My Weekday Word: A Five Day Week Devotional

I would like to thank all the members of the Macedonia Baptist Church (Mac Ministries) and Conquerors Christian Ministries (CCM) for your love, support, prayers, patience and confidence in me, your spiritual leader, as I grow in Grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.

Special thanks to Ms. Sylvia Wilson and Pastor Sharon Bernice Blackwell for your time and expertise as editors for this work.

Most of all, all praise, glory, and honor to God for the grace given that has enabled this work to be birthed.

MY WEEKDAY WORD

Introduction

MY WEEKDAY WORD: A FIVE DAY WEEK DEVOTIONAL is a devotional book that is inspired by devotional messages presented on Facebook for one year. For those who may not know, Facebook is a social media forum that allows individuals to connect and communicate sharing messages, pictures, thoughts, activities and information with Facebook friends around the world.

I began sharing a devotional message on Thanksgiving Day of 2013. After doing so and receiving such a great response I was led by the Spirit of God to continue doing a devotional message every weekday, Monday through Friday, in the year 2014.

Some of the messages presented in this work, MY WEEKDAY WORD, are taken from those Facebook offerings. Others are newly inspired devotions specifically given for this book. Some are long. Others are short reads. All are Holy Spirit revealed and inspired with the intent to encourage, inspire, comfort, educate, motivate and provoke to action.

Note: many of these devotions were written to coincide with the calendar year. Therefore, the reader who may not begin these devotionals the first of the year might notice certain messages seemed to be misplaced, depending upon the time of the year that particular devotion is read. Yet, we know the Word of God is timeless. God's Word is not time specific. The Word of God is truth and truth is truth every day of the year. Therefore even a seemingly Christmas message is true even if ministered in July. Be blessed as you receive these devotionals as a word in season.

It is my prayer that each of these devotional messages will assist you in beginning your day with a Word from the Lord that will help assist in making your day a blessed one and provoke you toward further study and intimacy with God.

I pray God's richest blessings upon you. Be empowered and be blessed as you look to God to provide just what you need from MY WEEKDAY WORD.

HOW MY WEEKDAY WORD WORKS

Initially, MY WEEKDAY WORD was, as the Introduction, suggest, presented as a Monday-Friday devotional, presented primarily for those who both work and attend school during the weekday. Yet, we know and understand that work and even school schedules have changed. Many work and attend classes on the weekends. Therefore, MY WEEKDAY WORD is not limited to those who only work on the weekdays. MY WEEKDAY WORD can be a blessing to all.

MY WEEKDAY WORD is presented as a five-day devotional beginning with Week One and ending with Week Fifty-Two, as there are fifty-two weeks in the year. Whether a person begins reading the first week of the year or the middle of the year, he or she will always be on target with a word in season.

Each week will have five days of devotional messages. It is suggested that the reader be consistent in reading all five days consecutively with the two days between weeks for reflection and meditation. Whether you begin on Monday or on Thursday, try to stay consistent in reading the complete five days with the two days of reflection. You will see this method will indeed prove to bless you and assist you in your spiritual maturity.

It is further encouraged that the entire household would be together in your reading MY WEEKDAY WORD. It can never be overstated, A family that prays together, stays together. I will add, A family that grows together, flows together. Staying together is wonderful but we also want the family to flow together as one unit and not as divided entities.

Bring your whole household along and read each day’s devotional message. Of course, we know today's households have varying schedules. Getting everyone in the house all together to read the devotion is not always possible. Yet, even if individuals read it separately, try to come together at some time during the day to discuss and pray about what the devotion says to each of you individually and your home collectively. In doing so, you can be assured your home will experience the blessings of God and all will experience the flow of intimacy with each other as well as with our Heavenly Father.

Are you ready to be blessed? Then, let us embark on our journey in MY WEEKDAY WORD.

WEEK ONE

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)

DAY ONE

GET READY FOR SOMETHING NEW

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)

This is a new day and I believe the prophetic word of Isaiah to Israel while Israel was in captivity is the word of God for us today. God is going to do a new thing.

This new thing is going to manifest itself in supernatural healing, deliverances, promotions and prosperity. I believe with everything in me that God is looking for a people who are prepared for His manifesting His glory to and through them. Yet, the key to experiencing the new thing that God is going to do is readiness.

Preparation is key to seeing and experiencing the new things of God. We must prepare ourselves for God. Get ready to see God work. Get ready for your life to be transformed. Get ready to be blessed. Position yourself for the blessing. Anticipate a move of God. Every day, expect to see God do something new and wonderful in your life.

The promise has been given. The prophecy has been spoken. God is going to do a new thing for you this year. It is going to happen. Blessings are coming. Deliverance is imminent. The miraculous will be manifested. You just GET READY FOR SOMETHING NEW.

DAY TWO

HAVING HIGHER ASPIRATIONS

If then you were raised with Christ, SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:1-2, NKJV)

The Apostle Paul in these two verses admonishes all Christians to SEEK and SET our minds on things ABOVE. He informs us that we should not waste our time thinking low, common, temporal thoughts. Paul is, in essence, telling us that we need to have higher aspirations than the rest of the world.

If we are to possess and walk in all the blessings God has for us, we are going to have to SEEK and SET our minds on high things. Too often, we want the HIGH things of God while having LOW and SMALL mindsets. Only those who look up and think up, go up. In order to have more, you must want more, and strive for more.

Make a covenant with yourself this year that you are not going to waste your time thinking small or hanging out with small-minded people. Be assured, if you are with people who don’t want anything for themselves, they will not want you to want anything for yourself. Remember, misery loves company. Do not give in to the temptation to stay low or think small. SET your sights on things above the common, mundane and normal. SEEK those things that will edify, promote, and elevate you. And if the small minded haters challenge you and ask you what makes you think you can have all of that, you just remind them, it's because you have HIGHER ASPIRATIONS.

DAY THREE

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

Yesterday I shared with you that if you want your life to change, you must have HIGHER ASPIRATIONS. A new and different life requires a new way of thinking. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians four verse eight tells us what we must think or meditate on, in order for a change to take place in our lives. In essence Paul is telling us, not to waste our time thinking negative, destructive, unedifying thoughts. We must discipline ourselves to meditate daily on positive, productive, praiseworthy thoughts that have an edifying purpose.

There was a movie I watched some years ago. I don't remember the name of the movie, any of the actors or even what the movie was about. But there was one line in that movie that I will never forget. The actress in the movie stated to the co-actor, The mind is a world unto itself. With it, we can turn heaven into hell, or hell into heaven. I believe the statement was first made by the seventeenth century English poet, John Milton. Either way, the statement is true. How we think can turn the best of situations into the worst, or the worst of situations into the best.

This year let us discipline ourselves to meditate on only good, lovely, righteous, pure thoughts. Let us make an intentional effort to think positive, productive thoughts. Let us declare that whatever this year holds, whatever happens, whatever situations we find ourselves in, we are, and we will be blessed. Because even in the midst of trouble, we are going to THINK ON THESE THINGS.

DAY FOUR

FORGETTING THOSE THINGS

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, . . . (Philippians 3:13, NKJV)

You know, one of the devices of our enemy, Satan, is to constantly remind us of our past mistakes and failures. Sometimes Satan uses others such as friends, family or acquaintances, to remind us of our past faults, in an attempt to hold us captive to our past. This is done to prevent us from moving forward into our destiny. Sometimes Satan will work through others, but most often, I find, that the greatest hindrance to my progress is not what others tell me, but what I tell myself. Satan attempts to remind me constantly of what I did wrong, what did not work the last time and where I failed. But in the words of that old church mother, THE DEVIL IS A LIAR.

Paul, in this verse, lets us know that we don't have to be held hostage by our past. Paul, who once persecuted the church of God, now acknowledges that he is forgetting those things which are behind. Paul let's us know that he will not allow his past indiscretions to stop, hinder or impede his progress toward his future. He tells us he is not spending any time or energy thinking about what he did wrong, didn't do that he should have done, or what he failed at. He is forgetting those things.

We need to declare as Paul, we are not going to be held captive to what we did or did not do in our past. This is a new day, and a new year. Let's let that past stay in the past. Do not allow the enemy of your soul to hold you hostage with guilt, shame or regret. When the temptation arises to keep you in guilt and shame, I know it sounds old fashioned and very churchy, but tell Satan, like that old mother, THE DEVIL IS A LIE! When the tempter tries to bring up your past mistakes, just declare to yourself, "I am FORGETTING THOSE THINGS!"

DAY FIVE

REACHING FORWARD

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead . . . (Philippians 3:13 NKJV)

Yesterday I shared with you that this year we must not spend our time in captivity to your past. I encouraged you not to allow the enemy to hold you captive to past mistakes, faults, failures or missteps. When the temptation arises to hold you back from your future because of your past, just tell the enemy you are FORGETTING THOSE THINGS. Yet, understand this. Merely forgetting the mistakes of the past is not enough to guarantee you the future you desire. You must do as the Apostle Paul declares of himself and REACH FORWARD to those things that are before you.

Too many of us want the best that life has to offer but without struggle. Too many want to be blessed without a test. But we must remember what our parents told us as we were growing up, Anything worth having, is worth working for. Goals are only achieved by planning, preparation and struggle. We can make all the resolutions we want, but without work and effort, they are merely wasted words.

I want to encourage you today to strive for what you want. You've heard it said before, Plan your work, and work your plan. Don't wait for life to hand you your destiny. Destiny is only reached by those who strive to achieve it. Go after your life. Be hungry to achieve, to succeed and to accomplish your dream. Don't let anyone or anything stop you from accomplishing your dreams. If you haven't already, begin today on your path to prosperity. The only thing that is required is for you to begin your journey, REACHING FORWARD.

WEEK TWO

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, In His holy mountain. (Psalm 48:1)

DAY ONE

I AM JUST GETTING STARTED

"Then he said, "Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord . . ." (2 Kings 10:16 NKJV)

This scripture is taken from the account of Jehu, king of Israel, as he had just completed eliminating a number of the enemies of God. Jehu could have at that time sat down and rested, knowing he had fulfilled all of the prophetic word given to him. But Jehu was not that kind of a person. Jehu was a go-getter. He was not the kind of person to sit when there was still work to be done. When Jehu met Jehonadab, another friend of God, he invited him to Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord. Jehu was saying, I am just getting started.

We are now one full week into a new year. Most people I talk to tell me of their excitement of what this year will hold for them. Yet I have spoken to others, who for one reason or another, feel less enthusiastic about the year. Some are depressed because the year did not begin for them on a joyous note. Whatever situation you are in right now, wherever you are in your life, you must have the spirit of Jehu. Tell yourself and others, you are JUST GETTING STARTED.

Do not let life’s issues keep you from your destiny. Do not be deceived into believing that because you haven't done it, or you haven't gotten it, that it won't happen. Do not give up on love or life. Keep a positive, fighting spirit. Maintain your faith in God and in yourself. Pick your head up, put your fighting gear on and get back in the battle. In Christ Jesus you are already more than a conqueror. Take courage, take control, and speak this word of prophecy over yourself, I AM JUST GETTING STARTED.

DAY TWO

SPEAK LIFE

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, . . . (Proverbs 18:21NKJV)

Did you know that words are creative? Words can either be creative in a positive way or in a negative way. There is power in your words. With your words you can either make someone's day great by your kindness, compassion or even a timely compliment. Or with your words you can make someone’s day miserable with criticism, complaint and defamation. Your words have power. Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

But it is not so much what others say to you or about you that have power over your day or your life. It is what you tell yourself. If you speak in the affirmative about your life, you will create and draw to you what you speak. If you declare God's blessings over yourself, over your family, over your finances, over your health, then what you declare will activate that blessing to be yours. Conversely, if you speak negativity, bitterness and poverty over your life, you will create that and bring it to you.

For a prosperous year and a prosperous life, let us speak words of prosperity. Speak life. Speak health. Speak healing. Speak blessings. Speak abundance. And after speaking it, go after it. Anticipate its manifestation. Do not speak or focus on the negative or the problem. Speak and let your attention be on the positive and on your victory. Declare from this day forward, you will live and not die, because you are committed to SPEAK LIFE.

DAY THREE

YOUR WORDS HAVE CREATIVE POWER

"For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body." (James 3:2-3 NKJV)

Yesterday I encouraged you, from Proverbs 18:21 to SPEAK LIFE. Today I want to further provoke you to speak only positive words of affirmation because your words have creative power.

James, in these verses, reminds us that if we are careful of our words and what we speak, we will be a perfect man or woman. The word perfect here does not mean without fault. The word means mature. James is telling us that our words, like the bridle in a horse’s mouth, control our lives. Our words bring us what we speak. Words are creative.

Ironically, yesterday, I picked up a book written by Dr. David Yonggi Cho, and read it for the third time. The book is entitled, THE FOURTH DIMENSION. Dr. Cho pastors the largest church in the world in Seoul South Korea. The membership at present is well over one million persons. In one of the chapters in his book Dr. Cho makes this claim, . . . whatever is in control of your words will control you. If you do not bring your words under control, your life will be lived as a stumbling horse, directionless and accomplishing very little. Yet a mature spiritual man will make sure that his words are positive and creative. He will not allow himself to be controlled by circumstances, but will control his circumstances because he knows where he is going. He will use his words wisely. (p. 122)

Dr. Cho's assessment is very true. Your life will head in the direction your tongue speaks. Be careful what you say. Be on guard what you speak both verbally and internally. Let your words be that of victory and conquest. Remember, YOUR WORDS HAVE CREATIVE POWER!

DAY FOUR

THIS IS MY DAY

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps 118:24 NKJV)

This is one of my favorite scriptures. It reminds me of three things:

1. I don't need to wonder if I am among the blessed. By my waking this morning, I know am blessed. I have been given a new day. This new day holds new opportunities. New possibilities. This new day will give me wonderful new experiences.

2. It is the Lord who has made this new day. Since He made the day, He already knows what this day holds for me. He is not taken by surprise by anything that takes place in this day. Therefore, there is nothing that can happen to me this day that He and I can’t handle.

3. I can rejoice, because He holds both the day and me. I can celebrate because He has ordained everything in this day. Everything that happens He has ordained for my well being, maturity and edification. Even if I do not understand it in the present, it is all working for my good.

Because I AM BLESSED, GOD MADE THIS DAY, and THIS DAY IS MADE FOR MY GOOD, I can declare that this is not just THE DAY, this is MY DAY.

I say to you as well, REJOICE! BE GLAD! Declare it, this is not only THE DAY, "THIS IS MY DAY!"

DAY FIVE

BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES

"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1 NKJV)

This is another one of my favorite verses in the Psalms. It was written by David, king of Israel, as an expression of his praise to God for all the many dangers and trials God brought him through. When David thought about the favor of God on and in his life, he declared that he would bless and praise God at all times.

Many people will only praise, thank, and glorify God when times are