Monthly Archives: June 2014

06.30.14
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Tread Carefully

Ephesians 5:10 & 11-Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. (New Living Translation) 

Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (New Living Translation)
Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Hence, we begin with a coupling of two significant verses that when paired together create a magnificent lesson. See, our determination is usually flawed, our determination is usually swayed, and our determination can usually be misguided. For our mindsets are stuck within our desires and wants, which stifles the truth from receiving oxygen. Therefore, if truth cannot breathe how can we resuscitate it? Will it be through our own volition? Are we independent from the Father, who breathed life into our bones? The answer is no. In that we fall short everyday of our lives only to crawl back to Christ to ask for his aid. Why? Because we are imperfect creatures with many faults. The reason we seek his strength. The reason we were given companions.  The reason why negative outcomes usually lead to glorious epiphanies. The reason why true happiness, is found within discernment. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

 

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the pureHOPE advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

06.27.14
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Nixing the Nefarious: Ending Sex Trafficking

Note: Our Voices Against the Grain team has been discussing ways to eradicate the evil of sex trafficking. It’s a modern day global slavery that has emerged with a brutality beyond what’s visible in the physical. It breaks the spirit. We stand with our ministry partner, pureHOPE,  to review strategies and tactics to put a nix to the nefarious (“nefarious” meaning “vile, diabolical, heinous, evil”). To restore hope to the hopeless through the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you to our devotional writer Herbert Bowen Jr., who is also a pureHOPE advisory board member, for writing the message below. Following his message below, please view the 6-minute preview of the documentary “Nefarious” which gives more  insight into the dark underworld of sex trafficking and its victims.  As God’s people and concerned citizens, we are called to make a stand today.

Proverbs 12:1- To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

What a blessing it is to be in the presence of the Lord. What a blessing it is to see his plan unfold before our very eyes. What a blessing it is to commune with role models like my friend Noel Bouché from our ministry partner, Purehope. It’s through his consistent and avid guidance that gives me hope for today. It’s through his discipline and persistence to enact change in a world dominated by the perversion of men. It’s through hearing the Lord’s voice to remain faithful to the laborious task of ending the trafficking of women. Therefore, may we sympathize with this cause as if our sister, mother, son or daughter were showcased within this arena. For the spotlight is too refulgent for us to see the dire need of change. The reason we must shield the glare in order to uncover the atrocities cached within obscurity. Thus, let our eyes be opened to what lies before us and stand united as brothers/sisters against this nefarious evil. Amen


About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

 

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the pureHOPE advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

06.26.14
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Truth, Camouflage or False: Exercise Discernment

“You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.” –Psalm 119:65-66 (New American Standard Bible)

 

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If you want to know the power of the Word of God and its benefits, read the entire chapter of Psalm 119. In this chapter, you will soon realize the Christian’s need for the Word of God. If you wholly trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you now have the gift of the Holy Spirit to help guide you through every single decision or circumstance you will face today and in the future. As Christians, we must distinguish truth from error. We need to exercise always a discerning spirit.

We live in a deceitful world, half-truths mixed with truth and counterfeit ideas where we need to constantly ask ourselves: “Am I hearing the truth or not?”

Unfortunately, I have visited many churches and heard many Pastors’ preach sermons where the content was not biblically based and it pained my heart to walk out of those churches each time.  And I think of the Christians who remained in those pews possibly and probably believing that what they were hearing was a message from “The Lord.” It is the responsibility of the Pastor to teach right doctrine according to the Bible.-Ezekiel 44:22-23 I want to caution and exhort you to discern always. Discerning is about making right-judgments. It’s not about judging someone in a condemning sort of fashion but it’s about making sure that you are truly listening to the voice of God.

Many folks will go to church year after year, week after week and never learn how to listen to the voice of God because they put their trust in a Pastor who may be telling them a message totally erroneous and contradictory to the Word of God. Any church that does not believe in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, from cover to cover, leave that church as fast as you can before you and your family are contaminated by false doctrine. The Bible says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”-1 John 4:1 And for the unbeliever confronted with truth, the Bible says“But a natural man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” –1 Corinthians 2:14

We must constantly be reading the Word of God so that we can discern rightly. If we neglect it, in no time we’ll begin to start thinking as the world thinks. We live in an age where we are constantly bombarded with information. Think about how much time we spend listening to the TV, radio, and music and then the little time we read spending the word of God.

In no time at all, naturally, the messages of the world’s viewpoints will start over powering God’s viewpoints on life decisions and circumstances. No Christian can live a godly life with a closed Bible. You cannot. It is absolutely essential to recognizing God’s voice (truth), counterfeit, or what is not truth. Friend, I caution you to stay in the Word of God so that you can learn to discern in a world where truth is becoming less and less. God bless you. Amen.

-Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born on November 29, 1989 in Brooklyn, New York. However, at two years old he and his family moved to Philadelphia, PA. Later, Jason moved to Limerick, PA where he now resides. Jason is currently working toward obtaining his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the great commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the gospel to be spread from nation to nation. On a yearly basis, Jason primarily goes to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year Haiti Christianity visits different cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothes, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly evangelization takes place. Jason is currently their public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to be spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively.

 

06.25.14
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Our Fortress, Our Deliverer: How God Delights in the Faithful

Psalm 18: I will love thee O Lord my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God my strength, in whom I trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies. (King James Version)

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If we read further into the chapter, David who wrote the psalm states: 20 the Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me 21 For I kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

David gained victory and was rewarded because God delighted in him verse 19.  He delighted in him because David was righteous and walked according to God’s ways.  The Bible is our guide on how to honor God and live a righteous life.  If we uphold the word of God in all areas of our lives, at work, at home, in relationships, behind closed doors—God will indeed be our rock, fortress and our deliverer.  However, if we daily deny him and give into the dictates of our flesh never repenting, never turning then we will reap the consequences of sowing to our flesh.  We can choose our actions but we cannot choose our consequences.

-Ana

 

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative is Georgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

06.24.14
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168 Children Rescued: Don’t Let the Quiet Fool You

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Not in a faraway land. Right here in America. Next door.  “America’s children,” as FBI Director James Comey called them. On Monday, 168 of “America’s children” were rescued from sex trafficking during a nationwide FBI crackdown known as Operation Cross Country. In addition to the children rescued, 281 pimps were arrested, according to the Associated Press.

I know you and many will join Voices Against the Grain and our ministry partner pureHOPE, grateful that these 168 children were rescued from sexual exploitation. Justice is in progress and restoration can begin for these children and their families broken by injustice. In Joel 2:25, God promises to “restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” We support pureHOPE in their mission of providing Christian solutions in a sexualized culture. We oppose sexual exploitation by teaching and modeling God’s design for sexual purity and relationships. To learn more about pureHOPE and their pursuit of justice in a sexualized society, read here.

In celebrating those rescued, the battle is not over. UNICEF reports more than 1.2 million children are trafficked yearly worldwide—a $32 billion commercial sex industry. Have we unknowingly walked by these children in our neighborhoods? In the streets? Are we too caught up in our daily routines to notice? Or does the quiet numb our awareness?

Human_Trafficking

A few Saturdays ago, I was awoken around 5:30 a.m. by a woman’s blood-curdling screams in my urban DC neighborhood. Screams that were raw and hysterical. Through her screams she was crying and repeated the words, “Why would you do this to me?! Why would you do this to me?!” I got up, walked to the window to see who was screaming. It was becoming clear something terrible had happened to her.

It wasn’t the rising sun peeking through my windows that awoke me. Nor the usual bird chirping or pigeon cooing that stirred my peaceful sleep. Wasn’t even the usual traffic noise of the city. The evil that occupies our world was here and it rang in the painful, guttural cries from a woman who I could not see but only hear from my window. Shortly, I heard the sirens of police arriving on the scene. To help from my position, I went to my knees in prayer for her that God would help her heal from whatever had occurred.

An hour later, the neighborhood was once again quiet and the birds were chirping. The streets gave no evidence that evil had struck there. The quietness gives the illusion that all is well. But that is precisely what has enabled some of our complacency, giving rise to more evil, giving it permission to occupy our communities.  Don’t let the quiet fool you.

At Voices Against the Grain and as the Body of Christ, we are called to be light in darkness and in a fallen world; to bring hope to the broken; to bring justice to injustices. God has anointed each of us to be the answer to a problem; to advance His Kingdom; to be His hands and feet where others dare not tread. If we’re silent on these and other matters, the darkness will surely prevail.

Are you being too quiet? Are you enjoying the quiet too much?

 

 

 

06.23.14
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Don’t Believe? Just Watch

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. (For we walk by faith, not by sight).  

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If you have ever heard “you can’t do it,” or “that is impossible” I urge you to recite this phrase: Don’t believe me, just watch… Us as we climb the mountain of improbability. Don’t believe me, just watch…Us as we corner the elusive fly of ill-repute and crush it beneath our boot. Don’t believe me, just watch…Us as God multiplies our territory to serve His purpose in order to maximize our greatest potential. Don’t believe me, just watch…Us as we shun every fear of failure, even when the world tells us we should give up. Don’t believe just watch…Hence, our faith is the lamp to which we will illuminate our path. It is the essence that breeds hope and ensures confidence in the journey we were set on. For the concerns of success and the likelihood of Tom’s forecast are placed in his hands, instead of our own. Thus, may we stand with the patience of Job and the courage of Daniel, as God works everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the pureHOPE advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

06.20.14
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Faith to Trust God’s Plans

“I don’t see the big picture. I don’t have a clue. But I know God does. I’m going to declare that, even if I don’t feel it right now.” — Steven Curtis Chapman, Christian singer-songwriter

 

Jeremiah 29:11NIV  11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 
Jeremiah 29:11NASB 11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope
 
Jeremiah 29:11ASV 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.
 
Minister Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

Minister Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

Absolutely one of my favorite scriptures to stand on when I am struggling with making a decision or when my well-laid plans have come up empty.  It’s interesting that no matter how it’s translated, a few things stand out to me:

 
1. God knows!  I don’t, but God does.  I am so thankful that He does.  So what does He know?  His thoughts and His plans for me/us.

 

2. God says/declares!  Hallelujah!  When God speaks, it is so, it is done!  You can take what He says to the bank, to the boardroom, to the doctor, to the courtroom.  You can especially take what God says or declares to the most important place of all…the mirror. (I’ll let that one sink in for a minute.)

 

3. God’s thoughts/plans for me/us is for our good and NOT for our harm.   Let me repeat the last part…NOT FOR OUR HARM.

 

4. So then, what does it mean when bad things happen to us? When our plans don’t turn out the way we wanted them to?  What it simply means is that points 1, 2 and 3 are STILL in effect!  Our circumstances, our plans, our situations does not change the facts that God knows, God has said and declared and that His thoughts and plans are for our good…period!  Now the final point from this scripture:

 

5. Everything God has done and is doing is to give us hope for the future. The future that He has prepared for us.  To be with Him for all eternity.

 

No the journey is not smooth and laid out with roses and a sweet smell.  I have not read in God’s Word where He has said or declared that it would be. But His Word is filled with a hope and a love that tells us that He longs for us to love Him, to trust Him and to depend solely upon Him.
 
I don’t know what tomorrow may bring. I may be told that my job has been eliminated and my services are no longer needed. The doctor may tell me that the pain I have in my body means that I have only a few days left to live. No matter what bad news may come, it will never change the fact that God is bigger and greater than anything we will face in life. It will not change the fact that God is the creator of all and He alone is in Charge! He sits on the throne of glory and Christ is at His right hand.
 
We can make all the plans we want, and believe me I have made many. But if they do not line up with what our Heavenly Father has put into place, we will never achieve the fullness of life that God has prepared for us.  Now here’s the final piece of the puzzle for you this morning. WE must decide if what God has planned for us is satisfactory.  Is it okay that what God thinks is good for us, is acceptable?  Isn’t that absolutely crazy when you think about us deciding if what God wants for us is acceptable? ( Lord, please forgive me for my foolish thinking.)

 

Here’s a thought to consider and maybe for us to declare today: Lord, I want to know your ways and will for my life above all else. And then, to have the faith to walk in the way you desire for me. 
 
I like quoting Jeremiah 29:11.  But if you go down to verse 13, you will understand the key to God’s declaration.
 
Jeremiah 29:13NKJV 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
 
It is easy to place our plans in front of God and beg and/or demand that He approves them.  But if there is one thing I have come to learn in my limited time here is that it’s not about my plans.  It’s not about what I want.  It’s solely about what God has ordained, through His Word and Will for me.
 
Yes, I/we have been allowed to choose which plans to go after.  Ours or God’s.  Think about it and choose wisely.
 
Thank you Lord. You have been there for us, even when we have not realized it. You know our coming and our going and you have prepared the perfect path for us to travel. We thank you that when we get off this path, the Holy Spirit guides us back to it. We desire, want and need so much. Help us to realize that all we need is You. Let the light of your love shine in and through us today. We sing praises of your goodness and mercy today. Thank you Lord for everything. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 

Have a very blessed day and weekend, knowing that God will always be there when you call.

 

Minister Dracy
After God’s Own Heart Ministries
Luke 4:18-19 …to bring Good News…
06.18.14
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Stay Close for He Knows Your Path

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you.

YOU ARE MY BELOVED CHILD. I chose you before the foundation of the world, to walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you. Concentrate on keeping in step with Me, instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you. If you trust that My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, you can relax and enjoy the present moment.

Your hope and your future are rooted in heaven, where eternal ecstasy awaits you. Nothing can rob you of your inheritance of  unimaginable riches and well-being. Sometimes I grant you glimpses of your glorious future, to encourage you and spur you on. But your main focus should be staying close to Me. I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes.

proverbs-16-9

 

Accompanying Scriptures: Ephesians 1:4, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:13-14, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14- who is a deposit guaranteeing your inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (New International Version)

 

06.16.14
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Wait Patiently and Confidently

Romans 8:25-But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If we “wait patiently and confidently”… two words that bear righteous fruit in the eyes of the Lord. If we are impatient and doubtful… Well, we have put our trust not in the Lord, but in the circumstances this world lays before us. Therefore, may our actions be rash and indecisive. May our countenance reflect the image of a person stranded on the side of the road with no car or phone. May God look down upon us and see an organic machine calibrated to rely on their own strength. For God has moved into the shadows to observe his creation. Fortunately, for us these statements are false. Why? Because God is AAA/Triple A when we need a tow. Why? Because God is the 5 hr energy needed to complete our day. Why? Because God is the author and finisher of our faith. Thus, when our minds are saturated in the marinade of doubt, let us look toward the SON and soak in the heavenly rays. Amen

 

 

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

 

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the pureHOPE advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

06.13.14
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Intimacy With the Father

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” –Psalm 63:1-8

What an admirable and authentic intimate relationship we see in this passage of scripture between David and the father. At a time when it would have been understandable if David felt confused, alienated, afraid or hopeless, he decided that he would put his trust in God and give him praises. David had been crowned King of Israel and yet he had not yet taken the throne or began to rule. Instead he was sojourning from cave to cave and wilderness to wilderness running away from King Saul and other enemies. However, like a child who finds security in his parents, David consistently remembered the faithfulness of God. “The Lord will work out his plans for my life-for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”–Psalm 138:8

Friend, an intimate loving relationship with the Lord is of a different quality than that which we experience with people. Often times in our relationships with people we don’t go beyond the touch and feeling and are satisfied with what is presented on the surface. But the very reason we were created was for us to come into an intimate relationship with God. And the only way in which we can truly come to know him is if we transcend the physical into the spiritual. “For God is spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” –John 4:24 And we have the capacity to come to know him and worship in the spirit because we were made in his image. For the Bible says, “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” –Genesis 1:26

Friend, like David knew, God is personally INTERESTED IN YOU. Yes you! He wants you to enter into a loving spiritual intimate relationship with him that is beyond what you can see, touch, and feel. One that is open and transparent. A relationship that is loving, trusting, honest, and free. If you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal savior, you don’t have to worry about judgment and him condemning you for what you have to share with him. This relationship is different than that you experience with people.

When you pray, EXPECT God to respond back to you. An intimate relationship with God requires real TIME and EFFORT. It’s a two-way street of prayer and listening. Hurriedness, pride, and rebellion will undoubtedly block us from the benefits of understanding, stability, security, and serenity we can experience in an intimate relationship with God.  Friend, I have named a few of benefits of intimacy with God. There is so much more. Spend time with him today. When we express love to God, we are giving ourselves to him totally and completely for his purpose to bring him joy. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guards your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 4:7 Amen. God bless you.

-Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born on November 29, 1989 in Brooklyn, New York. However, at two years old he and his family moved to Philadelphia, PA. Later, Jason moved to Limerick, PA where he now resides. Jason is currently working toward obtaining his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the great commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the gospel to be spread from nation to nation. On a yearly basis, Jason primarily goes to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year Haiti Christianity visits different cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothes, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly evangelization takes place. Jason is currently their public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to be spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively.