 |
|
 |
||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||
|
Devotional for February 25- by Minister Mamie L. Pack
Pass it on “3) Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;4) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 KJV Have you ever noticed how quick we are to criticize someone who has a joyful disposition? We say things like, “She can’t be that happy all the time” or “Just wait, she’ll learn.” Why do we do that? Why are we suspicious of other people’s happiness? If someone’s marriage is fine, they just haven’t been married long enough. If someone enjoys his/her job, wait until he/she has been there for a year. It is as if we wait, wanting that person to experience difficulty, pain, unhappiness. If they feel pain, then does that mean we now can relate? Trials and tribulation are indeed a part of life. Actually, it is an expected part of life. For some of us, when we are faced with painful situations, we may seek out a parent, a friend, liquor, sex, tears, or even video games to ease the hurt. Some prefer to be soothed in the company of others, while the next person may prefer to isolate from people all together. We each handle our situations differently. But what do we do after that? Once you are okay and your trial has passed, then what? I love how Paul begins verse 3. He says “Blessed be God” or rather praise God. Even in the midst of persecution and his life constantly being threatened, Paul says to praise God. He then acknowledges the varying roles of God as the Father of Christ, the Father of mercies and comfort. He knew more than anyone just how much God protects us from those who seek to harm the believer. He also knew that God has the ability to comfort us, when it seems like everything is crumbling in front of us. In his letter, Paul admonishes the leaders that just like God comforts us in our tribulations that we are to also get outside of our situation and comfort others. Now for some of us, this can seem like a huge task. How do you comfort others, when you are hurting? Simple. Let God carry your worries, cares, and problems. When we give them to God, He is able to comfort our spirit so that we can have faith to continue to endure. We won’t allow ourselves to become bitter, distant, discouraged, or depressed. Then when we see others going through, we can have compassion to help them. Help may come in the form of prayer, monetary giving, offering affection, preparing someone a meal, or any other way you may be led. So the next time you see someone joyful, be glad. For the same God that changed your outlook and comforted you even in the midst of your storm, can do the same for them. Joy does not mean problem free. Joy is simply a God focused outlook. Prayer Awesome and loving father, who is alpha and omega. I give all praise, honor and worship that you rightfully deserve. Lord thank you for providing your word for me and being a light to my path. Help me to stay the course you have created for me. Please forgive me for being critical of others and their happiness. Help me to be able to celebrate with others the blessing you have bestowed upon them. Help me to get outside of myself and my situation and be a blessing into the lives of others. Please guide me so that I may know how to be a blessing to someone else. When you speak to me, let me be obedient and do what you have called me to do. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday 1 Corinthians 1: 3-4 Tuesday 1 Peter 1:3 Wednesday Ephesians 1:3 Thursday Isaiah 51:12 Friday 2 Corinthians Saturday Isaiah 51:3 Sunday Isaiah 66:13 Application Take the time to help someone else in need in prayer and deed. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I , Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ. Devotional for
Every Bit Helps “7) If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8) Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9) Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10) Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15: 7-10 NIV All my life, I have been surrounded by people who are givers. I watched my grandmother tirelessly prepare fruit baskets and packages for individuals in nursing homes all throughout the year. I witnessed her giving much needed items like clothing, food, and, at times, toys for children to families that were in dire need. She didn’t wait for a holiday to be a reason to help people. Someone somewhere is always at need. Not one time did I ever hear her murmur or complain. It was a part of who she was. My husband is the same. He constantly gives to help others whether that means give of his money, his time, or his talent, he is ready to give and give with a willing, cheerful heart. Then there was me. During my sophomore year, my parents lost everything after taking care of one of my grandmother’s until her death. We went from living in a nice suburban home with all our heart’s desires to seemingly having nothing. Another family graciously took all of us in and that began my fear of not having. As I grew from a teenager to a woman, my attitude toward giving was skewed. I did not mind giving my time or my talents to help anyone in need. To me, that was the easy part. It was when they asked for money that I would become hesitant. Immediately, I would begin to think of all the situations that I might need the money for. Fear would creep in through all the “what if” situations in my mind. Then as time progressed and my relationship with Christ grew, I gained the revelation that when we keep our own hands so tightly closed not only can nothing get out, but nothing could get in. As long as I was afraid to give my money, then I was allowing the fear of not having money dictate to me instead of allowing my faith in Christ to guide me. Unfortunately, there are many believers that still are living with the fear of not having so they store up their own wealth, leaving others to suffer. In Deuteronomy 15: 7-11, Moses instructs the people on lending to the poor. Immediately in verse 7, he starts with the hearts of the people. He warns them that when they see someone in need, believers are not to harden their hearts. Areas of fear, bitterness, or unforgiveness can function as locks on our hearts. If we focus on what we do not have, what someone else has done to hurt us, or what others did not do when we were in need, then we allow our hearts to become harden. Again in verse 10, Moses continues to address the heart of the believer when it comes to helping others in need. He states that the believers are to give, but when we do we should not grieve over what we are giving. If we are going to give our time to help someone in need, we need not complain that we could have been doing something better with our time. If we are going to give financially to a person, we should not focus on what we could have done with the money instead. When we give to help others in love, then God will bless us in what we put our hands to do. Giving is a heart issue. It is not about the amount of money we are able to give or the amount of time we can offer. It is about a willingness to go outside of ourselves, trust in Christ, and allow ourselves to be examples of Christ’s love in the way we help others. So the next time God guides you to give, don’t allow fear, bitterness, or anger to infiltrate your heart, allow the infallible grace and mercy that comes from God’s love to permeate in your heart instead.
Prayer My awesome Father, how great is your grace and mercy. Thank you for the opportunity to be in your presence once again. Please forgive me of all the times I was hesitant to give or was disobedient in my giving. Reveal to me the hidden places of my heart that need to be healed so that I can be a willing tool to be a blessing to others. Please do not allow my pride to get in the way of sowing seeds in the lives of others. Thank you for all the people who willingly sowed into my life even when I did not appreciate it. Bless them for the obedience and kindness. Help me to always be a willing vessel in the lives of others. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Deuteronomy 15: 7-11 Tuesday Proverbs 27: 28 Wednesday 2 Corinthians 9: 5-7 Thursday Psalm 41:1 Friday Leviticus 25:35-43 Saturday 1 John 3: 17 Sunday Proverbs 22:9 Application When prompted of God, be willing to help someone else with a cheerful disposition.
About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I , Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach others through the Word of Jesus Christ.
********************************************************************
Devotional for
Be Hopeful “15)But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16)keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17)It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3: 15-17 NIV Recently, God has been revealing to me just how much in life is a heart issue. We have allowed too much to penetrate, consume, and damage the strength of our hearts. Some of us have become bitter, judgmental, isolated, angered from the actions of others; thus causing us to be slow to show mercy or grace toward others who falter or fail to meet our expectations. At times, it can be a challenge to be hopeful or have joy when you are in a working environment where there are spirits of manipulation, slothfulness, and backbiting, just to name a few. How to do you keep having faith when those in authority are misusing their power, lack understanding, or are only concerned about the select few? We do this by keeping our hearts centered and focused on Christ. Peter states that regardless to what is going on around you, keep God in your heart. When we do this we are giving God the first place in our hearts by obeying His commandments willingly, freely loving Him, and surrendering our lives totally to His will. If we have Christ as the center of our hearts, then nothing else is able to live there but Him. In difficult situations and trying environments, the believer will suffer for doing what is right in the sight of God. The enemy will try to use those around you to get you to join in with complaining and disobeying those in authority. He will seek to destroy your peace by planting all sorts of seeds of manipulation. It will seem as though everything you do is wrong and people are sitting waiting to criticize your efforts. Then you may begin to feel justified for not doing your best work or for being rebellious. These are all tactics of the enemy. For when you continue to work and do good for the glory of Christ, those who seek to destroy your name and criticize your work will be ashamed of what they have done. A time may come when they question you about how can you serve with a willingly heart, when they seek to tear down what you have built up. When they do, be ready. During this time you are able to share with them the wonder and power of our Lord, Jesus Christ in manner that is humble and loving. It is hard to share with someone how merciful our God is, when you are fussing, cussing, and being disobedient with the rest of them. God wants us to have a clear conscience about the way we live our lives in the face of tribulation. If we are behaving in a manner that pleases God then we do not need to be concerned with what others may say or do. For Peter shares, it is better to suffer for doing the will of God and displease man, than to live to please man and displease God. Keep your hope and heart centered on God and He shall use your situation to bring glory to His name. Prayer My God, I know that you are an awesome Father who sees all and knows all. I am here seeking to know you better, serve you more, and be a vessel to share Your Good News with others. Please forgive me for having a complaining or bitter spirit. I realize that you are the only one that can change hearts and lives. Help me to be patient and to trust you will you work. Help me to be hopeful and keep my heart centered on you. Let me not give the enemy any room in my heart or mind for his tactics. For all things are possible with you. I love you Lord and I am thankful that you love me. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday 1 Peter Tuesday Colossians 4: 6 Wednesday 2 Timothy Thursday Romans 13:1 Friday Titus 3:1-2 Saturday 1 Peter Sunday Hebrews Application The next time you are in a difficult situation at work, school, or home instead of opening your mouth to complain, praise God and trust in Him. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I , Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach others through the Word of Jesus Christ.
*********************************************************************
Devotional for
Lowered but lifted up “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4: 10 KJV There they are. Two boys. Fussing and yelling. They run swiftly to their father, as they begin to tell on one another in baffling unison. The father attempts to understand what each child is saying with no success. Finally, he tells them both to be quiet. With mumbling, the close their mouths. The father glances from one boy to the other, holding back a grin at their childlike antics, and asks on question. “Who started it?” Without even a pause to consider the question, each boy turns a finger and says, “He did.” Now that many of us have left the child phase of our lives, why do we still respond to relational conflict in the same manner? We quickly point out the wrongs of the person who has offended us. In our minds, we rationalize why we said what we did or why we behaved in a particular manner. If they won’t have done _______, then I would not have had to ________. Some of us are resolving our conflicts in the same manner as children would, and are blind to our own behavior. In chapter 4, James begins in verse one by asking, “Why are you fighting? Is it due to your own selfishness?” James recognizes that some believers have turned away from godliness and have begun serving their flesh, thus causing conflict amongst them. They have given in to wanting things and not wanting Christ. To resolve the conflicts he gives them clear directions of what needed to be done. 1. Submit to God (v 7): Before conflicts can be resolved, the believer must submit their hearts, their attitudes, and will to Christ. In doing so, they are willing for Christ to reveal any wrongdoing. 2. Resist the devil (v 7): Just because others do wrong that does not mean we should treat others the same way. When the enemy sees that he cannot bait you in to sinning, he will flee. 3. Draw closer to God (v 8): When we spend less time with God, we are more likely to allow sin to enter our lives. If you find yourself constantly quarrelling, arguing, or resisting correction from those who are living Holy, then you have moved yourself away from God. 4. Repent from your sins (v 9): In order to resolve conflicts, as believers, we need to be willing to repent of our bad attitudes, anger, and all ungodly behaviors before Christ. We are to stop acting justified and instead show sorrow for one another. 5. Humble yourselves (v 10): When we are in constant fellowship with Christ, we are less consumed with who is right, who started it, or better yet, who is going to finish it. In being humble, you are a willing participant to doing God’s will. Sometimes this may mean reaching out to those who have hurt you, first. In being willing to lower ourselves in the sight of the Lord, then He will lift us up. It is not about us getting the results we want, but in helping one another stay within the standards of righteousness that Christ has provided for us. As believers, let us stop looking to quarrel with one another and being so easily offended. Instead, let us be humbled and have an attitude of submission.
Prayer Dear Lord, I honor you with everything that I have. There is nothing or anyone more important to me, than my relationship with you. Forgive me for the times I have behaved in an ungodly manner because I have become offended. Help me to resist the devil in the times he seeks to tempt me. Help me to recognize when I am faced with temptation and the wisdom to know how to remain holy. I pray that others may have a forgiving heart toward me for the ways I have offended them. Continue to let the body of believers be healed so that we may work as one. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday James 4: 1-10 Tuesday Job Wednesday Matthew Thursday Proverbs 29:23 Friday Isaiah 66:1-2 Saturday James 4:6 Sunday Luke
Application The next time you find yourself offended; seek God for guidance on how to resolve the conflict.
About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ.
************************************************************* Devotional for March 31- Never Satisfied “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Proverbs 27: 20 KJV Recently, my husband left to go on his first military deployment since we have been married. I knew that this time would come and I had been praying that God would strengthen me so that I would be able to do what was necessary in my spouse’s absence. On the first day, I must have cried enumerable tears. I didn’t want to do anything or go anywhere. All I knew was that my husband, friend, lover, partner was going to be away for awhile. Then I had a “challenging” conversation with a fellow leader in my church, asking me about my tears. At first, I was frustrated and then angered. Shouldn’t I be able to cry if I want to? Wrong. There are reasons for all of our tears, and I get that now. There I was crying and focusing on what I thought I didn’t have, that I was failing to rejoice and thank God for what I do have. Immediately, I found myself going to God with repentance for an ungrateful heart. I began to pray and ask God to help me celebrate in all the blessings of my life. How dare I focus on what I thought wasn’t being done, when God was and is doing so much in my life? I guess we all do that from time to time. I want to take this time to encourage all of you to be thankful for all that God is doing in your life. In Proverbs 27: 20, the believer is instructed that death and sin are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man. In the natural, our flesh will always have us focused on what we don’t have, what we have not accomplished, what aren’t doing, and so forth. To our flesh, it does not matter how much God has blessed us or what God is presently doing, it only wants more. The flesh is never happy. If we allow ourselves to be led by our flesh, then death and sin will be the only outcome. When we keep our eyes on Christ and our hearts filled with gratitude and praise, we are able to be satisfied in the fullness of Him. Knowing that we serve a God that is able to supply all our needs and above our needs, we need to keep ourselves in a posture of humility. By doing this, we can get beyond the “If I just had _______, then I would be happy” statements. Instead, our statements will be, “Lord, I thank you for _______.” No matter what the situation may be, we are to learn how to be content. The only way to do so is in seeking God more, prayer, praise and worship. Turn your discontent to rejoicing. Prayer My Lord and Savior, please forgive me for not being appreciative for all that you have and are doing in my life. I thank you for every blessing in my life. Thank you for every life that you have allowed to touch mine. Thank you for every way you moved even when I didn’t know it was you. Help me to have and keep a grateful spirit in all areas of my life. I pray I may keep my eyes stayed on you and not any situation. Lord, I love you and give you all praise and glory. In Jesus name, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Proverbs 27: 20 Tuesday Ecclesiastes 1:8 Wednesday Isaiah Thursday Proverbs 30-15 Friday Habakkuk 2:5 Saturday 1 John Sunday Ecclesiastes 4:5-8 Application Make a list of all the people and things you are thankful for. In your prayer time, ask God to be appreciative for all you have. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ.
To leave Guest Comments Click here |
 |
 |
|
| Site Map |