Tag: prayer

Posted on

GOD WITH US

woman wearing trench coat walking near a wall

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses reiterates all the words, laws, decrees, and commands God spoke to the first generation of Israelites. The second generation would be expected to follow the Word of God and advance forward to receive the Promised Land. Chapter 19, verse 1 reads, “When the Lord your God has destroyed the nations whose land he is giving you, and when you have driven them out…” God is telling the Israelites that He will be with them and how to set cities aside for refuge. 

However, reading this first verse, I realized how God establishes a “two-fold” relationship between Himself and Israel. God is establishing a relationship that illustrates His authority and power with their calling, purpose, and assignment—ultimately, “godly living!” God’s character in His relationship with Israel is no different from that of the Christian believer today.  

grayscale photo of mother kissing her baby

As a chosen nation by God, Israel’s assignment was to take possession of the Promised Land that was spoken in covenant years ago to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This covenant would come to fruition centuries later as Moses addressed the people with God’s spoken word from four decades ago. Verse 1 of Deuteronomy 19 says, “God destroyed the nations, and the Israelites drove them out.”

  • God does the work; We obey, according to His Word!
  • God will be with you; You are not alone! 
  • God gets the glory; We get the victory!
  • God gives; We receive as we obey!
  • God is a promise keeper, even when we fail to keep our promise!

To continue strengthening the Israelites in preparation for battle, Moses reminded the people of God’s dominion, power, authority, and promise. Deuteronomy 20:1 states, “When you go to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots, and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.” God tells the Israelites do not allow what you “see” to cause you to become fainthearted or afraid. Fear influences our hearts, thoughts, and actions. But God wanted the Israelites to trust, obey, and follow His commands. And this is the same mindset that Jesus Christ has for us today.  

Jesus tells us not to assume what we “see” is our reality. Yes! Your circumstance is real, but this is not your identity, future, fate, or life. God told the Israelites, “Do Not Be Afraid,” and I say that to you today as you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you – “Do Not Be Afraid!” 

Israel would SEE according to the Bible:

  • The Enemy
  • Horses
  • Chariots
  • Army

For us, it could be:

  • The enemy – attacks/tricks of deception
  • Physical/Mental/Emotional – problems, hurt
  • Financial instability – job loss, lack of resources, debt
  • Relationships – People (family, associations, friends)

We “see” these issues and assume this is our reality, believing our situation will never change. BUT GOD! The circumstances you are dealing with are not forever. Everything happens and ends at an appointed time. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV  Remember that if God delivered you before, He will do it again. 

God reminded the Israelites of how He saved them in Egypt. God is faithful, He doesn’t change, and His Word doesn’t return void but accomplishes what He set it to do.

  • God is Faithful!

“Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” Isaiah 25:1 NIV

  • God doesn’t Change!

“But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” Psalms 102:27 NIV

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NIV

  • God’s Word doesn’t return void!

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 NIV

So, remind yourself daily that “GOD IS WITH ME” when you follow His lead. And when you fall short, He will correct your course! GOD IS WITH YOU! How do I know God is with you and me as Christians today? Because He gave His one and only Son for you and me. 

  • God loved you before there was a You!
  • God saved you before there was a You!
  • Jesus died for you before there was a You!
  • God desires to dwell with You as You exist now!

“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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NIV

So, no matter what it looks like—enemies, horses, chariots, or an army greater than you—as was the Israelites, whatever that situation is in your life, “DO NOT BE AFRAID!” GOD WILL BE WITH YOU! Let this weekend of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, remind you that GOD IS WITH YOU!

~Be Blessed and receive His Peace in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ! Amen

Posted on

Counsel Belongs to God 


“Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri the Danite.) They put him in custody until the will of the Lord should be made clear to them.” Leviticus 24:10–12,  NIV

What is your first response in decision-making? How do your emotions influence your reactions? Does worry, doubt, anxiousness, or anger cause you to make hasty decisions? In today’s Scripture, we read that a young Israelite boy curses the Name of God, which is against the Ten Commandments. It is evident that the boy has committed a sin, but the Israelites do not take action into their own hands. How the people handle the matter is essential and worth reflecting on. Verse 12 states, “They put him in custody until the Will of the Lord should be made clear to them.”

Even though the boy’s actions were against the law, Moses and the Israelites did not decide his fate until counsel from the Lord. What a profound and applicable action for our lives today. How many times do we make decisions without counsel from the Lord? How often have our thoughts and actions caused adverse results physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, or relationally for ourselves and those around us? Having discernment is very important in our Christian journey. In every situation, good or bad, we must seek God’s Will and counsel. 

“The mind of the intelligent and discerning seeks knowledge and eagerly inquires after it, But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness.” Proverbs 15:14 AMP

“First seek the counsel of the Lord.” 1 Kings 22:5, NIV

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15: 22, NIV

As I reflect on the original text, I’m reminded of a lesson discussed in Bible study at church. I learned the value of staying connected and up-to-date with Jesus Christ because my daily relationship and counsel with Him will decrease the number of problems in my life. Daily seeking God will help us to develop a level of wisdom and discernment to make better decisions. Meditation on just this simple verse, “They put him in custody until the Will of the Lord should be made clear to them (Leviticus 24:10–12 NIV)” helped me to recognize the value of “God’s counsel” for my present and future decisions.   

Thus, I look to the counsel of the Lord when it comes to my marriage, raising our children, family situations, work environment and associations, friendships, health, and finances. In all circumstances, we must seek to gain proper perspective and counsel from God. 

Therefore, whatever the decision or problem you are facing today, seek the counsel of the Lord first. God will always make your path straight and His Will established! 

“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

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity and ability to seek your knowledge and counsel when making decisions. I ask for your wisdom, understanding, and discernment to move in your Will for my life because You know best. May the Glory of God be revealed in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen~

Posted on

Don’t Be Afraid, Just BELIEVE

A woman holding a Bible

“While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:35-36 NIV

Today’s message is simple but Powerful. “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:35-36 NIV) In life, we go through many ups and downs, which deplete our assurance and place us in the familiar space of worry, intimidation, and fear. However, God says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). He will be with us in every trial, tribulation, or storm. He will also command His angels to care for us in the mist.  

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” Psalm 91:11 NIV

 Did Noah build the Ark in fear or Belief?

 Did Abraham offer Isaac as a sacrifice in fear or Belief?

 Did Gideon approach the battle with only 300 men in fear or Belief?

 Did David approach and defeat Goliath in fear or Belief?

 Did Job’s attacks from the enemy lead to fear or Belief?

 Did Daniel enter the Lion’s Den in fear or Belief?

Did Jesus Christ face the cross for our sins in fear or Belief?

By now, you get the picture!!!

Scripture tells us that the synagogue ruler’s daughter has died, and the people say there is no need to confront Jesus anymore.  

And the doubt they speak sounds so familiar in many of our lives today. We have haters telling us what we can’t do, bad health reports, adverse reports about our children, situations that look bleak, job losses, financial hardships, and even our thoughts placing us in a fearful state. I equate these same scenarios to the people talking to the Jairus, the synagogue ruler. But we have a God that sits HIGH, looks low, and sees our situation. 

Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He didn’t say, “Your daughter is alive,” “Don’t listen to those people,” or even “Let’s go see.” Instead, He told Jairus not to be afraid and just believe.  

 It didn’t matter what the people were saying; it ONLY mattered what God said! It only mattered that he believed in Jesus Christ and the power of God. Jesus wanted Jairus to put fear and doubt aside so his faith could increase. Just as Jesus wants us to do today!

“for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 NIV

So, I say to you today, don’t look around the circumstance, don’t look at the circumstance, don’t look down in fear, but look “UP” to our Heavenly Father, who is all Powerful. Call on the name of the Lord for help!  

“So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 NIV

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

Don’t be afraid; just BELIEVE!!!

Be Blessed and Free to Believe in the Almighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen~

Posted on

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

Posted on

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~

Posted on

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~

Posted on

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 ~

Posted on

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 ~

Posted on

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 ~

Posted on

Your Purpose

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.” Matthew 26:39, 42, 44 NIV

As I read these scriptures, one word came to mind – “Purpose.” Jesus came to save us from our sins and die for us. His purpose was not only illustrated throughout the New Testament but also predestined and foretold within the Old Testament. 

As I reflected on “Matthew 26, The Garden of Gethsemane”, Jesus prayed to His Heavenly Father and asked “that this cup be taken away” three times. But, what’s more important is what was said next. Jesus stated that God’s Will be done and not his. Each time Jesus petitioned for his will, He concluded with God’s Will. 

I believe Jesus knew in his heart that His purpose and God’s plan was more significant than his immediate circumstance. Scripture tells us that Jesus held a heavy burden.

“Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38 NIV

Do you think the burden was concerning His Purpose, His Will, or God’s Will? I would imagine all considering he knew what was to come through Him for us. However, Jesus took the straight path and didn’t turn to the right or left. He accepted God’s Will for his life. 

“So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” Deuteronomy 5:32–33 NIV

Reflection:

Whose Will is leading You?

How is your Plan working?

Are you praying for what you want, when you know what God has for you? 

What direction are you going to take with your “Free-will,” which, by the way, is not free?

You might say, “What is my purpose?” And, I would say, “Get connected to the source!” As you trust and lean on God, He will order your steps. 

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV

“Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” Jeremiah 10:23 NIV

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NIV

Prayer

All-Knowing Father, thank you for ordering my steps. I ask for your help with listening and obeying to your Will for my life. I know that you created me to do great things, and I can only accomplish those things by surrendering to your Will. Please help me to fulfill my purpose today. In the awesome name of Jesus Christ! Amen~