February 5, 2012

Some days…

Some days it seems like it doesn’t pay to even get out of bed. Your shoulders are drooping from trying to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Your heart is heavy because it seems like everyone and everything is conspiring against you. Your mind is weary because it seems like nothing you do is never good enough.

Am I on your street? I’m definitely on my own street. Today is one of those days where I just wanted to stay in the bed and have a pity party. But I didn’t. I got up after only about 3 hours of sleep, bleary eyed and with a heavy heart, but thankful to God for waking me to see another day and through His promises in His word, assured me with a heavenly touch that it is gonna be alright.

He will be our protection through the storm.  He will make it alright.  He is ever faithful.  It won’t always be like this.  Just hold on to the promise.

Even the strong…

Sometimes even the strong need someone to lean on. Some people fail to realize that, especially the ones who continue to lean on you for strength and support. I hear people say stuff like, oh you’re strong, you can do this, etc. They don’t realize that the strong get weary as well.

But even the strong have days where it seems like the load is too much to bear and they feel like they will break under the pressure. It doesn’t make them weak, it just shows they are human as well. If you look hard enough, you may even seen cracks in their veneers. The smile may be a little too forced and the standard pat answer “I’m ok” is just that, a standard pat answer. They may not be okay, and may be looking for someone to go deeper. You never know, you may be the one that can help that person in need. Even if it is just a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. Even if you think you do not have anything to offer because you believe you are not strong, you could be exactly what someone needs.

Just like the old song says, “we all need somebody to lean on.”

When no one else can, God can

I’m listening to the Mighty Clouds of Joy sing this song, and it is really ministering to me.  When no one else can do anything for you, God can.  He can help you out in any situation.  He can lift you out of the pits of despair.  He can ease your pain, better than anyone or anything can.  No matter what you are going through, God can bring you through.

He can give you peace.  He can give you joy.  He can comfort you in your time of sorrow.  He can bless you in ways you never even realized.

There is no one like God!  When no one can, God can!

Perfect I ain’t…

Yes, I know that is not proper English, but it suits me today.   No matter how much I try, I am not nor will I ever be perfect.  I don’t know why I even try.  God does not expect perfection from me, so why do I set those expectations for myself?  You see, I have messed up so much in my life and I keep trying to make up for those mistakes.  It’s not working and I know that, and all I am doing is making myself miserable, and making others not want to be around me.  I’m so screwed up it ain’t even funny!

But you know what, there is one person who loves me unconditionally.  He accepts me, flaws and all.  I’m thankful that He does because if He didn’t, I don’t know where I would be.

I’m also thankful that even though I feel unqualified, God can still use me.  The Bible is full of imperfect people who God used in magnificent ways.  Use me Lord!  Strengthen me!  Help me to do the work you would have me to do.

In the valley

It has been quite a long time since I posted, and even longer since I posted something I wrote myself.  The last few posts I have shared were messages I received from others, with permission to share.   But anyway, I digress.

I have been in the valley for quite some time and honestly did not/do not feel like I am the right person to be encouraging someone right now.  I do not know what put me into this valley, but I’m here and can’t seem to get out of it.  It’s like I ran into a brick wall.  I don’t feel like I am doing the work God would have me to do.  I really feel useless.  Satan has been attacking me and I will admit, I’m not as strong as I need to be.

Every day, I equip myself with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), but I guess I’m not strapping the armor on tight enough because the attacks are hitting me and making me weak.

A lot of times, I feel like I am going through the motions and I know that is not acceptable to God.  I know what I need to do, but struggle with doing it.  I know it’s because Satan is always busy and he knows I really do love the Lord, so when I get weak, he comes at me full force.  Saints, pray for me.

Well this is it for today.  I plan to write again soon.  I don’t know who is reading this, but maybe my struggles will be the catalyst for something bigger and will affect someone else, in a positive way of course!

Turn it over to Jesus

Turn it over to Jesus

Life can be the best thing and it can also be the worse thing.  It can bring the best people and it can bring the worse people.  It can bring a smile to your face and it can cause tears to run from your eyes.  It can present many opportunities and it can pose many obstacles.  Do you realize each and every day there are people around you dealing with more than you are?  No matter how they smile in your face, their dealing with extreme circumstances.  I have come to realize we, as a people, have learned how to fake our smiles.  We act as if everything is okay, but within we are seconds from a breakdown.  Have you ever been there?  Are you there now?

No matter how life’s circumstances change, you can always count on the Lord.  No matter how people behave toward you, you can always count on the Lord.  No matter how stressed out you become, you can always count on the Lord.  The Bible declares in Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  This morning as your day unfolds, I need for you to understand there is nothing you deal with that God cannot handle for you.  Today, it is time for you to realize you have tried everything and everyone.  Now it is time for you to stand on the promises of God.  Turn It Over To Jesus … He’ll Work It Out!  If you do not believe me, just think back over your own life.  Where you are today, seemed impossible years ago.  After all the things you did, the places you went, people you hung around, activities you performed.  If He was God then, He is God now!
The Bible declares in Malachi 3:6 – For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Scripture Reading for Today: Hebrews 13:8

Never Lose Your Praise!

Never Lose Your Praise!

Have you ever experienced hard times in your life?  Times that made you want to give up on life, yourself and even God.  You may never tell anyone, but there are times when you feel like giving up.  You have tried everything and everyone, but nothing worked out the way you wanted things to.  You often question God’s love toward you.  Have you ever been hit by life’s uppercut?  Out of no where an unforeseen circumstance caught you off guard.  Maybe someone you loved dearly passed away.  Maybe a job you enjoyed was taken from you.  Maybe the friend you cherished walked away from you.  Have you ever experienced the bitterness of betrayal?  You have always been loyal to family and friends but in return you did not receive the same from them?  Have you ever been there?  Are you there now? 

I know how it feels to question life and the hurdles that come with it.  I know how it feels to wonder if the Lord hears your prayers.  I know how it feels to be betrayed by friends and even family members.  These are experiences many people cannot help you overcome.  These are the pains that the love and power of God must help you through.  My friend, in spite of what you experience in life, Never Lose Your Praise! The Bible declares in Isaiah 61:3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.  There is something in your praise, which enables you to handle the daily challenges you experience.  Yes you know the attacks will come, but because of your praise you feel empowered to handle whatever it may be. 

What are you going through today?  What dilemma do you find yourself faced with?  Do you believe your praise is a weapon against the enemy?  Never Lose Your Praise! The Bible declares in Psalms 9:1I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Beloved, when you are able to praise the Lord, in spite of your current situation, you are sending two messages:
  1. No matter what, you will trust in the Lord; and
  2. No matter what, God is greater than whatever you are faced with.
On today, when things become overwhelming, keep a praise down within.

Where Can I Find Help?

Where Can I Find Help?

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God.  Have you ever experienced sleepless nights where you walked the floor worrying about the uncertainties of tomorrow?  No matter how much you tried to encourage yourself, it seemed as if things were not getting better for you.  No matter how hard you tried to get yourself together, the spirit of doubt had consumed your thoughts.  Have you ever wondered how things would get better?  Your current surroundings appeared bleak and cloudy.  Nothing seemed clear.  Your future appeared in jeopardy.  Have you ever asked, “Why me”?  You know God knows what is best for you, but there were times when you felt overwhelmed by life and the troubles it brought (Job 14:1).  Have you been there?  Are you there now?

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you.  My friend, I have been there.  I have been in positions where I wondered how things could or would get better.  There have been many nights where I shed tears.  There have been times when I wondered does anyone understand me?  I know you can relate.  You wonder how much more must I take.  You wonder why everyone around you continues to receive blessings, while you stand in anticipation.  On the outside you are smiling, but within you are screaming (hollering) for refuge.  You begin to wonder, Where Can I Find Help? Child of God, the help you need comes through Jesus Christ.  The Bible declares in Psalms 121:1-2I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.  The help you desire, can and only comes from above.

My brother, my sister, what are you dealing with today?  What have you been crying over?  What have you been worried about?  What situation do you spend all of your energy trying to fix?   Who are you trying to change?  Beloved, God is ready and willing to help you.  He knows what you stand in need of.  He knows what you need, when you need it.  Yes, it gets difficult at times.  Yes, there are days of stress and strain.  Yes, there are times when you wonder, Where Can I Find Help? The Bible declares in Psalms 121:8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.  Today, allow no job, no friend, no family member, no church member, no past mistakes, no financial setback or no false story about you to destroy your relationship with the Lord.  Your Helper is prepared to help you out.  

Scripture Reading for Today: Psalms 121:7

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

Who Are You Listening To?

Have you ever experienced a trying time in your life and everyone wanted to give you advice? Whether they knew everything or not, they were very eager to offer their opinion. Whether their opinion differs from the Word of God or not, they still desire to tell you what to do, when to do it, how to do it and what they would do if it were them. Be careful about who you have in your ear. Have you ever had family and friends try to tell you how you should approach a certain situation? Understand, some of their advice is beneficial but some of it is not. You must make sure you do not allow people to push you or advise you away from the Lord. Always know this: People are quick to give you advice when they see you in a dilemma but they are usually slow to receive advice when they experience the same dilemma. Do you know someone like this? Are you this person?

Who Are You Listening To? Who are you taking advice from? Who do you run to for instructions and guidance? Do you realize if you depend upon anyone else more than God, that person becomes your god. I am not attempting to discourage you from taking advice from loved ones around you. That is not the intent of today’s devotional. The purpose is for you to be aware of the advice given and make sure it is complimenting the Word of God. When people attempt to advise you, can you hear God in their voice? The Bible declares in John 10:27 – My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: There are times when God will send people to offer you sound advice and Godly instructions. These are the people sent to help you along the way. But there are also times when satan will send people to speak death, discouragement, confusion and frustration into your ears. These are the people you avoid at any cost.

Who Are You Listening To? Do you realize God has a special anointing on your life? Do you realize satan would do anything to keep you from walking in the fullness of God? Do you realize there are people who are determined to destroy you? Be not deceived by people’s smiles and “Christian” hugs. The enemy knows how to disguise himself to look saved, act saved, sound saved and walk saved. The Bible declares in Matthew 7:15 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Beloved, ask God to increase your spiritual discernment. You are on an assignment for the Lord. Everyone cannot handle how God is using you. BEWARE CHILD OF GOD … BEWARE.

Let it go!

Questions…

* Have you become overwhelmed with life and the challenges that come with it?
* Have you found it harder to get out of bed now than it was before?
* Have you felt pressured to give up on your dreams and goals?
* Have you wanted to scream and shout in frustration?
* Are you tired of sacrificing for people who still do not appreciate it?
* Are you tired of giving your last to children who complain about everything?
* Are you worried about bills and how they will get paid?
* Are you enduring a horrific marriage?
* Are you on a job that drains you each and every day?
* Are you in need of refuge and strength?
* Do you wish you could go on a one year vacation with all expenses paid?
* Are you tired of meeting people who act interested in you but their still playing games?
* Are you tired of people not respecting your ministry?
* Are you tired of feeling unnoticed and under valued?
* Do you desire to do more for the Lord?
* Do you have more questions than answers?
* Are you tired of struggling to make ends meet each month?
* Do you wish people could hear you crying within?
* Are you in need of prayer?
* Are you hiding behind a mask each day?

It is time for you to turn to the one person who can answer all of your questions. Until you fully release it to the Lord, you will never experience peace which surpasses all understanding. LET IT GO … NOW!