Devotional for April 28-May 4, 2008

Speak Up

“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” Proverbs 27: 2 KJV

Why is it so easy to talk about what a person does wrong, but we are hesitant to speak about what he/she may be doing right? We can gather together at our homes or in our churches and talk about what we think our leaders should be doing but aren’t. We analyze the way something was said and the manner in which something was done. For some of us, complimenting someone for doing a good job, especially when we may not care for that particular person, is worse than getting your teeth pulled.

Then we have those of us on the other side of the spectrum. Those of us who feel the need to remind people what we have done for them when we may feel that we are not being appreciated. I know there have been many times on my career when others were recognized for doing things and I sat there thinking, what about me? I was the one that _______. If it had not been for me then _______. Some of us even have that attitude in our marriages. I am the one that is working. And I am the one that helps the kids with homework. I, I, I.

Both of these attitudes are contrary to how we are to behave in Christ. Even though we do things to help people, excel on our jobs, or serve in our churches, it is not our responsibility to commend ourselves. When we begin to focus on our service, this allows a prideful spirit to creep in. We begin to think of ourselves more highly than we should. The focus is no longer Christ used me to help this person; instead, the focus is now on the flesh. This is how subtle the enemy moves. He wants us to become frustrated because it appears no one is seeing our good works and begin to move out of flesh, when we should be doing everything to glory of God and not man.

The second half of this scripture states that a stranger, meaning someone other than yourself, should praise your good work. If we are working, giving, or helping as a way of pleasing God, then that willingness will be seen even by someone who barely knows you. It is when we have the opportunity to praise someone else, we should speak up. When someone has done a good job at work, church, or home, say something. Don’t just assume that he/she knows you recognize the work he/she may have done. Take the time to praise those who do something well. When you find yourself beginning to complain and murmur about the work of someone else or the lack of recognition you are not getting, choose to use your words to build someone else up.

Prayer

My God, it is truly a privilege to be able to have a relationship with you. Please forgive me for ever thinking that it is me who helps, gives, or serves others. I recognize that I am simply a tool to be used for your glory. I know that you could choose to use anything or anyone that you please. So, thank you for choosing to use me. Help me to edify others instead of complaining and criticizing. Thank you for being such an awesome and loving God. In Jesus name, Amen.

Application

Take the time to praise someone for doing a good job.

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.

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Devotional for May 5-11, 2008

by Minister Mamie Pack

Yes, you!

“25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men: and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26) For ye see your calling brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, mot many mighyt, not many noble, are called 27) But God hat chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” 1 Corinthians 1: 25-27

Recently, God has given me the revelation that too many believers still see themselves as inferior. It is from that basic viewpoint that has hindered us from becoming writers, business owners, continuing our education, or simply accepting our call in ministry. We have become quite deft in seeing the strengths, talents, and gifts of others but have become too comfortable with the distortions we see when we look at ourselves.

This inferiority complex is so subtle that we don’t realize that it has attached itself to us. It has come in the form of condemnation, “I can’t do that, I’m only . . . .” In the form of criticism, “This isn’t as good as . . .” Even in the form of doubt, “Why would anyone listen to me?” Then just like that, we have talked ourselves out of doing the very thing God has directed YOU, yes YOU, to do.

When I read these scriptures, I heard God say to me, “Yes, you.” When God called us to Him, it had nothing to do with the type of degree you had or didn’t have, our careers, our race, or our economic class. We can choose to focus on the credentials of others who appear to be better trained and qualified than we are in the natural, or we can choose to focus on the anointing and direction of Christ who is guiding our footsteps. There will always be someone more knowledgeable, with more education, or older. Yet, in verse 26, Paul informs the congregation, just because some have the training, are a part of the “in crowd”, higher in the societal “food chain”, or have more education, that does not mean they are called. For God often chooses what appears foolish to man to exercise his almighty power.

Don’t reject what God has already put in you. When others think you don’t have what it takes, know that God imputed everything you would need before He even formed this earth. It is not about qualifications, but connection to our redeemer, Christ Jesus. Being connected, directed, and anointed by Christ is all the qualification you need to do what he has called you to do. Bind that spirit of fear and walk boldly into the calling Christ has already chosen for you.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for choosing me to be a part of your heavenly family. Please forgive me for rejecting the plan you have for my life simply because of I have viewed myself as inferior. Reveal to me the hidden places of inferiority that resides in me. Help me to see me the way you see me. I am a willing vessel to be used for your glory. I choose to be obedient to your guidance. Help me to walk willingly in the plan you have for my life. Guide me so that I am not jealous or covetous of the gifts of others, but thankful for the gifts you have planted in me. Thank you Lord, for all you have done in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

Application

Step out and do whatever it is that God is calling you to do.

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Devotional for May 12-18, 2008

By Minister Mamie Pack

Be careful

“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law; but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.” James 4: 11

When walking to check out at the grocery store, we are bombarded with images of magazines sharing the latest “dirt” on Hollywood celebrities. These magazines analyze every single aspect of these individuals lives from what they look like without makeup to where they by their coffee. Nothing is off limits. Even the news considers celebrity mishaps important. They offer polls to the audience on what he or she should do.

It would be nice to say that this only happens in the Hollywood sector, but it is the same way in many churches across the country. If a pastor makes a decision, then church members feel compelled to discuss whether he/she should or should not have made that decision. There is criticism and gossip about someone else’s most recent sin. Many want to be in the know, not so they can be in intercessory prayer, but to be able to put their two cents in. Then when these conflicts arise, division tags along.

James cautions the believer about judging others, particularly other believers. Most of us have difficulty handling conflicts, particularly with those we care the most about and when we feel very adamant about a topic. When some of us believe that we may have been dealt with wrongly, we resort to “venting” to a close friend or spouse. No big deal right? Wrong. When we begin “venting” this is often the key the enemy needs to walk right in. Our conversation goes to criticizing the person we feel has wronged us. Then statements such as: “Who is she to say something to me about my kids, look at her kids” or “I have been here longer than he has, know more, and have done more”. We justify our actions by criticizing the faults of another.

Once this type of behavior has started we begin to judge the person and not the behavior. Venting has now allowed pride to cohabit within you under the pretense that you are justified in your actions. Now we begin to say things like “She is a liar” instead of simply identifying the sin to help correct the offense in love. In that one statement, we have judged that person without even realizing that we have done so. I know that there have been many times that I have been caught up in this by thinking I need to just get some things off my chest. What I didn’t realize I was doing was allowing the enemy to use me instead of allowing God to use me as a tool to help other believers. When we focus on offense, it is a challenge to focus on prayer. Be careful the next time you are in conflict: bridle your tongue and go to God in prayer.

Prayer

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I used my words carelessly. For life and death are in the power of the tongue. Help me to forgive those that have offended me in some way. Forgive me for anything that I may have said or done to criticize and hurt others when I was hurting. Let me have a humble heart and be slow to judge the sins of others. I pray that I may ever mindful that you alone are able to judge for only you know the hearts of man. Thank you that you are able to restore and forgive me of all my sins. I love you Lord, in Jesus name, Amen.

Suggested Weekly Reading

Monday James 4: 11-12

Tuesday 1 Peter 2: 1-3

Wednesday Matthew 7: 1-5

Thursday 2 Corinthians 19-21

Friday Romans 14: 4

Saturday James 5: 7-9

Sunday Luke 6: 36-41

Application

The next time you find yourself offended in anyway, choose to pray about the situation instead of “venting” about it.

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Devotional for May 12-18, 2008

By Minister Mamie Pack

Be careful

Prayer

Suggested Weekly Reading

Monday James 4: 11-12

Tuesday 1 Peter 2: 1-3

Wednesday Matthew 7: 1-5

Thursday 2 Corinthians 19-21

Friday Romans 14: 4

Saturday James 5: 7-9

Sunday Luke 6: 36-41

Application

The next time you find yourself offended in anyway, choose to pray about the situation instead of “venting” about it.

About the Author

Devotional for May 19-25, 2008

What are you willing to do?

“14)If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15) Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16) I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. 17) "As for you, if you walk before me as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, 18) I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to rule over Israel.' " 2 Chronicles 7: 14-18

In 2002, standing in my bedroom while folding towels, I was presented with a choice. It was then I heard clearly the voice of the Lord speaking to me, calling me to Him. Right then I knew either I was going to walk away from the life of sin I was living or I was going to choose to continue dying each day taking my son with me. A choice. The towels, sliding out of my hands, fell to the floor while tears flooded down my cheeks. I opened my heart to Christ and my life was forever changed.

I had made up my mind that I wasn’t going back. No more sex outside of marriage. No more keeping my tithes. No more running from what I knew God was calling me to do. I was tired of hurting, running, being disobedient. This was not the example I wanted my son to see. I sat under the tutelage of my pastor and learned all that I could. I was willing to empty all of myself to get as much of Christ as I could. My heart needed healing and only God could repair what I had allowed to become damaged by guilt, loneliness, neediness, shame, etc.

So what are you willing to do? 2 Chronicles 7: 14 gives us some practical guidance on how to leave the life of disobedience and stir the heart of Christ. We learn that the chosen are to humble ourselves before the Lord, pray, seek him, and turn from our wicked ways. Stop thinking that you can handle it all. God does not call us to be Superman or Wonderwoman. He wants us to come to him with humility, submitting our will to his. We are to pray. God doesn’t just listen to our prayers, but He is a prayer answerer. Give to God all that weighs you and hinders you from drawing closer to him.

Then we are guided to seek Christ. We seek Him by reading His word, obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit, placing Him first in all we do. When we seek God, we develop a God first attitude. Of course, in order to be closer to God, we must walk away from our evil ways. This can also mean ungodly relationships, environments, or anything that is not directed by God. What is interesting to note is that in order to walk away from your evil ways, we are to humble ourselves, pray, and seek him first. Sometimes, we want to jump right into turning away that we miss the fact that we need Christ to do so. If you could turn away on your own, you would have.

Are you tired? Feel defeated? What a closer relationship with Christ? Then what are you willing to do? I encourage you to humble yourself to Christ, pray more, seek him more, and turn away from evil things and see if you don’t experience a revival in your walk with Christ.

Prayer

My Father in Heaven, thank you for raining your mercy and grace upon me. Forgive me of the times that I have turned away from you, choosing to please my flesh rather than seeking you. Help me to spend more time in building the relationship I have with you. I desire to be who you created me to be. Please remove anyone in my life that is not a godly influence. Thank you for guiding me and loving me the way you do. I pray I may have a humble attitude in everything I do. Please heal me in all the places that are damaged, hurting, or have become hardened in any way. I love you Lord, in Jesus name, Amen.

Suggested Weekly Reading

Monday 2 Chronicles 7: 13-22

Tuesday Zephaniah 2: 3

Wednesday 1 Chronicles 16: 11

Thursday Psalm 27: 8

Friday Jeremiah 29: 13

Saturday 2 Chronicles 6: 40

Sunday James 4:10

Application

Spend more time in prayer and seeking God this week.

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Devotional for May 26-June 1, 2008

Share your story

“1) We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. 2) With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our fathers; you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish. 3) It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.” Psalm 44: 1-3 NIV

Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my family’s annual family reunions. Each year we would travel to a different city hosted by a family member. I recall sitting around listening to the recollections of my great aunts and uncles. I would listen to them talk about growing up on the farm, life during segregation, and the accomplishments they had. Sitting there listening to them, I was in awe. Now that I am no longer a child and I think back on those stories, I sadly cannot recall any accounts of their transformation in Christ.

But then in these scriptures, I envision the author and many others sitting around listening to the stories of the elders. These elders recall how merciful God has been. In their stories, they tell how it was God’s hands that directed and gave them the land of milk and honey. How God conquered their enemies and granted them favor when all seemed hopeless. They acknowledged that is was not by their strength that caused them to win the land they possessed, but it was Christ who did it all. In appreciation, they knew that all they were and are is due to the fact that God loved them.

How wonderful those stories must have been. There were not shaded with the prideful ramblings of what they did that was so wonderful. No, the elders choose to tell the tales of an almighty and powerful God that showed them grace. Of everything they could share, they choose to share how good God has been to them. This is what we, as believers, also should do. We should share our stories of transformation in Christ.

When you talk to your children, do they know your story of how God changed your life? Or are you ashamed to let them know what you use to do? We each have a choice on the inheritance we want to leave those around us. When my children recall stories of their childhood, I want them to be able to share with their children how God changed my mommy’s life, not only about the degrees I have or the places I have traveled. I want them to know that the house we live in is due to the favor of God, not because mommy and daddy had good credit. I want them to know that God is a forgiving God, faithful, loving, and merciful. Recalling childhood memories is fine, but when we tell our stories, let us share with others how God changed our lives too.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that you continue to love me even when I didn’t realize that I needed your love. Thank you that you stepped in when I was headed for death. Thank you for your protection, your grace, your love, and your mercy. Help me to have the boldness to share with others how awesome you are. Let me not be ashamed to share with others who you are in my life. Thank you for those elders who share their stories of grace and let us not forget all that you have done in their lives and in ours. Lord, I love you and I give you all praises and glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

Suggested Weekly Reading

Monday Psalm 44: 1-25

Tuesday Deuteronomy 7: 6-11

Wednesday Joshua 3: 10-11

Thursday Amos 9: 11-15

Friday Jeremiah 24: 6

Saturday 2 Samuel 7: 10

Sunday Deuteronomy 8: 17-19

Application

Take the time to share with someone your story of how God changed your life.

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