Let Us Pray For You

If you do not know, please allow me to share a life update. On September 7, 2025, the Lord allowed a small group of us to begin a home church. In November we took the word “church” out of the name and replaced it with “ministry.”

It is called the Agape Leaders Christian Fellowship Ministry. Our purpose is to live out the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. We seek to do three things: make disciples, pray for people, take care of the needy. 

We do a live broadcast Sundays at 10:00 am eastern where we teach the word of God, share testimonies of what God is doing in and through our lives, and pray for people. After the live, we gather in our living room for a deeper dive into the word. We invite people to join us via Zoom. 

We conclude each week by praying and taking communion. 

During the week, our members go out into the community to pray for people. The way God has opened doors and opened hearts is incredible. We have also been exposed to the reality that many people do not believe in God and do not want us to pray for them. We walk a few feet away and pray for them anyway. 

The people we are seeking to find are those who have experienced church hurt and refuse to go into a building of people gathered in Jesus’ name. We want to help them heal, then encourage them to find a church home that God will show them. 

If you are one who has experienced church hurt and you are hesitant to join a body of believers to serve the Lord, we invite you to join us. Please send me a private text and I will give you the details. 

Finally, I ask each of you to share your prayer requests with us. You can private text me anytime. We will pray for your requests. 

Thank you for reading this long text. Please join us in prayer as we seek to do all that God has given us. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Chronicles 7:14

14 if my people, who are called by my name,will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 11:1-16; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 21:17-18

I Have My Rights

In the US, we have what’s known as the Bill of Rights. These are rights that are afforded to all US citizens and those who are considered permanent residents of the US. In addition to the Bill of Rights, which are the first ten amendments to the Constitution, there are seventeen more amendments that are inalienable rights. These rights are non-negotiable.

In this passage, Paul is talking about the rights of the believer. But he teaches us that we should not use our rights as a believer to override the rights of our fellow believers. In fact he says that our goal should be to seek the good of others rather than our own good. 

For US Christians, this should be an easy task. If we live a life to please God, then respecting the rights of others becomes a no brainer. 

Is that how you live? Spend time with the Lord today. Ask Him to point out areas in your life where you may be seeking your comfort at the expense of others. When He shows you, change. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 10:23-24

23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 10:14-33; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 21:14-16

In Christ, You Lack Nothing

Lack is what the enemy uses to get Christians to sin. When he approached Eve, he focused her on the one thing she was not allowed to have. Eve didn’t have true lack, she had boundaries. She faltered.

Contrast Eve with Jesus. The enemy also approached Him in His “lack.” Jesus had fasted forty days and He was hungry. Satan focused Him on that lack of food, but Jesus remained focused on God and honoring Him. That’s what we should do when faced with “lack.”

The psalmist says that those who fear the Lord will lack nothing. Taking matters into your own hands in lieu of trusting God will never end well for you. 

No matter the circumstance. Put your trust in God. Things may seem bleak, but one thing’s for sure, God is faithful. Trust Him. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 34:7-10

7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13

God Is Your Shield

A good shield protects well the person who employs it properly. When used effectively, the holder will not feel the attacks of whatever is coming. 

The beautiful thing about this passage in Psalms and others like it is we learn that God is not giving us a shield to protect us. He IS our shield. And when we properly “employ” Him, we will not feel the attacks from wherever they come. 

Our right relationship with God gives us a better perspective on life’s trials. Because God is our shield, we can confidently consider it joy when we face trials of any kind. We know that such trials simply test our faith. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 33:20-22

20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12

Known By God

“Depart from me, I never knew you.” These words will be said by God to people who thought they were true believers in Christ. Jesus precedes that message with the words, “Not everyone who says to me Lord Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Why is that?

Paul says it in this passage, “But whoever loves God is known by God.” Sounds good, but what about those people who believed they loved God, why will they be denied entry into the kingdom of heaven?

Heres the simple answer found in John 14:15. Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Loving God is more than saying the words. It’s the action of doing what He’s commanded us to do. 

“What’s that?” You may ask. That’s easy to answer. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. That’s how you keep all God’s commands. It’s the proof that you love Him and He knows you! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 8:2-3

2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 8, Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 21:8-10

Confess Your Sin

If you’ve ever lived under the “cloud of shame,” which comes with willful sin, you may have experienced the relief that comes with confession. I have. 

In this passage, David is responding to his unconfessed sin with Bathsheba. You are probably familiar with the story. Think about how long he carried that unrepentant sin in his life. Probably for almost one year. Remember, he had a son through that ill fated union. 

The guilt and shame David must have felt was probably eating away at him. However, his confession gave him relief.  Your confession will give you relief. 

Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for each other. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 32:3-5

3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 7:25-40; Psalm 32; Proverbs 21:5-7

Where’s Your Hope

The commander of the brigade I was in while I was stationed at Fort Benning, GA used to always say, “hope is not a method.” This meant that we were to take steps to ensure we knew our jobs and could perform at the highest level when called upon, as opposed to “hoping” we could do the job. 

The hope the psalmist refers to is not that type of hope. This hope is more of a faith or trust. It is why you believe in God. You know He’s going to come through no matter the circumstance. 

So the question of the day is, where’s your hope. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 31:24

24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 7:1-24; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 21:4

Sexual Immorality 

If you want to get canceled in today’s society, talk about sexual immorality. Here’s to being canceled. 

Sexual immorality causes problems that affect our lives and, more importantly, our relationship with God. We can find no place in the Bible that God makes an exception that allows sexual immorality. 

Here’s your homework. Do a deep dive in the Bible and learn what Biblical sexual immorality is. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Todays Readings:

1 Corinthians 6; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 21:3

Will You Remain Faithful

I appreciate days like today. It reminds me how perfect God’s timing is.

This morning the ODB devotional scripture reading was parts of Psalm 31. As you will see at the end of this text devotion, a part of our reading today is the first eight verses of Psalm 31. 

The ODB message was about perseverance in Christ through difficult circumstances. What a great reminder. 

The psalmist commits his spirit into the Lord’s hands. Why? Because he knows that no matter the situation, God can be trusted to be faithful. But there’s more to the “story.”

God’s faithfulness has eternal implications. You may experience a terrible situation, then pass away as a result of it. You will experience God’s faithfulness as you step into eternity with Him. 

Far too many people think that experiencing the goodness of God must be done here on earth. And that is true some of the time. But God never promises that reality. Even so, will you remain faithful? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 5:5a

Into your hands I commit my spirit.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 21:1-2

Are You Imitateable

Do children still play follow the leader? I played it when I was young. As I read this passage, I was taken back to my childhood. It was so much fun to do whatever the leader did, the sillier the better. Did you play?

In this passage, Paul is telling the believers in Corinth to imitate his walk with Christ. That is a bold statement to make. I imagine that in today’s society, the average believer might get offended at the prospect of someone saying that. Unfortunately, their offense would be unfounded. 

As Christians, we must all be imitateable. I know that’s not a word, but I like the concept. 

Are you imitateable? You should be! Our lives should reflect the life of Christ. We will never attain the perfect life He lived. However, we must be in pursuit of that life. Will we make mistakes? Probably! Will God stick with us? Absolutely! 

Get in your Bible daily. Pray continually. And surround yourself with mature Christians. Having many friends is fruitless if they are not pointing you towards Jesus Christ.

Live in such a way that anyone who imitates you will be imitating Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 4:16

16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 4; Psalm 30; Proverbs 20:28-30

Do Your Job

If you keep up with the NFL, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “do your job.” It is most recently attributed to Bill Belichick. The point of the phrase is for a person to know what their assignment is then do it to the best of their ability. 

In this passage, Paul is letting the Corinthians know that the work he and Apollos did was only the job God had given them. They should not be worshiped. He ensured they knew that God is responsible for the spiritual growth of everyone. 

That is still true today. You and I are to plant or water, whichever God assigns us, and God will make it grow. He is solely responsible for the growth. 

When it comes to witnessing for Christ, do your job! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 3:5-9

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 3:5-23; Psalm 29; Proverbs 20:26-27

Grow Up In Christ

When I was a much younger person, I was told, based on my immature behavior, that I needed to grow up. Maybe you were told that once or twice as well. 

As I read this passage, I was reminded of those times. The writer is telling the believers at Corinth that they need to grow up in Christ. How you are when you first believe is not how you should stay forever. 

Your faith must grow. Your trust must grow. Your willingness to allow God to stretch you must grow. If you want to walk well with Christ, GROW! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 3:1-4

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4; Psalm 28; Proverbs 20:24-25

God’s Foolishness > Our Wisdom

Recently, a friend asked me to put a quote on a bulletin board in her classroom. She is asking several teachers to share words of wisdom for her students. I wrote, “Do not allow bad decisions to accumulate.” 

Although they may be wise words to live by, they pale in comparison to anything God would say. As you live your life, are you seeking man’s wisdom or God’s wisdom?

This passage informs us that we would be better off seeking the foolish things of God before we ever consider the wisest things of man. Allow that to marinate for a minute. 

God’s wisdom always draws us and others closer to Him. Does man’s wisdom always draw us closer to God? Tbh, probably rarely! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 1:18; 25

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 20:22-23

One Thing I Ask

I love this passage in this psalm. It reminds me of a song a friend of mine wrote and recorded while we lived in the Netherlands. The song captured the true essence of what the psalmist desires; he wants to be in the presence of the Lord forever. 

If I’m being honest, that’s my desire as well. However, before that day comes, God has tasked me with sharing this gospel to everyone I can for as long as I can. So that’s what I’m doing. 

What has God tasked you to do? Don’t get ahead of yourself by only daydreaming about the day you can gaze at His beauty forever. Be about His business and help others come to know Him and they will also be able to gaze at His beauty forever. 

Your place in heaven may be secure, but the unknowing person’s is not. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 27:4

4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 1:1-17; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 20:20-21

A Worthy Warning

We live in a world in which we have access to information at the tip of our fingers. We are subjected to more opinions than ever before. The question becomes, how are we discerning these opinions. 

The writer of Romans cautions us to be careful as we listen to anyone. There are people whose sole purpose is to spread lies designed to make themselves look good. As Christians, we must be alert and sober minded. 

As you go about your day, make sure you are in constant communication with the Holy Spirit. This will help you discern well. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 16:17-19

17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 16:10-27; Psalm 26; Proverbs 20:19

Six Days Out Sinnin’

Almost three decades ago, a friend of mine wrote a rap song that I still perform to this day. As I end the rap, I say, “Righteousness is always followed by right living. So do the right thing.” Reading this section of Psalm 25 had me thinking about that line at the end of that rap. 

Maintaining integrity can be a challenge. Remember what Job’s wife said to him, “You’re still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” She did not understand the importance of being a person who seeks righteousness in all circumstances. 

It’s easy to do the right thing when everything lines up perfectly. But the challenge is to do the right thing when it doesn’t “feel good” to do. Will you “still hold on to your integrity” when pain and suffering seem to be the order of the day? Job did! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 25:21

21 May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 15:23-16:9; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 20:16-18

The Snooze Button

It could be safe to say that there’s a real love hate relationship that takes place in homes across the world every morning. It’s the love of sleep and the hatred of the alarm clock. 

How do these two realities coexist? The snooze button. 

But there in lies the problem for anyone who seeks success in Christ, as well as worldly success. An unhealthy love for sleep will cost you more than you want to pay.

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into a disciplined life in which sleep has a place but no power. There should not be a fight in the morning for you to wake up. There is real loss when your love for sleep keeps you from doing what God has called you to do. 

Live a disciplined life in which sleep is a tool that allows your body to be rejuvenated so you may effectively share this gospel. Don’t allow it to be an idol that thwarts your ability to serve God. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 20:13

13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 20:13-15

Only Christ Can Ascend

This question and answer points to Jesus Christ. The psalm was written hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth but the answer is nonetheless Jesus Christ. 

So what about us? Are we able to ascend the mountain of the Lord. Simply put, without Jesus, no. 

When God looks at you without the blood of Jesus on your life, He sees your sin and is repulsed! Let that marinate. 

However, when you accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin and thus are covered by the blood of Jesus, when God looks at you He sees Jesus and is pleased. 

Therefore, apart from Christ, you cannot ascend the mountain of the Lord nor stand in His Holy Place. 

Accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin, today! Tomorrow  is not promised. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 24:3-4

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 14; Psalm 24; Proverbs 20:11

Walk Through Don’t Stop

Psalm 23 is one of the most well known Psalms. This passage in Psalm 23 is my favorite because it is a reminder that I will face difficult times, but if I keep moving through, I will get to the other side. 

Think about difficult times that lasted awhile because instead of trusting God and pressing through, you sat down, cried, complained, and did anything you could to hold on to the struggle. Don’t do that anymore. 

This is not breaking news: EVERYONE goes through difficult times. The key is to walk through, don’t stop. 

What’s your challenge de jour? Trust God! Keep moving! The other side is just around the bend. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 23:4

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 13; Psalm 23; Proverbs 20:11

It’s As Simple As That

This section of Romans 12 is the answer to the question, “how do I live well for the Lord.” If you live out these words, you will be following, well, Jesus Christ, it’s as simple as that. 

I encourage you to spend time meditating on this passage today. Ask yourself the difficult question of how are you doing with these requirements. Seek God and make necessary changes. 

The message is clear. There’s no reason not to live them out daily! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Romans 12:9-13

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Today’s Readings:

Romans 12; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10