we ALL can have a "fair" chance of succeeding AS a Nation.  It's downright embarrassing how some Americans are behaving.  Some are showing the world that hate is better than love.  We should all be mindful of our conduct.  We need to stop acting like little KIDS, because our next generation is watching some of US-A act foolish. 

 

God called us to help one another and to bear each other's burdens but we are TOO busy pushing each other DOWN!  We need to love one another such as God intended...Love God...Love our neighbor!  It's ALL about Love...the Greatest Commandment!

 

After all, this Nation was found on CHRISTIAN values right???  We can't be ashamed of those values right?  Jesus said if you are ashamed of Him then He would be ashamed of YOU before His Father.   

 

So, America; be it Native, African, Anglo, Latino, Asia or other -- what's it gonna be?  Liberty and justice for all....or for some???

 

Think about it...Wurd!

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

When in a relationship, good, challenging, indifferent, business, long term, short term, etc.; and the relationship comes to an end, this poem is a good read and reminder about the trials of life....

 

 

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or
a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you
will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON . . . It is
usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a
godsend, and they are! But they are there for the reason
you need them to be.
Then at some point or an inconvenient time, the relationship comes to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you
sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON . . .
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount
of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things
you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the
person, and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life.

 

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Know the season YOU'RE in...

Blessings,

Pastor D

Who Do You Trust?

Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart...Proverbs 3:5-6

We humans have a difficult time trusting one another. Part of the reason is that we have all been victimized by the selfish desires of others, which have left a bad taste in our mouths and a gaping hole in our hearts. And if we are honest we would have to admit that there have been times when we have been the one that has caused the problem!

Relationships are a very necessary part of life. God Himself designed us to need people. Married folk need each other, children need parents, students need teachers, employers need employees, and we all need friends. But unless we have our connection with God securely in place, our need for people can become a source of pain and hurt.

What most people don't understand is that whenever we put our trust in anything other than God, we will inevitably be disappointed. It doesn't matter how wonderful your children are, how committed your spouse is, or even how faithful your friends may be; at some point and time, they WILL disappoint you. And the other side of the coin is that YOU will likely disappoint them somewhere in the course of life too.

God's intention for us was that we would find our greatest satisfaction in knowing Him.  In fact, He created us with a deep desire that can only be satisfied by having a relationship with Him. Until we find that Relationship, we try to fill the void inside with all kinds of things; work, hobbies, drugs, alcohol, pornography and shopping are just a few of the ways we try to fill the hole in our lives.

We also try to fill up the hole with people but, relationships built on this kind of foundation are shaky, undependable, and doomed to fall apart. So what is the answer? Put your hope in God first. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His love never fails and He always keeps His word. He is an ever present help in times of trouble and a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is with you through the storms of life and He gives you strength to endure whatever comes your way. He comforts you in times of sorrow and He defends you when people come against you. You can tell Him anything and never have to worry about Him telling your secrets! He is never shocked at your failures and He is always on your side. Everyone else may abandon you but He never will.

The BEST part is...He is constant and steadfast!  He NEVER changes! So, the next time someone close to you disappoints you (and they will) just remember, they are only human and sometimes  just can't help it!

If you have an unhealthy need for people and relationships, seek God for His help and security. Let go of your expectations of others and look to God for what you need. Bless people who hurt you, pray for those who offend you, and most of all, forgive those who sin and trespass against you because -- they really don't know what they are doing.

Offer to them the same grace that God has blessed you with and you will find that not only will you have more peace within yourself, the relationships you have with others will produce more peace and joy too.

If you want a real friend, be a real friend...but trust in the Lord...

Thanks for sharing D!

Friday's Devotion: False Freedom

“If you refuse to obey the LORD your God, and if you say, ‘We will not stay here; instead, we will go to Egypt where we will be free from war, the call to arms, and hunger – Jeremiah 42:13-14 NLT

God tried to warn His people. They were tempted to flee to Egypt, but He wanted them to “stay here in this land” and not run away.

He wanted them to have faith to believe His promises that He would take care of them. He didn’t want them to “fear the king of Babylon,” but urged them to remember that “I am with you and will save you and rescue you from his power.”

The Lord asked them to obey His warnings rather than follow the empty promises of men and governments. He specifically told them that if they decided to go to Egypt, they would experience everything they had feared.

Instead of finding answers and hope, and the things that seemed so inviting, their decision would lead to disaster. They would find not freedom, but slavery.

But God’s people chose to ignore His warning. In their minds, the promises of life in Egypt would answer all their problems. Yet they would soon come to regret their decision.

As these Israelites learned, the world is filled with ideas that seem inviting, promises that seem guaranteed to work. When we listen to these ideas, it can be easy to be tempted and swayed.

But all the while God reminds us that we’ll only find real answers if we’re devoted to His Word and His commandments (Psalm 119:45, John 8:31-32). As we make Jesus our Lord and commit ourselves to following Him, we find ourselves being led by the Spirit and “wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Today, don’t be tempted by false and misleading promises in the world. Renew your faith in God. Obey Him. Trust Him. Follow Jesus with your whole heart!

Today's Inspirational Prayer:
Father, give me discernment to recognize false promises. Help me to stand on Your Word.
I trust my life to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Can God Trust You to Raise His Sons?

Luke 2:39-40

Galatians 4:1-7

Imagine God having trust in any human being to raise HIS SON Jesus?  God trusted Joseph to do the right things for His Son!  Just goes to show you how merciful our God is…to trust a mortal man to raise our Sovereign Lord! My God...

Our earthly dads are sort of like Joseph; teaching and training Someone else’s child.  You are the foster parents responsible for being the examples for God’s children.  When you think about it that way, it makes you take a closer look at your position in a child's life.   

Being a dad is a great responsibility and one should not take that job lightly.  It’s vitally important to give God’s children good advice, sturdy and consistent discipline, encouragement, understanding and positive reinforcement.  Be the role-model your sons and daughters will follow by setting forth good examples.

Remember dads: your children are watching YOU live - and what you are shouts much louder than anything you can ever say. 

Let your character and integrity speak louder than your words...

Be blessed on this Father's Day Sunday!

Memorial Day Thanks!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

I am just reflecting on the reasons why I am celebrating this holiday today.

Thankful to the numerous woman and men who sacrifice their lives for ALL people, both American and abroad every single day

Thankful to every person who has stayed up all night so that we could sleep in peace

Thankful to every person who has stood guard to protect the innocent

Thankful to every person who has left families and loved ones behind to fight for a GOOD cause called Freedom

It's more than just US that live in this world and it's time we recognize all military who fight for a good and righteous cause.  War is harsh but there's a time for it as God speaks of it in Ecc...a time of war, and a time of peace.

Today, I am reflective of the peace that war afforded over 2000 years ago.  So as we enjoy our families and partake of BBQ, enjoy cool beverages at home, by the lake, or where ever your destination, let's remember the Vets who gave their lives for ALL freedom, both here in America and abroad -- but most of all, I am thankful for the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid on behalf of God's people by fighting the biggest war that gave us the ultimate freedom called...salvation!!!

May God bless America and everyone who belongs to Christ!!!

Pastor D

I'll Have A # 5 Please!

I consider the month of May my grace month.  Five is the number of divine grace for it is by grace we are saved and I am so grateful!   Not by works or human standards or law but by Grace, God's Grace!

Here are a few nuggets for you to meditate on:

The number 5 is the number of God’s grace or goodness toward humankind.  The number is mentioned 318 times in the Bible. The Ten Commandments have 2 sets of 5 Commandments..
5 toward God and 5 toward our neighbor.  It's about grace relationships...

The Psalms are divided into 5 books. The 5 books of the Law are also known as the Pentateuch. The 4 Gospels + Acts =  5 books or the New Testament Pentateuch — revealing Jesus’ teachings concerning the Law and the Prophets.  Love God, love your neighbor -- on these 2 Commandments hang ALL the law and prophets (Mt 22.40)...nothing else folks!

The apostle John wrote 5 books centered on the grace of God and eternal life.  Five is the number of grace, and 5 x 5 = 25, or "grace upon grace" (John 1:16).  So, I thank God for giving me this unmerited gift called...Grace!

Thank you Lord for my #5! Amen!

Words of Wisdom

"Mothers: teach your daughters to be responsible ladies while they are still girls.  When they mature, they will remember the lessons and not accept lame excuses"

"Fathers: teach your sons to be respectful men while they are still boys.  When they grow up to be men, they will remember the lessons and not find excuses"

Parents: Apply principles 1 & 2 for your children while they are still young...

All: It takes a village...

Let's all take some responsibility and make a better world -- together you and I.

Have a blessed rest of the month!!

- Pastor D

Don't Be Greedy

My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life. Proverbs 1:8-19

 

So many people spend their lives trying to get rich while mis-using others to get there.  All to often, it's for the wrong reasons -- greed and power.  I mean, how much is enough?  Hundreds of Thousands?  Millions?  Billions?  How many autos can you own and drive?  How many houses can you own and live in?  How many rooms can you sleep and entertain in?  Four --Not enough?  Five? How about 12? 15?  All that wasted space to heat and cool...so much wasted energy...

 

America, it's time for us to SHARE the wealth.  How about we save a life by feeding the hungry?  Help a student pay for college?  Give shelter to the homeless who really need assistance. (You can't help folks who don't want to be helped) 

 

If each one would reach one -- teach one -- then help one, we could help to reduce the gap on poverty in our world.  After all, nothing we've accumulated on earth goes with us to heaven so why live in hell trying to maintain it???  Those "things" remain here on this finite earth and will be passed on for someone else when you're gone OR fight over -- possibly be destroyed by the ignorance of not understanding wealth.  So what's the big deal in sharing because you can't take "it" with you?  My mama always said, " you don't lose anything by helping somebody"...

 

Purposely give something away then asses how much more you still have left over to enjoy.  C'mon...share the wealth...don't be greedy!!! Don't let greed rob YOU of your precious life. After all, we only have one life to live on this side of heaven so  -- why not make it a good one???

Word!