Hey Whosoevers!

I've missed you! Gosh so much has happend in the last three months! It's been a whirlwind, a little bit of good, a little bit of bad, but all necessary! I thank God for it!

Recently, (as in over the past week or so LOL) I've taken to writing short devotionals to post on my Youth & Young Adult ministry's page. Since they really aren't "age specific," I thought it would be a great idea to post them here, which would also help me keep this thing up to date! Here are the one's I've written so far, the most recent on top. Going forward, I will post here each time I write one for my "kids"....

July 29, 2011
“And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect? My hope and expectation are in You.” Psalm 39: 7

Have you ever witnessed a child ask something of their parent or other caretaker? The joy that lights up their little face when the answer is “yes” is so contagious; one can’t help but be happy right along with them! However, when t...he answer is “no”, it elicits a very different response. Not understanding, the child makes the request again. Then, they begin to question the adult as to the reason for the “no”, and when he or she has been thoroughly convinced that the answer is not going to change, a wave of emotion ensues, oft times resulting in crying and in some cases a full blown temper tantrum.


Those of us who have either raised or cared for young children would peg this type of behavior as being “spoiled,” but let us consider another reason, one we can learn from; the child simply does not anticipate the grown-up saying “no”! They ask with the expectation that their request will be granted, and are perplexed when it isn’t, particularly if had been granted before or if it was something that was promised (which, as impatient children can be, they will wait for, because they know without a doubt that it is coming.)

We should be no different. When we go before God, we must go as a child, petitioning Him with the expectation that He will grant our request. He has shown up for us time after time and has also made us a promise that He will do whatever is asked in His name (John 14:14 ). Once we have asked, we must then wait for His perfect timing, having faith that what we have asked for will come to pass!


July 27, 2011 
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

Have you ever wondered why an artifact or a painting that you’d find in a museum is worth so much? If you’re thinking that it is because the piece came from an ancient civilization or that the artist was a genius, you’re wrong. That old vase was just an old vase and that painting was just pigment on paper until someone saw the value in it and paid a hefty price to acquire it. It’s the same thing with God. He saw the value in what He had created and sent His only son to pay the ultimate price, ensuring that we would be with Him once again! So here’s a question. If God values us so highly, why do we believe the lies that have been told to us by others? More importantly, why do we diminish our own worth by telling ourselves that we are no good, we aren’t smart, we will never be successful, we will never get that degree… the list of things we tell ourselves can go on and on! Today, I challenge you to stop devaluing yourself! Change your thinking to God’s thinking! Begin to see yourself as God sees you! Know that you are worth more than anything money could ever buy because the ultimate price was paid, for YOU!

July 22, 2011
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

I know there are things some of you have been praying for God to do, but it hasn’t happened. Well, what are you doing in the meantime? Are you worrying that God won’t come through? If so, that might be the very reason He hasn’t yet! In Philippians 4, Paul reminds us to “be anxious for nothing” and later in the chapter verse 19 states that God will “provide every need according to His riches in glory.” So why are you worrying? We know that God cannot lie. We know He keeps every promise He has ever made. He has told us we are more valuable than the “birds of the air” (Matthew 6:26). Worrying is like a slap in God’s face! It is basically saying, “Father, I know you’ve shown up for me time and time again, but I don’t trust you for this one!” Today, I charge you to stop praying and worrying. Replace your fear with faith. Thank God for what He has already given you and watch what you are waiting for come to pass!



July 21, 2011
"I have told you these things, so that in me (Jesus) you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] " John 16:33

Let's face it; in this walk we will face many instances where we’ll find ourselves frustrated and overwhelmed, ready to give up on the very thing God has called us to do. However, Christ tells us that in Him we will have peace and confidence to face our trials. He wants us to “be of good cheer,” because He has our back! He has already overcome the things of this world so that they no longer have the power to hurt us! Our trials come to help build our character and to make us stronger in Him! So whatever you are going through today, remember that there is absolutely nothing this life can dish out that our God can’t handle!



Until next time, be blessed!