Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Devotional: One of the age-old questions that many of us ponder silently is “Where are you God when I am hurting?”  In other words, Lord, why are you allowing this to happen to me?  Now, if you have never thought that, just keep on living.  Of course, many times if not most times, God had nothing to do with our mess; it was simply you and I wanting things our way.  Thus, we must remember that God is where He has always been and He’s closer than you would know.  In fact, if only we would think about the goodness of our God; what He has done and what He will do, and trust Him to know as the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28 “that all things work for good for those who love the Lord and have been called according to His purpose.”  

Scripture: “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:9

Devotional: Harmony is such a beautiful thing when everyone plays their particular instruments which often creates a sound that can be a masterpiece.  In high school, I participated in our high school symphony by playing the trumpet and I was a part of the brass section.  Our section was joined by the 3 other sections and when the strings, (violins and cellos) the woodwinds, (flutes and clarinets) the percussions, (various drums and symbols) come together, what a masterful sound to hear!  If we as the body of Christ will come together and recognize that we are going the same way and on the same team, we can create a sound that will draw all men and women unto the Lord!

Scripture: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:16

Devotional: All of us want security whether it is on our job, in our relationship, in our finances, or in our homes.  It is truly our hearts desire to live in the state of freedom and fullfillment, without worry or concern in what we do or what we enjoy.   As Christians, we have the assurance of knowing that we are not alone; for God is with us and He lives inside of us through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Thus, you and I are in His hands, but we are also in Him because He has, through the blood of Jesus Christ, carved us into those Hands and we have His protection, we have His provision, and we have His promise!

Scripture: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

Devotional: Have you ever been staged frightened or paralyzed with fear even when you have the knowledge of getting an assignment accomplish?  I certainly have because I have tendencies to doubt myself even though I know I have the assistance of the Holy Spirit to guide me. It comes down to a matter of finding our strength in Him as we spend time with Him because Our God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, is the strength of our life, even if we don’t even know it!

Scripture: “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? Luke 18:7

Devotional: We have so many “why” questions for God don’t we?  Why am I experiencing this loss?  Why am I going through this health crisis?  Why don’t I have enough to pay my bills or why was I the first one to be laid off to just list a few?  Beloved, the truth is, you and I must always remember that there are no surprises with Him.  Unlike with you and I, there is no failure in Him and as a gospel singer, Dottie Peoples says, He’s An On-time God.” 

Scripture: “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10

Devotional: Growing up as a child in my household there were certain guidelines, certain things that we had to live up to, and certain things we had to do.  Just as our earthly parents desire us to do things, likewise, our Heavenly Father has standards and expectations for us to live up to as well. As we reflect on what Jesus Christ has done for us through His sacrifice on the Cross for our sins, let’s stay focused on living a life that brings pleasure to our Lord! Remember, we live in this world, but we don’t have to act like this world!

Scripture: “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart” Psalm 40:8

Devotional: Do you know your real passion for life?  Do you know what stirs your emotions that can be good or not so good?  Well as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and knowing the love that God has for you doesn’t fill your hearts with joy, honestly, I don’t know what can or what will.  As we read His Word, it should flame the passions of our hearts to love and show compassion toward others because of His great love for us!

Scripture: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Devotional: This week is referred to as Holy Week or Passion Week as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on His way to fulfill an assignment that only He could do.  As we prepare our hearts and our minds for Resurrection Sunday, I ponder aloud, have we really seen Him? More importantly, have you or I really seen our Lord?  Let’s recognize that His presence is a result of His sacrifice on a hill called Calvary for my sins and then and only then can we experience 20/20 vision for Him alone!

Scripture: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker”Psalm 95:6

Devotional: Is authentic worship always seen in our scripture readings, in our prayers, in our singing of hymns, and songs, in our fellowship, and even in our proclamation of God’s word?  Well, I would hope that is the intent but sometimes I believe we confuse worship with being noisy. Maybe your most effective time of worship is simply being quiet and as shutting out everything as we give full allegiance and appreciation to the God of Heaven in praising Him for who He is!

Scripture: “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.“I John 5:4

Devotional: Sometimes problems can make you wonder, does it really pay off in this life to serve God and to witness for Him?  If you have never felt that way, chances are that maybe you might want to rethink your walk as a Christian.  At one point or another, all of us, whether we admit it or not have had thoughts concerning our spiritual pilgrimage when issues attack us.  My friends, each day, however, we must remember that we are children of Most High God.  In addition, we have the presence of The Almighty living and breathing inside of us that gives us strength to face our tomorrows by placing our trust in Him alone!