Tag: Devotional

He is the Lion & the Lamb

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“The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.11.6.ESV

“And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/rev.5.5.ESV

“They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of Lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭17‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/rev.17.14.ESV

THERE IS NO ONE, NO THING LIKE OUR GOD

There will be a day when mercy and judgement kiss. On that glorious day we will know peace at a level that we’ve not ever experienced.

God is the lion of Judah who has and will conquer our enemy for all of eternity;

He is equally the lamb who was slain that redeemed me from the hands of death, the evil one, the sin that taunts me even on today, and my God, that Lion of Judah, that pure spotless Lamb, will rule and reign forever more.

21-Days of Prayer and Fasting

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Daniel Fast Journal Prompts

“Setting our hearts to understand” (Daniel 10:12)

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”
‭‭Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/jol.2.12-13.ESV

Day 5 – Repentance & Cleansing

Scripture: Joel 2:12–13

Why: Fasting is often paired with repentance—not to earn forgiveness, but to realign with grace.

Prompt: What repentance is God inviting me into?

21-Days of Prayer and Fasting

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Daniel Fast Journal Prompts

“Setting our hearts to understand” (Daniel 10:12)

Day 4 – Spiritual Hunger

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.6.ESV

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

Why: Physical hunger trains the soul to recognize its deeper need for righteousness.

Prompt: What does my soul hunger for more than food?

21-Days of Prayer and Fasting

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Daniel Fast Journal Prompts

“Setting our hearts to understand” (Daniel 10:12)

Day 3 – Humility Before God

Scripture: Daniel 9:3

“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.”
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/dan.9.3.ESV

Why: Scripture ties fasting to humility; it lowers the soul so God may be exalted.

Prompt: Where do I need to humble myself before the Lord?

21 Days of Fasting and Praying

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Day 2 – Seeking God, Not Control

Journal prompts

“Setting our hearts to understand” (Daniel 10:12)

“Say to all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted?”
‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭7‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/zec.7.5.ESV

Why: Biblical fasting redirects motivation—from self-discipline to God-dependence.

Prompt: Am I fasting to change God’s hand or to change my heart?

21 days of fasting and praying

Journal prompts…

12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. (‭‭‭Daniel‬ ‭10‬‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Over the next 21 days we will seek together, a deeper understanding of Daniel 10:12.

Day 1 – Consecration Begins

Scripture: Daniel 1:8

“But Daniel resolved that he
would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that
he drank. Therefore he asked
the chief of the eunuchs
to allow him not to defile himself.”
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/dan.1.8.ESV

Why: Fasting begins with a decision of the heart. Daniel’s fast was not about diet alone, but devotion—choosing holiness over comfort.

Prompt: What convictions is God asking me to set in my heart before this fast begins?

Friend of God

I am a friend of God

“It is only when you understand the transcendence of God that you see how amazing his immanence is, and what a huge privilege it is to be able to enjoy intimate friendship with God.”

The Bible with Nick and Pippa Gumble, Classic version 2025, day 33

We get to have an intimate relationship and friendship with God.

Transcendence means: God exists apart from, and is not subject to the limitations of, the material universe. He is above and beyond, surpassing and excelling, greatly superior to us. 

Immanence means: it is possible to experience his immediate friendship.

What that spoke to me was, God doesn’t need me, He wants to be in my life, just because of the me He created, to be a deep, intimate friend to Him. He owes me nothing. He gave me life.

The real question is: “What will I do with the gift of life, He gave me?” Knowing that He did not HAVE to create me or you, but He did. Knowing this, leads to the realization that you and I must have a purpose. The meaning of that gift of life given to you and me, is to find out why & then use every ounce of breath we have in our lungs doing exactly that.

Psalms 25:14-15 the Message

Lord, You are my creator as well as my best friend. Help me remember that if and when I lose sight of that. Amen.

#friend #hope #life #bible #truth

Are you lost? Do you want to be found?

When I Fall by Katy Nicole

Are you lost? Christians and non-Christians alike hit seasons in their life when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Good news, feelings are not facts, they’re just feelings and this too shall pass. If you’re anything like me that last sentence made you cringe, a little angry or if you’re willing, gave you a different perspective. Which leads me to my next question.

Do you want to be found? Specifically, by God? Most of us put God in a corner, in our most desperate times, in an attempt to fix the problem ourselves. We fail to realize, God, doesn’t care how you got there, He only cares that you want Him in all areas of your life. Even the messy parts, yes, the really messy stuff that you probably even contributed to, rather indirectly or directly. God just wants to be with you. That’s why He created you. You were created for the sole purpose of being in relationship with God. It was His plan before you were ever born.

No matter where you’ve been. No matter what you’ve done or how far you’ve run, He’s there, waiting to find you. So I’ll ask you again, “Do you want to be found, by Him? Are you aware that you’re lost and need Him?”

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Dear Lord, I am lost and ready to be found by YOU! Like a wandering sheep, I had no idea how bad things would get apart from You. I just want to be in Your presence, in Your care and lead by You. Amen

#salvation #lost #found #fall

Current events

Lost or Saved?

What have we come to as a nation when we call good evil and evil good?

After the attempted assassination of our former president, Donald J Trump, I saw posts making light of it. Some even said it was staged after one innocent bystander was killed by a stray bullet and two others are in critical condition.

We can do better than this. I believe that when a nation honors God, Biblical principles and has a conscience for truth, we do better.

Let’s take our eyes off political opponents, media hype, misleading headlines and simply look up. God does not need to be found, He needs to be invited into our mess so He can clean it up.

Would you consider inviting God into your mess today?

Independently, dependent on my sweet Jesus

Religious Freedom

As an American writer and Christian, I must pause, every year to reflect on my religious freedoms. Many people that I’ve met throughout the years have shared their fight to acquire these freedoms that I have never been without.

With that introduction as a backdrop, I am here to express my sincere gratitude for my country, my faith, my church and my family. The United States is not perfect. We still experience growing pains from remaining to be the melting pot of the world. I want to thank everyone prior to me that fought for the freedoms my family and I enjoy to this day.

I highly recommend listening to Max McClean’s reading of the Declaration of the United States of America.

May you have a blessed Independence Day!

Nothing but the rest

“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil,
addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.””
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭MSG‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.3.19-21.MSG

Nothing but the rest of God’s promises wake us up to how truly evil darkness is. Like the sun that rises every morning pushes back the darkness, so does God’s light; as we allow it to enter in our hearts and push out the sin, often done in the dark.

Once we understand that darkness only exists in the absence of light, it is then, and only then, that we understand that we have the power and authority to let the light in.

My prayer for us today is that we choose to let the light of God’s love, truth and promises open up the floodgates of light, to expose, push back and push out every dark space in our lives so that we can illuminate in God’s light. So that we can be a light that leads others to God’s light. In Jesus name, AMEN!

What steps can you take today to welcome God’s light into your life?

Reading, writing and living

Obedience over sacrifice

As I read my daily devotional, I take notice of this habit that took me years to form. Reading God’s word inspires me to write from the heart and live out the life that God promises me.

I’m starting to get an understanding that obedience is far more valuable to God and my’s relationship, than sacrifice. Ultimately my obedience is a sacrifice. When I obey, I sacrifice the desires of my sinful nature, the ability, to sabotage the promises God has for me. Obedience over sacrifice. It’s a way of living. It’s a decision to follow Christ, to follow His character, until I reflect who He is in me.

Living to please God instead of people is a result of my daily indulgence in His living word. This lifestyle was bread out of committing to my daily time with God, as well as studying, memorizing and meditating on the Bible.

What has been your source of nurturing your relationship with God?

Dysfunction and stuff

Thinking about this verse this morning as I grieve the loss of my cousin, Jesse. His sweet kind soul, did not deserve to be entangled in our dysfunctional mess of a family.

As we become determined not to repeat the cycles of our dysfunctional family, never underestimate the damage that is done but furthermore never underestimate God and His redemptive love as He teaches us how to break these cycles.

The emotional and mental carnage should be the motivation of our dedication to change gears so that our children will rise above the ashes of that dysfunction.

We can’t change the past but we can surely work on our present. Do the right thing, even when it’s hard. Maximize the God in you, so He can shine through you, which leads to impacting those around you.

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Father me, Father

Father me, Father

I remember the day I lost you, the moment I forgot what your voice sounded like. Both heartbreaking 😢💔Happy Father’s Day in heaven Daddy 💕 top left pic is my last Christmas with my dad and top right was the last trip we took to Kentucky together to see Papaw. He was showing me how to use the recorder so we could send messages back and forth to each other while we were apart. The bottom two pics just remind me I always have a little bit of him with me.

“Your wings were ready but my heart was not” author unknown 🙏🏻

Hiding away in Your love
It covers all my pain
Hold me now in Your heart
Hear me now in Your mind
See me move this mountain
With You at my side
Weak and trembling I fall
Bold and courageous I rise
My hand in Yours
Your love covers me
It beats away my pain

K. Howard
June 15, 2017
#k4gsuspoetry
Psalm 34:18
I would say God definitely is my promise keeper, my papa-daddy, the lover of my soul and the healer of my broken-heart. He’s a good good Father for sure. #moments #thinkabouteternalthings #thatJesuslife #nothingwasted #goodgoodfather #coldcase #fathermefather #fatherless #grief

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Stopping, throwing stones

Stopping, throwing stones

We as a community, especially those engrossed in social media platforms, have gotten too comfortable fact checking, comparing, and just overall sticking our nose in, other people’s business.

The Bible speaks of a woman caught in the act of adultery. She was used by the Pharisees to put Jesus on the spot to act on the law at that time. But Jesus had a different plan to rehabilitate this offender. The law said she was to be stoned to death but mercy said, “He who has never sinned, cast the first stone,” John 8:6-8

We need to be careful to hold ourselves as accountable as we would others.

They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him.

6 Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. 7 When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. John 8:6-8 (CSB Version)

Lord, we need to hold ourselves accountable more than we do others. Amen,

Happy Resurrection Day!

Death could not hold Him down!

Just when the enemy thought he’d won, the stone began to roll, Jesus rose with a good morning stretch, folded His grave clothes, and placed them on the alter. (My paraphrase)

You may feel defeated but thank God feelings are not fact. They are simply an indicator to what’s going on inside your heart and soul. Like the indicator light on the dashboard of a vehicle. The fact is, we win with Jesus. Every time, every day, every circumstance. Not even death could hold Him down, darkness cannot comprehend His light. Defeat is impossible when all things are possible with Jesus.

Today is a great day to resurrect the living God in your heart.

Prayer

Lord, I believe that You were born of a virgin, sent by God the Father, to conquer sin and death for me. You were crucified, and on the third day, You rose from the dead. You ascended onto heaven and are preparing a place for all who believe! I believe! Help me with my doubt as I walk this out! In Jesus name, amen!

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(11) All My Devotion: To get my head right (Armor part 6)

To get my head right

Ephesians 6:17

And take the salvation for your head-dress and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…

The head-dress or helmet of salvation is the next piece of armor, coupled with the sword/word that we put on for the day.

Where is your head today? Did you make a covenant with the truth that comes from salvation through Jesus Christ? Is your mind renewed by the reading of the the Word? Have you made a deal with your eyes, ears and mouth to line them up with godly principles? The helmet of salvation covers the mind, eyes, ears, nose and mouth of the believer.

The sword of the Spirit, that is the word of God, defends the Truth in and for you. You have to read it to believe it. You have to know it to walk in it. You have to be it to give it to someone else.

Lord, I place the helmet of salvation over my mind, my eyes, my ears and my mouth to make Your Truth, my truth. I pray that when I smell danger or temptation that I run from it, lord. I take the sword of the Spirit that is the living and active Word of God to defend the Truth in ever situation. Lord, reveal Your Truth in me through mercy and grace of Your love through Salvation for my. In Jesus name, amen.

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(10) All My Devotion: (Armor part 5) To be my shield

To be my shield

Ephesians 6:14 (DRB)

Besides all (these, having taken the shield of faith) with which ye will be able to quench all the inflamed arrows of the wicked one.

How much faith does it take to quench all the inflamed darts of the wicked one? The disciples asked a similar question in Matthew 17:19, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?” Their “it” was disease and a mental disorder. What is your “it’? Jesus answered in verse 20 (my paraphrase); because of your unbelief or in other versions because of your little faith. According to verses 20 & 21 of the same chapter, we need 3 elements to move a mountain of trouble:

  1. Faith of a mustard seed. FYI, you could fit a mustard seed on the end of a sharpened pencil.
  2. Prayer is simply communication with God
  3. Fasting is a sacrifice to the flesh but obedience to the spirit.

It seems to me that it takes a step towards to God to have God take a step towards the “its” in our life. When God moves towards “it”, it is moved. Here’s the thing though, don’t we sometimes want to control “it”. We want to decide where “it” goes, how it “goes”. I think that unbelief can also represent distrust. Trust that the mountain or flaming darts of the evil one get moved or quenched, we are to trust that God has our best interest at heart.

Prayer

Lord, I pray that each one of us hide behind Your faithfulness in every situation. I want to trust you. I want to trust You more with the plan and purpose for my life; therefore I take up my shield of faith, which is ultimately You, Lord. I allow You, Lord access to ever fiery dart from the enemy that will quench it. I will stand in prayer as I watch You fight for me and be my protection from the evil one. I will make the necessary sacrifices in fasting and in laying down what You ask of me.

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(9) All My Devotion: (Armor part 4)To be a peacemaker

To be a peacemaker

Ephesians 6:15

Be ready with the good news of peace as shoes for your feet.

When you enter or exit a situation, do you bring peace or leave peace” Are you walking in peace? Are you like a runner who laces their shoes and ties them in double knots, tucking in any loose ends?

Are you prepared, my friend, to bring peace to any given situation, even if it means losing? If you choose peace and do not get your way, in your mind you may think that the battle was lost. However, the word of God says, in Matthew 5:9, blessed are the peacemakers for they are called the children of God. Now that is good news AND a win!

Prayer

Dear Lord, I want to prepare my feet to bring peace when I enter a situation and that I might leave a situation in peace and with peace, whenever possible. I do understand that I have no control over another person’s desire for peace but I DO have control over my peace and extending that peace to others. Let me kneel before My Maker, My Peace-maker, and lace my feet with the gospel of peace. Double knot the chords of Your love for me, Lord, that I walk in Your perfect peace. Tuck away any loose ends of my misunderstandings of Your peace. I want to move in Your peace as well as live out the peace that You bring me. I know that I am Your child and I am blessed to be a peacemaker for You, Lord. In Jesus’s name, we have GOOD NEWS. I can and will choose Your shoes of peace today, amen!

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(8) All My Devotion: (Armor part 3) To be equipped

To be equipped

Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness. Ephesians 6:14 (WERV)

Having the utility belt of truth? Don’t you just love this version of the Armor of God? A utility belt equips one to get the job done. What this verse means to me is: Wrap the whole truth of God around you, clothe yourself in it, be the truth. This parallels to the Roman soldiers’ attire for battle. The belt of a Roman soldier’s armor would have leather straps that hung vertically from the belt itself. These straps would protect everything below the waist as well as being an intricate part of holding all of the armor together. Without the Truth of who Christ is and who we are in Christ, how could we ever stand against our enemies, to get the job done?

The next portion of Scripture begins with, “having put on…”. This is implying that righteousness has already been put on, as if it is part of our identity. The Roman Soldier’s breastplate was like a sandwich board, made with leather and sometimes hammered sheets of metal. One piece of the breastplate covered the front from the neckline to the groin area and one piece that covered the back from the base of the neck to the bottom of the buttocks. We are covered in righteousness over the most vital organs that produce and sustain life. We can be confident that the breastplate of righteousness will cover us as we go in to situations and as we go out of situations.

Prayer

Dear Lord, equip us with Your truth and Your righteousness so that we may be able to stand firm in You in difficult times. Let us wrap ourselves in Your truth and righteousness daily so that when trial and troubles come, we are prepared to stand with You and for You. We trust You Lord, for our protection, to equip us for what we face today. Today we choose truth, righteousness and victory because You have already won the war on our behalf. Amen!