The Battle is not Yours, It’s the Lord’s. Do Your Part. Let God Do What He Do. He Got It Handled!

Pick your battles today. You have a choice, to give in to the enemy or let God have His way. God has the final say.

If you were never in distress, you wouldn’t know God is willing and able. He’s Jehovah Nissi. God has all power. He is our strong tower.

If you were never sick, you wouldn’t know God could heal. He’s Jehovah Rapha. God is a healer. By his stripes you are healed. If you were never broke, you wouldn’t know God could provide. God is Almighty. He’s El Shaddai. He’s Jehovah Jireh. The Lord will provide.

Listen, the moment the devil gets a glimpse of what God is about to do in your life, he gone try and block it. Rebuke that spirit. He’s a thief! He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He doesn’t want you to discover what God has stored up for you.

If you didn’t have no reason to please God, Satan wouldn’t give you the time of day. He won’t be bothered by anyone that doesn’t have anything he wants. Let him you know, you got time TU-DAY. Whatever he does to bring harm, send it back undelivered.

Let him know you serve a mighty God. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. You’re just that close. God got you covered! If you find yourself in a season that doesn’t make sense, trust God. He is preparing you for something greater. Your breakthrough is on the way. It’s coming.

Whatever your hands touch will be blessed. Believe. God said it. That settles it!

Be blessed! – JD

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV)

You Got To Believe the Word of the Lord. God Said What He Said. Now Go and Be Great!

The enemy does not take delight in anything that delights you. Nor does he favor anything that favors you. Think about this. God favors you. He set you apart for his purpose. The devil may not like it but he can’t do a thing about it. You may go through the fire and stumble in the rain but God is with you, always. He will turn it around in your favor.

The enemy won’t come after anything that doesn’t disturb him. You’re blessed and highly favored. That disturbs him. When you are closest to your destination and all you’ve been through, he will come in like a flood to destroy you. And keep you from reaching your destiny. Rebuke that spirit!

Sometimes you have to encourage yourself, no matter how insurmountable the situation seems. Keep your eyes on the prize. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. The peace of God is your weapon. Take delight in what Jesus said. Believe what he told you. Trusting he said what he said so you will have peace in him (John 16:33). He said what he said. He didn’t stutter. Believe Him.

You’re so close. Don’t give up. Find your peace. Don’t miss your blessing. #NowGoBeGreat

Be blessed! – JD

Job 33:14-18 “God always answers, one way or another, even when people don’t recognize his presence.  ^15-18 “‘In a dream, for instance, a vision at night, when men and women are deep in sleep, fast asleep in their beds –  God opens their ears and impresses them with warnings  To turn them back from something bad they’re planning, from some reckless choice,  And keep them from an early grave, from the river of no return. (MSG)

Is God Only Your God Nearby And Not Your God Far Away? Trouble Don’t Last Always. Stop Thinking Of God As A Neighborhood god. He Is Omnipresent. He Is Always In Your Neighborhood

As believers we are representatives of God and are responsible only to God. God holds us accountable for our actions. We cannot do this thing called life on our own without him. Recognize your limitations. Admit when you need him.

Oftentimes when situations occur that are out of our control we tend to place God in a box and will question his ability to handle things beyond our control. When things are not going as well as we expect, we run down the streets and around the corners looking for him. Forgetting he’s always in our neighborhood. He is omnipresent. He is everywhere. We may not be able to trace him. Trust him.

To think God does not know or even cares about situations in our lives is to make the mistake of placing limits and restrictions on him. God is omniscient. He is all-knowing. He does not need us to speak, act, or think for him. Is he only a God nearby and not a God far away? (Jeremiah 23:23). How big is the God you worship? Is he bigger than your problems, your circumstances, your situation, your sickness, your friends, your family, or your issues? Who is the leader of your worship?

Don’t mock God. Don’t think of him as a neighborhood god. He is not limited to just local neighborhoods. Take the limits off of him. Be on high alert every day. You may never know when He will come down your street in your neighborhood and pay you a visit. Be ready.

Ask yourself these questions the next time you find yourself facing a hopeless or troubling situation. What corner will you be turning or what side of the street will you be on when God shows up to visit?

Remind yourself who God is. He is omnipotent. He has all power. Put your trust in God. No matter the situation or any manner of sickness or disease or loss, know God is a healer. He will fix it. He is a heart fixer, mind regulator, and an ever-present help. Put everything in his hands. He will handle it.

Be blessed! – JD

Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (ESV)

God Is A Just God. He Will Do Just As He Promised. No Matter The Circumstance Have Faith. The Enemy Has Already Been Defeated!

Rain falls on the just and the unjust. None of us are exempt. Sometimes God uses trouble to lead us in the right direction. Trust Him.

God is a just God. We are the righteousness of God. The enemy has already been defeated. Stand firm. Nothing can defeat God’s purpose for us.

There will be difficult times when nothing makes sense to us. It feels like God is distant. It is not for us to understand why things happen as they do but for us to trust God when we are going through.

God hears the prayers of the righteous. He hears every prayer, sees every tear, and knows when our hearts are troubled. He is in the midst. He promises to make it all better.

Life can weigh us down but Jesus tells us not to worry he will give us rest. God knows everything we are going through. Nothing is hidden from him. Cast all your cares upon the Lord and he will give you rest.

Storms will come and rain will flow like a river but it will not last forever. God has not forgotten you. It’s not the end. God is the same today and yesterday and forever. God promises to never leave us or forsake us. You’re not alone. Whatever we go through, he will bring us through it.

God will calm the storm. God will make the enemy pay for bringing the trouble. He will go before you and fight your battles. Push through the trials, tribulations, and pain. Don’t live life defeated. Trust Him.

Don’t let the weight of your troubles crush your spirit where you want to give up. God is faithful. It’s not over until God says it is over. You may fall down. God will raise you up. What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. Stay in the faith. You’re still standing.

Be blessed! –JD

Matthew 5:43 – 45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

When Jesus Said, “It Is Finished” It Is Done. Didn’t He Complete The Work God Gave Him To Do? Believe Him!

Jesus says, “It is finished.” It is done. There’s no need to wait for something more to happen. No matter how hopeless the situation looks, believe him. Let His will be done. Let Him finish his work. Stop taking matters into your own hands trying to finish what God started.

Jesus came and finished what God sent him to earth to do. He completed the job God gave him to do. He didn’t take matters into his own hands. He followed God’s plan. He didn’t come to abolish the law. He came to fulfill the law.

Too often when we try to figure things out on our own, we want what we want when we want it and will do whatever it takes to get what we want. We become impatient and want immediate results. It’s easy to convince ourselves we can do God’s job better than him. We’re in a hurry. “God is taking too long.” Slow down. Be patient.

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Numbers 23:19) He keeps his word. Believe him.

Whatever you are meant to have, God will give you the desires of your heart. Wait on God to complete it. When life doesn’t work out like you want it to, trust God’s faithfulness. It ain’t finished until He says it’s finished. It is done. Believe him!

Be blessed! – JD

Isaiah 55:11 “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (NIV)

Devil, Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself. You Have Been Warned. No Weapon Shall Prosper. I’m Covered By the Blood!

God is leaning in my direction. Favor is all around me. I won’t let nothing stand in the way of making me miss my blessing.

The other day was a day of pure havoc. It started off worse than I expected. Everything I thought could go wrong did, without my expecting it. The enemy came in like a raging storm. Testing my faith and trying my patience. I may have been frustrated, overwhelmed, even shed a few tears. It didn’t stop me. I persevered.

The devil came attacking me from the north, south, east and west. But I wasn’t having it! I refused to look to the north, south, east or west. I looked to the hills from whence cometh my help. I told him, devil, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself. I let him know who my driver was. You won’t wreck me! God is my pilot, not my co-pilot. I ain’t doing the driving.

I said, “Devil you will not steal my joy! I’m covered by the blood of Jesus. God told me to tell you, I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. I said to him, “God got me!”

He even tried to make me cry but my tears would only well in my eyes. He didn’t have a clue. He still don’t understand. I made him look like a fool.  The devil couldn’t break me. I’m still standing. No matter what comes at me, I let God do the driving. So devil, you might want to think twice about coming at me tomorrow. No weapon formed against me shall prosper! ‪

Thank you Lord, I made it through. It worked out for the greater good. There’s nobody greater than my God. I give all glory to God!

God you’re my portion and my strength. I will cast my cares upon you. God I love and adore you. No matter what happens today I will worship and praise you.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!!

Be blessed! –JD

Romans 3:23-26 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. ²⁴ Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. ²⁵ For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, ²⁶ for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.” (NLT)

There’s So Much to Be Thankful For. Thank God. Count Your Blessings – Past, Present, and Future

Life has a funny way of being very unpredictable. Leaving us uncertain of what’s to come. When we think we got a handle on it and are prepared for it, something out of the ordinary happens.

We will encounter trials, heartbreak, pain, and unusual challenges that may cause us to stumble in our faith. We may fall by the wayside but we remember to never cease praying. We fall down. We get back up. Understanding, God is always with us no matter what.

We may never know what to expect day-to-day. Give thanks to God always. Wake every day believing God for a miracle, no matter the storms. Praise God. He will see you through the storm. No matter how difficult life’s journey may be, invite the presence of God into any situation. Give glory to God. Count your blessings – past, present, and future.

Make a declaration. Let God know you’re grateful. Simply say, “Lord, I Thank You.” Great is thy faithfulness. Tell him, “God, we may not know what the day will bring. We thank you in advance for everything. You’re greatly to be praised. We give you all the glory.”

Be blessed! -JD

Psalm 103:1-5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! ² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, ³ who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, ⁴ who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, ⁵ who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (ESV)

 

It’s Time to Get Your Praise On. Stop What You’re Doing Right Now and Give Thanks to Jesus!

God is worthy and greatly to be praised. Don’t think about your situation. God granted brand new mercies. Thank God for a portion of your health and strength. Thank him for waking you up this morning.

When it seems difficult to find words to say when going through fiery trials, God will calm the raging storms. Call the name Jesus, Jesus. The doctor operates but God will heal. The lawyer represents your case but God will settle it. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. God will deliver. You are more than a conqueror.

Be grateful for what you have and don’t have. God is keeping you alive to fulfill a greater plan. Thank you Lord for saving grace. Thank you for all you’ve done. We won’t complain. You’re simply amazing. We love you Lord.

Father thank you for waking us to see another day. Your grace and mercy kept us. Bless your name. Thank you for keeping watch over us through the night. Thank you for another chance to get it right.

Jesus became poor for our sake that we may be rich. God is our Father. We’re unimaginably rich in Christ Jesus. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). God you’re so good to us. Get your praise on. Stop what you’re doing right now and give thanks to Jesus!

Thank you Lord for another day. Thank you God for making a way out of no way. You’re worthy and greatly to be praised. To God be the glory!

Be blessed! -JD

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (ESV)

A Reprobate Mind is Not Worth the Trouble. Are You So Heavenly Bound But No Earthly Good? Do You Do What You Ought Not To Do Because It Feels Good?

It can be so hard to try and convince people to do the right thing when they are so convinced they are doing the wrong thing right. It’s not your fight. Let go and let God. Let Him do what he does.

Mark 12:30 tells us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Jesus said this is the first and greatest commandment; to love God with all of ourselves. Not half, not a portion, not a piece of, or just some. We are to love him with all of us.

One of the most difficult things to understand as a Christian is the actions, thoughts, and words of others who believe somewhere in the back of their minds they are perfect. Not only do they think they are perfect but see nothing wrong with who they are. As such, will refuse to change who they are.

To allow yourself to dwell on the actions of others only to become disappointed in their failures, is an epic fail. In reality, you are robbing yourself. Of happiness, joy, and peace. Accept the fact that you can’t change them. People will always disappoint you. Regardless of what they do, you must not let it define you.

I know you are saying, “It’s easier said than done.” And when surrounded by extenuating circumstances and forces that are not in your control, it can be hard to handle. That’s when you must let go and let God. Don’t allow the actions of others bring you to the point of self-destruction or do as the evildoer does. God knows best. Do what you can that is in your control and let God handle the rest.

God gives us free will to choose the manner which we place priorities and what we value in our lives. When we become so occupied with things and people we believe are priorities, we miss the mark. We manage and continue with our desired lifestyle, but don’t understand we run the risk of developing a reprobate mindset.

We live for ourselves. We think contrary of the word of God. Our thoughts are focused on us and not first and foremost on God. Our thoughts are no longer his thoughts. We stray away from God’s wisdom, knowledge, and his thoughts. We become worldlier and will stunt our spiritual growth. We know the word but choose not to live it, believe it, or even apply it. We are comfortable with half-way or hardly ever, if not never, abiding by it.

We are in denial of our own lost identity. Comfortable with just getting by. In our minds, all is well because we have all that WE desire. As long as life is going as we planned, we don’t see anything wrong with us. After all, we still got things and will do that which pleases us. We have a job, a place to live, food to eat, clothes on our back, and shoes on our feet. Not realizing it’s not because of us. It’s because of God’s unmerited grace and mercy even when we don’t deserve it. His grace saves us.

There is not a person on earth who will not experience hardship, loss, or a change in their lifestyle at some point in their life that will be beyond their control. It’s inevitable. But what will be the most difficult thing to understand is how to handle it when it does happen. All you can do is pray until something happens.

Material things will not last forever. And don’t be surprised when you lose them. Don’t find a reason to blame God. For his word says in Leviticus 19:4 “Do not turn to idols or make gods of cast metal for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.”

When jobs, people, material things, and anything but God becomes a priority, that thing becomes a form of idolatry. And believe it or not, there will be consequences when you idolize what you’ve made a priority.

Oftentimes, when God disciplines us and we don’t like it, we are convinced he got it all wrong. We refuse to see the error of our ways and believe the correction was clearly not meant for us. But you see, when you live a life filled with confusion, chaos, and conflict, without ever thinking something needs to change, you fail to recognize the power of God, and that something will change.

You may go about your way doing the same things, finding some form of normalcy because everything continues to go as planned. But trust me, at some point it will all change. In any circumstance, God will see to it that you change.

No matter what people do or how they may disappoint me, I will always believe there is some good in each of us. But what I struggle with is how we profess to know God, love God, trust God, yet we deny our privilege when we fail to please him. We fail to show him what we profess. Instead we live a life in denial of what’s not right because of our own countenance.

There are some folks so heavenly bound but no earthly good. Church folk, friend folk, and family folk are included. Don’t be so caught up in titles that you forget who is in charge. Don’t be so saved and spiritual that you are so judgmental. God is our only judge. Stop trying to do his job. Let him do best what he does.

Let people do what they do. Give it to God. He will do exactly what he promised in his word. Don’t allow yourself to be so far removed from the promises of God that you develop a reprobate mindset. Look to God. Stay focused. Remind yourself of God’s knowledge, wisdom, and his thoughts. Develop the mind of Christ Jesus.

We must learn to accept the fact that we can never do what God knows best. We can’t change people. God can. They also have to want to change themselves. They have to one day want to face the truth about themselves. Change your mindset. A reprobate mind isn’t worth the trouble. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18).

In all you do, get an understanding. Actions of a reprobate mind will lead to unfavorable consequences. Be intentional. Find the good in any and everything. Use it to lift up the kingdom. Let the word of God rule your thoughts, actions, and decisions. And if you are not sure about what to do, do what you know will please Him. Search your heart. Seek the action that will demonstrate love for God and love for others. Love as God loves others. Do what you know should be done, and not what you know ought not to be done.

Be blessed! –JD

Romans 1:28 “Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.” (NIV)

God I Know This May Sound Silly But I Have One Small Request Please – Don’t Ever Stop Loving Me

Father, I stretch my hands to you. No other help I know. When nothing in this world makes sense to me God, wrap me in your arms, draw me nearer. Keep me close.

I know you will never forsake me. I am so in love with you. But there are times when I feel alone as though you’re not with me. I know you love me too.

And though I know you are here, all I ask of you, please… don’t ever stop loving me. Thank you.

Be blessed! -JD

Psalm 138:7-8 “⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. ⁸ The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your loving kindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” (NASB)

 

 

If God Gave Each of Us What We Truly Deserved, We Would Be In Big Trouble

Oftentimes when we want answers right away it’s usually when we’re hurt, impatient, and angry. God will challenge us to see how we handle it. In order to get to where you’re going you have to go through places you will not want to. You’ll have to come out your comfort zone to get through.

If God can’t trust you with little things, how can he trust you with much? Don’t despise small beginnings. It can lead to great endings.

In everything that you are masters of and those things you cannot master, your desires, failures, mistakes, and circumstances, commit them to God the Master. Trust Him. Let him know, “I trust you Lord.” His grace is sufficient.

At times, when you’re going through and it seems God isn’t listening or he is not there. He’s listening. Are you listening for the still small voice? When it seems God is silent, it’s not that he is. It may be that we’ve stopped listening. God speaks to us through his word. Study the Word. Listen.

When we commit everything to the Lord, burdens of life cease to be ours and become His. He’s a problem solver. We’re free from life’s problems. Put faith in action. When you put it in God’s hands, take your hands off it and let him do his work as only he can. Trust Him. God can move mountains.

You are as good as can be expected but greater than can be expected, when you expect the unexpected from God. You have to think yourself happy in the midst of the storm. When you’re thinking, you should also be thanking God you’re able to stand strong.

People will disappoint you every day. They’ll try to frustrate God’s purpose and make you question your calling. Don’t let them. Walk in your destiny. Walk on purpose.

If God gave each of us what we truly deserved, we would be in big trouble. His grace and mercy saves us. It is a gift. Be grateful to Him. We’re all battling something that seems impossible to overcome. We get tired and want to give up. Stay the course. Persevere. You’ll be glorified in Christ Jesus.

Be blessed! -JD

Hebrews 12:1-3 “¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (ESV)

 

God is Not The Author of Confusion – What He Says He Will Do, He Will Do

This is my testimony today:

After talking with my Mom the other day, I realized God is calling my attention to something but I told her I am having a hard time hearing from him. She said I have to be able to discern when God is speaking to me and not me speaking to me because of decisions I feel need to be made hastily. I told her sometimes it can be so difficult to hear from God when you have forces surrounding you that can influence your thoughts, making the decision-making process that much harder.

You know what it is you are meant to do but become confused with what it is you need to do when circumstances around you say otherwise. Knowing in the end we are not to look at our circumstances because they may never change but God will change us in them.

After receiving some unsettling news some time ago that didn’t sit well with me, I have been sitting every day talking to God and reflecting on what it is I’m supposed to do. Every day I ask God “What is my purpose?” And knowing who I am in Christ, I shouldn’t have to ask because I already know the answer. But there are times when I allow my situation to distract me and lose sight of God. In turn, it sets the wheels turning into a motion of confusion and doubt.

God is not the author of confusion, therefore, I know when I am in this state, it is not coming from him. It is the enemy trying to convince me to abandon God in the process. I am a strong woman of faith but sometimes, yes me, I lose the courage to step out on faith.

My Mom told me the truth that day and has given me the strength to walk in God’s truth, listen for his voice, and move when he says move, just like that. She is my rock. I have to listen to her because she doesn’t give the wrong advice.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know God has not created me to live a substandard life, living in fear of a world that clearly does not have a thing to do with His plans for me. I am a peculiar people. I have been picked out to be picked on. I have not only been chosen but I have been called. My provision comes from God and him alone.

There are too many things I have been waiting to do that I keep putting off out of fear. Yes, fear. But that will cease today. I am making a declaration today. I will have victory! Whatever decision man makes will not deter or stop the plans God have already prepared for me. What God has for me is for me.

I must be willing to step out on faith, believing God is the God of impossible and where it seems impossible, God will make it possible. This will be a day of reckoning, reasoning, and reconciliation.

I believe in my heart that I have been called for a unique purpose. I am on assignment and cannot abandon what I know God has clearly called me to do because of fear that has no room. I am walking in victory today. God have your way! I now know what I need to do. And I will boldly walk in what God has called me to do.

Sometimes the hardest battle to fight can be the easiest one to win when we realize it’s not ourselves we should be fighting against.

When you’re going through the devil doesn’t want you to believe God’s with you. He’ll do everything in his power to destroy you. God got you.

There are plenty of opportunities to be discouraged but declare “I will be encouraged!” Turn a bad situation into a good one. Walk by faith. When things are out of your control don’t allow your feelings to be controlled by events but by faith in God’s ability to give you strength. God will give you strength.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. God is not the author of confusion. What he says he will do, he will do. He has already decided for me that’s what he will do.

Be blessed! -JD

Numbers 23:19-20 “19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of a man, that he should change his mind. Has he said and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? 20 Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.” (ESV)

 

Storms Will Come, Rain Doesn’t Last Forever. Praise God No Matter the Season!

To walk on water, you have to first get out the boat. God is able. All other ground is sinking sand. On Christ, the solid rock, stand!

Pick your battles today. You have a choice. To give in to the enemy and let him have his way or let God have His way. God has the final say.

If you were never sick, you wouldn’t know God could heal. He’s Jehovah Rapha. God is a healer. By his stripes you are healed.

If you were never broke, you wouldn’t know God could provide. God is Almighty. El Shaddai. He’s Jehovah Jireh. The Lord will provide.

If you were never in distress, weak, unwilling, you wouldn’t know God is able; willing. Jehovah Nissi, a strong tower. God has all power.

If you didn’t have no reason to please God, Satan wouldn’t give you the time of day. He looks for someone to devour every day. Shout glory!

You have a charge to keep. Be on one accord. Praise God. Magnify the Lord. Love others as Christ loves you. Please God in all you do.

The more you praise God, the more he manifests himself in you. If you abide in Him, He will abide in you. Bear good fruit. Do what God command you.

Be encouraged today. No matter what you may face, know God will make a way out of no way. God loves you. He will see for you.

Storms will come. Rain doesn’t last forever. God is the same today and yesterday and forever. Seasons change. So will you. God got you. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Give thanks to Almighty God.

Be blessed! –JD

Titus 2:11-14 “11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (NIV)

Don’t Give Up. God Won’t Give Up On You. He Will Complete the Work He Begun in You

Sometimes we will neglect ourselves and in doing so will neglect our spiritual life. In turn, it will cause us to stray. It’s okay. Don’t give up. God is a restorer. Glory!

People expect too much from believers and not enough from themselves. We too, are human and at times will fail. God’s love is unconditional.

For days, I found myself losing myself, neglecting my prayer life and spiritual devotion. Thoughts weighed heavily on my mind. I became dissatisfied because I was becoming who I knew I was long ago. I told the devil, you got to go!

I prayed hard and asked God to help me and reveal to me, things within myself I was failing to see. God is faithful. He revealed it to me. He sent the answer immediately, right away. I’m walking in newness. Today is a brand new day.

The devil cannot take away what dwells inside my spirit. At times, I may falter and fall by the wayside, but I know I’m filled with the Holy Spirit. God entrusted the good deposit to me. The Holy Spirit lives in me. I will guard it with my life. Come what may, the devil will not have his way in this place today!

I have been chosen by God for a purpose. To serve God is my purpose. Devil you’ve been served notice today. Flee! Get out of my way. God will have his way.

At times life can be hard. We may grow weary. Our devotional life may suffer when weary. When God seems far away, he’s only a prayer away.

When you’re not making progress in your spiritual life, don’t give up. God won’t give up on you. He will complete the work he begun in you.

Be blessed! -JD

Philippians 1:6 “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

The Devil is Busy 365 Days A Year – God is Too. Don’t Let it Discourage You

There are 365 days in a year. The devil will use every one of them to frustrate God’s purpose. God knows it too. He will fulfill his purpose.

Don’t let the devil discourage you and cause you to miss your blessing. You have been chosen by God. Count it all joy! Go get your blessing!

The devil can do nothing against you that God does not permit. God’s plan and purpose have been predetermined. His purpose will not fail. Nor will He fail you. Walk in your destiny. What God has for you, is for you.

Be blessed! -JD

Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (KJVA)

When A Message Applies To or Troubles Anyone, Don’t Take It Up With the Messenger. Take It Up with the Master; God

Had a long talk with my Mom early this morning about things that are troubling me and as she prayed with and for me, I couldn’t help but literally laugh out loud because she spoke things I heard 5am early this morning confirming God is with me.

I told her when the Holy Spirit speaks to me, sometimes it’s hard for others to understand it’s not me speaking but the Holy Spirit is working through me and using me to tell something to someone who may need to hear the message.

God does not make me pick and choose who I send his message to. And it’s never a coincidence who the message will reach or the person who may be touched by it. It’s God’s will that his Word goes forth to touch whoever may receive it. It’s never about me but about the Spirit that works through me.

When she said, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I shall live and not die.” I almost cried because Bishop Joseph Walker said the exact things on the prayer call this morning and she didn’t have a clue he said this. That to me is nothing but God because he knew what I needed to hear to confirm his promise. “It didn’t kill me because God kept me.”

I cannot apologize for what I do when I choose to glorify God and follow his lead when I share a message. Nor can I stop doing what he’s called me to do even when at times I tell him I’m not going to. He won’t let me. So I must follow his command and not man’s.

All I can do is hope that someone is inspired by my words and one day come to understand His works as I do, know that his Word is truth, and that it’s never me, but the Holy Spirit that works through me. It’s always about me giving him glory.

I’m just the messenger. And in most cases when the messages applies to or troubles anyone, don’t take it up with messenger. Take it up with the Master; God. I have the righteousness of God. #GodsRighteousnessIsMyTestimony

1 John 2:1-6 “1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (ESV)

The Wisdom of God is Jesus – Don’t Be Afraid to Share the Gospel

We cannot be afraid to share the gospel with fear of hurting someone’s feelings. We perish from lack of knowledge. The wisdom of God is Jesus.

When the Holy Spirit dwells in us, it can be hard to not tell others God’s truth. Not to convince them to believe but to help them believe. The gospel is God’s truth.

God gives us all the instructions we need in His Word to live a life righteous and holy. As believers, we are to impart godly wisdom and knowledge without ever being ashamed to tell the Good News of the gospel.

If God had not sent you through the trial, would you have known it was his grace that brought you through? If you stayed stuck in your past and had not visited it, would you have known God’s mercy kept you?

How can you not want to share the good news of Jesus Christ? How can you not want to tell someone else about Jesus so they can experience the love of God and be guided by His principles to experience a better life?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news! It is a message of hope for everyone. The gospel is for everyone. It is because of the gospel, through the power of God, those who believe in Christ may be saved (Romans 10:9). It is a message that can give you life, transform, and save. Our desires are removed and replaced with God’s. We desire to do His will and good works. That’s good news!

“Before we can walk in newness of life, we must die to sin. Just as the resurrection gives us Christ’s power to live for him, his crucifixion marks the death of our old sinful nature. We can’t know the victory of the resurrection without personally applying the crucifixion.” (Philippians 3:10)

Keep this as a guiding principle: Live your life in such a way, that God’s love permeates your motives that all you do will be for his glory. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6).” He prepared a place for us.  Because he lives, we also live. Rejoice!

The wisdom of God is Jesus. Don’t be afraid to share the good news with others. Tell somebody about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel.

Be blessed! -JD

Philippians 3:10 “¹⁰ I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (NIV)

I Understand the Season I’m In – Do You Know What Season You Are In?

While looking for something the other day, I came across an email titled “New Levels in God” that was forwarded to me from my bff Shirley from the original sender Langley, my sister in Christ, she felt would be good information to know in my then role serving as her armor-bearer, among other roles. I never took the time to read it… until now.

I gasped as I read because it explained and cleared up the confusion I’ve faced the last six years of my life while confirming the season I am now in my life. Which is exactly where God needed me to be but at the time I couldn’t understand it. As I read, I was so full, with chills running down my spine as I constantly cried out, “Oh my God! My God! This explains everything. Thank you Jesus!” It spoke to me so deeply. I couldn’t help but share this beautifully written article Will You Transition to the Next Level by Varn Brown found at Armorbearers International website.

Please pardon the long post, but someone needs to hear this today, as did I. I am now clear on the new level God has taken me from serving to ministering and now understand the season I’m in. My God! Glory to God. Thank you Langley B. and Shirley Lytle! I hope you enjoy!

Be blessed! -JD

Will You Transition to the Next Level by Varn Brown

New Levels in God

Do you know what season you are in? Are you ready for the next level? Or are you leaving skid marks as Father God calls you to move on? In my life transition has usually meant change and change has meant an opportunity to use my faith. Webster calls it “the passing from one condition or place to another.” Sometimes I forget life is so seasonal unless it’s a difficult season and I’m ready for it to end. Then I remind myself often this too shall pass. After all the Word of God says, “They shall go from strength to strength…” Psa. 84:7

Rev. Rod Parsley acknowledges Dr. Lester Sumrall as his mentor, many times repeating the advice to him as a young minister to others, “Know your seasons as the chosen of God. There are seasons of receiving, serving and ministering.” I’ve learned if we recognize our seasons with God, we are better able to cooperate with His plan and purpose for our lives.

I enjoyed my serving season as an armorbearer. I remember saying if God has called me to do this the rest of my life I would be pleased. Even while saying this, I could hear a quiet voice remind me that I have never quite been able to get comfortable for too long. Change always would come that required my faith. Maybe you are like that too. Mature Christians know that one day God will call them to the next level which brings me to my earlier question. Are ready for your next level in God?

There are probably hundreds of Armorbearers at this place of transition. Consider this what if King David had not been willing to become King? Or Joshua had not been willing to go to the next level as leader of God’s people into the Promised Land? What if Pastor Timothy had enjoyed being mentored by the Apostle Paul so much that he couldn’t see himself going to the next level of what God had called him to do? Before my serving season ended, I had never heard or read anything about the season of transition in the Ministry of Helps.

1 Samuel 16-13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brethren; and the spirit of the lord came upon David from that day forward. David was anointed, for one day he would be King and soon after that he became Saul’s Armorbearer.

My point is in the five fold ministry there is the ministry of helps; you may be operating as an armorbearer in the ministry of helps but in your anointed gift of helps may be residing the ministry of a prophet. Who but God controls the timing when it shall come forth?

I would always say jokingly to my Pastor “Lord forbid I should ever have to leave you.” In the Old Testament David went from armorbearer to King and Joshua went from assistant to receiving Moses mantle. Armorbearer comes from the Hebrew word Nasa and assistant comes out of the same root word so Joshua operated as an Armorbearer.

How can we know when the Holy Spirit wants to take us to the next level? We can know by the same Holy Spirit that delivered God’s call to us.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of god.

Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted the Holy Ghost said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

So we see the Holy Spirit is in charge. He shows us how He wants us to move and it’s not by our personal feelings. I use to always wonder why God was going to kill Moses. Yes Moses.

Exodus 4:24 and it came to past by the way in the inn that the lord met him, and sought to kill him.

Moses did a lot of complaining with reasons why he could not get the job done but the Lord convinced him. It shouldn’t take that much for us to yield to God’s will; we should be willing to be led by his leading!

The ministry of helps is at the latter part of the list of the five fold ministry in 1 Cor. 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

I believe that leaves a large area for growth and promotion. I know that I’m not the only one that God has called to go through a transitional season in life. So, if you are there or recently there I encourage you in your obedience and willingness. It’s not always an easy choice to go to the next place in God but He is always faithful. Remember, the faithful seeds that you have sown in your leader’s life will come back to you many-fold if you decide to “go to the next level.”

Resource:

Article by Varn Brown

Most leaders need a strong team of support. Your leadership should have one too! Varn is Co-Founder of Armorbearers International who offers help with designing strong teams of support for God’s leaders. Visit resource site at http://www.armorbearers.net for other insightful articles and resources.

 

Jesus Calls Us to Love One Another

Jesus calls us to love one another. Even ones who are unlovely. Jesus loved the unloved and unlovely. Love others as God loves us.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:7-12).

God you first loved me when I didn’t know how to love myself. You forgave me at times when I couldn’t forgive myself. You chose me. Thank you Jesus. When I found myself drowning in the sea of life You saved a wretch like me. Amazing grace! Thank you for loving me when I wasn’t lovely.  Thank you Jesus!

No matter how great your sin, God’s steadfast love and mercy are greater. His compassion never fails. He promises forgiveness. That’s love! Nobody greater.

The human mind cannot conceive the capacity of the greatness of God. His greatness is beyond infinity. God is beyond infinity. He does exist. God is love.

Be loving even when someone is unkind. Bless the ungodly when you’re hated and despised. Be a beacon of hope. Let your light shine!

Jesus commands us to love. Love with the love of God. Follow God’s example. Love as God loves.

Be blessed! -JD

1 John 2:5-6 “⁵ And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. ⁶ And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. (NIV)

No Matter Who You Are God Loves You Just the Way You Are!

God you loved me at my worse. You kept close watch over me during the test. You protected me from the hands of the enemy. Thank you Jesus! You knew best.

When people see me I don’t look like what I’ve been through. When they see me, I look like and I’m on my way to my final breakthrough. Hallelu!

Father before I ask for anything, I thank you for everything. You are my rock, my redeemer, my everything. Remove anything in us that is not of you. Let this be a day we give honor and praise to you. Cover the nation, my friends and family. Keep us safe from dangers unseen. Fear is not an option. Faith is our shield. Let your will be done, and not our will. Let no weapon formed against us prosper. Bind every attack of the enemy planned against us. Return it to the sender. We are covered by the blood. Thank you Jesus! In all things we give you honor and praise. In Jesus’ name…Amen!

No matter who you are God loves you just the way you are.

Be blessed! -JD

Romans 8:38-39 “38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV)