There are days when it seems like complain about every little thing.  I act as if I am not extremely blessed.  I know that I am, but I get caught up in comparing what I have to what others have and I feel inadequate.  I know I shouldn’t, but honestly, we all are guilty of that in some fashion.  It seems like there is always a competition to see who can get the biggest and the baddest things.  I don’t live in a fancy house.  In fact, I live in a double wide mobile home.  Not exactly what some would consider quality living.  But you know what, it’s mine and it is a roof over my head.  And of this moment, I will not be let myself feel bad or less than when I tell people where I live.

I don’t drive a tricked out vehicle.  I don’t wear name brand clothes or shoes and I am not blinged out with jewelry.   Don’t get me wrong.  I like nice things, and I try not to let them define me or my quality of life, but there are days when I get caught up.  However, as of today, I am going to try my best not to gripe and complain and compare my success to others because I live a truly blessed life.  Even though I don’t have as much as others, I am more fortunate than many others and I’m sure those who have less than I do would love to have the things I have.

I was moved as I watched a video about a homeless man seeking change and the little change he did get, he turned around and used it to bless someone else.  I find myself turning my nose up at homeless people who are on the corner with signs, saying if I can get out and work so can they, even if it is just flipping burgers somewhere.  I’m quick to judge when I do not even know their circumstance.  Even if they are just out to con me (and honestly how can we tell the difference) I will be blessed for helping them because I did it from the goodness of my heart and it is what God would have me to do.  If they are up to no good, that is something they will have to take up with God.  I just need to do my part to be a blessing because I have been so extremely blessed.  But for the grace of God that could be me on the street corner with a sign.

Lord forgive me for not recognizing everything as they blessings they are.  I am often ungrateful when I have no reason to be.  Help me to have a more loving and helpful heart and spirit and open my eyes fully to the needs of others so that I may be able to help others when they need it.

If you find yourself in this same place, why not join me in my journey to complain less and bless more?

I don’t know why I do it and why I can’t stop myself, but I am always trying to live to please others.  Most of the time, they don’t appreciate it anyway.  In fact, they find something to complain about anyway.  It seems like nothing I do is ever good enough.  I can always do something better.  It’s exhausting…mentally, physically and spiritually.  I’ve always been an outsider, never quite fitting in.  I was never part of the “in” crowd.  Never have been and after 40 years, don’t think I ever will be.  But sadly, that doesn’t stop me from trying even when I know what the outcome is going to be.  And you know, I find myself even doing this at church, the one place where I should be accepted for who I am, no matter what.  But even there, I feel like I always need to fit in to be accepted…I have to be a certain way, like certain things, do things a certain way…I’m sure you catch my drift.  And maybe that is why I find myself straying away.  Not only from church, but from everything and everyone.  It’s my defense mechanism, what I use to try to keep myself from being hurt.  I don’t know that it helps because I still feel hurt.

But as 2012 progresses, it is my plan to stop living to please others.  If they can’t accept me for who I am, then it’s their loss.  I’m not perfect and I am going to make mistakes, but my mistakes should not define me.  I am going to focus on pleasing the One who can save me.  My weight, my looks, my political affiliation, my past…none of that matters to God.  He looks past the external to the internal.  Even though I get off track, my intentions are pure and God knows my heart.  He knows I strive to be the best that I can be.  He looks past my faults and forgives me when I sin.  He doesn’t hold it against me.

Thank God for being who He is.  I don’t know why I have such a hard time putting pleasing God above pleasing others.  But that is what I am going to work on this year.  It will be a daily struggle because it is ingrained in me to try to please others.

If you find yourself facing this same struggle, why don’t you join me on this journey?  I can guarantee you the rewards will be great!

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Are you at a breaking point in your life? So often in our lives, we find ourselves enduring constant turmoil. It seems as though the light “at the end of the tunnel” is impossible to see. You are tired of holding on. Family and friends try to encourage you, but you are no longer receptive to their kind words. You are just tired and frustrated. Does this sound like you? You are sick-and-tired of being sick-and-tired. Just when you get one side nailed down, the other side pops up.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. My friend, I understand how it feels to be tired and frustrated. You no longer see clearly. You have tried everyone and every thing and nothing has helped. So many issues in your life. At that point in your life, you need Just One Touch! The Bible declares in Mark 5:25-26 – And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse … Sounds familiar? Although your issue may not be blood, it has lasted several years. You have experimented with every remedy you can think of … no cure! The Bible goes on to say in Mark 5:27-28 – When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

My brother, my sister, today you need Just One Touch! Whatever you are facing, Just One Touch! Whatever turmoil you find yourself involved in, Just One Touch! Through dangers seen and unseen, Just One Touch! On your job, in your home, in your ministry, in your finances, in your mind or body, Just One Touch! The Bible declares in Matthew 17:7 – And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. Point to Remember: The only touch that matters, is a touch from the Master!

Scripture Reading for the Day: Matthew 18:19-20

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

When was the last time you really sat down and thought about the goodness of Jesus? When was the last time you took the time to think on His faithfulness toward you? Just think of all the things you have done wrong in your life. Think of the times He stepped in just before you broke down. Think of the times He rescued you just before satan released his deadly blow. Think of the times He covered you from the attacks that were coming against you. Think of the times He forgave you, although you were guilty. I get concerned when I hear Christians griping and moaning as if God has not been good to us. Yes I know times are hard. I know how it feels to wonder if God is listening or still cares. Do you realize your complaining does not force God to respond any faster?

Can You Praise While You Wait? Can you celebrate God even though things appear bleak? Can you exalt the name of God in the face of your attackers, accusers or assaulters? The Bible declares in Psalms 9:1 – I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works. There is something that happens when you begin to praise the Lord. Believe it or not, praise not only pleases God but it also strengthens you. The more you praise, the more you take your focus off of the problems. I know you have been waiting a while to hear from the Lord or see Him move on your behalf, but I’ve come to tell you to start praising the Lord right where you are.

Is your current problem greater than your God? Is your current dilemma, greater than your Lord? Is your storm, greater than your God? Maybe it is time to stop telling God about your problems, your dilemmas, or your storms and start telling your problems, your dilemmas, and your storms about your God. Until you realize how MIGHTY our God is, the enemy will continue to beat you down. He will continue to wear on you. He will continue to throw spears your way. Can You Praise While You Wait? I say yes you can. The Bible declares in Psalms 7:17 – I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. Starting today, spend more time in praise and less time in worry.

Scripture Reading for Today: Psalms 28:7

Written by Darrick McGhee

Sometimes my actions may not show it, but I really do love the Lord. He has done so many wonderful things in my life. He has brought me through so many trials and tribulations….I just get teary eyed thinking about it. I’m just a lowly sinner, but yet He continues to bestow His grace and mercy on me. How could I not love Him?

Unlike people, who I feel like I always need to prove myself too, God loves me unconditionally. When I’m having a bad hair day and not looking my best, whether fat or skinny, beautiful or ugly, He still loves me.

Even when I neglect Him and put Him on the back burner because I unconsciously make other things and people more important, He’s still there, loving me, forgiving me and blessing me. How could I not love Him?

I really love the Lord!

Although it pains me to do so, I have to admit that sometimes my faith is not what it ought to be. Don’t get me wrong. I wholly believe in God and His promises and know that “all things work together for the good of those who love Christ Jesus and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). But there are days when my faith gets shaken down to the core . There are days when I act like I’m doing this on my own. And horror of horrors, LOL, there are days when I feel like God has forgotten about me, which in turn leads me to try to handle things on my own instead of turning them over to God and letting Him handle it in His time and in His way, and having the faith that He will take care of it.

I wish I knew why it seems to be a struggle sometimes to keep the faith. Is it because things don’t happen in our time and in our way? Is it because so many bad things happen to us that literally destroy our faith?

This faith journey is not an easy one, but it’s one I’m going to do my best to not fail at. We aren’t even asked to have giant faith. God said in His word that if we just have faith the size of a mustard seed we can move mountains.  That’s miniscule, but can accomplish major things!

Just imagine what wonderful things we could have, what wonderful things we’ve missed out on because of our lack of faith. I hate to even think about it, but from here on out, I will trust and never doubt!

I’m not who I’m supposed to be, but thank God, I’m not who I used to be. I look back over my life and think about the things I did, the things I allowed and I cringe and feel sick. My life was a mess, but God saw fit to keep me around and bring me through those times. I’ll be honest…I don’t understand why He did it, but I am grateful that He did. I don’t always live my life now like I appreciate Him saving me, but I really do.

I still make mistakes and get caught up in situations and with things that I know I don’t need to, but I’m human. The flesh is weak and Satan is always busy, preying on the weak. The key to everything is knowing your weaknesses and praying to God to be strengthened in those areas.

I am not proud of the person I used to be and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could turn back the hands of time and do things differently. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, that can’t happen. All we can do is learn from past mistakes.

My life is far from perfect now, but I am blessed beyond measure. My life really is a living testimony, even though I really don’t like to share my story with people who don’t know me. I’m always afraid that people will judge me or think less of me. I know, I know…I shouldn’t care what others think of me, but I do. Another human flaw! People can’t save me, only God can and He already knows me and knows my heart, so that should be really all that matters. I’m a work in progress.

I’m not who I’m supposed to be, but thank God I’m not who I used to be!

When was the last time you endured trying times in your life? Times when it appeared as if you would not make it out. Times when you worried whether or not you could maintain until the end. Times when everything and everyone appeared to be fighting against you. Times when your money was low, health could have been better, heart was heavy, job was in jeopardy, marriage (relationship) was like a roller coaster ride that you were tired of riding, and friends seemed few and far between. When was the last time you broke down? Time when you could no longer fake like everything was okay. Time when you threw your hands up and asked God for relief. Time when the pain in your body was unbearable. Time when your pillow was soaked with tears.

When negativity appeared to be my best friend. Everywhere I turned something was going wrong. As soon as I got one side nailed down, the other side immediately popped out of place. There were times when there was more struggle than celebration. Have you ever been there? Are you there now? Time when the pain inside is worse than the accolades outside. Can you relate? I Almost Let Go! I was close to throwing in the towel, when the Lord led me to the following scriptural text: Psalms 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

What are you enduring at this current moment? What are you crying over? What are you struggling with? What are you worried about? What has you weary, wounded and sad? Is it your marriage? Is it your finances? Is it your job? Is it your children? Is it your ministry (church)? Is it your health? Is it your past mistakes? What is it that keeps you uneasy within? Child of God, during my trying times I learned can’t nobody do you like Jesus. I learned He is faithful to His Word and promises. I Almost Let Go, but thanks be unto God I did not. The Bible declares in Psalms 34:19 – Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. In closing, no matter what you are currently experiencing in life, earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal! Trust in the Lord … even when everyone says otherwise!

Scripture Reading for Today: Psalms 40:1

Written by Darrick McGhee

“One day at a time”. When we are going through trials and tribulations, we hear that phrase all the time. “Honey, just take it one day at a time. That’s all we can do.” It’s good advice and people mean well when they tell you that. But sometimes, even one day at a time is too much. Sometimes, we have to take it an hour at a time, a minute at a time, and yes, even a second at a time. That may be all that we can bear at the moment.

Sometimes our struggles and our despair weigh us down so much that is hard to even think about making it through the day without giving into the pressure. So when that happens, we have to approach it as best as we can, and that may mean hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second. No matter how long it takes, how many times you have to start over, just keep going!

We sing a song at church titled Love Lifted Me. Part of the chorus says, “when nothing else would help, love lifted me”. These words are so true. When nothing else can help, the love of Jesus will lift you up. When you feel like no one else loves you, no matter what you do, Jesus loves you and His love will lift you up.

His love will lift you up from the bondage of sin. It will heal any hurt you have. When the days seem to much to bear, His love will comfort you and lift you up.

When nothing else can help, allow love to lift you up!