Joseph’s story found in the book Genesis is one of my Old Testament favs!! Joseph was adored by his father Jacob, but he despised by older brothers! However, after being hated by his older brothers, thrown in pit, and later sold into slavery, Joseph was able to forgive his jealous and conniving brothers, recognizing that God’s sovereign goodness overrides all. In the end, Joseph told his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

If you’re familiar with the beginning of the story then you know Joseph’s stumbling blocks were huge! His was thrown in a pit left to die, but his trifling brothers pulled him out only to sell him to human traffickers who later sold him to Potiphar (Gen 37:36).

Despite all of that drama, God blessed Joseph, and he grew in influence and prominence, until Potiphar put Joseph over his whole house (Genesis 39:8). Then here comes another rolling stumbling block! Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph (who fled to avoid the situation), and then she lied to Potiphar, accusing Joseph of trying to take her by force (Genesis 39:17–18). Talk about betrayal after betrayal!

How did Joseph respond? He was human and he could have easily and justifiably played the victim card, but he didn’t! Joseph chose to use every stumbling block that came his way as stepping stones to accomplish God’s will, plan and purpose. He didn’t allow those heinous setbacks to determine his outcome in life. According to Genesis 41:9-13, the Bible says even while he was locked-up, Joseph prospered and God gave him the gift of dream interpretation. Essentially, despite his circumstances Joseph used every gift he possessed to bring God glory and as result of his relentless obedience it greatly change the trajectory of his life, including the lives of those that betrayed him.

This historical narrative teaches us that God is with us no matter the size of the stumbling block(s) and understanding God’s big picture plan for our lives will always enable us to use stumbling block(s) which are sent to hurt us as stepping stones that will always propel us to Godly victory!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#SteppingStones

My brothers and sisters, just because you can’t “see” what God is doing in your life, it doesn’t mean He isn’t moving heaven and earth to answer your prayers. Most of us recognize that God is never late or early, but He is always on time.

Paul writes in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Do you know what the biblical phrase due season implies? Well, it implies an elapse of time between planting and reaping. It also implies the right time and/or a limit in time.

I want to encourage you to not allow an elapse of time, disappointment, closed doors, delayed blessings or your fruitless efforts keep you from all that God has planned for your life. Though the blessing may tarry, continue to place your trust in God, stay pliable in His hands and remember what Jacob did in Genesis 32:22-32—don’t let go!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#ItsYourTime

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:1-3

Make note, this post has nothing to do with prosperity theology. I most certainly don’t believe in the name it and claim it philosophy. However, James (Jesus’ half-brother) is simple saying there is a better way to ask God for the things you desire. Instead of coveting, quarrelling, fighting, and even killing, Christians need to simply ask God for what they want. One primary reason they do not have what they want is that they have not asked and the second reason is when they do ask it’s out of selfish gain.

Of course, James’ statement that “you have not because you ask not” does not guarantee that we will get everything we ask for. A father might tell his child not to steal anything from the tool shed but to simply ask if he wants something. But, if the 10-year-old asks for the chain saw, the father, for safety reasons, might not give it to him. Likewise, when we ask God for something, He reserves the sovereign right to do what is best for us.

Simply put, if there is something you want, open your mouth and ask God for it. More often, it’s not that God isn’t listening; “you have not because you ask not.” Again, there is no guarantee that you will get it, but it is the best possible chance you have, and prayer will always keep you within God’s will. When you have submitted your will to His, you will be happy with what He gives you, whether or not you get what you originally asked for.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#AskForItByName

When we desire to be in the presence of the Lord, He will draw closer to us. When we prioritize drawing closer to God, God will draw closer to us. His promises are true. But in order to receive the blessing, we have to stay in His presence. (James 4:8)

Undoubtedly, when we are in God’s presence He wraps us in a supernatural blanket (covering) and this supernatural blanket (covering) are embroidered with words that read healing, joy, liberty, peace, deliverance, spiritual growth, wisdom, rest, and favor.

Brothers and sisters, God already knows what you need today. In fact, He knows what you will need for the duration of your moral life (Matthew 6:33). Therefore, don’t waste your time in the presence of your pain or problem! Let me put it this way, if you want to supernaturally experience the unfolding of God’s master plan, it behooves you to be intentional about earmarking some time to spend in the Master’s supernatural presence.

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#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#SpendingTimeInHisPresence

Something amazing happens whenever we turn our worries, anxieties, and concerns over to the will of God! I know if you are anything like me this chore can be easier said then done.

John the Baptist said these words in John 3:27-30, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”

In context John 3:22-30 describes an argument between followers of John the Baptist and a Jewish religious leader, over purification. The Baptist isn’t upset that his followers are dwindling, while Jesus attracts crowds. Instead, he makes it clear that Christ’s that was his mission, and seeing it succeed makes him happy. Rather than being selfish about our own applause, we should be happy when our efforts cause people to praise God.

Now, how does this context tie into the theme of my encouragement today. Well, I have simple centered my message around the principle found in John 3:30. Brothers and Sisters, when we decide to live the principle, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” we are declaring our belief that He truly has all authority. Henceforth, while we are prostrated in a humble let Jesus take the wheel mentality no worry, stress, or anxiety should ever get the best of us because we chose to decrease so that Christ can increase over that trial, situation, or circumstance. As is stands and as John eloquently stated in verse 22, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.”

So let me be the first to remind you that God is already working on that ‘thing’ you are worried about. Therefore, please take your hands off the wheel (decrease)!

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#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#IMustDecrease

#HeMustIncrease

If you are experiencing a little turbulence or know of someone who is, I wanted to remind you that God works all things together for good—both His good and your good.

The only key that activates this promise is our salvation in Christ. Once we are saved, sealed, and delivered we not only gain access to God’s mercy, we are then introduced to God’s amazing grace.

You see, when life becomes turbulent we have to remain immovable and steadfast (I Cor 15:58) in trusting in God’s goodness, power, and His will to work out all things for our good. In times like this we must journey together with Him and in some cases, with only Him.

So let’s be clear, the promise that God will work all things together for good does not mean that all things, taken by themselves, are good nor does it suggest you will acquire all that you want or desire. Some things and events are decidedly bad and fact is, you will not always get what you desire. However, God is able to work all things together for good. He sees the big picture; He’s master plan.

If you’re having trouble embracing this concept please read Joseph’s story found in Genesis 37-50! I promise you that if you journey through his life, I believe your perspective about your life will change!

As I close, I would like to invite you to resonate on this viewpoint today; God’s love is everlasting, and His wisdom is infinite. It doesn’t matter who or what attempts to thwart God’s plan; no one and nothing can. God will work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called [saved, sealed and delivered] according to His purpose. Our decision to align our will with God’s and to always trust Him will always unlock the promises of God that so eagerly awaits us! Make no mistake, as God is glorified, His people benefit!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#AllThingsWorkTogether

“Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending [perennial] blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.” Psalm 21:5-6

Psalm 21 is a praise psalm. And like every praise psalm in the book of Psalms, this psalm features three ingredients. You have 1) an introductory call to praise, 2) then a list of reasons to praise God, and 3) a final resolve to praise the Lord.

Through these three ingredients, the author of Psalm 21 – whom I inherently believe to be King David is expressing this thought; he is Rejoicing in God’s Powerful Salvation.

David’s appreciation of God’s powerful salvation may have stemmed from being delivered from either King Saul or from his own son Absalom. In both cases, God saved him from his enemies. Because of course, both of these men would have taken that royal honour and majesty away from David.

But do you really want to know what caused David to be exceedingly glad? The promise of God’s presence – God’s countenance.

David would be glad for ever in God’s presence – not because he was sinless or because he earned that blessing – but because he trusted in the Lord. David trusted that God’s promises were greater than any storm or obstacles he could ever faced and it was God’s presence that gave him the confidence to stand in this truth.

If you are still reading this message today, I want you to walk boldly and confidently in this biblical truth as well! No matter the size of your storm and/or dilemma through Christ we not only have the presence of God with us, but through the gift of the Holy Spirit, He now lives in us!

We all have been called to praise God, He has given us plenty of reasons to praise Him, and as such, we should be resolved to praise Him because He promises never to leave us not forsake us (Hebrews 13:8).

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#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#PerennialBlessings

As I write this short devotional, I am reflecting on my own life. I wonder how many times I have spent wasted months or years trying to force open doors God had closed. Also, I ponder how many doors God has opened for me to walk through that I failed to recognize. How many doors did I fail to walk through because of fear of the unknown? Brothers and sisters, have you ever tried to pry open any doors? Have you missed any open ones?

Undoubtedly, I thank God for being a God of second and third chances. We can always trust in this truth because of the finish work of the cross. Proverbs 3:5-6 it says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” If we will heed the advice of this passage of scripture, God will prevent us from wasting time trying to pry open doors He has shut or belly ache over doors that we failed to enter. Make note, there are doors that GOD is going to open for you just to show you He is still GOD in your life!

So, be in strong and encouraged; God has something magnificent in stored for His prized possession. James 1:18 confirms, “He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession.”

Thankfully, God has a door prepared just for you and me that will bring blessings and change to our lives. Henceforth, when you approach that open door, walk through it boldly by faith and remember you won’t be alone. God will be right there with you. Trust Him, boldly move forward, and receive your blessings today!!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#OpenDoors