The Daily Devotional Blog

This is what I know about God: He will do what we can't. What I mean is this: when and if we do our part, God will fill in the gaps.   Just picture a glass full of rocks or pebbles. Can you ever completely fill that glass up without leaving many empty spaces? Of course not, it's impossible to do that. But God will fill that glass up with that missing liquid and now all is complete -- empty spaces and gaps filled. Now, this is the million dollar question: what did it take for God to move on our behalf? Yep you guessed it. Faith --  the substance (form) of things hoped for, the evidence (proof) of things not seen  ( Hebrews 11:1 ).  Without faith (strong belief and trust), why would God do it if we really didn't think He could? Hear what Sha Sha has to say about faith. Sha Sha is my avatar, so her face is based on my face and the voice you hear is actually me speaking through her.

"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him" ( Proverbs 30 :5).  Do you believe that? Do you believe that God's word is true and never comes back void or empty? God is real and His word is sharper than any two edged sword ( Hebrews 4 :12). It has mighty power and to know it is to know the secrets that unlock greatness and high esteem. And "nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13). So we can trust God and His holy word. It's awesome to be able to believe in something and someone who will always be there for us. I wish that for everyone, but it won't happen, because some people just won't see Him and believe in Him, much less His word. That saddens me a little, but the show must go on. I know for myself and I'm here to tell the ones who will listen that God's word is a perfect word and t

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ( John 8 :12). Isn't it great to see The Light ? Isn't it great to be in the midst of the The Light of the World ? Isn't it great to be able to know you walk with Jesus? I don't know if people realize just how blessed they are and with whom they are walking. You're not alone when you're going through challenges, because when God lives in you, you walk with authority. It's a wonderful thing to know we walk with power -- literally . That's how it is when the Lord is with us. He walks with us, talks with us, and suppers with us. He's the Father of truth and justice forever and ever, amen. Are you walking with Him? If so, congratulations, you are so far ahead of the game. If not, this blog post is a special prompting for you to come into The Light -- Jesus. He is ready and willing to cha

This blog post is a "transcript" of podcast #5. Listen to podcast or/and read blog post. Do you know where you're going or are you walking in any direction the wind blows? Do you think on the things of God or are you living a life of hit or miss? Is your future important to you or do you just accept what happens that you deem beyond your control? If any of those questions are a yes, then Houston we've got a problem. Listen, as I said before in prior podcasts, there's no need to look back and there's no need to be all turned up one side and down the other because of our current situation. We are where we are and that's it, yet here's the thing: we have to look forward to keep our eyes gazed there. Too many of us live in regret and that's not a good place to live. We have to live for the future and plan accordingly. For a long time I lived in the past and I lived in regret, so now I'm here to tell you what no one told me at that time

We need to continue to tell ourselves that it doesn't matter what comes our way, we will prevail, because we know the promises the Lord God has made over my life. Don't concern yourself with nonsense, negativity, lies, deceit, vindictiveness, turmoil or any other synonym you wish to add. When we take even 1 minute to stay around those things nothing good comes out of it. Do you know certain people have a spirit of drama, pessimism, and opposition in them? It's true. So unless there's repentance (asking for forgiveness from God) and it breaks off of them, such a spirit will rub off on us if we closely linked to such spirits. I have been a teacher for about 20 years now and I know when certain students hang out with certain students. I can see similar spirits in them. I am hardly ever surprised when I find out who are friends with who. It's not different with adults. Birds of many features will flock around the same birds of many features. How will we prevail if we

Every breath you take Every move you make Every bond you break Every step you take I'll be watching [over] you That was an 80's song by an artist named Sting and although he may have been referring to somebody else, sometimes those lyrics resonate with me. I know God is watching my every move and I know He's with me when I do things right and when I do things wrong. That gives me peace and solace especially when some of my days are challenging. I know He will never leave me or forsake me. I know His word is true and will never come back void. Therefore I know all things will work for His good. His grace, favor, and mercy are applicable to you too. So even though all isn't well all the time, we have to stay with it and with Him. We have to hang in there and not let anything take us away from God, because He will be there all the time. That's a fact I know for sure. " The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life.  T

I was listening to an audio book by John Maxwell called Talent is Never Enough. Maxwell talked about different people with talent -- who had amazing abilities and how they excelled in their given talent. He said their success took more than talent though, because more was necessary and although talent was ok in the beginning to get one noticed, it wasn't enough to carry anybody to success. He said what attributed to a person not achieving abundant goals was because they wanted to rest on their talent and that's how they got left behind. In other words they got the big-head and instead of thinking they needed to work even harder (although they had extraordinary talent), they relied purely on that talent and it wasn't enough to sustain them. I think most of us know the story of the awesome talents of Samson ( Judges 16 ) and how he succumb to his mishaps, because he had gotten too much into himself and forgot about God. I don't know about you, but I don't want t

No matter what happens in the world, we must stay focused on what it is we are doing for Christ. We can't be moved or swayed by anything that tries to get us off course. Focus is paramount, especially when it comes to our anointing (our gifts from God). What is your gift? What would you do if money were no object? What drives you? What moves you? What do you enjoy doing? What is that awesome gift God has given you to impact the world? That's it. Use it. That's one of primary reasons you were born. Use your gift(s) and don't people, places, or things stifle in you to the point where you don't use it/them. Whatever that thing is that Christ has birthed in you, you must use it, because He gave it to you to move people to action of some sort. It can be any gift (too numerous to name) and any positive action. Just remember, God will only have us use our gifts for good things that will help others, not hurt them. He is a good God who brings light. "Again Jesus s

When life is coming at you fast, when it seems there are more tough days, you will still rise you will still shine like a diamond, baby. Isaiah 61 :7 "Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land and everlasting joy will be yours." Don't let what happened or didn't happen stop your flow. Don't let the devil win. He has wreaked enough havoc in the lives of God's people and he shall harm no more. If each day is tough to get out of the bed, speak to God in your bed, speak live to Him, and ask Him to guide you. I'm a witness that He will give you the strength you need when you ask. He wants you to shine. He wants to you have that glow of God on you. Remember in Exodus 34: 29-35 when Moses came down from Mount Sinai? He had the glow and radiance of the Lord on him. When you have that glow, you are on a mission to do God's

Proverbs 27 :17 says, " iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another ." What that means is that the people who are around us are the people who make us better and vice versa. Or at least it should be that way. It's wonderful to have quality people around us who make us better and we make them better, isn't it? For those of you who have people around you like that, good for you, keep them around. And if you don't have a support system right now, don't despair, continue to pray and God will place the right people around you. There was a time when I felt all alone, because I didn't have any friends I felt I could trust, but as time went on and as I opened myself up to people, quality people came into my life. I prayed, I took more chances, and it happened. It will happen for you too and there's no need to settle for less than you think you deserve. God will bring the quality people who will add to your life and you will add to theirs, as well.

Monday's blog post is a "transcript" of my podcast, which is published each Monday. You can read blog and listen to podcast. Both has the same information.  Questions for you: Who do you rely on when times get tough? Do you rely on yourself or God? Do you head for the phone or do you head for the throne? The answer, which is the most important to you, makes the difference between success and failure. I remember a time in my life when I put my faith in a man I had a relationship with. He was the man I thought I would marry. He was the man of my dreams so I thought. I put alot of time and effort in that relationship to the expense of God. Yep, that man was my god, my idol, my stupidity, and my ignorance. It was a big mistake and a huge lesson for me for putting my faith in people, places, or things over God. At any rate, it was something that was a defining moment in my life and now I'm stronger, smarter, and faster, because of that setback. And now I have a n

Yes, that's right, I'm still PUSHing or still "Praying Until Something Happens." We have to PUSH no matter what we're going through and we can never stop. We have to continue talking to God. We have continue hearing His voice of direction. And we have to continue seeking His face in all we do. He is the voice of reason and wisdom. All of that involves having an awesome prayer life, which means on-going communication with God. And when we do that, it's so much easier to follow His lead and His promptings. He is never wrong about anything.  "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" ( 1 Thessalonians 5 :16-18). Keep on PUSHing. Hear what Sha Sha has to say about PUSHing. Sha Sha is my avatar, so her face is based on my face and the voice you hear is actually me speaking through her.

Click to watch the blog post in images, and/or read blog post for better retention. 2 Timothy 1 :8 says, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord.  I wrote a blog post in August 21, 2014 about why it was important to share our testimony, our journey, our story about how God saved us from a sinful life of emptiness. And how we must tell others that when we have a life of Christ, we are full. It doesn't matter the challenges, setbacks, or heartaches we are experiencing or we've experienced, having the Lord in our lives adds comfort, healing, solace, power, love, peace, and whatever else we need at any given time. Jesus is there whenever we call on Him. It doesn't matter the time of the day, He is always awake.  The following is just one story regarding a powerful testimony of God's goodness: Many people believed in Jesus because of one woman’s testimony. She was the Samaritan woman who spoke to Jesus at the well. She was what many would consider

Click to watch the blog post in images, and/or read blog post for better retention. I'm still recycling some of my blog posts from years past. In December of 2014 I wrote about Esther and the following are some of my take-aways regarding some of the things I liked most about her: Esther is one of my favorite women in the bible. I like her for many reasons. Namely, that she was focused and goal oriented. For instance: 1. She prepared. She did the hard work and got herself in order before she went to meet the king, her future husband. She had no idea if he would choose her. She just did what she had to do in order to go to the next level. And she accomplished what she had come to do, marry the king. 2. She listened. There's nothing like having someone in your corner with wisdom and who wants great things for you. Esther had two of those people. She had Mordecai, her cousin and Hegai, the king's eunuch (guard over the women/palace official). When Mord

Are we doing all we can when it comes to storing things up, just in case? The "in case" is a scenario that can hit us hard if we're not ready. I know that all too well and I am currently in the storing and reaping phase in my life concerning some areas. In fact, are we ever out of that season? Sometime ago I wrote a blog post about the diligent ant . This is some of what I wrote concerning storing and reaping: Just about everyone knows the story of the ant. The hardworking insects who put all their effort together to build and are then able to take pride and comfort in the fruits of their labor. The smart little critters who put the lazy to shame by using their industrious, hard-working acumen to make things happen. We have to give those ants credit where credit is due. The ant pretty much epitomizes Proverbs 10 :4/5 , because they gather in the summer and they are able to sleep well in the winter. What a tidy little case-study in using one's intellect and wisd

Click to watch the blog post in images, and/or read blog post for better retention. Back in 2014 I wrote a blog post about hearing from God . The following is some of the original content, with some of my updates. Romans 8 :28 says, "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Wow, called for His purpose -- I often wonder sometimes how many times I've missed God during certain times of my life when I know good and well I was called and chosen to do His will. As I reflect on the times He has spoken in the ways I clearly missed, I think wow that could have been an opportunity. But the danger in that thinking is that I can get bogged down with living in regret and disappointment. I refuse to reflect with regret and despair. I rather reflect and think of those times as learning milestones, a test for my testimony, and to help me (and others) go to the next level. Yes, it's

When God says go, you have to go. Where is He taking you? Wherever it is, it is safe for you to go; it is safe for you to do it; it is safe for you to do something different. He will never put you in harms way and He will be with you always, just as He was with Joshua when Moses and Joshua had a change of command. The Lord told Joshua He was sending him to a new place and Joshua had no need to worry. God would be with him. God said: "it is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed" ( Deuteronomy 31 :8). He is telling you the same thing. He is sending you to a new place where you will do something unique that hasn't been done before, because you haven't done it. So when He says go, go. You will be alright. Hear what Sha Sha has to say about going to new places. Sha Sha is my avatar, so her face is based on my face and the voice you hear is actually me speaking through her.  

This is what the Lord is saying to you today: "I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment" ( Exodus 6 :6).   I googled the word "redeem" and this is what came up: "1. compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something); 2. gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment." So you see, God will redeem you. He will get you from bondage that has been holding you back. What it is? What's been that yoke or hold against you? Whatever it is, just as God told Moses to tell the Israelites that He was going to ease their burdens, He's telling you the same thing. The Israelites didn't believe it, so God had to prove it. I'm coming to tell you to believe it. And I'm coming to tell you that God will give you your name back, your possessions back, and He will de

How are you feeling? How are things going for you?   Are you at a peaceful place? Do you feel strong and peaceful, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally? At a minimum that's what the people who want to live a whole/complete/fulfilling life are striving for and we can never give up what the Lord has for us. He has abundant living and none of us should accept anything less than that. " The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace" ( Psalm 29 :11). God gives us what we need to fully function in the world (and spiritually). Although things don't always go as we plan, striving to get to where He wants us to go, should be the goal. I wish I could say the journey was easy, but it's not. Getting to where God wants to take us, requires lots of work. And even though we will never see all He has for us while we're on this earth, we have to strive for greatness nevertheless. Seeking God and establishing a firm foundation i

Click to watch the blog post in images, and/or read blog post for better retention. 1 Corinthians 1 :28 says, "God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing, things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God." That means don't think for a minute that God can't and won't use you, because of your past or your present. None of what you did or didn't do matters to God. In fact, that's the very reason why He can use you. Do you love Him? Has He intervened in your life? If so, guess what? People can be inspired by your story. I know, because I have a past where I didn't do everything right. And I have experienced being gutter-low and didn't know how I was going to get out of it. I know sadness and I know sorrow. And I know how it feels to be counted out, but God had other plans. That's why this blog is so important. I want to encourage you to believe in yourself, becau

"If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?" ( Psalm 130 :3). What if God kept a record on our misbehavior? What if He kept tabs on us when we said or did something wrong? Oh boy, we would be in a world of trouble wouldn't we? Thank God for His grace and mercy. Thank God for His forgiveness of the things that come out of the mouths of His children and the stupid things we still do -- at least I will speak for myself and say, yes I still get it wrong sometimes. Yet, God doesn't hold any of it against me or against you. He's that forgiving, that awesome, that mighty in grace and mercy. Why wouldn't we thank Him every chance we got, which is often? I think you would agree that it's so gratifying for the love His showers us with -- His abundance of grace that He covers us with when none of us deserves it. "But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you" (Psalm 130:4). Hear what Sha Sha has

God is with us in the good times and the not so good times. And His grace is abundant when we draw near to Him. Are you running towards God? I certainly hope so. Don't let the enemy win. Don't let the enemy get what you should be giving to God. If you are up, continue to give your rejoicing to Him. If you are down, drown your sorrows in the Lord and He will comfort you. Run to Him, because He is the one and only who can fill in any gaps. He is the one who will complete you. Why would anyone run away from the very person who can help them the most? Run towards the Lord God and He will envelope you in His loving arms. He does it for all who earnestly come to Him. He will cover you continuously with His grace and His mercy. Count Him first and look always towards the majestic King of kings.  "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" ( Hebrews 4 :16). It doesn't matter the n

Do you know there's a book that will give you all you will ever need and when you carry it you will have power? Oh yes, it's true.   It's called the bible and "this book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success" ( Joshua 1 :8). That's what the Lord told Joshua after Moses died. God wanted Joshua (the new leader of the Israelites) to know that what Joshua was about to take on was a mighty feat and God would be with him all the days of his life. Let's focus on what He told Joshua regarding carrying God's word in him. He told Joshua that success was imminent wherever he went. As we know, the bible is the wisest book in the history of the world, so it was apparent Joshua was carrying around power and authority. And it was also apparent that Joshua would win agai

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives/ captures souls ( Proverbs 11 :30). Regarding that scripture, I have some questions for you: Are you considered one of the righteous and are you "saving" any lives in Jesus name? Those are great guiding questions for anyone who lives for God, would you agree? If we can answer in the affirmative that means you are indeed bearing good fruit based on the assignment the Lord God has on you. Here's another question: Are you using your gifts and talents to advance His kingdom? You may be asking yourself how you can do that? Well, you have many things about you that are really awesome and there are some people -- lots of people -- who can greatly benefit from your presence and what comes with being who you are. Don't let anybody, any place, or anything convince you that you don't matter, because you matter big time to God. He still desires for you to move the needle in reaching the many

You can do it. You can cross over those dirty, depressing waters, because God is with you. Isaiah 43 :2 says, “fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you..." That's what God told the people of Israel and He's telling us the same thing. Do you know God is with you? Do you know He will never leave you or forsake you? Do you know you can make it through that river, valley, ocean, sea, whatever body of water that may be trying to overwhelm you? Nothing and I mean nothing, is too big for the Lord. Do you hear me? So you must continue on. It doesn't matter how difficult things seem. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy is most definitely coming ( Psalm 30 :5). I'm telling you. I remember when I was in so much pain physically, I didn't know how I was going to get through. I had to pass a fitness test and I had not practi