Hey there! I got so carried away with all the new great writing adventures. A loyal reader emailed me to ask if I was ok because there were no updates on this blog. “Shakes his head.” I feel terrible not telling you about the new site. Come check out my new blogs on inspiration and leadership development at www.graceandtruthleadership.org
I Peter 2:9 (KJV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Why do we so often miss the grace of God in our lives? I believe it’s because we often think more ourselves than we should and simply miss the Lord. We grasp at material acquisitions instead of taking hold of the authenticity of God. I invite you to surrender all of your incorrect ideas concerning God today. Be honest with yourself, and recognize where and how you need to reset, grow, improve, and know it is the Lord that is the essence of your life. This realization concerning God is worth the stress, the difficulty, even the pain, because living is what God designed us to do.
Point to ponder- Family of God, stop for a moment and ask yourself if you understand the life God has purposed for you. Take a moment and look at yourself and your surroundings. In my life right now, I am in a season called winter, and I know spring is around the corner, how about you? We are a called out people, have a great Monday!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Gloria Teel, and Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Twitter @Jamesbaker_jr, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!
Isaiah 40:29 (NKJV) He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.
It is not uncommon to find someone who will give support to the powerful, attention to the famous, notice to the remarkable, or recognition to the accomplished. Virtually everyone is willing to support and follow the well-known, talented, or beautiful person. How about you, what things do you support, with your time, talents, and treasures?
Please notice God gives encouragement to the faint and broken. The Lord gives strength to the exhausted. The Lord does not join the crowds hurrying after celebrities; God seeks out the broken-hearted and the overlooked and gives them the greatest honor imaginable. I wonder have you ever noticed this about God, as written in today’s passage!
Point to ponder- How do you see yourself? It doesn’t matter how others might describe you; perhaps they even consider you among the great, the mighty, and the successful. But are you broken-hearted and helpless before the Lord? If so, then prepare for a strength infusion from the most High God Himself in this season of your life.
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Gloria Teel, Yvonne Bazemore, and Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Twitter @Jamesbaker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!
http://www.graceandtruthleadership.org/#!donate/vv9e2
James 4:7-8 (KJV) Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!
This world is tough and maintaining one’s integrity is hard. Temptations are everywhere, and the devil, it seems, never takes a minute off. Your challenge is to see those temptations for what they are: dangerous and destructive of which will destroy your destiny in God!
What was true in New Testament times is equally true in our own. Evil is indeed abroad in the world, and Satan continues to sow the seeds of destruction far and wide. As people of God, we must ensure that we place ourselves accurately on the right side of these conflicts: The Lord’s side. How can we do it? By thoughtfully studying God’s Word, by regularly worshiping with fellow believers, and by guarding our hearts and minds against the insidious temptations of the enemy.
Point to ponder- It’s out there, and it can hurt you. Evil does exist, and you will be faced with it. Prepare yourself by forming a genuine, life-changing relationship with God and His only begotten Son. Have a great day!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Gloria Teel, and Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Twitter @Elder James Baker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!
http://www.graceandtruthleadership.org/#!donate/vv9e2
Psalm 142:7 (NLT) Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The godly will crowd around me, for you are good to me.”
I read the story of four inmates at the Greenville, Mississippi city jail were caught breaking back into their cells! And according to the district attorney, “It is entirely possible this wasn’t the first time they’ve done this.”
The four apparently found a way for repeated access to the outside world. Yet according to the police chief, “They didn’t seem interested in escaping, they just missed their amenities of life and went back to get them.” This particular time, they returned to jail carrying a load of gin and marijuana. Ironically, these willing prisoners now face felony escape charges.
Sometimes reality of life is stranger than fiction. How many of us have resolved to spend our days in prisons of our own making-prisons we are able to escape through personal change, but won’t because the prison provides us a semblance of security? Do you find yourself in prison?
If your life is in a prison type of situation. Look for help-first to God, but then to those God has put in your path-a trusted friend, pastor or counselor. This is great time of the year with the celebration of the Resurrection upon us!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Gloria Teel, and Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Twitter @Elder James Baker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!
http://www.graceandtruthleadership.org/#!donate/vv9e2
Isaiah 61 (NKJV) “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me, To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; V 2a To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn.
A life that’s been set free from the oppression of sin is a beautiful thing. When you turn from your sin and live a life more in tune with God, you testify to the glory of God and give others hope that he can change their lives. You know that the suffering, affliction, and brokenness come from going and doing things your own way. At least that’s been my experience and outcome of doing things my own way!
You know what it’s like to be enslaved to your passions. Yet you should also know there is more to life than bondage, more to life than alcohol or pornography, more to life than envy and jealousy! More to life than work or football. There is healing and freedom. There is beauty and joy. There is love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy.
And you have the wonderful privilege of proclaiming this Good News to those around you, both in your verbal testimony and in the testimony of your present life. I love the 12 step program motto “Live by the power of example not by promotion” , But I love that God hand is intimately on the 12 step program as well!
Point to ponder- When you surrender your life to Jesus, he’ll put you on a path of new life. You’ll change from the inside out because God got a hold of you. Others will notice, and God will be given the honor and glory. I am feeling great about the Lord folks, have a fantastic day!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Gloria Teel, Ms. Yvonne Bazemore, and Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Twitter @Elder James Baker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
Proverbs 4:6 (NKJV) Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her, and she will guard you.
Who is in charge of your emotions? Is it you, or have you developed the unfortunate habit of letting other people, or stressful situations, determine the quality of your thoughts and the direction of your day? If you’re wise, and if you’d like to build a better life for yourself and your loved ones! You’ll learn the gift to control your emotions before your emotions control you.
Human emotions are highly irrational, decidedly unpredictable, and often unreliable. Our emotions are like the weather, they can change from day to day. So we must learn to live by faith in God (Hebrews 11:1), not by the volatility of our own emotional ups and downs.
Sometime during this day, you will probably be polarized by a strong negative feeling. Learn the gift of handling them, and fight back. The gift is turning the emotions over to the Lord. Your emotions will inevitably change; God will remain the same.
Point to ponder- God is the stabilizing gift and factor in regulating your emotions!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Gloria Teel, and Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Twitter @Elder James Baker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!
http://www.graceandtruthleadership.org/#!donate/vv9e2
I Peter 4:7(NIV) The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
Kingdom Alert: If you are a member of the Body of Christ, get ready to face a mad devil. You may not want to think about it or even accept it but if you have determined to follow Jesus with all your heart, Satan has marked you for destruction. And he’s going to flood your life with troubles of all kinds. (I didn’t say be afraid, I said Kingdom Alert).The apostle Peter warns, “The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7). What Peter is saying in this passage, is in other words, “This is no time for lightness. You have to get sober minded about spiritual matters. It is an issue of life and death.”
Why the need to be so serious? In the time of war our enemy is near and has turned up the heat on us, our families, our ministries, our jobs, our health, our finances, etc.. He is stalking us like a lion, hiding in the grass, waiting for an opportunity to pounce. He wants to devour us, to utterly destroy our lives and faith in Christ. Some people of God say we should not even talk about the devil, that we are better off just not acknowledging him. Other people try to reason Satan out of existence. Liberal theologians, for example, argue that there is no devil, no hell, no heaven. What’s your thoughts on this matter of Satan?
Today I am writing and saying the enemy of our souls is not simply going to go away. Few biblical figures have been identified so clearly and extensively. He is described as Lucifer, Satan, devil, deceiver, hinderer, wicked one, usurper, imposter, accuser, devourer, god of this world, ruler of darkness, old serpent. (All can be found from the book Genesis to the last book of the Bible Revelation). These emphatic descriptions tell me the devil is real. And we know from Scripture that he wields a very real power. Even now he is at work on the earth, in our nations, cities, churches, homes and individual lives. And we dare not be ignorant of his methods and strategies of warfare against us (II Corinthians 2:11).
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Beloved family of God we must not lose sight of the seriousness of these times and our relationship with God!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Gloria Teel, and Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Twitter @Elder James Baker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!
http://www.graceandtruthleadership.org/#!donate/vv9e2
Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Peer pressure can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending upon your peers. If your peers encourage you to make integrity a priority, and if they encourage you to follow God’s will and to obey His commandments—then you will experience positive peer pressure, and that’s a great thing. But, if you are involved with people who encourage you to do foolish things, you are facing a different kind of peer pressure, and you’d better beware. (My Mom Shirley Baker would say “Tell me the company you keep and I tell you who you are” read quote below) When you feel pressured to do things, or to say things, that lead you away from God, you are heading straight for trouble.
Are you satisfied to follow that crowd? If so, you may pay some serious consequences unless you have picked the right peer group. And while you are deciding whom to follow, be sure you’re determined to follow the One from Galilee, too. And yes His name is Jesus, and He will guide your steps and bless your undertakings if you let Him. Your challenge, of course, is to let Him.
To sum it up, here’s your choice: you can choose to please God first (and by doing so, strengthen your character), or you can fall prey to peer pressure. The choice is yours, and so are the consequences. When you are torn between trusting your peers and trusting your conscience, trust your conscience. Today’s message is especially for parents, youth and young adults, mentors, teachers, Spiritual leaders!
Quote: Miguel de Cervantes- “Tell me what company you keep, and I’ll tell you what you are.”
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of February 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Gloria Teel, and Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Twitter @Elder James Baker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!
http://www.graceandtruthleadership.org/#!donate/vv9e2
Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
With each of our jobs, God is building something in us that will be used for His purposes now and in the future. I have learned the gift of being faithful in my secular work. In the beginning we do not embrace that we work for the Lord, we train for work, for our own benefits; but as we go on with God we learn the gift of working for the Lord over time. I am now retired from my so call secular job which I know today is really God’s work.
Jesus was prepared for His ultimate calling by working with His father in his carpentry shop until He was thirty years old. Do you realize that over 50% of Jesus’ teaching arose out of issues in daily experiences? Joseph was prepared to be head of a nation by serving prison time and being a slave in Potiphar’s house in daily work life. Moses was prepared to lead a nation out of slavery by serving in Pharaoh’s house in daily work life and later working forty years as a shepherd.
Do not despise the small jobs-for they are stepping stones to a greater purpose in God’s plan for your life and for God’s preparation for your ultimate destiny. Some of these jobs are necessary for the message the Lord is forming in you.
Point to ponder- Be mindful that God accomplishes His intended outcome in you through the work you are doing today.
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of February 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Gloria Teel, and Gertrude Scott. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Twitter @Elder James Baker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,
Pastor James Baker, Jr.
Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!
Word - Cup Come Thirsty! 