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Sunday, March 28th – I Don’t Want No Rocks Crying Out for Me!

// March 28th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Luke 19:28-40 (New Living Translation)
28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.
36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. 38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”[a] 39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

The scientific study of rocks known as petrology identifies three different types of rock formations: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Igneous rocks are formed when molten magma as hot as 2400 Fahrenheit cools once it reaches the earth’s surface. Sedimentary rocks are formed as particles are compacted and pressurized near the earth’s crust. Metamorphic rocks are formed by increases in temperature and pressure upon previous rock formations.

Rock formations are as beautiful as they are elaborate, and vary dramatically in their size, weight, and shape. They range from the towering mountain peaks of the Himalayas to microscopic pebbles along the seashore. Yet, despite all of its grandeur, the fact remains that rocks are inanimate objects, which by definition means that rocks are lifeless, spiritless, and breathless, unable to feel pain or relief, sorrow or joy.

Like rocks, we, too, have our own testimony of coming out of pressurized and heated situations that have made us uniquely who we are as individuals. But unlike rock formations, we are fully animated – gifted by God with life, spirit, and breath! Therefore, we are clearly better suited to praise God for His goodness and kindness towards us than any igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock!

Regardless of any rebuke or scorn, heartache and pain you may experience, not praising God is not an option! Praise God in the midst of any and every situation! Since a rock cannot give your testimony, don’t give a rock your praise!

Michael W. Waters
Dallas, Texas
www.joytabernacleame.org

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Saturday, March 27th – Contrary Winds*

// March 27th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 6:47-56
“And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them…For they considered not the miracle of the loaves; for their heart was hardened.” Mark 6:48a, 52

After Jesus feeds the five thousand, he goes into the hills to pray. When evening comes the disciples set out in the boat without him, but they aren’t making much progress because they are rowing against the wind. About the fourth watch (i.e. just before dawn) Jesus comes to them, walking on the sea, intending to pass by. The disciples are frightened and cry out because they think they are seeing a ghost. Immediately Jesus speaks identifying himself, reassuring them.

Jesus gets into the boat and the wind ceases. The disciples are utterly amazed, because they had not understood the significance of the feeding of the five thousand. The boat lands at Gennesaret; when they get out of the boat, the people recognize Jesus and as the news quickly spreads, people from the surrounding area start bringing the sick to him to be healed. Wherever Jesus goes, those who are sick are brought to him. They beg him just to touch the fringe of his garment, for all who did so were healed.

The psalmist declares that “God is a very present help in the time of trouble.” Ironically, as a people of faith, we often forget in the midst of trouble or contrary winds in our lives, that God is still present. Although the disciples could not see Jesus in the midst of the “contrary winds” at night during the storm, He was present.

During these moments of “contrary winds”, we find ourselves surrounded by darkness, wind, rain, confusion, and fear. Oftentimes, just as the disciples, we are doing our best to follow Jesus’ command and fight against the “contrary winds” in our lives at the same time. These “contrary winds” can be relational, emotional, familial, physical, or spiritual. Even during our journey with Christ, the “contrary winds” can distract us from achieving our divine purpose and destiny. During these adverse situations, we ask God WHY. Why did Jesus ask the disciples to make this journey? And where was Jesus when they really needed Him? Why does Jesus ask us to make our journey? Where is Jesus during our difficult “contrary winds” of daily life that leaves us struggling?

Brothers and sisters, remember that God is still faithful and true to His Word. God will never leave us nor forsake us. The disciples experienced a brief season of what all Christians face at some point in life. This season is called “in the meantime.” This season is defined as the last time you heard from God and next time you will hear from God. And we, like the disciples, may think we are alone and abandoned. But in reality, they were under the watchful supervision of Jesus who came to them at the right time and calmed the storm. The Lord Jesus will do the same with us. We may not see, feel, or hear God, but just when we need God the most, the breakthrough will manifest!

We must trust God in the midst of our pain, helplessness, and barrenness. Remember God’s great mercies of the past in your and others’ life, and meditate on the promises of the Bible. Past healings. Past deliverances. Past restorations. If God did it yesterday, God is big enough to do it again and again and again. God is able!

We can rely on God’s power just as hymnologist John H. Sammis, who wrote the hymn “Trust and Obey.”
When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.

Prayer: Wonderful Jesus, I worship you. Lord, you keep amazing me with your power and love. Keep me focused on your Word and purpose for my life. AMEN

The Reverend Fedrick A. Wilson, Pastor
Cedar Grove AME Church
Cope (Orangeburg County), SC

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Friday, March 26th – What Do You Want?*

// March 26th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 10:32-45
32They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33″We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”
35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
36″What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
37They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
38″You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
39″We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

How many times a day do you ask yourself or a friend a “want” question? What do you want for dinner? What do you want to do today? What do you want me to do? What do you want?

Throughout Mark’s Gospel, Jesus encounters people who want something from him. The men who lower their friend through the roof, want healing for their friend. The woman who had been sick for probably more years than Jairus’ daughter had been alive wanted to get close enough to touch Jesus. Jairus wanted to see his daughter healthy and whole again. The Canaanite mother, the deaf-mute man, the ever-present crowd that follows Jesus all only know of Jesus and come to Him.

But the request that falls from the lips of James and John, two of the people closest to Jesus and who should better than anybody else who Jesus is, is quite different. Jesus is just days away from the cross and he hears, “Master, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Here’s what we want you to do for us. Jesus, we want greatness. We want authority and in fact, if we may be so bold, we are going to ask you for it.

Jesus is always ready to supply our needs and some of our wants, and within His will He wants us to ask for these things. But what if we included in the request for the supply of our needs this question: Jesus, what do you want me to do for you today? Or, “Jesus, how do you want me to serve my sisters and brothers?”
Let’s not lose sight of where true greatness lies. It is not in how well we seize authority or how well we are able to control other people. No, true greatness is only achieved when we emulate the greatest Servant of all. Jesus came to serve; let’s do likewise.

God of love and grace, as we draw closer and closer to the foot of the cross, we thank you for the gift of your Son. Your Son came to show us how to love and serve one another with gentleness, love and justice. Open our hearts and our hands. Re-establish our steps. Renew our understanding of servitude to you and to your people everywhere.

Minister Kymberly E. McNair
Antioch Baptist Church, Bedford Hills, NY

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Thursday, March 25th – That One Thing

// March 25th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 10:17-31 (NLT)
17 As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running up to Jesus, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But as for your question, you know the commandments: ‘Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not testify falsely. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was a child.” 21 Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him. “You lack only one thing,” he told him. “Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this, the man’s face fell, and he went sadly away because he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to get into the Kingdom of God. 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 28 Then Peter began to mention all that he and the other disciples had left behind. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 And Jesus replied, “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property – with persecutions. And in the world to come they will have eternal life. 31 But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then.

“The best is bought only at the cost of great pain.” A quote from The Thorn Birds television mini-series by a young ambitious Roman Catholic priest named Father Ralph de Bricassart, struggling between his love for the Catholic Church and his love for Meggie Cleary. For Father Ralph, loving Meggie was always too great a sacrifice! At 69 Father Ralph dies still longing for, but never having enjoyed the fulfillment of relationship with the women that he truly adored.

In verse 21 Jesus tells the rich young ruler “Go and sell all you have”, but he goes away sad because the sacrifice toward whole-hearted service was too great! You may be thinking that you have already given God your very best. Nevertheless, Jesus is asking for that one thing which may not be a sin, but when sacrificed will leave such a hallow void within you that only the Holy Spirit’s comfort will be sufficient enough to fulfill.

The Lenten Season requires sacrifice that will always cost more. Remember that with God all things are possible. Therefore, in prayer decide today to let go of that one thing which could cause you to miss out on the promise of God’s blessing both now and for all eternity.

The hymnologist writes:
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
and have peace and sweet rest,
as you yield Him your body and soul.

Daphney Gwynn
Baltimore, Maryland

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Wednesday March 24th – Approaching Things Like A Child*

// March 24th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 10:1-16
” 13 And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

Life has many complexities. In this post-modern era where the traditional values of life have to be reinterpreted with a new lens. The things that we value must be seen differently because the world in which we live has changed more times then we can imagine. They have changed and we have been hardened by the situations and circumstances of an adult world that forces us to grow up before we even could understand what we were getting into.

Within this text from Mark’s Gospel we have a number of scenes where Jesus is challenged by the religious authority, and then asked by his disciples for clarification. At first glance you would think that the focal point is to get Jesus’ view on marriage, or his feelings even on children, but there is more to this. Children are used to describe how our faith can allow us to function in this world. We are instructed to “Let the children come to me” If we unlike the disciples pay attention. We can learn that to live a kingdom life we must see things like children. See the possibilities of life because they have not been wrapped up in the matters that capture adults.

As we continue in this Lenten journey we must seek to not get so wrapped up in the matters of today that we cannot focus on what is needed to live kingdom lives. The questions and complexities will be there but the most important aspect of life is how we approach it. We can be closed to the realities that don’t allow us to see what is possible, or we can be open to the possibilities that lead to blessings.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as we are challenged to live in an adult world keep us forever approaching the complexities with an openness to know that there are kingdom possibilities that will allow us to live kingdom lives. Amen

Rev. Jerome Stembridge
Bethel AME Church
Far Rockaway, New York

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Tuesday, March 23rd – Be Like Salt*

// March 23rd, 2010 // No Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 9:42-50
42″And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48where ” ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’49Everyone will be salted with fire.
50″Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

I love the way the Word of God is full of analogies. It allows us to have practical examples from everyday life that lead to the truth of how to live godly. Examine for a moment the notion of being like “salt” as this passage of scripture suggests we should be. What exactly are the properties of salt? I am so glad you asked! First, salt adds flavor. As Believers we should add flavor to our environment by bringing something new and different to the table. If we are like those around us, adding nothing new or having no flavor, how can we be an effective witness for Christ? How will anyone know we are Believers?

Second, you only need a little salt to season things just right. As Believers, we must remember that less is more─ the more you show love with the least number of words possible, the more of an impact you have as a witness. Wise people win souls and they do so with as few words as possible.

Lastly, salt creates thirst. The life of a Believer should be one that glorifies God in such a manner that those who do not know Him would want to know what makes you so peaceful, joyful, loving, concerned, prosperous; and the list should go on and on. As they witness you and your life, at some point they will ask the question “what must I do to be saved?” At that point you have just helped to create a thirst or longing for righteousness that God promises to fill. When we do not live up to our expectations as sons and daughters of God, we yet again cease to be like salt and create that thirst.

So be like salt─ add flavor, create thirst, and only say what is necessary. The end result will be souls drawn to God and Him being glorified. What a blessing!

Tracey Bowen
Bethel Apostolic Temple
Miami, Florida

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Monday, March 22th – Coaching for Last Place*

// March 22nd, 2010 // No Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 9:30-41 (NIV)
30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.
33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?”34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
36He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37″Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
38″Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39″Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40for whoever is not against us is for us. 41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.

The task of a coach for any sport or organization is to teach their charges how to win. Our competitive nature usually focuses us toward being first because after all that is the most sought after spot. The one who is first, the best and brightest in our minds, is usually considered the greatest. Greatness from a natural perspective is the place where honor, power and glory lift us high above all others. It is a place where one can easily get off track by the headiness that kind of attention usually brings. After all, who wouldn’t want to be the greatest?
Jesus leads his disciples on an out-of-the-way road in an effort to go unnoticed while reminding them of his ultimate destiny. As they travel, the disciples begin to argue about who among them was the greatest. They were probably debating the notion that surely of the 12 there had to be one that is better than all the rest otherwise what would be the point? Sensing that there has been such a discussion, Jesus calls them together to coach them on how to redirect their focus. It is a simple yet startling game plan: If you want to be first, you have to be last because greatness is achieved by serving.
In serving we learn the importance of compassion, sacrifice and love that Christ modeled in his life work on Earth. As we serve, we are trained to exhibit the principals of integrity, faithfulness and a high standard of humility that allow the Kingdom Building work of Christ to continue in this present age. Our coach has made it possible for us to lose the parts of our selves that need to fall away–our pride and desire to wield power over others so we are able to win souls by humbling ourselves in childlike obedience. Christ ran the play for us on the Cross so we would know how it is done. How did he do it? By losing his life so we would win salvation through him.

Prayer: Empower me to serve you joyfully and humbly, Lord. Allow me to cast down the desire to be the first so that I can draw others to You. You are a Great God and greatly to be praised! Amen

Rev. Carmen Avery Walker, M.Div.
Pastor, Mt. Zion AME Church
Opelika, AL
www.mtzioname.org

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Sunday, March 21st – Be Prepared to Hide*

// March 21st, 2010 // 1 Comment » // LENT, Lent Devotional

John 8:46-59
46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
48The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”
49″I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”
52At this the Jews exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. 53Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57″You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”

58″I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

The scriptures declare that the truth will make you free if you want to be free. It can also cause stones to be thrown at you. The truth is not always embraced by others. When you think that the truth should make the hearer happy, is often when the hearer throws rocks your way. Does that mean that we should shy away from the truth and what we know to be right? No, not at all. It simply means you must be prepared to hide and understand that the rejection of the truth is not about you but it is about the rejection of the God whom you represent.

Jesus stated plainly that “He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” When the truth of God is spoken and not received, it is an indication of where the other person is spiritually, not about you. Jesus was very clear in stating who he was just as his audience was clear in stating who they thought he was, and even asked if he agreed with them. Talk about bold! If you notice, Jesus never wavered. He kept giving example after example that proved who he was until they could take it no more. They wanted him dead and prepared themselves to take his life. However, Jesus was one step ahead of them and was already hidden.

As we seek to say a good word for Jesus in our daily walk, there will be those who will not receive us to the point of wanting to silence us. We can “hide” ourselves by remembering that it is not about us but about the God we represent. We can also hide ourselves by staying grounded in the truth of God’s word ourselves. When we doubt, it leaves us exposed and vulnerable. Lastly, we can hide ourselves by following God’s lead. Every battle is not ours to fight, every sermon is not ours to preach. Speak as God leads and He is obligated to back you up. There is nothing wrong with hiding when you are hidden in Christ. So go ahead and be prepared to hide.

Tracey Bowen
Bethel Apostolic Temple
Miami, Florida

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Saturday, March 20th – Lord, I Believe*

// March 20th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 9:14-29 (NIV)
14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
16″What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.
17A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
19″O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. 22″It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
23″ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil[a] spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”
26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
29He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.

In this passage of scripture, we find a father desperate to find help for his son’s illness. It describes what today would be diagnosed as epilepsy or a seizure disorder. The scripture causes us to visualize the son’s seizure activity and his post ictal (post-seizure) state. It shows the anxieties and fears experienced by the persons witnessing the son’s active illness. The father provides us with insight on how the disease state can horrifically affect a family and a patient’s activity of daily living. Everyone is engulfed in fear because no appropriate or lasting intervention has been provided.

Here Jesus is present and is asked by the father if he CAN help. Jesus reminds us that not only CAN he help but admonishes us to remember that “All things are possible to those that believe.” What are you believing GOD for? What should you be believing HIM for?

Yet when we are faced with difficult challenges ─ especially regarding health, we need assistance with our unbelief. Will they figure out what’s wrong? What will happen if they don’t get better? Is there anymore that can be done?

During these times of anguish and strain, there is an opposing position in faith…Belief interspersed with unbelief. Jesus tells us through the scripture that some things can only come out through prayer (Mark 9:29).

What is it that you have tried unsuccessfully to get out of your life, work, school, or other circumstance? Write your answer down. Place it somewhere that you will see it daily. Then daily pray about it. As the Lord provides you clarity and instruction on the situation, write it down and place it next to your initial concern. As you continue to pray you will notice that the situation is coming out through prayer! Your unbelief is being replaced by belief and confidence. The reality becomes apparent that ALL things truly are possible to him/her that believes.

Have A Healthy Day.

Ouida Collins, MD MPH
Payne Chapel AME Church
Nashville, Tennessee

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Friday, March 19 – Transformed for God’s Glory*

// March 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 9:2-13
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”

Has God transformed me?

According to Webster’s dictionary, transfiguration is defined as a change in form or appearance, a metamorphosis. This exact change is what took place atop of that mountain this day during the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. This same transformation takes place in us as God shapes and molds us in to his disciples. We no longer think on the physical things we can touch or see, rather we focus our hearts, mind and soul on the heavenly treasures that we can not see, but that wait us with our Father. After the cloud appeared and surrounded the disciples, they heard a voice from the cloud “This is my Son, whom I love, Listen to him”. The disciples did not see anyone, but they heard the voice.

Many times the Lord is speaking to us, and are we listening? As disciples of Jesus Christ it’s imperative that we listen to the voice, and listen attentively for what he instructs us to do. Listen for the voice that tells us to do those tasks that are uncomfortable in nature, but necessary, and does not receive the popular vote; listen to the voice that has the almighty power to transform our lives, not for man’s glory rather for the glorification of Jesus Christ! During this season of Lent, simply remember to WAIT, WAIT I say, patiently on the voice of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I am waiting at the top of the mountain, waiting to hear your voice so that I may be transformed for your glory.

Andrea M. White
Mt. Zion AME Church
Greenwood, SC

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.