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)

It’s Okay to Be Honest with God. He Knows What You’re Going Through Before You Tell Him. Trust Him. He Got This!

How many of us can be brutally honest with God? And tell him exactly how we are feeling when we are going through what seems impossible and can’t see him in anything? We are overwhelmed with life and what comes with it. We can’t seem to get it together. Everywhere we turn trials and tribulations running over. Trouble feels like it’s going to last always. We cry out to God, when will this all end? But it feels like he’s not listening.

We do our best to stand even when it’s difficult and want so badly to give up. We keep speaking things that are not as though they were but nothing and I mean nothing changes. We see no results. Bills piling up with more days in a month than zeros in our bank accounts. But we press towards the mark. Believing God will not leave us nor forsake us although it feels like he’s not with us.

But then suddenly, something amazing happens. God shows up and shows out. That thing you were worried about He worked it out. Here comes the devil again with his evil works petitioning your thoughts. Your mind begins playing tricks on you convincing you of his lies. You start doubting God. You feel everyone is prospering but you. You start looking heavily at your circumstances. You try to shake it off. You tell God, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me for feeling this way but I’m being honest.”

Listen…the devil ain’t gone be bothered with nobody who doesn’t have anything he wants. You think when going through a Category 9 hurricane, God must have a major divine blessing coming. Because this devil will wear himself out trying to wear you out. He will try to kill you. You feel defeated. You’re exhausted. But you don’t give up hope. You say, “Whew. I’m tired. I’m trying Lord. Come through God!”

While we know our good days are supposed to outweigh our bad days, sometimes it can be hard. It’s not easy to trust God when all hell is breaking loose. The devil doesn’t want you to win. God does. Count it all joy. You already got the victory, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Here’s some good news. God is a good God. He is faithful. He will do just as he promised.

God is not man, that he should lie, or the son of man, that he should change his mind. … (Numbers 23:19). He gave us another chance today. We’re alive. We’re here. We made it by His grace. Tell God, Thank you. The Lord will fight all your battles. Hold on. Have a little talk with Jesus. Tell him all about your troubles. Don’t be ashamed to be brutally honest about your feelings. Tell God everything. He is always listening.

God wants the best for you. Don’t let the enemy trick you into giving up. Don’t you dare do it. Be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. Immovable, unshakable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. You can do this!

Be blessed! – JD

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (ESV)

Trials Are Preparation for God’s Purpose. Don’t Regret the Process. Trust God. It’s Handled. You Are on Your Way to Something Greater!

Sorry for the long post… God sent me a gentle reminder.

Do you notice sometimes when you’re being impatient and you pray and ask God for patience, he will send you trouble to train you? Or sometimes when you’re desperate and you pray and ask God for deliverance, he will send you trouble to develop you? He is preparing you for what’s to come. Your faith will be tested before he promotes you to your next level of destiny.

What if behind closed doors that held utmost secrets of what has not gone right in your life compelled you to think about these things? All the, “If I would have, should have, could have” or “had not, could not, or should not” have done, and it seems like you’re going in circles hoping something changes for the better but nothing’s happening? What or where would your life be if you were given another chance to do things differently? Would you do it? Would it matter? What do you think? Is it mind over matter? Or could it be your perception of what could have been better? Or what if it seems like it won’t get better? Now what?

What I’ve discovered in this thing called life, for every season there is a trial to test your faith in God or trouble will come to test your endurance. How we handle the evidence of change will determine our success. Or even our failure. It’s all in our perception. There is nothing God does not allow or ordain without his permission. Acceptance is key to understanding how we respond to some or all situations. I call it “Mindset Matters.”

The next time you’re feeling defeated and it seems like nothing and I mean nothing is going right or it looks like there is no way out of your situation. Remember we serve a mighty God that can and will do the impossible. Don’t think about “what you would have, could have, should have, or had not done.” Change your mindset. Accept trials as preparation for God’s purpose to be fulfilled in your life. The process will be painful but it is required. It may take longer than you expect, but it will be necessary to go through to get to where God needs to take you in your next level of destiny.

Get your mind right. Ponder on the goodness of God. Don’t get impatient with God. Don’t give up. Persevere. Wait on Him. Don’t question why you’re going through the inevitable, why bad things keep happening, nothing’s changing for the better, or trials seem to be getting more difficult without any results. Because sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for it. God is looking for your faithfulness. Trust Him in the process. Don’t regret past decisions you’ve made or live in the past only to miss out on your future. Rejoice in the Lord. Look at God! You made it. Walk in your calling.

There’s a time and a season for everything under the sun. God’s timing is perfect. Trust Him. #Selah

Be blessed! – JD

Hebrews 10:36 “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (ESV)

When God says, “It is So.” Don’t Second Guess Him. Listen. It is So. Believe Him.

Thus saith the Lord…

Sometimes no matter how much we may depend on valuable resources for answers to common everyday problems or circumstances, we can become perplexed knowing the right thing to do. Yet when God answers what we’ve prayed for and instructs us to follow his will, according to his word, his way, we follow his instructions without hesitation; by faith.

Then moments or a day later we still have problems listening to him and will look for a different answer to the already answered prayer and can’t find it. What do we call that? Doubt? Fear? O ye of little faith? What say you? Funny thing, God not only answered our prayers but orchestrated the very things he knew we needed to complete the task. Everything fell into place suddenly, not by coincidence or with rhyme or reason. It was all God.

In the meantime, a stranger shows up, sent by God, with a request of the very thing we were planning to quit on, not knowing our pending decision. God sent another answer to our prayers. An ordinary stranger to tell us what we needed to hear right at that moment. To remind us of God’s word and his promises. We step out on faith and do what he says.

Then… there we go again. At a moment’s notice our mind begins to play tricks on us, making us believe the right answer didn’t come from God. We start listening to the lies of the enemy to change our mind. Looking for a different answer from God’s. But we can’t find a thing to replace his decision. Nothing works out as we plan. His answer still stands.

We get discouraged because we followed his instructions but nothing happened right away. Do you believe it can be because we expected a different result when looking at what’s in front of us instead of believing what we can’t see that’s unknown to us? “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). Or could it be in that moment of assuredness, God is testing us in areas we unknowingly are dealing with before he elevates us to our next level of destiny?

Know this. What we can be assured of, when God sends a clear message we may be resistant to, he will use a stranger, a profound moving encounter, or an immediate change of heart to speak to us. He’s never failing. He wants the best for us. He never leaves anything half done. His plan will work and end as he ordained. It cannot be thwarted. It is certain. God will accomplish his purpose just as he established. He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6).

So when God answers your prayers and it seems like nothing is happening. Trust that God is working behind the scenes setting some things up to move you into your next level of destiny. Your season is almost over. It’s almost done. He’s preparing you for your NEXT. Don’t let the opinions of others or things distract you from God’s intended purpose. Stand. Keep it moving.

And if nothing else remember this. Oftentimes God can bring the greatest joy through some of our most painful experiences. It’s all in our perception. Expect the unexpected. It may not be the answer we are looking for but expect any answer will be for our greater good. God said it. I believe it. That settles it. #Selah

Be blessed! – JD

Psalm 25:4-5 “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” (ESV)

You Got The Victory. Speak It Into Existence. It’s Already Done. God Promise. Prayer Works!

Dear God, good morning. First and foremost, I simply want to say, “Thank you.” Regardless of what happens today, you will get the glory.

There is so much going on in the lives of your people. It grieves my heart. Everywhere I look, I see and hear there are many whose faith is being tested in ways they have never experienced. Finances, health, marriages, and families are being attacked in ways they have never seen before. Lord we need you now more than ever.

I’m interceding in prayer, on behalf of each and every one. Cover every family from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet. Send FRESH anointing. Meet every need. Let there be no lack. Break every chain. Reverse the curse of poverty, sickness, disease, or struggle. Jesus be a fence all around us. Lord God you already know our situation. It’s already taken care of. You are our rock. Our redeemer. You can do the impossible. For your burden is light and your yoke is easy. When we can’t trace you God, we trust you.

Mend broken hearts, heal sick bodies, comfort those who have lost loved ones, and deliver those going through what seems impossible to overcome. You say in your word, “Come to me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). We cast our cares upon you, O God. Send rest for the weary and heavy burdened. I come against every demonic plot, plan, trick and scheme of the enemy to kill, steal, and destroy. Return it back to the sender undelivered!

Devil, you are a liar and the truth ain’t in you! Go seek dry bones. The Lord will fight our battles. Let not our hearts be troubled. For you are sovereign, O God. You are our refuge in times of trouble. And let us be confident of this, that he who began a good work in us will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6). There’s nothing too hard for you God. We give you honor, glory and praise. This is my prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen and amen!

Be blessed! – JD

1 John 5:14-15 “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (ESV)

Talk is Cheap. Stop Playing With God. Israelite-Like Flattery Isn’t Required. Take Up Your Cross Daily!

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Sorry for the long post.

There are times in our lives when we may experience pure joy. We are living our best lives to the fullest. Everything is going good. Better than we expect. Then all of a sudden something happens. Our life goes from good to bad, in an instant, without our expecting it. Heartbreak and turmoil are at the forefront. We need Jesus now, more than ever.

Many of us make the mistake whenever things are bad we seek God. When things are going good, we forget God. We brag about what it is we have done, things we’ve accomplished without giving recognition to God. We are high on ourselves and have ourselves to thank for things we’ve acquired or done. The center of attention is on us. Everything we have or have done has to be announced to the world for validation.

LISTEN…Nothing is more dangerous than being a casual Christian. Seeking God’s hand and not his face because you got a breakthrough you were looking for. And you’re not ready to take up your cross and lose your reputation, friends, jobs, or material possessions to follow Jesus. We must be careful not to box God in. Or forgot who is in charge. God is. He is in control of everything in this earth.

What happens when all of a sudden trouble comes, you’re on empty, and you cry out to God, “Fill my cup. Fill me up?” You eagerly turn to him, AGAIN, the moment things go south. Your situation is worse than you ever thought. It is out of control. You seek God because the waves of the sea shifted, the tides turned, the winds won’t behave, and hurricanes begin to form in your circumstances.

You turn to God for help. But….you forgot about him as long as you were full of yourself and got all you wanted. You became content in your present forgetting about your future; for a moment.

You didn’t blink twice about God. And now you need him because you are distressed. You want to make a commitment to God because you have trouble. And it is then and only then you want him to change you in the face of it. You remind of him how wonderful, marvelous, great He is. You flatter him with your words. Be careful what you say and how you carry yourself. HUSH! Let the life you live for Jesus speak for itself.

Talk is cheap. Flattery will get you nowhere. Stop playing with God. Don’t be like the Israelites who made more of a commitment to God with their mouths and not their hearts. Let your conduct back up your spiritual claims. Don’t be a casual Christian with God. Seek his face, and not his hand. Don’t look for him only when you need him to do something for you.

Be consistent in your living a life for God. Let your life be a living example of Jesus who lives within you. Take up your cross daily. Die to self. Follow God. No matter how much temporary clout you’re carrying, don’t let the ways of this world cause you to fit in and not stand out. You were never made to fit in. Believe that! #Selah

Be blessed! – JD

Matthew 6:32-33 “For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (ESV)

Roll Call! Get Your Gangsta On for God. Stop Doubting Jesus and Believe!

As I was operating off three hours of sleep this morning, God woke me and sat me straight up at 7:30 am, laid this heavily in my spirit and said, “Tell it!” I don’t play when he speak. Don’t get mad at me. I’m just doing what he told me to do. This is for somebody (and me). Warning…it’s a little long but I promise the read will be be well worth it.

When you know what you know about God, there is no reason to ever doubt what he can or can’t, will or won’t, should or shouldn’t, would or wouldn’t do for you. He is the God of the impossible. He will do it!

Do some of you remember when you didn’t have two nickels to rub together, a pot to put it in or a window to throw it out? Didn’t know how bills were going to get paid, wondered how you were gonna make it with an imperfect body, or do what you know God called you to do when doubting God?

Annndddd…Hateraters had the audacity to want to take a seat at your table when they couldn’t stand to see you blessed because they ran out of haterade and could no longer see what you were carrying.

And God showed up with more money than month, met every need, placed your enemies under your feet, and healed your body in ways you least expected. Didn’t he do it?!! I’ll answer…YES!!

He opened up the windows of heaven and poured out a blessing your arms didn’t have enough room to receive. He never failed you! Stop limiting yourself and doubting God. Roll call!! Get your gangster on. Go hard for God. Jesus did it for you. Return the favor. I’m just saying.

Remember the lame man? Thirty-eight years his problem became his way of life. He was filled with doubt. His situation seemed hopeless. He was an invalid and had been in this condition for a long time. Jesus had to get a little gangster on him. He asked him, “Do you want to get well? (John 5:6). He felt trapped in his infirmities and answered, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me” (John 5:7). Jesus said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk” (John 5:8). And he did! If that is not enough proof, here’s another one.

Remember Doubting Disciple Didymus (Thomas) (I just made that up lol)? He had doubts. He wanted to see Jesus’ physical presence before he believed what he knew to be true about Him. When the disciples told Thomas, “We have seen the Lord! (John 20:24), he didn’t believe them. He said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it” (John 20:25). Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27).

Last one. I promise. Remember the woman at the well? She said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water” (John 4:15). He told her, “Go call your husband and come back” (John 4:16). “I have no husband,” she answered (John 4:17). Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband.” The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband…” (John 4:18). I guess he told her. Now if that ain’t a little gangster, I don’t know what is.

She was uncomfortable. She changed the subject; quickly! It hit too close to home. She wanted to talk about something else and Jesus wasn’t having it. He had an important point to make and directed the conversation to that point, “the location of worship is not nearly as important as the attitude of worshipers” (LASB notes John 4:16-20). Put that in your memory.

What will it take for you to believe Jesus is who he says he is and will do what he says he will do? He will never leave you or forsake you and is always with you.

Listen….what I’ve discovered about Jesus when he had to get a little gangster on some people with a fierce clapback, he was never scared. When doubt and fear rose, he showed up and showed out, putting some people in their place. Let me help you.

Here’s a little piece of advice…When doubt enters the recesses of your mind, send it packing. Don’t settle. Get your mind right. Be about your Father’s business. Trust him when you can’t trace him. We serve a mighty, mighty God! He will do just…as…he…promise! ~Selah

Be blessed! – JD

Matthew 11:1-6 “When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” (ESV)

Stop Trying to Unlock The Door To Your Past With Keys That Don’t Work. Throw Them Away! And Watch God Throw The Keys To Your Future Right Back At You!

Going back to what’s familiar from your past can be so easy to do when you feel defeated and your back is against the wall. In spite of the fact your past kept you bound, miserable, and stagnated your growth because you didn’t have to change anything about yourself to make life happen. You loved being comfortable with who you were. Until God closed that door and made you uncomfortable.

When God closes the door to your past, it’s a done deal. It’s gone. When he heals and delivers you from the very things that should have destroyed you, stop trying to bring back the past of no return. Throw away the keys and move on. And thank God later for your future.

No matter how many times you fight against walking in your purpose, delaying your destiny out of fear or frustration and you keep telling God “NO,” his YES will always be “YES and Amen.” He promise.

If you were truly honest with yourself, can you admit much like me, too often you constantly tell God “I don’t want to do the work I’m called to do anymore out of frustration and fear because it seems too hard, but find yourself unable to stop doing what you know you’ve been purposed to do at any given moment because it doesn’t feel right when you don’t.

You’re satisfied with and want to stay where you are and stay hidden in the background because you’re comfortable being complacent. But as God move you to each level, eventually you cannot stay hidden or remain comfortable. Where you’re going will be uncomfortable. You’ll travel alone and lose some people along the way because everybody can’t go with you or do what God assigned specifically for you to complete. You’ll be tried and tested in your faith walk because you’ve been chosen to fulfill God’s, not your, purpose.

God put this in my spirit and revealed this very thing to me today. No matter how many times I want to quit and give up, God just will not let me. Nor will he allow me to stay comfortable. That right there tells me who is in charge, not me, but God. One day, I’ll get this calling and faith walk right and run to my destiny. Pray for me 😊

Ready to quit? Ready to give up? Your situation is more than you can handle? Stop it! Rebuke that spirit! God did not give you a spirit of fear. Don’t give up. Keep it moving!

Be blessed! – JD

2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (AMP)

 

Calling All Prayer Warriors, Please Say a Prayer

I know this picture looks familiar but with all that is going on in the world with yesterday’s senseless tragedy where 17 innocent people were killed in Parkland, Florida, I couldn’t help but share a revised copy of this post again today. In remembrance of those who have lost loved ones, to let them know we’re thinking of and praying for them.

There are times when I can’t look at the news and find myself far removed from things that trouble me. But yesterday was a day I couldn’t help but hear and see news of yet again unspeakable tragedy that took the lives of innocent people in Parkland, Florida. Now my heart is saddened and my soul has been stirred and shaken.

Once again tragedy has struck and taken lives of the innocent. God, I know I mustn’t ask when it all will end, because some things will continue to happen because of the fallen world we live in. I can’t keep up with all that’s going on in the world. The best thing I can do is pray for the loss of innocent souls. As well as those whose mind may have left momentarily because of the enemy, who may have convinced them only to confuse them that their life and the life of others needed to end.

Father, please forgive them for they know not what they do. Father, I ask that you cover them because of what they unknowingly may have done to hurt others and disobey you. I pray for the families who are now left behind bewildered and distraught, trying to figure out what happened to bring about this tragic time.

My prayers are with the victims and families of senseless tragedies and violent storms that continue to occur across the nation. God send strength, comfort, peace, and healing in light of devastation. Jesus, be a fence. May the blood of the Lamb protect them. I pray for strength of families who have lost loved ones, no matter the circumstance which they’ve lost loved ones. God calm the troubled waters of those who will cry endlessly, because of pain felt so deeply. Heal the hearts of those who may feel distraught, because of a void that has left a hole in their hearts. Peace be still. Heal their hearts.

God I know you are healer. You are a strong tower. You are God Almighty in every waking hour. Surround the homes of every family and friend. Dispatch angels of mercy to cover them. Your grace is sufficient no matter the tide. Let the hearts of those affected by tragedy be healed in the face of those who have been hurt, who are lost, or who have died. You are God all by yourself. For every family across the nation you are a present help. This is my prayer I pray. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Here’s a candle and a comforting scripture to let you know across the nation we are saying a prayer and thinking of you. We are praying for you.

Calling all prayer warriors, please say a prayer. Light a candle. Let them know God is there. Say a prayer for every family and victim across the nation everywhere. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matt 18:20). God hears the prayers of the righteous. May the peace of God be with them.

Be blessed. –JD

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (ESV)

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Don’t Despise Small Beginnings. Leaders Lead. I Will Finish Strong. 2017 Will Be My Year to Soar! Happy New Year!

The past miracles God has performed in my life are nothing compared to what he is going to do in the future.

As I prepare for 2017 with some books strewn across my bed I will be reading in preparation of a new season in my life, I sit here in reflection of the past years filled with seasons of tests, trials, troubles, and tribulations I could not fathom I would get through. With the past year bearing the greatest significance of my struggles as I witnessed God’s sovereignty and His power. He brought me a mighty long way.

I’m grateful for every door after door, chapter after chapter closed, gone forever. Ushering in new beginnings God made for me. Letting go of things and those that no longer serve a purpose. Signaling it’s time; to walk in my God-given calling.

See, two months ago I made a vow to God and professed I was ready to accept the call. Yet I still had reservations because for a long time I was comfortable doing what I loved but uncomfortable at times doing God’s work. But I told him I wanted to, no I needed to gain a deeper knowledge of Him, grow in my spiritual walk and in my ministry. I didn’t want to continue doing it on my own without a mentor or someone to guide me.

He sent a ram in the bush; Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (PRBC) Ministry Leadership Training Program (my church where I worship and serve) that starts in eleven days. Designed to “stretch me.” The devil keeps taunting me but he don’t understand, God is not playing. Nothing will stop His plan. It will manifest and come to pass.

As I begin this new chapter in my life, my mind is in a place of peace, even though I’m a lot nervous with what to expect given I feel inadequate. Yet I have seen God do the impossible in and out of season. And if he did it for me before, he can use me and do it for me again for his glory. Lord I’m willing.

I’m excited and can’t wait to see what God has in store for me in this next chapter of my life. I got a feeling he’s going to use me mightily. I will FINISH STRONG! Keep me in prayer. God bless.

Be blessed! – JD

Be safe. Happy New Year!

Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV)

Journey, This One is For You. I May Have Met with Trials; But God. I Thank You For the Journey!

Dear Journey,

Trials didn’t break me. God brought me a mighty long ways. I’ve seen some good days and some bad days. Greater is on the way.

Some things you go through will not feel good. Praise God anyway. It is designed for your good. God is preparing you for a breakthrough.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. You can do all things through Christ Jesus. Praise God. You’re more than a conqueror. It’s your season.

Whatever it is you’ve prayed for, it shall be done. God promised. You will receive it. It’s already done. God does not fail. It shall be done.

Declare God’s goodness no matter the situation. Walk by faith. Be patient. Don’t let what you see in the natural affect your faith walk. Persevere. Don’t give up.

Journey, this one is for you. I may have met with trials; but God. I thank you for the journey!

Be blessed! –JD

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (ESV)

 

 

God Knows What You’re Going Through. He Has Not Forgotten You

Before you were formed, God set you apart. God knew you before he formed you in the womb. He set you apart. (Jer 1:5)

God knows everything about you. He knows what you’re going through. He knows the plans he have for you. (Jer 29:11)

There is a time and a season for everything. God has a set plan for your life. There is an appointed time. Everything will work as he planned, in his timing.

God has not forgotten you. He will never forsake you. Keep the faith. Don’t give up. God has a great plan for your life!

Be blessed! -JD

Acts 1:7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. (ESV)

 

 

John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever”

The devil was so busy the other day. I told him “Not today, devil. Not today! You’ve been served notice. Cancel every assignment. No weapon formed shall prosper!”

It seemed nothing was going in my favor that day. I felt defeated, lost, and couldn’t see God in anything. I found myself complaining about the things I didn’t have. Telling God how sick and tired I was of being sick and tired because I lost the things I once had.

Bitterness began to set in. I started reflecting on things from my past and began to blame others for my plight just because nothing that day seemed to be turning out right. It was not until I was reminded of Job and in some way, felt the same as he did and began comparing myself to him. Even though I managed to leave out some things, I realized Job was a great example to follow.

Job lost everything. His family and possessions. He was at a crossroad in his faith. He started complaining. He allowed his desire to understand why he was suffering overwhelm him, causing him to question God. Yet he remained faithful, had patience, and endurance. He could have either cursed God and gave up. But he didn’t. He trusted God and drew from his strength to continue. He didn’t give up on God. He worshipped God alone.

He may have questioned God and was not sure why he was suffering because he clearly felt he did not do anything to deserve such punishment. As did I. I questioned “Why me?” “Why me God?” You know the things I need and don’t have. Why am I struggling?

I told him, something changed. I find that the things I used to love doing and looked forward to every day are now becoming extinct. Does that mean I’m growing? I’ve become bored with what used to bring me joy and feel it’s time to move on to something bigger and better. Does it mean you are calling me God to move to the next level? See, I don’t know and now I find I’m truly uncomfortable. I’m struggling.

At times I feel I don’t have strength to do what has been so simple for me. Yet I’m no longer satisfied with just doing something. I desire to do more with the gifts God has given me. Pray for me. It’s not that I don’t want to keep doing what I do. It’s just that I want to do something more than what I’m doing.

I had to get myself together and collect my thoughts. I rose out of bed. I sat on the edge as I began to talk to God and express my frustration and fears. I told him about the things I’m struggling with. And as I’m talking something came to me. God revealed something incredible to me.

And I said to him, “Why not take me through trials and tribulations, almost to the point of death and desperation. That I may lose myself until I find hope in you God. I don’t ask why me but why not me? Why not use me Lord? Let your will, not my will, be done. I come to you with open arms. Use me Lord!”

God said to me “Dear child, I have seen your efforts and know how much you are trying to grow and do the work of the Lord but you cannot do this alone. Don’t worry. Help is on the way. I’m going to send you a blessing that will guide you in this journey.”

I realized no matter how much I read the word, study, and meditate, there was something missing in my walk. I began to repent and confess my wrongs to God. I knew in the end this would shape me for service to others.

John 14:16 tells me, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”  This assures me the Holy Spirit is on my side. It is working for and with me. I will live as God wants and build God’s kingdom.

I will never stop spreading words of encouragement, inspiration, or the love of God. I just feel deep inside I need to be doing more. Pray for me as I pray for myself. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts (Psalm 139:23).

Search for sin and please point out things I’m not doing right. Show me any and all wrong motives that may be behind the things I’m feeling. When you show me what I’ve done, I will repent and seek forgiveness. I will walk in your ways. I am forgiven.

There’s a struggle inside each of us. There’s someone fighting a battle somewhere much harder than any of us. Pray. God will keep watch over us.

Every day I have to ask God for forgiveness. I admit I’m not a saint. I’m a sinner. At times, I wrestle with my flesh. And don’t get it right in the beginning. I won’t say a word. It’s for the good. I watch, I listen, then take it to God. I put it in his hands. I don’t have to do a thing. I leave it up to Him.

Be blessed! -JD

Colossians 3:1-4 “¹ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (ESV)

Look at Us – Grace Looks So Good on Us!

God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness” (Gen 1:26). We are made in God’s image. His work was finished with a personal touch. Grace looks so good on us!

The gospel is for everyone. God’s grace offers salvation to everyone. We are taught to live godly. “It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,’ (Titus 2:12). Grace teaches about how we are to live. We make the gospel look good by the way we live.

We don’t complain. We do what grace tells us. Even though we can choose to conform, we don’t. We live for God. We renew our minds. We become transformed. We listen to Jesus.

Grace is not a merit system.  It’s not based on your works. It cannot be earned. It is a free gift from God, even when we truly don’t deserve it.

God made us in His image. He sees beyond our shortcomings. When we’re damaged and broken, God sees His creation, His image damaged and broken. We submit to the will of God with a desire to live a life completely for Him.

Grace looks on us. We wear it well. The devil’s mad as hell. God gave us another chance. His grace justified us. We’re at peace. Praise God! Grace looks good on us!

Be blessed! -JD

1 John 2:27 “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.” (NASB)

All It Takes is Three Simple Words – Tell Someone “God Loves You” and “I Do Too!” Be A Blessing

Each of us have a testimony. We are all going through something. We may not be going through the same thing, but we are all burdened with something. Nothing is too hard for God. Cast all your cares upon the Lord.

A simple thought, kind gesture, hug, or simple words of inspiration or encouragement can touch the life of a person you may not know. Be a blessing to someone, wherever you may go. It doesn’t matter what you are going through, work to inspire, motive, encourage, and bless others as God blesses you.

We don’t know what others are going through. There’s someone fighting a battle harder than you. Tell someone, “God loves you and I do too.” Thank you.

Be blessed! -JD

Romans 8:35-39  “³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (ESV)

God’s Simple Plan of Salvation – Say with Me: I Admit, I Believe, I Confess. Receive the Free Gift of Salvation

The answer to God’s simple plan of salvation is right in front of us. Salvation is as close as your mouth and heart. It is not a complicated process. If you believe in your heart and say with your mouth that Christ is Lord, you will be saved. (Romans 10:8-12)

There was a jailer that fell trembling before Paul and Silas and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household” (Acts 16:29-31). “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

To become a Christian is not as hard as you think. It can be as simple. Say these three things; Admit to Jesus you are a sinner. Believe Jesus is the Son of God, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and whom God resurrected. Confess Jesus is Lord, invite the Lord into your life to become your personal Savior.

Salvation is a free gift from God. God sent Jesus to save us. He died on the cross for us. Say ABC’s with me: I ADMIT I’m a sinner. I BELIEVE Jesus is God’s Son. I CONFESS Jesus is Lord, come into my life. Receive the free gift of salvation.

Be blessed! -JD

Romans 10:9-10 “⁹ That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (NIV)

Do You Know Who You Really Are? Your Identity in Christ is Who You Really Are!

People are becoming so consumed with the notion of becoming instantly famous. There is not a day that goes by I don’t hear of someone taking “selfies” or posting pictures they hope will go viral and make them instantly famous.

Or shooting a video and posting it on Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram, or threatening to tweet an alleged “abuse” from their phone while riding on a plane. Even when sitting in a restaurant or attending a basketball game or posting something from anywhere for that matter to get immediate results or attention.

It is becoming so exhausting to the point where I am getting weary when I see so many people fighting for instant success that will not last long or for eternity. What’s the point? To be someone they think they need to be when in fact God has already created them to be the person he designed them to be.

I find there are so many people who cannot take a moment to read God’s Word and mediate on it long enough to believe what he says. To know they can live a life of peace and not confusion and believe God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Or understand the depth of his promises. What he says he will do. His word is truth. It doesn’t take the use of technology to figure out your life. All it takes is a moment to see what God says about the plans he have for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This, my friend is what grace shows you. As a believer, you have been transformed. God’s Word reveals and reflects who you really are.

Please understand it is not instant success that will define you. It is who God says you are that defines you. Take some time to read the Word and then tell me who you think you are. It is plain and simple and doesn’t need to be a picture for the world to know just who you are because of a one-minute famed “selfie” you took moments ago. The real truth is found in God’s Word. Seek His truth.

Stop thinking instant fame will get you far. Your name, your title, your level of education is not your identity in Christ. You will know who you are when you discover who you really are in Christ. Grace will show you who you are in Christ. Know that you are God’s treasured possession. The work is finished.

It’s not what you do. It’s not what people say about you. This is what God says about you. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), you are his treasured possession (Deuteronomy 7:6), you are his workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10). Take a moment and think about these things for just a second. If you were to think on things that are true, you would have no problem believing what the word of God says about you.

Everything you need to live a victorious life is inside of you. You don’t need instant fame to live victoriously. In Christ, you already have the victory. Grace shows you the true reflection of who you are in Christ. Not pictures on Instagram, tweets to famous people, or selfies that rock. Seek God’s Word and not the word or approval of man to show you your true identity. You are complete in Christ Jesus.

When Jesus died on the cross, his work was done. We can live, by faith, as new creations in Christ because of what he’s done. Do you know who you really are? Your identity in Christ is who you really are!

Be blessed! –JD

Jeremiah 9:23-24 “’²³ Thus says the Lord: ”Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, ²⁴ but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight in, declares the Lord.” (ESV)

Whatever God Puts Inside You, It Will Come Out You – The Seed of Greatness is Inside You!

When you find yourself waiting on God, be patient. God is faithful. God is working it out for his glory and for your greater good. All things work together for good. (Romans 8:28)

When it seems like things are not working out and your faith is being tested, it produces steadfastness. God’s working it out in your favor. Be encouraged. You’re blessed and highly favored.

When you’ve lost everything and feel there’s nothing to live for, it is where you will meet God and realize you have everything to live for.

It is God who is at work in you. He gives you the desire and the will to achieve his purpose. If you do God’s will, you will desire to do what he wants for his purpose. God says, ”And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules” (Ezekial 36:27).  The Holy Spirit dwells in you. Whatever he puts inside you, it will come out of you. The seed of greatness is inside you.

The seed was planted long ago. Whatever happens today has already been determined in the spiritual. God has a set time and place for it to happen in the natural. The place you’re in is for a purpose. God will fulfill his purpose.

You may feel you have been held captive for quite some time and waited years for something to happen. Then suddenly, there will come a day when you will be released from bondage and something amazing will happen. Be encouraged. All hope is not gone. You will experience visions from God. In your darkest hour is when you will hear from God.

You may not understand what it is you are to do while going through. Let me help you. Pray, meditate, study the Word. Thank God for the trials in spite of.

There’s purpose for your pain, process before promotion. Process before progress. Labor will be painful. God’s positioning you for elevation. Declare that you are in the right position to receive God’s blessings. Accept it. Walk in your destiny.

Be blessed! -JD

Joshua 1:7-9 “⁷ Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (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)

 

 

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)