Tag Archives: Jason M. Alexandre

05.23.14
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Worry Not

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. –Philippians 4:8

 

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

It can be easy to get carried away in our everyday respective professions. Routinely and often times mechanically we strive to complete our tasks day after day. While we must continue to earn a living using the talents and gifts given to us by God, losing sight of God’s love and the heavenly things he exhorts our minds to focus on can cause us to be stressed to the point of being overwhelmed into a depressive state. The apostle Paul admonished us in this passage of scripture for us to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable and to think about things that are excellent and worth of praise. For thinking on these heavenly things points our minds back in the direction of our heavenly father, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

That same Jesus Christ who thought it was necessary to die on the cross for my and your sins. That same Jesus Christ who promised he would never abandon us and would be with us until the end of the age. –Matthew 28:20  That same Jesus who told us not to worry about everyday life and to be devoted to God as opposed to being devoted to earning money. For he said in Matthew 6:24-34, “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly father feeds them.

And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

The scripture couldn’t be any clearer. Don’t worry. Enjoy life in Christ and know that you have a God who cares for you knowing exactly what you’ll need for TODAY. Be blessed. 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.

05.16.14
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The Body of Christ: Come to Church

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” –Psalm 122 (New Living Translation)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

This scripture marks the excitement a Christian could potentially experience when coming to a worship service i.e., church. One might not see the importance of going to church regularly but it is absolutely essential and crucial to growing in Christ. At church you have the opportunity to witness and experience Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit through the fellowship with other Christian believers. For the Bible says, “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”–Matthew 18:19-20 

Somebody said to me recently, “There’s a bunch of hypocrites in the church. I’m looking for the perfect church.” Well friend, the truth is if you’re looking for a perfect church you will never find one and miss out on wonderful blessings. If there was a perfect church, it would stop being perfect the moment you and I walked in. Instead we must do our part and seek to join the body of Christ (Church) in the process of maturing and becoming more like Christ ourselves. Then over time, although not perfect, that church will be perfect just for you.

We are all in this together. We ought to help one another. The gifts that God gave to you are needed for the body of Christ to continue functioning properly. No person is more important than the other in the church. “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, everyone of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” –1 Corinthians 12:18-26    

Friend, your presence is needed in the church. You are very important! Whatever you can do to further the Kingdom of God, he will honor you for it. The janitor’s position is no greater than the Pastor’s position! Serve out of a love for Christ and his people and you will find unspeakable joy and find the difference in a church experience than a staying at home worship experience. Amen. God Bless you!

-Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

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

05.09.14
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He Keeps His Promises, Rest Assured

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. – Hebrews 10:23

 

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Has someone close to you ever let you down by not keeping their promise? It can be an empty and hurtful feeling when someone you trusted does not fulfill what they promised. However, although men and women don’t always keep their promises, we can rest assured that God always does. You have come a long way in your Christian walk. If you will think about it, your entire Christian life is centered on a group of divine and unconditional promises that come from the Word of God. You believed in a promise that our Lord Jesus Christ could and would cleanse you of your sins past, present, and future and that when you die, you will be then absent from your body and present with the Lord for eternity. That is an awesome promise!

The scripture says that we have to hold tightly without wavering to the hope that we affirm. For holding tightly to God’s promises builds our faith and we begin to trust him in more areas of our lives knowing that he will be with us. Unlike us, God has never broken a single promise. In fact, he cannot. For to keep a promise, one must have character and ability. And God is perfect therefore having perfect character. For the Bible says, “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” –Numbers 23:19

“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” –Ephesians 1:11 You say, “Well I’m not a Christian. Can God’s promises work for me?” Unfortunately not, as the Bible says, “in your unbelieving state right now you are living in rebellion toward God and considered an enemy, cut off, because of your sins.” But there is hope! It is a conditional statement from God that becomes an unconditional promise. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”-Romans 10:9-10

Friend, trusting in the promises of God is a sure thing every time. They will never return void. For He is the God of love and He is faithful. He is truthful and immutable. Trust the God of the Bible and you will never regret it. 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.

 

05.02.14
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Get In the Prayer Room

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. –Luke 5:16 (New International Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

To have a strong life, prayer must become a daily discipline. Spending time in prayer alone with God is essential for our faith to grow, for us to be confident, and to have a clear direction in our lives. Jesus made it a point during his earthly ministry to get in solitude and pray. Many people will say “I don’t have time to pray. I’ve got to do this and that. There’s this deadline and that appointment.”

What could be more important than talking to your Heavenly Father? He knows exactly how your day will go more than you do. Truthfully, there will be no time for prayer if you don’t make time for prayer. Jesus was often by himself, alone, talking to the Father. The scripture says that he “withdrew to lonely places,” but Jesus wasn’t alone. He spent quality, intimate time with the Father away from earthly people. It’s extremely important for us to be strong spiritually.

We need to draw from the Father inexhaustible resources of love, wisdom, and power. We see again in the book of Matthew after Jesus demonstrated a miraculous sign by feeding five thousand people, he made a conscious choice to then separate himself from the crowds and his disciples. For the Bible says, “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.”–Matthew 14:22-23.

One may ask, “Why is it necessary for me to withdraw from people to be alone with God? I feel fine spiritually and emotionally, I can pray wherever I am.”

Well friend, while you may feel fine, you are missing out on building a deeper relationship with God. Spending time with him alone is how we cultivate our relationship with Him. We are the only creations made in His very image.-Genesis 1:27 An image of spirit and soul. He created us in order to reveal His love and truthfulness to us. “God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in Spirit and in truth.”-John 4:24

Friend, I want to encourage you that if you don’t have a prayer room or a secret place where you can fellowship with God, find one today. I promise you it will radically change your life and you will know your Heavenly Father in a way you have never known Him before. If you’re at work, find a place there. Wherever you are, it doesn’t matter. God wants you alone, no people, no iphones, no ipads, or laptops—just you and Him. To have the experience of the one and only sovereign God, getting alone with him consistently is part of it. God bless you. Amen.

-Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

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

04.24.14
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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.

04.17.14
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Transplant of the Heart

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

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

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

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

What is the condition of your heart today?

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

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

-Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

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

 

04.03.14
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Enduring Temptation

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

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

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

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

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

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

Jason M. Alexandre

About Jason M. Alexandre

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.

 

03.27.14
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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.

 

 

 

03.22.14
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Bend Toward God’s Will

Faithful Readers: I am delighted to introduce and welcome our newest Voices Against the Grain devotional writer, Jason Alexandre. Jason was connected to us through our dear brother-in-Christ and fellow devotional writer, Herbert Bowen, Jr. (thank you Herbert!). Residing in Limerick, PA, Jason is passionate in spreading the gospel from nation to nation. I’ve been touched by our conversations, sensing his deep commitment to the Lord and love of serving others. Please read his first devotional for us, “Bend Toward God’s Will,” and his bio below. Welcome Jason!

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (New International Version)            

The human race, a people created by God who share one true purpose which is to love and glorify Him. What is love to God? Jesus Christ said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)

Unfortunately, Saul’s earthly kingdom was taken from him because of his disobedience to God and he was no longer able to be used by the Lord. For the Lord does not look at our social status, appearance, what we have or what we don’t have. The Lord looks at the heart. The Bible calls David a man after the Lord’s heart (Acts 13:22). One may say, was not David an adulterer who conspired an unjust murder in an attempt to cover up his sin? Yes, this is true. However, because God is omniscient and omnipresent having complete knowledge and is everywhere at the same time, David’s sin was laid bare and exposed before God. Yet when David was confronted of the sin committed, David humbly, remorsefully, and willingly repented of his sin.

Throughout the beautiful book of Psalm, we witness the intimate relationship David is in with the Lord. There is a noticeable friendship and an obvious submitting of David’s self toward the will of God. David expresses his inner being to God telling all of how he is feeling. That is the kind of attitude and intimate relationship God wants us to have with and toward Him. A heart that is open and bent toward His will. The Lord’s will is always good and He wants the best for us. But if we are prideful, self-seeking, denying, not recognizing nor confessing our sinfulness as Saul failed to do, the Bible says we make God a liar and His word is not in us (1 John 1:10).

Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us always remember to keep our savior Jesus Christ in the forefront of our thinking. He will lead us by the Holy Spirit moment by moment if our hearts are bent toward His will for our lives. Living a life bent toward the Lord is a life worth living for! It is an exciting and thrilling life that has no limits! Jesus Christ loves us endlessly and is a God of second chances. He will restore you to being used by Him again for His glory and your benefit if your attitude toward Him is right (2 Chronicles 7:14). 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.