Weekly Devotionals
Empowerment Talks: "I aint worry about nothing!"
Empowerment Talks: "Forgiveness"
Enjoy Our 2024 Christmas Message!
Seeing Yourself the Way God Sees You
May 1, 2023
Seeing Yourself the Way God Sees You
May 1, 2023
Judges 6 verses 11-16 reads:
The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites.
12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”
13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
16 The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” (NIV)
Looking at this text you noticed that Gideon is very hesitant about God calling him. Due to the oppression that Israel suffered at the hands of the Midianites, He starts off by questioning God about truly being with Israel. In essence, Gideon is doubting God.
When God instructs Gideon to go in the strength that he has to save Israel from the hands of the Midianites, He questions God again. Gideon tells God that his tribe is the weakest and that he is the least in his family.
However, in Judges 6 verse 16 God replies to Gideon by saying “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”
God never once validated Gideon in what He felt about himself. Instead, God gave and made Gideon the resolve to the problem that Israel was facing. You see God saw in Gideon what Gideon could not see in himself.
Gideon saw himself as weak and of less importance. However, In God’s sight, Gideon was a mighty warrior. That is exactly the way the Angel of the Lord initially addresses Gideon upon meeting him at the oak tree.
Oftentimes, in life, we let the circumstances that we face, our past failures, and the viewpoint of others dictate how we see ourselves. However, to accomplish the things or the call that God has for us, we must eliminate those viewpoints and align ourselves with God’s viewpoint of us.
My friend, when God sees you, He doesn't see your past failure, circumstances, or even the way others view you. Instead, He sees you as His child and as His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Thus, if God is calling you to do something great, then trust him. Believe what He told you, believe what He has said about you, and most importantly align yourself to His viewpoint of you. My friend, you are worthy, you are called, and you are Blessed!
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
God Will Do What He Says
May 8, 2023
God Will Do What He Says
May 8, 2023
Numbers 23 Verse 19 reads:
19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (NIV)
Due to the times that we live in, relationship breakdowns are at an all-time high. Lack of commitment, unfulfilled promises, and untrustworthiness are inevitable. People and relationships that we thought were dependable have become unreliable. More often we are finding it hard to put confidence in people and take them at their word.
As a result, we close ourselves off from trusting others. We even, at times, attribute the lack of trustworthiness to God most high. We think that because we face a lack of trustworthiness or unfulfilled promises in people and relationships that we held dear, God will let us down too.
However, this isn't so. The Bible makes it clear that God can not lie and he does not change. Our focus scripture Numbers 23:19 says that God is not a human, that he should lie, and not a human being that he should change His mind. This sentiment is repeated throughout scripture. In Hebrews 6:18 we see that “it is impossible for God to lie” and Malachi 3:6 tells us again that God does not change.
My friend we can rest assured that whatever promises God made to us will come to pass. Jeremiah 1:12 tells us that God watches over His word to perform it and Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God’s word will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. Thus, we should have confidence that every word and promise that God spoke over us will be fulfilled.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Overcoming the Spirit of Fear
May 15, 2023
Overcoming the Spirit of Fear
May 15, 2023
Deuteronomy 31 Verse 6 Reads:
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV)
Many times, in life we endure challenges or experiences that overwhelm us and cause us to fear. They may even attempt to paralyze us and keep us from moving forward. These challenges could be something like starting a new job, moving to a new city, or entering a different season of life. In any respect, there are moments in life when fear attempts to take prominence.
In Chapter 31 of the book of Deuteronomy, Israel is preparing to experience the transfer of leadership, enter a new land, and face many enemies. In essence, they were getting ready to journey into an unknown place and season. Thus, there was a lot to be fearful of.
However, in Deuteronomy 31:3 Moses gives the Israelites a word of encouragement. He reassures Israel that God will go before them, God will destroy their enemies, and Joshua will lead them in accordance with God’s will. Moses solidifies the fact that God would be with them on this next journey. In fact, God was already there. Thus, Israel didn't need to fear the new journey that they were about to embark upon. They now understood that God had a plan and he had already worked everything out on their behalf.
We too can find comfort in the fact that God will be with us in whatever challenges or experiences that life throws our way. The word of God tells us multiple times that God will never leave us nor forsake us. As a result, we don’t have to let fear paralyze us. Instead, we can embrace each change and each season in life knowing that God has gone before us and has worked everything out according to His will and plan for our lives.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Leave Room for Grace
May 22, 2023
Leave Room For Grace
May 22, 2023
Colossians 3 Verse 13 Reads:
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (NIV)
Grace can be defined as kindness and forgiveness that is not earned but rather freely given. The word grace is mentioned 170 times in the Bible. God grants favor to the believer in times of their shortcomings, lack of obedience, and sinful nature.
Additionally, God grants us the gift of grace so that we may give it to others, even if we do not think they deserve it. Sure, we may have ample reasons as to why we shouldn’t extend grace to a fellow brother or sister in Christ. However, we cannot let our reasoning be the determinant as to whether or not we extend grace to someone.
In the times that we find it hard to extend grace to others, we must remember the cross. Jesus wasn't a sinner by any means. Yet, He became sin and paid the ultimate sacrifice of sin. His sacrifice on the cross covered our sins and made us appear sinless in the sight of a Holy God. Through His death on the cross, Jesus demonstrated love, kindness, and forgiveness. Romans 5:8 says “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Thus, If Jesus who knew no sin could become sin for us and forgive us of our shortcomings, then surely, we can show love, and kindness and forgive others of their shortcomings.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Being Private (Knowing When To Share)
May 29, 2023
Being Private (Knowing When To Share)
May 29, 2023
Luke 2 Verse 19 Reads:
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (NIV)
We’ve all had moments in which we received good news and wanted so eagerly to share it with those we love. As a result, we end up sharing our good news only to find out that others are not as happy for us as we thought they would be. In some cases, they become resentful towards us instead of celebrating with us.
In the book of Luke chapter 2 verses 17-20, we see Mary the mother of Jesus being visited by a group of Shepherds. Upon their visitation, the shepherds relayed to Mary what had been told to them about the baby Jesus by the Angels.
Upon receiving the wonderful news, the Bible tells us that Mary treasured and pondered these things in her heart. Meaning, she kept them to herself. She did not go around babbling to others what the shepherds had revealed to her. You see Mary understood the value and the weight of what was told to her. Quiet possibly, she also understood the ramifications of what could happen if she shared what she knew prematurely.
My friend, there is nothing wrong with wanting to share good news with those we love and care for. However, we must use wisdom in doing so. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:7 that there is a time to speak and a time to keep silent. Thus, we must spend time in prayer with God and use discernment in order to know when it is the appropriate time to share something.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Overcoming the Spirit of Jealousy Through Contentment
June 5, 2023
Overcoming the Spirit of Jealousy Through Contentment
June 5, 2023
Proverbs 27 Verse 4 Reads:
4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? (NIV)
In the age of social media, where we see everyone posting about their material possessions, family life, career, and other worldly goods, it is hard not to feel the brunt of Jealousy.
Jealousy can be defined as resentment, bitterness, or hostility toward someone because they have something that we perceive we don’t have. Jealousy in itself comes from a place of fear and insecurity. It has the ability to rob us of our joy and contentment.
It is true that we will all deal with jealousy from time to time. Jealousy is inevitable in the culture and society that we live in today. It can come in the form of gossiping, backbiting, being malicious, and tearing others down just to make ourselves feel better. However, we don’t have to let Jealousy rule over us.
When jealousy attempts to make an appearance in our lives, the best things we can do is have a heart of gratitude towards God, be content with what we have, and know that whatever needs we have God will meet them. Philippians 4:19 says “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Hold on to Unwavering Faith
June 12, 2023
Hold on to Unwavering Faith
June 12, 2023
2 Corinthians 5 Verse 7 Reads:
For we walk by faith, not by sight. (NIV)
Unwavering faith can be defined as a deep and tireless trust and confidence in something or someone. It is steadfastness that ceases to exist no matter the obstacles or challenges we face.
Oftentimes in life, God will birth a powerful word in our Spirit that He intends to fulfill. However unforeseen challenges and obstacles may occur causing us to question what God initially said.
In times like this, we should learn a lesson from Father Abraham. In Genesis 12:2 God told Abraham that He will make him into a great nation and his name will be great. God repeats this sentiment, several more times throughout the book of Genesis. However, when we look at Genesis 22:2 God asks Abraham to sacrifice his only son Issac. Crazy right? Ultimately, we learn that God was simply testing Abraham.
When God tested Abraham, He didn’t waver in His belief. The Bible tells us in Hebrews11:17-19. That Abraham willingly offered Isaac as a sacrifice because he reasoned that God could raise Isaac from the dead. Simply put, Abraham remained steadfast. He trusted God no matter the challenge that was set before him.
Likewise, we too must make the decision to trust God with unwavering faith no matter the challenges and obstacles that life brings about.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Overcoming Depression
June 19, 2023
Overcoming Depression
June 19, 2023
Psalms 34 Verse 17-18 Reads:
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
We’ve all had times in which we experienced depression. Depression is often characterized as extreme sadness and desolation. It can be brought on by many different factors. Those factors include but are not limited to a death in the family, sickness, birth of a baby, loneliness, and family history.
No matter the cause, depression is not impenetrable. It can be beaten. As believers in Christ Jesus, we have the promise of God’s comfort, help, and presence through the Holy Spirit. Our focus scriptures tell us in Psalms 34 verses 17-18 that God hears us when we cry, he delivers us from our trouble, and that he is close to us.
We don’t have to struggle with Depression alone. Our Father in Heaven who sees and knows us can give us rest from the perils that are troubling us. All He asks is that we come to him. Mathew 11:28 says “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” And Psalms 55:22 says “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
My friends how blessed are we that we have a Father in heaven who sees us and knows how to rescue us in times of great despair? He is both Immanuel (God with us) and Peleh Yo’etz (Wonderful Counselor).
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
The Art of Minding Your Business
June 26, 2023
The Art of Minding Your Own Business
June 26, 2023
1 Thessalonians 4 Verse 11 Reads:
11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,
It is easy to involve ourselves with the affairs of others. These affairs could be the affairs of friends, family, or even a perfect stranger. While it is not a crime to involve ourselves in the affairs of others per se. We must understand when to get involved and when to walk away.
The gift of limiting our involvement in the affairs of others is living and maintaining a peaceful life. Furthermore, knowing when to get involved and when to walk away allows us room to carry out the things that God has for us to do.
Our focus scripture 1 Thessalonian 4: 11 tells us to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you. Thus, God’s heart is clear on the matter.
My friends when we are busy with the things that God has for us to do, we limit the distraction of being involved in the affairs of others. As a result, God blesses us with a more peaceful and productive life that is pleasing to him.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Don't Miss The Blessing
July 3, 2023
Don’t Miss The Blessing
July 3, 2023
1 Samuel 16 verse 7 reads:
”7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Many of us are expecting some type of blessing from God. With that said, we tend to have a preconceived idea of what that blessing should and will look like. However, there may be times in which the blessing that we are expecting, doesn’t come packaged like we think it should.
Perceiving the blessing another way is not uncommon in the bible. When we read 1 Samuel 16:6-13, we see the prophet Samuel arriving to anoint the future king of Israel. Upon meeting Jesse’s first son, (Eliab), the prophet Samuel immediately assumes that Eliab is the one he should anoint because of Eliab’s stature. However, as we read, we see the Lord rejected Eliab.
Consequently, Samuel does this time and time again until he finally gets to David. You see, Samuel kept judging each son by their appearance but the Lord saw their heart.
Additionally, Israel was in expectation of the Messiah. Thus, they had a preconceived idea of what the messiah should look like and be like. The Jewish people believed that Jesus would be this great warrior king that would restore Israel to the Davidic dynasty it once was. In contrast, Jesus wasn’t the warrior king they thought he would be. In fact, Isaiah 53:2b records Jesus as such: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” In other words, Jesus' appearance was that of an ordinary man.
Conclusively, Samuel could have missed the blessing of anointing David as king had he gone by appearance alone. Likewise, the Disciples could have missed out on being in close fellowship and proximity to Jesus if they subscribed to the preconceived ideas as to what Jesus should look and be like.
My friend do not miss your blessing because you are steadfast in your belief of how the blessing should look and be like. Be open to all the possible ways that God can bless you. Isaiah 55:8-9 says 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Christlikeness
August 7, 2023
Living For God (Christlikeness)
August 7, 2023
Romans 12:2 Reads:
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
I believe it’s safe to say that we are truly living in a fallen world. Thus, in many non-christian circles living for Christ is unpopular and the truth of God irrelevant. However, as believers in Christ, we must make a choice about the way we live for Christ.
In fact, the bible tells us in Romans 12:1 that our bodies (our entire being) should be living sacrifices to God. Being a living sacrifice to God requires us to be fully surrendered to God and His will for us. In essence, we must make the choice to leave the world and its carnality behind.
Consequently, we must understand the world's systems and its culture is rebellion against God. Thus, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We renew our minds by spending time in prayer, attending church, studying scripture, and serving others. Doing these things not only renews our minds but also allows us to discern the will of God as well as what is good and acceptable.
My friends do not exchange God’s truth for a lie by conforming to the ideals and patterns of this world. Instead, choose to be transformed by the renewing of your mind by allowing the Holy Spirit to grow you in your understanding of who God is as well as His will for your life.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on:
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Death to Comparison
August 14, 2023
Death to Comparison
August 14, 2023
2 Corinthians 10:12 Reads:
12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
In this day and age, it is so easy to get caught up in the trap of comparison. Due to various media outlets, we are privy to the lives and privileges of others. Thus, we often find ourselves envying those who we think have more than us and looking down upon those who we think have less than us.
Comparison is a dangerous game to play and if we let it, it can rob us of joy and inner peace. Hence, we must bring death to comparison. There are several things we must do and understand in order to bring death to comparison
First, we must understand that God loves us. His love for us is infinite and perfect. His love will never let us down. Ephesians 3:18-19 reads: 18. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Secondly, to bring death to comparison we must understand that we are unique and that God made each of us special with our own unique looks, talents, and abilities. The Psalmist says in Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My friend you are special and you are the apple of God’s eye.
Thirdly and certainly not least of all, we must understand that our times are in the hands of the LORD. Therefore, whatever God has for us, in due time He will bring it to fruition. Isaiah 60:22 reads: I, the Lord, will bring it all to pass when it is time. Thus, we don’t have to exhaust ourselves by thinking we are behind in life while everyone else is ahead of us.
My friends do not let the snare of comparison rob you of your joy and inner peace. Rather, bring death to comparison by understanding that God loves you, you are unique (one of a kind) in the eyes of the LORD, and your times are in His hands.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on:
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Generosity
August 21, 2023
Generosity
August 21, 2023
Acts 20:35 Reads:
35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”.
The word generous means willing to give and share unstintingly. Generosity is not just limited to money. As a believer, you can be generous with your time, providing emotional support for others, giving your resources, as well as providing encouragement. Recent times have proven that generosity is needed more now than ever before.
One of my fondest memories of generosity was back in 1997 when I was in 5th grade. It was a few days before Christmas and I remember this big 18-wheeler pulling up to my then foster mom’s house. The truck was filled with a boatload of gifts for so many foster youth. I was so excited to receive the gifts that were specially packaged and sent for me. Initially, I didn’t know who the gifts were from nor did it matter to me who sent the gifts. However, upon checking the gift tags, I recognized immediately who they were from. On the gift tags was the name of my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Dabney. At that moment my heart grappled with excitement. It had been four years since I was in Mrs. Dabney’s class and yet she thought about me. Mrs. Dabney had always been very kind to me as a student. She knew my story and she was aware of the challenges I faced as a foster youth. Receiving those gifts from Mrs. Dabney that day put the biggest smile on my face and made me feel loved and special.
At that time, I didn't truly grasp the magnitude of generosity that was shown to me via Mrs. Dabney. Additionally, I don’t think she understood the impact that her generosity would have on me in the years to come. I don’t know what made or led her to give to me in the way she did. However, what I do know is that she pleased the heart of the Father and He richly rewarded her for her heart of generosity. Hebrews 13:16 says And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased and Proverbs 19:17 says Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.
My friends as you set about your week, I urge you to think of someone you can be generous to. Remember generosity is not always about money. Rather it encompasses so much more. As you fulfill your commission of generosity, remember our focus scripture from Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on:
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
The Value of Rest
August 28, 2023
The Value of Rest
August 28, 2023
Psalms 127:2 Reads:
2 it is useless to get up early and to stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of His own, even while they are asleep.
In today’s “Hustle Culture”, the word rest is practically frowned upon. Rarely do we find people putting an emphasis on the importance of rest. Instead, what we find is people being praised for working longer and harder than others. That’s not to say that working harder and longer is wrong. Indubitably, the issue arises when we fail to prioritize the importance and the value of rest.
The word rest is not to be confused with laziness or idleness. Rest in the biblical sense means peace, ease, or refreshment. It is a time in which we cease working on tasks that deplete and tire us out (i.e. work). It is also a time in which we partake in activities that replenish us and put us at ease. Things like spending time with our family, taking a vacation, participating in outdoor activities, reading a book, and hanging out with friends are all examples of rest.
Rest is a gift from God. God Himself values rest. In fact, Genesis 2 verses 2-3 says 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. Additionally, God takes rest very seriously, in fact, God made rest a commandment. Exodus 20 verses 8-11 says 8 Remember that the Sabbath Day belongs to me. 9 You have six days when you can do your work, 10 but the seventh day of each week belongs to me, your God. No one is to work on that day—not you, your children, your slaves, your animals, or the foreigners who live in your towns. 11 In six days I made the sky, the earth, the oceans, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That's why I made the Sabbath a special day that belongs to me.
My friends God set the standard for us when it comes to rest. If the God of the universe and all creation can rest from His work, then surely we (HIS creation) can rest from our work. When we rest, we are putting faith in the fact that God will take care of us, meet our needs, provide for us, and sustain us.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on:
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Avoiding the Negative Side of Pride
September 4, 2023
Avoiding the Negative Side of Pride
September 4, 2023
Proverbs 16:18 reads:
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Pride can be both a positive and a negative thing. I’m sure you’ve heard the sayings “take pride in your work”, or “have some pride in yourself.” There is nothing wrong with being proud of something that you or a loved one have accomplished. Additionally, there is nothing wrong with having a healthy pride about yourself. On the other hand, there is a type of pride that the LORD Himself detests.
The kind of Pride (the negative side of pride) that the LORD detests is known as Hubris in Greek. It is an ancient Greek word that means arrogance and is used particularly to mean the kind of excessive conceit that often brings about someone's downfall. This kind of pride should be steered cleared of at all costs. Needless to say, I think it’s safe to say that we all have dealt with this kind of pride at some point or another. Thus, there are three things we must do to avoid the negative side of pride (Hubris Pride).
The first thing we must do to avoid the negative side of pride is to esteem others above ourselves. In other words, don’t make everything about you. We all have had moments when we made things about ourselves and subconsciously thought the world revolved around us. However, God’s will is that we think of others' needs and wishes before our own, and put their interests ahead of our own. Philippians 2:3 says Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Secondly, to avoid the negative side of pride we must recognize that God is responsible for the success we have. When we gain or attain a great deal of success, it is easy for us to think we are responsible for it. Truth is, we are not. God is the one that gives us our giftings and abilities. He is also the one who breathes on us and allows his anointing to flow in and through us to cause us to do extraordinary things. Thus, in knowing this we should give God the glory and keep a humble heart. When King David got ready to fight Goliath, he honored God. He knew God would be ultimately responsible for his victory and success. See 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
Lastly, to avoid the negative side of pride we must repent of our sin and admit when we are wrong about something. It is human nature to not want to admit when we are wrong about something. However, God calls us to repent whenever we sin or when we are wrong. In Psalms 51:1-3 we see King David repenting from his affair with Bathsheba that resulted in a child being conceived and him having Bathsheba’s husband Uriah murdered. 1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: And my sin is ever before me.
My friends there is nothing wrong with having a healthy pride about ourselves and the things we have accomplished. At the same token, we must do our due diligence and avoid the negative side of pride (Hubris Pride). We do this by esteeming others above ourselves, recognizing that God is responsible for our successes, repenting of our sins, and admitting when we are wrong about something.
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Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on:
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023
Simply Put (Love)
September 11, 2023
Simply Put (Love)
September 11, 2023
John 13:34-35 Reads:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The word “love” is one of the most misused words in modern times. We often use the word "love” to express how we feel about something or someone. However, many times when the word "love” is used, it lacks the proper understanding and weight that comes along with it. Thus, the word “love” gets tossed around casually.
In our focus scripture, Jesus commands us to love each other as He has loved us. The word “command” shows us that we have the ability to love or not to love. Thereby letting us know that love is ultimately a choice. Thus, love is not a feeling or an emotion. It is a choice that requires action.
When we look at the life of Jesus we see that He made a choice to love us. Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God chose to leave His place in heaven, put on flesh, serve us, and die for our sins. Thus, Christ's love for us was sacrificial (Agape Love). Mark 10:45 says “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Additionally, John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Henceforth, when Christ commissions us to love each other He is asking us to walk in the kind of love He demonstrated. This kind of love is an agape type love (universal, unconditional, and sacrificial). 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 puts it this way…. 4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].
My friends as you go about your week, make it your ambition to choose love. Yes, this is easier said than done. However, remembering how Jesus Christ demonstrates His love towards us, should help us carry the commission of love more effortlessly.
Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ,
Ieshia Demas
Verses to meditate on
Ieshia Demas Ministries Inc. Est. 2023