Daily Devotional for August 9, 2020

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans‬ ‭8:6‬ ‭

I awoke at 3:25am and attempted to go back to sleep, but here I am at 4:00am completing my devotional for the day. There’s something about obedience and focusing in on the Holy Spirit, and the conscience, an inner feeling or voice, which is Spirit led. As I am in this moment, I REflect back on a text message dialogue I had with a colleague in April where I encouraged him by stating the following: “God has given you wisdom; that’s why you are in your position. When you listen to yourself and not the distractions, that’s Him leading you. Go with your gut, which I know you have, for that is Him within you.” Why am I up at this time? I know and have learned through consistency that God has awakened me for a REason.

Striving to BE obedient, I am taking heed to my own advice, and by doing so, He has REvealed to me this morning’s message which aligns with His plan for my life. Today’s devotional “Positive and Hopeful“ by Joel Osteen BEgins with the following scripture from Romans 8:6, which says, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Last night I struggled to go to sleep BEcause I was excited and anxious about this day, so to BE awakened this early, I knew God had a message for me. After REading the title alone, I REceived my confirmation, and REassurance to BE anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests be made known to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

After REading the scripture associated with this morning’s devotional, I thought about what God has taken me T.H.R.O.U.G.H. (Trials, Hurt, REgrets, Obstacles, Uncertainty, Guilt, Heartbreak) personally to get me to where He has planned for me this day. I had allowed my mind to BE governed by my flesh for a long time, but God! Though accepting Him as my personal Lord and Savior at a young age, it wasn’t until I truly surrendered to Him in December of 2017 that I BEgan transitioning and allowing the Spirit to REstore the JOY in me, REsulting in me truly living my life and BEing in peace.

By BEing obedient, the Father has answered my prayer that I consistently pray, asking to BE used as a willing vessel. Last night BEfore going to sleep, my mind was focused on Thee. In my head I kept hearing God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. I know this completely in my heart, and I thank Him for the affirmation through His word as I officially launch another component of my ministry today, H.A.V.E. Life. Never would I have imagined in a million years that I would BE doing what I am doing now in life. When I was of the flesh my mind was just focused on my goal of BEing a classroom secondary teacher, but now I’m a living example of Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 3:20, for He had different plans for me (unlike me of the flesh who had one plan).

He has seen fit to bless me exceedingly abundantly more than to serve as an educator in secondary education; He has afforded me the opportunity to supersede that goal and has ordained me to serve as a dean in higher education. He has worked everything for my good as in Romans 8:28, and allowed my tests to BEcome my TESTimonies through the launch of My Big E.G.O. Life, sharing His word daily and unbeknownst to me, allowing me to develop into a life coach, and now today, a health coach for some individuals, alongside the editing of my book to launch in the near future.

So I REceive today’s message, and as Joel Osteen REminds us, “People who are positive and stay hopeful, stay productive.” He goes further to say, “We may have things that come against us...but the good news is God can override it. He has the final say.” I’m so glad I have stayed and REmained positive and hopeful, and I look forward to this JOurneY of glorious adventure to see what He has yet in store! BE encouraged, my friend, and strong in the Lord, and let go and let Him minister to and through you as you REmain forward, focused and following in faith (and not fear) to your passion and the purpose He has for your life.

Job 19

As with Job, REgardless of what we may go through in life, may we know that our Redeemer lives, and He will stand upon the earth at last, and because of our faith and belief, yet will we see him for ourselves. Yes, we will see him with our own eyes. Let us BE overwhelmed at the thought! (Job‬ ‭19:25-27‬)

As already stated or confessed through today’s devotional, I at one time questioned my walk and understanding of BEing a Christian. I had accepted our Father, but I had to come to understand the importance of truly surrendering and letting Him lead me. As a REsult I have come to truly understand who the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:38). As this devotional by Dean Inserra highlights, when I was a child I wondered if I really knew Christ, and if I had a genuine conversion experience , or if it were more of a ritualistic act I participated in out of family tradition and expectation. But now that I have put away childish things, I know without a doubt, that my REdeemer lives and lives within me, and my life is not my own; to Him I BElong.

Joshua 21:14

There is no other choice in this life. May our thoughts, actions, and deeds REflect the only way that we shall choose to live and model for our children and our future generations, and that is with Christ. 🙏🏽💚🦋🌈

Sow seeds and serve this Sunday, my friend.