5/29/2018
#4U Devotional
Sit, Pray, Listen, and Obey By Sierra Nelson
Psalm 37:5. “Commit your way to the Lord.”
If we would just sit. Pray, and listen to God before EVERY decision just imagine how much heartbreak we would save ourselves. We must commit our way to the Lord. I can think of plenty of times when I did not commit or submit to God. I made things that could have been simple hard because of my disobedience. I put myself in harm’s way a few times because I wanted to do what I wanted to do. I am thankful for this new opportunity to sit, listen, and obey God. I use to pray every other day or when I felt that I needed God. Now, I pray every day, more than 3 times a day. We don’t have to “think” when it comes to doing what is right. We can’t reason with sin or reason with putting our plans before God’s plan. Gaining self-control over my flesh and allowing God to take control over my life has been the best thing I have ever done.
- How do you commit to your plans to God?
- What are your plans?
- In what areas do you need to gain self-control over in your life?
Take time out every day just to sit, pray, listen, and obey God.
5/22/2018
#4U Devotional
2 is better than 1 By Sierra Nelson
“Two are better than Ecclesiastes 4:9: one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?”
Have you ever felt like you don’t need anybody? I have. There are times when I want to be left alone, doing nothing. I have learned that being in the presence of others, positive people, really does bring emotional and mental healing. I have also learned that people can help, in more ways than one. People can help our mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. Just think about the last hug you received, how did it make you feel? A physical touch from someone that loves you, cares about you, or that has a positive spirit can keep you warm. “Keep warm” to me, simply means being in the presence of people that have a passion or fire for God.
At some point, we are going to need someone to help us up emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Reach out to someone or offer help to someone.
- Who can you call on to help you up mentally, spiritually, or emotionally?
- Do you have a close friend, family member, or coworker that help you keep the fire inside for God?
5/17/2018
#4U Devotional
Don’t Compare By Sierra Nelson
Galatians 6:4-6: 4 Don’t compare yourself with others. Just look at your own work to see if you have done anything to be proud of. 5 You must each accept the responsibilities that are yours.
I’ll be the first to say that I have compared myself to other women physically, spiritually, and mentally. I had to learn that God created me, to be me. Everything about me was hand-crafted by God. When we compare ourselves to others, we take away the glory that God has put in us.
Reflection Questions:
- How has comparison made you feel?
- Acknowledge all the beautiful things about you. Thank God for creating you. What purpose does comparison serve?
- What would your surroundings (family, friends, and coworkers) be like if you weren’t you?
Prayer: God give me Your perspective of me. I want to see me that way you do. Lord take away the spirit of comparison.
5/15/2018
#4U Devotional
Pray By Sierra Nelson
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Have you ever just praised God through prayer? We tend to just go to God in prayer asking for a blessing. Some of us pray every other day, or only once a day. I use to be the person that only prayed when I wanted something. I was also the person that prayed over my food, and before I went to bed. Then one day I realized that prayer is communication with God. Prayer is simply devoting uninterrupted time with God. Setting your mind, emotions, and thoughts on the Lord. When we pray we should thank God and honor Him by speaking His praises. We must pray when we wake up, when we cook, in the car, and even throughout our day. Prayer provides us with guidance. I find myself constantly saying, “Lord order my steps.” Every decisions I make, I have learned to pray over it.
- Do you see prayer as a routine or as genuine conversation with God?
- You can’t be concerned with, “I can’t pray”. Speak from your heart. What words can you use to describe God’s goodness?
- How can prayer shift your atmosphere?Prayer:
God thank you for hearing my prayers. Thank you for acknowledging my small prayers and my big prayers. Lord thank you for hearing my thoughts. Lord show me how I can pray more to You, honoring You with my praise.
5/10/2018
#4U Devotional
One Misconception of Prayer By Richard McNeil
Is prayer necessary? With all the problems we face in life, does prayer make a difference? Is it ever appropriate not to pray? These are some questions we may have about our prayer life, but we may be too hesitant to even consider as we process the reality that prayer does not always produce the desired results in our lives.
Many struggle with prayer because they fail to see the relevance, the power and the access available through prayer. I have wondered whether I have prayed hard enough, long enough or even used the right words, or quoted the right promises because no matter how much I pray sometimes nothing seems to change and my faith is shaken. Thankfully that although my faith was shaken it was not destroyed. I believe they’re some misconceptions to prayer that often limit and frustrate our experience in prayer. Maybe you have felt similarly, I want you to know that prayer is far more important to your relationship with Christ than simply asking for things and situations to change.
Prayer is a tool to be engaged in, not just merely used at a whim; meaning it is a process, an experience, not merely an occasional act you do once a problem arises.
Have you ever noticed that Jesus doesn’t pray for people to be healed but that he simply heals them? Have you ever noticed that the disciples don’t prayer for people to be heal but simply commands their healing to take place in Jesus’ name or the power of God?!
Acts 3:6-16 “Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
Our prayers are instruments for increasing faith not simply a shoutout used to access divine favor.
Answered prayers and especially an act of healing are meant to establish faith in those who struggle to believe. Though a person may have faith in God that is even greater than a mustard seed; that person praying for a Mountain to be moved won’t cause it to be moved. Mountains or obstacles move when they stand in the way of the character of God being fully realized in the heart of the sinner.
We may not see the geographical landscape around us changing at the whim of a believer praying in faith, but we will see addictive behaviors cease and controlling attitudes vanish in the face of the grace of God.
We may not see people come back to life because it may not be needed in our immediate setting. The miracle of someone being called back to life is not far fetch or absent from our world; just limited based on what is needed to establish faith.
It’s important to note that prayer and healing do not always go hand in hand.
Healing is a sign that you have power! The power is attainable through a close, intimate relationship with Christ, not merely asking for healing. Prayer is the means of communication and method of surrendering or uniting your will to God’s divine will. The details of His will are then articulated in His Word. Prayer aligns our heart with the heart of God.
Signs or results of our prayers are meant to confirm our message that we preach as we profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Prayer empowers us to perform the signs needed for the given situations we are in. Certain prayers are delayed due to the Lord’s timing being different from ours and sometimes our desires and will for the situation is different from God’s. Not all well-meaning prayers though are beneficial. We may pray for our loved ones to stay alive, but if that is granted in all cases then no one will ever die and we would have no need to look forward to the day when the Lord will bring His reward of eternal life with Him (Second Coming). We would have eternal life apart from Him.
It’s important to note that prayers are always answered, just not in ways we want or care to hear.
If we are not preaching the message of Christ then, we should not expect the great signs and healing we read about in the bible.
Great signs accompany great messagers. Jesus did great things because he declared the kingdom of God the Father! How much are you declaring Christ to others? Great messengers are accompanied by great messages which demand even greater signs to be performed.
- Prayer (Communion) + Power (Holy Spirit) + Proclamation (Word) + Purity (Healing)
Prayer allows us to have access to power to perform the signs that confirm the message of Christ we have been preaching. We should not expect healing, signs and wonders if we neglect the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ask yourself:
- Are my prayers, if answered, going to readily identify God at work in my life or simply to benefit me alone?
- Are my prayers asking to know what God desires for me?
- Are my prayers meant to benefit others so that they would decide to follow Jesus?
As you consider the weapon of prayer, ask the Lord to reveal to you the specific battle He desires for you to fight.
5/8/2018
#4U Devotional
Counseling, Mental Health and our Christian Lifestyles By Richard.F.McNeil
Our Struggle: The amount of people suffering from mental health issues are growing at record pace with more than 80 percent of our society, both young and old are all suffering from stress, bouts of anxiety and depression.
I recently had a powerful eye opening conversation with a young woman who admits that she is struggling with depression, anxiety and stress, but feels embarrassed at the notion that she needs to seek help through counseling. She admits the need for counseling, but she is repulsed at the need to seek help.
Questions:
- Do Christians need to seek counseling?
- Aren’t we in a relationship with the divine, all-powerful, creator of the universe and lover of our everything?
- Why would we ever need to rely on the aid of others when we have Christ?
These are some questions that often challenge the minds of many followers of Christians. Some believe this notion to be against their faith standards and a demeaning response to faith they should have in Christ. Though I agree that faith in God is important and relevant to our life situations, seeking help through counseling is not against the Biblical standards. Spiritual disciplines of prayer and bible are only part of a holistic approach to treating mental illness.
We are called to carry each other’s burdens (Galatians.6:2) and we are called to “comfort those who are in any affliction” if we are called to do these things who are we doing them to if not our very own friends, families and people around us.
I am learning that mental health is very much related to our effectiveness in being able to share Christ effectively with others. Poor mental faculties produce weak responses to the challenges placed upon us by our sinful environments. We are told that we, who are strong, should seek to build those who are weak (Romans 15:1). This is a great witness for Christ at work in us and that their is relevance to us being Christians.
Jesus prepared himself mentally through prayer and fasting as well as by meditating on the Scriptures. David struggled with depression and anxiety and needed counseling from Jonathan, Nathan and others at various points in his life.
Seek help from others is not against the biblical standards of God. Those healed by Jesus were told to go and show themselves to the priest for confirmation that Jesus had fully healed them. There is nothing wrong with seeking a doctor if you are sick and the same if you are having mental issues. By seeking the help the Lord uses the medicine He has blessed mankind with to be a blessing to us. A balanced perspective is necessary to foster a balanced, healthy lifestyle that expresses the very nature of Christ in our sinful society. We can’t show God’s love to others if we are physically, mentally and spiritually ill.
If you struggle with mental health issues, don’t suffer alone. Seek help, there are Christian health professionals available who can give you quality, biblical counseling that will guide you along and give you the help with your health that you need.
Dismiss the stigma and address your pain! Mental disorders are health issues and not merely a character issues. Physical issues affect the brain as well; due to the brain being an organ of the body. The Lord desires that we prosper and be in good health mentally, spiritually and physically.
My prayer for each of us today is, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24
5/3/2018
#4U Devotional
True Healing By Tantania Grier
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and save the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
For the past few days I’ve found myself praying for people who are hurting and people who have experience tragedy. I’ve been praying against the spirit of depression, drug addiction, suicide and brokenness. I know we can all relate to hurt and the pain that still lingers even when the situation is over. I’ve learned my greatest lessons and received my biggest blessings in my brokenness. God was able to reach me in the midst of my brokenness. Our faith is not strengthened during the times when things are easy, but in the most trying of times. When we’re faced with difficult times God is not trying to harm us, he’s looking at the bigger picture. He’s trying to bring greater strength, character, trust, beauty and perseverance to the deepest part of our soul. His desire for us in this life is ultimately to make us more like him. God wants a relationship with you. He will never leave you to sit in the dark and figure things out on your own. He will carry and protect you through any storm.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the word gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
Why it is that people are afraid to admit that they are broken? We live in a society where we’re told not to allow anyone to know that you are broken. There was a time when I didn’t love myself. And I struggled with believing that God loved me due to the way that I felt about myself. Because the enemy knew this, he used it against me. It was something he constantly held over my head. One night I was driving home from work and God spoke to me and said, “Pray”, and so I did and the Holy Spirit began to take over. I began confessing to God the things that no one knew about me: my fears, my insecurities, my sins. Lastly I remember saying, “God I don’t think you love me because I’m imperfect and I don’t love myself.” And in that moment I felt a weight lift off of me. God reassured me that I am never broken beyond repair. Don’t be ashamed of your scars or the broken places of your life. They have an amazing story to tell.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Just because you are broken doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love you. It doesn’t mean that God has forgotten you. It doesn’t mean that you aren’t worthy. Brokenness has power. It has the power to bring forth new beauty, strength and inspiration to others. It’s during these moments that we’ve experienced deep suffering and that alone should tell you something. It should tell you that you were made for a greater purpose and God isn’t done with you yet. Because of your brokenness you have a story to tell. Those scars have shaped you. Don’t hide the scars that made you stronger. You don’t have to be ashamed of your brokenness.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
We have a healer. We have a father who can and will repair any soul. He is able to fit the broken pieces that at one point no longer seemed to fit. Because of him every piece now fits perfectly. God is always working behind the scenes mending you, protecting you, preparing you for a greater purpose. He makes all things beautiful, especially in your brokenness. If no one has told you today, you have a purpose.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
5/1/2018
#4U Devotional
Shall we accept good from God and not trouble By Sierra Nelson
Job 2:9-10: 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
We have all experienced a season like Job. It probably wasn’t exactly like Job, but we have all been in misery, pain, financial woes, or even heartbreak, etc. When I think about Job, I think about His love for God, his obedience, and the statement, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” For the longest I thought, “If I get my life together with God I won’t have trouble.” Boy was I wrong. I have learned and still learning to praise God in the valley, in the dark, and even when my perspective is limited and only focused on the negative. God deserves ALL the glory and honor, even when I am in a season similar to Job. Job’s wife didn’t even understand Job’s faithfulness to God, but it was not for her to understand. When I first read this verse, I instantly said, “When I get married, I want a husband that will be praying and fasting during the season(s) where we can relate to Job.” There is no closer friend than God, and next would be your wife/husband so they too need to love God, praise God, and be devoted to God in times of trouble. Giving up on God is never an option. There are times when our emotions get the best of us and we either don’t spend as much time with God or we just stop spending time with God and wait for things to get better to spend time with Him. We wait because we want to feel better, be in a better situation, or have more money. We wait because we don’t have time for God because we are focused on our current emotional or mental state. I have learned that when I spend time with God when I am in a dark season, I don’t settle for my emotions or my thought process. I look for the light, I become the light by spending time with God and I begin to GLOW because I am in His presence.
Reflection:
- How do you handle the stressful, miserable, or dark season(s) in your life? If you are dating, how does the person you’re currently dating handle the stressful, miserable, or dark season(s) in their life?
- In what ways can you or do you allow God to shine His light in your dark season(s)?
4/26/2018
#4U Devotional
Bold, Faithful and Honest By Sierra Nelson
Mark 5:28-34 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it.33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
When I think about the lady with the issue of blood, I think about faith. To have the faith, the courage, and the boldness to touch the His garment and KNOW that you will be healed is amazing. She did not question if she would be healed and she was not afraid to get close to Jesus. She didn’t think she wasn’t worthy to touch Him or think she wasn’t worthy to experience His blessings. And when He asked, “Who touched my garments?” she was honest and told Him the WHOLE truth. And He said, ““Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Man! To be HONEST and tell Him the WHOLE truth and still be sent off in peace and to be healed is what we all desire. Jesus knows ALL and see ALL, so you would think that there is no need to tell the WHOLE truth. OH, but it is. When we express ourselves to Him, every thought, emotion, and action, He hears us and is thankful for our faithfulness. Sometimes we may feel as if we are not worthy because of the things we have did, said, or thought, but our worthiness is not based on us but Jesus and His love for us. You see, we are worthy because of Jesus.
How many times have we BOLDLY went to Jesus with our faith on being healed emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally? When I say BODLY, I mean without doubt and without fear walk through the crowd and stand on His word.
Reflection:
- How often do you express yourself to God?
- Write down your thoughts and emotions without fear of being judged, ridiculed, or mistreated. Read them aloud in your prayer closet/restroom.
4/24/2018
#4U Devotional
We Pray By Tantania Grier
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10.
I am a worrier. I’ve stayed awake plenty of nights worrying about things that are beyond my control. I had a bad habit of giving God my problems and then taking them back when I didn’t receive an answer immediately. Because that’s how it works right? Wrong. I had to learn to give God the problems that I was afraid to give him because they were too much for me to handle. I had to make the decision to turn everything over to God and trust him to take care of the things that were beyond my control. And the only ways that I could reach him and give him those issues was through prayer.
We pray because it deepens our trust in God. Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer is vital. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is intimate. Prayer is how we communicate with our heavenly father. Prayer is your opportunity to kneel before the one who loves you the most and you confess your sins, the desires of your heart, your problems, and your needs. No matter what kind of day you’re having we should always make time to pray.
We pray because it gives us the chance to express ourselves completely to the Lord. Psalms 62:8
Never underestimate the power of prayer. Please do not become impatient and cease praying because God didn’t move when you wanted him to. He knows and he sees you. Therefore do not give up or back down. When you pray, your faith is growing you are entrusting your needs to your trustworthy God rather than depending on yourself to make things happen. Unceasing prayer is the key to getting close to you heavenly Father. With prayer he brings supernatural peace.
We pray because our prayers move the heart of God. James4:2
Keep praying. Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
Questions:
- Why do you think it’s important to pray?
- In this season what are some things that you have asked God to do in your life?
- This isn’t a question. It’s more of a challenge. I challenge you to choose someone or even a few people to pray for.
4/19/2018
#4U Devotional
Trusting you in all things By Tantania Grier
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6.
I have a bad habit of giving God my problems and then taking them back. I realized that I was doing the complete opposite of this scripture. I wasn’t trusting God wholeheartedly. I only looked at this from my perspective and I didn’t give him an opportunity to take control of my situations because just as fast as I gave him my problems I was worried about them again. I realized that I couldn’t have faith and be worried at the same time. Sometimes thinking about the future causes anxiety. We never know what’s going to happen next and or how things will work out and that kind of worriation takes too much time in our hearts and our minds. This is why it’s always important to go to the father about whatever issues we are facing. Because if tomorrow is good day or bad day he’s already there and I trust him to lead me and guide me thought it.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
God never asks us to figure it all out on our own. He just asks us to trust him, to recognize his leadership and sovereignty in our lives. And he promises to make out pathways straight. Different things may catch us by surprise but it never surprises the father. There is so much power in trusting him. For it clears the way for our security to be based solely on him, not on ourselves, or our own way of thinking.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8
God is faithful and you can trust him to lead you and guide you every step of the way. Because he sees the things we cannot. He brings clarity and light through the darkest hours. He protects you from dangers that you didn’t even know you were in. His timing is perfect even when we give up and feel like he has forgotten us. No matter how we feel or what our current situation may be, we can trust him and be confident that God’s presence is with us wherever we go. Let’s keep choosing to trust him and let go of worry and cling to the father.
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Questions:
- What do you need to trust God with today?
- What is God to you?
- What do you think keeps you from trusting God with all your heart?
4/17/2018
#4U Devotional
Jesus does not Need Help By Sierra Nelson
I read this versus this week on my Bible app and it reassured me that Jesus does not need help or our permission to bless us or heal us. He just needs our obedience. Jesus told the man to “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!” and because of his obedience, he was healed. A lot of times we wait for the help or for approval, but Jesus just needs our obedience. I have learned that Jesus will do what He has said He will do for our life, but only when we are obedient. Just imagine what would have happened if that man by the pool refused to “Get up!” because he limited his-self. We will put limits, periods, and even excuses where God has told us to “Get up!”. Let’s make the decision today, to obey God even if we don’t see His plan for our life.
Reflection:
- How can remove the limitations that we have put on ourselves?
- Choose obedience. How can we remove our self-centeredness to follow God?
4/12/2018
#4U Devotional
Never Thirst Again By Sierra Nelson
John 4:4-15: 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph.6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a]) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”
This bible verse has been spoken to me and came to me in several different messages (text and DM’s). Every time I read it, I realized that:
- Jesus associated himself with EVERYONE
- Living water is everlasting. Quenches your soul.
I need that DAILY. Living water is prayer, faithfulness, spending time with God, and worshipping God. To have a thirst for Christ and to live right is a serious thirst that can not be filled by anyone or anything other than God. To be in His presence is an overflow of water for that thirst. To serve God and His people is a blessing. God is the living water and we are here to fill the earth with living water by demonstrating the fruits of the spirit.
Reflection:
- How do you demonstrate God’s love?
- How do you fulfil your daily thirst for Christ?
4/10/2018
#4U Devotional
Never Alone By Tantania Grier
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. Joshua 1:9.
Life is stressful. It’s overwhelming. But find joy in knowing that even when I feel defeated I’m not. God has already promised us that wherever we go, he’s going with us. I’m sure we all have been in situations where we wondered if God is even paying attention. We ask him if he see us and this mess that were in. In times like these it can be difficult to feel God’s presence. This is the perfect time to sit before him and pray. Lord, I need to hear from you. I need your guidance, your strength; I need you to tell me what to do. It’s vital that you always go to the father first. In the past when I had problems I would go to my parent, family/friends my significant other, etc and they would give me advice and a pep talk but I still walked away feeling empty. I felt that wasn’t enough. Sometimes the people that we go to don’t understand out situations and our emotions when we’re going through. But God does and he cares. He is the only one who can make it alright. One of the most powerful scriptures that speak to me during any difficult time is Isaiah 43:1-3.
But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.”
During your difficult times remember that God is with you, leading you, loving you, strengthening you, providing for you, protecting you, molding you, and holding your hand every step of the way. God has unlimited resources and he will give it all to you. There is no good thing that he would ever withhold from you. He wants to pour out his blessing on our life. But we must do our part and let him in. God is a gentleman, he’s not going to pull and push on us on us to depend on him. We have to open u and trust him. We need him. But first you have to accept that he loves you unconditionally and that he has a plan and a purpose for your life.
For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a]in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:14-16
Nothing surprises God. Nothing catches him off guard. God walks beside us daily. It’s important that we repeat the promises that he has already made to ourselves daily. We need to carry his scriptures in our hearts. It builds faith and gives us the strength that we need to stand and face moments of difficulty. The enemy hates it when we are confident about out God and his love for us and the promises that he has made to us. Because we belong to him.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Questions:
- At this present time. What do you need from God?
- What are some things that you do daily to increase your faith?
- In this season. What are you expecting God to do for you in your life?
4/5/2018
#4U Devotional
Why Worry? By Sierra Nelson
Matthew 6:25-34
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I ask myself that daily, WHY WORRY? God has always had a plan even when I thought I had a better plan. When my world comes crashing down, God shows me every time why he is Lord. Whether I am worried about my future, finances, or even just day to day life, the thought of God makes my mind rest.
- What do you do when you are worried?
- How can you prevent yourself from worrying?
4/3/2018
#4U Devotional
Love Like That?! By Richard F. McNeil
1 John 4:9,19 (NKJV); John 3:16
Our Struggle:
Are you struggling with that fact that the all knowing, all seeing God who created the world and everything in it, loves you? If so, then this devotional is for you. It is a rather challenging notion to think that someone who knows everything about us, all our hidden secrets and challenges still loves us and cares enough to get involved in our lives. We often struggle to accept the fact that anyone would love us knowing that we would openly hurt them, neglect them and yet still continue to love us unconditionally. As sinners we are prone to thinking selfishly, we only care to gratify ourselves and fixate on things that will bring us pleasure. We are naturally self-seeking and with this in our minds, we tend to project that on the character of God, but God is beautifully not like us. It is because God is not sinful like us that He can love us like that! One of the most beautiful statements written in the bible is that God is Love. 1 John 4:8, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” We struggle to show love and it takes having a relationship with God for us to learn how to show and express love to others.
God’s promise:
1 John 4:9 (NKJV)
9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
God sent His very own son to come to this sinful earth to die for our sins and transgressions. He loved us that much, that He would send His one and only son to die for imperfect, sinful people who would reject him and eventually kill him in one of the most degrading ways. It is this love that we need to accept and not reject. God loves you!
It is only by love that love can be awakened in our lives. To know God is to love God. The only person that could have taught us fully the true meaning of God’s eternal love was God himself. God himself came to earth in the form of the fallen, sinful, evil human race and showed us the love of the eternal father. Only Jesus could have lived out the love of God the father. Only Jesus could have expressed the depths of the love of God for mankind. The plan to send the son of God into our sinful world was not an afterthought but a natural reaction towards those whom the Lord loves. Our sinful natures and situation caused a separation between us and we were in distress. It was a natural reaction of love towards mankind that God himself showed up to be with us and to die for us. He didn’t need to be convinced or prompted. He just willing loved like that!
The beauty of Jesus coming to earth and living among us is that Christ is fully aware of all that we go through experientially. He is acquainted with our problems and not only empathizes but sympathizes with us. It is important that we all know and believe that God is a lover of sinners. Though He hates sin, He is madly in love with sinners and longs to save them by his grace.
I am attracted to God and I hope you are too. Join me as we express these words, “we love him because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:19 KJV
Father, I am compelled by your Love for me. When I think of all that you do for me and how much you have forgiven me, I can’t help but be happy. My heart cries out in praise because I am not worthy of such Love. I am far from worthy. It’s your Love oh Lord that moves me to act, live and produce. I am nothing without your Loving grace. Shine through me I pray, so that others may see YOU and have hope.
Reflection/Questions:
- Are you still struggling with that fact that the all knowing, all seeing God who created the world and everything in it, loves you?
- Is there anyone in your life that you may need to start expressing some towards that you previously wouldn’t?
- Is there anything stopping you from accepting God’s love for you? If so, it’s time to give that thing over to Christ so He can remove it.
Song:
Your Love Lifted Me
https://open.spotify.com/track/0g3UOtCpPchSWwh6MYjJrJ?si=Lp1STN4JQ7mQCCbl1MbCqg
3/29/2018
#4U Devotional
Honor Thy Mother and Father By Sierra Nelson
When I think of the word HONOR I think of so many ways to represent honor. We can represent honor in the way we speak to our parents, treat our parents, and in how we obey our parents. I always looked at honoring my parents as something simple, because they birthed me. My parents are amazing, so the desire to honor them came easy. I have never been the perfect child. I have caught attitudes, disobeyed them, and even occasionally talked back because I thought I knew everything. (Let’s all laugh at my foolishness LOL). I have been told stories about parents that I thought weren’t deemed to be honored. You know parents that abuse their children, mistreat their children, or neglect their children, etc. I had to realize that honoring our parents has nothing to do with them, but everything to do with God. Who am I to say who deserves to be honored? We are ALL a daughter or son of the most high and should be seen from a Godly perspective.
I was listening to Joyce Meyer earlier this week and she mentioned how her father abused her as a child. As they got older, her parents needed her to take care of them. Joyce Meyer did it because of who God was in her life and that honoring her parents would honor God.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
Reflection:
- How can you honor your parents?
- Do you express your love and honor for them daily?
Prayer:
Father God, give us the strength to honor our parents. Give us a Godly perspective on our parents. Allow us to see that they did their best. Thank you for using them as a tool to get us here. We each have a purpose to fulfil and the 1st step in that purpose was being birthed.
3/27/2018
#4U Devotional
You are Not Forgotten By Richard F. McNeil
Deuteronomy 31:6,8 (NKJV); Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)
Our Struggle:
The thought for today is meant to encourage and bring hope to anyone who may be feeling that no one cares, that they are alone and that they are forgotten by everyone. Many of us are facing financial difficulties, emotional difficulties, relationship difficulties, and we are sometimes left to wonder if we are alone in our struggles. We are so lonely that we wonder if anyone really cares or ever cared.
We live in a very lonely society, where although we have multiple ways to connect we are at our most disconnected. We have multiple methods of social media, we are at our most anti-social relations. The desire to connect with others and eliminate isolation is innate to our identity. From the very beginning, the first thing that God declares to be counter to his plan is our isolation and loneliness, so much so that God adds to His divine plan. In Genesis, see God creating the world and in everything in it and He is saying all of it is good but then, in Genesis 2:18 we see God declaring something to not be good and it wasn’t specifically a Sin. It was isolation. God simply says it is not for us to be alone. He didn’t state why, but from our own experience, we can see why. Loneliness and isolation can be some of the most painful of all experiences.
It is a beautiful thing to understand that God has not forgotten us and He has given us a beautiful promise we can hold Him accountable to.
God’s Promise(s):
Deuteronomy 31:6,8 (NKJV)
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
This promise is given to remove not only our sense of loneliness but to give us a reality of peace, strength and courage. The presence of God with us in our struggles and situation is a reminder that we are not alone. It is a reminder that God truly cares. I love the change in verse 8, which God will go before us, it means things we face, we face them after God has already dealt with them. We only face what He desires for us to face. We can be assured that we can get through our problems because the things allowed to come our way is God tested and God approved.
This same promise is repeated in the New Testament in:
Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Our loneliness stems from a sense of emotional unrest and instability. The presence of God with is expected to bring peace and contentment. We should have a sense of confidence, knowing that God has promised to be with us and He cannot lie. I take great comfort in knowing that God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. No matter how you may feel emotionally, claim the promises of God and declared them; knowing that you are not forgotten but loved by Jesus Christ himself. Be encouraged, God is with you regardless of your failures, sins, and rebellious mistakes. he loves you anyhow and still declares He will never leave you. God being with us is not contingent on our perfection, holiness or sinful behavior. God loves us so much that He is with us and willing to go before us even if we are not faithful. The promises of God are not given to those who are faithful only but given to all to cause others to become faithful. Be encouraged God with you and He has not forgotten you or your struggles.
Questions:
- Are you currently doubting whether a loving God, would really love you and stay with you?
- Do you have areas in your life that you to surrender to God and allow him go before you?
- Have you allowed your sense of loneliness to hinder your relationship with God?
Song: Israel Houghton, You are Not Forgotten
https://open.spotify.com/track/4caDlvkoNT9PKUGNqUrkkt?si=TLw8_6UKTGmZHADU-ftsZA
3/22/2018
#4U Devotional
Focus on the message and not the messenger By Sierra Nelson
- What is God calling you to do, but you’re focused on how you look?
- Have you missed a message by critiquing the messenger? What can you do differently?
3/20/2018
#4U Devotional
Setting yourself free By Tantania Grier
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your father in heaven may forgive your sins.” Mark11:25.
Have you ever been hurt by someone, a significant other/spouse, family member friend, a church member, stranger etc? I mean really hurt to the core? Most of us have gone through this type of pain and we probably wonder how? How can someone who say they loved is cause so much pain. It’s usually those closest to you that hurt you the most. We can’t avoid being offended. Jesus already told us that (matthew24:10). We can’t control someone else’s actions but we can control how we handle the offense. Our natural human reaction would be to get upset, become bitter, seek revenge, etc. Our defense mechanism kicks in and we try to guard ourselves we pull away from whomever offended us, sometimes friends/family and even God. I don’t think people realize the damage that is done when they hurt someone. Sometimes they just don’t care. Have you ever had to forgive someone who wasn’t even sorry?
When I’m torn between forgiving someone and holding on to unforgiveness I have to remind myself of Jesus and his love for me. When Jesus hung on the cross he said “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke23:34. Jesus wants us to model our forgiveness of others on God’s forgiveness of our sins. Carrying unforgiveness in your heart is heavy. You have to take everything to the lord in prayer and ask him to teach you how to forgive, how to let it go and move forward.
I’ve even had to forgive someone who I didn’t even know. But I carried the hate in my heart for them and it was extremely difficult to move forward. On April 15, 2015 I got a call at 1:00am. One of my cousins was involved in a car accident so I got dressed left the house thinking she was okay and on her way to the ER. So I start driving to the hospital but on the way there I was told to come to the accident scene. And I saw two cars. I saw her car and the car of another diver. The other driver was nowhere to be found. My cousin was killed by a drunk driver. He disappeared and no one has any idea where he is to this day. Our family did not get justice and it took me a while to overcome this because I couldn’t understand how someone could do this to her and then just leave her there to die. But each time I cried out to God he said “Forgive Them.” And as I began to release her and my hate for her offender, forgiveness began to release. The Anger, hurt hate, and bitterness that I felt began to leave me. I was freed from the feelings that held me hostage. Though her offender never asked for forgiveness and have no idea that he was forgiven in God’s eyes it was official. They were forgiven and I was freed. I released the hate that I was carrying in my heart.
So if you find yourself dealing with hate, anger, bitterness, vengeance because you have been wronged. Turn to God and ask him to help you release these feelings and set you free.
Questions:
- Can you think of a situation in which you were wronged? How did you handle it initially?
- Is there anything that you need to release to God so that you could be set free? What are they?
- When you released these feelings to God how did you feel?
3/15/2018
#4U Devotional
Diligent By Sierra Nelson
My mom knows me better than anyone else. I’m not her smartest child by a long shot (lol). My brother Nigel is smart, he can take a test and pass without studying. Nigel is witty, bold, and carefree for the most part. I NEED to study. My mother once described my brother and I in a simple sentence. Nigel is smart, Sierra is diligent. Now originally I took this as an insult, but then I looked up the word DILIGENT. Diligent means constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything. Pretty dope, huh. After looking up the definition, I looked up the word diligent in the bible.
Proverbs 13:4 New King James Version (NKJV): The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich
A diligent soul, sounds like something I would want God to say about me. It reminds me of the gospel song, May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me. This song was song at my dad’s funeral. When I think about my daddy, I think about a man that was diligent. He wasn’t perfect, nor was he religious, but he was a man that treated people with GRACE and MERCY. He was diligent in what he did for others. I remember him telling me that he wanted this song, sung at his funeral. I never listened to this song until the day of his funeral. So many people spoke on the goodness of my dad. All the things he did to help them and how he sacrificed to be a blessing to them. Some people were shocked to hear about his good deeds and his good heart, I wasn’t. He always told me to treat people with kindness, even if I felt that they didn’t deserve or if they had wronged me. He told me not to only people to change goodness in heart. I remember when my great aunt passed away, it was around Christmas. My dad had already bought her Christmas gift. Once the funeral was over and everybody was gone, he told me to give the gift to the men that lowered her in the ground and tell them to bury the gift with her. I said, “Daddy what if they steal it?” He told me, “I’m just doing what’s right, if they steal it, that’s between them and God.” That day I learned I can’t be concerned with what other people do, but to do what God has told me to do and keep it moving.
1 Corinthians 15:58 New International Version (NIV): 58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
We need to be diligent in how we treat people, our thoughts, and our spiritual walk. Be diligent in giving ourselves to God and serving His people. We need to be diligent at work and in school, but the diligence in Proverbs and the diligence in May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me is speaking spiritually. God doesn’t ask us to be smart or to be perfect. He ask us to be purposeful in what He has called us to do. He has called us to LOVE like him, have FAITH in Him, and to give others the same GRACE and MERCY He has given us.
- How do you demonstrate diligence?
- What is your view on serving people? Do you see it as being used? Or Being a blessing to those around you?
- Focus on the WORK you’ve done, not how much you sin or don’t sin.
3/13/2018
#4U Devotional
Elevation and Separation By Tantania Grier
I’ve always heard people say, when God wants to 
elevate you, He will separate you. And I am the type of person who wants to bring everyone along with me but I soon learned that, that was impossible. Not everyone is supposed to go where God is taking you. I love my family and friends with all my heart and it was a struggle for me to separate myself from them. One day I had to just ask myself who are you going to choose God or your friends? I knew that moving forward with God meant I had to leave behind the people, habits, things that defined who I was before.
So ask yourself, what must I leave behind in order to serve God fully? He wants your whole heart not a piece. God is looking for people who are faithful to him. You have to be prepared to give up everything that is not like him to follow Christ. There is nothing like gaining Christ. I can promise you, as you began to walk with him, your life will begin to change you don’t carry yourself the same. Imagine the freedom that you will experience when you began to give up your old life those bad habits and those people who you held on to but they didn’t mean you any good.
When I chose to put God first and follow Christ: my life changed. It’s time to commit yourself to Christ and follow him. Allow him to lead you and trust him. It’s time to step out on faith. Some of us have lived our lives making the same mistakes, going through the same disappointments, dealing with failure after failure; Do you want God to do something different in your life? Then stop doing the same old thing. Do you want God to intervene and change your circumstances? Then you must seek him and ask him to help you. As you walk with God he will transform you and give you peace and the freedom like you have never experienced before.
Questions:
- What is stopping you from giving yourself to God?
- What must you leave behind in order to follow Christ?
- What is it that you want God to do in your life?
3/8/2018
#4U Devotional
The Wait By Tantania Grier
- What are some things that you are waiting for God to do in your life?
- What are some things that you’ve notice has changed within yourself during your waiting season?
- This is a question but I would like for you to encourage someone today. I do believe that we are all waiting & expecting & sometimes we get discouraged while we wait so please encourage someone today.
3/6/2018
#4U Devotional
Jesus Sit with Sinners By Sierra Nelson
Matthew 9:11-13: 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’[a] For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”[b
When we look over our life, we realize that Jesus
has been by our side ALL the time. We tend to think that He is far away from us when we sin. Even when we have feelings of guilt and shame of what we have done, He is by or side. I’m glad that Jesus called the sinners. Jesus walks with us on our journey of spiritual growth and awakens our spiritual awareness. It is a process, but don’t give up. If you fall into sin or struggle with a sin, don’t give up on your spiritual journey.
- What sin are you struggling with?
- How do you deal with guilt and/or shame?
3/1/2018
#4U Devotional
Unshaken By Tantania Grier
“I have set the lord continually before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8-9.
Have you ever been through a situation so 
strong & so painful that you didn’t even know how to began to cope or to process the situation? Over the past few weeks I have been in this position where I literally had to cry out to God to save me from myself. I lost two people very close to me in the same week. I attended two funerals the same day. It took so much out of me I called out from work just to mentally prepare myself. I can remember driving to work & crying out to God to help me stay focus & for him to give me peace. Then it happened. I began to pray & I felt the Holy Spirit surrounding me I felt what I believed to be God’s hand on my shoulder. It indicated that everything was going to be okay. We will go through trials & troubles. Jesus told us that we will have them. But he also promised to be with us forever. He never said figure life out on your own. Yet he said trust in me. Lean on me & not our own understanding. Easily we get side tracked. But he’s sees the whole picture. We don’t always know what’s going to happen next & situations may catch us off guard but it never surprises our father. It’s vital that we seek God daily & ask him to protect us & cover us. Pray for those around you as well. So I want to encourage you to, no matter what you go through, seek God through all things because life will happen whether you’re ready for it or not. But we cannot be shaken. This is why it’s so important to seek God daily & ask for his strength to carry you simply because our own strength is not enough. When you learn the ways of God, trust in him & have faith you will find that his love never changes. His wonderful, abiding presence kept me faithful even as the world around me fell apart. By learning his ways, you will have everything that you need to stand firm in your faith at every turn in life. You will realize that whatever comes your way first passes through the loving hands of your savior. And his love, power, strength, and abiding care about will strengthen your would in Times of great distress, regardless of what trials may come.
Pray with me: Father, your are continually before me. Because you sustain me, I shall not be shaken. Thank your for holding me steady, Amen.
Questions:
- What does it mean to have unshakable faith?
- What are some go to scriptures for you when you are experiencing distress?
- This isn’t a question but I would like for you to write a out an unshakable prayer. We’re in a time where so much is happening & it’s important to be grounded in your faith.
2/27/2018
#4U Devotional
You Know Me By Sierra Nelson
Psalms 139:1-6: 1 O lord, thou hast searched me, 
and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
There is no greater feeling than knowing that God love you and know the real you. He know our flaws and EVERY emotion and thought, yet He still has a path and a plan for our lives. We should be thankful that God doesn’t treat us as our sin deserves. Before we sin, He know what we are going to do and still provide each of us with grace and mercy.
Reflection:
- Do you see people how God see them? Do you love God’s people like He loves you?
- How do you see yourself? Be honest and spiritually aware of who you are, Gods love for you, and trust His plan for your life.
2/2/2018
#4U Devotional
Receiving His Love By Tantania Grier
God loves you unconditionally. How do you feel 
when you read those words? Do you believe it or do you say to yourself But God I’ve done this or I’ve done that. One of the easiest things to do is to accept Gods Love. But I do realize that it can be difficult for someone who bears the scars of past rejection, shame and guilt. If this is you, you may find it hard to believe that God loves you unconditionally.
1/30/2018
#4U Devotional
Your Pain Will Become Joy By Sierra Nelson
1/23/2018
#4U Devotional:
Like a little Child By Sierra Nelson
8/20/2017
#4U Devotional Series:
Unchanging Believer- Daniel
Today’s reading is taken from Daniel 1:3-20 which can be found here.
The next installment of the #4U Devotional Series covers Daniel, an Unchanging believer of God despite being in a foreign land and pressured to conform to society. Daniel in his young age stood firm as a believer in God and set an example for his peers and people in place of authority. Like Elijah, Daniel trusted God to see him through adversity and that His power would shine through opposition. No matter what the enemy tries to do to God’s children, God’s favor, covering, and power always defeats the power of Satan and his minions. In the midst of living in a strange land and adversity, Daniel kept the faith and because of it, God continued to shower him and his friends with wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and favor from the kings. This devotional will highlight a known biblical story, but prayerfully, provides new revelation and helps you to understand what it means to live Unchanging for the Lord, which is the second U of our namesake. The definition of Unchanging is, “remaining the same.” Synonyms are: consistent, constant, stable, & rigid. As Christians, we must remain consistent in our faith. We must stay stable in Christ, despite the hardships, storms, and plights of life.
In the beginning of Chapter 1, Daniel is giving us background of when the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king wanted young, noble male Israelites to serve in his household. “Young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank…” (Daniel 1:4-5a NKJV). God will equip you to do His work even when you think the skills won’t benefit you in a new or foreign “land.” God intended on using Daniel, and his friends, to convey His ultimate power & strength to a place of unbelievers. Continue to work, continue to study, continue to grow even in seasons where it looks like you won’t be able to use it. Seasons change, and God is looking to elevate you. You have to trust that wherever He is taking you or whatever He is taking you through is for your good.
In verse 5 we see how the king appointed rationed portions of the his delicacies and wine to the boys. To me, I think of delicacies being things of fleshly indulgence and maybe other things according to the Law the children of Israel shouldn’t have. Although in a foreign land, Daniel stayed true to His belief system and didn’t allow himself to waver because of the status of the king and the fact he was in captivity. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs” (Daniel 1:8-9 NKJV). I love how the NKJV version states that Daniel purposed in his heart, which means he made up in his mind what he was going to do. It was not a passive decision, but an active, faith based decision. The Word states that where our treasure is, that’s where our heart lies. Daniel’s heart was with God, and he wanted to keep himself clean for the indwelling of the Spirit. Daniel put God above indulgence of fleshly desires. How many times can we say we do that? How many times can we say that we lay aside our cravings, wants, desires, and yearning to please people for the sake of being obedient to God? We cannot only lean on God and our faith when it is convenient for us. In the face of opposition we must lean and depend on our faith to keep us strong. We must believe that through the Holy Spirit, God will equip us with the words to say, the boldness to say them, and the empowerment to actively live them out. We have to believe that God will not only obey our sacrifice, but will ultimately honor our obedience to Him. The eunuch was scared of King Nebuchadnezzar, but Daniel feared God. Big difference. “So Daniel said…Please test your servant a for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants” (Daniel 1:11-13 NKJV). Denying ourselves is a key portion of our faith. I’m sure at times, it may have gotten hard for Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego– but they depended on the strength of God and not themselves. This dependence was rewarded! I pray these next few verses bless you like they did me! Verses 15-17 state, “And at the end of the ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who are the portion of the king’s delicacies. Thus the steward took away their portions of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Following the Word is so much more beneficial than following the world. In building your spirit, you will see the results manifest not only spiritually, but mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically as well. Verse 17 tells us that God blessed them supernaturally with gifts only He could provide. God elevated the four boys because of their faithfulness to Him! Their fast equipped them with the strength they needed to excel with the king. It wasn’t the fast itself, but the dependence on God– their Unchanging belief that He would see them through.
Verse 19 states that the king interviewed the chosen boys and none of the other captives compared to the four, so they were chosen to serve the king. Elevation! What are you willing to do to be elevated? Sell out to the world or depend on Christ and God’s favor? What He has for you is for you and that will supercede your ideas of where you think you should be! Verse 20 states that Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego, “in all matters of understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.” The power of God within you overrules the powers of Satan trying to destroy you. We only find true success in Christ because in Him, we live out our purpose no matter if we are in captivity, in a foreign land, or transitioning. Honoring our covenant with God isn’t easy in everyday life, now imagine adverse circumstance? If you are currently going through something that is faith-testing, meditate on Daniel 1. See that God was with Him and the boys every step of the way and will do the same for you. Stand firm, stand unrelenting in your belief in Him and watch Him not only bring you through it but elevate you and allow His favor to shine upon you!
Be sure to send this devotional to someone, share on your social media, and write how you are an #UnchangingBeliever like Daniel! Next week we will be learning what it means to be Unapologetic like Peter!
8/5/2017
#4U Devotional Series:
Unwavering Servant- Elijah
Today’s reading is taken from 1 Kings 18:20-46. To read click here
The first installment of our August #4U Devotional Series covers Elijah, an Unwavering servant of the Lord. It’s interesting to note that Elijah’s name in Hebrew means, “Yahweh is my God” This is important to note because Elijah lives out his name in the face of opposition in today’s devotional. This devotional will highlight a known biblical story, but prayerfully, provides new revelation and helps you to understand what it means to live Unwavering for the Lord, which is the first U of our namesake. The definition of Unwavering is, “steady or resolute” and synonyms are to be steadfast, enduring, unrelenting or firm.
For background, in chapter 17, Elijah proclaimed that there would be a drought. Said drought caused a famine throughout the land. Many Israelites turned from God and believed Baal, a false god, would send the rain they needed. This drought served as a judgment from Yahweh, the one true living God, and also the means of Him ultimately showcasing His power in chapter 18. Despite the current circumstance, Elijah, unlike many of his fellow people, didn’t allow his faith to waver. He remained steadfast in his loyalty to God.
Our devotional picks up at Mount Carmel where Elijah is challenging the prophets of Baal. Verses 21-24 read, “Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets. Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!” And all the people agreed” (NLT). Elijah stood firm in the face of opposition. He still allowed himself to be a mouthpiece for God. He had courage because he already knew he had the victory because Yahweh was on his side. He spoke boldly in the face of opposition, a strength given to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Here is some present-day application: Even if everything and everyone around you is full of doubt, allow your Unwavering faith in God’s power to sustain you. There may be times that you are the only person in the room believing God for a miracle, that faith you have means something. Furthermore, the text highlights Elijah calling the people out for their faith in Baal. As people, we have to decide who and what we’re going to follow. Following and serving Christ despite the obstacles, means rejecting idols and temporary fixes. Matthew 6:24 tells us that we can’t serve 2 masters. Even in the midst of struggle and rejection by your peers and family, you have to know that you are validated, victorious, and welcomed through and by Christ.
In verse 22, Elijah highlights that there were 450 prophets there for Baal and he is the only prophet of the Lord. Popular trends of the world have many followers, but the number of followers doesn’t validate the trend. Don’t think you are inadequate because you lack accolade and numbers. Elijah was fighting alone but made the ultimate lasting impression because of WHO he was fighting for. Prestige doesn’t equal power, purpose equals power. Our purpose comes from above, not following the trends of the world. Those who hop into worldly trends for a sense of validation and comfort are fools. Verses 26-29 state, “So they prepared one of the bulls and placed it on the altar. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning until noontime, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no reply of any kind. Then they danced, hobbling around the altar they had made. About noontime Elijah began mocking them. “You’ll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself.[ Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!” So they shouted louder, and following their normal custom, they cut themselves with knives and swords until the blood gushed out. They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no sound, no reply, no response” (NLT). These prophets are a representation of worldly foolishness. Don’t get sucked into something for the sake of being known, elevated, and successful. Depending on false power will pull you further into sin. Instead of relying on what God had done in the past, the prophets of Baal allowed themselves to be susceptible to even more foolish action to prove a point. Lack of faith opens the portal to false, foolish ideologies and your actions will show it. Lack of trust in God, so then turning to other things, is foolishness personified. Don’t play yourself because God isn’t moving in the way you want or need Him to move. Unwavering faith means, “despite what it looks like, I’m going to follow you, Lord.”
“Then Elijah called to the people, “Come over here!” They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel, and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the Lord. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons” (1 Kings 18:30-32 NLT). Proverbs 1:7 tells us that fools despise wisdom and instruction, but don’t let that stop you from teaching and evangelizing. People tend to talk big, but at the core are yearning for answers. You must still be willing to show people God, even if you are at first rejected. Verses 33-38 shows us that Elijah trusted, believed, and had faith in God so much that he knew although the altar was saturated with water, a fire could still be manifested– something only the one true living God could do. The text reads, “ He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.” After they had done this, he said, “Do the same thing again!” And when they were finished, he said, “Now do it a third time!” So they did as he said, and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench. At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,[e] prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench!” (NLT). Elijah’s words and actions were the demonstrations of his faith. He understood that faith without works was dead. Other people could not rely on Elijah’s faith to believe, he had to give them something tangible on top of it for their own faith to grow– we have to do this as well. We must live out our faith, in our deeds. The water wasn’t more powerful than God. Elijah knew the water wouldn’t stop God. Stop allowing the face of the problem to be bigger than God’s power. Stop allowing the dirt thrown on your name to bury you. Stop allowing the pile up of bills hinder you from giving, stop allowing the lack of personal transportation to stop you from going to church. Elijah allowed his faith to supersede the problem. Like Elijah, let your prayers be a direct correlation between your faith and trust in God. Demonstrate that faith in continued prayer, fasting, studying, and service to God. Show that your trust is wholeheartedly in God. Elijah believed and exercised it at the altar on Mt. Carmel. He allowed his faith and works to display how He was an Unwavering servant for the Lord.
“Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!” (1 Kings 18:38-39 NLT). God honored the sacrifice because of Elijah’s obedience! Elijah obeyed every command God gave from Chapter 17 up until. This obedience included travel, delivering, helping, prophesying, healing, confronting– it included WORK. He didn’t chart his own course or try to go off script. he obeyed God’s commands and because of it, God not only brought the fire to the altar, but He sent the rain (verse 45)! A miracle is tied to your obedience. People experiencing God and proclaiming His power is tied to your obedience. Elijah could’ve given up, he could’ve thrown in the towel– but he didn’t. He persevered. He endured. God could’ve sent the rain whenever, but He needed to see the faith of His servant to do so. Are you waiting on God? Sometimes God is waiting on YOU!
Faith is tied to struggle. They are best friends, but God shows His hand when we pray and believe through faith, despite the troubling circumstance. Faith moves mountains and prayer move the hand of God, which comes out to equaling a miracle.
Be sure to send this devotional to someone, share on your social media, and write how you display #UnwaveringFaith like Elijah! Next week we will be learning what it means to be an Unchanging believer like Daniel!
7/6/2017
Let’s Talk About It: Being in an Intimate Relationship with the Father by Candice Davis
1 John 1:9
Candice Davis is a 25-year- old born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She graduated from Colorado State University-Fort Collins in December 2013. Looking for a place to find her identity and purpose, Candice came to know Christ. She has always been on somewhat of a deep search for him, study different beliefs when she was younger from, Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, and Christianity. Her search for God has been rigorous, until she finally submitted to knowing Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She loves to travel, read, city/urban living, but is a country style ‘gal’ at heart. She also loves food!
5/29/2017
THE HEART OF DAVID
Today’s reading is taken from 1 Samuel 17:26-58. Read it here if you do not have access to a Bible.
“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You have come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with the sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands” I Samuel 17:45-47 NKJV
The story of David & Goliath is one that is often told throughout Sunday School. Many learn this story very young. However, upon growing up, I have found this story to be one of my go-to’s when it comes to having faith and complete trust in God to see us through any battle we may face.
Earlier in the readings, we see that Goliath is taunting David because he decided to only come onto the battlefield with stones and a sling. Goliath had heavy armor on him and was extremely tall. There is no way that David, being so scrawny and young, could defeat a Philistine giant with such ineffective weapons. Right? WRONG! David didn’t just have the stones and sling. David had the power of the Holy Spirit with Him and the boldness to declare it! Defensive weapons mean nothing if we don’t have the covering of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual armor is so much more important to defeat spiritual giants in our life. To learn more about spiritual warfare and armor, please visit Ephesians 6:10-20. God will show you that you don’t need the same stuff other people do in order to do His work. He will blow your mind with what appears as a lack thereof to show you that HE IS THE PROVISION! Our strength comes from Him and not stuff. God will show you that with little, He will bring LOTS. With faith, He will kill your biggest giants!
In Goliath’s taunting, his sole goal is to intimidate David. Our enemies will try to fool and distract us with the illusions that they are more powerful and skilled than we are on the battlefield. All fear is is False Evidence Appearing Real. It’s an illusion because the enemy knows, if you realize and tap into the power within you (the Holy Spirit) then you’ll know that you have the victory already! We have to be like David in our focus verses, verse 45-47, and declare that the power of God has already given us the victory against our biggest giants. We have to utilize His Word and boldly declare His characteristics in the face of opposition. The Spirit will give us the strength, authority, and courage to fight in any battle we may be facing.
Our enemy isn’t just the big-headed giant in front of us. It is also the people we know and love behind us who try to discredit us when we step out on faith in the name of the Lord. Both Eliab, David’s brother and King Saul try to discourage David from his heavenly assignment. In verse 33, Saul says, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he is a man of war from his youth.” David swiftly recounts how he has killed both lions and bears! “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37 NKJV. God will bring to your remembrance what and who He has used to train you for the battles you are currently facing. He will remind you of your credentials through Him. We have to boldly declare the power of the Lord!
In our focus verses, we see that in boldly declaring the victory of the Lord, we will gain all we need to defeat enemy’s current battle tactics. We have to step out on faith with our words. We have to truly believe it in our heart and confess it with our mouth. In the rest of the reading, you see that David did in fact defeat Goliath! “So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David” 1 Samuel 17:50 NKJV. GOLIATH DIDN’T EVEN GET A HIT IN! It wasn’t the stone and sling that helped David kill Goliath, it was the Holy Spirit and David’s faith that God would come through! All the Holy Spirit needs is access! Give Him access to defeat your biggest giants!
One of my favorite portions of this story is verse 52. All throughout the chapter, other Israelites were afraid to come up against Goliath and the Philistine army. However once David killed him and showed just how powerful faith is, the others joined in! “Now the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted, and pursued the Philistines as far as the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded Philistines fell along the road to Shaaraim, even as far as Gath and Ekron” 1 Samuel 17:52 NKJV. Your faith will move mountains in other people’s lives! Your boldness in the name of the Lord will set a fire under them. Your courage, faith, and boldness will give them courage, faith, and boldness when they are going through similar tests, trials, and tribulations. That is why obedience to callings is important. That is why confession and transparency with one another is important. There are people depending on YOU to experience their own freedom and release from strongholds! They will see how the Holy Spirit helped you and will want that same power! If you don’t do what you are called to do– how will they?
This story is so powerful and is so much deeper than David defeating a giant. There are so many lessons that can be taken from it! Apply it to your life and share with others!
Discussion:
- Write down three reasons why you are not stepping out on faith and doing what God has called you to do.
2. What is something new that the Spirit has revealed to you from this devotional in regards to David and Goliath.
3. What are your current tactics in defeating the enemy in spiritual warfare? What are some ways that you can grow your spiritual arsenal and have a better battle plan?
12/17/2016
Faith Through the Storm
Today’s reading is Acts 27. Read it here if you do not have other access to a Bible.
“I belong to God, and I worship Him. Last night He sent an angel to tell me, ‘Paul, don’t be afraid! You will stand trial before the Emperor. And because of you, God will save the lives of everyone on the ship’ Cheer up! I am sure that God will do exactly what He promised.” Acts 27:23-25
This week, #The4UMovement has been studying faith. The definition of faith is complete trust in someone or something. Faith that Jesus Christ is the Messiah is the most integral part of Christianity. Faith that He’s coming back for His bride, Faith that He loves us, Faith that despite what our current situation appears to look like, God is moving on our behalf for our good. Faith is veryyyyyyy important in this walk with Christ.
Throughout our lifetime, we will be faced with many storms of various different magnitudes. James 1:2-3 tells us that we should count it all joy when we are faced with trials of many kinds because we learn to persevere when our Faith is tested. We have to have growing pains. Growing pains are signs that growth is occurring. Furthermore, when your Faith is being tested, it’s a great time to connect with God in prayer and reading of the Word to have solace, peace of mind, and learn what He is trying to teach you in that season.
In Acts 27, Paul is being taken to Rome to go on trial in front of the Emperor. It’s important to note that before the storm, during the storm, and even after the storm, Paul was shown favor by the captain of the ship. “Captain Julius was very kind to Paul. He even let him visit his friends, so they could give him whatever he needed” (Acts 27:3 CEV). One would assume that because Paul is a prisoner, he would be treated in a less than honorable fashion. HOWEVER, when the favor of God is upon your life, His favor will still shine brightly on you regardless of what you are facing. You will have authoritative power in circumstances that you should be the lowest on the totem pole like Paul in this chapter. See, people may have thought they delivered you to the hands of the enemy, but in actuality God has sent you somewhere and in front of certain people in order for His majestic power to shine brightly through you. People who don’t even know Jesus where you are, will come to know Him through you. That’s why we must count it all joy. Every battle….every single one because you have an assignment and your perseverance through it will give hope to someone else.
In verse 13, the boat encounters a deadly storm. Wind, waves, downpour of rain…just imagine being out in the middle of the sea during a Nor’easter. The crew began throwing cargo and gear overboard to lighten the size of the boat. A lighter boat can travel faster than a heavier one. You cannot get through the storms of life any faster than God allows. You cannot make it finish sooner. However, sometimes God has us going through certain storms in our life to let go of unnecessary baggage that we have no business carrying with us to our next destination He is taking us to. We may not have had any business picking it up and carrying it to begin with…In verses 22-25, Paul shares something so amazing. “But now I beg you to cheer up, because you will be safe. Only the ship will be lost. I belong to God, and I worship Him. Last night He sent an angel to tell me, ‘Paul, don’t be afraid! You will stand trial before the Emperor. And because of you, God will save the lives of everyone on this ship.’ Cheer up! I am sure that God will do exactly what He promised” (Acts 27:22-25 CEV). During the most tumultuous waves of the storm, the Lord will send reassurance that you will a make it out alive! Do you have faith like Paul to believe God will do what He promised? He delivered the children of Israel out of slavery, he delivered Daniel from the lion’s den, Peter from prison and He’ll deliver you too!
At the conclusion of the storm ,for 14 days and nights, they were shipwrecked. You will have scrapes, bruises, be a little broken after going through a storm, but God is a Restorer, thee Restorer. In Acts 28, it tells how Paul and the others were on the island of Malta and the locals welcomed them. God will put people in your path that He’ll use to aid in your healing! And you displaying the Light of Jesus will aid in them coming to know Him! Make it to shore! Keep pressing! We aren’t on this journey for ourselves, but instead for the others God has called us to impact!
So whatever current storms of life you are facing, I charge you to keep the faith. If the situation isn’t more magnificent than a Savior being born from a virgin or conquering death– rest assured that it’s already handled.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is a recent situation you have gone through that your faith was a source of comfort? How did you cling to God in that time?
2. Throughout the chapter, Paul was in positions of power and authority despite his title as prisoner, what does this mean to you?
3. Is your current storm keeping you from trusting God? Think and reflect upon a prior trial you’ve gone through and how you were delivered from it. God wants our complete trust. It is my prayer that you surrender to Him today and allow Him to see you through.
12/3/2016
WHITE AS SNOW
Today’s reading: Please read 2 Samuel 11 & 12:1-14,24-25 for background, Psalms 51 is the main text. Click here for the text if you do not own a Bible.
“Wash me with hyssop until I am clean and whiter than snow…create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again. Don’t chase me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me” Psalm 51:7,10-11
We as humans were born into sin. We couldn’t avoid it because of the first man Adam. Thank God for His Son Jesus Christ whose death on the cross has given us a chance to be acceptable in the eyes of God and become new creatures through accepting Him as our Savior. We must walk with power and authority knowing this. However there are times in our life where we fall short because we allow our flesh to lead us instead of our spirit. King David was no exception. In 2 Samuel 11 & 12, the text talks about how David committed adultery and had Bathsheba’s husband killed. Adulterer and murderer. A king with God’s favor bestowed upon him. Because of his sin, God sent Nathan the prophet to tell David that the son he conceived with Bathsheba would die. The LORD forgave David, but David still had to face the consequences of his actions.
This takes us to today’s main text Psalm 51. Here David is praying for forgiveness after Nathan came to him. David begins his prayer with confession of who God is.”You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt. I know about my sins, and I cannot forget my terrible guilt. You are truly the one I sinned against: I have disobeyed you and have done wrong. So it is right and fair for you to correct and punish me ” (Psalm 51:1-4). It’s worth noting that David didn’t ask God to spare his son. He knew God’s will would prevail and that He had a plan. It’s also worth noting that God didn’t take away David’s calling. What the enemy intends to destroy us with, God will utilize to restore us. Although this son died, Bathsheba was then pregnant with Solomon– the wisest man to ever live. When we go to God in prayer with confession and repentance of our sins, he wipes our slate clean. However, we are the ones that hold onto the guilt. We are the ones who continue to condemn ourselves after God has already forgiven us. David was not exempt from this either. It’ll take some time, but through God’s restorative power, we have to learn to forgive ourselves. We can’t forgive others unless we forgive ourselves.
Through the rest of the chapter, David is making requests which will help with his healing. He asks God to teach him true wisdom (more wisdom means less foolishness), renew his spirit through cleansing, purify his mind, to keep him close and don’t take the Holy Spirit away, to restore the joy he had when he was saved among other requests. Transparency with God is what helps us to let go. We make mistakes, but once we turn it over to God we must allow Him to begin to make us over. Yes God knows our heart, but what is He seeing within that heart? Is He seeing true remorse for what you have done? Or does he see you just going through routine and saying the “right” words? The key to overcoming is realizing within our own strength we will fail over and over and over again. We serve a God that no matter the mistake, He will always be there to listen and to pick us up where we have fallen. As I stated before, although David was an adulterer and a murderer, GOD STILL USED HIM! The calling on his life wasn’t stripped away! Somebody needs that. They think that because they’ve messed up time and time again, God can’t use them, doesn’t wanna use them, or they aren’t qualified to be a Christian– the devil is a lie! The beauty in accepting Jesus into our hearts is that we become new creatures! His Spirit begins to live in us and changes us from the inside out. We are no longer who we used to be. That doesn’t mean you’ll be perfect, but it does mean when you mess up, God won’t leave you. We serve such a forgiving, loving Father. Like David, humble yourself in your mistakes and cry out to God to cleanse you and make you white as snow.
Discussion Questions:
- Sexual sin is one of the hardest to overcome and the biggest sin against yourself. How are some ways the Body of Christ can come together to help one another against a “taboo” topic in the church?
2. What stops us from humbling ourselves in prayer when we’ve done wrong?
3. Often times, we know what we are doing is wrong– and yet we do it anyway– why do you think we chase instant gratification for our flesh over the eternal joy of our spirit?
Today’s song: “Make Me Over” by Tonex. Give it a listen!
11/12/2016
God, our Heavenly Father, is waiting for U.S. to come back home to Him with open arms!!!- @unapologeticallyki
We Are the Prodigal’s Son: Response to the Presidential Election
“But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son and hugged and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). Please read Luke 15:11-32.
Unless you have been living under a rock the past week, then you know the United States had our presidential election this past Tuesday. Many have been angry, frustrated, confused, hurt, and consumed with fear because of the election of Donald Trump. Throughout his campaign, Trump openly expressed racist, sexist, xenophobic, and discriminatory views for the LGBTQ community. His election has paved the way for hatred to consume the hearts of his supporters and non-supporters alike. There have been protests and petitions from non-supporters and rallies from supporters. Many who are in minority communities have begun to feel unsafe to leave their homes. Feeling the pain of my country, on Wednesday morning I began to pray…pray for our country, our president-elect, fellow citizens. I was just trying to make sense of it all and find peace and solace with God. “God…what can I do? What do You want me to do? I need answers….” He immediately led me to Luke 15, The Prodigal’s Son. We are the Prodigal’s son.
Upon re-reading this story, I realized that the U.S. parallels this story heavily. HOWEVER, this parable is a prime example Jesus gives us to show His forgiveness and redemption for those who run back to Him. It was amazing to see yet another reminder that dumb, immature mistakes do not make us unfit for God’s forgiveness. An overall summation is that the younger son turned his back on his father and left because he thought he could do life on his own. He made mistakes. But although he left his father, HIS FATHER NEVER LEFT HIM! He was in the same spot just waiting on his son to return home. God is waiting on U.S. to come back home to Him! Here is a verse-by-verse breakdown to illustrate the comparisons between the parable and what we are currently dealing with as a country. It is a great idea to read this devotional with your Bible or Bible App so you can read the verses as well, highlight, and take notes!
2 Chronicles 7:14 “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” <—- A verse to cross-reference from the Old Testament
The U.S. has turned its back on God, however, He is simply waiting on us to turn around and come back. He’ll manifest His presence in a place that He can dwell in– no darkness or evil can reside because light and darkness cannot occupy the same place. He cannot dwell in a place that praises evil, He’s too Holy. Hence why we have to be cleansed before the Holy Spirit can take up residence within us (believing, confessing, baptism).
12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.
The son displayed greed, impatience, and selfishness. Out of love, his father gave him what he wanted. The son showed an immature mindset by just packing up and leaving without thinking it through. He failed to display wisdom and good judgment. He also wasted the money on wild parties, which displays gluttony, immorality, childishness, and foolishness. The U.S.A. displays ALL of these qualities. We are all God’s creation. He blesses us and allows us to acquire things. However a lot of times we take things that we aren’t in position to have, we take for granted, or use loosely. We also put our hands in things not ordained by God.
14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs.
Further displays of irrational behavior! No display of wisdom. The famine = God will do whatever He needs to in order to wake us up! Because the son spent everything he had, he had to humble himself and work for someone he probably previously looked down upon. Pigs were at the bottom of the animal chain and that’s what the son had to work with. James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:6 reminds us that we have to humble ourselves before the Lord! Irrational and rushed actions will put you in positions only humility can take you out of. The brash thinking of the U.S. and superiority complex can put our country in a position where we will have to bow down to ones we have previously looked down upon or treated badly.
17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you,
Finally the son came to his senses! When you reach the bottom you reflect on your behavior and tend to seek forgiveness. HUMILITY!!!
20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him
When the son was coming back the father felt sorry for him and met him halfway. AMEN!!! This is a prime example that we don’t have to have it all together coming back to God. We don’t have to be perfect. He will meet us exactly where we are! He never stopped loving U.S. He never left or changed (just like the father in the story) we were the son– we are the ones who left. So because He never left, we know where to return. Our return is through prayer, confession, and repentance! God will forgive U.S., but we must first turn from our evil, wicked ways as a country. He is waiting with open arms for us to return to Him!
22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast,
The father gave his son the best clothes, a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. This is an amazing display of forgiveness and restoration! Not some kinda restoration, but FULL RESTORATION! Ring= a sign of high position, sandals= to signify he isn’t a slave because they didn’t wear sandals. God’s redemption is what restores us and makes us whole.
24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
The United States is spiritually dead! We need to come back to life by turning back to our life Source. We need to return home! He’s the only one who can restore our country.
30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ 31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”
He’ll celebrate our return no matter what we have done in the past. Individually, isn’t it great to know His blood covers us? He’ll hold no record of our wrongdoing when we confess and repent for our sins!? We can go from spiritually dead —-> alive in the Spirit! The angels rejoice in Heaven when just one person turns to God!
I know this was a lot, but it was imperative to break this all down. Now is the time for the biggest revival this country has ever seen! It’s on us as the millennial generation to heed to the assignment God has given us. “But Kiarra what can I do?!” It’s simple brother and sister. Pray for this country’s delieverance from a sinful lifestyle, arrogance, childish, and foolish mindset! And for its citizens to soften their hearts to have an amazing personal encounter with Christ. You can boldly proclaim His name in your everyday life. Social media, conversations, apparel!!! By you living Unwavering, Unchanging, Unapologetic, and Unashamed for Him you can make a difference! Our goal is for others to ask, “What must I do to be saved?”
Discussion Questions:
- What can you do to positively impact our country?
- What are some Scriptures that help you to feel empowered at this time of darkness?
- Have you personally returned back to our Heavenly Father? If you haven’t what is holding you back?
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11/6/2016
God will meet you exactly where you are. He knows your story and yet STILL CHOOSES YOU!!!! –@unapologeticallyki
I Wanna Be Where You Are
” The woman answered, ‘I don’t have a husband.’ ‘That’s right,’ Jesus replied, ‘you’re telling the truth. You don’t have a husband. You have already been married five times, and the man you are now living with isn’t your husband.'” (John 4:17-18)
The story of the Samaritan woman is one of my favorites for a few reasons. The Samaritans were looked at as second-class citizens by the Jews. Furthermore, the woman in this story was seen as a loose-woman (a hoe in today’s terms) because she was married many times and now living with (and probably sleeping with) a man who wasn’t her husband. Despite appearing as someone unworthy of Jesus’ time and attention, He chose her to display His unfailing grace & mercy.
In John 4:17-18 Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that he already knows about her history. It’s important to note that Jesus was not judging her, but instead about to display one of His greatest qualities. With already knowing what this woman has done, Jesus still held a conversation with her at the well, offered her His gift of living water, and gave her the chance to come to realize that even though she was living in sin, the Messiah will meet us right where we are and will offer us the gift of eternal life with Him in Heaven. She couldn’t keep this encounter to herself! A true encounter with Jesus, you cannot help but to spread the Good News!
Often times, we are our biggest critic. We also are quick to judge others and hold their past against them. However, in Christ we are new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) which means once we accept the Holy Spirit in our hearts, our old sinful nature passes away. There are many lessons to take from the Samaritan woman story. The lesson I’m teaching you today is that this woman had a past, but Jesus Christ saw that this woman was simply filling a void in her heart with men. She thought man could do what only the Son of Man can do. She wanted to be loved, cherished, wanted by someone, noticed, taken care of, and may have thought always having a man beside her would fill the places she felt empty. Just as Jesus said to her only the Water He offers will quench our eternal thirst, accepting Him in our hearts is the only way to fill the voids we are dealing with. No matter your past, Jesus wants to embrace you. No matter what you may have done before, or even doing now, God still wants to bless you. No one is too jacked up for God. Allow His love to penetrate the deepest depths of your heart and soul. Jesus knows our past, and yet still chooses us every day. God will meet you exactly where you are. He knows your story and yet STILL CHOOSES YOU!!!! Isn’t that amazing?! Walk standing tall knowing you serve a God that sees the beauty in the struggle. 💝
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you believe we allow ourselves to be defined by our actions, even when we know God wipes our slate clean?
2. If you had the chance to sit at the well with Jesus, what would you ask Him?
3. What are some ways that you fill the voids in your heart? If these ways are going against the Word of God, do you believe you are seeking these things more than a relationship with Christ? Pray that God blesses you with the strength and desire to seek His face and what you should do in order to grow your relationship with Him.
10/16/2016
The Inquiring Human Mind: Ask, Search, Knock
“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks…[But] your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” (Matthew 7:7-8, 11b)
If there is one thing many of us have in common, it is that we want answers super fast. We definitely don’t practice patience the way we should. Another part of human nature is trying to do everything ourselves. We often want to take our fate in our own hands because we think we know what’s best for us. After all, no one knows you better than you right? WRONG. Our Creator knows us more than we ever will. We are constantly seeking answers from all the wrong sources. In Luke 11, Jesus’ disciples ask Him to teach them how to pray. Prayer is our connection to God. Jesus is our intercessor to the Heavenly Father. He hears every single prayer we send up. Communication is vital to building relationships. Our relationship with God is no different. In order to learn more about Him, we must have regular conversations with Him.
When we ask Him a question, He always answers us. The answer may come in many different forms. Through the small faint voice, the Word, a conversation with someone, or even an article you read online. When we actively seek Him, He will manifest His presence to us. All of our wisdom comes from God. When we seek knowledge from Him, He will teach us what we need to know. When we come knocking at His door, He will always answer. People will come and go, but God is always there. We must each do our part to meet Him. He will always meet us where we are. It is also imperative that we practice patience in receiving the answer. We must discipline ourselves to not have the constant daily distractions of life hinder our clear listening for God’s answer. Even in the most tumultuous times, God is still answering.
I encourage you to not be afraid to ask God questions. Search and study His Word. He wants an intimate relationship with us. Knock on the door of your passions, dreams, and desires. God will always open up the door He has for you. He is in the business of blessing His children.You will never have to force it to open.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some reasons you are afraid to ask God questions? Or ask Him for some of the things you want?
- When was a time you practiced patience and received results that blew your mind?
- In this current season, do you feel like your communication with God is growing or waning? What are some ways that you can improve your prayer life even more?
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