Weekend Reading - Journey Through the Bible

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 09:26:08 +0000

The Book of 1 Chronicles does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that 1 and 2 Chronicles were written by Ezra between 450 and 425 B.C. The Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles cover mostly the same information as 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings. 1 & 2 Chronicles focus more on the priestly aspect of the time period. The Book of 1 Chronicles was written after the exile to help those returning to Israel understand how to worship God. The history focused on the Southern Kingdom, the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and Levi. These tribes tended to be more faithful to God.

The first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles are dedicated to lists and genealogies. Further lists and genealogies are scattered throughout the rest of 1 Chronicles. In between, the Book of 1 Chronicles records David’s ascension to the throne and his actions thereafter. The book concludes with David’s son Solomon becoming King of Israel. Briefly outlined, the Book of 1 Chronicles is as follows: Chapters 1:1-9:23 - Selective Genealogies; Chapters 9:24-12:40 - David’s ascent; Chapters 13:1-20:30 -David’s reign.

Practical Application: Genealogies such as the ones in 1 Chronicles may seem dry to us, but they remind us that God knows each of His children personally, even down to the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30). We can take comfort in the fact that who we are and what we do is written forever in God’s mind. If we belong to Christ, our names are written forever in the Lamb’s book of Life (Revelation 13:8).

God is faithful to His people and keeps His promises. In the Book of 1 Chronicles, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to David when he is made king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 11:1-3). We can be sure that His promises to us will be fulfilled as well. He has promised blessings to those who follow Him, who come to Christ in repentance, and who obey His Word. Obedience brings blessing; disobedience brings judgment.

Saturday/Sunday: I Chronicles 29

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

God Is Present When No One Else Is There!

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:39:01 +0000

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever experienced a lonely season? As a result of a loved one or close friend’s death, you now battle depression. As a result of financial hardships, you now worry about bill payments, your children’s necessities, enough food to eat or shelter from the cold. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep at night only to wake up and you were still crying? With so much pain on the inside, all day and all night you cry and moan. You lay on a pillow that is soaked from your tears. Family and friends wonder what is wrong, but none of them have the answer. In the midst of the storm and the rain, you found yourself seeking shelter. Have you ever felt like everything you touched went wrong? While everyone around you seemed to blossom, your harvest appeared delayed and denied. Have you been there? Are you there now?

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. When everything in life appears chaotic and uncertain, the enemy will always do his best to make you feel worse. When friends betray you, it is then that he enters in to keep reminding you of it. When your employment is being threatened, it is then that he enters in to keep reminding you of it. When yesterday left you wounded, today keeps you crying and tomorrow appears so far away, it is then that he enters in to keep reminding you of it. The enemy gets great joy out of seeing God’s children discouraged. What do you do when everything seems out of control? What do you do when everyone has walked away from you? Do you not know God has never vacated the premises? He has never abandoned you. My friend, God Is Present When No One Else Is There! The Bible declares in Psalms 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Just when you want to give up, the presence of God is manifested. Just when you are about to lose your mind, the power of God intervenes. Just when you want to walk away from your ministry, the spirit of God strengthens you.

My brother, my sister, you are not alone. No matter what the enemy has spoken in your ear, the Lord has not nor will not leave you. The Bible declares in Hebrews 13:5 - …for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Beloved, God Is Present When No One Else Is There! Think about the loneliest time(s) in your life. Think of the time(s) you felt alone in this crowded world. Think of the time(s) you wondered how you would make ends meet. Look at yourself now. You made it out of the lions den because of the love of God. Yes there were tearful days. Yes there were restless nights. Yes there were friends and family members who misunderstood you and your faith. In spite of it all, God was always there. He was there to comfort you when tragedy struck. He was there to give peace when your mind experienced confusion. He was there to provide for you when unforeseen circumstances arose. He was there to reassure you when doubt entered in. At your lowest point, He was there. At the highest points in your life, He was there. God Is Present When No One Else Is There! Prayer for Today: Father, thank You for never leaving me. Thank You for always being faithful. Your love for me keeps me going each day and I am grateful to You. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Proverbs 18:24

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

There Should Be Nothing Before God!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:43:39 +0000

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever met someone who wants to always tell you what they have? It never fails, every time you see them their always attempting to down play your blessing. This person can never handle how good God has been for you and your family. They act as though no one else can experience the blessings of God but them. Have you ever known someone who loved to speak negative or doubt? Every time you tell them what the Lord promised you, they always say, “Are you sure you can afford that” or “If I were you, I …” My advice to you, stop telling them your dreams and secrets. As you read yesterday, there are times when God will have you keep quiet even when you want to talk. Everyone cannot handle you being blessed. Do you know someone who always speaks about what they want or plan to buy, but the person never steps out on faith for anything? This person is considered a man or woman of faith? The Bible declares in James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. My friend, what you enjoy today is not because you were so perfect or holy. It’s not because you were so righteous or committed. If the truth were told, you have what you have because God bestowed His favor upon you. Do not allow other people to make you think it was you. Do not allow the enemy to pump your head with air. It was the hand of God. Remember that! Now that you have what you have, I have one thing to tell you: There Should Be Nothing Before God! The Bible declares in Exodus 34:14 - For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: God enjoys blessing His people. His Word declares that He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalms 84:11). Enjoy the blessings God has entrusted to you. Do not allow other people to make you feel bad because you are blessed. BUT, while you enjoy the many blessings of God, remember, There Should Be Nothing Before God!

My brother, my sister, God loves you. He really loves you. His love for you goes and grows beyond your love for Him. As a result of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are able to see, feel and know God’s love. The Bible declares in Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Is this not love? While we were still sinning, God sent Christ to die. Beloved, it’s that same love that enables us to experience the abundant life God promised us (John 10:10). There Should Be Nothing Before God! Whether it’s your job, your home, your car, your marriage, your ministry, your friendships, your wardrobe, etc. make sure God is first. The Bible declares in Mark 12:30 - And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Today, enjoy the outpouring of God. Enjoy the rich blessings He has bestowed upon you. Be not ashamed or hidden. God has blessed you in order for you to bless others. Prayer for Today: Father, thank you for all You have done, will do and are doing. I love You so much. Now Father I ask that You help me keep everything in perspective. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Joshua 24:15

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

Shhh, God Is Talking To You!

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:43:07 +0000

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever found yourself surrounded by people who never stopped talking? Every time you see them, their always talking about something or someone. Never stopping to take a break. Never stopping to listen. Always has to dominate the conversation. Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a noisy place? It appeared as if everyone was talking at the same time, with the same sound level. At times you found it difficult to hear yourself talking or even thinking. So often in our lives, we find ourselves around people or in places that cause us to miss out on many things. Since everywhere and everyone is loud, many times you miss people calling your name or exiting the building. Isn’t it amazing how your environment can get inside of you. Since everything and everyone is often loud, you now find yourself yelling in quiet places.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. So many times in life, we have missed the voice of God because we expected Him to sound a certain way and come at a certain time. We are taught that God will yell when He wants your attention. While some may know this to be true, God more often will speak with a quiet voice … almost like a whisper. Only those who have relationship with Him can hear it and recognize Him. When you are always talking, you can easily miss what the Lord is saying. For that, my friend I have been sent to tell you something. Shhh, God Is Talking To You! The Bible declares in James 1:19 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: Allow me to ask you a question. If you are always talking, when do you have time to listen? You must be careful. Do not become as the Pharisees. They were known as a people who talked a lot but was saying nothing. (Matthew 6) There are times when God will have you remain quiet even when you feel assaulted or under attack.

My brother, my sister, is God talking to you today? Is He trying to tell you something? Can you hear His voice clearly or do you need to cease from talking? It is imperative that we, as the children of God, find ourselves listening for the voice of our Father. It is through the voice of God that we are able to withstand the attacks of the enemy. It is through the voice of God that we are able to discern good from evil. The Bible declares in John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: Shhh, God Is Talking To You! Beloved, just because the people around you are always talking, does not mean you have to follow suit. Learn how to speak after God has spoken. Even in your prayer time, before you close your prayers, leave time for God to speak and give instructions. For your information, I would like to give you three ways God speaks to His people. 1.) Through His Word; 2.) Through prayer; and 3.) Through His people. There are other ways, but these ways are most common. Prayer for Today: Father, help me hear You more clearly, know You more dearly, and feel You more nearly. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 3

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

It’s All or Nothing!

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:45:24 +0000

It’s wonderful day to be a child of God. Has anyone ever told you how much the Lord loves you? Has anyone ever told you about all God sacrificed for you? Has anyone ever told you that God is a forgiving God? Has anyone ever told you about the healing hands and nature of God? Has anyone ever told you how God keeps watch over you and your family while you sleep each day and night? Many times in our lives, we never hear about the quality time God spends making sure we have everything we need to survive each day. We often hear about the crime in our streets, drugs in our neighborhoods, marriages that hit rock bottom, young ladies who ended up pregnant, or so-and-so’s child whose now in jail. The very world we live in thrives off of negative reports. But God does not desire for His people to become consumed with the reports of the world. While there are negative actions taking place in our world, God wants us to know that He is still on His throne. He is still Sovereign.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. If we start living our lives based on what television tells us or shows us, we begin to live contrary to the will of God. Neither television nor the newspaper can hold you in the midnight hour. When you are in need of an immediate breakthrough, it will not be television nor the newspaper that will make it come to pass. In all that the Lord does for you, how often do you return to tell Him “thank you!” Often times, we give God half of ourselves until tragedy knocks on the door. Once that occurs, we begin to flood Heaven with our prayer request. My friend, God wants me to tell you something: It’s All or Nothing! 99 and a half will not do it. The Bible declares in Luke 9:62 - And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. We must understand the importance of this decision. Think about this, what if God was inconsistent towards us the way we are inconsistent toward Him? What if God was ashamed of us the way we act ashamed of Him at times?

My brother, my sister, It’s All or Nothing! You cannot give God your Sundays and keep the other six days. You cannot give God the other six days and keep your Sundays. He desires all of you. Yes, all! Even the areas you need to improve. Even the attitude other people cannot handle. Even the heart that was broken or the pain you currently feel. Even your need to always have people around you. The Bible declares in Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Beloved, its time for you to surrender all unto the Lord. God cannot fully release His blessings in your life, until you fully release the person, place or thing that keeps you bound. It’s All or Nothing! No thing nor no one should stand between you and the Lord. Prayer for Today: Father, today I give You all of me. Every area of my life, I surrender unto You. I am available to You. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Exodus 20:3, Exodus 34:14

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

You Cannot Steal My Praise!

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:56:22 +0000

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever allowed someone to come into your presence and when they left you were upset over something? Before you saw them, everything was going very well. After they walked away, you found yourself walking with your head hanging down, upset and frustrated about a certain matter. It never fails, every time things are going your way this same person seems to appear with one thing on his or her mind … to steal from you. Have you ever noticed how you tighten up when certain people come around? It’s not every person you meet or know, but there is that one person you feel uncomfortable around. No matter what you say, its just the opposite to them. No matter how wonderful the news is, this person always brings up the negative aspect. WHAT IF …, is there favorite phrase. Are you able to discern certain spirits on people that others cannot? You are able to look right through people and really see the truth behind their motives.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. Do you not know, the enemy knows what he is doing? If you allow certain people, places and things to control your behavior or steal from you, the enemy will always send it. Just when things were going so well, he will send it to rob you. You must get to a point in your life where no thing and no one is able to take what God has ordained for you to have. People should never have the ability to control you like a puppet. You are not man controlled. My friend, it is time for you to tell the devil, You Cannot Steal My Praise! To steal means to take the property of another wrongfully and especially as an habitual or regular practice. Until you decree it, it will not be established (Job 22:28). The enemy, on a repeated basis, comes to always steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). There is no other reason for his existence. But even when he comes to steal from you, the Bible gives you instructions. The Bible declares in Psalms 100:4 - Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

My brother, my sister, the enemy can only take what you give to him. If you allow him to come in and possess your territory, whose fault is it? If he sends people to steal your praise, whose fault is it? God created you to win. You were formed in the image and likeness of God. Beloved, it is time for you to tell the devil, You Cannot Steal My Praise! Your praise belongs to God and God alone. The Bible declares in Isaiah 61:3 - … to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. The praise you have is a weapon against the devil and his imps. If and when they come against you, learn how to open your mouth and offer God your heartfelt praise. No matter how bad it looks or feels. No matter how nasty the rumor sounds. No matter how evil the plot was against you. The Bible declares in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Prayer for Today: Father, thank you for enabling me to offer praise unto You. I will not allow the enemy to steal my praise. It belongs to You. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Psalms 34:1

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

Weekend Reading - Journey Through the Bible

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:02:16 +0000

Saturday: I Chronicles 25-26
Sunday: I Chronicles 27-28

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

SHIFT!

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:51:02 +0000

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever found yourself doing the same thing over and over again? For some apparent reason, you continued to repeat the same cycle. You hung with the same people who were comfortable doing the same things. No matter how challenged you felt to change, no change has been made. Have you ever found yourself talking yourself out of the blessings of God? It was not your friend or family member this time, it was you! You were the one who said it could not be done. You were the one who doubted the power and provision of God. You were the one who second guessed everything God promised you and your family. Have you ever allowed the fact that no one else has ever done it to stop you from being obedient? Since you do not know anyone who has attempted what God told you to do, now you worry about the outcome. Your faith has been suffocated by fear and anxiety. Have you been there? Are you there now?

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. In each of our lives there comes a time when we must make a change for the better. There comes a time when we must be willing to step out on the promises of God, whether you have man’s support or not. My friend, it is time to SHIFT! To shift means to change the place, position, or direction of; to move. Have you ever thought that maybe what you are going through is God’s way of making you change your direction? It could be God’s way of showing you how to trust in Him for everything. The Bible declares in Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. In order to be the most effective witness for the Lord, each of us must experience a time of shifting. A shifting away from the old man and the old way of doing things. We cannot continue to do the same thing, the same way and expect a different result. It is time to SHIFT!

My brother, my sister, what hinders you from being obedient to the call of God for your life? What prevents you from stepping out on what God to you to do? Beloved, it is time for a SHIFT! Often times, we allow what other people say or think about us to prevent us from completely surrendering and obeying God’s commandments. The Bible declares in 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. When you totally commit yourself to the work of God, He washes away the old man and the old man’s nature. Yes there will be challenges from all sides. Yes there will be people who question you and your ministry. Yes there will be times of discouragement and weariness. But through it all, when you SHIFT you stop living for others opinions and start living for God’s will. Prayer for Today: Father, help me make a SHIFT in my life. A SHIFT that leads me closer to You and further from the old man. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: Isaiah 43:18

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

You Can Laugh In The Devil’s Face!

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:50:06 +0000

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever had someone attempt to speak destruction into your life? No matter what you attempted to do, this person always had a negative thought or word to give. No matter how much you have changed, this person wants to always remind you of your old ways. Just when you take two steps forward, this person desires to push you back three steps. Your progress is always attacked by this person. Have you ever found yourself wondering why others dislike you? You treat everyone with the utmost respect. Never speaking against anyone. You often intercede for the same people you know dislike and attempt to misuse you. Child of God, those who speak ill against you fail to realize they are really speaking against the Lord. The Bible declares in Psalms 105:15 - Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. It is the anointing on your life that causes the enemy to send people against you. The plan is to destroy you and your life’s purpose, but the devil is a liar.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. Guess what, you have a charge to keep and a God to glorify. No matter what it looks like, God has His hand on you. Death cannot nor will not take you. Until your purpose is fulfilled, there will be no leaving. God is in control of all things. My friend, You Can Laugh In The Devil’s Face! You can laugh at all he has tried and will try to do. The Bible declares in 1 John 4:4 - Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. The God you serve is greater than any demon or imp sent against you. Think of all the times you thought there was no way out. Think of the times your back was pressed against the wall and things appeared impossible. Do you remember who it was that made a way of escape? Yes, it was the Lord! The enemy left you for dead. Ha Ha Ha. You Can Laugh In The Devil’s Face! Once again, his plan failed and God’s people prevailed.

My brother, my sister, what are you dealing with today? What matter has you worried? Who has your mind consumed with worry? The Bible declares in 1 John 5:4 - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Beloved, you are victorious over the adversary. God is greater and mightier than any demonic attack that comes your way. Do not give in. Do not submit to the enemy. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (Exodus 14:13). You Can Laugh In The Devil’s Face! When you find yourself feeling down and out, start remembering all the great and excellent things God has done for you. If He did it before, He is able and willing to do it again. Learn how to counter the enemy’s words with the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11). The Bible declares in Matthew 16:19 - And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Prayer for Today: Father, You have given me the victory over the enemy. As a result, I can laugh in his face. Thank you. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee

Don’t Be A Hindrance But A Blessing!

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:50:10 +0000

It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever watched the way some people treat other people? Sometimes people can be very rude and nasty. Sometimes people treat others like slaves and peasants. They talk to them any kind of way. Respect and love are never shown. Have you ever listened to two people who were in conflict about something or someone? It’s always the other person’s fault. No one wants to admit their wrong. Their way is the only way that’s right. Many times in our lives, we want God to bless us but we refuse to bless others. So often we fail to realize the power invested within us. We think of blessings as materialistic or monetary. When you speak to a person in love, that’s a blessing. When you greet someone with a sincere hug, that’s a blessing. When you treat someone the way you want to be treated, that’s a blessing.

Today, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. Do you not know God can see everything you do (omni-present)? Do you not know God can hear everything you say? When you ask God to bless you in a specific way, He is able to do that and more. However, you must also understand God does not bless evil. When you treat His children in an evil and devilish way, He will not bless you with more. My friend, Don’t Be A Hindrance But A Blessing! Be the person who speaks life. Be the person who displays the glory of God wherever you go. The Bible declares in Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. The worse thing to see is a nasty and evil Believer. A person who confesses Christ with their mouth, but acts like the devil. Each day, there are a number of people who come into your presence. They either work with you, live by you, attend church with you, or interact with you by e-mail and telephone. Don’t Be A Hindrance But A Blessing!

My brother, my sister, you are chosen to reflect the glory of God. You are hand-selected to represent Christ. You are an Ambassador. The Bible declares in Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Beloved, think about the lives you could impact for the Kingdom of God if you would become determined to bless everyone you meet. Don’t Be A Hindrance But A Blessing! Can God count on you to be the best representative? Can God trust you with the blessings He pours in your hands? Today, you should make it your point to bless every person you see through your smile, a nice e-mail, or a simple phone call. Do not allow your flesh to hinder your spirit from blessing others. Prayer for Today: Father, help me become a blessing to everyone and not a hindrance. Help me reflect Your glory and represent Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name … Amen!

Scripture Reading for Today: James 1:22-25

May God Bless you at Your point of need!

Minister Darrick D. McGhee