The Daily Devotional Blog

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children” ( Ephesians 5 :1). What another amazing scripture that is, right? Who doesn't want to be like God? I do not mean, to have all the abilities He has. None of us could even come close to handling such a thing. We would fail before we even began. What I'm saying is striving to do the great things He put inside of us. And if He placed them inside of us, then we can walk and talk like Him. When we do that, people will see Him and will change for the better hopefully. Anyway, let's imitate God as much as we can. But before I go, let me say that if and when we fall short (and I do often), we can start all over again to get things right. The Lord is a graceful, patient God who knows how we operate, so He is aware of the things we deal with. Don't give up living for Him. Hear what Sha Sha has to say about imitating the Lord. Sha Sha is my avatar, so her face is based on my face and the voi

Do you know there's nothing wrong with fighting? I'm not talking about physical fighting or having long drawn out vulgar arguments. Did Jesus do any of those things? No. I'm talking about fighting for what the Lord has for your life. I'm talking about not giving in or giving hard simply, because the going gets tough. As I said before, nothing worthwhile will come easy. We're going to have to put in much effort over and over again. Lebron James can't be a winner and where he is without practice and putting in the extra work. He has to do lots of things he doesn't want to do to get where he wants to go. It's no different for you and I. We have to fight too. In fact Jesus was a fighter. He never backed down to anyone, anything, and any place. He had to continually fight the Pharisee, the Sadducees, and the Scribes. They were the ones who came against Jesus at every turn. And although Jesus stood up to them, He was a gentleman at the same time. And Je

I read Charles Stanley's book, Living in His Sufficiency ,  some time ago and he made some great points. One of the questions he asked was, who do you turn to first when you have a crisis or a huge obstacle in front of you? Makes one think, doesn’t it?  Life is definitely going to bring us challenges. God can be our first responder when we call on Him. And He’s there in an instant when we rely on Him. Do you turn to God? Is He first or last? Is He the solid Rock of your life? The Rock that proves all will be ok when we trust in the Him? The Rock eternal. Isaiah 26 :4 says, “trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal .”   That means He's there forever for us whenever we call on Him.   People can help us, but only so much, because their power is limited. God's power, on the otherhand, is all powerful and unlimited. It's mighty and His ways are the best ways. He will never steer us wrong. He directs paths and smooths them out.

Do you know the Lord will give you peace in the midst of a storm? And do you know there’s power when you have peace? With peace of God, you will be better able to make sound decisions. Peace gives you the ability to operate from a stronger position to get things done. There’s power in peace. Remember what God’s word says: "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace" ( Psalm 29:11 ). That means with calm, coolness, and with a collected manner, you will be able to achieve what you set out too achieve. Isn’t that great?

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” ( 2 Corinthians 9 :10). You know what time it is? It’s harvest time. It’s abundant time. It’s getting a 100 fold back time. Yes, it’s your time and I hope you’re taking advantage of it. You’re not reading these words for nothing. God has you on His mind and He knows your thoughts and your prayers. Stay positive, stay inspired, and stay hopeful that things will work out in your favor. Hope is still a good thing. Don’t let current circumstances rattle you or get to you. The Lord still has a plan for the righteous — the ones who love, honor, and obey Him. God hasn’t forgotten you or the plans for your life. He is still ordering your steps and directing your paths. Thus, He will come through for you. Why? Because you sowed plenty and your harvest is finally coming. So, don’t give up or give in. And don’t become weary in doing good

To believe that God is going to bless you to do the extraordinary, takes faith as small as a mustard seed that will burst open as the Lord blesses. That's it -- nothing hard about that. Jesus operates by faith. He said, “for truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” ( Matthew 17 :20). What moves do you want Him to make for you? You have to imagine Him taking you there. You have to envision Him placing you in that new place. You have to know that bigger exists and miracles happen. It's nothing for God to make such moves. It's simple for Him. Nothing is difficult for Him. With faith nothing will be impossible for you to do, in Jesus name. So, believe that you can do it and it will happen. You will begin to say and do things that will surprise you and that will keep happening as the Lord opens up new ways for you. With God there

"Do not fret [worry] because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong" ( Psalm 37 :1). Translation? You're not missing anything not being a part of the "hip" or in crowd. All that matters is that you position yourself around the people with a vision to live for the Lord. They are the ones who will become more in life, because they will be able to possess natural and supernatural power. So, it doesn't matter if things seem boring or ordinary.  There is still much movement behind the scenes. Believe that God is going to do more through your life. You have been serving Him and he is going to honor that. Don't think any of it has been in vain. God honors those who honor Him. So continue to give thanks to the Lord God, with your whole heart, and continue to glorify His name forever" ( Psalm 86 :12). Consequently, as you continue on in serving, praising and worshiping God,  stay with the strong and positive people who are doing t

Isn't it great that there is a man who took the suffering we could face, had He not died on the  cross for us? Isn't it great that we can say, Abba Father to the greatest man who ever walked the earth? The cross that Jesus died on symbolizes so much for us. It symbolizes so many things, namely love and sacrifice. Yes, Jesus died so we wouldn't have to when we sin and fall short. Isn't that absolutely wonderful? The cross that Jesus hung on, was for all of us. He loved us that much. He still does and always will. He is love. I love that and I love Him. He is the real deal and His spirit is alive and will live for eternity. "In Christianity, the cross is the intersection of God’s love and His justice. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ( John 1:29 )" (gotquestions.org). So, be encouraged in the Lord, for His mercy endures forever. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the

Do you have anything formidable facing you? Do you have anything that is coming at you full force and you don't know what to do about it? Are you confronting anything in your life that is the biggest challenge you ever encountered before? Well if any of those answers is a yes, I am coming to tell you that you can and will overcome anything you're facing. You can and will be able to say goodbye to Egypt, which can symbolize any obstacle, problem, or challenge you're facing today that is trying to stop what the Lord has for your life. I know, because I saw the hand of God move in my life many times. And I know the power of the Lord is real. There was one time when I was close to losing my house. I had gotten behind on my mortgage and I had gotten a foreclosure letter in the mail with the date my house was going to be on the chopping block. In going back and forth in conversations and paperwork with the bank, it seemed nothing was working in my favor. I would send in th

When you hold on to faith and trust in God, you're going to make it one way or the other. When you hold on to faith and trust in God you're going to go to spiritual (and natural) places you never thought or imagined. When you hold on to faith and trust in God, your life changes for the better and it's a continuous cycle. God has so many rewards for those who diligently seek Him and who praise and worship Him in honor and truth.  So don't give up. Keep going and continue to move on despite the challenges of life. God has you here for a reason and part of that reason is to reach people through your life. Your faith, love and trust in God is going to take you to new levels, Be sure to hold on to it.  "...those who hope in the Lord   will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, t hey will walk and not be faint ( Isaiah 40 :31).  So continue. God's got you.  

Do you have a vision for your life or do you just go with whatever the flavor of the day is? Do you just flow with whatever comes your way? I ask you this, because we all have a vision. We all have a purpose. And God wants each of us to tap into that purpose. What makes you cry? What touches your heart? Whatever those things are, they may be the reasons you were created. They may be the reasons you will make a difference in somebody's life. You were not made by accident. You were created on purpose for a purpose.  Thus, we all must know why we're here or we're just walking the earth with no real direction. We may think we're going somewhere, but the reality is we're not going where God purposed for us to go.  Proverbs 2 9:18 says that without a vision, the people perish. Live your vision, live on purpose, and live for a purpose. 

Proverbs 19 :23 says, "the fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm." That verse is not talking about being afraid of God. Nor is it saying our life will be perfect. It's saying we should respect God's authority over our lives and have a healthy fear of Him in order that we remain committed and submitted to Him. God is ruler over our lives, for our life is not our own (Jeremiah 10:23).  And when we acknowledge Him as our Lord and Savior, we are better able to withstand life's challenges that will surely come. God will hold us close and He will be with us to give us strength as His love envelopes us. I have seen that happen time and time in my life and in so many others. God is real, people.  A reverence of the Lord and being in His kingdom brings us spiritual (and natural) riches and glory. Remember, God is an unlimited God who never ceases to amaze. He performs miracles and wonders that defy reason.

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" ( Isaiah 43 :19). Do you know God will make a way out of no way? Do you know God is the God of the impossible and the possible? Do you know that God is used to defying what man said could not be done, should not be done, and would not be done? Oh yes. And if He's done it many times before, He will do it many times again. Believe that. If you believe it, you can achieve it. Don't limit yourself by what you may see with your natural eyes. Put on your unlimited faith and trust what God's Word says, which is much. Remember what thus says the Lord, which is, "for nothing will be impossible with God" ( Luke 1 :37)  and "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" ( Philippians 4 :13). Consequently, there is a way, so don't ever throw in the towel no matter how dismal things look. God is still i

Did you know God has alot for you?  Like a double portion? Like double for your trouble? Like blessings for all the mess you've been through? Oh yes, His word is clear. "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" ( Isaiah 61 :7). What fabulous news that is -- that God will give you everything back you've lost, plus a whole lot more, plus double the blessings. That's right, all the hell you've been through, God will give you blessings that far exceed your pain. Then you will be able to tell the world what He did for you and others will believe your testimony of His goodness. Then they will believe God. They will know He is real. Then He will do it for them when they follow the steps. All because of your diligence in standing firm in your faith. Yes yes yes you've earned your wings. Y

Sometimes we have to encourage ourselves in the Lord. Yes, of course God is always there. That’s going to be the case regardless especially when we have a great relationship with Him, but since life happens and it sometimes seems nobody is around, we have to go to God even if it seems He’s not there. God is there. Believe that. So be encouraged.   That’s what David did in 1 Samuel 30 :6 , he encouraged himself in the Lord when all the chips were down. He encouraged himself in the Lord when all turned against him. He encouraged himself  in the Lord  when he needed the strength. And He knew where that strength came from, the Lord, because he knew the Lord was with him. Thus, he knew he could do anything and he knew he could be anything.  

This blog post is a "transcript" of podcast #12 . Listen to podcast or/and read blog post. Have you ever heard the phrase, "you are what you eat?" It means that whatever we put in our bodies, our bodies will tell the truth about us. If we eat junk food and fast food everyday, people are going to start noticing that we are not leading a healthy lifestyle, right? It's not rocket science. Or have you ever heard the phrase, "show me your top 5 friends and I will show you your future?" Both of those phrases say the same thing — that we are what we let into our lives. That can mean, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.   As some of you know, I have been a public school teacher for about 20 years now and most times I can tell who the leaders are among my students. They have effective leadership traits that are clear to me and after you've been teaching for some time, you can get quite accurate with who they are. One of the characteristic

Blue skies Smiling at me Nothing but blue skies Do I see Those are some of the lyrics from Ella Fitzgerald's song, Blue Skies . It's a beautiful happy song about being positive and having an optimistic attitude. It's a song that no matter what, blue skies are here and will continue no matter what's going on. And as can you imagine, I love that song. I love what it stands for, because although things are not perfect, although the storms come, God is a God of blue skies. He is the God -- the only God who proves to us that blue skies are something to keep our faith up about. He is the God of many great things to come. Don't ever think He has forgotten about you, because He hasn't and He will not. Do you believe He still has you in your sights and He knows what your place you're in right now? I'm here to tell you that God still loves and adores you and He will never forget about you. He remains the God of love and those who love Him will reap th

Winning God’s way is still in your sights. Keep that in the forefront of your mind. Your time may be delayed, but it's coming and you will have an even deeper appreciation for it. And that means you will be grounded in humility and humility will get you places that you would not have otherwise been allowed to enter. As Galatians 6 :9 says, 'don't grow weary, your time is coming if you don't give up.' So, you must continue on the path you're on, because it's the path of the Lord. Don't get discouraged. Be smart about where the Lord is sending you. Continue to do business as usual and stay focused. Time is on your side and so is the Lord. You're winning, baby. Hear what Sha Sha has to say about winning with the Lord. Sha Sha is my avatar, so her face is based on my face and the voice you hear is actually me speaking through her.

I just want to encourage you to continue on and to keep the plans God has for your life, front and centered. Continue to look up towards heaven no matter what you're going through. If you're not going through anything, then ensure your gaze is still on the Lord. No matter where we are in life we have to keep God as the center of our lives and not get too busy for the Father. We must remember what He did for us and the blood He shed for each of us. Looking up ensures that we are looking towards the light, because Jesus is the Light and He sits on high. No need to look low, because you won't see Him there. So look up, look high, and be fixed on the Lord.  "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” ( John 8 :12). Those words remain true for anybody.

No matter what’s going on in your life, stay true to the Lord. Look towards Him, because He is the light of the world (John 8:12).  Keep your faith up and don't lessen it for anybody, any thing, or any place. It's never worth it. It starts with confidence and faith that things will work in your favor, not fear that things will not work. Fear doesn’t come from God.  2 Timothy 1 :7 says God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. So let those words be a reminder to you that no weapon formed against you shall ever prosper. It will fall to the ground and wither before it ever comes near you. God is over your life and He will protect those who diligently seek Him. Love Him and continue to keep your faith up.  

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” ( Psalm 34 :1). That's not at all hard to do if you ask me. Why wouldn't I not bless, praise, thank, serve...the one and true God who has blessed me so much? Anything less than that would be nonsensical. God has been there when no one was. He is and always will be, the beginning and the end -- the alpha and omega, the first and the last. He is the God of perfection and love to the fullest. So bless the Lord everyone.  "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! (Psalm 34:3). Hear what Sha Sha has to say about blessing the Lord God. Sha Sha is my avatar, so her face is based on my face and the voice you hear is actually me speaking through her.

“In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly” ( Psalm 5 :3). Yes, God hears our prayers . Not only in the morning, but anytime. Remember that. We need t o know that God is there for us always. The time of day really doesn’t matter, because He's there in the midnight hour, in the noon day, and in the morning. That's right, His spirit still hovers over the earth, so keep that in mind whenever you want to "supper" with Him. Let’s focus on the morning though, because that’s a time when many of us are starting our day and it’s an opportune time to spend with the Lord. It doesn’t have to be for hours. Whatever your personality and relationship is with the Lord will determine how long and what that looks like. Just know you don’t have to do what another person is doing. Whatever works for you and God, go with it, because He hears your voice anytime you call on Him. 

This blog post is a "transcript" of podcast #11. Listen to podcast or/and read blog post. Have you ever looked at someone, maybe an athlete or anyone you know and you just knew they were going to be successful? You knew they were going to make it, because you saw that look of determination on their face. I have a friend who has a friend in the NFL (National Football League). She went to college with him and she would often tell me how early he would get up to work out, 7 days a week. She said he would run, lift weights, and anything else most of us probably wouldn't come close to even thinking about doing. He would eat the right foods throughout each day, he went to bed early, and never went out to drink with the football players during the weekends. He had a made up mind and now he's playing in the NFL and the last time I looked him up, his net worth was 20 million dollars. Winning . I don't know about you, but that's inspirational to me. I get inspi

Did you know God is an unlimited God? And He has a purpose for each one of us to do while we're still here. His plan for us is eternal, which means it will never end. He is the omnipotent God and  "for with God nothing shall be impossible" ( Luke 1 :37).  God chooses each one of us to complete different projects. He has an assignment and a mission on everyone's lives. That's why we have to stay in our lane and know that what God has for us is most definitely for us. Don't box God in, because when you box Him in you box yourself in. Know that you can do absolutely anything that lives in your heart. God will make that so if you believe it. You have to believe and trust that He's going to do it. Then put some action behind that belief as you remember faith without works is dead ( James 2 :17).  My point? Trust the Lord with all your heart, work smart and thus, hard and repeat. You have much that God has for you, so walk in that power He has given you to b

Yes, that's right, we're superstars in God's sight. That means we can do the impossible, because God tells us to.  "Jesus looked at them [disciples] and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" ( Matthew 19 :26). So, superstars can do the mighty. Do you realize that? Do you realize God can manifest the things in your life that some people don't think can be done? Believe what He has for you and walk in it. God says you can do all things through Him. All things. So there's no need to be rattled and there's no need to go into anything worried about what's going or not going to happen. Trust the Lord and lean on Him. He will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. Walk in your stardom. Hear what Sha Sha has to say about God's superstars. Sha Sha is my avatar, so her face is based on my face and the voice you hear is actually me speaking through her.