He is not here, for He has risen,

just as He said.

Come, see the place where He was lying.

Matthew 28:6

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

He is Risen!

Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior!  He is Risen!

Do you know this love of Christ? 

His love is a love so significant and so intense, that it truly surpasses all means of human comprehension.

It is a love that forgives.

It is a love that heals.

It is a love that frees us from the bondage of sin.

It is a love that completes and unifies a wholeness in body, soul and mind.

It is a love that is bonded by His grace.

It is a love that ultimately allows us to live, not only here on earth, but for Eternity.

As humans, we are invariably in a cycle of sin. No matter how hard we try, we are flesh/human, and we cannot stop sinning of our “own accord.”  Sin will separate us from God, and sin has only one outcome. We need Jesus for the absolution and forgiveness. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Thank the LORD for His Son, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for us.

He paid for our sins, in full!

His ultimate sacrifice frees us from bondage/sin, and ultimately restores us fully thereby giving us access to His throne to have an intimate relationship with God. Amen!

Without Jesus, there is no light, and a huge void. And those with a void tend to fill it with other things, which can be hazardous, dangerous and addictive, ugly or evil.

The real peace and contentment come from knowing Jesus and accepting Jesus.

It’s by grace and love that we are forgiven. Jesus paid a horrific price for that freedom, and it’s the greatest gift and love of a lifetime.

Have you received His gift?  

Have you received His love?

It doesn’t happen automatically.   You must willingly receive it.  And accept Him as the LORD and Savior, and open your heart to Him, and His love, and invite Him in.

It all begins by declaring your love for Him.  And accepting Him as the Son of God. When we do that, the Holy Spirit will come and live inside of us, and we will be saved.  What a gift indeed!

He was risen to life again and reigns in heaven.

He wants us to know Him and be with Him, now and for all time.

When you pray sincerely and open up and invite Him into Your life, you are restored to a new beginning, and will gain inroads to a fascinating and incredible relationship with Him.

Accept Him, because no one gets to the Father, without Jesus! Amen!

“Dear Lord, I am sorry for my sins, and turn from them, I know You died on the cross and were resurrected to life again, I love You Lord,  I know and believe You are my Savior and Lord, thank You for the Holy Spirit, and for coming into my heart when I accepted You, thank You for forgiving me, and cleansing me, I honor You, today, tomorrow, always, thank You Father, for Your only begotten Son, for giving the gift of Eternal life in Paradise when called home, may I do all according to Your will and purpose, in Jesus name, Amen.”

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:10-11

As followers of Christ, it’s essential to build our spiritual foundation, which in turn is vital to life, both here and in eternity. By adhering to God and submitting to His will, wisdom, and commandments, we are slowly building a ground that is secure in Christ and His values overall.

Envision if you will, a road that is treacherous and decidedly perilous as we navigate the road, we are reticent about walking upon it.  However, walking with the LORD, we are able to gain sure footing, because our foundation is built upon the LORD, thereby giving us easy access over the rough paths in which we walk.

Our invisible shield becomes “transparent” in all we endeavor, because He is with us always.  He never leaves our side, He is holding us, guiding us, and leading us all the while. His promises since the beginning of time are the same today as it was way back then.  His love and promises have NO EXPIRATION date!  It is ongoing.

Foundations can be literal and metaphorical.  Christ, naturally of course, is referring to our spiritual morality.  The foundations of this world are temporary and promises of “mankind” are not guaranteed. Ostensibly, Christ and His Word are set in stone, and His foundation is forever.

Jesus’ Foundation is the one and only secure ground upon which we can “build” and “walk.” Jesus protects us from every life-threatening storm.  The ground is never shaky or dangerous with Christ.

Knowing He is with us at all times is an inherent joy of being Christian, believing in Him and His glory, brings about a countenance of peace and wisdom, that can only come from Christ, Amen.

“Father God, it’s only because of You and Your grace, we’re able to walk safely on grounds that would otherwise be shaky, with You and Your light, the ground is solid, safe and secure, I thank You today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:13(KJV)

Remember “love makes the world go round” a phrase that was used frequently, way back when…but seems to be lacking today, or at least it sure seems so. I one just has to turn on TV or pick up our phones streaming with news, and we see the antithesis of love all around the world, and right here in close proximity of where we live.

What can we do to offset the destructive patterns of worldly events?

We can try to fortify ourselves with an abundance of humility, and ample helpings of forbearance and love. When we clothe ourselves with “forbearance” it truly promotes and amplifies love and acceptance.

Christ demonstrated forbearance, and His love was clearly seen by His actions, His miracles, and His going to the cross willingly for all of us. His whole mission was about love and mercy, and eternal life for those of us willing to accept Him.

For individuals to live together, there must be latitude, and love enables latitude. When we love, we forbear, and forgive and adjust to various personalities, each unique and all children of God.

Sure, there are some individuals that might get on our “nerves.” Or some people who have idiosyncrasies that might send us over the edge with frustration.  But exercising temperance, and a firm commitment to Christianity, and all it entails, we’re then able to flow with a symmetry and fierce determination, that will make the LORD smile. He will be pleased by our exhibition of “love” for one another.

When we trust Him and His Word, and adhere to His will and purpose for our lives, it makes it easier to co-exist in a world of chaotic circumstances.  It makes it easier to “understand” the confusion or lack of communication that comes knocking at our doors.

Love and forbearance, represents Christ, and His Spirit is living within those of us who accepted Him as our LORD and Savior.  Are we doing all we can to align with His commandments, and His ways?  Are you following His voice?

With Palm Sunday coming up…meditate of all that Christ is.  And when we do, we can aspire to be the Children that He intended for us to be, and remember that He died for us, defeated death, and rose again.  For us!

Wow!  There are no words to define what He has done.

Love and forbearance for one another, is a good place to begin to honor Him, and exhibit our thanks, every single day from now and always. Amen!

“Father, thank You for Your love, sacrifice, and unmerited grace, may I be all that You intend for me to be, and may I honor You all the days of my life, in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

Hold tight to God, your God, just as you’ve done up to now.

Joshua 23:8 (MSG)

Joshua was warning others by instructing them to “hold tight” to the LORD. Explaining and guiding them to follow the guidelines and observe the commandments of God.

He adjured them not to depart from the ways of the LORD, and not embrace things of the “world.”  Instead, to faithfully and punctually, perform every good thing, while doing all unto the LORD.

He illustrates further, by being a witness to “all the LORD has done” for them thus far. To turn from evil, lest vast tribulations, and destruction creep into their lives, thereby bringing about an awful outcome.

Clinging tightly to God, irrespective of the circumstances we face, whether good or bad, is so important to glorify Him, and praise Him fully, faithfully every day of our lives.

It’s easy to praise God when things are going well.

Sadly, some just ignore Him, while things are breezing along on a seemingly placid sea.  Only turning to Him during rough weather.

Ostensibly, He expects praise and thanks, during the good times as well.  Or just a simple acknowledgment of His magnificence, and how much we love Him.  “Father, thank You for this moment in time, this very second, I love You and I belong to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Holding on to values of Christianity, while demonstrating it through our actions, our words, and our thoughts, becomes easier every single day. Why? Because it’s an inherent part of who “we are.”  We are children of God!

We are warriors and soldiers, in the army of the LORD God Almighty! Therefore, we need to act as such.  We are all victorious through Christ, Amen!

Being a part of this prolific army, is to be considered blessed. And to follow the General and Royal God, is an honor that adheres to our very souls. It is inbred and infused in us, by the blood of Christ.  Thank you, LORD!

Today, praise God and follow Him in all you do.  And remember, it is He who leads, guides, directs and protects us, no matter the times, days, or situation.

To know this is to be at peace, and it’s a feeling that cannot be described or defined. To be a part of this grand army, one just has to embrace Him, accept Christ, and understand He is in control and loves us.  Trust Him, and He will do the rest, He will direct all our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Do you know Him?  If not, may I suggest you get acquainted with the One and Only living God.  When you do, your life will change on a dime. Amen!

“Father, thank You for Your hands of grace, Your instructions, and Your unwavering love, may I do all according to Your will, today, tomorrow and always, in Christ’ precious name, Amen.”

He must become greater and greater,

and I must become less and less.

John 3:30 (NLT)

When Christ is allowed His rightful place in our lives, we can be assured that we’re in the will of God, fully serving His purpose in our respective lives. So that wherever we are, or whatever role we have in the Body of Christ, and however varied or insignificant our ministry for the LORD may be—when Christ is front and center of every area in our lives—we are truly bound to say, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  When we are witness to this truth, and proclaiming it by actions, words, and thoughts…we know we are following His purpose and plan for our lives.

John resisted the temptation to become “great” in the presence of his followers, for to do so would have been to diminish the importance of Christ.  So therefore, his testimony was “He must become more important, and I must become less important.”

Hearing this, John’s disciples believed the truth in their hearts, and followed the path of righteousness, while exalting the LORD and His greatness, every step of the way, every day of their lives.

The ability to grow in Spirit and purpose, lies the art, discipline and dedication of “getting smaller within ourselves” while allowing “God to fully blossom and be the central force” of our entire existence.

Knowing God’s canvas is there for us to “paint” while essentially bringing His truth, His glory, and His commandments to life, enables us as followers to illustrate, in great detail, who Jesus Christ is, and just what His purpose was then, today, and tomorrow.

Step back, get out of the way of God’s glory, “be still and know He is God”(Psalm 46:10) and allow the growth to transpire from within, to without. Amen!

“Father, thank You for guiding me all the days of my life, may I be ever mindful of Your importance and Significance during the course of my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

My heart is overflowing with a good theme;

I recite my composition concerning the King;

My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Psalm 45:1

The tongue is an extraordinary instrument given to us by the LORD. It has been compared to rudders of ships powered by wind, but entirely directed by a very small rudder. Our tongue sets our destiny in all things, and especially during our prayers. We enter into thanks and praise, for all that God has done for us, even when the winds are contrary to it.

The thing is, we should never forget who sets the course for us to sail. We just have to be wise enough to navigate in the right direction in order for smooth sailing to ensue.

Personally, whatever I am doing in the course of the day, afternoon or evening, there isn’t a moment that I don’t recognize the LORD.  As I sit here writing this devotional which I’m only able to do, because of Him.  It is by the inspiration of His Spirit, and the glory of His love, and the gift from above that I can pen from my heart.

Enjoying a “conversation” with the LORD is hard to define to those who “haven’t come to the LORD.”  Because speaking with Him is like having a “dear devoted and loving friend” sitting alongside while watching a sunset, taking in the ambiance, sharing a story, while expressing unsurpassed love and devotion.

The dynamics that happen while “talking to the LORD ” is one of the great joys of living.  Knowing Him is knowing we will always be “safe” and watched over, no matter what, no matter where…every single day and beyond.

There are no guarantees or promises in life with people overall.

Ostensibly, the guarantees and promises of the LORD were written and delivered by His blood.  Amen!

Isn’t it a fantastic feeling knowing we are loved?

There is nothing else like it!

“Father God, thank You for Your promises, love and the blood of Christ, I thank You today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

James 4: 8 says: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” the author also goes on to state, “Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

So, when we turn away from sin and open our hearts, while seeking God, He WILL draw near.  The message is clear, concise, and extremely powerful.

Accepting Jesus into our hearts, and recognizing Him as the Son of the Father, is one of the first ways to draw closer to the LORD.

Having the Holy Bible in hand, and reading it daily, is another way to get “closer to Him” — When we make time for Him, it allows our hearts to connect to Him, and we will grow deeper in our faith, likewise our love for Him will grow exponentially.

Just referencing the Bible isn’t enough to draw higher and closer to the LORD. When we read His Word, pray, meditate, and talk to the LORD with contrite and loving hearts, the prosperity and change is overwhelming in terms of our spirit, countenance, and life overall.

And when we draw nigh to the Lord, He will draw nigh to us, and the devil will flee!  He doesn’t like when we glorify and love God. He hates when we worship the LORD, and most especially, he doesn’t like us “praising the LORD” in all we do and all we say.  Talk about fleeing for the hills! Amen!

Personally, I love the morning with God.  It’s quiet, peaceful, and the noise of the world is “shut down” and all I hear is my heart beating with love for God.  Yes…how I love Him and spending time with Him, there is nothing in the world like it!

Grab a few minutes in the am with the LORD, those of faith know it’s time well spent. It’s precious time to grow closer to Him, when we read His word and hear His voice. When we do, we are equipped for the tumultuous tasks ahead, the bumpy roads, and noisy circumstances of the world.

You can’t run your car without gasoline, and what happens when you don’t have enough?  Your car stops working.

So too, when we don’t prepare and spend time with the LORD each day (some do morning and night…or in between…it’s up to you and your schedule) Our spiritual bodies will be running on empty should we not “feed it daily”—until we don’t have the energy or wherewithal to operate fully in the world of today.

Read, pray and listen to the LORD’s voice, fill your inner spirit by visiting with Him, and thereby enabling a closer and higher relationship with the LORD!

Don’t deplete your spirit, instead replete it with God!   Then go out, and face the world like a warrior, of the One True Living Royal God!

Amen and Amen!

“Father, I am Yours and Yours alone, I adore You and will do all things for You, and truly because of You, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

2 Corinthians 5 (NIV)

Each moment that ticks away, is a moment closer to “our Eternal home in Heaven.” Some might suggest that this is a maudlin way of thinking, however, the faithful followers know this is real, and a source of comfort.   When we are through with our flesh bodies, the LORD calls us home, and we receive our eternal rewards, it will be a time of jubilation, and exhilaration!

So, while we’re here, we ought to realize that the Spirit from within, is guiding and bringing us through, whatever it is we have to ‘go through.’

The world can be a disturbing, and noisy place more times than not, watching empty lost souls barreling through life in calamitous fashion. There is nothing more unsettling that to observe a human soul disintegrating before your eyes, I’m speaking about humanity.  And it can be disruptive to the very core...IF we take it in.

We have the Spirit within us, who defeated the world. And knowing this, we’re encouraged, filled with peace, because through Christ, we’re victorious. (1 Corinthians 15:57) 

When we take in the nuances of the world, we are stunting the growth of our Spirit.  We have to view it through spiritual eyes, and keep on with the running the race, until we enter Heaven, the ultimate goal, our permanent home.  (Hebrews 12:1)

So, no matter how it sounds, we are each second getting closer to our expiration date, but…we must push on, and continue the job of the Father, and adhere to His voice, and direction. To do so, elicits days of understanding, of tolerance and compliance with the Word, specifically aligning to “His will.”  (Matthew 7:21)

Athletes, in training, in the middle of competition keep their eyes on the prize that’s set before them. This helps them to persevere and discipline themselves to finish the race and obtain the prize. (Philippians 3:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

We are spiritual athletes in training, every single day we are getting stronger, more proficient, completely and deeply entrenched in the LORD, and our growth will continue exponentially until we are called home!

So today, this very second know we’re in training, and all we do, all we say, and all we accomplish…is part of the “training” that will eventually lead us home, as faithful warriors in Christ, ready to receive our prize!

The seconds are ticking away…ultimately, it’s how we use the seconds that truly counts!

“Father, guide me, lead me, direct me, touch me, heal me, as I go through the rigors of life here on earth, before I am called home to my eternal rewards, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

A friend of mine spoke in earnest about “wanting to see God” and not an “illusion” of who He is.  This friend believes, but almost like the people of old, such as the Pharisees, and Sadducees, is “wanting signs” and proof that He does exist.

This was followed by a long discussion of scripture and God overall.  The person was vehemently stating “I believe, but I never see Him. I don’t hear Him.  And I never get signs from Him…”  This went on for about an hour.

After my friend and I closed our dialogue for the day, it got me to thinking about how many others probably echo the sentiments of this individual.

People want signs from God.  So many don’t even look for a sign believing He “doesn’t exist.”

Properly interpreting any isolated verse of scripture requires an adequate understanding of its context, requiring reading, and meditation of the entire Chapter. Verse by verse, precept upon precept, ultimately brings pieces of the “puzzle” together, to form the entire picture of what God is saying.

Believing is an inward spiritual acknowledgment of who Christ is.  It is our inherent roots of Christianity, that adhere to the “Vine” branching out in truth and affirmation of Christ.

Thankfully those who do not seek a sign and believe are truly blessed as Jesus confirms in John 20:29  “Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Blessed indeed! Seeing with one’s heart and soul, is the key to truly unlocking spirituality.  To magnify the LORD in His glory, and fundamentally proclaim “He is alive in me and with me always” knowing this is true, is the pinnacle of realization of His existence and the essence of our being.

We see Him everyday, when we adhere to His commandments, and love each other, pray, meditate and honor Him all the days of our lives.

We see Him in the face of a newborn, in the sunrise and sunset, in the stars, in the formation of clouds, in the face of adversity, and in the aftermath of peace. We see Him during trials, during transitions, in family and friends, or people we encounter along the highways of life. We see Him during sickness and health. He bears us up during turbulence and guides us to the ports of safety.

We hear Him through the raucous roar of the world, we can hear His soothing voice speak verses, assuring us of His promises in the Bible.  We see His brilliant light shining through the darkness and feel His presence when we are alone.

Jesus is here. Right here!  Always has been, always will be!

So, to those who seek a sign—I say this—how about starting at the Cross?

For truly the Cross elaborates, demonstrates, and emphatically illustrates, a crystal-clear sign, and prolific message of God’s presence.

In fact, there is no need to clarify further.  Amen!

“Father, I thank You for Your presence, Your love and Your promises that fill Your Holy Word, may I be ever grateful, and ever mindful of Your sacrifice, and Your Omnipotence, in all that I do, in Jesus name, Amen.”