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"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Isaiah 41:10

 

Do you feel beaten and discouraged?  Do you sometimes ask God where are you in these times of trouble? Does it seem like when you need God most you do not feel him near? When the scripture’s tells us that we are going from glory to glory and from faith to faith, this is most accurate!

What does this mean? Faith is empowered by the continued reading and memorization of scripture. God’s glory involves ushering in the presence of God with your intimate prayers continually!

 

There are some things you must feel so that God can instill compassion in you.  There are some hurdles that you will have to go through so that he can get you alone and encourage you. There are sometimes you have to feel weakened, hurt and abused in spirit, so that God can strengthen you.  Ecclesiastes 3 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

“There are times for building and tearing down, there are times for weeping and a time for laughing, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time for embracing and a time to refrain from embracing”.Ecclesiastes 3.

 

Every encounter and experiences in life is used as a learning mechanism. Once you realize and embrace this truth in your life you won’t become so discouraged quickly. God’s ways are not our ways, and to tell you that living a Christian life is all roses and butterflies it would be to your disadvantage.

But I can assure you this, there will always be this instilled peace and joy on the inside of you if you trust God, because you will know in your heart that as soon as I’m out of this season my God will uphold thee with the right hand of his righteousness.”

Trusting him just involves you giving up your will and wants in life and surrendering to God’s will and wants for your life!

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

 

Signed: All For His Glory”

By: Danielle Fleming

 

 

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For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief! Ecclesiastes 1:18

 

I heard this once and it pierced my heart deeply, I knew of its meaning but I did not take heart or delight in these words. But as I grew deeper in the spirit and deeper into my frustration I saw that what the teacher was saying in Ecclesiastes was greatly true.

 

When I saw leaders in their weakness trample over them that are underneath them because of their own ambitions, this brought grief to me deeply. When I saw people betray others because of their own hidden motives and insecurities, this grieved me deeply!

 

I could not understand that when I asked God for more wisdom, knowledge and understanding that he would give it to me with such distastefulness along with it! It was then that I understood that during these times of living we are only living to fur fill the works of God and with this we must find pleasure. But also understand this, that even when God gives me understanding I am still ignorant in my own understanding.

 

Because I truly cannot comprehend fully what the teacher is saying! But in my understanding I see that we are to live according to God’s goodness and mercy. We should work because it is our reasonable service to our God whom died for us! It is our hearts desire because God has placed such desire in our soul and amongst our spirits, it wasn’t planted their by our own hands.

 

My heart is grieved as I write this because God deals so diligently with his daughter.  Even in my righteous acts there was still evil around me and there was no way of escape! But even in those times I’ve learned I must still fur fill my calling in the midst of my frustration.  God reminds me in Ecclesiastes12:14, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.”

 

All the things that we have lived out, and all the good and bad deeds we have committed rather done saved or unsaved it  will be judged. So I encourage you to continue to the fight of your life, your soul, and of your mind! Because in 1 Peter 4:18, it tells us , “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

 

Although life gets tiresome and even the works of God can become wearisome, we can rest assure that every teacher in the bible has felt such frustration. 

 

“Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.”

Ecclesiastes 7:3

 

Signed: All For His Glory

 

 

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"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Philippians 2:3

As a human race we usually have good intentions for the things that we do in life. Most of the time, our motives are good and filled with honesty. But what happens when those motives subsides, and what once was pure and true now turns into a battle for recognition.

Is it possible when your working for God our works can become full of vain and deceit? Can we truly become so caught up in the compliments we receive and totally miss what God is truly trying to give us?

Is it possible that you left God standing there with his arms stretched out saying, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that he may exalt you in due time."(1 Peter 5:6).

Did you totally miss the greater blessing that he had for you because of your haughty spirit?

It's not God's will that we work for him and receive nothing in return. The bible verse that I quoted above lets us know that we may be exalted in due time. Yes I understand that we are all human and sometimes just want to feel appreciated. But above all of that, there is not a second or moment that goes by where God doesn't see all of your good works.

Allow me to be transparent with you. Last week one of my dear sister's at church prayed over me and said let everything that you do be for God's glory. Now you may be thinking well what is she doing that's not for his glory? Well it's not so much about what I'm doing and more about what I am not doing.

People of God there are going to be people that will encourage you to do certain things. Rather it's in ministry, your marriage, or just daily decision making, and although they may have good intentions it may not be his will.

You have to remember that people are people and they don't always know God's will for you. But furthermore in the moment I was thinking maybe I should join this or that. But I went home and prayed, and God said that is not my will for you now and reminded me that, "I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name." (Revelation 3:8)

Now the moral of the story is wouldn't you rather walk into the calling door God has placed in your path than the call of men?

He tells me that when I open doors for you there is not one man that can shut out your blessing! If that's not enough to get you excited, than I have not done my job. People, God has a plan and purpose for everyone, and when you finally choose to walk into that purpose he will guide your footsteps and condition you in preparation for the blessings.

When you are fully prepared there's no need for fear or fumble. He is right beside you, his words are tucked in your bosom, and he is cheering you on proudly because he created you to be who you are!

So if you get nothing else out of this devotional today remember this key point, when you subject yourselves to humility there are no limits to what God can do for you.

Signed: All For His Glory

 

 

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"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 17

 

Fear has been something that has plagued our churches for many years, it has kept the called preacher from preaching, the singer from singing, the writer from writing and most important it has kept God's people in bondage. People of God I only write this to you to remind you that God is in everything that is just and good.

 

If it's for his glory, there is nothing that we can do to possibly disappoint him. God looks at us like his children, and like most parents we just want to see our child grow into the full potential that we already see upon their lives. This should come to no surprise to you when I tell you that Satan likes to see us chained and broken, but our Savoir Jesus loves to see us freed and wholesome.

 

For many, since we were small children we have had to overcome fear set forth at an early age. Therefore we may be still fighting to overcome fears that may have been rooted at young ages. But allow me to tell you what I have learned to help me overcome these fears in my Christian walk. I've came to the realization that it can only be broken with committment to prayer, developing a dependent relationship with God, and listening for his voice.

 

Believe me when I say I have a along way to go and more lessons to be learned. But what I've learned so far by his Mercy and Grace that fear is a normal feeling, but how you handle it can bring forth success or destruction. Meaning, when doubt comes bring yourself into subjection to what God wants you to do instead of taking the easy way out or simply doing what you want.

 

God has given you great power over your life, and you alone are a strong individual able to move mountains. So be fearless and embrace the power God has given you so that you may live freely and love abundantly.

 

Signed: All For His Glory

 

 

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"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

 

If you are like me you have struggled to get through many things or to achieve your personal desires.

Like anything else you have to walk into it boldly if your expecting the anointing Favor of God to be over what ever it is you may be pursuing.

I endured many afflictions once I gave my life over to Christ. I endeavored problems in my marriage, ministry, spiritual growth and much more.

By the time I realized I could not do this without the Grace of God, I was already severely hurt.

Did you know that Jesus is to be our counselor, friend, and healer in these times of need?

We are to come to him before the fight, not after when where already bruised, scorned and weakened.

In Deuteronomy 1:30 it tell us, “The LORD your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you, just as you saw him do in Egypt.”

If Jesus fought for them, do you not think that he will fight our battles for us now? “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”Hebrews 13:8.

He has already invited us to come to his throne when were ashamed and troubled in out spirit. He tells us to come boldly and admit all of which has troubled us.

The God that we serve gives us wisdom in times we don’t trust our own judgement.

He is true friend who is always there to reassure us in our times of need.

So be bold, be blessed and wait for his comfort.

Signed: All For His Glory

 

 

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"And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Exodus 33:14

 

It can be an overwhelming fear knowing God has called you for a greater purpose than what you expected. When God reveals his destiny for you, it then becomes  a stronger spiritual battle.

When God spoke into my heart and delighted me with promises and visions, I grew sad. It was not that I wasn’t pleased with such great blessings.

But I knew there would now be great persecution. Understand that if you’re going to be a light to the world and show God’s great works, than you must allow the spirit that dwells within you to speak boldly for you.

The story of Moses and the Israelites is a great example of how Gods presence is greatly needed.

The bible describes Moses relationship with God as a close friendship (Exodus 33:11).

But God called the Israelites that he traveled with, “Stiff Necked People.”

In which means to be “prideful” or “stubborn.” As a result of this God did not want to travel with them.

This troubled Moses, therefore he asked God. “How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth? (Exodus 33:16 NIV).

Moses knew that in order for him to complete his purpose he had to be set apart from others.

You see God wasn’t always pleased with Moses and the Israelites stubborn ways.

But outside their blemishes his presence traveled went with them.

Just like the Israelites, God loves us through our weaknesses.

No matter how great the task. Always rest in knowing God’s presence is with you.

Signed: All For His Glory

 

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But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou

our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Isaiah 64:8

 

While reading the book of Isaiah it reminded me of how helpless we can become when we stray away from God. Isaiah described how when we sin, God gives us over to those sins and any righteous acts we do are like filthy rags to him. If you are anything like me you are imperfect, and there were times I’ve strayed away from him and made my own decisions.

During that time period, I became dead in my Christian walk and in my influence. I noticed that I had become powerless in any attempts made to encourage others. Do I dare say, that the once holy filled spirit that dwelled in me was absent from my being. All of my good intended works had no value to God because I no longer sought to dwell in his presence. Like Isaiah describes in the bible it truly felt like God had became hidden from me.

I’m sure your wondering how did this happen. We’ll I had became too busy for prayer each morning, and too worried about what people would think when I worshipped or praised. This wasn’t something that just happened overnight it occurred overtime in my slumber. I no longer became protective of what I listened to, nor did I seek discernment in just about anything. Those actions caused me to become stagnant in my spiritual growth.

If you’re going through this, I encourage you to pray no matter how discouraged the enemy has made you feel. This can be temporary, if you allow yourself to seek forgiveness. Isaiah made a desperate attempt to ask God for forgiveness. In his attempts he made God very aware that you are our maker, and there is absolutely nothing that I can do without you.

Is it safe to say that we are like puppets when we surrender? I know it may sound degrading but if you think of yourself in this way with serving God, than you will truly realize that your life really isn’t your own.

God took time to make you with his own hands so that you could serve him. He knows you’ll stumble along the way. So be content in knowing you are like clay to God, and you’re just being shaped, smoothed, and molded into your God given perfection!

Signed: All For His Glory

 

 

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It all belongs to Him. “A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalms 24:1

 

Aren’t you grateful we serve a God that has full dominion over everything that dwells upon the earth? At the start of each day, were blessed to be partakers in such a creative world.

The earth we live in is far from perfect but we learn to accept these circumstances because he let’s us know in Matthew 5:45 that he shines his sunlight on both the evil and the good, and sends his rain on the just and the unjust alike.

So every accomplishment and every disappointment that occurs, it is evident to say God plays a very major role in them. It should be peaceful to know that there is nothing too great or complicated that God won’t already have his hands in.

Is it safe to say that because we serve a righteous and gracious God that we are entitled to live a life full of blessings, joy, and peace?

Could it actually be in our benefit to belong to a God that loves us unconditionally? I would much rather serve a God that chastens me to live righteously than a God who would let me live a life harming others.

Just take in consideration all the unexpected life events that occur.

Again I rather be reassured that God already has taken dominion over my unforeseen situations.

When we finally learn to accept his dominance and with our whole hearts value that we have been bought with an non payable price. We can then have the chance through demonstration show that we can be entrusted to be good stewards over the possessions he has placed before us.

I hope you agree that it’s important to honor God with complete surrender, and to stop tugging at the things that satisfy our own self-pride? I think it would be a tremendous to be restored back to the God given image we were meant to be identified in.

You were created in his image, so rejoice in belonging to someone who has valued you since the beginning!

Signed: All For His Glory

 

 

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We have been blessed to see another day. Give thanks. “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalms 34:3

 

I remember a scene described in the bible of how David leaped and danced for the Lord after receiving news that the Lord, had blessed him. It made me wonder when was the last time I’ve exalted God in that way.

I had to realize how dead I had become in my praise towards the blessings of God. This was the same God that breathes life into me, covers my family, and gives grace over my shortcomings. So how could I have the right not to give him abundant praise daily.

There have been often times I knew the Holy Spirit would tell me to go ahead and praise anyway so that I could be strengthened. But out of disobedience I didn’t.

After reading the story of David in the bible, I quickly became aware of why it was important to praise through David’s example. Because I realized no matter what was before him, he had his heart set out to magnify God.

Indeed there were things that he did that were unpleasing to God, but even in all of his imperfections he consistently praised. I don’t know about you, but David gives me inspiration to keep praising through my blemishes as well.

I believe that no one who wants to live for God intentionally becomes dead in their praise. But in those moments when we do we should pick up where we left off, and delight in praise just as David did.

God is aware that sometimes we can only see as past as our eyes will allow us to. But I encourage you to do some more spiritual investigation during your times of searching and give him praise with a persistent eager heart.

Signed: All For His Glory

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Your latter will be greater than your beginning. “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10

 

Whenever were in a rut isn’t it natural to want to call someone and ask for their advice and hear words of encouragement. Although we might already be fully aware that their advice may not be the right fit for your situation.

Sometimes it can get quite disappointing that family and friends can’t always be our point of contact when dreadful times come our way. Although family and friends can be helpful, we have to realize that they can only be a temporary fix to the solution of our problems.

I believe that God can sometimes pull us away so that he is able to work on his children. We know that God is a jealous God and sometimes when he wants our full attention he can either allow or disallow others to take part in our spiritual growth. In the story of Job we know that his friends turned against him, persecuted him and blamed him for the things that God was allowing in his life.

I don’t know about you but would it have been more soothing to hear his friends strengthen him while he was going through such difficult times. I mean the man lost everything, his children, his riches, his peace of mind and most devastating he lost his joy!

It’s unfortunate that his friends didn’t realize that their persecution cut him deeply. But it’s a delight to know that instead of him getting upset and taking vengeance, he just simply prayed for them. Is it safe to say people of God that sometimes we under estimate the power of a simple prayer? Prayer can turn away wrath built in our hearts. I’m just as guilty of not always turning the other cheek and praying for needed patience.

Job’s friends didn’t know that once this trial and test was over, that he would soon gather all the possessions he had lost. They didn’t see that even though things weren’t looking to be in Jobs favor that he was still indeed in God’s favor. Job never cursed God and he never lost hope for the days that were to come.

He was steadfast in his prayer and knew that God would see him through. So let’s try to mimic the patience of Job and pray for those who don’t quite understand what God has planned for your life, and remember that your days to come will be better than your days in the beginning!

Signed: All For His Glory

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He knows, He hears, and He is working it out. “Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” Psalms 66:20

 

If you’re anything like me than you’re always on duty, you are either working, caring for the kids, or your husband. It always feels like there is just not enough time in the day to manage all that you are required to do.

I know it can get frustrating sometimes because it feels like you have no time to do for yourself or let alone do anything extra for anyone else.

God knows that we have busy schedules and the struggles that we endeavor on a daily basis. He’s heard your cries and every grumble you’ve let slip out, in a pursuit to reach and convince him that you’ve had enough! 

Did you know that before we let a word out he knows the desires of our heart, and every shortcoming that will take place. He knew that you were going to be speeding through traffic this morning because your running late for work before you even stepped inside your car this morning.

He knows every thought rather good or bad, and he’s got your every move down. All those times you’ve wanted to scream out of frustration, he is looking at his child already knowing the outcome of the situation.

So rest assure and put your mind at ease and realize that you are growing daily to progress in handling your God given trials and tribulations. But if you fall short all the time like I do, than dwell in his mercy and never take your mind off the miracles that he has already done for you.

Bless Jesus with praise and sing songs of worship to him when you feel like you could just give up now! Your prayers will reach him always when you speak from your heart and give him nothing less than your total dependency. I like to think that God delights in his children most when our complete surrender and faith is in him.

Things seem to change when our faith is completely wrapped in him. So trust God in your situation and know that God will flourish in your life when you are totally entrusted in him. 

Signed: All For His Glory

 

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Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Psalms 34:19

 

I remember waking up one morning asking God what am I going to do and how will my family make it throughout the rest of the week. Honestly I was quite frustrated with God and asked him why he was taking my family through so much turmoil. I mean I paid my tithes and went to church every Sunday.

I was at a point where I thought I had mastered this Christian thing and that if I lived righteously than my family would always be blessed. That thinking quickly changed when one day I was in prayer and God spoke to my heart very strongly and said, “Why don’t you just stop complaining and grow through these times so you can encourage someone else.”

You see I didn’t realize that when God allowed afflictions in my life, it was not a time where I should become bitter and question God’s where abouts. It’s a time where all who profess that Jesus is saver, should rejoice! The reason we should be rejoicing is because we are the chosen ones, we were given an assignment to inspire and transform lives through our testimony. How can we ever give a profitable testimony if we never experience up’s and down’s in our own lives.

So your probably thinking like I was when will my deliverance come? I can only share with you what I did when I felt like this, and that was just pray and weep. I’m not saying cry and complain, but what I am telling you to do is just let it all out in your prayer closet, and pray that God will give you strength to continue to endure in whatever it is your going through.

So be inspired and the next time you feel like complaining or getting upset, rejoice in your long suffering. Remember that your a child of God who’s heart should be set on living righteously for him, so be encouraged and know that your worries and cares won’t endure forever. God never promised that we wouldn’t face any burdens, but he did say he would deliver the righteous from them all.

Signed: All For His Glory