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!

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!

“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!

Never Lose Your Praise!

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 61:3 – To 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 9:1 – I 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?

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 121:1-2 – I 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 121:8 – The 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

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.

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!

God Has Not Forgotten About You! I do not know what you are dealing with today. I do not know what dilemma you find yourself faced with today. I do not know what obstacles stand in your way. I do not know what mountain stands between you and the promise God made to you. I do not know what you have lost along this journey. I do not know the nights you walked the floors with tears running down your face. I do not know how many people walked away from you. I do not know what mistakes you have made along the way.

Beloved, while I do not know these things, here’s what I do know. I know God loves you. I know God gave His only begotten Son for you. I know God has a specific plan for your life. I know God has called you for such a time as this. I know God is orchestrating the events of your life. I know your latter days will be greater than your former days. I know what God has for you is definitely for you. I know earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. I know the promises of God are yea and amen. I know the devil is a liar and the blessings of God are for you. I know God will never leave nor forsake you. I know God can make provision for you. I know God is a very present help in the time of trouble. I know you have more going for you than what is against you. God Has Not Forgotten About You!

(borrowed – author unknown)

Imagine Me

Philippians 1:6 – “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

As children it was easy to envision doing great things. There were no inhibitions and everyone was telling you that you could do anything you put your mind to. Maybe you dreamed of being a doctor or lawyer or getting married and having a family. We had hopes for our future, and we were excited about all the great things we wanted to accomplish. But life happens, and sometimes the pressures of this world can have you so low that getting up is an afterthought. Instead of anticipating a prosperous future, you begin to dwell on the hurts and disappointments of your past.

I was listening to Kirk Franklin’s song, “Imagine Me”, and he asks the question, “Can You Imagine Me?” The great news to that question is God’s response to all of us. He says, “Yes! I see you healed. I will remove your doubts and fears. Low self-esteem and self-hatred have been renewed with confidence and my love. Your sins have been washed by my blood.” Now it’s time for you to see yourself the way God sees you. He started a good work in you and He’s a God of his word.  Jesus offers more than you can imagine: Confidence, Hope, Healing, Deliverance, Transformation, Security, Protection, Peace, and so much more.

Try your best everyday to look in the mirror and say something positive about yourself. Make a concerted effort to surround yourself with people who help to build you up and not tear you down. Write down all of your hurts, disappointments, and frustrations, and then pray and ask God to show you how to let go. Develop a plan to accomplish your goals. Embrace your imperfections. Learn from your mistakes. Go get your confidence, your motivation, your courage, and your optimism back. See yourself healed. See yourself delivered. See yourself walking down the aisle to say, “I Do!” See yourself in that new position. See yourself being more and doing more. God will finish what he started in you. See yourself through his eyes and know that your dreams will become reality. I can only imagine the great things we’ll see.

(borrowed)

(borrowed)

You can try to disguise your identity by changing your looks, your social circle and your address — but how you speak will give you away every time.

It happened to Peter. When a servant girl saw him warming himself by the fire, she said, “‘You…were with Jesus of Nazareth.’ But he denied it…And the…girl saw him again and began to say to those who stood by, ‘This is one of them.’ But he denied it again…later those who stood by said to Peter again…’you are one of them…your speech shows it’” (Mk 14:67-70 NKJV). So in order to convince his accusers that he wasn’t a friend of Jesus, Peter “began to curse and swear, ‘I do not know this Man of whom you speak’” (Mk 14:71 NKJV).

It worked! After that nobody else accused him of knowing Jesus. Isn’t it interesting how public profanity, in any language, has a way of making others question the quality of your relationship with Christ?

Paul says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph 4:29 NIV). If you want to win people to Jesus, start with how you talk. Paul said, “Let your speech always be with grace…that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col 4:6 NKJV). Words are powerful things. They either build up or tear down, add to or take from.

It’s not important that people can tell from your accent where you’re from, but when they can’t tell by the way you talk that you’re Christ’s disciple, something’s seriously wrong.   Scripture Of The Day: “Let your speech always be with grace…that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” – Col 4:6 (NKJV)