Tag Archives: Jason M. Alexandre

12.11.14
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Beautiful Feet

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:15 (New International Version)

 

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. –Isaiah 52:7-8 This chapter in the book Isaiah was written concerning the deliverance of the Jews out of Babylon and yet it is perfectly applicable to us today in the 21st century concerning the great salvation Jesus Christ calls us to.

Life is not all that different today than it was in ages past. For the Bible says, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” –Ecclesiastes 1:9 People are still struggling to make ends meet in poverty. People are still being persecuted for their faith. People are still hurting in isolation socially and hurting from abuse physically and emotionally. In other words, sin still exists. You’ve tried everything under the sun from alcohol to drugs to sex you name it. You have even tried seeking a filling from your close loved ones or therapist and while that may help for a moment, your soul cries for something more.

You need a fresh perspective on life. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News! These times are desperate times. Desperation is not always the best reasons for coming to Jesus Christ but it’s a good one! And if you’re a person who’s despairing of your ability to sort out your life or solve your own problems or if God has given you the inclination to deal with your sins today (which he has) then let your desperation drive you to Jesus Christ. You’ll find that he doesn’t say “fix this” or “fix that” before you come. Jesus never said you have to come to Him in a better frame of mind or with a better life. He continues to receive people as they come, just the way they are. There’s NOTHING you have to do first before coming to him. Just come.Follow Jesus

The watchmen (ministers, preachers, Christians) stand on the mountains proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. For once upon a time, they too lived in the valleys. They too were in a continuous state of desperation and either asked themselves or another, “What must I do to be saved?” –Acts 16:30 Thank the Lord he has not made it difficult! For the Bible says, “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. –Romans 10:8-9 God Bless you!

-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.

 

 

12.06.14
by

Itching Ears

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. –2 Timothy 4:3-5 (English Standard Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

The apostle Paul gave a serious charge to his pupil Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching”. -2 Timothy 4:2 In the following verse he warns Timothy of the time that is to come and indeed it is here now when people will not endure sound teaching (doctrine). It pains my heart to see and hear people being led astray by preachers who sugar coat principles that is clearly written in the infallible word of God, the Bible. Instead to gain the approval of men and to fill up their churches they often times will resort to what resembles more of motivational speaking content with the intention to encourage but with no intention to reprove, rebuke and exhort. My friend that is a speech; not a sermon.

Preach the gospel but don’t make it sound easy. No one can assume that they are on the right path unless they are living a life of obedience to Jesus Christ. Unless they have put their complete trust and faith in the shed blood of Christ for their sins, they are not a Christian. It’s much easier to prefer what is wide, broad, and attractive. It’s fatally and deceptively easier to simply go along with the crowd. Jesus did not teach that it would be easy to become a Christian, he said it would be hard. The narrow road is difficult but it is eternally worth it.

How painful it is for me to hear people who believe that you can “name it and claim it” and if you pray enough and have enough faith that there will be no suffering, no heartache, no pain, no sickness and everything is just going to be amazing. That is a falsehood and anyone who believes that I am concerned that they have never read the New Testament seriously and honestly. Jesus does not promise all the prosperity and all the healing and everything that I want. Godly people suffer physically and in different ways. As we prepare our hearts for the Christmas season, let’s us give praise and admire how cute and wonderful “Baby Jesus” is but let us not forget the true unadulterated Good News and principles of why “Grown Jesus” came as God in his incarnated form and why he died and was resurrected. Amen. God bless you.

 

-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.

 

 

 

11.13.14
by

True Freedom

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” –John 8:31-32 (New Living Translation)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. –Psalm 119:45 If someone were to ask you, “Are you free?,” could you answer them honestly? On what basis is freedom found? The truth is we can never be truly free until we are spiritually free. Many people are hurting deeply inwardly. Though we’d like to think optimistically about our world and communities, the truth is we are living in a depraved society faced with daily uncertainties. And my friend, if you are living with uncertainty today then you know that it’s not real freedom, its bondage.

There is a solution. It’s a solution that more and more of the world is coming to know. His name is Jesus Christ. He said, “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” –John 10:9-10 The truth that sets us free begins with the cross.

It is a deciding choice that we make that sets our spiritual position in order. Will we choose to trust in Jesus Christ or not? He came to earth to seek and save the lost. He came to set those who are in spiritual captivity free. Money, accomplishments, or people can’t save you but a personal relationship with the living God, Jesus Christ, will set you free.ManCross300_7k

And for those who have come to trust in Christ, we know that God has given us his nature. He’s provided everything that we need to live a godly life. The Bible says, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. -2 Peter 1:3-4

I pray that the spirit of God will release us from emotional bondage such as unforgiveness, bitterness, insecurities, prejudices, anxieties, and many more emotional hindrances. I pray that the spirit of God will release us from evil habits such as lying, deception, sexual immorality, drunkenness, drugs, slothfulness, profanity, and whatever it might be that is keeping us from truly engaging in an intimate, loving, purposeful, and thrilling relationship with Jesus Christ. Friend, he loves you unconditionally and wants the best for you. He is the great stabilizer in our lives and my prayer is that we start seeing things from God’s point of view rather than our own. Only then, will we start getting free. God bless you. Amen

-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
by

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.

 

 

 

 

10.22.14
by

A Call to Repentance

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken falsely and your tongue mutters wicked things. –Isaiah 59:1-3 (New International Version)

 

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. –Isaiah 59:15-16.

Review God’s Ten Commandments in the book of Exodus, Chapter 20. Is there one commandment you have not broken? If you are honest with yourself, you will see that you have violated at least one commandment and most likely several like many people including myself. We hear quite often that God is good, full of love and mercy. This is true. However, we tend to cover our ears when we hear that God is also JUST. Yes, He is the judge of all mankind.

That is to say because He is just He ALWAYS does the right thing. And because man has sinned it is completely just for God to penalize man by death both physically and spiritually.

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. -1 John 3:4

One of the universal truths of life is every man and woman will one day die physically. We know that our soul lives on and it is eternal but it can go to either one of two places. The soul can go to Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ or in Hell with the prince of demons, Satan.repent

Are you prepared to stand before an all Holy, all perfect, all righteous and a just God? If you have not trusted in the sacrificial lamb Jesus Christ as your personal savior your soul does not stand a chance and the Bible says that YOU WILL BE condemned for your unbelief and unrighteousness. You know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. -1 John 3:5 What the Law could not do, because human nature was weak, God did. He condemned sin in human nature by sending his own Son, who came with a nature like our sinful nature, to do away with sin. –Romans 8:3 God says “I will not hold against you the sins of yesterday if you will correct it with REPENTANCE today.”

God Allows U TurnsMake a U-turn, not a 360-degree turn but do a 180, never to return to that sin and lifestyle which does not fit your purpose in life of glorifying God. Sirs, what must I do to be saved? –Acts 16:30 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.-Romans 10:9 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. –Psalm 19:14 Amen

 

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.

10.14.14
by

Paramount Faith in Jesus Christ

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. –Matthew 6:24 (New International Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

What do you put your faith in? Is it your assets? Your work? Your pension? Your business? In other words, what is it that gives you security and peace of mind in life? You see, God wants you to have big faith but he wants you to have it in Him. There is NOTHING in this world that will satisfy the soul than a SAVING relationship with Jesus Christ.

In fact, what broke man’s relationship with God in the beginning was man’s refusal to trust God. You recall in the Garden of Eden our fore-parents Adam and Eve lived in perfect bliss of security, intimacy and love with God. God gave them everything that they could have asked for and didn’t ask for. It was all good. Then because of the subtle, wicked and cunning suggestion of Satan, man began to doubt God and greed set in their hearts for more than what they were given. But thank God for who He is because ever since then God has been wooing men and women back into a faith-based relationship with Him.

Resolve to be devoted to God as opposed to your circumstances and/or finances. Truth is, the things you are most DEVOTED to are the things you will worry about the most. One of the marks of the Christian is his/her interest in wanting to please God out of a love for Him. Their thoughts revolve around wanting to serve Him, worship, honor and come to know Him better. They can say out of a paramount faith in their creator with a firm confidence like the Psalmist David, “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

Amen

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.

10.03.14
by

Seeking My Lord

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. –Psalm 105:4 (New International Translation)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If someone asked you, “Do you ‘seek’ the Lord?” How would you respond? When you arise in the morning, is God who you first think about or do you think about him as you go on about your day? The Greek word for “seek” is zéteó, which means “to look for or search or desire.” It also means “to inquire of or investigate.” In other words, for what or whom you’re seeking you want to get to the bottom of it. Are we really seeking the Lord with all our strength, all our hearts, and all our souls? Or are we too busy for him?

When you are truly seeking the Lord you are demonstrating that you have a desire to go further in your relationship with him. In fact, he wants you to know him. He yearns for an intimate relationship with you. He knew you before you thought you knew yourself. He said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” –Jeremiah 29:13 Someone might say, “I try to pray to the Lord and it seems like he doesn’t respond or God does not ever listen to me.” Friend, I want to assure you that God still speaks and he speaks to us all the time.

If you’ve trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior, he speaks loud and clear through the Holy Spirit. But often times there are still sins in our lives that we need to eradicate in order to continue to be led by the Holy Spirit, deepening our relationship with Christ to become more and more like him. Do not continue to live in your sins. Do not quench the Spirit-1 Thessalonians 5:19. For the unbeliever, there is still time to repent. Isaiah 55:6-7 says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.”

“Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”-Isaiah 55:7-8

The man after God’s own heart, King David, knew very well how to seek the Lord and be in his presence. He recorded many years ago, “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;” -Psalm 15:1-2

Oh how I’m saddened for the one who doesn’t believe in God to seek him. How my heart is concerned for the destruction that waits for them if they do not repent. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” -Psalm 14:1 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.-Hebrews 11:6

 Amen

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.

09.25.14
by

You’ve Got Help, Don’t Go Alone

Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. –Mark 6:7 (New International Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all -2 Corinthians 13:14. The presence and relationship with a fellow brother and sister in Christ is one that is of quintessential quality. For our spirits bear testimony to one another that what we hope for (eternal life) is being worked out day by day in Jesus Christ. This is why we gather on Wednesday nights for Bible study or Sunday mornings for worship service. For we consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the “Day” approaching. –Hebrews 10:24-25

No Christian has ever been called to “go it alone” in his or her walk of faith. Friend, the Christian life is often times tough! One might call us fools for Christ. For we work hard with our hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; When we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. – 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 Jesus Christ said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and forfeit their very self (soul)?” –Luke 9:23-25

The tragic part of this matter is that many of us claim to be Believers but not many of us are willing to be disciples. We like to think being a disciple is too overwhelming for us. It’s either our lives are too busy for the likes of Jesus Christ and this Kingdom of God or we don’t yet know that we don’t have to go it alone. Well if you’re worried about going it alone, take courage! Christ never sent his disciples out alone to spread the gospel and he does not send us out alone either. We see an example of when the Lord appointed 72 others and sent them two-by-two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” –Luke 10:1-3

Your Christian brother and sister is ready and willing to encourage you always and hold you up in faith. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Amen

-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.

09.17.14
by

No Separation from His Love

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. –Romans 8:37-39 (The Message)

 

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong.” If you’re an adult reading this message you know that you too can sing this classic children’s song! Oh what a joy it is to be in Christ Jesus! Our Savior, friend, and Father. The One who loves us unconditionally. For me, Romans chapter 8 is arguably the greatest chapter in the Bible. It begins with an earth shattering profound truth: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” –Romans 8:1

The entire chapter then incites the Christian believer and admonishes us of how we are to live life through the spirit, how to rightly handle our present sufferings, what to anticipate in the future glory that awaits us, and declares to us who we are in Christ. I’m aware of how difficult it may be for the Christian who sees more days of poverty than prosperity or more days of chaos than peace or more days of trouble than security. They might even ask themselves at that point, “Does God really love me?”

Absolutely! Unquestionably and undoubtedly, yes He does! And you can trust in Him and His Word. For the Bible says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? –Romans 8:35 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” –Romans 8:37

Remember that you are a child of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. He’s our comforter, our rock, our shield, our Father, and he even calls you friend! Christ said “no longer I call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last- and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” –John 15:15-16 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.–Ephesians 3:12

We know that God loves us and nothing can separate us from that love, but the question is do we love him? Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” –John 14:15 Sin and our adversary the Devil have clever ways to instill thoughts and feelings of separation from the love of God. But if we keep the commands of our Lord, we can rejoice like the psalmist in saying, “Hallelujah! How happy is the person who fears the Lord, who truly delights in his commandments.”–Psalm 112:1 My friend, the truth is, that He ONLY wants what’s best for us. Be blessed! Amen

-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.

09.05.14
by

Saved, Now What?

Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. – Psalm 103:43-46 (New International Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

“Relented.” A verb that means “to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving.” May the grace, love, and peace of Jesus Christ be on all those who have trusted in him as their Lord and Savior.  Many of us understand up to a point Jesus being our Savior but our lifestyles seem to strongly reflect that we have neglected to make him our “Lord.”  It seems evident that in our pride and arrogance we refuse to allow Jesus Christ to have ultimate authority, control, and power over the way in which we conduct ourselves and lifestyles. Thus, we ready ourselves to live a life of sin. We may say, “Oh! The grace of God and love is on my life surely the Lord knows and doesn’t expect me to be perfect? And so I can continue to treat my neighbor with malice, cheat here and there on my taxes, even drink and smoke everyday souring this body because after all I did trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior!”

My friend, that mindset could not be farther from the truth. I’ve only highlighted a few of the many excuses we use to deceive ourselves into believing for the sake of blindly retaining our sense of autonomy. But we forget the consequences of living lifestyles that characterizes sin. What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. –Romans 6:1-4.

turn from your sin

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but grace. –Romans 6:12-14

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may we truly take this message to heart. May we rationalize sin no longer but aim to be truly doer’s of the Word and not merely just hearers. Jesus Christ lives and he continues to echo the words he spoke to the invalid man he healed thousands of years ago. Jesus said, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” – John 5:14 Friends, Let us not trample on the blood of Jesus Christ any longer by the words that we speak, our conduct, or anything else that contradicts the work of righteousness that is being worked out through him. Amen

-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.