https://youtu.be/fus0NB0W-Gg Help Me Believe – by Kirk Franklin

I know my house goes through phases where it’s one thing after the other. Appliances go on the fritz, act weird, or break down. The washer starts to rattle. The refrigerator doesn’t stay cold. The roof begins to buckle. The toilet, the heater, the television- one right after the other conks out.

Often we prefer to go to the manufacture or expert to rectify the problems. We have faith they have the answers, tools, and knowledge necessary to fix the problems.

It makes sense…

Today, at this very moment, many of us have circumstances in our lives that we’re unsure or unsettled. Family/children are acting up and out. Bills mount. Health is a constant concern. We’re alone and desire companionship. Work is stressful. (Insert your list here…)

We’re fearful our particular adverse situations are not fixable and are ever changing – sometimes even hopeless. There’s always something happening. We often feel defeated and worn out. Will things ever change?

Be encouraged! Keep seeking God! (I’m talking to and encouraging myself.)

He’s not only the Alpha and Omega- which is the beginning and the end – He’s also our creator/manufacturer. He knows our inner working and of all those around us. He is in the past, present, and future. He knows the whole story – most importantly the end. (I heard we win! 👈🏽😃)

These times are what I call “ALL things work together for good moments”… (Romans 8:28) Our faith is growing in these times of difficulty and stress. We’re learning to lean on the Almighty more.

God’s in control and has all the answers. He speaks to us in calm and quiet tones. He protects and shields us. As Kirk Franklin sings in “Hide Me”:

Hide me
Let me live behind you
Cause I need
Shelter from the rain
Remind me
The only way my faith can grow
Is when you let your winds blow
You’re making me stronger now, so rain,
Don’t go away
Don’t go away

We all have something…

I know I do.

There are situations and circumstances that don’t seem to go away. It seems to linger in our lives. It causes distress and is annoying. As much as we want it to go away, lessen, cease or stop – God keeps it before us. Right in front of us.

It stays in our thoughts.

Sometimes it becomes manifested in our actions.

It keeps us on our knees and in prayer.

It makes us recognize there is a God and He is the ONLY one who can handle it.

I’m not sure what your “thorn” issue is – but I’m sure if you have an active relationship with God you have one. It helps us to stay grounded and nonjudgmental of others. It helps us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought.

I love how the Message Bible explains this “state” of men/women in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10:

“Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.”

The “gift” of a handicap.

On that note – Let us pray…

Lord, we come humbly recognizing and confessing there are gifts of challenges placed before us which remind us as good or great as we think we are – we are not you. We are not God. Please accept our apology for even having the audacity to think we are. Help us Lord to fully recognize your positions as Alpha and Omega, All Powerful, All Knowing and All Seeing. Thank you for the gift of our limitations which keeps us in check, on track and prayerful. Thank you for reigning in our lives. Thank you for being God.

In the mighty name of Jesus we pray… Amen

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51:1-4‬ ‭KJV

Self-examination is a good thing.

Yeah, I’m in prayer. My sin is ever before me…

Yesterday, I came extremely close to losing my temper. A person I already had negative predisposed thoughts about REALLY showed themselves and as I say “plucked my last nerve!” Yes, I was two seconds away from using language Daphne does not normally use. Thank God for the ability to walk away.

In hindsight I know I need to check myself and my motivation. How did I allow this person to take me there? It is my own sin and weakness that triggers it.

Judgement is a sin. Although to me the person is annoying- they are still a creation of God. Yes, in their selfish demands, rudeness and lack of sensitivity- they are a person who is flawed – just as I am.

When about to lose it I must pray that the Fruit of the Spirit – temperance, moderation in action or thought, needs to reign. Due to their actions I should not allow my reactions to waver toward anger. I should give permission for The Holy Spirit who dwells within me to take over and balance my inner man.

Lord forgive me for not yielding completely to you.

The predisposed thoughts about the person do not help either. Through discernment God may give us head’s up on a person, just like Jesus knew about Judas. We still may have to deal with annoying/troubling people being in our presence. They may be family, people we work for or with within our lives. Regardless, we must be aware and recognize that ultimately the person is around for a reason. There is a plan. God knows and we should trust it.

Lord forgive my lack of faith in your plans and my actions due to my worry.

Why should we repent and ask for forgiveness?

As Psalm 51 explains, we’ve ultimately sinned against God. It is beyond that person. We have possibly spoiled our witness of Him in our lives.

Self -examination is a good practice so we can improve and also grow to be a greater influence and example. It doesn’t tear us down to hold the mirror in front of us, because we know the potential that lies within us.

“David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭17:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We tend to have battles in our lives that seem insurmountable. We have problems we vigorously attempt to sort out that seem to take over our lives and thought life. They become as “giants” that we and many times others see. We stay up, worry, wrestle, get frustrated, get angry and cry searching for answers or a way of escape as they loom over us.

Like David in I Samuel, people try to give us their answers and their solutions. They care for us and want us to be successful, but their “armor” or tactics to solve don’t “fit” us. They don’t seem to work. Their advice is awkward and ill fitted just as Saul gave David typical battle gear.

This gives us insight. We can’t necessarily rely on how others have achieved or survived their challenges. We have to walk our own path – which may confound others. There may be an untraditional way for you to solve the problem that God has designed just for you. It is our own relationship with God and our own experiences of triumph that can set the stage for success.

You see, God had proved Himself to David previously. David had practical knowledge due to his encounters with a lion and bear. Those past situations prepared David for this next challenge. He knew he was placed in perilous places, survived and was victorious. He knew God could do the impossible.

I’m also very confident God prepared David prior by making him proficient with the sling and stones. I’m sure as a guard of sheep he had to use a sling more than once or twice to protect the herd. God had equipped him.

Another fact which stood out beyond being prepared – David spoke boldly of the character and nature of God. He clearly did not waver in his faith. He knew he faced a giant, but His God was greater than the opposition he faced.

For those that don’t know…That stone that David utilized found its way to the weakest part of opening of the giants armor and slew him.

God is still assisting his children to be victorious over our “giants” in life. Stay prayerful, stay connected, have and speak faith and move in the way God directs you! You will win!

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:24‬ ‭ KJV

Grateful defined by Webster’s Dictionary is appreciative of benefits received. Thankful is conscious of benefit received.

“Conscious and appreciative…”

We complain. We gripe. We fuss. If you don’t, I know I do. Negative thoughts surface so easily and spew out of our mouths. It could be about people, places or things. Our jobs, our family, our battles become that topic which garners adverse thoughts. We even complain about what we don’t have. It could be our reality, truth or view the moment.

It shouldn’t be that way…

My prayer today…that we all become more conscious and appreciative.

We sing as the Psalm states, “This is the day that the Lord has made.” Then our justification in the next line is, “I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

I’m reminded in Genesis 1 that all that God created/made was “good.” If this fact is kept in mind and we are conscious of it – we should be appreciative of what God has created/completed/made.

Let me repeat – If this fact is kept in mind and we are conscious of it – we SHOULD be appreciative of what God has created/completed/made. Therefore, we should treat everyday as a day of thanksgiving! God made it so it is all good.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving! Whether with family and friends or alone, God allowed us another day so it is good.

Disclaimer: Not really a devotional…more me pondering and self-reflecting.

“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” 1 John‬ ‭4:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This scripture sent today through my daily verse app on my phone made me pause. God dwells in me!

He resides within me…

I have people that live in my house. They have a profound effect on it. The look and feel are affected whether I want it to be or not.

I have so many self-reflecting questions that now arise. Perhaps you have them too.

According to the verse stated above, due to my submission and confession, The Almighty has taken residence in me. His Spirit lives within Daphne. Am I acting accordingly? Are my thoughts and actions in line with Him? Do I act as though I have precious content/cargo living within?

Does my inner co-habitant cause me to walk in confidence and react as Jesus would to life situations? What is my response? Do I yield?

I’m asking myself, have I confined Him to a room or have I allowed Him to have “full run” of my life?

Then I go deeper. What do I allow my body to take in through my senses? What do I taste, hear, see, touch and smell and how does that affect His presence? Do I take care of the body that houses Him?

There is so much to consider with the knowledge of God’s presence in me. Consider His presence in you.

He has His hands on you/ Marvin Sapp

“Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis‬ ‭18:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.” Genesis‬ ‭21:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What fascinates me? The fact that God is omnipresent! As Webster’s Dictionary defines – “Present at all places at all times.”

Soak that in…

He has the big picture! Like when attempting to complete a puzzle, God has the puzzle box with the picture on it. (Always helps me when attempting to complete a jigsaw puzzle to see the picture to know where to plot my next move with individual pieces.). In fact, the Almighty created the box and overall vision. He isn’t fumbling like we do. While we struggle to fit the pieces of our lives together He clearly knows and sometimes gives us a clue.

Thus, everything you experience in life – He’s there, already knew and knows, and is present.

The passage above about Abraham and Sarah in their old age, clues us in on the unexpected, miraculous times that are “appointed” in our lives. For those who don’t know the story – God let Abraham in on many things and promises that would happen within his life. One of which was – he and his elderly wife would birth a nation. They would actually birth Issac. (Eventually our Savior would come through that bloodline.) God told Abraham at His appointed time it would come to pass. Even after God sent this message, they still had a to wait.

There are times when we don’t think the “impossible” in our lives will ever happen. We believe “time has passed” for such things to occur. We think – IMPOSSIBLE!!

“Is any thing too hard for the Lord?

Abraham and Sarah’s testimony reminds us that there is an appointed time for all things. It reminds us that our thoughts and reasoning are not Gods. There are moments we have to wait. We work within His plan. It clearly reveals that there is nothing too hard for God.

Perhaps God has spoken some impossible tasks into you. Continue to be encouraged to have faith in God’s appointed time.

Disclaimer: I wrote this back in 2014. I can’t even remember the exact person or situation. My reaction though can be applied to many situations and timeless. I was saving it for the next book, but felt led to share today.

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  Proverb 18:19-21

After the words came out of my mouth, I recognized they hurt.  It bruised a relationship bad!

I said something dreadful while emotional, in language I don’t normally use to “back” someone off of me during a discussion. All trust, all faith, all Godliness left – I was fully in sinful Daphne – and I said it. (Actually said it more than once…) With my mere words, I could have “killed” a longtime friendship. I also might have wrecked my witness.

What was I thinking – more importantly where was my heart?  I wasn’t acting out in love.  (…and we know who love is.)  Actually at the time my heart was trying to protect itself.  Unfortunately, I was trying to attempt to take care of me and my heart, and not allowing God to do so.  So, while in conversation with someone that has a portion of my heart – someone who “I” allow to influence my emotions, I lost my temper.  In fear my emotions got the best of me.

As I examined what was going on within me and began to pray, I remembered John 7:38 –He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  I recognize I’ve lost belief and lost faith.  “Living water” – life – we have the potential to speak life out of our mouths through our belief, our faith.

I confess – lately I haven’t had personal worship time. I haven’t had my usual prayer or study time. I haven’t even been writing. Worse yet, I haven’t made God a priority. Work, family, friends and so much more has taken up all of my time. Then, even when I have had a few moments of time I haven’t given it to Him. I’ve been idle. Just living day to day has filled me with discouragement, confusion, fear, negativity – and has left me drained, tired and frustrated. Frustrated with people. Frustrated about money. Generally frustrated with life’s situations. What I’ve been filling myself with came out – pouring haphazardly out of my mouth. I should have known, before the hurtful words even came forth, came the futile emotions and tears. Daphne’s carnal side was in full control…

After our confession of sin needs to come correction from God.  Through scripture He spoke to me – So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.  (Romans 10:17)

So now I know I need the Word of God to assure me, so next I read –The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23)

I pray Lord that You help me to – Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:13-14) Help me not “kill” friendships or relationships with ungodly things that come across my tongue. Please discipline me to fill my belly daily with good faithful things through meditation of your Word. Have my cup run over with “living water” – good words and words that speak life. Help me to be less of Daphne and more of you when dealing with others. I thank you in advance and will be so careful to always give You all the Glory and Honor when successful in walking in you. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

https://youtu.be/kC7GRtZJzyg

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭KJV

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:14 KJV

I was taught and have taught all the different offices and characteristics of God. Those lessons could go on for weeks. I’ve understood how important it is to know and to also teach who God is and His attributes.

When I worked with the teens at our church, we played all kinds of matching, competitive, and memorization games I could dream to play with about 6 sheets of names with definitions. We’d go sheet by sheet each lesson careful not to overwhelm them. He is our Savior, our Banner, our Strong Tower, our Healer, our Comforter, our Deliverer, our Peace, our Warrior and so on, and so on. Biblically we would go to verse and scripture to prove it.

God does all that for us out of love…

I remember beginning this process having the kids list out all their own roles in life. A brother, son, cousin, friend, student, uncle, painter, rapper, cook – they would list. I then explained, “Even though you’re (insert name here) you are still all of the things or traits you listed.” I’d give further answer, “It’s the same with God.” He’s all of those characteristics even though He’s one entity/person. People call the cook when they need something to eat. They call the painter when they need a piece of artwork. Those two tasks could be accomplished by the same person. You also know what you will get when you call a person for a specific purpose.

It’s the same when you know/recognize all of who God is. You call on Him in the manner you need Him. He then can answer appropriately. Maybe not exactly the way you want, but he answers. (His ways or thoughts aren’t necessarily ours… Isaiah 55:8)

It’s when you begin to personally experience those different ways God is a part of your existence that you recognize how he moves becomes “life” and “real” to you. It is when I was on oxygen tanks and condenser and called on Him to heal that I truly understood – He is not just a healer but the Healer. It’s when I quit my job without another job to go to that I realized – He was the Provider. It is when I write and thoughts come together that I recognize working within me He is All Knowing – Omniscient.

There’s a definite difference between man and God. Man can say who he is, but not follow through in action. An example – I had a friend who said he loved me. At the same time he told me that – he stole from me. Even after I found out, he still claimed he loved me. Perhaps he did in his mind – but his actions were contrary to what proceeded out of his mouth.

God is what He and His Word says. He is consistent. The Word says He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) The most beautiful thing – just like when He spoke and things were created, it’s still the same. (Check out Genesis chapter 1 for proof.) So since He said in His Word and speaks into your spirit to reassure you that He is the Healer – He is. If He says He is your Peace – then He is. If He says He is your Protector – then He is.

In other words – He is the I am, just as He told Moses. “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:14 KJV

Being the “I Am” causes God to become what we specifically need at any time. No man or woman can fulfill all our needs but Him.

He is who He says He is…trust and believe Him.

https://youtu.be/TUzF8Hxc3So

There’s something about having joy.

Life.

I think some of you understand the weight that word brings with it. Work, bills, relationships, family, heartache, headache, sickness, deaths, depression, stress – it all takes a toll. At some point one or more of these problems is actively working adversely in our lives. It is hard to manage and to walk daily. (Actually, for me it’s a daily battle. That is one of the reasons I write.)

The way I battle life and win – is to actively seek and pursue joy. No, not happiness but joy. Happiness is based on happenings around me. Joy is a different outcome and feeling.

Yes, it has to be sought.

I love the deep down gut feeling of joy. It can be experienced when there are problems surrounding you. Having trust and faith play a huge part in accessing it during those rough times. Fear and unbelief, which work against trust and faith, can deter us from experiencing joy. Joy is a state of mind that can be tapped anywhere and in all types of situations. It is only accessible through a relationship with God. A portion of Isaiah 12 gives explanation:

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.” Isaiah‬ ‭12:2-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Once we have relationship through confessing and believing that Jesus is Lord, we have the ability to maintain joy. The Holy Spirit within allows us to access joy.

“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalms‬ ‭51:11-12‬ ‭KJV

As mentioned above we can be distanced/cast way from the state of joy. Our human frailties of sin and transgression can separate us from obtaining joy. God cleanses us so that we can experience it. The prayer of Psalm 51 shows us the type of heart we must have. It takes appealing to God to be able to obtain joy.

“Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.” Psalms‬ ‭51:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The promise of better times in perilous moments keeps me seeking joy:

“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms‬ ‭30:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The presence of joy is an indication that God is present. Galatians 5 lists it as a fruit of the Spirit meaning that it is a positive outgrowth of relationship with the Almighty God.

I encourage every believer to battle “life” troubles with personally seeking joy. Sometimes it doesn’t come with ease, but we know it is accessible and available if we seek it.