An Empty Nest

My airline ticket was a round trip but his ticket was a one-way.  Home feels really empty!  Now I know why it's called an 'Empty' Nest.

As I left my son on campus Saturday afternoon, I moved into a new dimension of faith and prayer.  LORD, cover and  protect my son under the Blood of Jesus!  Surround the campus with his assigned angels as they dwell at every doorpost, every entrance, and exit, and every destination he will travel.  May the Holy Ghost dwell in and with him! Cover the campus and all students/faculty, in Jesus name!

As one of the speakers orated on Friday night: 'give it time' ... yet another one on Saturday morning said: 'it's time to GO HOME!'  Scary thoughts but a reality that parents face when sending their child or children off to college; but I know God has a major plan for my son and he definitely has work to do over these next 4 years.

Thousands of miles from him but only a call or text away (if he needs anything), I know God is present with him everyday and everywhere. 

My son is in good hands with his new "campus family"- can't wait to hear his wonderful stories of "Life On Campus with JFD" (that is, if he dares to share them with his mom). hahaha 

I'm sure as the days progress, I may feel less like an Empty Nester but -- this one may take a while. 

Just sharing some real thoughts and a new experience from a parent's perspective.  Be blessed and enjoy your week!

- Pastor D

(c) 8/25/2014

Happy Friday everybody and TGIF!

I pray that each of you have had a great week.  Mine has been a blessing and somewhat challenging; but overall, God is still Awesome.  He's faithful like that! Amen! 

 

Giving God thanks and praise as I appreciate who He is and what good He keeps on doing in my life.  To Him be the glory!  Whatever the test, I know my Judge will judge justly.

 

I want to offer you some words of encouragement to take you through your weekend: God loves you unconditionally!!!  Regardless of who you are and what you've done OR going to do, God still loves His children.  Yes, He'll extend His corrective hand when we get off track but also to help us STAY on track.  Yes, He knows we're flawed so He does not expect for us to be perfect but strive FOR perfection; which means, always do our BEST!  No excuses to err continuously, especially when we have the knowledge to do better.

 

Remember, your real promotion and reward comes from God so just hold on to His unchanging hand.  Live and walk in peace with everyone and NEVER sweat the small stuff!  This life is temporal so don't take it too serious - BUT serious enough to pay attention and stay focused. 

 

Accomplish and achieve great things; and according to God's plan, it will happen.  (Jer 29:11) So wait your turn...it's coming.  (Ecc 9:11) Be patient and not anxious.  Expect - but not to a fault of disappointment.

 

Our God is big! Therefore, He has BIG things in store for His kids.  Keep watching for that open door; but while you wait for that door to open, be in prayer as you wait - in - faith!

 

Be blessed God's people and have a wonderful - yet cool weekend!

- Pastor D

Today's Prayer

Thank You Lord for this day.  Thank You for the power of the Cross.  Thank You for allowing Jesus to win every battle in my life because the war has already been won.  Thank You for Your power and might Lord. 

In Jesus' name, I declare that my wars will be won all the days of my life!  Lord, I bind every demon of discord and loose the Spirit of Christian unity in my home, my church and on my job.  I decree it in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Lord, I bind every stronghold of the Jezebel spirit in my presence and loose the spirit of Gideon to destroy that spirit where ever I am and go, in the name of Jesus!

Lord, I bind every evil scheme and trick of the enemy and loose the omnipotent Power of the Covering of Holy Spirit to cut down the devil..in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost!

In the name of Jesus, I bind every spirit of discord and loose the spirit of harmony in all my surroundings.   

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, I bind the spirit of deception and loose the spirit of truth. By the power and authority given me, I declare it and decree it and seal this prayer in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen!!!

Your Armor is Your D-Fence

When life tries to get you down, shout D-Fence!

When the enemy tries to attack your mind, holler back with D-Fence! When the devil tries to attack your body, yell D-Fence!

Look up towards heaven to ask God for help and He will lift you up.  One way to keep your life from spinning out of control is to keep your mind focused on God's promises.  Keep the whole armor of God on everyday.  Keep that Word close everyday.  Hold on to your faith everyday.

Just like you get dressed to go out and face the day, dress up in your whole armor.  It's a spiritual warfare going on out there!!  And what better way to fight the war, than to have on the whole armor of God.  Yes the battle is the Lord's but that does not mean you won't have to fight.  So, why not fight the enemy with God's SWord! 

Weapons will form.  The fiery darts will be thrown but  the Spirit will intercede for us!  When the enemy will try to foul you but our Referee (God) will come to our D-Fence and place us on the free-throw line of Grace, to help you shoot those 2 points called hope and faith. And it's a SWISH - the devil is defeated!

Yes the enemy will rear its ugly head; but for those of us who serve a God who sits high and looks low, we can rest assure that vengeance is truly the Lord's and He WILL repay!

Trust God and always wear your whole armor; leave nothing to chance.  Enjoy life and be in constant prayer. Pray about everything! Always  remain alert as you fight.  Pray in the spirit.  Don't let the enemy catch you with your buckle loose.  Trust and believe in God's Word and stand firmly on it!

The whole armor will protect us from head to toe.  The full armor protects our hearts and souls.  The full armor is heavy artillery needed, so we can keep on fighting. 

Don't give up!  Keep on fighting until Jesus comes back! Remain true to the Gospel and watch the Word work on our behalf.  If you believe God, then He will come through for you just like He has for me.

Be blessed and have a great weekend!

-Pastor D

Transitions

Transitions can often be challenging.
Transitions are necessary to move to the next level. 
Transitions sometimes mean leaving others behind. 
Transitions let you know who is with you and who is not.
Most of all, transitions help us to grow closer to God and trust Him even the more.
Thank you God for my transitions.

A Spring of Prayer

Thank You Lord for a new season of life.  Thank You God for seeing me through another day.  Thank You Father for loving me unconditionally.  And most of all, thank You God for saving me. I love You today and everyday.  You have been so good to me and my family and I praise You God for covering and protecting us - from dangers seen and unseen. 

Lord God, keep watch over me and my family, our home and everywhere our feet may tread.  Cover us with the blood of the Lamb - Jesus - from the crown of our heads to the soles of our feet.  Thank You Lord for covering our doorposts and Thank You Lord for offering Your unconditional grace and undeserved mercy.  Thank You for your unmerited Grace and your endless blessings.  I just give You thanks today and every day for all the good and for challenging me to continue to fight to defend the Gospel as You give me the wisdom and knowledge to do it.

I ask you Lord to continue Your favor over my life, in and throughout my life.  Although I am undeserving of your favor, it is necessary to do what I do.  Thank You Creator,  for making me who I am.  And for why I am???...well Lord....only You know the answer to that. 

Thank You for allowing me to be free to be who I am because of WHOSE I am.  I am in You and free to be me so that others may feel comfortable being them.  And as I serve & worship  You Lord, help me to help others in the spirit of excellence.  As we all journey to reach our destinations, Lord lead and guide us along the way, in Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

-Pastor D

Don't Stop Dreaming

Don't let anyone kill your dreams.  Remember, you are the seed of Promise and NO one can kill your dreams.  Be blessed and have a wonderful 2nd quarter of 2014!

God Is Love

God is love and love is for all who desire to be loved.  When you love God, it's easy to love people. So why is it so hard to love with a genuine heart?  Perhaps it's because some people don't love God or themselves so it's hard to love someone else.

I say, try to love God by accepting His Son (if you have not already done so) then try loving yourself the way God loves you -- unconditionally.  Then try loving someone else the way you love yourself -- treating them with respect and accepting them with their flaws (because we ALL have them).  Once you've done this, you've experienced the perfect love.  1 John 4:17-18

Be blessed,

- Pastor D

My Prayer for 2014

Good morning Lord!  Thank You for allowing me to see another day.  As I enter into a New Season, a New Year, I am thankful to You, for a clean slate. Thank You for looking past my faults because you KNOW my needs.  In spite of me, You've loved me anyway. Regardless of my errors, You've forgiven me and You keep on cleansing me as I walk in righteousness and more love. 

I am THANKFUL to You Lord, for allowing me and my family to experience another season of Your grace.  Lord, even though we as Your children remain on the radar of the enemy, I thank You Lord God, for being our shield and taking the hit for us.  Thank You for keeping us from dangers seen and unseen; I am so GRATEFUL! 

As I enter into this season of prayer, Lord, I trust that You and only You will give me direction and guidance in 2014.  I am listening and awaiting for more of Your power, love, and goodness to unfold in my life as You perfect my ways to continue to reflect Yours.  By Your grace, I am saved -- thanks Father!!! 

Thank You Lord for all that You've done and all You're going to do in my life.  I trust YOU Lord! I seal this prayer, in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior...Amen, Amen, and Amen!!!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

We hear the old cliché that it’s not about the gift it’s the thought that counts? So, while you were shopping, how much thought actually went into your purchase?  

When you were in search for the perfect gift this season, did you let the Light guide you?  What type of special gift will you present to your loved ones?  Will that gift be high in value or love? Did you offer you best? 

While you were in search for the best and perfect gift, know this: THAT gift has already been given and that's the Gift that keeps on giving.  Nothing you've purchased had as much value as The Gift whom is Christ.  And when God gave, He thought enough about you to give His best! - John 3:16   
Christmas is a time of miracles. Did you offer your loved ones the Miracle Gift of Jesus?
God gave us a chance to be saved therefore, Jesus was and still is the Perfect Gift that keeps on giving.  I pray that you gave from the heart this season; not so much in value but in love.  For God so loved...that He gave His BEST! - John 3:16

For unto us a Son "was" given...(Isaiah 9:6) and that's the Gift that keeps on giving!!!
Be blessed and Merry Christ-mas to all! -Pastor D

 

 

 

Joy to the World

As we prepare to end November and after we've given thanks to God, let us celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus.  Joy to the World!  Sing joy to the world!
I am so grateful and thankful that God sent His Son to save a person like me.  To give me a chance at salvation.  To free me from eternal sin and death...He came for me...for us...Immanuel!  For the believer, He's with us - always.  Thank you Lord! Joy to the World!!!

Praise

All Praises to God, my Father, this morning.  I praise Him because He's been good to me.  I praise Him because He's faithful.  I praise our Creator for giving me another opportunity to love; to give and to share His promise with grace a I preach the Gospel Truth to others. 

I praise God for another opportunity to be in the land of the living because not everybody got up this morning; some went home to be with Him. For those of us who are still left, that means our work is yet done.  I praise God for allowing me to continue the work He's called me to do for His kingdom.  I will continue to do GREAT things for Him regardless of the obstacles that I face for I shall use them as stepping stones to learn and reach my pre-determined destiny...AMEN!

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.  Praise God today...everyday...and forever more!