God Knows Us Well

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

Since the summer, I have taken a different route to work due to some changes in my morning routine. I’ve become accustomed to my new route and it has become old hat. Initially, I thought it was a little more convoluted that my old route, and definitely a little more risky due to the speed limit changes along the way with double fines at some stretches of road. Yet, as I said, I am used to it now.

Just the other day, I looked over at the old exit, I used to take and the cars were backed up for what seemed like miles. I thanked God that I was no longer on that path, the one that seemed to be a straight shot. The next day, I witnessed the same back up, and again today. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of today’s passage, “When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

God knows me well. He knows that I have A LOT of responsibilities to complete in the morning and sitting in traffic adds to the anxiety of my day. He knew that I would be tempted to be angry because I would be late to work, and that anger could be a door for the Evil One to start me down a road of complaining and futile fussing. The holdup would be a distraction to the many blessings that God had bestowed upon me and my family so far that morning. Our gracious and loving God gently changed my route this summer in preparation for the construction that He knew was going to take place and cause a several mile back up every morning.

He loves us so much that He will give us a way out, if we follow His gentle promptings. I could take my old route to work, even with my new routine, but I listened to His promptings and settled into a way that He knew would be best for His child!

Remember to take heed to those gentle nudges from the Holy Spirit. I guarantee they will have a purpose and will be your way out so you can endure this life!

A Touch From Jesus

Sometimes our situations can look as good as dead. It seems as if we made just one too many mistakes, we’ve said the wrong thing just one too many times, or we won’t ever get it right. The passage that spoke to me at a very low point in my walk with God has nothing to do with forgiveness. It has nothing to do with mistakes. It has solely to do with the exorcism of an evil spirit.

The conversation that Jesus has with the possessed boy’s father is a faith discussion, but further along in this account of this miracle, it is all about how Jesus’ touch brought life to something that looked dead.

I come to speak into your life today. If your situation looks like a corpse, ask for a touch from Jesus. If people have begun to count you out and say, “It’s over for you,” reach up your hand to Jesus. Jesus does not listen to your critics. He does not listen to your emotions. He acts in response to your faith in the plan that God has set out for you.

Ask: Dear Lord, I need you to touch my situation. It looks dead and people are saying that it is dead, but I believe that you will bring life to what appears to be a corpse. Put me back on my feet and help me to stand! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Devotional Reading: Mark 9:26-27

A Touch From Jesus

A Touch From Jesus

Sometimes our situations can look as good as dead. It seems as if we made just one too many mistakes, we’ve said the wrong thing just one too many times, or we won’t ever get it right. The passage that spoke to me at a very low point in my walk with God has nothing to do with forgiveness. It has nothing to do with mistakes. It has solely to do with the exorcism of an evil spirit.

The conversation that Jesus has with the possessed boy’s father is a faith discussion, but further along in this account of this miracle, it is all about how Jesus’ touch brought life to something that looked dead.

I come to speak into your life today. If your situation looks like a corpse, ask for a touch from Jesus. If people have begun to count you out and say, “It’s over for you,” reach up your hand to Jesus. Jesus does not listen to your critics. He does not listen to your emotions. He acts in response to your faith in the plan that God has set out for you.

Ask: Dear Lord, I need you to touch my situation. It looks dead and people are saying that it is dead, but I believe that you will bring life to what appears to be a corpse. Put me back on my feet and help me to stand! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Devotional Reading: Mark 9:26-27

No Holds Barred Faith

As we experience disappointments in life, our reckless abandon as it relates to our faith is reeled in by reality. We sometimes limit what we think God can do because of what we assume He hasn’t done in the past. We pray very broad prayers to better protect our hearts, just in case God doesn’t do it exactly how we wish it would be fulfilled.

I had begun to feel this way and the phrase “No Holds Barred” was dropped into my spirit. I had heard it and said it before, but I hadn’t thought about what it truly meant. So, the Holy Spirit clarified what exactly it was. It was a term used in wrestling that meant there was nothing off limits. I had a wow moment. If you have the right type of faith, nothing is off limits to God for you.

Then, it all came back to me. When I was a child, I that type of faith. I thought that if I spat in the dirt and made mud, I could put it on Stevie Wonder’s eyes and he would be healed. I was convinced! As I got older that faith began to wane, but it is back! I believe the unbelievable because NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! I challenge you to have a No Holds Barred Faith. Don’t limit God to what He can do. Channel your inner child who believed the unthinkable. Remember Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Devotional Reading: John 9:1-12
Mark 10:13-16

Absolutely Nothing!

In a world filled with variables, it is wonderful to know that we serve an “absolute” God. His promises throughout the Bible give us certainty that we are victorious in all aspects of our lives. Build your faith with these verses of scripture and rest in the unshakable security that a relationship with the Lord brings.

Nothing shall by no means harm you. –Luke 10:19

Nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us –Romans 8:39 The Message

No weapon formed against you will prosper –Isaiah 54:17

Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. –Hebrews 13:5/Deut. 31:6

No harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent –Psalm 91:10

[Faith as small as a mustard seed]. Nothing will be impossible for you –Matthew 17:20

For nothing is impossible with God. –Luke 1:37

Pray these scriptures. Confess them. When things look like they are undefeatable, know that NOTHING is too difficult for you with God on your side! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!

Accept It With Contentment Rather Than Resentment

Accept It With Contentment Rather Than Resentment

We often find ourselves in interesting positions. We tell ourselves we are not going down a certain path, and lo and behold, we begin to inch that way without really much thought. It’s not necessarily always sin, but it can be behavior or acquaintances that may lead to sin. If you are connected to Jesus and He is the Lord of your life, He will step in and give you the strength to resist further travel down a detour from the street called Purpose.

I found myself being inched into a situation that could lead to sin recently. I talked to myself and assured God that I was not going to even look at that road, but how our minds deceive us! Amazingly, because that is how God does things, He gave me a reality check. Had it been a few months ago, I would have been angry with God, asking Him why, and having a pity party. But, He has allowed certain events to mature me to a point where I can be content with His loving rebuke and kind steering.


Please accept God’s direction and correction with contentment and not resentment. He wants the best for you and if you just endure, He will give you more than you could have ever imagined. Don’t let the enemy nudge you into “almost sinning.” It’s so easy to think that we can do this on our own when we are walking boldly with Christ, but you must never let your guard down! If this were not a battle, we wouldn’t have to put on the whole armor of God! Let God love you with His perfect love, and you will see the glory that He wants to bring upon you.

Devotional Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (say it as a prayer for yourself and others)
2 Samuel 12:13-25 (The story of the aftermath of David’s
adulterous affair. He pleaded with God, but after his child
died, he continued to serve God mightily without
resentment.)

Don't You Judge Me!

Don’t You Judge Me!

In a conversation I was having with a friend who hungers for the word, yet “isn’t ready” to commit fully, he accused me of judging his other friends who are living in sin. In context he was explaining how they encouraged him to do some sinful things just the night before. I just made him aware that because they are living in sin, they condone sin. I used to do the same thing, when I wasn’t where I was supposed to be in Christ. I would tell of my exploits and highlight this behavior as fun or “the time of my life.” We’ve all been or are still in a place where sinful behavior could be looked upon as “good times.” Little do we know, that we are promoting wrong behavior.

So, he said I was judging his friends. I immediately retorted, “No, judging would have been to say, ‘They’re going straight to hell for their perverse crass behavior.’ God loves them and would pleased for them to repent and turn to Him!” Then I said something that drove it home to him and I hope it drives it home to you as well. “Would you consider it judgment if I told you not to go down a ONE WAY street the wrong way? Would you say, ‘DON’T YOU JUDGE ME!’ in response?” There was silence and then it was made clear that judgment is when you attempt to determine someone’s destiny by their right now, but love is when you let someone know that their right now may hinder them from their destiny. If you drive down this one way street, there are consequences that may occur, but you have the God-given choice to turn around.

Share that with someone who needs to hear that today (including yourself). I love the Lord and all that He is in my life. He has turned me from my mess. Had not someone told me that I was in mess, I would have not been in position to be blessed. The word of God shows you, your church, good friends, and most importantly the Holy Spirit will illuminate your sin and you can choose to repent and change or stick with it to an uncertain end. YOU BE THE JUDGE!

Devotional Reading: Luke 6:37, 17:1-4

Fruitful Lips

Have you ever just stopped and called out, “Jesus!” …not in desperation or out of need, but just confessed and exalted the name of Jesus? Make an earnest effort to praise God through Jesus throughout the day. It is sometimes a challenge for some people to remember to praise God when good things happen, but what about when nothing happens? Can you find the strength to praise Him then? What’s even more challenging is to praise Him while you’re going through!

I think it is an awesome testimony for Daughters of the King, to continually praise and worship God through the fruit of the lips and by showing kindness to others. Make it your point to give God praise every hour today (everyday). Set a time each hour to just send up a thank offering. Then, dedicate yourself to give sacrificially to someone before the week is out. If you stick to this, God will be pleased and things will “pop” in your life. Now, go and be more like God designed His children to be.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. -Hebrews 13:15-16
Philippians 2:11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:11

It's Not Fair

You’re Right, It’s Not Fair!

Are you sick of being mistreated? Do you wonder why you have to deal with mess all of the time? Do you find yourself complaining about your circumstances? Do you feel like life isn’t fair? You deserve better, don’t you think?

Here is something that I hope will make you alter your perspective. If life were fair, you would have to experience what Jesus experienced for us.

¨ Spit in your face
¨ Slapped
¨ Whipped
¨ Beaten
¨ Nailed
¨ Taunted
¨ Jeered
¨ Pierced
¨ And the list goes on…

The next time someone says something about you or does something to you, remember all that Jesus endured and how He responded: He didn’t. The next time you feel like giving up because of your circumstances, remember that Jesus didn’t give up when He faced the crossed. The next time you feel lonely, abandoned, or rejected, remember that Jesus died so you could have the Holy Spirit with you always to comfort and to guide. Each time we murmur and complain about our provision, our circumstances, and “unfair” treatment, we, in a sense, make a mockery of all that Jesus endured.

I’m guilty of complaining about what I don’t have or how I’ve been treated, but the momentary light affliction comes nowhere close to the pain, suffering, mistreatment, and ridicule Jesus experienced for ME. It’s not fair that the tormenting that I deserve because of my sins, will never be applied to me because Jesus paid the price in full.

You’re right! It is certainly not fair. It is the true, unfailing, everlasting love of our Father. Let gratefulness eclipses discontentment. Find peace in His love, today.

Devotional Readings: Matthew 26:67, 27:28-31, 41-44
2 Corinthians 4:17

I Give Up

What will you give up TODAY for a closer relationship with Jesus? Think back on some things you have given up or currently giving up for a relationship with a man. I thought back on past unsuccessful relationships and if I had been guilty of this. Of course I was guilty. I have given up friends, certain types of clothes, and even my dignity. Dignity loss is disparaging and that can’t be love. You don’t realize that you’ve lost your dignity until it is gone. I recall one instance when I called around to find out where my boyfriend at-the-time was and got the true story. When he retuned home and called me, I asked him where he had been; he gave me a bogus story. Can you believe I “let” him lie to me to keep the peace (and in turn keep him)? Until a few hours later he called me back fussing about me calling around looking for him. He was angry with ME!

First of all, perfect love cast out all fear so I shouldn’t have called around, but I wasn’t in right relationship with the Lord or in the Word so I didn’t know that truth. (I John 4:18) Secondly, I should not have let him lie to me, but I did not want him to leave me. The enemy had compromised my confidence with fear. I should have confronted the deception. Lastly, but most importantly, I should have cared more about myself than to be in that unhealthy relationship! God loves me and I should have loved myself enough to realize I was living below my privilege. I’m a daughter of the King!

Now that my relationship with Christ is my priority, I have given up all of my past baggage and in return I have fullness of joy. In the past, I gave up things and in return I felt less than a woman. Oh, what a wonderful testimony it is to “give up” things and gain heaven on earth and unshakable certainty that you have the victory in the name of Jesus. What will you give up to get to your destiny?
Devotional Reading: I John 4:7-21