by vatg4him

You Gave Me Life

Matthew 11:28- Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

The burden…Blessed be for that burden. For the burden was not carried by you or me, but by 1 deity for all the world to see. A thorn-pricked head and nail-pierced hands, His blood dripped steadily onto that land. Thus, the sight became too hard to bear as we turned our heads in hopes to suppress our cares. The image of this man was etched into the inner sanctum of our dreams. A staple, a benchmark, this man was not ordinary; he was more, much more, perhaps the word is extraordinary. Hence, we live because of Him. For Christ stopped the clock from ticking and granted a rebirth to all who believe. For Christ constructed a bridge that was formed due to His sacrifice, a selfless act that provided us a chance to live in eternity. For even the earth groaned and the sky cried for they knew that this man was the Son of God. Therefore, may we all say thank you. 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. At his current age of 24, 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.

04.18.14

by vatg4him

The Narrow Path, A Wide Future

The following message from our devotional writer Ana Martinez, reminds us the perfect gift we have in Jesus Christ. On this Good Friday, we celebrate our unimaginable opportunity of everlasting life, peace, true freedom, true living, through His dying for our sins. His living, death and resurrection has shown us the many challenges and definite promise of a victorious and better way of life. Thank you LORD! We love you. -Nicole

Matthew 7:13-14- “Enter ye at the straight gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (King James Version)

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

You may wonder what this means. Most people choose the wide road (the way of the world), as it appears inviting and says “do what you want,” “do what feels good to you now,” it’s your life.” This road leads to destruction. Whereas, the narrow road (the path to righteousness) is a road less traveled. It is a road of discipline and self-control; a much harder road, but in the end leads to everlasting life. It says “die to your flesh,” “surrender all,” “Do not conform to the ways of this world,” “Do not compromise your beliefs.”

Jesus IS the way. God came down to earth in flesh to show us a better way; a life worth living. Verse 14 says “few there be that find it.” Not everyone will travel the narrow road that leads to righteousness because they are not willing to surrender all. But I challenge you to live as Jesus did. Before His death upon the cross, he kneeled down and prayed for He knew what was to come. Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

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.

04.17.14

by vatg4him

Transplant of the Heart

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” –Jeremiah 17:9-11 (New Living Translation)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

There is a God who is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. This one God knows all hearts and minds. Some people may be afraid by the truth that our lives are laid bare before our Creator. For the Bible says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”- Hebrews 4:13. Jesus, who is the full human manifestation of God, at one point, exposed the hearts of the Pharisees who were attempting to make people accountable to their unbearable demands and/or laws.

He said, “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs-beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.” – Matthew 23:27-28

What is the condition of your heart today?

Is it focused on your money? Career? Prestige? Power? Immoral relationships or other? Or is it focused on Jesus Christ? “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” – Matthew 6:24. “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”-Luke 12:21. The Book of Proverbs is uniquely rich in its practical wise teachings for daily living. Within this book, matters of the heart are discussed frequently. It encourages us to guard our hearts, for it affects everything we do. –Proverbs 4:23

If you are a Christian, it is important to monitor what you are watching, listening to, what you say, and what you do. Our hearts can be easily and quickly influenced. Friend, if you have backslidden in your walk with Christ, I encourage you to renew your heart in him today. Make Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven your treasure. “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” Matthew 6:21. For everything here on earth is temporary. In this life, we are continuous being sanctified in Jesus Christ. Don’t settle for the lie that Satan often tells us, “This is the way I am. God made me this way. I can’t stop.” This is false. You have a helper and power readily available to you in the Holy Spirit for your heart to continue on the path to purity. Be courageous in your heart transplant. For God is with you and will not abandon your desire to become more like his son Jesus Christ. “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”-Matthew 5:8

-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.

04.16.14

by vatg4him

Brunch and Strip Clubs

Romans 12:2- “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (New Living Translation)

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

While I don’t like it, I’ve come to accept that some people wish I would leave Jesus at home, stored away in a box. Don’t bring Jesus to work, to the dinner conversation, our weekend plans, or other. His name can present a conflict of interest to the world’s ideas, if you know what I mean.

Recently, some of my colleagues were planning an outing that would serve to unite us in fun outside of work projects. They asked ideas for the outing. One colleague suggested a dance club/strip club for our outing. I wondered if I was the only one in the room adverse to the idea of going to a strip club. I’ve never been to a strip club and am not about to start now. Besides, my dollars spent at the strip club would diminish the fact that these persons on the pole are also “created in the image and likeness of God” (Genesis 1:26), “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and that Jesus died on the cross to free them from the pole.

Interestingly, some of the others supported the idea and one other person would stand with me on the side of values. Steering the conversation’s trajectory, I suggested the idea of going to brunch. While some nodded their heads at my suggestion, you could tell it was like telling a child to write their book report instead of egging the neighbor’s car. 🙂

Why do people want me to change who I am? My character? I’m not a shapeshifter who has one foot in the world when it suits me and others, and then one foot in Christ only when it is appropriate and going to be well-received. The following image (borrowed from Firestarter Ablaze) conveys my thoughts exactly:

Enough said. If anyone wants to join me for orange juice, eggs and all the trimmings of brunch, please do!

04.15.14

by vatg4him

God Prunes Us to Produce Fruit

“The vine dresser is never nearer the vine than when He is pruning it.” — Anonymous

Minister Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

John 15:1-8 NLT 1 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

There is a main reason that vines are pruned; so that they can grow stronger and produce more fruit.

Jesus tells us; no encourages us, to have faith, that our hardships and trials are for a purpose. At least for those who belong to Him.

What amazes me at times, is that we still go through many hardships and trials in life, without Christ. And without Him, those same trials and hardships only bring despair, fear, frustration and hopelessness.

Why not allow God to do the pruning instead of the world? Think about it. It should be an easy decision. Maybe this will help: while God simply prunes, the world uproots, destroys and wipes away all signs of life.

Trust God. Believe God. Allow God to give you purpose and hope.

Minister Dracy

After God’s Own Heart Ministries

Luke 4:18-19 …to bring Good News…

04.14.14

by vatg4him

You Love Me Not, You Love Me

Psalm 80:17- “Strengthen the man you love, the son of your choice.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Strengthen the ability to love within a soul that harbors ill will toward the caring embrace of another. Loosen the chains on a heart protected by archers who are primed to fire on any invader. Destroy preconceived notions that slowly drip into the linings of our thoughts. Stricken us with amnesia to forget the past in order to prepare us for our futures. Allow love to infiltrate our lives like a ninja advancing toward its target. Help us Lord, before our hearts become frozen, for a tragedy is being written and our hearts are playing lead. Hence, prep our ears so we might hear your words, and our minds to recall your acts of love. For you showed us that love can be genuine in a world full of lies. You showed us that love is not overrated if we seek others before ourselves. You showed us that sacrifice is the greatest form of love. Thus, strengthen your sons and daughters Lord so we might emulate you. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

04.07.14

by vatg4him

Compliments for the Soul

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Luke 19:17- “Well done!” the king exclaimed. “You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.” (New Living Translation)

Listen carefully and heed the words of this verse, as pride and impatience seek to run roughshod over us. For this indomitable foe is full of ingenuity and seeks to infiltrate the very core of our being. Here, these emotions transform to resemble barnacles, which latch themselves to the inner linings of our hearts and minds, “for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Therefore, we’re worthless, due to our self-gratifying mindsets. We are worthless in our rationality as God’s plan manifests itself too slowly for our liking. We are worthless in our intelligence to forget that pride was the impetus that decimated kingdoms. If you’re like myself, then ‘worthless’ is not a word to associate with, but rather ‘fruitful,’ which tells me that one day, you too, will hear those glorious words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

04.03.14

by vatg4him

Enduring Temptation

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Your temptations are no different from what others experience. Yet, God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

“Why me Lord? Why is this only happening to me?” While it may seem that your temptation is unique to your life situation in the way that it affects you, others have experienced it before you or are currently enduring the same. To endure essentially means exercise patience through trouble or suffering. You are not alone friend. The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish his purpose in us.

You say, “What good is there in my temptations and sufferings?” If you trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are now being molded and transformed each day into His likeness. For 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” As painful as it may sound, that means even sharing in the suffering of Jesus Christ. Yet, take courage for we have One who understands fully and will meet our every need. “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” -2 Corinthians 1:5

God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey him. The Bible says that he will show us a way out so that we can endure. But our hearts must be in tuned with the Spirit so that we can listen carefully to his will for our lives. One of God’s requirements for maximum usefulness is brokenness. This is also a way to be in tune with the Spirit through prayer. This walk of faith, I urge you friend, don’t walk it alone. Call up a Christian Brother or Sister in whom you trust and share your valley experiences with them. The truth is, we learn more in our valleys than on our mountaintops.

Find joy in obeying Christ today. For one day, we will be rewarded here either here through our blessings on earth, in eternal life, or at our Savior’s return. “So think clearly, and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ.” -1 Peter 1:13 Amen

Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

04.02.14

by vatg4him

Walk in God’s Amazing Gift of Grace

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9- Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (King James Bible)

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Something that was said during the March 26, 2014, Voices Against the Grain radio show episode entitled “Celebrating Faith and Family,” truly spoke to me. One of the guests (Lilly Hayes) mentioned the importance of walking in grace. I did not truly recognize exactly what it meant to walk in His grace. I knew I was forgiven, set free and His amazing grace is what rescued me but I still was trying so hard to do everything right. I can’t change my past or failures and I will continue to fall short—yet I have found hope in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ rest upon me.” (King James Bible)

His grace is so precious and so sweet and I am basking in it. I can feel His peace within me and His grace and strength rest upon me. Once we truly “Fully” walk in His Grace we can see ourselves the way Jesus sees us. We can walk in truth and know that through Him we are more than Conquerors and He alone is what is holding us togther. We then must extend that same grace toward others along with mercy to those who mistreat us. By doing this, we are not only walking in grace but living in it.

I leave you with a song of encouragement (play video below):

“In Heavenly armor we’ll enter the land the battle belongs to the Lord

No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand the battle belongs to the Lord

We sing glory and honor power and strength to the Lord

We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord

When the power of darkness comes in like a flood the battle belongs to The Lord

He’s raised up a standard, the power of His Blood the battle belongs to The Lord

We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord

When the enemy presses in hard do not fear the battle belongs to The Lord”

Take courage my friend. Your redemption is near and the battle belongs to The Lord!

Ana

About Ana Martinez

04.01.14

by vatg4him

Everything In Its Time

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. The message truly spoke to me! -Nicole

STOP TRYING TO WORK THINGS OUT before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today’s agenda. If it isn’t, release it into My care and go on about today’s duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything, and everything in its time.

A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace.

Accompanying Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (New International Version)