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GOD GOES BEFORE YOU

“The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said.” Deuteronomy 31:3 NIV

 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

What confidence we have in Jesus Christ! The bold confidence we can have in Jesus Christ was my thought while reading the last chapters of Deuteronomy. In the previous chapters, Moses instructed the Israelites to cross over the Jordan River and take possession of the Promised Land. 

In Moses’ instructions, he states that God has said He will go before the Israelites and destroy the residing nations. God will “fight the battle” and “make preparation” before the Israelites move forward.

How “Awesome” is knowing that God will not only go before us but also make us successful. All He asks is that we LISTEN and OBEY to His WORD. 

When I read God’s Word on this day, what became apparent to me is that God will not only fight your battles and give you victory, but also God has planned our purpose and destination. Therefore, if we have confidence and assurance from God that He has planned our way, we can pursue that obstacle or desire with tenacity and boldness. 

“I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” Deuteronomy 31:21 NIV

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 NIV

The ending chapters of Deuteronomy illustrate how God went before the Israelites. God put the other nations in fear of the Israelites. The residing inhabitants were made aware of the power and greatness of God! 

“I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” Joshua 2:9 NIV

“When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Joshua 2:11 NIV

Our Heavenly Father is so Powerful!!! God knows and can influence the hearts and minds of any human being because He created us. Therefore, believers in Jesus Christ should seek God willingly and daily so that we can walk in the path HE has graced for us, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that God has gone before us. 

 God goes before us, so we do not have to stress out!

 God goes before us, so we do not worry our minds thinking about the “how”!

 God goes before us because He knows and has established the right way!

 God goes before us, and His instructions tell us “what” to do!

 So, when thinking about your obstacle, next move, or plans, do not let it consume your mind or cause distress because God has already worked it out! Seek and you will find!!! (Matthew 7:7 NIV)

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Be Blessed, and Keep your eyes on Jesus, your Lord and Savior! Amen

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TAKE POSSESSION

“He also said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.”  Genesis 15:7 NIV

What has God given you possession of? In this scripture, God tells Abram that He has brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give him a greater land and future to take possession of. What specifically caught my attention were the words “give you” and “take possession”! 

So, what has God given you possession of?

What vision or desire has God given you but you have not taken possession of it? 

What is holding you back from receiving what God has for you?

I sometimes let fear, worry, doubt, laziness, or unpreparedness hinder my progress and motivation from possessing what God has already prepared for me! 

Sometimes things are easier said than done in our actions, but God is not an average, ordinary God. He can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or think. 

 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

There is nothing we can’t do with God’s guidance, direction, protection, provision, and love. Scripture reminds us that His Power works within us; therefore, we cannot fail with God on our side. What God has given you, you have the authority and permission to take possession of it. 

When God told Abram to take possession, that meant there had to be an action, movement, step, or position on the part of Abram. For Abram to receive it, he had to Believe in faith! And we are no different!!!

The step we take physically and/or spiritually demonstrates our “Trust” and “Faith” in God to move on our behalf. Do you believe? Have you moved? 


“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:27-29 NIV

“According to your faith let it be done to you” Matthew 9:29 NIV

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

So, what has God given you possession of? Abide in Him, Trust Him, and Move in faith with assurance to receive your God-given promise!

Be Blessed in the Glorified name of Jesus Christ, Amen~

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AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6,  NIV

“At just the right time!” These five simple words caught my attention and captivated my heart and mind. 

Everything God does is On Purpose, With Purpose, and For Purpose. God is an on-time God! In the heavenly realm, God does not keep up with a watch or clock, but we allow “time” to influence our actions, thoughts, and decisions here on earth.

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8) NIV

Simple but profound, these five words compel me to submit my will for God’s Will. 

I say this because “at just the right time,” Christ entered the world through the Virgin Mary. 

“At just the right time,” Christ died for our sins so that we may receive grace and mercy. 

“At just the right time,” Christ rose from the dead and is living and interceding for us at the right hand of God. So, at just the right time, God will make a way for you and me! 

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18–19) NIV

Hence, everything on earth lives, moves, breathes, and has its being “at just the right time!” Nothing on earth happens unless it is spoken into manifestation by God. In the creation story, God said, 

“Let there be light, and there was light.”

“Let there be a vault between the waters to separate the sky from the water.”

“Let the water be gathered to one place so the dry ground can appear.” 

“Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land…” 

“Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night…”

“Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”

“Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” 

“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…”

“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”

God blessed them, and God has blessed YOU! You have a purpose; you have worth, and you are valuable to your Heavenly Father. He created you “at just the right time!” (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 28–29, 31) NIV

Therefore, the creation story is enough to know that God is in control and everything will happen in your life “at just the right time.” So, whether you are worried, stressed, frustrated, weary, feared, disappointed, or any other negative emotion, do not succumb to those feelings and ways of thinking. God is with you and will deliver you “at just the right time!” 

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) NIV

Prayer

Omnipotent God, who knows everything, thank you for knowing what is best for me and when the timing is right. I surrender to your Will and lay my burdens at your feet, believing that at just the right time, you will deliver, save, guide, protect, and provide for me. In Jesus Christ’s Name. Amen~

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PRAYER IS POWERFUL

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. ” Mark 11:23-25 NIV

What thoughts come to mind when you read this scripture? I thought about words like “Ask, Believe, Prepare, & Receive“! However, there are some stipulations we must abide by before we receive our desired prayers. Scripture says that we must not doubt in our heart our prayer request, we must believe it is done before we see it, and if we hold anything against anyone, we must forgive them. God is so powerful that He can supply all our needs and change a negative situation into a positive by His grace, mercy, love, and favor, but we must first Ask, Believe, and Forgive to Receive. 

 While reading this scripture, I thought about a movie I recently watched. The film was called “Heaven is for Real.” It was about a young boy who got ill and had a supernatural experience with Jesus. All the townspeople prayed for him to get well during his illness. They prayed for his recovery, believing that God would heal him. The turning point for the movie was the little boy’s miraculous healing, supernatural experience with Jesus, and the lack of faith illustrated by the townspeople due to his testimony. Even the child’s father, a pastor, and mother were bewildered at his disposition. Even though they prayed for this young boy, as the movie went on, it depicted the lack of faith the town really had even though they believed in God. It illustrated how we can walk by sight and hearing but not by faith and what we profess to believe. 

 Therefore, my question to you today is,

“How strong is your Faith when you pray?” 

 “Do you truly believe God will answer your prayers?” 

 “Do you believe in Miracles and incidents that cannot be humanly explained; therefore, all we can do is BELIEVE in God?” 

What happens when you witness a miracle or testimony? Is your faith stronger or shaken?

Prayer is powerful, and I believe God LOVES hearing His children pray. Prayer is a form of communication with our Heavenly Father, who longs to have a relationship with us. So do not lose your faith because it is just beyond your belief that you will see God’s magnificent hand shaping and transforming your life!

 “but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness —” Habakkuk 2:4 NIV

 “but the prayer of the upright pleases him.” Proverbs 15:8 NIV

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:5-8 NIV

 So, beloved, believe that God hears and will answer your prayers. Pray big, fervent prayers because our God is ALL Powerful. Continue to build your relationship with Him so that what looks surmounting and unrealistic will increase your dependency and Faith in God. 

“For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37 NIV

Prayer

Believe, and you shall see the glory of God in your life in the Powerful name of Jesus Christ! Amen ~

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Made New

Revelation is a beautiful gift when you can observe the God of yesterday for today and believe in His Word and Promises.

Today I read Numbers 19 and within this chapter, God gave specific instructions to Moses and Aaron for using water to cleanse the people.

The instructions entailed using the ashes of a sacrifice to purify the water. If any person became unclean, the water and ashes would be used to make the person ceremonially clean again.

“A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and put them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They are to be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of cleansing; it is for purification from sin.” Numbers 19:9 NIV

In addition, the commentary mentioned that the Israelites could not worship God unless they were ceremonially clean.

“But if those who are unclean do not purify themselves, they must be cut off from the community, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the Lord.”  Numbers 19:20 NIV

However, after reading this chapter and the commentary, I thought about how we, as believers, get to come to Jesus in our sin. The Israelites had to be ceremonially clean and purified before they approached and worshipped God. But we can come before Jesus with our sins, defilement, uncleanness, and impurity. We can stand before Him, broken, a sinner asking forgiveness. And God is faithful to forgive us, cleanse us, save us, redeem us, and love us all because of the ultimate sacrifice performed by His Son Jesus.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

Without Jesus,

We remain in our sin!

We have no relationship with God!

We have no right to come before Him!

We die an eternal death because of our sins!

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,” Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV

I am thankful to God that this revelation reminds me that I am “made new!” I can come to God insufficient and His grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

I have,

A new covenant!

A new relationship!

A new story!

A new ending!

All because Jesus became the ultimate and last sacrifice for my transgressions.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

So, I pray for you today that you know how loved you are by our Heavenly Father. You were created to dwell with Him in a loving, nurturing relationship. Therefore, know it is never too late to start living “Made New!”

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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Stay On Course

When I woke up this morning, I was in decision mode—reflecting on life’s obstacles and struggling to make the right decisions. It was time to run!!! Instead of running on the main road this morning, I decided to run on the trail. The trail always helps to clear my head and give me an objective perspective.

On the trail, I get to feel the cool breeze flowing through the trees. There are sections of sunlight and shade to protect me from the smoldering heat. The creek runs alongside the paved road with flowing water that streams down the rocks. And the sound of falling water provides a tranquil atmosphere that calms my mind. As I run, birds, squirrels, and rabbits are actively engaging in their natural habitat. What a beautiful view! 

As I ran on the trail, observing the formation of the path, God spoke these words to my heart “Stay On Course!” He revealed that I’m on a paved road with specific (mapped out) destinations as I run on the trail, but when I look to the right or the left, I see the untamed forest. If I go to the right or the left, I end up in the woods. There’s a possibility of running into wild animals, snakes, swap areas, or poison ivy in the woods. Venturing into the forest can prolong my journey by altering my course. However, when I stay on the paved trail, it’s as if I am walking a road that was laid out just for me, minimizing the unforeseen dangers. 

God revealed that our life’s journey is no different. According to His Will, when we stay on course, we receive grace, mercy, favor, provision, and peace on our journey. But the detours that we “choose” often promote anxiety, stress, confusion, delay, and discouragement.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

So today, as I choose to let God lead me in the right decisions and stay on His course, join me in trusting in the Lord, living with unwavering faith to believe that God will supply all your needs. 

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV

In the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen ~

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Many Members One Body

During Springtime, life begins to bloom and blossom! All creation becomes vivacious from flying insects, leaves on trees, furry walking friends, singing birds, busy people, and a host of other springtime fevers.

Also, during this time, school comes to an end an outdoor activity begins. I have started enjoying the warm weather and the scenery of flourishing life. One day while thinking about the last days of school and my final Bible lesson, I began to look up and notice this beautiful blossoming tree.

This tree sheds its leaves during the winter, but as I gazed at the blue sky, shimmering water, and the blessing of this beautiful day, the fullness of the tree caught my eye. Observing the leaves on the tree made me think about my Bible lesson – Many Members One Body.

For the past week, I taught the kids that we are many members- diverse people but one body being believers in Jesus Christ. However, as I thought about this lesson and studied the tree, the tree’s appearance became symbolic.

A tree’s typical characteristic is to have one main trunk with many branches that stem from the trunk. The branches are of various sizes and lengths with numerous leaves, pinecones, and/or berries. As I examined this one tree, I began to look at other trees noticing their differences. But the apparent similarity was the trunk.

As a diverse inhabitant, we are many members but one body! As humans, there are varied races, cultures, languages, appearances, abilities – thus many members. As believers in Jesus Christ, there is only one God- our vine and life source. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV 

Looking just below the tree were branches that had broken off and were lying on the ground. Scripture tells us that we cannot bear fruit if we do not remain in the vine.

The branches that had broken off were no longer bearing fruit!

They were dry and brittle, no longer alive!

They were no longer growing!

They no longer had a thriving existence!

As Christians, our existence is the same as a tree. A disconnect from God is a disconnect from the One Body! Though branches may fall, the trunk of the tree stands firm and tall giving constant life. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

Do not be a fallen branch. God loves you and desires to guide, protect, and provide for you. His help is just a personal relationship away. “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 NIV

So, my friends, as we begin to enjoy this warm weather and become more active outdoors, stay connected to Jesus like a branch to a tree. Look at what HE has created with each new day. Notice the existence and breath of life in all things. But be the image-bearers of the One True God. We are salt and light, many members of one family. Different in nature but identical in Jesus Christ.

Be Blessed in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ! ~ Amen

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One Vision

One year ago, this very weekend, on Good Friday, I published my first book. It was an incredible feeling to accomplish a goal that manifested as a desire five years ago. I remember like it was yesterday signing the paperwork to put my stamp of approval on the final manuscript and giving the OK to publish the book and begin printing it.

Wow! My vision came to fruition! I dreamed of this day for five years. But before that, I never even saw myself as an author. This was God’s plan!

Since then, I have continued to write sporadically, but life has distracted my focus. Sometimes, life’s circumstances overwhelm and consume my days, causing me to push my dreams and desires to the back burner. Still, today God reminded me of this exhilarating one-year anniversary. Becoming an author and bringing His name glory during the holiest weekend, Easter!

HE reminded me to get back to that one vision-get back to writing! Don’t become inundated with what the world says is customary. Focus on where I am leading and guiding you. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one…” Luke 10:41-42 NIV

He reminded me that my one vision will make room for other blessings. Just keep writing! “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16 KJV

So I ask, what is your one vision?

What is hindering you from pressing forward?

Are you distracted because of the things going on around you?

Are you leaning to your own understanding?

My friend, God has given you everything you need! What is that ONE vision? Pray on the gift, make it plain, make a plan of action, and move on it in and with FAITH!

It does not take various avenues to accomplish your God-given vision. It only takes FOCUS! God will make the path straight and open the doors.

Today, as I am grateful for accomplishing my first published book, I am also reminded that I need to regain my focus and stay the course.

Join me in doing that today on this holiest weekend- Resurrection Sunday.

Thank you, Lord! I ask for a sound mind, focus, and commitment to my ONE Vision- not leading to my own understanding but trusting in you for your wisdom, guidance, and provision. In Jesus Christ’s name, ~Amen!

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Step by Step

I love my Saturday exercise regimen because that’s the day I hit the trail, intending to run and walk about 7 to 8 miles. However, on this particular Saturday, I decided to go a little farther.

I reached my first goal point, which was a little less than 4 miles, and decided to keep going. The next familiar intersection was about 4 1/2 miles. But this beautiful, sunny day kept me moving forward. So, I ventured to the following main crossing, which I never experienced—I was now in unfamiliar territory.

In my decision to keep going toward a destination that I had never reached, God revealed to me, “This is how faith works!” Life throws at us various decisions, situations, and lessons. But to reach each milestone productively, we must first have faith and, secondly, keep moving. You will never know what is beyond the horizon until you make your mind up to press forward and move in faith.

Considering I was on the trail when I reached this new destination, I had to turn around at some point. If I continued any further, someone would have to pick me up. So, my trail experience became a wisdom nugget that God uncovered to become life practice.   

Know that new destinations in life require greater faith that develops as you move forward. Each level takes you out of your comfort zone into a God-dependent, spiritual maturity. Your faith beckons God’s guidance, protection, and provision to help you perform and sustain that new level. But, your experiential familiarity is your transferable skill and foundation.

God’s Word:

“I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:” Isaiah 45:2 KJV

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT

As I reached the end of the trail, I glanced at my watch to see how far I had traveled—I obtained a new outdoor run record of nine miles. It felt great to venture farther and discover new sites on the trail. However, I believe investing in a bike will be necessary if I want to continue exploring all that nature has to offer.

So, as you go about your life making minor and monumental decisions, know that stepping out on faith is a requirement. It eliminates your comfort zone, embraces new growth, and helps you to reach higher levels of wisdom and experiences.

Be blessed in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen ~

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Fall at HIS Feet

“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32 NIV

For the past two months, I’ve been reading a devotion on the Book of John, and yesterday I got the chance to meditate on the story of Lazarus. Martha and Mary sent a message to Jesus that Lazarus was sick; however, Jesus decided to stay in his present location for two more days instead of leaving immediately. As Jesus arrives at Bethany, where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus live, many people inform Him that Lazarus has died.

Now with all the miracles Jesus performed, raising Lazarus from the dead would not be a challenging task. Jesus, all-knowing, informed the disciples that Lazarus was dead, but he would be raised from his sleep (John 11:14 NIV). Therefore in reading these verses, I was prepared to hear how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. However, what illuminated from the scripture was a gesture that I needed to take to heart. A characteristic of God that beckons His presence, His provision, and His miraculous power.

God drew my attention to Mary falling at the feet of Jesus. In Mary’s anguish, hurt, and discouragement, she still fell at the feet of Jesus when she saw Him.

Mary, who loved and followed Jesus!

Mary, who poured perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped it with her hair! John 12:3 NIV

Mary, who believed that Jesus could heal her brother from any sickness! John 11:3 NIV

Mary, who dropped everything to sit at the feet of Jesus listening to Him teach while Martha was busy doing other chores! Luke 10:39–40 NIV

When you are in pain, discouraged, stressed, or anguished, do you fall at the feet of Jesus Christ?

When your back is up against the wall with various trials and storms, do you fall at the feet of Jesus Christ?

When you don’t know where to turn or go, do you fall at the feet of Jesus Christ?

When your skills, abilities, and talents don’t produce favorable outcomes, do you fall at the feet of Jesus Christ?

As I read Lazarus’ story, God revealed that He desires His children to fall at the feet of Jesus in times of clarity or confusion, success or failure, test or trial, righteousness or sin.

Even in a pandemic as we see lives and jobs lost, uncertainty, isolation, and separation, our help and hope is in the Lord. So, as you go about your day, remember to fall at the feet of Jesus because He cares for you.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Scripture tells us when Mary, crying, fell at the feet of Jesus, He not only felt her pain but also acted on it. He performed a miracle that no human could do. He resurrected Lazarus from the dead, and He can do the same for you! Whatever your circumstance, God can resurrect it! When you fall at the feet of Jesus in a submission posture, you give up the human effort for supernatural resurrection power.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

In the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen ~