Monthly Devotion

January 2021

Reminder of who the true enemy is, and a reminder of one’s victory over the enemy: 
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”Ephesians 6:10-18
The enemy is not man (human flesh) itself, but the devil’s influence, schemes, deception, and wickedness that is in the mind and heart of man, who is void of Christ. The Victor is Christ!  Therefore, man that has Christ on the “throne” of his mind and heart has victory over the enemy.  Note the scripture; IN CHRIST, we are to just STAND.  Christ is our Protection against the fiery darts of the enemy.  We are strong in the power of His- Christ’s might!So, If you have Christ, LIVE IN VICTORY!  Stand in His strength and power!  
Have a victorious day!

December 2020

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”Hebrews 9:14-15Thank U JESUS for your coming, God in flesh; and offering Yourself the acceptable sacrifice for man’s redemption and for the promise of eternal life!   That’s CHRISTmas folks!!

NOVEMBER 2020
A W Tozer quotes:“You can see God from anywhere if your mind is set to love and obey Him.”John 14:15, Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
“To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with men.”Matthew 5:11, Jesus said “Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
It’s all about a fully surrendered life in Christ.  In a surrendered life one will be in obedience to Christ, growing in the knowledge and discernment of God, seeing His work in all ways.  Also, in living a surrendered life in Christ will bring about persecution from those who love living in the “darkness”. 

OCTOBER 2020

Listen to the Lord….and then Obey“I will hear what God the Lord will speak; for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints; but let them not return again to folly.”   Psalm 85:8Are you listening to the Lord?  This requires a waiting before Him, humility in surrendering, with a agreement to what He speaks, followed by obedience. In listening and obeying, one continually lives in the peace and joy of God’s intimate and personal fellowship. BUT, there is a warning; do NOT return to “folly”, which means “foolishness -wickedness-habitual sinfulness”. 
When we stay focused on Him we won’t have time to be focused on the things of this world.  When we stay listening to Him we won’t be listening to the foolishness of this world. When we live in obedience to Him we won’t be so drawn to the foolishness of this world. 
Listen to the Lord and then obey.  

September Devotion

“But without FAITH it is impossible to please God; for he that comes to God must believe that God IS, and that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6
Look at this picture. As we walked on Sunday I was reminded of FAITH and how we must walk by faith.  As we walked we could only see so far, not knowing what was just around each turn.  I was reminded that walking by faith is to trust the One that our faith is in.  To take one step at a time in obedience to Christ who knows the path that He has prepared before us.  What we don’t know, He knows.  Therefore, we can confidently take each step by faith because we know the Author of our faith and the planned path He has placed us on. With great joy and anticipation we can walk by faith as He reveals great and marvelous things around each turn along the way.  We can enjoy a personal and intimate fellowship as we walk together with Him. 
Walk by faith…..Believe that Christ is….Seek Christ with great diligence….And remember that CHRIST CARES 4 U!

July Devotions
There is Victory & Peace in the Lord!
Psalm 37:1-9
1. Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong.
2 ¶ For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender green plants.
3 ¶ TRUST in the LORD and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely.fn
4 ¶ Take DELIGHT in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
5 ¶ COMMIT your way to the LORD; TRUST in him, and he will act,
6 ¶ making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.
7 ¶ Be SILENT before the LORD and WAIT expectantly for him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans.
8 ¶ REFRAIN from anger and GIVE up your rage; do not be agitated ​— ​it can only bring harm.
9 ¶ For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their HOPE in the LORD will inherit the land.
Read it again.  Meditate and seek God in this.  Walk in the HOPE & PEACE that IS CHRIST.  As a believers, this earth is NOT our home.  No, we are just passing through on our way to our eternal home.  Therefore, our hope, our future, our desire, our joy, our comfort, our peace, our provision, our life is ALL IN CHRIST JESUS ALONE.
 
 
HOW DO U ANSWER THIS IMPORTANT QUESTION?
Matthew 16
13 ¶ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?
14 ¶ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am? ”
16 ¶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Who do you say that Jesus is to you?  Is He just a good teacher?  Just a miracle worker in history?  Do you have an intimate personal knowledge of Him?
Jesus is GOD, who left the glory of heaven, born of a virgin, to take on the flesh of man – yet sinless.  To voluntarily be the sacrificial substitute for all mankind, dying for OUR sin, taking the full penalty and wrath of God upon Himself, for you and me.  In this, man repents, and by faith through His grace, can be forgiven of sin, entering into an intimate personal relationship with God.  
 
June Devotions
A word of truth for America from God’s Word;
 “For brethren, you have been called to liberty; only not use liberty for an occasion with the flesh, but by LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you not be consumed one of another.not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:13-16
Also, “Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”.  Galatians 6:2
 
We need to PRAY for one another, for healing, for wisdom, for forgiveness, and reconciliation.
We need to LOVE one another and demonstrate that love, even as Christ demonstrated His love for us.
We need to humbly, willingly, and joyfully serve one another, even as Christ gave us His example.
We need to strong shoulders to help carry one another’s burdens to the One Jesus that can lighten those burdens.
 
We must realize the evil in this world, the wickedness of man’s heart that is void and depraved without God. But also, to know with confidence, that Christ has overcome the evil and wickedness of this world and still desires that all come to repentance with the result of a victorious relationship with Him, the hope, the remedy, the cure for all mankind.
 
Church, be the church.  May the truths of God be demonstrated to this world, through our lips, our attitude, our character, and our actions.  JESUS GAVE HIMSELF for the Jew, the Gentile, the Samaritan, the poor, the rich, for every tongue, and for every nation/color.
 
May we all be challenged to demonstrate the love of Christ to others, not only today, but everyday.
 
Fellow BELIEVERS in CHRIST;
“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me, yes, woe is unto me, IF I preach not the Gospel.”
1 Corinthians 9:16
 
So true that we have nothing to glory in, but oh what a calling, a  responsible, and accountability to Him that we as believers have to preach/proclaim and demonstrate in living testimony His Gospel!
 
This has been another week in our world promoting fear, injustice, racism, and all sorts of evil/wickedness. Oh, how we as believers in Christ have the truths of God to share!   Truth of salvation, of Hope, of grace, of forgiveness, and of rest in Him.
May we join together on this Lord’s day, praying for our brethren, praying for healing, praying in repentance of self and for the nation, praying for true revival in our land.
May we pray for the madness to cease; May we draw nigh to God and May our relationship to God be right and demonstrated through our daily living.
 
April Devotion 2020
“Where is the promise of His coming?” 
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us ward not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:4 & 9
 
The celebration of Christ Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection should be a daily reminder of God’s love, grace, mercy, and sacrifice for all man.  A reminder of His costly, finished, work for man’s redemption and reconciliation to God.  Praise the Lord for such a great salvation for those who fully surrender, with a repentant heart, being freed from the bondage of sin; who now abide in Christ!
“Where is the promise of His coming?” is the question that many still ask today.  Peter is writing to the believers warning them about the scoffers who try to discount or dispel the promise of His coming AGAIN.  When Jesus ascended back to the Father (Acts 1:9-11), two men (angels) proclaimed that just as He had ascended that He would come back in like manner.  For the last two thousands years, the “church” has been looking with great anticipation His return.
Praise God, “He is not slack concerning His promise to return”!  Jesus Christ is COMING, ARE YOU LOOKING for HIM?  As Jesus is now returning, His heart for all mankind is the same, that all would repent of sin so that they not be separated from Him for all eternity. What a loving Savior!  What a patient compassionate Savior!
Jesus is coming.  His patience (long-suffering) is coming to an end.  Jesus will return for His “church” soon and judgement for all who have rejected Him will take place.
Are you ready for His return? Jesus is on the way!
 
 
March Devotion 2020
Has He Gotten Your Attention??
“….let us lay aside every weight (hindrance/distraction), and the sin that entangles us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the races that is set before us.  Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith…”
Hebrews 12:1b-2a
 
Take note that in the midst of this time of anxiety, fear, and panic by many; that the many “weights (distractions)” has come to a pause.  The “weights” that takes our focus off what’s most important.  “Weights” like sports, entertainment, food, shopping, travel, & personal finances.  These all are or can be distractions from Christ in our life that consumes our time, resources, and attention. In focusing on these weights leads to sin that entangles us. God’s Word says we are to recognize this and to “lay them aside”, repent, or turn away from them.
In these last days, are you recognizing this in the changes that have taken place in our world today?  Is God speaking? Is God revealing “weights” to us?  What has our focus been?  What have we been looking at?
 
What does God’s Word say for us to do?  LOOKING UNTO JESUS!  Today is the day to LOOK, to FOCUS, to SEEK, to TAKE HOLD of JESUS!  It is JESUS that is the CURE, the REMEDY of ALL things. May our FAITH be in CHRIST ALONE!  May we spend fervent time in PRAYER, in STUDY, and in SERVICE.
 
May we as individuals and as a nation lay aside every weight that so easily entangles us and causes one to sin; that takes away our focus of Christ.
 
Thank U Jesus for showing us the daily distractions that has deceived our focus and attention from where it should have been. Forgive us.  Heal us. Restore us.
 
 
February Devotion 2020
 
“Be clothed with humility; for God resists the proud , and gives grace to the humble” 
1 Peter 5:5
 
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
1 Peter 5:6
 
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7
 
“He (Jesus) must increase, but I (self) must decrease”
John 3:30
 
So true is the saying that “pride goeth before the fall”.  Pride is a selfish, wicked, and often deceptive sin in one’s life. Pride causes God’s resisting instead of Grace. Pride invites the attacks of the enemy and one’s focus on satisfying of self.  Pride makes everything all about “me”.   Bottom line, pride is sin that separates one from God.
BUT,,,,,,,,,
The work of the Holy Spirit reveals pride, to bring about repentance, the denying of one’s self, in faith being totally dependent on Christ, with a desire of full obedience to Him through yieldedness and surrender – humility.  It’s all about Jesus!   In Jesus we have victory over sin, death, and the grave!  In Jesus, the battle with the enemy has already been won.
In Christ, humility.
 
 
January Devotion 2020
Are you an overcomer?
“For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.  Who is he that overcomes the world; but he that believes Jesus is the Son of God?”
1 John 5:4-5
 
Have you been born of God (Spiritual Birth)?
U R an overcomer!
 
Do you believe (activated faith in full surrender to the Lordship of Christ) that Jesus is the son of God, is God?
U R an overcomer!
 
Do you have victory (Christ living in you and through you) over the world?
U R an overcomer!
 
In Christ, one is one with Christ.
In Christ, one has victory of the enemy of this world, victory over sins bondage, victory over death.
In Christ, one is an overcomer and inherits all the things of God; Revelation 21:7 says “He that overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be my son”.
 
IN CHRIST U R AN OVERCOMER!
 
 

December Devotion

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, let us NOW GO even unto Bethlehem, and SEE this thing which IS come to pass, which the LORD HATH MADE KNOWN to us.”            Luke 2:15

Praise the Lord for the record of His birth, His coming, HERE on earth.  When I read about the event of His coming, my mind begins to imagine the “scene”of that night.  I picture Joseph and Mary arriving in Bethlehem finding room in a humble setting with the animals in a stable.  I imagine the angelic announcement to the shepherds watching their flock by night, with the addition of the angelic host proclaiming Messiah’s birth and what that means to all mankind – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward man”.

The announcement of Christ’s birth was first revealed to lowly shepherds.  Those who were looked down upon in society.  Those men who were often unlearned or uneducated; men whose words were ignored by many.  Yet, this great announcement was REVEALED to them.  Jesus came for ALL people.  Jesus came for the most lowly and humble of status, as well as the more well to do and educated.  Jesus came for people of every nation and every tongue.  This announcement to the shepherds COMPELLED them to GO and SEE for themselves what had been revealed to them that night.

Notice the shepherds OBEDIENCE and TESTIMONY.  Luke 2:17 says “And when they had SEEN it (Jesus), they MADE KNOWN (testified) abroad the saying which was told to them.”  The shepherds went immediately and saw, now eyewitnesses to Christ’s coming! The fulfillment of God’s promise to save the people from their sin through His work of redemption!   The shepherds could not keep this quiet.  They could not keep this GOOD NEWS to themselves; NO, the scripture tells us (Luke 2:20) “and the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.”

Challenge and Encouragement – Everyday, we who have been radically changed, transformed, made new by the supernatural work of Christ Jesus in salvation, ought to be sharing the Gospel of Christ with ALL people!  Jesus DELIVERS one from the bondage of sin!  Jesus gives LIFE to those dead in their trespasses!  In Christ one enjoys the FELLOWSHIP with God in being reconciled to Him.  In Christ one NOW experiences His joy, His peace, His mercy, His grace, His forgiveness, His love, His care, and His life!  Oh, may we ALL GO and SHARE the GOOD NEWS to all people!  Christ Jesus is the HOPE this world is seeking.  Let’s make HIM KNOWN.

Merry Christmas!

November Devotion

THANKFULNESS…..Consider how blessed U R;
– U turn on the faucet and water comes out
– U turn on the switch and the light comes on
– U have heat or AC to keep yourself comfortable
– U have a bed to sleep on
– U have clothes to wear
– U have food to eat
– U have a stove to cook on
– U have a roof over your head
– U have a job to provide for your family
– U have access to health care needs
– U have transportation
– U have…..U have…..
Too many in America take the above “U HAVES” for granted, and still say “I need this and that”.
TRUTH, IF you are blessed in having the list above, then you are statistically one of the RICHEST people in the world.
 
Come, where we are currently, many have no running water nor electricity.  Many have no bed, nor kitchen, nor stove. Many have no transportation, nor health care.  Many labor for pennies a day.
 
Be THANKFUL. U R BLESSED.
In your thankfulness, be generous, be compassionate, be kind, be prayerful, be obedient.  Serve others, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
 
 

October Devotion

SHARE N PERSECUTION! 
“As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and hailing men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.”
Acts 8:3-4
 
Biblically, it’s in times of persecution that the Gospel of Christ spreads and the Kingdom grows!  The persecution of fellow believers in certain parts of the world is seen as tragic and indeed is tragic, BUT Biblically, it is also glorifies Christ and furthers the true life changing work of Christ!
In the midst of being persecuted for the Gospel sake, believers being persecuted shout praises to Christ, their testimony and witness without fail!!  We are to rejoice in being partakers of Christ’s suffering!
 
Pray, be Bold, be Not Ashamed, Proclaim the Gospel…..no matter what!
 
Make plans to attend “Share N Persecution” service hosted by Pastor Paul Willis at Shiloh BC on November 3, 2019.

September Devotion

“But refuse profane and old wives fables, and EXERCISE thyself rather unto GODLINESS.  For bodily exercise profits little; BUT GODLINESS is PROFITABLE unto all things, having PROMISE of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”       1 Timothy 4:7-8

As we get older, it seems we go see our physician more often.  Isn’t it true that our physician also makes this statement, “You could lose some weight and exercise more; it would be a great help for you physically.”   We should try to take care of our physical bodies and improve our health.  BUT, the fact is that these earthly bodies are decaying, breaking down, and will die one day.

There is GOOD NEWS!  Paul challenges Timothy to focus on his SPIRITUAL health and well being.  Note that Paul says in the focused verse that “exercising” the physical body benefits LITTLE.  Another words, this physical body and this physical life is ONLY temporal; BUT our spiritual life is eternal.  Therefore, our focus should be on being disciplined in SPIRITUAL DIET and EXERCISE!  The word “exercise” in the Greek is our English word “gymnasium”.  Paul is telling Timothy, be disciplined in GOD’S GYM.

What does that look like?  Our diet should be that of feasting on the Word of God, the Bread of Life!  Our drink should be that which will satisfy and quench our thirst, the Living Water.  Our exercise should be putting into practice, applying, constantly demonstrating; Christ’s character, attributes, and behavior in our daily living.   As you exercise in God’s Gym, nourishing on His Word, you will become strong IN and BY the Holy Spirit that has taken up residence in the life of the believer.  You will grow in Christ’s godliness.  You will become strong in Christ’s strength.  You will continue to be changed and transformed by Christ’s transforming power.

Time to work out.  Time to diet on the right nourishment.  Time to exercise.  Time for godliness; for it is profitable – beneficial to you and for His glory.

August Devotion

“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand , o king. BUT if not, be it known unto thee,O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”  Daniel 3:17-18
 
Walking by FAITH means walking in the total sovereign will and purpose of God.
Walking by FAITH is to acknowledge and agree with how God chooses to act in answering our prayers.
Walking by FAITH is be totally surrendered and yielded to His desired outcome in every circumstance and season of life.
Walking by FAITH is rejoicing no matter what outcome He decides.
WALKING BY FAITH = ITS ALL ABOUT JESUS!
 
 

July Devotion

“And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?  For you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people.”   2 Corinthians 6:16

In one’s salvation, Christ removes ALL the unrighteousness and crushes ALL our idols from our sinful dead past.  Praise the Lord!  Immediately the Holy Spirit MOVES IN to this body, this now temple of the Living God.  Christ’s righteousness is deposited in us as well.  As Christ resides in us, through the Holy Spirit, Christ now dwells and walks in and through our life always.  Christ is to be our thoughts, our speech, our actions, and our countenance.  Christ is to be Lord of all areas of our life; through one’s humble surrendered obedience.

But what about idols?  We must always be on watch, take evaluation, take heed that we don’t re-establish idols in our life NOW with Christ.  Idols are deceptive and often enter slowly, then slowly gain the priority of our time and resources.  Some examples of idols we need to crush is one’s focus on money, material possessions, internet/social media, career, relationships, etc.  Anything that comes before God or that gains your loyalty is indeed and idol.  Crush it!  Do away with it!  Repent and Return to your one and only God…..Christ Jesus!

June Devotion

“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to heaven unto you more than unto God, judge you.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  Acts 4:19-20

Do you and I testify of Jesus and His great work of salvation?  Peter and John had been arrested because of their witness, their testimony, their proclaiming of the truth of Jesus and His salvation to the lost sinner.  Arrested because of the rejection of the Good News of Jesus.  We are so blessed to live in a country of freedom, where we can tell ALL about the Gift of Grace that Jesus Himself has paid for.  We can share with our friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors; all without the threat of being arrested and or beaten.

But do we?  Peter and John was FILLED with the Holy Spirit.  They were fully surrendered in full obedience to the Lordship of Christ.  Therefore, the priority and love of their life was Jesus and making sure that everyone knew of Him.  They did this in the midst of great persecution, yet they persevered for Christ’s sake.  They did this with great faith and boldness….no fear of the enemy.

May we, the believers in Christ here in America, be confident and bold in sharing our story of faith in Christ, as well as Christ’s story of love and finished work for all people.

May Devotion

Choose the GOOD Part  from Luke 10:38-42

“…Martha received Jesus into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, which also SAT at Jesus’ feet, and HEARD His WORD.  But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do the serving alone?  Tell her that she come help me.  Jesus answered, Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about with many things, but ONE thing is NEEDFUL; and Mary has CHOSEN that GOOD PART, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Are you choosing the Good Part?  In the world we live in it is so easy to get encumbered or entangled in the busyness of everyday life; even busy in doing things in the name of the Lord.  BUT, what did Jesus say was the ONE NEEDFUL THING?  JESUS, to sit with Jesus, to hear what Jesus has to say, to be engaged with Jesus personally and intimately.  That’s the most needful thing in the life of the believer.  It may be that we need to make a changes in our daily schedules, giving time to sit at Jesus’ feet.  We need to find a quiet place each day to read His Word, to pray, and then to be silent, allowing Him to speak life and purpose to us.  Have we chosen the good part?

Christ Cares 4 U!

April Devotion

God’s Heart from Revelation 7:9-10 

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of ALL nations, and KINDREDS, and PEOPLE, and TONGUES, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying Salvation to our God which sitters upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”

How wonderful, the love of God is for His greatest creation, mankind.  God’s love extends to ALL people, not just the Jews.  What a great scene we see here as John records what he saw when the curtain of heaven was drawn back.  John saw people of all colors, of all languages, of all cultures, from all over the world, TOGETHER in heaven.  God’s heart is for every person in the human race to be “born” into the family of God.  To be born again, not by water or blood, but by the Spirit.  God’s heart is also for those that are apart of His family to be intentional in growing the family through the testimony of one’s faith and the object of that faith (the Gospel of Christ).

Stop and meditate on these two verses.  Close your eyes.  Can you see this scene in heaven?  Who do you know that will be missing from this scene if you fail to share with them the Gospel?   Will you prayerfully and intentionally, GO share this Good News with someone today?

Christ Cares 4 U!

March Devotion

“I had fainted (quit/died), unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, upon the Lord”. 
Psalm 27:13-14
Do you ever feel like the world is closing in on you?  Ever said “I’m done” or “I quit”?
Life is filled with many afflictions, pains, and heartaches. BUT remember that IN Christ we can find hope for today, love strengthened in our heart, and the courage in Him to face all challenges.
The psalmist found himself at a place that at first, caused him to say “I’m done”, “I quit”.  He was then reminded, as he looked beyond those things leading him to give up, of his God who was greater than his affliction/enemy.
The psalmist confident faith in the goodness of the Lord’s love, plan, and purpose for his life changed his desire to quit, to the desire to walk on in the Lord!
Twice we see the word “wait”, which means to persevere forward as God continues to do His planned work and will in your life. Focus on the Lord and not on the affliction/enemy. Focus on the Lord and you will become courageous in confident faith, and your heart will be strengthened to press on!
Your hope, your victory, your peace is found in the Lord.
Listen to this truth, “FEAR LOOKS AT THE STORM, FAITH LOOKS TO GOD WHO HAS THE POWER TO CALM THE STORM”
My friend, don’t quit. Don’t give up. Don’t live in defeat. Focus on Christ Jesus! There is hope and victory in Him.
Christ Cares 4 U!
 

February Devotion

“But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  Acts 1:8

This is the instruction and purpose of the believer in Christ.  In being “born again”, in being regenerated, one becomes a new creation.  One has died to oneself and is now alive in Christ, having the Holy Spirit residing within.

Jesus instructed the disciples in John 15, about He being the Vine and the believer, the branches.  The branches are to produce fruit which can ONLY happen through the intimacy, the Vine and branch shares by the working of the Holy Spirit.

Christ commands us to be His witness, His martyr, testifying to ALL the world about His Gospel!  This is a lifestyle of sharing Christ with all people.

In “Jerusalem”, which is your local area (city, neighborhood, school, workplace).

In “Judea”, which is your state and country.

In “Samaria”, which is to the outcasts or the unlovely of society.

In the “uttermost part of the earth”, which is everywhere!

We, as believers, are to ALL be His witnesses.  This is not an option, but a clear command of His purposed will for the church.

Are you His witness?

January Devotion

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low and He helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with thee.”
Psalm 116:5-7
 
Instead of falling into the snares of the enemy (anger,hatred, division, pride), humble yourself and be thankful for the amazing grace of Christ, for His righteousness, for His mercy toward us. Remember how Christ has brought you out of spiritual darkness into His Light; how Christ has withdrawn your spiritual bankruptcy replacing it with His wealth.
 
We who BELIEVE are BLESSED.  So when you take your first breath in the morning, may you begin by praising, worshipping, and thanking Christ for your life and blessings.
 
 
 

December Devotion

Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

What an amazing fulfillment to this prophecy!  This CHILD to be born was God in the flesh.  Jesus, born of a virgin, conceived by the divine work of the Holy Spirit!

This SON of God, was GIVEN out of His love, grace, and mercy to us!  None of us deserve Jesus, nor have we earned any right to this GIFT of God.

Christ Jesus’ kingdom is to come!  Christ is already the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  He is coming again, and He then will establish His earthly kingdom.

Five names are given Him:

Wonderful – There is no greater wonder than Christ Himself.  He is wonderful, for He is Life, He is Eternal, He is Sovereign, He is Truth, He is Love, and He is Salvation!  Wonderful is He!

Counselor – His counsel is wise, always right, and for the accomplishing of His perfect planned will for each of of lives.  His counsel is for our good and for His glory!

The Mighty God – He has all authority to deliver, judge, rule, and reign.  He has NO equal.  There is none greater!  His victory was finalized in the finished work of the cross and the leaving of an empty tomb.  The Mighty God lives and He is victorious!

The Everlasting Father – He is the eternal God.  He has always been, ever present now, and will forever be.  He is the true Father, who loves His children.  He will never leave them nor forsake them; only love them throughout eternity.

The Prince of Peace – Christ is the most high of leaders.  His work is the peace of God to all who would come by faith, repenting of sin, receiving His loving gift of grace, now having His perfect peace.  His peace is not understood by natural man, but for His child, peace of God is known.

Why do you celebrate Christmas?

Who is Christ to you personally?

Do you KNOW Christ by these five names?

We pray that you will truly KNOW Christ JESUS this CHRISTmas.

Merry Christmas!

November Devotion

PRAISE THE LORD!    “Give Them Jesus!”

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, give I thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them in the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.”  Acts 3:6-8

PRAISE THE LORD!  What people need is Christ above anything else. As believers, we have the remedy, the answer to cure the people of this world. That remedy is the Gospel, the transforming Gospel of Christ! Lord, help us to be faithful witnesses and to give Jesus to the people always!

 
So live out Christ in your life!  Share your personal testimony through your speech, conduct, and actions.
 
Christ Cares 4 U!
 
 

September Devotion

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”   Psalm 27:1

Praise Christ Jesus for this confident, activated, ever maturing faith!  Look closely at these three assurances; as a believer in Christ, He (Jesus Christ) is my……

  •  Light – meaning my life and life eternal, my direction, my counsel, my wisdom
  •  Salvation – meaning my deliverer from the bondage of sin, my deliverer from this world, my deliverer from the enemy and temptation
  •  Strength – meaning my fortress, my strong tower, my protector, and my provider

Praise God!  When Christ is my Light, my Salvation, and my Strength, there is NOTHING nor ANYONE that I should ever fear!   Activated FAITH in Christ alone, puts fear to naught, to no avail.  Therefore, the believer can live out life in the perfect peace and rest of Christ Himself.   Is Christ your Light?  Your Salvation?  Your Strength?

Christ Cares 4 U!

August Devotion 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  1 Peter 1:3
 
Praise the Lord!  We praise, worship, and adore Him for His abundant mercy (loving kindness) and amazing grace!  It is by the finished work of Christ that we can be born again (regenerated), recieveing the “Living Hope”, which is the person of Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit!
To know Christ personally is to know the peace of God, the forgiveness of God, and the joyful fellowship with Him now and for eternity.
Listen: Transformation is the evidence of one’s regeneration. IF there is no evedience of Transformation, then there was never a regeneration.  Have you been born again?
If not, I beseech you, do it today!
Pastor Scott & Terri Huffman
828-612-5021
 
 

July Devotion

“Casting ALL your care upon Him (Christ); for He (Christ) cares for you.”                     1 Peter 5:7

Do you have a confident faith and trust in the power and enablement of Christ in all areas of your life?  Look closely at what this verse says.

“Casting” comes from two Greek words that means “to throw down something”.  This verse tells us “to throw down ALL our CARES” to Christ.  What is the meaning of “CARES”?  “Cares” in the Greek has this meaning, “stress, worry, and/or anxieties that divides and cuts” our life.

Listen, the “cares” in our life will distract us from Christ.  These “cares” will add unneeded stress in our life that causes our focus to be on ourself.  This minimizes the power of God in our life and maximizes our focus on self and the “cares” that stress us.

Therefore, as a believer, we should throw down all our stresses, worries, and anxiety at the feet of Christ.  Giving Christ ALL these things, relieving one of these heavy burdens, putting all trust in Christ to handles these things in our life as He wills.  When we activate faith in Him, we can walk in the perfect peace and grace which is Christ Jesus.

WHY cast all our cares to Him?  “For He cares for you”!!!  You matter to Christ!  Christ loves you unconditionally.  Christ is the Good Shepherd that cares for His sheep by giving them protection, provision, security, forgiveness, comfort, discipline, mercy, grace, peace, and joy!!  The abundant life promised, BUT it must start with a fully surrendered life, an activated faith in Christ alone.

June Devotion

“But when He (Jesus) saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted (hopeless & wandering) and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”          Matthew 9:36

What a blessing and privilege to be offered the GIFT of God, the finished work of His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus!  When we place our faith in Christ, repent of our sins; Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Jesus reconciles us to a Holy and Righteous God.  Praise the Lord that we then, enter into a fellowship with Christ.

As a believer, we are to share and offer the same GIFT to those who are lost, hopeless, and just wandering in the darkness.   In the scripture above, Jesus had spent the day with His disciples healing the people spiritually first, then physically.  Jesus desires to to save the soul of all who would respond to the drawing of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus looked on the crowd of people and had compassion on them.  His heart broke as He saw the effects of sin, the effects of bad choices, the effects of rebellion against God.

How do you see the people around you every day?  At work?  At school?  In your neighborhood?  In church?  As believers, we should see others as Jesus sees them and have such a compassion that it would motivate us to share the love of Christ, the Gospel, with them.

People need the Lord. May we as believers be His faithful witnesses and testimony.

To God be the Glory!

Pastor Scott & Terri