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!!

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