Tag Archives: God

05.06.15
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The Sweet Smell of Victory

And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them. (Daniel 3:27)

Jill Tomlinson, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer, co-founder of Transcend Ministries

Jill Tomlinson, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer, co-founder of Transcend Ministries

The men referred to in this scripture were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—friends of Daniel and servants of the Living God. When they refused to bow and worship King Nebuchadnezzar instead of the One True God, the king was enraged. The penalty for their rebellion was death by fire. King Nebuchadnezzar instructed his men to heat the fire seven times hotter than usual before throwing the three men into the pit. Surely this would quench his prideful rage and satisfy his wrathful vengeance.

The fire was so hot that the men responsible for throwing them into the blazing inferno burned to death as they approached the rim. However, something very different happened to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They fell into the fire, but they were completely untouched by it. They were not alone in the blaze. When King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the fire, he saw another man walking with them, and when they emerged from the fiery flames, the three men were totally unharmed!

shadrach meshach-fiery-furnance-360x513

Even when they were facing death by fire, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego never saw themselves as victims. They saw themselves as victors. They knew beyond any doubt that they were God’s and as such, they would prevail. The fire had no power on them. Even their hair and clothes were untouched. And perhaps most amazing of all, they didn’t even smell like smoke!

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we have a choice in every situation. Will we see ourselves as victims to the circumstances of life and react accordingly, or will we refuse the lie and choose to believe truth instead? As children of God, we have been made victorious through Christ. When we look to Him—the fourth Man in the fire, we will diffuse the sweet fragrance of Him, instead of the stench of smoke.  The fire may get hot, but it has no lasting power on you and me as children of the Living God!

If you find yourself in a difficult, hot mess today, choose to walk as a victor and trust the fourth Man in the fire. Stay in His protective embrace. Victors aren’t victors because they have never walked through a fire. Victors are victors because they choose to walk in Truth!    

– Jill

Jill is an author, writer, speaker, and teacher. In her book, No More Lies, Jill leads others through the same journey of biblical truth that brought her freedom and wholeness. Jill and her husband, Jimmy, are the founders of Transcend Ministries—a ministry dedicated to empowering the body of Christ and making disciples worldwide through teaching, writing, and evangelism. They reside in Colorado and have four amazing children—two daughters, a son, and a son-in-law. For more information or to order her book visit www.transcendministries.org.

Learn more about Jill Tomlinson here.

04.01.15
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Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

Colossians 1:11-12- We pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so you will have the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Take a look at the snapshot presented before us. A concise and  precise view into the attributes and actions that will align us with our Lord. First up: endurance, which is the ability to continue or last, despite fatigue, or adverse conditions. Second: patience, which is the steady perseverance to continue when confronted with delay. Two words, one outcome provided by the God Who is, Who gives us strength to stay the course. Thus, when we remain within these principles we locate a well of joy previously untapped. This well becomes our life source as it contains the Living Water needed to carry out our day. This well has provided us many blessings, which we must be prepared to share with others.
(#Godsway)

 

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. 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.

 

03.19.15
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Mama’s Got a Brand New Bag!

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Copycats…right down to the jeans you wear, to how you style your hair, to the same schools you attended, degrees you earned to the professional titles you hold…and now to the SAME RED bag (purse) you carry. Where does it end??

The good news: I keep it real. The bad news: I keep it real. 

This topic is inspired by a powerful phone conversation I enjoyed with a dear friend a couple weeks ago. We’re alike in many ways, understanding very well each other’s line of thought, moral base, systems for operating, etc. The crescendo of our conversation entered the two-hour mark and by that time I responded to her, “Preach, woman!”

In short, she shared how a former college classmate and work colleague has copied her path. It’s questionable if the particular profession she’s patterned after my friend’s is even her true heart’s desire. The copycat simply fixed her eyes on the heights my friend’s path has taken her to and she wanted to acquire that same territory. My friend’s unique path has become the copycat’s idol. So much so, that she purchased the SAME red bag that my friend carries. Lord help!   lrg-red-bag

In my keeping it real with you, understand these three truths:

TRUTH 1: Everybody wants your formula for obtaining YOUR success. But they could hardly know all the sweat, tears, frustrations, lessons learned, starts and fits, doubts, pep talks, prayers, worries, second and third winds that are intricately blended into your “secret sauce.” They simply want the cookie-cutter pattern, the 11 secret herbs and spices without going through the laborious efforts, the hills and valleys or the necessary stretching to reach the next level.

TRUTH 2: It’s a privilege to mentor someone to aid them in successfully walking out their own unique path. It’s also a blessing that perhaps you’ve lived your life in such a way that people desire to pattern their lives after you. But taken too far, it becomes idolatry. The only One we should seek, pursue and pattern our very lives after is Jesus Christ.

TRUTH 3: You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). No carbon copies. God says in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (New International Version). You’ve been set apart—for His purposes—for paths and purposes unique to you, not to be compared to others. You’ve been equipped with unique gifts to reach a specific population of people. As told in Proverbs 18:16, A person’s gift opens doors for him/her, bringing him/her access before important people. (International Standard Version)

Our God is Awesome! God is always doing new things (Isaiah 43:19)! We should always be growing, doing new things because this is what He desires for us! Frankly, what God did for you in 2013, won’t be the same thing He does for you in 2015! So those who seek to copy you and get your “secret sauce” will be working from old material! God is already directing you somewhere new!

There’s no secret formula, only to walk the path you are called to.

Get your own color bag because we’re already onto the ‘new.’ Mama’s got a brand new bag!

-Nicole

Nicole D. Hayes is the founder of Voices Against the Grain, a bold teaching ministry launched in May 2013. Nicole’s purpose in creating Voices Against the Grain is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amid confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration.

01.02.15
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Clean Hands, Unclean Heart

And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” –Matthew 15:16-20 (English Standard Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

In the preceding verses of this chapter we find Jesus being questioned by the Pharisees and teachers of the law when they asked him, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” –Matthew 15:2  And you recall during those days, humanly speaking, these Pharisees and teachers of the law were great respected men among the people of Israel. For they could quote the scriptures easily, they attended the church (synagogue) regularly, spoke eloquently, gave money to great causes, and other things of that nature. To a blind eye observing these men, one might say there are the men I want to follow and be like for they are close to God! Yes! They are the true leaders of Israel!

Well not so to Jesus. He retorted to their question sharply saying, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” –Matthew 15:3  For Jesus is God and he knew the condition of their hearts. He knew that externally these men looked very godly but internally, their inner man, was unclean. It’s like some people today. They come to church every Sunday, they’re involved in ministries, give lots of money to foundations and some even preach and seem to have gained a large following of people that respect them. “You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” –Matthew 15:7-9

Jesus sought to teach the Pharisees that it isn’t outward ceremonial traditions such as the washing of the hands (traditions) that makes one clean and pleasing to God but it is a changed heart and keeping the commands of God that God approves.

You and I recognize our sinful nature and realize that sin exists in a fallen world. How is it then that one’s heart can be changed? We certainly can’t do it by our own strength. We’ll fail over and over again. The answer is, we must be born again. Jesus said, “Truly, Truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” –John 3:5-6 Only the pure in heart, a heart that is changed by Jesus Christ, the incarnated God, through the forgiveness of sin believing on the saving work that he did on the cross for you and for me will see God face to face in heaven. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. –Matthew 5:8clean heart

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? (Be in his presence) The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bride against the innocent. –Psalm 15:1-5 Amen

Lord, create in us a clean heart.

-Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. 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 person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

11.07.14
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A Grateful Heart

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in him you have been made complete, and he is the head over all rule and authority; -Colossians 2:6-10. (New American Standard Bible)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Imagine you give your child a gift. This gift you gave from the bottom of your heart. You even put some money aside for weeks just to make sure you purchased this special gift for your child. The child receives it and asks you, “Is that all?”

How would you feel? The question the child asked implies ungratefulness and often times we treat God our Heavenly Father that way as well. When God gives us something and we want more we often fail to ask ourselves, “God am I expressing gratitude at this moment?”giving gift

A person who is really godly is a person who is grateful.

Our passage of scripture encourages us to have a spirit that overflows with gratitude. It is even interesting what precedes the overflow. The scriptures says that now that we have received Christ Jesus the Lord we are to walk in him and to be firmly rooted and built up in him. Out of a relationship with Jesus Christ, gratefulness can be developed.

The Good News (The Gospel) still is good news. The Bible says that Jesus Christ redeemed us by dying on the cross for our sins and was resurrected three days later. Jesus is the foundation of gratefulness. It is upon that truth we understand our eternal security and that we too will have a bodily resurrection. We can be grateful because he also gives us peace, the Holy Spirit to comfort us and the many gifts given to us to live a purposeful life.

When you have a grateful heart, your walk, talk, and attitudes are different. You recognize that it’s all of God and none of you. You recognize that he is the source of everything that comes to you. You’re friendly toward others, fruitful, joyful, motivated, generous, peaceful, and thoughtful of others. All of these are some of the notable evidences of a grateful heart. Gratefulness is a contagious spirit.

However, take heed to verse 8 of the scripture. You’ve heard before that “misery loves company.” Let no one steer you in a direction to take your eyes off of Christ. For the cousin of gratefulness would love to pay you a visit: his name is “despair,” and he tends to leave the markings of destruction wherever he sets in. Remember the provision of Christ. Remember his promise of protection. Remember his word. Remember he promised us an eternal home in heaven and when think on these truths, you will see that a grateful heart can be felt on the inside and radiated to the world on the outside. Be blessed.

-Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. 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 person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

 

 

 

 

11.06.14
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Dispel Fear through Faith in God

Joel 2:6- Fear grips all the people; every face grows pale with terror. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Hush, silence your phone, stop the car, and listen. Go to a quiet place to which you can hear your heart beating. Now relax… For living in the moment of tranquility creates rational beings. Now assess… What is the situation God has brought upon me? In the same breath, remember the situations God has brought you through. This in turn will aid in forgoing the pessimism that seeks to invade your mind. Now observe… What happened to your heart beat? Did it slow down? If it did, then you are now operating out of faith. In that fear is nothing more than an inundated raft trying to float amongst the rapids, which leads to the rapids overtaking us. Our lungs are now filled with the very liquid that kept us alive. But God… Saw our lifeless bodies and said, “Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again” (Ezekiel 37:5). Thus, fear cannot harm us when we have the Lifegiver, or God on our side. 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.
08.20.14
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When It Doesn’t Make Sense

Sudden/unexpected death of a loved one. Death of a child. Diagnosed with a serious illness when you’re doing all the right things. Faithfully and promptly going to work each day only to be handed your last paycheck. Missile strikes commercial jet, killing all crew and passengers aboard. Unarmed teen and robbery suspect in Ferguson, Mo., shot six times, fatally by police officer. When it doesn’t make sense.   man with question marks

This week in particular I’ve repeated the words “this doesn’t make sense” when I learned of the sudden passing of a dear friend. A young person, loved by his wife, family, friends and co-workers, his death seems unfair and leaves us wanting to understand the reasoning behind. We’re simply left to deal with the outcome, best handled on our knees in prayer. Prayers amounting in a few words, cries and groans, simply because there are no words. The one-worded question that resurfaces throughout is “Why?”

I’ve learned that such questions cannot be fully answered with an intellectual answer. God exists and operates beyond our human intellect and comprehension (read the Lord’s three-chapter response to Job’s questions in Job 38-41). Trust that nothing God does is random; He has a plan though we may not understand it on this side. What I do know is that God is sovereign—He’s in control of everything. We have to trust God even when life doesn’t make sense.

The following devotional written by brother-in-Christ Minister Dracy Jenkins is right on time. The encouragement offered in his message brought me some solace and I pray it brings you comfort and peace as well.  God bless you and in prayer.   -Nicole

“Anyone can thank God for the light. Jesus teaches us to thank God for the night. He says to us, ‘You’ll get through this!’  And we will.” – Max Lucado

 

Minister Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

Minister Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

1 Corinthians 11:23b-24a- On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24- and gave thanks to God for it. (New Living Translation)

For a long time, I focused on the Last Supper as Jesus shared one last meal with His Disciples and encouraged them for the times to come, when He was to leave them and return to Heaven. However, as we have read many times, Jesus’s words often contain much more than we initially hear and realize.

 

To understand the concept that even though Jesus was about to go through a horrendous ordeal at the hands of His enemies, He demonstrated the importance of giving thanks to our Heavenly Father. While we may not fully know what we will face tomorrow, Jesus did.  And regardless, Jesus knew He needed to continue to praise God and thank Him for all that He had.

 

This is a critical lesson I know I must learn and demonstrate.  I believe we all must learn this to truly demonstrate not only our love for Him, but our gratitude and faith in Him.

 

We are all going through something fearful, unpleasant or not what we wanted or expected.  If you are not right now, unfortunately, that time will come.  No matter when that time comes, giving thanks to God, through it all and for it all, is something that we must learn to do and actually do.

 

Jesus did it, I believe not only because it was part of His character, but to continue to teach those that followed Him, what they and subsequently, we, must do.

 

Giving thanks in the midst of our struggles doesn’t necessarily change the situation, but there are those around us watching, whose hearts and thinking may be encouraged and changed by our actions.  We are witnesses of God’s love, power and grace in all that we say and do.

 

Praise God for His light that is illuminating our lives for His glory.

 

Minister Dracy
After God’s Own Heart Ministries
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

 

 

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.

04.24.14
by

Thankfulness in Christ

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you are also complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” –Colossians 2:6-10

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

This scripture is a power-packed instruction, filled with great truths on the way the Christian believer should proceed having been saved in Jesus Christ. The key word is “in Jesus Christ.” For in Jesus Christ joy is found. In Jesus Christ, you can stand firm and stand strong. In a world that is constantly changing with new fads, new philosophies, new beliefs, etc.

You can rest assured that Jesus Christ never changes. For the Bible says, “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. –Hebrews 13:7-8. The apostle Paul exhorted the Colossian Christians to not let anyone capture them by way of empty philosophies that rival what they had already been taught.

For our faith must continue to grow down into Jesus Christ. Isn’t it interesting that what follows afterward is an overflowing of thankfulness? I am certain that after experiencing that feeling, praises to the Lord follow. How many of you have experienced an overflowing of thankfulness in Christ? Isn’t it truly a beautiful feeling?

The spirit of God begins to move mightily through a thankful heart. For it is through an overflowing of thankfulness that we can love ourselves and love one another. Through an overflowing of thankfulness we can have the willingness to serve our communities and churches. Through an overflowing of thankfulness we can fight the spirits of depression, stress, and you name it. We’ll be more generous, unselfish, expressive, friendly, fruitful, joyful, and our faith will increase while being motivated to press on. But, it must all be in Jesus Christ.

In Jesus Christ we can experience true thankfulness. Maybe you’re a Christian going through a tough time right now and may not find much reason to be thankful. However, I have a few reasons for which you can find thankfulness: the unconditional promises of God being his provision, protection, an eternal home in heaven, the word of God, the presence of God, an intimate relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, and finally the unconditional love of God. Are they not reasons to be thankful?

Praise the Lord that it is! Don’t look to the right or to the left; keep your heart in Jesus Christ. “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” –Proverbs 4:25-27.

Take a moment to look at your life, praise the Lord for who He is and all that He has done, and be thankful today. -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.