Devotional – January 28, 2021

The story of Abraham is one of my favorite stories of the Bible. I have always been intrigued by the relationship that Abraham shared with God, how He directed his path, instructed him, made promises to him and fulfilled them. God said to Abraham:

Get out of your country from your family and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation, I will bless you and make you and your name great and you shall be a blessing. I will bless you those who bless you , and I will curse him who curses you and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Genesis 12:1-3

Abraham obeyed God and did as he was instructed; I have always admired Abraham’s faith and desired to believe and obey God the way he did.
My Christian walk began in July 1996; I got baptized at a crusade one night; it was the best feeling I ever had. I felt renewed, refreshed and filled with joy and peace. Though I knew I had made the right decision to follow Christ, throughout my journey I always felt there was something missing. I wanted more of God; I desired to know Him and not having this knowledge there were moments of uncertainty, anger and temptation. 

In July 2019 on my way to work I had a divine experience; I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit for the first time. This is what I heard: “if you serve me wholeheartedly I will bless you for the rest of your life”. There and then I said there must be something more for me to do to please the Lord. At this moment I felt God’s unconditional love for me, and I was compelled to start a new journey with the Lord. I prayed and ask God:

“If there is anything within me that is not pleasing to You, help me to remove it. Please fill me with all that is of You Lord and lead me in the path of righteousness. I promise that wherever You lead me I will follow.

Diane’s Prayer of Total Surrender

As I prayed, at the appointed time God answered my prayer. As a confirmation, I was led to read a Scripture that spoke to my heart so clearly and lovingly.    

 You are My beloved, I love you with an everlasting love , therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt. Seek My face, you will find Me.

 Jeremiah 31:3

On February 22,2020 I received an invitation from Shamelia Simpson-McKenzie to a birthday Celebration and Crowning Ceremony. I accepted the invitation but didn’t know what to expect. I arrived dressed in the themed black and white and entered a hall beautifully decorated. The experience I had was unforgettable; after sharing the vision she received from the Lord to invite women to pursue an intimate relation with Him, I received a crown on my head and officially became a Daughter of the King. Listening to Shamelia’s testimony of her obedience to God inspired me; I was delighted to be crowned a Daughter of the King and looked forward to an amazing Journey with God.

It was an extremely special and beautiful moment for me; I knew at that moment that a new season of transformation would begin in my life. Since that day I have been changed, renewed and refreshed in so many ways I cannot count. Today I can testify that I have learned so many new spiritual lesson to include:

1. The importance of spending quality time in God’s presence.
2. How to recognize and hear the voice of God clearly
3. The courage to be obedient to the voice of God
4. Increasing my faith to believe God’s promises and plans for me.

My transformation and boldness is evident; I feel different, and many persons attest to witnessing a change in me.

1. My overall attitude has improved
2. I am more tolerant and patient
3. I boldly share the Word of God with others, and encourage them to trust God.
4. Praise and worship has become a habit for me; almost second nature.
5. I pray and fast more often and receive answers to my prayers

I’m so grateful to God for making me the object of His love and affection. He is my Creator, Manager, Programmer, and the Organizer of the Universe. I do appreciate the gift of a beautiful life, the peace I have, and the many lessons I have learned help me to be a better version of myself every day. My Journey with God has been an amazing one. 

In teaching us how to live, Jesus said:

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things will be added unto you.

St. Matthew 6:33

My willingness to put God first, to exercise faith in Him, and be obedient to His instruction is proof that the Word of God is true, and will not fail. Truly God has shown Himself to be faithful; as I make Him a priority in my life; He prioritizes me and all that concern me. I am His Daughter and I feel His love for me in every way.