Tag Archives: God

04.15.14
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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

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…

 

03.31.14
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He Heard Me

Thank you Herbert for sharing this touching devotional as an encouragement to your friend, TB.  I/we stand in prayer for TB. As you’ve served as an encouragement and support to TB, I believe this message will give others reading this the strength to stand. Even in our trials, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28) In the video below “Need You Now” by the group Plumb, the message reminds us that in our wounds, pain, when we call upon God, He hears us.      -Nicole

Psalm 130:2 Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

O Lord hear my cry. When I speak do not turn a deaf ear to me. For these tears are not of joy, but of pain that has stricken my heart. Therefore, TB (initials of my friend) do not lose heart for the Lord consoled you with God-fearing adoptive parents. Don’t lose heart for God secured a job and home for you, when your mom sold the house and left you in desolation. Don’t lose heart for God detoured you from a path of despair to a route filled with the loving embrace of friends who will support you. Your life was changed when you chose to follow him. Therefore, may this devotional be your answer, for God has heard your cry and blessed you with a tangible Christian relationship. He’s now preparing you to do great works, despite the lack of money, family, and friends. They were stripped away (at 1st) so you only had HIM to lean on. You are special and transformed and all it took was a simple phone call. (Stand tall TB) Amen

(Video shared by The River Walk blog)

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.

03.30.14
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A Generation’s Confidence in Christ Equips the Next

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (New King James Version)

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Some of the wisest words written. Raised in a Christian home, I am a bi-product of such wisdom, enacted by my parents and family members who told us of God’s love, the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. I, along with my brother, cousins and a host of relatives are reaping the fruits of obedience sown by our family’s legacy of faith in God that extends many generations. We are experiencing Exodus 20:5-6.

During this past Wednesday’s Voices Against the Grain radio show, I enjoyed authentic and inspiring conversations with godly women in my family as we wrapped up this month’s series, “March with Us, March with Her.” I was joined by my aunt Alyce Brown, aunt Lilly Hayes, cousin Cheri Brown and Grandma Thelma Hayes,  and delighted in sharing them with you. In our conversation of “Celebrating Faith and Family,” we reflected on the prayers and faith-living we saw through relatives past. We discussed how prayer and worship has changed over the decades. We also shared words to equip the next generation in Christ for successfully navigating in this challenging world.

 

Forever Mercy Exodus 20 and 6

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) This truth has compelled Believers to confidently tell others the power of God’s love, despite the world’s hate for such engagement. The world would rather we embrace other options to make our lives “easier” so we are not rejected by the world in our living for Christ. Yet, Jesus tells us in John 15:18-19 that, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19- If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”  As Christians, we should never want to be comfortable in this world. Only Jesus Christ offers us true hope, peace, redemption from our sins and life everlasting. Nothing the world offers compares and can only best serve as a counterfeit.

We have received inspiring comments shared about how our conversation reminded you of your family’s faith legacy and foundation in God. For some of you, your family resembles mine—many generations who’ve stood upon Christ, the Solid Rock. For some of you, you or your parents may be the first generation of Believers who are boldly sharing this greatest gift with your loved ones, neighbors, community.

How has God revealed himself in your life? In your family? Please comment! I’d love to know. Thank you for listening! If you missed the episode or previous shows, click here. 

03.27.14
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New Life in a Fallen World

And to the man he said, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it.” (Genesis 3:17)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If you are reading this message today then pause, thank God that you are alive. Thank him for the many blessings that came to you in the past and will come to you today as well in the future. But in our aliveness today there will most likely be many work related things we must do. Every day we awake, our minds, bodies and hearts are strained in some way as we work to make a living. Life was not always such a struggle but when Adam disobeyed God, sin entered into the world. Sin causes disharmony. Sin is a violation against God and can also be against others. It comes in different forms and can only inflict harm in one way or another. There is no good in it. Creation is now altered because of humankind rebellion towards their creator. We now feel the consequences of that original sin going on internal and externally.

Some blame God and say, “Well then, what’s the point of living? I might as well die!” That seems like a hopeless and depressing statement to say. A person who has lost faith in God or one who has not quite realized the ramifications of a relationship without Jesus Christ might question their meaning in life. In fact, historically, that has always been one of humankind’s greatest questions: Why am I here? What is my meaning in life? Well, although life seems to be difficult it is still a remarkable and beautiful experience. For the believer who trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal savior, you have hope, a new life, and purpose.

The Bible makes a striking comparison between Adam and Jesus describing how each man’s individual act determined the fate of the world. “But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:15). There was not only a physical death that occurred through Adam’s disobedience but a spiritual one as well.

The relationship between humankind and God was severed because of sin. The truth is, it’s not that God nor longer wanted an intimate relationship with man. In fact he desires to intimately love man. Man is the only creation in which God can truly relate. However, the relationship between God and man was separated because of sin. God cannot esteem sin. It’s not in his character to do so. It’s impossible for him to accept sin. For the Bible says, “your eyes are too pure to approve evil, and you cannot look on wickedness with favor.” (Habakkuk 1:13).

Throughout the Old Testament we see humankind making blood sacrifices after another to repair the damaged relationship in order to continue to commune with God. But a final blood sacrifice came to settle humankind’s relationship with the father. Every time I hear the gospel, it brings a big smile to my face. Inwardly, my heart gets excited and I feel a deep joy in my spirit. The gospel really is good news! “Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.” (Romans 5:18).

May we remember and focus our relationship with Jesus Christ who points us back to the Father. Our sins are now forgiven past, present and future. “So then, since we have a great high priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”(Hebrews 4:14-16) 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.

 

 

 

03.24.14
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In Their Misdeeds, Reaffirm Your Love

2 Corinthians 2:7-8, “Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 8- So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Like Paul, we must choose to walk away rather than confront. Like Paul, we must think about the minds of our audience, rather than impede the consciousness of their spirits. Like Paul, we must watch by the sidelines, rather than join the chaos. For when a person decides to follow their own worldly habits, only God can work on their hearts. Therefore, may we seek to comfort when we find someone brokenhearted. Moreover, may we seek to forgive when a person’s misdeeds lay themselves upon our doorsteps. For no matter the disappointment that a person has caused you, stand with the strength of Samson, which will keep you from folding underneath their careless attitudes. For “he comforts all our troubles so that we can comfort others” (2 Corinthians 1:4). So be of good faith and cheer because like Paul, you too will be redeemed in the end. When the going gets tough, reaffirm your love for them (Don’t give up on anyone). 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.

03.14.14
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To Learn Your Purpose, Give Yourself Away to God

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

During our March 12 radio show, we enjoyed a purposeful conversation with Prophetess Ruth Miranda of Ruth Miranda Ministries and Women With Divine Purpose. Our topic, “Ladies: Are You Living Your Purpose?”  Prophetess Miranda, of Hollywood, Fla., (she says where “the real stars shine”), believes everyone has a purpose and helps other women walk in their God-given callings. The episode continues our series “March with Us, March with Her,” as we showcase great women every Wednesday in March (Women’s History Month) who are equipping other women to live out their God-given purposes.

The oldest of seven born to Puerto Rican parents and raised in Brooklyn, New York, God brought Ruth L. Miranda to Puerto Rico to begin her ministry. Comparing her arrival to the television series “Green Acres” (very rural) she was uncertain of God’s intentions for bringing a city girl to the countryside. She began a radio show ministry that served as the vessel that would prevent a woman’s suicide and would bring another to Christ. Her purpose was being developed.

Pastor Ruth MirandaToday, at 58 and with most of her life committed to ministry alongside her husband of nearly 40 years, this wife, mother, grandmother and faithful woman of God has seen His hand carry her and her family through victorious and painful situations. As a child she began to understand the divine calling on her life as the Spirit of the Lord has anointed her “to preach good tidings unto the meek, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison to those that are bound…” as stated in Isaiah 61:1.

How do you ensure you are walking in your purpose? Here are some nuggets that came from our conversation to help you:

  • Give yourself away to God so HE may reveal His desires for you (Click to hear the song “I Give Myself Away” by William McDowell)–He wants you!
  • Get in His Word so He may reveal to you who He is, and help you better understand your identity in Christ
  • Get in His presence, commune with Him daily, hourly, what have you, to develop your relationship with Him; you can’t know someone without talking with them
  • God’s purpose is unique to you; don’t compare your path to everybody else
  • Realize you’ll go through “seasons” while in your purpose, to undergo further development, growth, refining, instruction to prepare for the next level in your journey (He may begin you in one area to advance you into another)
  • You won’t regret His plans, for He is able to do “exceedingly and abundantly more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20)

Want to learn more? Listen to our conversation here! If you have a pulse, you have a purpose! (Thank you Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier)

03.07.14
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You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made! And Your Accuser is a Loser

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

“Kicking the devil in the teeth every day!” Yes! Those words began this Wednesday’s radio show with Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier of RealTalkKim.com and Conquering Hell in High Heels ministry, and Ana Martinez, chef and Voices Against the Grain devotional writer. We ENJOYED our time in the Lord! We shared an authentic conversation on relationships, surrendering to God when you’re going through trials, how to ignore your accuser (Satan) who surfaces your mistakes, and “What Is a Proverbs 31 Woman?” In a society where “anything goes,” Proverbs 31:10-31 reveals the honorable woman. The conversation kicked off our month-long radio show series “March with Us, March with Her” as we highlight women of God who are equipping other women to live out their God-given purposes.

Several golden nuggets of truth emerged from our discussion to include:

  • There is nothing you go through that God can’t use for someone else’s benefit—you are getting through it for you and someone else
  • Deliberately set aside quiet time with God to develop your purpose
  • We all fall short—yet your past is not beyond God’s reach or restoration
  • God will accelerate your path and recover time lost
  • If you are not equally yoked or on the same page with the person you’re in relationship, they can destroy your future
  • Recognize your identity in Christ and don’t be defined by the world; get your eyes off of what the world portrays and pray for God to reveal to you everything He created you to be
  • God will finish the good work He began in you, no matter how broken your past
  • Satan is our accuser and will remind you of your faults to hinder your purpose—take away the devil’s authority by confronting your past and walk in God who has called you! You are a new creation in Christ who is fearfully and wonderfully made! You are more than a conqueror! Keep moving forward! Only YOU can stop YOU! (Psalm 139:14, Romans 8:37)
  • God’s plan is to prosper you, not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11)
  • A Proverbs 31 Woman is one whose confidence is anchored in the LORD

Want to hear more ‘truth’ nuggets? Listen here! 

03.06.14
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Move Forward, Press On

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Blogger

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Philippians 3:12-14

12-Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13-Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead 14-I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What does this mean? In order to move forward we must let go of things of the past that keep us bound.  It is so important that we properly deal with tragedies that have taken place but after we are healed we must let them go and move forward.  Today is a new day and God has amazing things in store for you if you will just daily look to Him to supply your needs.  Keep moving forward on the path of righteousness, keep doing good unto others, keep upholding the Word of God and stop looking back in fear.  You can’t drive a car properly if you are constantly looking into the review mirror.  Deal with your issues, face your giants and then MOVE FORWARD! Victory is just around the corner.

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.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

03.03.14
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Worry No More

James 1:8- “Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Blogger

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Today has afforded me great clarity. Moreover, today is nothing more than a siren to alert all who are fearful of their future lives. For today or tomorrow is not merely a time for relaxation in prep for our upcoming work week, but a time to prepare our minds to reflect on all that God has given us. In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says, “For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” Therefore, fear shakes throughout the resurgence of power from the supportive words of our elders, friends, and family. Fear quivers throughout the warmth of love, which covers a multitude of sins, and is the reason we know grace. Fear trembles throughout the reading of The Word as it steadies our minds amidst the distractions of the world. Therefore, allow God to be the anchor that grounds your ship. (Thank you Mr. Shipley for your guidance) 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.

02.28.14
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You’re Too Unique to Compare

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

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. I want God’s People to get this message, loud and clear.

STOP JUDGING AND EVALUATING YOURSELF, for this is not your role. Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes a mixture of both. I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her. Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.

Don’t look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people. The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love. Many believers perceive Me as an unpleasable Judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures. Nothing could be further from the truth! I died for your sins, so that I might clothe you in My garments of salvation. This is how I see you: radiant in my robe of righteousness. When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is to prepare you for face-to-Face fellowship with Me throughout all eternity. Immerse yourself in My loving Presence. Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace.

Accompanying Scriptures: Luke 6:37, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17- For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Isaiah 61:10, “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, 12- because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (New International Version).