Are You Stuck?~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever found yourself doing the same thing expecting a different result? You approached each situation with the same mindset and same defense. You thought you could defeat the enemy by staying quiet, hoping he would think you were invisible. While he was attacking you and your family, in stead of you declaring the Word of God against him, you stood quiet and fearful (2 Timothy 1:7). Have you ever became complacent with your position in life? You just accepted things as they came. You grew accustom to second hand blessings. While God desired to bless you abundantly, you grew comfortable with getting the remains from someone else. Hmmmmmmmm! Have you ever missed the move of God because you expected Him to come the same way each time? You failed to realize He could bless you through someone else, while blessings others through you.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. Are you content with the way things are in your life? Are you satisfied with just having “barely enough” to make it? My friend, Are You Stuck? Are you in bondage because of a close-minded attitude? Many times we miss many blessings in our lives, or we have doors close in front of us because we grew complacent with life and the way we defined it. To be stuck means to halt the movement or action of something or somone. The Bible declares in Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. There are many people who look blessed and appear blessed in the eyes of man, but (s)he has not experienced a new thing in a long time (Isaiah 43:19). They talk as if slavery still exist. They are bound by the mistakes of their past. They are fearful concerning the events of their future. Are You Stuck? Are you living within a small circle? Each day you go in the same direction. Just as a hamster on the wheel, are you running in place thinking you are making progress?

My brother, my sister, are you further along than you were this time last year? Have you grown since August 4, 2009? Are you still shackled by immature behavior and animosity? The Bible declares in Matthew 16:19 - And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Beloved, Are You Stuck? Have you become dead weight? The Lord desires to use you in awesome ways. He formed you with purpose in mind. Yes you have made mistakes, but so have I. Yes you fell short, but we all have (Romans 3:23). In spite of your shortcomings, God has a plan for your life. He has a mission for you to complete. He has a blue print created with you in mind. It is time for you to get life back in your legs. When you are stuck, your mind is bound and your legs have lost strength. Today, I declare peace in your mind and strength in your legs (Job 22:28) (Acts 3:7). No longer can you or will you be stuck. Prayer for Today: Father, there is work to complete and I am the one You ordained to do it. My time being stuck is over, I am moving forward according to Your will, in Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Romans 12:2

Using The Gift

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
I woke up again this morning with another song going over and over in my thoughts. I want to share one verse that keeps repeating itself. "And all my days are gifts from You I pray I'd use them as You want me to. Use them for You."

Each day we have is a gift we have been given by God-- none of us have been promised this day. How are you going to spend it? On self or on God and others? Are you going to spend it as a "living sacrifice" surrendered wholly and completely to God? Are you going to spend it letting your light shine or hiding it? Are you going to spend it in rebellion against the will of God or in submission to Him? Are you going to spend it in disobedience to His word by living immorally, seeking only your own pleasure and desires? Are you going to spend it showing love or living with hateful attitudes? Are you going to spend it in fear or in faith? Are you going to spend it being led by your emotions and feelings or by the word of God? Are you going to spend it gratifying your flesh or are you going to do those things that build up your spirit and deny your flesh? Are you going to spend it in bitterness, unforgiveness and nursing grudges, or are you going to walk in mercy, grace and forgiveness?

There are probably a hundred more questions like this that I could ask you this morning concerning how you will spend the day, but the answer to each one boils down to choice. We either choose to spend this day our way or God's way. We will choose to either serve Him or serve self. Your choices determine how you will spend it. They also reveal whether you are truly using the gift of this day for Him or not.

Have a great day. If you choose to spend the day on yourself, then you have chosen not to use this gift for Him.

For further reading:
(Song is Hillsong- "You Are My World")
Psalm 103:15
James 4:13-15
Romans 12:1; 8:14
Matthew 5:16

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

Times Of Life

"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

This morning, again, there has been a song repeating over and over in my heart. The words are, "The God of the mountain, is still God in the valley. When things go wrong, He'll make them right. And the God of the good times, He's still God in the bad times. The God of the day, is still God in the night."

Life is made up of various "times" - we learn this from creation. We learn this through the changing of the seasons- there isn't just one season, there are four. We can look at the landscape and see that it isn't all the same- there are mountainous areas, wildernesses, forests, valleys, the desert, etc. They each are needful and they are all part of this physical life.

We go through spiritual seasons as well. There are times when everything in our lives is wonderful and the blessings are flowing. Then there are times when it looks "dead" with no sign of "life". There are also times when we feel like we are in a valley or on a mountain top.

But regardless of where the "times" of life take us- God doesn't change and He is with us in them all. He is with us on the mountain top. He is with us in the valley. He is with us in the wilderness. He is with us when it feels like the windows of heaven are open and when it feels like they are shut up. He is with us when we face "dry spells" and when the "river" is flooding our lives.

I don't know where you might be this morning. You might be in one of those times when everything is going good and it doesn't feel like it could get any better. Or you might be in one of those times when it feels like it can't get any worse. But wherever you are, you are not alone- God is with you.

Have a great day. God is still God even when things change in your life... and He is still with you.

For further reading:
Malachi 3:6
Matthew 28:20
Psalm 23
Daniel 3:25
Deuteronomy 1:33

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
And everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
Both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
Or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
And attentiveness from one person
And gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "I".
"God, "u" and "I" dance."
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
That I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
And mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God as God
Abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
And to guide you through each season of your life.

For prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards;
So let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance

Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are?~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. I often wonder if we understand how blessed we really are. Many times we forget to tell God thank you when we rise in the mornings. We forget about those who lost their lives prior to that morning. We often forget to bless God for the food we receive each day. We forget about the people and families who go to bed hungry each night. So often we enter and exit our doors at home without ever telling God how much we appreciate His provision and protection. We forget about the people living in homeless shelters or on the streets, as well as the people who experienced burglary or assault the night before. Have you told God thank you today? Have you thanked our God for watching over you while sleeping last night? Have you thanked our God for another day of life? There are many people who rose out of bed with a fatal disease and illness, but they rose with praise on their lips and thanksgiving in their hearts. What about you? What’s on your lips or in your heart?

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. How often do you forget to tell God thank you? When our peers do something nice for us, or give us a nice gift, we instantly reply with a thank you. When the Lord blesses us, we act as though He took too long to respond. My friend, Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are? In the Old Testament times, when the people committed sins, the High Priest was the only one who could atone for their sins. Read Leviticus 16:30. The people did not have access to the presence of God like we do today. There was a certain time and a certain way the High Priest could enter God’s presence to atone for the people’s sins. But when Jesus gave His life on Calvary’s cross, He atoned for our sins once and for all. Read Matthew 27:51. Through the love of Jesus, we are now able to approach our Father in His name. Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are? The Lord has been so good to us. When we deserved to die, He spared our lives (mercy); and when we did not deserve it, He blessed us anyway (grace). What a mighty God we serve.

My brother, my sister, I do not care what the enemy has attempted to do. I do not care what others have said about you. In spite of it all, you are blessed. Read John 10:10. The enemy is out to destroy us because he knows God has His hands on us. Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are? Beloved, you owe the Lord a radical praise today. A praise that comes out of your mouth. Not just a hand clap, but a praise where words exit your mouth. No longer are you allowed to say, “I praise God within.” When you needed God to do something quick in your life, He blessed you openly (not in secret.) Read Matthew 6:6. My friend, you are a child of God. You are amongst the promise generation. You are apart of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1-3). Why? Because, not what you did, but what Christ did for you. Have You Forgotten How Blessed You Really Are? Prayer for Today: Father, forgive me for ever taking You for granted. Thank You for always watching over me. I am blessed because You chose to bless me. Today, I walk in it. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Psalm 100

Looks Can Be Deceiving!~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Many times in life, we experience seasons of ups and downs. There are times when things seem so horrible, and then there are times when everything you touch blossoms. Sometimes there are days and nights that you would love to overlook; then there are days and nights that you would love to last forever. So often, there are phone calls and doctor visits you would love to avoid or forget; but on the other hand, there are memories and events you wish could happen again. Have you ever found yourself looking at a picture and you begin to visualize yourself involved in the scenery? It could be a picture or painting of Hawaii or someone driving a luxury vehicle. Out of no where you begin to say, “Oh what I would do for a chance to be there or have that!” Have you ever felt the grass was greener on the other side than it was in your yard? Your eyes can only see the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. My friend, Looks Can Be Deceiving! When you look at someone else’s situation, many times you either feel good about yours or feel awful. Have you ever compared your life to that of someone else? Your success story was based on what you had and others did not. Be careful! The blessings you enjoy today were not given for you to boast or compete, but for you to glorify the name of the Lord. Jesus did not die for you to die, but He died so that you could live (John 10:10). The Bible declares in Galatians 6:7 - Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Do not think because a person has a nice home, a nice car, great salary, beautiful children, wonderful spouse and a gorgeous smile that their life is worth having. Looks Can Be Deceiving! On the outside, everything appears wonderful. They play the role very well. No one knows what takes place behind close doors like God does. Instead of comparing and praying for their life, thank God for the life He has blessed you with.

My brother, my sister, God is able to bless you in ways man could never (Ephesians 3:20). While you desire to copy another person’s life, God desires to bless you with your own. Be careful in what you ask for. The Bible declares in Exodus 20:17 - Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. Beloved, Looks Can Be Deceiving! Your friend’s smile could be fake. Your supervisor’s nasty attitude could be a cover up for a broken heart. Your co-worker’s constant staring could be his or her cry for someone to help. Child of God, instead of trying to be like "Mike", why don’t you be the best "YOU". There is only one of you. God did not make a carbon copy when He made you. Be grateful today for the life and blessings you enjoy each day. Prayer for Today: Father, help me be more appreciative for the awesome things You are doing in my life. My life is an original work by Your hands. Thank you for investing in me. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 6:3

I Declare (Decree) Unto You~Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Today, the Lord pressed it upon my heart to do something different. Instead of sending a devotional, the Lord has commissioned me to declare His blessings over your life. On today, I Declare (Decree) Unto You! The Bible declares in Job 22:28 - Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

My brother, my sister, I Declare (Decree) Unto You:
That the peace of God will enter into your mind and destroy all confusion sent by the enemy; (Philippians 4:7)
That the joy of the Lord is your strength; (Nehemiah 8:10)
That you will use wisdom when making decisions; (Proverbs 4:7)
That you will gain understanding of your God-ordained assignment; (Psalm 119:104)
That the plots of the enemy against you are canceled in the name of Jesus Christ; (John 10:10)
That the blessings of God will overtake you; (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
That you are a blessing to the nation; (Malachi 3:12)
That your children are purpose-filled by the Lord; (Matthew 21:16)
That no weapon that is formed against you will prosper; (Isaiah 54:17)
That the healing hand of God will cancel every sickness or disease and replace it with wholeness; (Isaiah 53:5)
That you are no longer a victim but a victor in Jesus’ name; (I John 4:4)
That He which has begun a good work in you will complete it in you; (Philippians 1:6)
That you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you; (Philippians 4:13)
That your God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory; (Philippians 4:19)
That the lies of man have no power over your life; (Psalm 110:1)
That the generational curses in your life are broken from your life; (Matthew 11:29)
That your finances are pressed down, shaken together and running over with abundance; (Luke 6:38)
That you are blessed to be a blessing; (Hebrews 6:14)
That you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hand of God; (Psalm 139:14)
That you are free to praise the Lord; (Psalm 150:6)
That you have the authority to bind every demon and ungodly spirit. (Matthew 16:19)
Today, I ask that you recite this to yourself (as I have done to myself) and share it with your e-mail buddies. Beloved, walk in what God promised you.