Devotion 3/19/17

1 Samuel 7:12 “12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.””
Time of reflections:

As I read this scripture, I thought back over this past year and remembered what were my Ebenezers. Those moments that I knew that God helped me by opening doors (opportunities, etc ) for me and He is still helping me get through it. I asked did I celebrate for a brief moment or do I still look back and celebrate with a grateful heart?  

Ebenezer stones that Samuel placed as an altar symbolized that God did it before and He can do it again. Remember your Ebenezer moments throughout your journey through life and continue to celebrate and give God glory. It was all Him!!

Grace

Look around you and experience God’s Grace 

Devotion 2/13/16

Scripture reference:
Jeremiah 32:27 “Behold I am the Lord, the God of ALL flesh. Is ANYTHING too hard for me?”

This morning I had to ask the Lord to forgive me for forgetting that I am victorious in and through Him, only HIM. I would write last year that God is in control. The question asked during my quiet time was “why don’t you truly believe that, Tina?” I have allowed life, especially work, take my attention off the fact that I have to trust and believe that God is in control no matter what! I’m not perfect in my walk with the Lord and I am still holding on! Despite of all going through, don’t give in and make sure to give it up to God! I am victorious through/in Him! (Yes there are times when I have to say it aloud! He’s still working on me!)
Love y’all.

Devotion 12/24/15

Scripture reference:
1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”

Kelly Thomas singing “Can’t give up now”

In 1992 we had a family reunion here in Portland. I don’t remember everything that happened but I do remember one of my lil cousins who was about 12 or 13 years old (I think) getting up and singing “You Are” by Kirk Franklin. I remember her voice and how pure , smooth, sweet and innocent it was. I remember standing in the back of the room with tears rolling down my face as she sang the words “Jesus, everything I need, You are.” At that time her mom Dorothy had cancer and all her kids were here for the reunion. Dorothy still managed to come smiling in and not complain. As Kelly sang, I remember looking over at Dorothy and she had a smile on her face as tears rolled down her cheeks.

10+years later Kelly is now battling cancer herself and even through it all, she still manages to smile and tell the truth about how she’s feeling but at the same time relying on God. I’ve been encouraged as well as many many others, because she’s not only smiling (beautiful smile) but she continues to allow God to be glorified in the midst of this storm.
Kelly no matter what nor how she feels seeks the Lord for strength and His Presence. Can we say the same?

I sat today and thought about how she’s encouraged me through her faith and how I needed to step back and make sure that I’m glorifying God no matter what going through. For those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, only through Him can we find peace, joy, strength in all that we face in this life.

I’m asking all to continue praying for my cousin Kelly. Love this lady! She’s alway held a special place in my heart and always will! I’m blessed that she’s in my life!

Love y’all

Devotion 8/15/15

Scripture Reference:
Romans 6 read entire chapter

Verses 6-8
“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”

Verses 11-14
“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”

Microsoft Outlook has a function that if you want to make sure someone has received your email you’ll get a notification that they have done so. As I was sitting and meditating on Romans 6, that “message received about your Word God” came into my spirit. After thinking that I quietly heard ” that’s not all Tina”. God desires not that we just receive the message but that we accept it, believe it and truly live it out and even tell others. James 1:22 tells us that we shouldn’t be just hearers but also doers (live it out in our actions as well) of the Word of God.

If there was any type of spiritual notification that would appear to God right at this moment after you’re read this what would your message appear to Him? Message received but just read and still old self or Message received, accepted, embrace, believe, trying to live for The Lord”. Live free in Jesus!

Love y’all and praying
Tina

Devotion 6/7/15

Scripture reference;
Revelation 22:20
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

I’m thankful today that even though things around us seem to be getting worst, praise the Lord, Christ is coming back!!

The question always posed “will you be ready when Jesus comes?” Since there are so many who would say yes, I want to ask; if you’re ready, then what are you doing or have done to help others get themselves ready for Christ return?

Christianity is not selfish it’s self less!
Think about it!

Devotion 4/9/15

Scripture reference
1 Peter 5:10
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

I’m thankful for my life even after all I’ve been through. Love this!! Love y’all!! Love my Jesus!!

Devotion 3/11/15

Scripture reference;
Philippians 4:19
“And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

God knows and has what’s best for me! May not be where I want to be in my life, but God knows and has what’s best for me!

Despite what you’re going through and or have been through, God knows and has what’s best for you. Stay steadfast and unmovable! Trust God because He’ll take care of you!

Devotion 2/8/15

Scripture reference
Exodus 13:21
“21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.”

I was laying down and reflecting on how much I admire what my sissy Taunya Golden David is doing with promoting talent using her company, Golden Entertainment. Taunya is establishing a platform/stage for those artist to showcase themselves. Now she doesn’t have control how they perform but she sets the stage for them. Even before they come out, they sit in the “green room” where she has prepared a dinner for them and a place to rest to make sure they are taken care of. Some may feel appreciative and show her and there are others who don’t. But at the end of the day, all she’s done is set the stage for them. It’s what they do with it that determines whether or not it was a good show. They can’t blame anyone for how they do but themselves! (Let’s talk if you think otherwise…;)). And also they should consider that when they get on that stage it’s a reflection on Golden Entertainment as well. (I’m just saying!).
I thought about what God has done for us and others. He’s set the stage for our lives it’s our responsibility to live it out! Let’s reflect on how God has gone before us and planned out our lives and then gave us the responsibility to walk it out and live through it. As believers in Jesus Christ we are to be reflections of Him!
Lifestyle makes a difference!

Love y’all

Devotion 1/10/15

Scripture reference;
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

While driving into work this week, the fog was thick, that all I could do to see was to look for the street or car lights or the white lines on the side of the road to drive. As I drove into work and the Lord kept saying to me it’s the “lights” that are helping guide you through the fog. He kept saying that this is the same for as I go through this “fog” (situations in my life- professional -ugh- and personal). I need to follow The Light and reflect the Light that’s inside me so others know and see God’s glory.

I honestly struggled ALL throughout the week with a number of feelings while going through the “fog” -disappointment, anger, sadness, betrayal, comfort, loved, etc. But yet instill these verses continued to penetrate my heart and spirit. Quietly the Lord will tell me that it’s ok for me to feel just make sure my response to all that’s going on is to continue being a reflection of Him. Comforting in knowing that fog lifts and things become a whole lot clearer and refreshing! I’m praising and thanking God through the fog and as it continues to lift!

Pray for me y’all! The year has already started off different I planned but regardless I believe God and trust Him!! And I’ll continue praying for y’all. Love y’all!