While driving to get coffee one morning last week, I noticed the clouds in the sky. They were beautifully orchestrated and expanded across my view, through my front car window. I do not recall ever seeing the clouds like this, so I had to take a picture (see below).

I imagined seeing Jesus, on the clouds and appearing before us all.

I then had a thought: “If Jesus appeared…

• Would I feel as if I’ve done my BEST to let His light shine through me?
• Have I been an example of who and what Jesus represents?
• Have I done all to compel souls to repent and follow the principals of God?
• Have I spoken words of love to those who felt no love?
• Have I done all that I can do to change the negatve image the enemy has planted in the minds of many – that God does not care about them and Jesus isn’t real?
• Have I been ashamed to publicly confess Jesus ANY and EVERY where?
• Have I loved unconditionally, forgiven sincerely, and denied my own agendas for His?”

Our efforts are not for nought. Attending church services, reading the word of God and applying biblical principles are not just pastimes or hobbies. We do these things to have a spiritual interaction with our Father, whom we will see face to face some day. At the rate we are going, I do not doubt that this day will come soon. How soon? No one knows, but God has provided us with specific details that will allow us to know that this world as we know it, will be changing. His delay is intentional; it is for those of us who say we have sacrificed our lives, to find our brothers and sisters who ran away from home.

Think about a child who runs away from home. Often times it is because they rebel against the principles established by the parents. While the parent may be frustrated, they are allthe while praying for the safe return of their child and a rekindled relationship. It does not matter what they have done. They are lost in a cruel world. They believe that they are in control, but they are not. They have days of loneliness, depression and no peace. They really want to return but they want someone to find them. They are unhappy, but are pretending to enjoy life. That’s the mindset of a runaway.

Your brothers and sisters who have strayed away from the Lord are just like this. They are runaways. The enemy has made them to believe that God, our Father, does not want His children to enjoy life; He’s too strict. There is always a list of “do nots” but what about the “do’s?” They are too embarrassed to return home and that’s where they need us to find them, hug them, tell them there is nothing that they have done where our Father will not forgive them and welcome them back home. 

In fact, our dad has been waiting on their return.

“Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Let us go get our family. We know who the enemy is. Don’t leave them out there to be killed. Our Father is soon to return and when He does, let Him find us all here, dwelling in love, on one accord, waiting to be with Him forever.

Harvesting means there is work. We must work. It may not be easy but remember your path to return home and your fight to stay home. Use that to help bring your brother and sister home. They need us.

It’s almost that time. Another new year is quickly approaching. We are in the last quarter of 2017. I’m unsure how you feel, but for me, this year has brought some unexpected twists and turns; things I would have never imagined.

What are you waiting to change and begin again in 2018? What will you change by the end of 2017?

• Will you carry over the same habits and the same resolutions that were made in January of this year?
• Do you still carry the proclamation of “this being your year?”
• Is your 2017 still going to be greater than your 2016?
• Are you just as enthusiastic about change now as you were back in January?
• Are you still seeking to lose the weight you aggressively planned to lose by this time earlier this year?
• Are you still holding on to grudges and unforgiveness?

The good news is that it doesn’t matter how we began or even where we are now. What matters is how we finish.

Everyone can start strong, and most times we do; but not everyone finishes strong. Why is that? Starting is fun; it’s new. Starting brings fresh ideas and more imagination and something to looking forward to. Starting is exciting and emotional, but have you noticed that it doesn’t take much time for the initial adrenaline rush to wear off?

It’s time to get back into your “New Year’s” state of mind. Anything God starts, He completes.

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NKJV‬

The Holy Spirit is determined to complete the purpose He has for us, through us, but we must allow the work to be performed.

1. Jesus is not just the Author but also the Finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
2. Jesus is not just Alpa, but also Omega. (Revelations 1:8)
3. Jesus is not just the beginning, but also the ending. (Revelations 1:8)

Since we are made in the image of God, we should have that same quality of finishing, but we must focus now.

1. Revisit and think of the goals you had written earlier in the year and make them approachable.
2. Prioritize and set target dates for completion, so you can visibly see progress.
3. Create a vision board to remind you of your goals.
4. Speak it. The words we speak can change the course of our future in an instant.
5. Believe it. Belief is what pushes us and gives us hope to press on.
6. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you so that your goals align with His will and purpose.

Think it. Write it. Speak it. Believe it! Your new year can start now!

Here’s to a happy New Year and a happy new YOU!

Who is counting on you? In other words, who is depending on you to be the best you?

Do you have children that rely upon you? I can’t specifically say young children because as our children grow into adulthood, they need us all the more to direct them with navigating through life.

Do you have aged parents who rely upon you to take care of them? Maybe you are providing home cooked meals, ensuring they take their meds, cleaning their home, attending, and taking them to doctor visits as required or providing financial assistance.

Do you work for a business that is dependent upon you to put together a presentation to obtain a new client? Maybe you are a liaison between the business and technical departments of the company and the technology department is counting on you to express to the business department, the importance of migrating to a new system.

How about this: Do you have a brother or sister in the Lord who relies upon you to give them an encouraging word for their situation? Maybe they are beginning a new life in Christ and are uncertain of how to reach Him. Maybe he/she does not know how to study the bible. Maybe researching and studying habits were not their strengths in high school- so certainly knowing how to study a book with small print, footnotes, superscripts, red writing, references on the sides of the pages, and words like “thee”, “selah”, “abba”, “ye” – and words that end with “th” (cometh, abideth, keepeth, etc.) would provide some challenges.

The point is that we all have dependencies. Your vehicle depends on you to gas it up, so it can go. The grocer depends on its customers to purchase items to remain in business.

Your biggest dependency is yourself. Your present self is depending on you not to revert to the habits of your previous “self,” so that you can be the best representation of your future self, through Jesus Christ.

We have many things and people pulling on us. But who are you depending on? Do you count on Jesus?

Whether you realize it or not, when you pray, you show your dependency on God and your need for him. What are we counting on Him for?

• Salvation
• Peace
• Strength
• Healing
• Comfort
• Wisdom
• Life
• Protection
• Love
• Answers to our prayers

Our next breath comes from Jesus, our next meal, the movement of our joints to cause me to create this devotion- is all dependent upon God.

We are nothing without Christ and we cannot do anything without Him. Honey, we couldn’t save ourselves. We would have killed ourselves had the Lord not impressed upon our hearts to follow Him and learn of Him, when we were weary, broken-hearted and carried many burdens from our own actions. We were dead in sin, when Christ died for us. Jesus is our ticket into Heaven. Because of Jesus, we can go home to be with our Father, God. Because of Jesus, we can pray to God. After His ascension, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. The Spirit makes intercession for us- on our behalf. He advocates for us. So then we cannot even get an answered prayer- without Jesus.

Our future person depends on our present person, to be dependent upon Jesus, our Savior.

Can The Lord depend on you? Whether you realize it or not, He IS depending on you!

• To be a living sacrifice
• To do right
• To continue to abide in Him
• To believe Him
• To refuse to worry
• To compel others to follow after the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The last is critical. The Lord requires a living sacrifice to compel others. Just as the enemy compels people to do wrong, the Lord also compels us to do what is right. In essence, dependence means that we surrender our will to the will of our Father.

Do yourself a favor: Right was has been wronged, now. Your future you is counting on you to count on Jesus: without Jesus, we cannot do anything!

The National Weather Service reported well in advance the appearance of a major weather disturbance that could impact Houston, the south/southeastern portion of Texas, and nearby cities near the Gulf of Mexico.

As the time drew near, the tropical storm and its intensity grew and became classified as Hurricane Harvey. The categories that define the intensity of hurricanes increased. These categories describe the intensity of the wind and the amount of rain predicted to fall. It was so alarming. I could only compare the number of inches to the height of a child as I explained to my children the height, depth, and impact of this storm.

Residents were requested not to evacuate. Why? Why would the Mayor of Houston suggest residents to not evacuate, given all the information the NWS (National Weather Service) had provided? Apparently, when a previous hurricane named Rita hit the area a few years ago, more people died as a result of the evacuation and the storm was not as bad as predicted. However, Hurricane Harvey was not the same.

Harvey was the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in more than 50 years when it made landfall, dumping over 50 inches of water.

Economic status no longer mattered; ethnicity no longer mattered. Where you lived, what you drove, or how much money you had in any account or investment did not matter.

Every life mattered.

People were helping people survive! Organizers from near and far were (and still are) pouring out support in any way possible, to let the residents of Texas and Louisiana know that everyone cares. News reporters were and are sharing videos and stories of people risking their lives to save others from cars that appeared as if the driver intentionally drove into a raging river.

What about your life? How many more warnings will the Lord have to send to you to show you that “doing you” and giving in to your fleshly desires will produce an uncontrollable storm in your life that will you leave you devastated, lost, hurt and abandoned?

“When an unclean spirit leaves a person, it wanders through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it doesn’t find any. Then it says, ‘I’ll go back to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the place vacant, cleaned up, and decorated. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself. They go in and make their home there. That person is worse off at the end than at the beginning. This is the way it will be also for this evil generation.” Matthew‬ ‭12:43-45‬ ‭CEB‬‬

It may begin with a lie. The lie brings on anger and malice. Those then turn into drinking, slandering, pornography- just a downward spiral. People want to be separated from the consequences of sin, but not the pleasures of it. Truth be told, they cannot be separated. 

Take heed to the warnings of sin. Social media paints an image of fun and life with no limits, but there are consequences that stem from your actions. Sin leads to an eternal death; but you have the opportunity to choose life.

Please! Take heed to the warnings. No matter how you view it, we belong to someone. Your life does not belong to you. If you fulfill the lust of your flesh, you are of your Father the devil (St. John 8:44). Commit your ways to the Lord, and you are a child of the Most High.

The enemy desires to destroy you.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5:8-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Today it’s Houston; tomorrow, it might be you- engulfed by the hurricane of sin.

“No one who is tested should say, “God is tempting me!” This is because God is not tempted by any form of evil, nor does he tempt anyone. Everyone is tempted by their own cravings; they are lured away and enticed by them. Once those cravings conceive, they give birth to sin; and when sin grows up, it gives birth to death.” ‭James‬ ‭1:13-15‬ ‭CEB‬‬

• Try having a conversation on a phone without phone service. 
• Try starting a vehicle without an engine. 
• Try using a microwave without electricity.
• You can try, but they won’t function as promised. It is impossible!

Try living life without a true relationship with Jesus, and you experience no peace. You may say: “That is not true. When I was doing this or was (is) with that person…or when I see these celebrities with thus  and so, they have peace.” The presence of things give an illusion of peace. Our physical eye gravitate towards the environment we live in. Right now, our environment is primarily a worldly perspective. We are in this world, but not of it. The peace the world depicts is counterfeit peace. 
Just as it is impossible to properly chew food without teeth, is impossible for us to believe that we can have peace and joy without the Lord, when they originate from Him.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If we allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts, then we become publishers of peace. 
Let me share a few examples. 

If you’re always launching missiles with your tongue, being rash with your mouth, and others view your approach as being “direct” and “real,” that’s not real. As we say- that’s not “real talk.” That’s foolish- and by this attitude, you’re not a peacemaker. You’re becoming a peace breaker, and you are forfeiting your blessing. 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If your efforts lead to tension, arguments, disagreements, attitudes, divisions- then your attitude produces chaos and your life cannot be peaceful, when Jesus told us to make every effort to do what leads to peace. Our resolutions and solutions to issues should be directed towards a peaceful outcome. That is what pursuit of peace looks like. 

“Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” Psalms‬ ‭34:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There are some instances where a person will not desire to be peaceful, that should not prevent you from doing your utmost to reflect the image of Christ. 

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans‬ ‭12:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We have an obligation to “let the peace of God rule” in their hearts (Colossians 3:15). This means we have the choice either to trust God or to rely on ourselves. 

What choices will you make which truly leads to a quiet and peaceable life?

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” ‭‭James‬ ‭3:17-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Good morning. I just wanted to talk to the Lord, with you on this morning, if that is alright? Let’s pray. 

Oh most Holy Father. We thank you for giving us the ability to approach your throne of grace. We thank you for who you are. We know that you are God and there is none other like you. We also know that you are our Father, and you are concerned about every detail of our lives.

We thank you for allowing your angels to serve and protect us in our homes while we slept during the evening hours. I ask if you would continue to be a shelter and place of refuge during the day for us. Relocate, direct, and reroute those who have had to leave behind everything in Texas, to cities where they can flourish and excel. You said that everything works together for our good. Make it GOOD for them. Give us the strength to endure the trials in our lives.

Help us to love the people who are hard to love and to forgive the people who have hurt us, taken advantage of us or maybe even abused us. Burn away the sin in our lives so that we may live for you.

As we begin our day today, allow us to remember your word. As a child who prepares to leave for school and a parent who gives a word of hope, encouragement and strength, you have given us your words to prepare us for whatever life presents to us. With all that we see occurring in Houston and the state of this world, it is easy to become worried; but You spoke a calming word and told us to not allow our hearts to be troubled (John 14:1). With what we see every day in our communities and the issues we face in our own lives- when we feel like you are not there, you told us to keep pressing towards the mark (Philippians 3:14) and to place our hope in you (Psalms 42:11). When it feels as if all of our efforts to be positive and uplifting are for nought, you said be steadfast, unshakable and continuously abiding in your word because our efforts are not in vain (I Corinthians 15:58).

I humbly ask that you accept this prayer. In Jesus name, amen.

How many times have you used this phrase: “I’m not _____ enough?”

The words used to fill in the blank above may have been: Smart, pretty, strong, good!

Do not allow yourself to live in silent defeat.

A gift is a special ability to do something. It is also something that is given and cannot be earned. The Lord has equipped each and every one of us with a gift that destroys the negative statements above. Some gifts require additional parts, such as batteries, that are not included. The gifts that are God-given include everything that is necessary to function properly. Every gift given by our Father, serves the same purpose…

“And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts.” 1 Peter‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭CEB‬‬

When God gave His Son Jesus, it was not for the benefit of some but for all.

“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭CEB‬‬

When Jesus chose His closest cabinet- the 12, it was for them to spread the word of life to everyone…

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Mental fitness is like physical fitness. We must work at it and not allow ourselves or others to become stunted in our growth. It’s a process but overtime, with separation from negativity and gravitation towards spiritual discipline, your statement of defeat can change to:

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Every skill is learnable as well as any negative/positive habit. Put down the mental junk food and pick up some healthy choices.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” III John‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

On this morning, I found this scripture to be so inviting, and emotional. 

Imagine this scenario. It’s Friday. Hey heyyy. You are having a huge end of the summer soirée. You invited everyone. Let’s turn up before the children return back to school, and the Summer season gives way to colorful leaves, frosty grass and additional layers of clothing. 

You sent personal invitations to evvvvvvery body. You are doing it big!!!!! You are ending the summer on a good note. There has been so much drama and tragedy has happened in such a short period of time,  you just wanted to carve out a few hours from your closest family and friends time just to enjoy life. 

But you somehow left off one person from your guest list. You effectively and intentionally left out your brother, Jesus. No problem. He is not tripping on that, nope He didn’t take offense to it.  He is not easily offended. Maybe the invitation was lost in the mail. Maybe the evite ended up in His spam folder. 🤔 Maybe you thought you included Him on the group text. 

No problem. He showed up ready to release the cares of this world and as He always does, He came bearing gifts. He brought some food and drinks for the party, but there is just one problem:  He has been knocking and calling for someone to open the door, and no one is answering. He can see you in the window. He even sees someone standing near the window beside the door, and no one will open the door. 

What you failed to recognize is that Jesus is the life of the party!

Huh??!! Oooh I just got excited right there!

You are in desperate need of His fellowship. The party is dry! People are dancing, but they aren’t happy. The food is okay, but it could be better because Jesus brought the bread of life. 

I am that bread of life. (John 6:48, KJV)

Your choice of drinks are alright, but your guests will not have enough to drink because Jesus brought that good good water where they’ll never thirst again. 

“but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Your party is in desperate need of Jesus’ presence and He is seeking to come in. 

You did not ask Jesus to bring anything but that is the type of person He is. He is always exceeding expectations. You didn’t ask Him to do anything, but He asked you for one thing…

Just. Open. The. Door. 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

It is so easy to look at the state of our world, our country, our state, city, communities and even within our own families and feel hopeless due to all of the adversity we are surrounded by. The appearance of evil is more prevalent than good. No one chooses to fully commit to the statues of God. Nobody desires to truly forgive and let go. There are all sorts of division in the body of religion (not Christ). Notice that I did not say the body of Christ. The body of Christ is not divided. I don’t have time to go here. 😱🙅🏽

Shoot, after all this chaos and thoughts of hopeless, you’ll soon begin to wonder if God even cares. If not careful, we will carry the mindset of quitting and giving up.

I just wanted to encourage you on today. A simple statement that is so powerful. When faced with adversity on today, remember these words:

Don’t give up!

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This is a strategy of the enemy. It is a distraction. In this world, because of sin, we are going to have trials and tribulations. There is no way around the tragedies, but there is a way to push through them. We must change our focus of despair to one of opportunity. It is not easy to do alone. What I am saying cannot be done under self-will. This must be done under the submission of the Holy Spirit. He is our guide and He is our comforter.

Tests and trials are opportunities to pray, seek the Lord for guidance, utilize your relationship with the Lord, and introduce someone to the Lord or more importantly, you yourself establish a stronger relationship with the Lord.

I have to tell you- you’re going to need it. We all will. If we don’t strengthen ourselves and become rooted in the word of God, our souls will slowly decay.

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,”Matthew‬ ‭24:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Don’t give up! Your burdens have a purpose.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” I Peter‬ ‭1:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Don’t give up! Your broken-heart will bring God closer to you- I am a witness.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms‬ ‭34:18‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Don’t give up! Your suffering will bring you closer to our Savior.

“My suffering was good for me, because through it I learned your statutes.” Psalms‬ ‭119:71‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Don’t give up…
Don’t give up….
Don’t give up…

Do NOT give up on Jesus, because He did not give up on you!

“Think about the one who endured such opposition from sinners so that you won’t be discouraged and you won’t give up.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭CEB‬‬