My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9 MSG) God's Grace As I review this past week and the moments when I felt things didn't quite play out as I had planned, I recall my initial feelings. There were feelings of frustration of being behind, trying to figure out how I could scramble to catch up. On one particular day, I was irritable because I was working through these feelings and the non-stop request for more engagement. My processing helps me to land in a mindset of "I am human and I am subject to weak moments." This statement is the reality of life. I also understand my need to mimic God's grace for myself. Today's scripture says, "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness." Although it would be easy if those around us could read the room and recognize that you may not have it to give when they ask for something, they may not get it. The requirements for how we show up differ depending on our responsibilities. If I spend my time talking to people and problem-solving all day, I may be running on empty by the time I get to the end of my day, so I only want to show up if I have to. This comes from someone who is not married and with no small children. It is the season I am in, and seasons change, but I have been there. I have learned that I am not the bad guy for feeling this way. I give myself the grace to assess, regroup and begin again. I can love without giving all of me to others. And when I cannot check off all things on my to-do list, then by God's grace, I will get it done when I can. Duplicate God's grace in your life as you process how you show up moving forward. Remember, He never requires perfection and is always willing to make up the difference concerning your weakness. Coach Dee
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1 ESV) You Have Help God will often send what you need in human form, imperfect and all, to help you on your journey. It doesn't matter that people will sometimes disappoint you; it will never stop God from being God! He has the last say so concerning you. Today's scripture says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." The very present help in trouble shows up in different ways. And most times, it shows up in the form of people. Examine who is in your life so you can identify who is there to support you. When you discover those around you who struggle to give you what you ask for and honor your boundaries, love them from afar. Some people don't have the emotional capacity to love you well. When you find God's help, you will find the encouragement and empowerment needed to show up well, so you can answer God's call. No matter where you find yourself today, remember you have help. Coach Dee
"As for you, my servant Jacob, don't be afraid, and Israel, don't be dismayed. For I'll deliver you from a distant place, and your descendants from the land of their captivity. Jacob will return. He will be undisturbed and secure, and no one will cause him to fear." (Jeremiah 46:27 NASB) DO NOT DISTURB! A feature on most mobile devices is known as "Do Not Disturb." Although it has been available for some time now, it is only recently that I have put it to use. My fear of not being available to those I am concerned about is probably the biggest reason for not using it more. As I ponder, the reasons that come to mind are a few things. Is it a "God complex" or a control issue? Is the catastrophizing I do and the "what if" conversations I have in my head the root cause? I'm sure it is a mix of these things. What has made it less challenging for me to use now is the need to prioritize my well-being. My insomnia sometimes gets the best of me, so I need to sleep when I can. Being awakened out of my much-needed rest is beyond frustrating. I know people are not doing it maliciously but more so from a place of unawareness. That is another conversation. Today's scripture says, "He will be undisturbed and secure, and no one will cause him to fear." God is telling His people, us; we don't have to live in fear. He is looking out for us and everyone connected to us. He sees what we can't see and knows what we don't know; because of this, we can live undisturbed. For iPhone users, the feature is now labeled "Focus." How appropriate. The phone we rely so heavily on is giving us permission to focus on ourselves. The feature gives you settings for work, sleep, or whenever you need undisturbed time. Although this is great, what is even more critical is our reliance on God for the peace and fulfillment we all want and deserve. Learn to use your "Focus" so you can get what you need. Coach Dee
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV) Ask God I am writing this after conversing with someone I had recently prayed for. Although this person knows I am always praying for them, they were unaware of this specific prayer. They shared recent events and their outcome. After the conversation, I moved on to other things. After a few minutes, it dawned on me that God had answered my specific prayer concerning this person, and I thanked Him for doing so. Two thoughts come to mind when I think about asking God for His intervention in my life and the lives of others. One is this; is it merely routine, or do I expect God to answer my prayer? The second thought is, do I ask God for His help at all, or do I hope for the best without His participation? Many people fall into one, if not both, of these two categories. I have learned to ask God for his intervention in every area of my life and the lives of others. Today's scripture has Jabez praying to God for the outcomes he wanted to see in his life. Jabez prayed for God to bless him, enlarge his territory, and for His presence, safety, and wellness. Jabez was specific in his prayer. The scripture goes on to say, "And God granted his request." As you execute the plan for your life, are you asking God for His help? Are you being specific with your request? You don't have to try to avoid disappointment by not asking. If your request is denied, it is either His providence or for your protection. And if it is delayed, it is for your benefit. God always wants what is best for you. Sometimes, He is just waiting for you to ask and trust Him with the outcome. And remember, prayer does change things, but before it changes things, it will always change you first! Coach Dee
Moses objected, "They won't trust me. They won't listen to a word I say. They're going to say, 'God? Appear to him? Hardly!'" (Exodus 4:1 MSG) Overruled by God Many people suffer from doubt and lack of confidence. It is easy to find books, articles, and podcasts about imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is the psychological occurrence in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. Feelings of inadequacy persist despite evident success. These feelings often stem from harmful speech and exposure to negative environments that made one question if they were good enough. Today's scripture picks up in the middle of a conversation between God and Moses. God had just revealed Moses' assignment and purpose. However, Moses immediately began to make excuses as to why he did not possess the competency required for his calling. Moses responded the way most of us do when we sense a divine compelling to do challenging things. Moses began to make excuses. He listed all the reasons why he was not fit for the job. Like Moses, we often forget that our Creator, God, who is all-seeing and all-knowing, is aware of what we have labeled as deficiencies. And still, none of these things can overrule what God has ordained concerning our lives. Our job is not to focus on our weaknesses because, most times, they are small compared to the strengths we possess. Whatever work God has placed in your heart to do, do it. God will make up the difference wherever He finds deficiencies. Here is something to embrace in this new year, all your excuses concerning God's plan and purpose for your life are being overruled! Coach Dee
Moses objected, "They won't trust me. They won't listen to a word I say. They're going to say, 'God? Appear to him? Hardly!'" (Exodus 4:1 MSG) Overruled by God Many people suffer from doubt and lack of confidence. It is easy to find books, articles, and podcasts about imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is the psychological occurrence in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. Feelings of inadequacy persist despite evident success. These feelings often stem from harmful speech and exposure to negative environments that made one question if they were good enough. Today's scripture picks up in the middle of a conversation between God and Moses. God had just revealed Moses' assignment and purpose. However, Moses immediately began to make excuses as to why he did not possess the competency required for his calling. Moses responded the way most of us do when we sense a divine compelling to do challenging things. Moses began to make excuses. He listed all the reasons why he was not fit for the job. Like Moses, we often forget that our Creator, God, who is all-seeing and all-knowing, is aware of what we have labeled as deficiencies. And still, none of these things can overrule what God has ordained concerning our lives. Our job is not to focus on our weaknesses because, most times, they are small compared to the strengths we possess. Whatever work God has placed in your heart to do, do it. God will make up the difference wherever He finds deficiencies. Here is something to embrace in this new year, all your excuses concerning God's plan and purpose for your life are being overruled! Coach Dee
Moses objected, "They won't trust me. They won't listen to a word I say. They're going to say, 'God? Appear to him? Hardly!'" (Exodus 4:1 MSG) Overruled by God Many people suffer from doubt and lack of confidence. It is easy to find books, articles, and podcasts about imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is the psychological occurrence in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. Feelings of inadequacy
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV) Ask God I am writing this after conversing with someone I had recently prayed for. Although this person knows I am always praying for them, they were unaware of this specific prayer. They shared recent events and their outcome. After the conversation, I moved on to other things. After a few minutes, it dawned on me that God had answered my specific prayer concerning this person, and I thanked Him for doing so. Two thoughts come to mind when I think about asking God for His intervention in my life and the lives of others. One is this; is it merely routine, or do I expect God to answer my prayer? The second thought is, do I ask God for His help at all, or do I hope for the best without His participation? Many people fall into one, if not both, of these two categories. I have learned to ask God for his intervention in every area of my life and the lives of others. Today's scripture has Jabez praying to God for the outcomes he wanted to see in his life. Jabez prayed for God to bless him, enlarge his territory, and for His presence, safety, and wellness. Jabez was specific in his prayer. The scripture goes on to say, "And God granted his request." As you execute the plan for your life, are you asking God for His help? Are you being specific with your request? You don't have to try to avoid disappointment by not asking. If your request is denied, it is either His providence or for your protection. And if it is delayed, it is for your benefit. God always wants what is best for you. Sometimes, He is just waiting for you to ask and trust Him with the outcome. And remember, prayer does change things, but before it changes things, it will always change you first! Coach Dee
And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.(Habakkuk 2:2-3 MSG) Plan Accordingly Here we are in a brand new year. Time is becoming more challenging to track as we work to manage our priorities and hopefully live out our dreams. As I write this, I pray that you have not given up on your dreams. I hope that time and life have yet to convince you that it is too late to get to what your heart desires. Seeing God's vision for our lives come to pass requires patience, strategic planning, and execution. Have you written out your goals for the month, the quarter, and the year? Do you have a written multi-year plan? I keep emphasizing writing because today's scripture tells us we must write the vision. If you are like me, writing is a necessity because remembering only sometimes works. Age y'all… But also, writing allows for reflection and rehearsal of God's divine instructions for His plan and purpose for your life. It says, "Write what you see." The vision-message He has placed inside you points to what is coming for you. It is the compass directing you to your destiny. Anything is possible with God. He has created you for greatness, and your possibilities are endless. We all wish we were further along and doing more. I have learned to give myself grace and patience in my process. Gratitude will foster Godly contentment for where you are in the moment. We ought to be content but never complacent. And trusting the providence of God will allow you to conquer your fear and apprehension of dreaming and executing what you see. I have excitement and great expectation for this new year. We all have ideas about when and how we want to begin. For instance, the ideal thing would have been to have this first devotion of the year posted on the first day of the year. But it's not. Oh well. Guess what? Today is the first day of the rest of your life. So today is as good a day as any to start! The key is to get started—dust off that notebook or journal. Get you a pen. Write your vision so you can experience all God has destined for you! Coach Dee
We think you’ll love these
