A Word In Chaos

"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:2

The verse above tells us that the earth was without form, void and darkness was upon it. The word for "without form" also means "chaos". Literally, the earth was a place of chaos, empty and covered in darkness. Does that seem to describe your life? Is it full of chaos? Does it feel like it is covered in darkness? There doesn't seem to be any light shining in your situation- you can't even see any light at the end of the tunnel? Then I have good news for you this morning.

I love the next part of the verse- "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Even in the darkness, even in the confusion, even in the chaos, even in the emptiness, God was still there moving over the situation, watching what was happening, making His presence known. You are not alone, He is there with you also watching over your life.

Just the presence of God watching over the situation did not change it, it changed when God spoke a word into the situation. "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." (verse 2) When God spoke, the situation changed. You need to hear a word from the Lord and things will change in your situation also. It doesn't matter how great the chaos and darkness is, in our verse it covered the whole earth- that is a lot of chaos and darkness. But just one word from the Lord and the darkness and chaos was gone- the light outshined it.

When God speaks a word into your situation, it will change. It will either literally change the situation as it did at creation, or, it will change something inside of you that will lift the darkness and calm the confusion so that you can go through that place. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) The Psalmist said he was walking "through" the valley of the shadow of death- not translated out of it. But something was on the inside of him that caused him to walk through it with peace of mind, without fear, distress or confusion.

Paul was an example of what I am talking about. Paul wasn't delivered from prison. The end of his life was spent in a dark dungeon bound in chains, yet, Paul pinned the words, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Phil. 4:11b). How was that possible? Because God had spoken a word into his situation and it changed the situation by changing Paul on the inside. (Acts 21:10-13)

Seek God in prayer and stay there until He speaks a word into that situation you are in. He will speak. And His word will settle and remove the chaos either externally or internally.

Have a great day. One word from the Lord and the chaos clears up-- the chaos that is around us or the chaos that is in our hearts.

For further reading:
Philippians 4:11-13
Psalm 23

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

Every Entree Requires Good Ingredients~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Are you the type of person that gives up on your dreams and goals real easy? At the sight of trials and tribulations, do you easily surrender to the opposition? When family and friends do not support your aspirations, do you give up on the plan of God for your life? So often in our lives, we expect the blessings without anticipating the challenges. The enemy will never allow you to receive or enjoy the blessings of God without doing what he can to hinder you. Yes the promises of God will come to pass in your life. You can rest upon God’s promises. However, between the promise and the fulfillment, will always be a process. It is during the process that the enemy sends everything and everyone against you. It is during the process that makes the fulfillment seem uncertain. If you lose sight of the fulfillment while experiencing the process, the enemy has won. It is during the process that you must trust God and depend upon His strength and guidance.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. During the process of your life, you must understand the importance of God in your life. Many people celebrate the victory with you, but they do not endure the training. My friend, Every Entrée Requires Good Ingredients! We tend to forget several important ingredients that are needed to make the best entrée. The first ingredient is God. You cannot build, plant, sow or expect without having a foundation based upon God. No matter how hard you try, any man that builds a house without the Lord involved, that man labors in vain (Psalms 127:1). The Bible declares in Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. The second ingredient required is the Word of God. You must apply God’s Word to every situation in your life. Whether you think it is major or minor, you must apply God’s Word. Do you not know that every big situation started out small? The Bible declares in Psalms 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

My brother, my sister, Every Entrée Requires Good Ingredients! The third required ingredient is prayer. You must have a prayer life that goes beyond the traditional Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. You must have a personal, intimate prayer life with the Father. A prayer life that’s center around your desire to fellowship and commune with God. The Bible declares in James 5:16 - … The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. The fourth ingredient required is obedience. After you have placed God first, applied His Word, talked to Him in prayer, now you must operate in obedience to whatever God tells you to do. The Bible declares in 1 Samuel 15:22 - Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. There comes a time when you must walk in accordance to God’s commandments and instructions. Beloved, the entrée you desire to enjoy will come as a result of you following the ingredients in the order God instructs. The blessings of God are predicated on your willingness to follow the ingredients. Prayer for Today: Father, thank you for investing greatness within me. I will do my best to apply the ingredients listed. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Isaiah 1:19

Our God Is The Awesome God~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Do you realize God is able to do whatever He wants, when He wants and how He wants? Do you realize God is not limited by our fears and insecurities? Do you realize God is aware of you and your needs? Do you realize God knew you before you knew you and momma and daddy knew each other? Do you understand there is nothing too hard for God (Genesis 18:14)? Many times in our lives, we tend to forget how Sovereign our God really is. We often place God in the same category as ourselves. We approach God as if He has limitations and weaknesses. We pray to Him only when we feel He is able to do it. While man is an imperfect being, God is perfect in every way. There are no shortcomings or skeletons in God’s closet. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think of (Ephesians 3:20). He is God. He is Lord of all and in all. He is before all things, in all things and the conclusion of all things.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. My friend, Our God is The Awesome God! He is not an awesome god, but He is THE Awesome God. This means no one else is on His level. There are no other gods or lords great as He. The Bible declares in Revelation 17:14 - … for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful. The limitations we have limit us not God. When you approach the throne room of God, you must come unto Him in belief and certainty. You must know He can and He will. You must be confident in God’s abilities. No matter how horrific the situation appears, you must have an unwavering trust in the Lord. The Bible declares in Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Our God is The Awesome God! You will never find anything or anyone that can ever take His place.

My brother, my sister, your current situation is small potatoes to such a Great God. The same dilemma that consumes your thoughts and robs you of your sleep, is the same dilemma God desires to free you from. Whether you believe it or not, I know God specializes in things that appear impossible. The Bible declares in Luke 18:27 - And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Beloved, Our God is The Awesome God! He is God that sits high, but looks low. He knows your needs before you have need of them. He’s so much God that He can send the solution before you realize there is a problem. Who else can do such great things? No one but our God. Today, what are you dealing with? What trial or tribulation do you find yourself faced with today? The Bible declares in Psalms 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Child of God, never forget Our God is The Awesome God, He resigns from Heaven above with wisdom, power and love. Our God is The Awesome GOD. Prayer for Today: Father, thank You for being the AWESOME God in my life. I know You can fix any problem and answer any prayer. I honor and adore You. Bless Your name. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Exodus 34:14

What's Your Job?~G. Craige Lewis

1 Peter 4:10 - 'God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God?s generosity can flow through you.' NLT

What are you good at? Nine times out of ten, what you are good at doing can be used for the Kingdom of God. Your gift that you possess can richly add to a ministry that is spreading the Gospel. It would be a shame for you to be talented in an area and only use it for money, or for your secular job. God is the giver of good and perfect things, not the enemy, so you should be using your gift and talents, not only for your secular job, but also to build the Kingdom of God. Many times we spend years in prayer over our purpose and our God given destiny to find what it is that God wants us to do for his benefit. But if you look into the Word of God, you will find that the purpose He has for us is built into us from our conception! Look at God choosing the 12 disciples. Each one he chose had an occupation that was used for the Kingdom to benefit from. The fisherman, became fishers of men. The Tax collector became Jesus' accountant. Even Jesus, who was a carpenter by trade, became the chief builder of the Church of God! So, what are you good at?

Why are you just giving your services for money and not using it to benefit the Kingdom? Don't you know that you could add so much to a ministry, a church, or a non profit helps organization? I know sometimes we see feeding the poor, clothing the homeless, or street preaching as the only true means of evangelism and missions but everyone in a ministry, church, or helps organization is important. And the lives that we touch are credited to each and every active member. You are a Christian, so use your gifts and abilities to help others. Even when there is no money involved, you should still want to sow your gift and talents to bless others and God will always credit you for being a blessing.

Suggested Reading: Jer. 1:5, 1Cor. 12:31, 1Cor. 14:12, Heb. 9:9

The Weapon Of Prayer~G. Craige Lewis

Ephesians 6:12 - 'For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.'

It's time to pray saints of God. When people harm you, or misuse you. When they slander your name, lie on you, or disregard your very own desire to do the right thing. When you have changed, yet they will not let you live down your past, or when you stand for the truth and yet they tear you down, it's time to pray! Prayer is our weapon, not gossip, backbiting, slander, or violence! We as believers don't react to a spiritual devil by fighting in the physical realm. You can always tell a very immature Christian, because when they get upset or hurt, they will always revert back to worldly methods of revenge. But God said "HE" would fight our battles. Let's grow up Christians and not allow the devil to beat us up in the spirit realm while we shadow box him in the natural. You will get no where like that.

Prayer is your weapon! You can deal with the devil through prayer and if you are strategic, you can overcome his attacks! And when you develop a strong warfare prayer life, those enemies will reap the very attacks they are casting upon you! In other words, praying for them and wishing them no harm will cause God to react! God said in Prov. 6:17 , he hates "hands that shed innocent blood" and that's not just talking about death, but it's talking about hurting people that mean you no harm! We must never forget that God requires us to pray for those that do us wrong and that's not a weak cop out, but that puts your enemies in the hands of God for him to take revenge for you! So, again I say, pray instead of retaliating. When you are attacked and you feel that you have been wronged, pray for them and watch the vengeance of the Lord set it straight. Remember, God said "Touch not my anointed" and if you are chosen by him, the anointing resides within you! That means harm will come to them that harm you!

Suggested Reading: Psa. 105:15, Phil. 4:6, Rom. 12:19, 2Cor. 10:4

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world”
(John 16:21, NIV)


TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria


Years ago when we first found out that Victoria was pregnant, we were so excited. Even though she didn’t look any different on the outside, we began planning and preparing for our new baby. Then as time went on, we moved out of the fun, easy stage of conception and into that much more difficult stage of development. That’s when the mother becomes uncomfortable, swollen, can’t sleep at night, her back aches. Things seem to get the hardest right before the birthing begins.

In a sense, it’s the same way in our spiritual lives. When we conceive something in our hearts from God, it’s so exciting. It’s easy to stay encouraged and full of faith during that time. But the real test is when we go through the development process. Are we willing to keep a good attitude even when we’re uncomfortable and things aren’t going our way? Are we willing to stand and fight the good fight of faith until we give birth to our dreams?

If you’re standing for something today, keep standing. Keep believing even when you don’t see anything happening. Hold on to that promise even when it’s uncomfortable because soon you will give birth to every dream and desire the Lord has placed in your heart!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for the dreams and desires You’ve planted in my heart. Give me the strength to persevere even when times are hard. Give me Your peace and joy so that I can stand strong until I see those dreams and desires come to pass. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Never Stop Praying..It Really Works!~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever known someone who gives up at the first sight of attack or despair? The first person who disagrees with him or her, they want to walk away from the dream. Since no one believes it can be done, they want to throw away all of their days of fasting and nights of laboring. No willingness. No perseverance. No tenacity. Have you ever depended on other people’s prayers to get you through? You did not believe your prayers would be heard like those your friend solicit. You expected your friends and family to talk to God on your behalf. You never bowed down on your knees. You never called upon the Lord’s name. If others did not believe and pray for you, no prayers were submitted. (Key note: To pray for others and have others pray for you is very important, but you must also know how to pray for yourself.) Have you ever been there? Are you there now?

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. Do you believe there’s power in prayer? Do you believe God still answers prayer? In spite of what the enemy told you, God still hears and answers our prayers. He is still willing and able to do what we need done in our lives. Today, I want to encourage you. My friend, Never Stop Praying … It Really Works! The Bible declares in James 5:16 - Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. There’s something about prayer that enables the Believer to enter into the presence of our God. It is true, much prayer much power; little prayer little power; and no prayer no power. No matter what you are experiencing today, you can take it to the Lord in prayer. Whether it is your personal matter, a friend’s situation or a family member’s struggle, it can still be taken to the Lord in prayer.

My brother, my sister, Never Stop Praying … It Really Works! The blessings you enjoy today, comes as a result of someone’s prayers for you. You did not think you did it alone … did you? It is because of the mercies of God that we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22). The Bible declares in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing. Beloved, what are you dealing with today? What dilemma or tribulation are you faced with? Who are you worried about? What situation attempts to steal your joy and your peace? Are you praying about it? If yes, never stop. Have you stopped praying about it? If yes, why? Never Stop Praying … It Really Works! When you pray for someone else, pray for them … not at them or about them. The Bible declares in Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Prayer for Today: Father, I believe there is nothing too hard for You. I believe You can do anything but fail. Today, I do not cease in my prayers. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: John 17