The Earth is considered a planet where various life forms can exist. Scientists have discovered other planets where life could possibly exist as well but none like the Earth. It produces oxygen so that we can breathe. It produces other life forms such as animals and plants so that we can grow crops and have food to nourish our bodies. 
The Lord has given man the knowledge to develop ways in which we can tour outer space through space crafts (or Rockets). These air crafts have been strategically built to break beyond the Earth’s stratosphere (wow I sound pretty smart…) and explore other planets. 
Those explorers who decide to embark on the journey are called Astronauts. In order to survive, or to breathe in conditions that are less favorable than what our bodies our equipped to handle on Earth, Astronauts have to wear specific attire- or an outer layer which is called a space suit. Space suits are worn to keep a human alive in the harsh environment of outer space and extreme temps. This outer protective layer does not reflect who the person is on the inside of the space suit. It’s just a layer of protection. 
Lord Jesus. This outer shell that we wear is called the human body. Not only is it designed as a protective layer but it was hand-crafted by our Heavenly Father and He said we were fearfully and wonderfully made. God does not make junk. He creates masterpieces. That’s what you are – a masterpiece. Like a gifted artist, no one design is the same. All of us are uniquely created. However, just as a paintings fade overtime, so does this body of ours. Keep having birthdays and you will learn that the smooth, wrinkle-free, dimple-free, slim and trim physique you once had begins to change. 
This human body was constructed for identification purposes. Your family knows you. Your children know you. People know your children by you (“Girl, you look just like your daddy..”) Although you resemble your family and you are identified by your outer appearance, this is not you. The real you is on the inside. 

• Your character
• Your behavior
• Your thoughts 
• And. Your. Heart. 

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” ‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭16:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies. What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:40, 50‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We are spiritual beings having a natural encounter. Don’t get caught up in the glory of your earthly body. It cannot please God. In fact, it will get you in trouble. 
The world focuses on what people look like on the outside. God focuses on what people look like on the inside. What you do outwardly can and will affect you inwardly. 
Your spirit is the real YOU! We are not bodies that have spirits. We are spirits that have a physical body. With our spirit, we choose to either follow our flesh which results in sin, or follow the holy spirit which leads us to listen to the Lord. 

“So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans‬ ‭8:8, 13-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question: “Okay, so you talked about astronauts, space, the body and the spirit. I feel like I’m in an anatomy class mixed with theology school. What is your point?”

Reply: Take off the mask. We go around pretending to be one thing outwardly, hurting those we come in contact with. Claiming with our mouths to represent and to be one thing but our behavior demonstrates an entirely different person. Insomuch, that you’re no longer recognizable by the people you know or even yourself. You do not want to become unrecognized by the Lord. 

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Stop and think for a moment; no really think about this. 

Who IS God? I mean who is He really?  

At some point in our lives, we have asked the question: “Where did God come from?” Or: “If He created us, who created Him?” Real quick response to that. God cannot be called Creator if He was created by something or someone else. That something would be the creator. So God IS…period. He has no beginning and no ending. He always was and will be. 

“Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We try to take the minimal knowledge that we have (which by the way He shares with us) to dissect and make God to be as we are. It’s almost as if we believe that in order for God to exist, He had to have experienced the process of creation as we have. So then we are really attempting to place Him in a category. That’s almost like asking the question what does air look like or what does the color red taste like?  Red does not belong in the five-senses category of taste but of sight. Wind cannot be seen unless it is mixed with another substance (like debris and dust from a wind storm or tornadoes) however it can be felt. Whelp…that means that God is uncreated…He simply exists (glory to your name- I just got excited). 

Once there was the formal introduction (in the beginning…God) next, our Father, begins just creating stuff all over the place:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

God made man in his image and likeness, with the highest quality and value. Likeness is defined as the quality or state of being alike; especially in appearance. Quality is defined as a high level of value or excellence. 
So then our Father, the ultimate graphic designer, created man to look like Him, with a high value of excellence and then placed His precious spirit within us. He wanted (then and now) for you to be the best. He still desires for you to be the best and do your best.

We know God as the reason behind the existence of EVERYTHING, with all wisdom and knowledge, right? Our Father placed so much value on our lives that He gave Jesus to be a sacrifice for our lives. 

When will we acknowledge God’s value which is invaluable or priceless?

We give so much reverence to people of social “status,” seeking out the next big thing to follow, but we don’t hold our Father to even the smallest regard. Because if we did, we would follow Him. 
Today, think about God and who He REALLY is. More importantly, who He is to you. 

“Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”‭Exodus‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

#TheGREATIAm

You asked me…and yes, I did tell you to do that. 

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew‬ ‭7:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I asked some things of you as well. Did you remember?

1. I asked you to repent and change your ways so they know how to. 
2. I asked you to forgive those who hurt you so they know how to. 
3. I asked you to live peacefully with all so they know how to. 
4. I asked you to humble yourself and pray and turn from evil so they know how to. 
5. I asked you to pray without stopping, so that they know how to. 
6. I asked you to be thankful and grateful in every situation, so that they know how to. 
7. I asked you to love them and you question their existence. 
8. I asked you to show them how to live righteously and you tell them without demonstration. 
9. I asked you to train and impart in them and you left them so you “could do you.”
10. I asked you to be patient, and you are giving up on them. 
11. I asked you to introduce them to me but you can’t. Because you do not know me (you won’t make time to spend with me). 

I understand that you did not have the example you felt you deserved while growing up to do what I have asked you, but you really did have the example. I gave you the example of what NOT to do. Yet and still, that should not prevent you. I’ll show you, if you just listen. Then you’ll experience my peace which surpasses any human understanding. 

“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I gave you a gift and viewed it as a curse. 

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You have some things to ask of me and I am asking something of you…

Who is teaching your children to know me as their Lord and Savior?
Love without limits,

JC

(Jesus Christ)

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;  A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-10

Every aspect of our life is based upon time and  how we manage it. Even corporate america decided to get in on encouraging employees to make the most of the time given to them to reach departmental and company goals. The process is simply called: Time Management. In fact, there is even a definition: “The act or process of planning conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities to increase effectiveness, efficiency and productivity.”

Everyone wants to get more accomplished in the least amount of time. What are you spending most of your time doing? Before you answer this question inwardly, think about this:

Whatever controls your time, controls your life.

When something seems out of control, more than likely there is an imbalance in how you’ve managed your time. Just as managing your time to get work-related tasks completed is important for you to earn your paycheck and receive bonuses, managing your time with the Lord is just as important to earn a relationship with Him – especially for those of us who claim to have given Him complete control of our life.

Getting to know Jesus does not happen without effort. Consider the time you took and the sacrifices you made to become more acquainted with the man or woman you took interest in. We make time for everything else; but somehow, time slips away or we become “drunk and hung over” sleepy, when it’s time to get draw closer to our Savior. Spending time with the Lord is not about having the ability to quote scriptures and to appear well-versed in the word of God. It is about getting to know Someone who is just as real as that man or woman you are attracted to.

Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith is not a mental concept. It’s spiritual. The second “and hearing” in this scripture implies having a spiritual ear to hear the word of God.

• Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God…
• Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God…
• Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God…

Faith. Comes. Through. Hearing. The. Word. of. God.

• We cannot have faith in Someone we don’t listen to.
• We cannot have faith in Someone we do not know.
• We cannot have faith in Someone we do not spend time with.
• How will you know how to resist the devil if you don’t know how to?

We cannot obtain faith without spending time to get to know Jesus.

Faith =Belief

You had faith that you would wake up this morning, and continue your daily routine. How so? Last night, you thought about what you would wear to work. You ironed your clothing, prepared dinner, maybe prepped a lunch to take to work, took your bath, and went to sleep. You had NO doubt that today would not arrive, although you had no control  over the breaths you took.

You have faith that if you work 40 hours a week, you’ll have a direct deposit for the work completed  on your job. There is NO thought that the job could go under, file bankrupt, call all employees in for a mandatory meeting to state the job is closing effective immediately and no checks will be disbursed.

These are examples of belief in tangible things and what you can see with your eye. Faith in Jesus requires belief in the things you have spoken and the actions you’ve carried out by your words, which produce evidence that Jesus is real.

2 Corinthians 4:13  (NKJV)
And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”  we also believe and therefore speak…

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 (NKJV)

This scripture does not imply that we will not be faced with people or issues in life that will come up against us, even with our Heavenly Father on our side. What it does tell us is that with God on our side, we will and already have the victory.

Actually, if you read verse 28, the Lord explains if we choose to follow and love Him, those “things” are already taken care of:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

We must learn to utilize our tools to get through situations in life.

• When there seems to be no answer to the issue, it’s working.
• When life seems hopeless, it’s working.
• When every answer appears to be “no,” it’s working.
• When it seems like nobody understands, just know that it’s working.

If you remain consistent with God, and obedient to His word, it’s all going to work out just fine because God is for me and He is for you too. And since we know that He is for us, I refuse to allow anything to separate me from His love. What about you?

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:32 , 35, 38-39 (NKJV)

“And he said: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.”‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭22:2-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

You were right there! I mean you were literally right in the midst of it. One wrong move or turn and it could’ve gone the other way. 

• You could’ve had a memorial. 
• You could’ve been a foundation. 
• You could’ve been a cause. 
• You could’ve been a “Gofund Me.”
• You could’ve been a poem. 
• You could’ve been a remembrance. 
• You could’ve been a memory. 
• You could’ve been a recollection. 

We empathize with those who have lost a loved one; but for you, Jesus said: 

“YOU SHALL LIVE and NOT die.” 

That IS a promise. For this reason alone, we should be willing to do and give everything Jesus asks of us…willingly. 
“I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the LORD has done.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

At the wake of everything going on in this world, in our own cities and our personal lives, I wondered what would today’s devotion be about? 

Today’s headlines are about the attacks on the nightclub in Orlando and it being this nation’s deadliest mass shooting in history. As I watched the news reports, I immediately thought of this scripture:

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

To take and give life is not in our hands. The enemy devises schemes and tactics to prevent you from wholeheartedly submitting to the voice of Jesus. If he can kill or destroy you before you surrender…he wins. He is plotting to destroy people while in their sin or before they truly make up in their mind to surrender. It’s almost like a game: get you to do you, make you feel as if you’re in control, and then show you that you aren’t. 

We have to wake up. Time is not on our side. If you were hurt by people that go to church…that’s what they are- people…who…GO…to church. Not Christians. A purpose of a Christian is to compel. Not to judge; to show the love of Christ, not the wrath of Satan.

Jesus has compassion. Jesus said if it’s possible, we should live peaceably with everyone. 

Our lives lay in the balance daily – everywhere we go.  Think about this. If we truly were in control, we would know what’s going to happen the next day. Even the next minute. If we have so much control over our lives, we could determine how many years we would want to live. If we were in control, we would know how to choose the sex of the child that we want during conception. But we are not. 

The only control/choice we have is the decision to choose whom we will serve. Everything else in life is based upon that decision. 

Get to know Jesus for yourself. Have a personal relationship with Him for yourself. God hates sin – not you. 

You have found yourself in a place that is not you. People would smile from your smile. People would come to you for advice or just desired to be around you because of your character and expression of genuine love and concern. Life, the choices that you made, and the enemy Himself have all but made you into a parked car. You’re stiff. You’re not moving. Nothing is going in and nothing is going out. You feel stuck. You’re rash and abrasive with your words. You’re angry. You’re…just…here!
You have been charged with “involuntary manslaughter!”
Involuntary means: “Not done consciously. ”

Manslaughter means: “The failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life…”

You have not performed your Spiritual legal duty. The reality is that you did not even recognize how you had changed. It just sorta…well…just happened. Life. Just. Happened. You became busy. Busy at not doing the work of the Lord (which happened to be another tactic of the enemy). 

But The Supreme Court Judge…the King of Kings and Lord of Lords- JESUS, has ordered you to do community service. Yep. Community service. You see, ALLLLL the anointing you have is not for one stationary location. You have work to do. 

• Well…that settles it. It’s no wonder they don’t like you on your job. 
• It makes sense now as to why your children are being disrespectful in your home. 
• It makes sense why the enemy is attacking your mind. 

The anointing on your life can SHIFT the atmosphere. If the enemy can get you to dwell on the issue that you’re facing- yep, that issue that staring you right in front of your eyes, then he can immobilize your anointing. 

What you don’t realize is when you deny yourself for the glory of God, God has to move on your situation. But bae baeeeee there is power in what we speak. So I will speak through the pages of this devotion over your life on today. All you have to do is believe!

• You were ordained to go into the dark places. 
• You were chosen to reach the unruly. 
• You were handpicked to educate the most disruptive and rude children in the classrooms. 
• You were called upon to bring to life those whose vision was all but stolen. 
• You were selected to lose that family member that meant so much to you. 
• You were favored to have a failed marriage. 
• You were elected to be ostracized by your family. 

There is someone who cannot go it alone and they will need YOU to grab them and pull them out of their valley moment. 

Even in the darkest places, light brings a change. In the valley is where we see the hand of God. In the valley is where Jesus performs His miracles. When rain pours and falls from the top of the mountain because the mountain top can no longer hold all of the water, the valley is designed to catch the overflow. What am I saying? Even in the valley, you’re still blessed. Even in the valley the Lord is still with you. 
Get up! Reconnect with power source and rekindle your flame. There are people waiting to hear from you. Their situation cannot change and neither will yours because you have been sitting in a parked car. 

“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:1-4, 16, 21-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

1. If you make healthier choices and lose weight, you’re getting too skinny. 
2. If your clothes fit a little snug than usual, you’re too fat. 
3. If you step out and pursue your vision, your vision isn’t clear enough. 
4. If you’re married, you’re not “that” happy. 
5. If you try something new, someone else would have or could have done it better. Or they would not have done it like “that.”
6. If you’re single, you’re miserable and want to be married. 
7. If you like quality things, you’re vain. 
8. If you like to dress down, you’re struggling. 

What ever happened to the “Christ-like” image we are supposed to portray as being Christians? I promise you- those who profess to be Christians are THE most judgmental. If the Lord had not impressed upon me to write a few books, I have no doubt that I would not be on social media. As soon as you post something, debate begins. I just watch some of the pages with a lot followers who promote positivity and the replies are horrid and critical. Which then actually proves who really is or is not “Christ-Like.” Don’t you remember what the Lord did for you? 

• Jesus was kind and drew people through love. 
• Jesus was moved with compassion. 
• Jesus used the word and not His opinion to help people see themselves and get out of sin. 

Without question, people often bring attention to themselves and then are exposed openly because of who they say they represent, when their behavior does not reflect Jesus. Therefore, what’s done in the dark MUST come to the light. Because Jesus has to show others that the image that person is betraying is not of Him. But who has not sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? Why would we need a Savior if we were already perfect? 

Now wait!!! None of this is an excuse to sin or not to put God first, or to not go to church. We know when we are wrong and are not lining up with the word. The Holy Spirit is too intelligent to live within us and not show us or tell us that we are out of character. But when we see someone struggling, that’s when we “Christians” go to that individual and extend a hand of love, not judgment. They may not be able to overcome their struggle alone. Think about your struggles and how you overcame, if you’re not still there. 

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

At what point will we work together for the Kingdom of God? When will we be able to sit down and talk, be transparent and honest, without being hurtful and harmful? Last I checked, there is only one law giver and one Judge. And He is unbelievably amazing at doing His job. 

“Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?” ‭James‬ ‭4:11-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Criticism is not constructive when it belittles and hurts. It’s time for us to grow up and be Christians.  The job description of being a Judge is already taken. Yeah, in I Corinthians 6:2-3, the word says the saints will judge the world but that time is not now. The word is the Judge and is the only way one can become clean. 

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:12-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬