Are you the answer to His prayers...

Isa 56:7 God says: "I will let them rejoice in My house of prayer." In Hebrew that last phrase, literally reads, "the house of My prayer." Therefore, the Temple may be viewed as God's very own place of worship and the place where God goes to pray. God prays? Yes, God prays. So then, we pray to God to answer our prayers, but I wonder if we are the answer to His prayers? How many unanswered prayers of God do I/you/we represent?


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Tongues For Life

Proverbs 18:21 says "Life and death is in the power of the tongue." There are lots of tongues out there...ya know? When people speak death over you, remember you still have a tongue. Speak life over yourself. Even in moments of low self-esteem (we all have them) when we cannot speak life over ourselves remember Jesus had a tongues and he can ALWAYS speak life over you, your circumstance or situation.
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No Matter How Long Or Short The Night...

Another hard biblical truth. You know psalm 30:5 says, "weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning." We must all endure the night. No one can escape the night. For some of us the night is short and for other the night sure is long. BUT no matter how short or how long the night for each of us joy is promised in the morning. Joy is on the way.
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Give What You Want

Give what you want! (It sounds crazy right.) "Give, and it will be given to you...For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (LK 6:38) The honest truth is that God wants us to 1st give what we want. If you want love, 1st give love. If you want support, 1st give support. If you want $, first give $. PAY IT FORWARD by being/giving what you want out of this life.
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We Just Might Get Hurt

I've always loved Jer. 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I've come to understand that sometimes God's plans for our lives do hurt us. Ask Joseph. Ask Elijah. Ask Jesus. But we have to remind ourselves that although we may get hurt, that hurt is never God's intention. God really does want to prosper us, give us hope & a future.
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Keep on keep in on!

The FB Devotional this morning are words to a song: There will be mountains that I will have to climb / And there will be battles that I will have to fight / But victory or defeat, it's up to me to decide/ But how can I expect to win If I never try. / I just can't give up now / I've come too far from where I started from/ Nobody told me the road would be easy / and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me.

What's Your Excuse?

Jesus had a difficult life. We don't hear much about his father; his family thought he was crazy; If he blessed he was burdened by the Sanhedrin; if he taught he was tormented by the Elders. The more good he did the more enemies gathered. BUT, Jesus pushed on to do the Master's will despite his issues with family and those who sought to kill, steal & destroy JUST TO GIVE YOU LIFE (Jn 10:10). So what's your excuse?

Run In Such A Way That You Win

When U get used 2 living with UR problems U can lose UR desires to overcome them. Ever wonder why some ppl go on 2 experience higher heights & deeper depths with God? Others go in circles? Some never make it out the gate? I think it's b/c the first group committed themselves 2 pursuing God until His presence became a reality in their lives. God honors persistence. Paul says it best: "Run in such a way that you win" (1 Cor. 9:24).

Grace To See Another Day...

You were closer to death last night than you know. Therefore, it was not our alarm clock nor the cell phone which woke us up this morning. It was the very grace of God who saw fit for you and I to see another day. So let's show God that we do not take His loving kindness for granted...make today the best day possible.

There is a plan in the midst!

Joseph knew best God has the last word. God decides our future. Others can wound U, but they c't destroy U. It's not what they do 2 U that determines your outcomes, it's what U do next. Joseph decided 2 let the offenses go, accept responsibility for his own part & trust God. With this, U take away others power over U, open yourself 2 what's new, & make choices that position U 2 come out stronger & wiser(Gen 41-45).
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Power from the Son today!

Kryptonite often prevented Superman from being super. To recharge his powers, he drew close to the light of the SUN for strength. Today, when you face adversity, your own Kryptonite, draw close to the light of the SON (Jn. 8:12). When you draw close to Christ you will receive strength for your journey and a light to guide you into all truth. Go to the SON and he will give you the power you need for today to be super.

Strength and Courage

To lead yourself/others into the promises of God--2 qualities are required: strength & courage (Joshua 1:6). To have strength means to stand FIRM in what you KNOW God has promised you. We also need courage for the ability to MOVE forward despite the adversity, danger or opinions of others. Today you will face challenges but I pray you stand strong in the promises God has made and forge forward with great courage into the land God has already set aside for you.
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Anointed But Not Yet Appointed!

Devotional:
David was anointed King pf Israel long before he became the King. He had lessons to learn & areas where he needed to grow. Plus, the attacks from Saul made him stronger and caused him to draw nearer to God. You have been anointed for greatness you just haven't arrived there yet. It's OK, God is faithful! Just remember that God is preparing you now for the amazing places your destined for (1 Sam 16).

Prayer:
Faithful God. I know that you have not created me with no purpose. You have gifted me and you have anointed me. I am now waiting on you to appointment. However, I do realize that in the midst of everything I am going through, the good and the not so good, that you are using everything to strengthen me for the appointment. I thank you that you have not forgotten about me. You are a faithful, faithful, faithful God. I worship you today! Amen.

A Song For Your Heart:

Where is your camera lense?

Devotional
To film a great movie camera angle matters. Sometimes you zoom in & others you zoom out. When we experience difficulty it's easy to zoom in on our situation. But when this happens our perspective is limited. Rather, when times get tough I think God wants us to zoom out. To look beyond what we see/feel & know that He has a much bigger picture in store(Isa 55:8-9). I know its tough but let's remove limits and boundaries and zoom out today!

Prayer
Amazing God, it's easy for me to be so focused on my current circumstance. I've been zooming in on so many aspects of my life. By doing this I not only limit my perspective but I also miss so many of the blessings you are currently bestowing upon me like my very breath. Today, help me to pull back my perspective and zoom out. It's hard but help me to try to see the "Big Picture." You can see far beyond me, so help me to trust you even when I cannot trace you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Song For Your Heart...

Put on the WHOLE armor of God today!

Devotional
God does not leave us ill equipped to handle the challenges of life. Today try putting on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (Eph. 6:10-18). Contained in the armor is everything you need to STAND STRONG in the battle of life. Notice, God did not give you anything to cover your back. That's because God doesn't intend for you to turn & run away from the challenges of life. Keep going forward & keep pressing onward!

Prayer
Lord, today I'm trying to put on the whole armor you've given me. Yet I know I might face difficult. Help me to plant my feet on the battle field of life. You have not called me to the battle to run away. Help me to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep pressing forward. In Jesus Name, Amen!

A Song For Your Heart...

Can You Rejoice When Your Neighbor Is Blessed

Devotional
We often say: "What God has for me is for me" (Ref:Jer. 29:11). I believe this with all my heart. I am trying to understand why there's so much jealously and competition among church folk (esp. preachers)? When your friend is blessed and your still waiting on a blessing can you rejoice with them? Jesus reminds us that we should rejoice with our friends (Lk 15:1-10). Be happy for a friend who was blessed today!

Prayer
God of all blessings help me to rejoice in the blessing of my neighbor. Help me to not be selfish but to rejoice. I know that you have not forgotten about the things I am seeking. So help me to pray for the blessings others stand in need of and rejoice when those prayers are answered. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

A Song For Your Heart...

A Super Hero On The Inside

Devotional
"Be strong and courageous...do not be discouraged, for the LORD...will be with you wherever you go" (Jos 1:9). While we may face many challenges & obstacles, rest assured you do not walk alone. Strength & courage seems easily possessed by your favorite super hero BECAUSE they have super powers. But what if I told you that you have the Spirit and the Power of a Super Hero named Jesus on the inside of you. Run on today because your not not alone.

Prayer
God I need your strength, courage, power and Spirit to run on today. The journey is long and the road is tough. Yet, you promise to never leave me alone. You have deposited the power of your Holy Spirit on the inside. Thank you. Lead me, guide me and anoint me for today. In Jesus Name, Amen!

A Song For Your Heart...

You Do The Work and God Will Do The Growing!

Things rarely fall in our lap...you've got to work for what you want, even the things God wants for you! Just remember you reap what you sow. No plant/fruit/tree springs forth without a seed being planted first. So, what are you planting for reaping(1 Cor 3:6-8)? Shout out what your planting and we'll pray for an overflow to reap!

With Christ you can do the right thing...

You might have to make a difficult decisions about the "right" thing to do. God has placed the spirit of Christ within you & you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you(Phil 4:13). Today I am praying that you find strength & courage to make the "right" choice & not the convenient one. Just remember that if you depend on God He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine(Eph 3:14-21)

Courtney thinks this world can be tough. It's full of judgements about us and the decisions we've made. The church falls short too...it can be full of judgements about you. Sometimes we find that the church has hurts us even more than the world. Today, cast aside the judgments of the world and of the church and focus on this: NOTHING CAN SEPARATE YOU FROM THE LOVE OF GOD WHICH IS IN JESUS. (Rom 8:39). We are loved today by God!

Walk Don't Run!

Courtney is thinking about how Jesus walked a lot, even on water (Mk. 6:45-55). We don't hear about Jesus running. He had to walk to his destination. Confucius said "A journey of 1000 miles begins w/ a single step." You won't be tired when you arrive at your destination if you've walked there. Today take a step in the direction of destiny. Jesus will walk with you. Don't get ahead of him, or fall behind him. Just walk at his side and he will "order your steps."

Committing for Resurrection Power

Jesus, hanging from the cross said, "Into thy hands I commit my spirit." When we put things in God's hands He does far more than we can. In this commitment we find resurrection power. It is difficult to trust God when you cannot trace God, but hasn't God brought you out of something? Delivered you from something? Today, let’s take a burden that we've been carrying and finish this sentence: "Into thy hand I commit..."

Breathe New Life Into Me

Its important that we all take some time out for Sabbath rest(Gen 2:2). Take just 5 minutes today and pause. No music, no TV, No people. Take 5 minutes and concentrate on your breathing. Breath is a gift that ONLY God is in. Count you blessings today and not your burdens. This is the day that the Lord has made...what an awesome God we serve. I love Him and I love you too.

Who Is Driving You On Success Rd.

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, red lights called enemies, caution lights called family and flats called jobs. But if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith and a driver named Jesus, you will make it to the place called success. Let me introduce you to your driver:

Exceedingly Abundantly Above All That You Can ASK or THINK

Today remember that at work within you is a God who is able 2 do "exceedingly abundantly above all that you can ASK or THINK." Lay your wildest aspirations for this day before God and great faith wait in eager expectation of the ways in which God will blow your mind. Now when God does "exceedingly abundantly above all you can ask or think," pause and give Him all the Glory for it (Eph 3:20).

Stretech Out And Be Productive

Courtney Clayton Jenkins realizes that we have a lot to do 2day. But I am certain we are MOST productive if God leads and we follow--"Here I am Lord, send me." Won't you allow God 2 sit on the throne of your heart and let His presence totally and completely fill your temple (2 every corner and crevice). Stretch out in us God like never before and accomplish your perfect will in us for today.(Isaiah 6:1-8)

Endings and Beginnings

Courtney Clayton Jenkins is thinking how life moves from beginning(birth) to end(death). When u are born, life begins and u are constantly moving towards your end. But when u arrive at the end, u ought 2 be what He intended you 2 be from the very beginning. Are you fulfilling your purpose today? If at the end u are what He intended u 2 be from the very beginning then u will hear "Well done, thy Good and faithful servant." God is DEEP!

Promises About You But Not To You

Courtney Clayton Jenkins thinks that God makes promises about us, but not 2 us. God makes a promise about what He will do for/to/in you. But He makes that promise 2 himself. He has to make the promise 2 Himself b/c He is the only one who can/will be able to fulfill it. Why? B/C all power rests in His hands! Why? B/C He doesn't lie! Why? B/C He is the creator and doesn't have to make promises to the created. Halleluiah! (Heb. 6:13-15).

God Doesn't Take Vacation

many ppl arn't working today b/c of the holiday--we're on vacation! Vacation is important for rest and to be rejuvenated. Yet, we are so blessed to serve a God who never goes on vacation because he is always with us. If we go on vacation, God goes with us, but for Him its a working vacation. Let's pause today and thank God for being available to us 24/7 and 365 (Psalm 139:7-12).

Speak to My Heart...

Courtney Clayton Jenkins is reminded that the human heart finds itself in many different places. Some of us are in a season where our hearts are overjoyed. Others are in a season where our hearts are heavy. Some of us feel like our hearts are being expanded and other feels like our hearts are falling apart. No matter where your heart is on life's journey, let God speak to your heart! (Philippians 4:4-9)

Casting Cares and Footballs

Courtney Clayton Jenkins thinks that 2 win in a football game, you need a great "Receiver." If you've got the ball u can throw it with everything you've got, because you've got a great "Receiver." The "Receiver" knows how 2 protect that ball & bring it pass the line of victory. This morning, won' u take all of ur worries and cast them down the field of life 2 "The Great Receiver." He cares for u & will bring you pass the line of victory (1 Ptr. 5:6)

It's On the Way

Courtney Clayton Jenkins is reminded that "life and death is in the power of the tongue." Let me speak life to you today...."IT'S ON THE WAY." No what you want, but what you need...It's On the Way. If you've been in the midnight hour, don't worry because morning...It's On the Way. A new journey, a new chapter for you and God...It's On the way. Provision... Peace... Patience... Power...Prosperity...Possibility..It's On The Way!

I'm Still Leaning and Trusting

Courtney Clayton Jenkins has been unemployed now for almost 8 months. It's VERY difficult emotionally, physically and financially. This morning I am reminded, and reminding you, that we can cast our anxieties upon God because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7), we can lean on His everlasting arms (Deut. 22:37) and we ought to keep the faith because at JUST the right time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9).

Goodness is Contagious

Courtney Clayton Jenkins is thinking about goodness. Why are we to be good? Because God is good to us. Goodness comes as a result of knowing God. It is the application of God's love. Being good will help us be patient, kind, understanding and forgiving to others. It helps us build each other up, build Christ's Church, reach God's community, do the justice work of a prophet, restores relationships and seek the best in all we do. (Titus 2:14)

Be a Blessing

Courtney Clayton Jenkins is wondering do you realize that God has blessed you to wake up AND connect to Facebook? That's not a necessity its a luxury. Some will never see a computer. Think about all the ways that God has been keeping and sustaining you. You're probably overwhelmed by the thought even if your having difficulties in life. So, make good on those blessing and today BE a blessing to someone by showing kindness.

Patience = Persistance

Courtney Clayton Jenkins thinks how most ppl consider patience 2 B a passive waiting but most of the Greek words translated as “patience” in the NT are active words that equate perseverance (ex. Heb 12:1). Does one run a race by passively waiting 4 slow-pokes or gently tolerating cheaters? Certainly not! A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled

Peace In The Dwelling Place

Today's fruit of the spirit is peace. The peace the world speaks of is not the peace that God extends to us (John 14:27). However, if the challenges of this world get to intense you can find peace by dwelling in the safety of the Lord. God has you covered in every aspect of your life. There is not circumstance, no situation that He cannot handle on your behalf. May you find peace in the safety of the Lord today.

Can I preach to myself

I'm going to preach to myself this morning Church. Is that alright? Our text is taken from James 1:2-4. Thus begin the reading of God's holy Word, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Pray with me...