Keep the Faith Now

Gospel Moments In Black History

2022-02-25T06:13:00.002-08:00

Today we are honored to spotlight Apostle Jimmie Ellis III. A true pioneer in the Kingdom of God and a testimony that makes the Black Church very proud.

Dr. Jimmie A. Ellis, Ill the dynamic Senior Pastor of Victory Christian Center, is both recognized and respected for his standard of excellence in ministry. He is a highly sought after speaker who is anointed in the areas of teaching, leadership, mentoring and fatherhood.
Dr. Ellis possesses an extraordinary revelation of the Word of God. His dynamic yet practical teaching style has led many to give their lives to Jesus Christ. His life-changing teachings on holy living, home and marriage, purpose and financial freedom are empowering generations.

Raised in the Mount Olive Apostolic Church, under the pastorship of Dr, John Myers, Dr. Ellis accepted Jesus at the age of nine. By age twelve, Dr. Ellis began teaching Bible study. In 1983, he was released to pastor. He then founded the Bible Enlightenment Christian Center with just 7 members. Today that humble beginning is known as Victory Christian Center, a thriving ministry located in the heart of Southwest Philadelphia a membership of over 2,000. Today, under the covering of Bishop Don Meares of Evangel Temple in Upper Marlboro, MD, Dr. Ellis serves on the Advisory Board of the International Congress of Local Churches (ICLC).

Having a heart for leaders, Dr. Ellis formulated the Victory Fellowship of Local Churches to provide pastors with mentoring, building church leadership and forming a network of covenant relationships with like-minded men and women of God. His annual leadership conferences and workshops are highly demanded. He has also ordained and fathered several men and women into their own ministries.

In 1999, Dr. Ellis found The Conquerors Community Development
Corporation (CCDC), a mission designed to elevate the quality of life for the Southwest Philadelphia community through economic development, child development, technological awareness, spiritual/cultural programs and health initiatives. Dr. Ellis' vision is to further institute employment services, daycare services, housing and community revitalization programs, health-related projects and life skills to empower the community.

In March 2004, Dr. Ellis received his honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Saint Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Ellis' contributions have been applauded throughout the city by the media, governing officials and with numerous awards. He is an author of many books, his latest bestseller, "My Angel, My Ally".

I am proud to add that I am a daughter of Apostle Ellis and his encouragement, teaching, wisdom has provided me a strong wall to lean on. He has dedicated his entire young and adult life to the call of God, he has not waivered.

The Urban Leadership Post Podcast & Keep The Faith Now honor's this great Black Man Of God, Apostle Jimmie Ellis III he is establishing and leaving a legacy of Gospel Moments in Black History!

Gospel Moments In Black History

2022-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today in our Gospel Moments In Black History we are excited to feature Bishop Sylvia Britton and Deacon Daniel Britton.

Bishop Sylvia Britton is a mentor and spiritual advisor to many young pastors in the Body of Christ.

Bishop Britton and Deacon Britton has served for 25 years as the Senior Pastor of the New Bethany Holiness Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sylvia Britton was consecrated to the sacred office of Bishop in October 1999 at the Holy Convocation of the Bethel Churches of Christ in Greensboro, NC and serves as the General Secretary on the Board of Bishops. Bishop is the Presiding Prelate and General Overseer of the Greater Bethany Fellowship of Churches.

Deacon Britton also serves with Bishop Britton in ministry. He is a great man of intercessory prayer specifically covering his wife as she carries out her assignment. We honor this strong Black man of God as he stands with her. He is loving, caring, a father and friend to so many in the Body of Christ. His cooking is one of his favorites outside of his wife and people. He also serves in ministry with his Pastor, Bishop Hazel Mack.

Bishop Britton’s spiritual and ministerial mentorship came under the leadership of the late Overseer Beatrice Kee and the late Apostle Robert Evans, Jr. Bishop holds two ministerial degrees from Logos Bible College and Bethel Temple School of Ministry.

Bishop Britton and Deacon Britton are also the proud grandmother to Bryanna L. Sims-Garrett and great grandmother of Journee Jenkins.

Bishop Britton and Deacon Britton have come through many life hurdles in the past. Bishop is a ten year cancer survivor and as a couple they have survived the painful loss of Bishop Britton's only biological son.

The love and encouragement that this man and woman of God has shown so many goes unnoticed. I have stood on the backs of these two pioneers of the body and who I am today is a result of their selfless pouring into my life. Where would many of us be without the push and love of these incredible people.

So today we celebrate without diminishing any other powerful and historical people who have helped to change the lives of Black people. There are heroes that will not be known but we are honoring those who have had an impact personally.

So the Urban Leadership Post and Keep the Faith Now, salute Bishop Sylvia and Deacon Daniel Britton, today's Gospel Moments In Black History!

Gospel Moments In Black History

2022-02-17T07:34:00.000-08:00

In light of Black History Month "Keep The Faith Now" and the "Urban Leadership Post Podcast" will be taking the time for the remainder of February to Spotlight some very powerful Black people who have made huge contributions to the work of the Kingdom of God.

Today we are putting the Spotlight on Apostle Melvin and Marva Strothers. They are the Founders of New Hope Outreach Center in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. These two have given their lives and have made an incredible mark for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They are the King and Queen of outreach. The love they displayed to the broken, captive, and lost stretched from Germantown, New Jersey, Lancaster Pa., including LA, California. The way they emptied their lives to serve people will never be forgotten and their reward is extremely great.

Not only are they the Founders of New Hope Outreach Center Germantown, their church planting efforts landed them in New Jersey, Lancaster, and California.

The love of Christ has always been their example. I had the pleasure of sitting under their tutelage and disciple training, which has made me the woman of God I am today. The days we learned to pray, to live Holy and set apart for the Lord is something that is lacking in the 21st Century church. I learned to keep my body, to have integrity in everything, and most of all the love I received is the love I was able to give when I became a Pastor. Their love was unconditional, they definitely have the heart of God. "Then I will appoint wise rulers who will obey Me, and they will care for you like shepherds." Jeremiah 3:15

Apostle Melvin and Marva Strothers are definitely pioneers of the Black Church and Outreach. The countries they have gone to, teaching Bible Class to children are just an inch of the impact they have made on reaching souls and spending every bit of themselves for the Gospel. They are a true example of giving your all!

There is so much more that I could share, countless stories of outreach, streets, prison, nursing homes, hospitals, people's homes, their money, whatever it took they did it.

It is with much gratitude that we have them featured as our first spotlight. Gospel Moments In Black History 2022 would like to Honor and Thank the King and Queen of Outreach, The Legendary Duo Apostle Melvin and Marva Strother!

2019-01-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "And He (Jesus) spoke to them in a parable to show that at all times men ought to (always) pray and never lose hope." Luke 18:1

Explanation: There was a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing about people. A widow in that city approached him for help, to protect her rights and provide the protection she needed. He never gave her the time of day but she kept coming and making her request and the judge acquiesced and granted her justice.

Exercise: Just like this woman in the story we ought to pray and never lose hope. With hopelessness all around us, let me give you 13 Reasons Why we ought to pray and never give up. In the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why the story is about a teen who commits suicide and leaves a letter that gives 13 reason why she ended her life. What a sad parable unlike the widow in the parable of Jesus who understood life was valuable and that if she did not lose hope she would see justice prevail on her behalf. Today I want to give you 13 Reasons Why men out to continuously pray.
1. For Power (strength) 2. For Joy 3. To Love 4. To Resist 5. It's a Weapon 6. For Direction 7. For Protection
8. For Provision and Prosperity 9. For Wisdom 10. For Understanding 11. For Healing
12. For Restoration and 13. To be in the Presence of the Lord!

Devotion: Lord today we lift up 13 reasons why we will never lose hope! We lift up in prayer those who suffer the heavy burden of hopelessness. We use prayer as a weapon to come against every thought that cast doubt on the value of life, we pray for the strength for those who are struggling to be hopeful. We thank you for 13 Reasons Why and many more reasons that men ought to pray in Jesus Name Amen!

BREAK IT!

2019-01-10T05:04:00.001-08:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?" Jeremiah 23:29

Example: In Jeremiah's day and like today there were false prophets speaking under a false inspiration, plagiarizing messages from God. But God uses Jeremiah to declare that any message of a true prophet is like a hammer that can tear down and build up even the hardest rocks.

Exercise: Today's seed is focused on the word of the Lord in Isaiah 58:6c, concerning the fast God has chosen for His people. That the oppressed be set free and the yoke be broken. "The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joint and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 What is oppressing you and has yoked itself to your life, only the word of God can Break It! The most stubborn resistance can only be broken through the word of God, not dreams or preachers schemes but only the word of God. It will chisel it's way through the hardest of strongholds to make way for true freedom. The word of God is like this hydraulic hammer breaking up fear, doubt, anxiety, frustration, depression, and letting the oppressed go free. I challenge you to put your hammer to work!

Devotion: Lord I pray that every stubborn means of resistance that is within be broken into pieces through the word of the Lord. I pray to submit myself to the process of obtaining true freedom. Lord I pray that everything that oppresses me has to let go and that every yoke be destroyed. In Jesus Name Amen!

UN-DO!

2019-01-09T04:48:00.001-08:00

S.E.E.D. For Today:

Scripture: "Undo The Heavy Burdens" (Isaiah 58:6)

Example: There was a great deal of injustice in the land and with the rich exploiting the poor and the rulers using their authority only to make themselves richer. It was a conflict between truth and lies, just like in our land today. The people of God were no different in operating under the same system as this. But God called them out and wanted them to understand that their fasting was in vain if they did not undo the heavy burden they placed on others while still outwardly devoting themselves to religion or as they thought to God.

Exercise: Let's invite the Holy Spirit to solve problems and aid us in lifting loads and overcome barriers that keep us and our loved ones from walking joyfully in the Lord. In self-denying love and care for others, let's undo any heavy burden or untie any yoke that we may have placed upon friends, family, associates or even employees.

Devotion: Lord today we acknowledge Your word in Matthew 11:28 "Come to me all you who are heavy laden and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." We pray and declare an undoing of the burdens that try to overcome us, not only for ourselves but also for our neighbor. We request the assistance of the Holy Spirit to be our strength and to release the joy, peace and tranquility of the Lord. In Jesus Name Amen!

Bursting Out Of It!

2019-01-08T09:04:00.001-08:00

S.E.E.D. For Today:

Scripture: "Is this not the the fast which I have chosen: Loosen the bonds of wickedness." (Isaiah 58:6)

Explanation: There should be the right motive when we fast. The people of God in Isaiah observed but there was no change in them. When fasting we do not want to look at it as a religious ritual, but a means to transformation. The fruit of repentance ought to be evident in relationship with one another and our neighbor. If we fast and persist in arrogance, stubbornness, fighting and strife then we are only doing this out of routine.

Exercise: Prayer is important to experience the grace and power of God when fasting. Without the consistency of prayer we will not see breakthrough. God is challenging us to do the fast He has chosen, the first means of business is releasing or loosing the bonds of wickedness. Whatever besets itself and entangles you again under the same slave system of missing the mark with God has to let you go. I challenge you today to confront the misses your aware of and let the spirit of it know it has to come up off of you and loose you. The goal is true freedom and nothing less!

Devotion: Lord I pray that as I fast the fast you have chosen that You will loose the bonds of wickedness, that wrestle with me and with others. I declare that myself nor my neighbor will no longer be a prisoner to the things that continually attack and try to attach itself to us. I declare today that we are Bursting Out Of It! In Jesus Name, Amen!

Turn And Live

2018-11-05T03:48:00.000-08:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: “Why will you die?” “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the sovereign Lord. Turn and Live! Ezekiel 18:31-32

We Capture Every Thought!

2018-07-11T05:51:00.001-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "For although we live in the natural realm, we don't wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve our aims. Instead, our spiritual weapons are energized with divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses behind which people hide. We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bows in obedience to the Anointed One (God)". 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: Paul is talking about strongholds, the aramaic word for strongholds can also be translated "rebellious castles". These strongholds take place in our minds, our thoughts, the center of our soul. They can also be referred to as, demonic strongholds or centers of opposition to the light of the gospel. Paul lets us know that our weapons are a divine power that can dismantle anything. Taking every thought and making it subject or captive to the word of God.

Exercise: Faulty patterns of thought will always defy the authority of God. It will scheme and manipulate you into standing in opposition of the will of God for your life. You have to make a decision to stand against it. You possess the power to demolish every misleading idea, opinion, notion, belief or reasoning. You have the power to break through every thought and fantasy that is trying to confine you from the truth of the Living God. I challenge you not to allow another thought or feeling to imprison you. Capture it, make it a prisoner of war and insist that it bows in obedience to the most high God.

Devotion: I pray before the throne of God and court martial every thought, fantasy and imagination that comes to exalt itself above the word of God that is hidden in my heart. I thank You Lord for the weaponry and stand ready to punish any trace of rebellion in me against You. Help me to remain humble, free of arrogance, and stand in compliance to the true knowledge of God. I insist that my thoughts be on things that are honest, lovely, of a good report, anything that is excellent and praiseworthy, I pray to consistently think about these things in Jesus Name Amen!

EXPUNGED!

2018-07-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "He canceled out every legal violation we had on our record and the old arrest warrant that stood to indict us. He erased it all---our sins, our stained soul, He deleted it all and they cannot be retrieved! Everything we once were in Adam has been placed onto His cross and nailed permanently there as a public display of cancellation." Colossians 2:14 (TPT)

Explanation: Paul is speaking of the record of debt that stood against us and it's legal demands, he's speaking about the implications of not following God's will. In spite of man's criminal act against God He used Jesus to fulfill all of His legal demands against mankind.

Exercise: Expunged is to erase or remove completely, something unwanted or unpleasant. To delete, wipe out, blot out, destroy, obliterate, eradicate, to eliminate. God through Jesus Christ successfully destroyed the records of every believer, through our conviction and faith are past is unavailable to the enemy. On the cross Jesus took civil action against Satan and won! We have been pardoned and our sins expunged through the blood Christ shed. Your record has been expunged, your record is erased and cannot be retrieved, so when the enemy wants to plague you with your past, remind him that your offenses have been forgiven and that who I used to be as a descendant of Adam has been placed on the cross and nailed permanently for a public display of cancellation!

Devotion: Lord I thank You for getting rid of my old arrest warrant, my sins was a life sentence, but you have set me free. Every legal violation has been canceled. I thank You for the guilt that has vanished, I declare this truth is now being unveiled by the revelation of the anointed Jesus, our life giver, who has dismantled death, obliterating all its effects on our lives and has manifested His immortal life in us by the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10) In Jesus Name Amen!

"Love Is The Key"

2018-06-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "If I had the greatest gift of faith that could move mountains, but have never learned to love, then I am nothing." I Corinthians 13:2 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: In midst of the conflict of spiritual gifts in Corinth, Paul prioritizes these gifts, setting in place the functions, purpose and boundaries, that if they are not exercised in love there use is in vain.

Exercise: In the church today people are extremely driven by the gifts they possess. Many use their gifts to bring themselves glory rather than glorify God. Paul explains in chapter 12 the different gifts in the body of Christ but there is a superior way to live and operate in those gifts. Love is the key. It doesn't matter your talent or skill set but do you have love? You could be a great orator, speak in tongues, you can have great faith, but not know how to love and treat people. You can prophecy, be generous, be a matyr but without the pure motive of love it has no value. Love is large and incredibly patient, it's gentle and consistently kind to everyone, it refuses to be jealous, like some of us can be, it doesn't brag or inflate its own importance. Love does not walk in shame and disrespect, its not selfish, its not easily irritated, or quick to be offended. Love celebrates others and does not delight in wrong. Love is a safe place and it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. (1 Cor. 13) Love is the key, it unlocks power that extends itself beyond our gifts, love never stops loving! I challenge you to let love be the prize for which you run. "Those who are loved by God, let His love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love." Loving one another should be our way of life!" (James 4)

Devotion: Lord I pray for Your agape love, the loyal, endless, unconditional, and committed to Your will and to others type of love. I pray to operate in Your love in all difficult relationships, I pray for Your love to endure mistreatment and not to retaliate. I pray against jealousy, and having a sharp edge when dealing with others. I pray against any resentment, I pray for Your love to overlook offense, I pray for Your love that grounds me, and the love that keeps me pushing forward and never quit! In Jesus Name Amen.

"IN SYNC"

2018-06-28T06:35:00.001-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you....both yours and mine." Romans 1:12 (EXBible)

Explanation: Paul writes this letter to the believers in Rome, he longs to get there that he might impart and enhance the spirituality of those in that region. He wants to motivate, encourage and strengthen them for ministry. His hope is that their faith would sync, that the encouragement, strength and comfort would be mutual.

Exercise: It is so important to connect with the right people. Scripture tells us about the amazing miracles and moves of God when believers are in sync. Sync or synchronizing is to be in harmony, agreement or accord. Acts tells us that on the day of Pentecost in the upper room the saints were in sync and the Holy Spirit fell upon them all, His power worked through them, and that day 3000 were saved. Scripture also reveals to us about the power of being in sync, Matthew 18:19 lets us know that if two of you sync by faith and ask for anything in Jesus Name it shall be done. How can two walk together unless they do it in sync. (Acts 3:3) See when we come together something beautiful happens we are encouraged by each other's faith. When we come together and are side by side, something wonderful will be released in our midst! I dare you to get in sync with your brothers and sisters in Christ, oh how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity. (Psalm 133) It is as valuable as the oil that dripped down Aarons beard. This harmony releases eternal blessings!

Devotion: Lord I pray that You will empower us to stay strong in the faith. That as I strengthen my brother or sisters faith, their faith to receive will strengthen mine. Impart to us Your grace and the power and wisdom of Your Spirit. Let us share with one another motivation, encouragement, comfort, and joy. I pray that when we sync up, Your power will explode, and we shall see and experience miracles, signs and wonders, In Jesus Name Amen!

"Stay Lit"

2018-06-27T06:48:00.001-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? Who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it's placed where everyone in the house can benefit from it's light." Matthew 5:14-15 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: Jesus is describing to His disciples the nature of a servant of the Kingdom of God. It describes the influence every true believer should have in this world. The function of light is to make things visible so people can gain understanding by what is seen. Any believer that fails to stay lit is going against his nature as a new creature in Christ. The light is a reflected light, so that through us many will believe and praise God. Praise in this text is a translated term which means to manifest, when we shine our light we manifest or make visible the character and the nature of God.

Exercise: In urban vocabulary the word lit is described as something that is turned up or popping. Contrary to what they use the word for today this term was used in the 40's, 50's and 60's to describe a mildly intoxicated person, often used by blues and jazz musicians to describe the impairment and motor skill of a player. Jesus is instructing His disciples to never let the light within them get impaired by intoxicating themselves with the things of this world. To never do anything that would hide the light that they stay lit and illuminating, that their lifestyle would illumine others, that men and women everywhere would see their good actions and see their devotion to God and turn to the Father because of it. I challenge you to stay lit!

Devotion: Lord I pray that the light in me would shine for the world to see You. I pray that while the world is turning up, I turn on the light of front of my family, friends, co-workers, etc. that through me they will turn to You. Lord we live in a very dark world, remind me that as a agent of light I will live a life that brings Glory to You! God I pray to publicly stay lit, remain generous with my life, never contradict Your instructions, and always keep You first. I pray that this light of mine, will shine for all the blind to see, In Jesus Name Amen!

"Keep Pressing"

2018-06-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward." Philippians 3:14 (AMPC Bible)

Explanation: Paul in this scripture gives us an athletic metaphor. Compelling Christians to view themselves as contenders in a race. Keep running hard towards the finish line, concentrate and keep the aim in view. Paul was quite clear that he had not achieved the prize as of yet but that he would keep pressing and moving forwards no matter how difficult.

Exercise: A seasoned athlete knows that the race isn't won or lost until you have reached the end. You have to imagine yourself a winner, you can't slack off and be laid back, you have to be persistent and persevere. You have to keep sprinting toward the only thing that counts and that is to cross the finish line. We have to mature so we can have the right thinking while trying to obtain the prize. You may not ever have it all together, and may not be an expert athletically, but keep your gaze on the goal. the place where God is calling us to things above. Keep pressing don't go back, the race is not given to those with skill, but to those who finish. I challenge you to get focused on the prize, those of you who want everything that God has for you.

Devotion: Lord I pray for the strength to keep pressing! Help me to continue to chase and pursue the gaol and the prize for which you have called me to the life above, heavenward and upward, through and in Christ Jesus. Help me see clearly the things I don't agree with, that I may follow and stick Your truth and live up to the standard of Your high calling. I pray not to imitate a winner, but that I do whatever it takes to win it. Forgetting and letting go of the past, I leave all of my hurt, offenses, set backs, disappointment, and I stretch, strain and reach for the future. In Jesus Name Amen!

"The River Of God"

2018-06-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "Then he showed me (the angel of the Lord) the river whose waters give life, sparkling like crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb." Revelation 22:1 (AMPC Bible)

Explanation: The angel shows John a pure river of water, the water of life which flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. In the middle of the street of the city on either side of the river was the tree of life, yielding every month fresh fruit. The leaves of the tree were for the healing and restoration of the nations. The angel spoke to John revealing to him that there would no longer exist anything that is accursed, detestable, foul, offensive, impure, hateful or horrible. That the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it.

Example: Life in this world has left us dry and thirsty in a weary, weary land. But the good news is that there is a river that flows from the sanctuary of heaven that is pure, free from the delusional contents of this world. The Lamb has provided us the water, Jesus promised it in John 7:37-39; anyone thirsty may come and if they believe in me they can drink, for rivers of living waters will flow from their heart. Just as the woman at the well who was trying to sustain her life by means of natural water, experienced Jesus the living water. If we drink of Him we will never thirst again. In our natural reality the wells run empty and we end up with nothing to draw with and run out of places and people we can draw from. But your future is so great! John reveals to us that there is a river that gives life, healing and restoration and it flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. How fortunate we are to have this hope. I challenge you to pursue the River of God, move continuously toward the substance that gives life. So many times we choose to drink what causes a sensation over what is substantial. Draw your life from the well named Jesus you will never complain of thirst again!

Devotion: Lord I thank You for the River of God. I pray against everything that tries to induce, or allure or attract me from Your presence, to ignore Your grace and to disrespect Your mercy. Lord I seek You to provoke in me the right attitude towards life, that I will inhale and exhale the very essence of who You are. Produce a likeness and a representation of Your love, faithfulness and compassion in me. Thank You for the River whose waters give life in Jesus Name Amen!

"Miracles In Painful Places"

2018-06-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "Suddenly, a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. All at once every prison door flung open and the chains of all the prisoners came loose." Acts 16:26 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: Paul and Silas after being severely beaten, were thrown into prison, the jailer on duty was commanded to guard them securely. So the jailer placed them in the innermost cell of the prison and had their feet bound and chained. Undaunted by the situation, they prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship. Their cries and worship reached God and every prisoner was set free.

Example: Miracles occur in painful places through consistent fasting, prayer and worship. God's heart was moved by His servants faith, prayer and praise and He responded with power. You may not be in a literal prison, but many of us are in situations that have us bound and in chains. In the darkest and painful moments of life is a miracle just for you. I challenge you to bless the Lord at all times, in every circumstance, in the emotional and mental prisons, the prison of grief, of fear, of doubt, of sickness, of lack, pray without ceasing, let a praise continually be in your mouth. Every door is about to fling open, chains are breaking and there is about to be a release of extraordinary miracles!

Devotion: Lord I lift my voice in prayer and praise unto you. Break every chain in my life, everything that has me bound has to loose me in the Name of Jesus. Lord break open the doors that I am purposed to come out of and the doors that I am to go in. Thank you for the power and spirit of freedom from every plan of the enemy. Thank you for the outpouring of your Holy Spirit in my life. Rescue me from the deplorable confusion of every crisis that occurs, and display Your Glory in Jesus Name Amen.

"Believe"

2018-06-20T06:38:00.001-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "Because they did not have any faith, He did not perform many miracles there." Matthew 13:58 (NIV Bible)

Explanation: "Jesus said to them, A prophet is respected everywhere except in his own town and by his own family."(13:57) The Lord was referring to His home of Nazareth. It was a small town where there was not much moral or religious character. Nazareth in the Greek form of Hebrew was nester, which means shoot or sprout, a watch tower. Jesus went everywhere, healing the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead. But amongst His own people and family He was misunderstood and rejected.

Exercise: To every man is given a measure of faith. Often we see many who may not be followers of Christ believe for healing, for a better life, for their family, success, and receive it. Why? Because of faith, God honors faith. On the flip side of that I see followers of Christ not healed, not successful, because of our disbelief. We believe Christ to be Messiah, we accept Him as savior, declare Him to be Lord, but we don't cast our concerns on Him, we do not pursue Him first, but we do the opposite of what has been commanded, we worry, we fear, we stress, our hearts are filled with anxiety, sleepless nights, frustrated mornings, no joy, no peace, the list goes on. Where is our faith! We reject everything the Lord says, our perception of God's word is blurry and we don't see the miracles that we should. I challenge you to Believe! Mark 16:17 says; "that miraculous signs would accompany those who believe, they will cast out demons, speak in tongues, handle serpents with safety, digest poison and it won't hurt them, lay hands on the sick, and they will be healed." Nazareth was known as a hood, someone so powerful came from there, His name is Jesus.

Devotion: Lord, help our disbelief, You declare that we are Your own chosen possession and yet we still misunderstand and reject Your teaching. Touch our mental rejection towards Your word. We cast out reason and logic, ideology, our philosophies, etc. Some of us are trapped in disbelief, release us from this prison and help us walk by faith and not sight. Continue to carry out your mighty acts and perform as only You can. Help us to have a firm conviction of our faith, a grip on our trust in You. Astound and amaze us O' God, as we Believe in Jesus Name Amen!

"Limitless"

2018-06-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "God does wonders that cannot be understood; He does so many miracles [marvelous acts] they cannot be counted." Job 5:9 (Expanded Bible)

Explanation: We all know the affliction of Job. In this chapter Job's friend Eliphaz makes an appeal assuming the cause of Job's situation. He tells his friend that if it was Him he would look to God and put his troubles in front of Him. He does great things, too great to be understood and the wonders of what He does and can do is limitless. He expands on the fact that God gives rain on the earth and sends water on the fields. He exalts the humble and lift those filled with sorrow to a safe place and that those who have no hope, will have hope and what is not right and good will have to shut it's mouth.

Exercise: As Eliphaz made his appeal to Job, my friends I make mine to you! Confess your hope and confidence in the Lord, He will foil the plans of the enemy, it will be thwarted and it's purpose will not stand. God is with you and has heard your cries. I declare that the Lord will grant you peace, that you will laugh at danger and the times of no lack, He will cause everything and everyone to be at peace with you. He will take you out of your troubles, heal and comfort you. He will be your limitless divine intervention, doing the extremely and outstanding on your behalf. He will accomplish His purpose for your life. Know that your light afflictions and momentary troubles are achieving for you an eternal glory that far outweighs them all!(2 Cor. 4:17)

Devotion: Lord we thank You for we know that your wonders are limitless. Thank You for Your mercy that is ambitious, thank You for Your peace that is boundless, thank You for Your joy that it is unrestricted, thank You for Your power that is never exhausted, thank You for Your grace that is vast and thank You for Your love that is infinite! What you do is endless, undefined and countless and we give You glory in Jesus Name Amen!

"Expect Miracles"

2018-06-18T06:11:00.001-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "God kept releasing a flow of extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul.....people took Paul's handkerchiefs and articles of clothing, even pieces of cloth that had touched his skin, laying them on the bodies of the sick and diseases and demons left them and they were healed." Acts 19:11 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: Ephesus was a large and important city on the west coast of Asia Minor where Paul founded a church. It was a very economical city being the trade center of that day. It's population was about 300,000 and was known for it's culture and the religion. The temple of Artemis was ranked as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Artemis was known as the moon goddess, the goddess of hunting and the patroness of young girls. Ephesus became famous for superstition, the dark arts, a cesspool for the occult, magicians, witches, clairvoyants, con artist, murderers and perverts. Paul comes in and aggressively and persuasively preaches about the Kingdom Of God, this advance preaching and teaching of the Gospel was accompanied by unusual miracles, not of the ordinary.

Exercise: Ephesus was a wicked spiritually charged city, in it the hearts of the people were changed by the message of the Gospel. A special miracle working power began to move through the man of God. These miracles were of a creative nature of which God's power and Spirit did the work. There was a continuous action of healing and deliverance an unending flow of miracles. I know that many of you reading this today may be looking for miracles to occur in your circumstances and I am here to tell you to expect one. Exercise your faith in the matter and expect God to do the extraordinary, not just the ordinary. Raise your expectations, God knows how to reach His people in every unique situation. The same power that worked through Paul is the same power that will work through you.

Devotion: Lord I give my life to You and make myself available for Your use. God step in and manifest Your divine intervention in our human affairs. I pray for Your word to have an effect on my life in such a way that by Your power in and through me there will healing from diseases, healing in the mind, deliverance from strongholds and demonic forces, touch the emotional pain, renew and restore. Let there be a continuous flow of miracles surpassing all known human or natural powers. Let all those who see the miracles being wrought in my life extend to the lives of others, In Jesus Name Amen.

"PROVIDER"

2018-06-15T05:32:00.001-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "We acknowledge You as our "Provider" of all we need each day." Matthew 6:11 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: Give us bread or life each day. Bread becomes a metaphor of our needs, physically, mentally and emotionally. In this prayer Jesus is teaching the disciples to always acknowledge God every day as Provider of everything needed for daily living. It refers to God's continual care and supplication. God extends to us what we need and desire, He relinquishes to us the necessities for life.

Exercise: When you pray, ask God for the support to serve others. We don't seek God to provide just for us, but we seek in our request enough bread that we can give to our neighbor as well. God's word reveals to us that God has made adequate preparations and arrangements for our care. Jesus said don't worry about food and clothing, pursue the Kingdom of God and everything will be made available for you to live well. Provide originally meant to foresee or exercise foresight dealing with future. David declared that he had never seen the righteous forsaken nor the seed of the Lord begging for bread. Sometimes it is hard to perceive provision when every means for your well being is being exhausted. But trust God and His word, He will supply your needs!

Devotion: Lord we call You "Provider" our Jehovah Jireh! Deliver as you have promised our daily bread. Place what is necessary at our disposal. Furnish us with means to live and help our neighbor. Turn over everything that You have promised us. Our extremity is Your opportunity to show Yourself to us, and Lord we ask you to show up in our finances, in our food and clothing, in our businesses, in our churches, for our families. We believe that every blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon us as a gift of love, and we live with this confidence that if we make You the utmost delight and pleasure of our lives, that You will provide for what we desire most. In Jesus Name Amen!

"Manifest Your Kingdom"

2018-06-14T04:42:00.001-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "Manifest Your Kingdom realm and cause Your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: The second petition of the Lord's prayer is referring to the will of God. We should pray earnestly for the Kingdom of Heaven to to be at hand in the earth. Declaring that God's Kingdom come and begin to reign here. We who believe become subjects to it and our lives become the character of it.

Exercise: What God has promised we must pray for. His word instructs us to pursue His Kingdom. Above everything constantly and consistently chase after the realm of God's Kingdom. His Kingdom is at hand and should reign in the heart of every one who believes the word of the Lord. Manifest in the greek is the word phaneros (faneros) to make visible, apparent, clear, evident, or well known. Everyday you should pray for the Kingdom of God to become clear, visible and evident in the earth and in your life. Pray for God to display the explicit wonder of His plan, purpose and promise to mankind. Seek Him to demonstrate to you the wonders of His Kingdom, that everyday it will become more and more recognizable.

Devotion: Our Father dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of Your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest your Kingdom realm and cause Your every purpose to be fulfilled in the earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven. We thank for Your unbiased, unmistakable and undeniable love and compassion for us all. May Your Will be barefaced, distinct, and definite in our hearts. Demonstrate Your power and reveal to us Your promises, show us Your path O Lord. Patent Your love within us that who You are will become obvious to our eyes and our minds. The heavens are open, manifest Your glory, manifest your holiness, manifest your righteousness in Jesus Name Amen!

"The Glory Of Your Name"

2018-06-12T05:24:00.001-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "Our Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of Your Name be the center on which our lives turn." Matthew 6:9 (TPT BIBLE)

Explanation: The Lord's prayer is declared everyday. It is the prayer given by Jesus as a pattern for prayer to His disciples. Our Father is addressing God personally as we should. Honoring Him of His Fatherhood, His excellence, His magnificence, the beauty and wonder of who He is. We acknowledge where He dwells and begin to express His distinct Holiness.

Exercise: All praise and honor belongs to God. He is to be worshiped. His name distinguishes His quality, His character and describes to us the asset that He is. He is the splendor and beatific happiness, the grandeur, the gratifying One. He is the resplendence of everyday, let us give glory to God. He is our center, the point, the reason for our existence. He is the pivotal participant in which we function and have our identity. He is the source from which all things originate. He is the causation of our purpose and destiny so today I challenge you to hallow His name, the name that must be the axis of our lives. It is the glory of His Name that moves us as to effect a desired end.

Devotion: Father we thank You and we hallow Your Name! May Your Name be the center on which our lives turn. You are the Light placed in an enclosed space, where You are magnified. We honor Your Name, it is sacred, it is holy, it is magnificent, I pray that we focus our lives fully on You and make visible "The Glory Of Your Name." In Jesus Name Amen.

"Genetically Connected"

2018-06-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "It is through Him that we live and function and have our identity; just as your own poets have said, Our lineage comes from Him." Acts 17:28 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: The God who made the world and everything in it is the owner and Lord of the heavenly realm and the earthly realm and does not live in man made temples. He supplies life and breath and all things to every living being. From one man, Adam He made every man and woman and every race of humanity and spread us all over the earth. Our lineage comes from God and since our lineage can be traced backed to Him how could we even think that the divine image of God could be compared to something made of gold or silver or stone, or by man's clever imagination. This disproves man's theory of all the things or other beings that some declare we originate from. We are all genetically connected to God. He gave us life. Our nature come from Him, we are His offspring. The greek word is genos, which means kindred or family, taken from His genes.

Exercise: All though we are all of different cultures, color and character, we are all genetically connected. In the book of Job it is recorded that "In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." (12:10) God has given us life, without Him we would have no function. Our identity is in Him and our lineage comes from Him. How valuable we are, made and created in the image of God to display Himself in the earth. You may not know your natural family lineage, but value that in your DNA is the creator of the universe. I challenge you to take a look at yourself and see your worth. You are the image of the Master of everything.

Devotion: Lord we thank you for being the One who gives us our being. Thank you for our heavenly lineage and that who we are and everything we will be is traced back to you. I pray that we will look at ourselves and others differently, that when we see each other let us always see God. You are the sheer reason and the divine principle, the logos, the spark of divinity that gives us life. We praise and glorify you. In Jesus Name Amen!

"I AM NOT DEFEATED"

2018-06-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "In my flesh was given to me the adversary's messenger to harass me, three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But He answered me, "My Grace is always more than enough for you, and My power finds its full expression through your weaknesses. "So I'm not defeated by my weakness,........I am made yet stronger." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: In this text there is no clear indication of what Paul's issue was. But we do know that it was something he considered a thorn, something that caused him great distress or irritation. Paul did not have a demon but it is stated that it may have been possible that he was being harassed or hindered by one because of his ministry and faith in Jesus.

Exercise: Many of you can relate with the Apostle Paul being harassed and hindered by the adversary. Many of us have prayed as Paul has prayed, most certainly in ministry, Lord free me from this burden, this obligation, release me from this post, the oppression of my circumstance. Just as the Lord answered Paul, He stills declares today, "My Grace Is Always More Than Enough for you! It will ward off every attack of the adversary. In your weakness God's power finds its full expression in your life. When it feels like your losing, when it feels like giving your life up for God is like a slap in the face and the adversary is boxing you in the ears with talk of defeat, remember grace is being poured out against your enemy, it will rescue you and strengthen you again.

Devotion: Lord I thank you for the grace that is more than enough. I thank you that in the weakest areas of my life you and grace have my back. I know that I am not forgotten or forsaken. And whenever the adversary claps at me Your Grace claps back. Help me to live more by faith than what I feel. I thank you for whatever you think I need to remain humble, the discipline to never elevate self. I realize on my own I am fragile but in You, I Am Not Defeated! In Jesus Name Amen.

"Saving Grace"

2018-06-07T05:53:00.002-07:00

S.E.E.D. For Today

Scripture: "So I say to my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be disturbed. For I know my God will break through for me. "Then I'll have plenty of reasons to praise Him all over again. Yes living before His face is my "Saving Grace!" Psalms 42:11 (TPT Bible)

Explanation: In this psalm we see David struggling with his circumstances, his unanswered prayers and himself. He fed on his grief, the pain and the ridicule of the people around him. In v.5 he speaks to his soul, "why would you be depressed?" for David was destined for greatness. "Why would you sink in despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what I will still sing with praise, for living before His face is my saving grace! v.6 Here I am depressed and downcast." David began to encourage himself when he began to think of the place of God, His presence and His glory.

Exercise: In Psalm 13 David is dealing with depression and praying to God to turn this grief into joy. In prayer he ask the Lord, "how much longer must I cling to this constant grief? "Bring light to my eyes in this pitch-black darkness or I will sleep the sleep of death." Loneliness, illness, relational pain, sorrow, anxieties, fears, disabilities and depression will stalk us all at some point. When they come after you, you have to first take cover, Psalms 32:7 says; "Lord you are my hiding place, protecting me from these troubles," release my breakthrough. Second get help, reach out to people you can trust to talk things out, professional counselors and your family. Don't be ashamed to expose what is trying to dispose of you. Frustration, irrepressible anguish, and misery can devastate your inner life. For some it seems as though the pain never lets up. I encourage you not to suffer in silence. Don't keep it inside, there is a saving grace!

Devotion: Lord surround me with songs of deliverance. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Hide me in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man. You are my refuge, a tower of strength against the powers of darkness. Step into my grief and my struggle. As I wrestle with my tears, turn this despair into delight, let what began as pain end with praise, for You God and only You are my "Saving Grace." In Jesus Name Amen!