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Blessings Await the Giver

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. 

Proverbs 11:25, MSG 

Devotional 

Above all, God is the greatest giver. And, God’s giving comes through LOVE and GRACE. Likewise, as we give, we must give with a heart of love and grace

Beloved, God sees and rewards those that help others. You see, God has promised that when we give, we will receive at some point in our lives. Undoubtedly, sometimes your giving may go unappreciated—but give anyway. Blessings await the giver!  

Naturally, there are times you may feel that you’ve emptied your treasury of giving to others–when you need a refilling yourself. Consequently, it may feel like God has forgotten about you—but He hasn’t. Because, He never sleeps or slumbers (Psalms 121:3-4, NIV). 

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The Holiday Season and Family – S1E10

Two photos representing the holiday season. The first is of a thanksgiving dinner. The second photo is of a gold star Christmas tree topper.
Take time to enjoy the holiday season. Photo 1 is by Christopher Ryan and photo 2 is by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.

It is that time again–the holiday season has begun. And for many of us, it is a joyous time to behold. For the most part, people look forward to spending the holiday season with family and friends. Of course, others are happy for the long-awaited vacation time from work or school. 

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Christianity Misunderstood–Understanding Grace-S1E9

Why is Christianity misunderstood? 

Well, Christianity is misunderstood because some Christians do not understand Grace. You see, grace and truth come by Jesus Christ. He showed love to everyone He met. Unfortunately, there are Christians who don’t represent Him well. Thus, causing others to not want anything to do with Him. 

So then, some people give Christians a bad rap. They stereotype all Christians as angry, judgmental, hypocrites. And that’s not true for so many of us. I say us; because Lady V and I are Christians too. And we have experienced those reactions first-hand. 

Trust me, we get it because there are Christians who present themselves as perfect. And that is far from the truth of the matter. Jesus is the only perfect person to ever walk the earth. Believe it or not, we all needed a savior; that’s why Jesus came, died, and rose from the grave. 

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The God of ALL Grace—JESUS IS LORD!

So then, we must cling in faith to all we know to be true. For we have a magnificent King-Priest, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who rose into the heavenly realm for us, and now sympathizes with us in our frailty. He understands humanity, for as a Man; our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin.

So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness.

Hebrews 4: 14-16, TPT

Devotional

I’m not perfect. Shockingly enough, that’s no surprise to God. I recall growing up thinking I had to be perfect to believe in Jesus, and yet I had it twisted. My believing in Jesus was my having faith that He did something I could not do for myself. He justified me before God.

There was absolutely nothing I could do to make myself righteous. I needed a Savior! Jesus atoned for my sins and the sins of the world so that those that believe in Him would be made righteous through Him, by justification, through faith in Him, and not by works.

Galatians 2:16, (NLT), states “Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law…”

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Living Through a Diagnosis-S1E8

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease. So, when is a disease considered a chronic condition?

Well, the CDC defines chronic disease as a condition that lasts one year or longer. Thus, causing a need for ongoing medical attention. And also limiting one’s daily activities or both. 

In fact, the main causes of disability and death in America are diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. They are also the leading drivers of the nation’s health care costs which is an estimated 3.3 trillion dollars.  

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When Suffering Meets Healing

Suddenly, a woman came from behind Jesus and touched the tassel of his prayer shawl for healing. She had been suffering from continual bleeding for twelve years, but had faith that Jesus could heal her. For she kept saying to herself, “If I could only touch his prayer shawl I would be healed.”

Just then Jesus turned around and looked at her and said, “My daughter, be encouraged. Your faith has healed you.” And instantly she was healed! 

Matthew 9:20-22, TPT 

Devotional 

Many can relate to the story of the woman with the issue of blood. She had a bleeding disorder that baffled doctors. Hence, none could figure out exactly how to treat her. So, the woman went through countless procedures to no avail. As a result, she was getting worse and not better.  

She had grown tired of multiple appointments with one specialist after another. And still, there was no cure in sight. After many years without answers and numerous dollars spent—she was at her wits end. The money had run out, and there wasn’t any medical insurance available.  

Undoubtedly, she needed a miracle. Because, she wanted a normal life, free from illness, and the stress it caused. Suddenly, her moment had come—Jesus is near!  The town’s people whispered of the healings that took place in his presence. Indeed, her heart must have raced at the hearing of the Man named Jesus coming through town.

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Mental Health Awareness – S1E7

Mental Health—no longer a taboo subject 

For many years mental health was considered a taboo subject. Even though, in 1949 the month of May was designated Mental Health Month by Mental Health America. Also, October 10th, 1992, was chosen as World Mental Health Day to bring awareness to mental health issues around the world. Indeed, mental health awareness is at the forefront now more than before. 

In fact, we have been witnessing the result of untreated mental illness in the headlines. And sadly, it has been the cause of horrific loss of life through shootings in schools, churches, workplaces, malls, theaters, and nightclubs.  

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Rest in the Secret Place of GOD

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says GOD, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life; give you a long drink of salvation!”

Psalm 91:14-16, MSG

Devotional

Do you recall the days of your youth when you played a game called—hide and seek? It was a fun game, but at some point, your hiding place was no longer a secret. With God, however, your hiding place is always a secret. When you take up residence in the secret place of God, there is a safety that is like none other.

The secret place of God is a place of trusting Him in EVERYTHING that concerns you. In this marvelous place, one can talk to God about anything and everything—good or bad, big or small. And the great thing about Him is that you are loved unconditionally no matter what you disclose!  Don’t worry; God can handle the heavy stuff! He already knows anyway because nothing is hidden from God.

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Trusting Beyond What You Think or See

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.  

Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT 

Devotional 

We go through phases in life where trust is required to move forward. However, trusting can be difficult. Imagine that someone is asking you to jump out of a plane for the first time. And, you don’t know if the parachute will come out or where you will land.

It can be a pressing task trying to trust when you aren’t certain of what is ahead. Unquestionably, if we knew the future it would be great, however, knowing it doesn’t require faith.   

God requires us to take a leap of faith! When we trust God, we are saying to HIM that we have faith in HIS plan, not ours. It’s not always clear what that plan is but the Word of God tells us, 

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11, MSG

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Mental Health: Cyberbullying, Depression, and Suicide – S1E6

What are people thinking? 

The frequency of suicide and murder-suicides have been in the headlines now more than ever. For that reason, it makes you pose the question, ‘What are people thinking?’ Let’s keep in mind, our thoughts are important to our everyday living.

Whatever we meditate on, most often affects our movement through life. In other words, we shouldn’t allow negative thinking to take over our lives. Because continual negative thoughts can lead to negative behaviors. 

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