A consecration is a short season in which the people of God dedicate themselves to seeking him in special and focused ways. I would like to invite you to join Bishop Charles Edward Blake and the members of West Angeles Church in a month of consecration. Our January consecration will consist of corporate prayer and fasting… Read More »
Christian Living (Archive)
Spending Time with God
The fourth and final ingredient for intimacy with God that we will examine is that of time. Like all other relationships, our relationship with the Lord requires that we spend time with him. When we spend time with the Lord, we learn to recognize his voice and to hear his plans for our lives. When… Read More »
Trusting in the Trustworthy God
For the last two days we have been talking about intimacy with God. Intimacy with God requires that we fear him and that we obey him. Fear and obedience are not negative terms, but rather are to be understood within the context of our relationship with a loving God. Trust is the third ingredient that… Read More »
Obedience to the Lord
Yesterday we discussed Godly fear as essential for developing intimacy with the Lord. Another thing that is required to develop deeper intimacy with the Lord is obedience. If we truly fear and reverence God we will do what he commands us to do. 1 Samuel 15:22 declares that to obey is better than sacrifice… Read More »
The Fear of the Lord
For today’s devotion and the next three posts, I would like to offer four practical ways in which intimacy with God can be fostered. The first thing that is required to develop a deeper intimacy with the Lord is Godly fear. Psalm 25:14 declares that friendship with God is reserved for those who fear him. … Read More »
Healthy Thinking (Philippians 4:8)
Today I will occupy my mind with thoughts that are pleasant and healthy. In Philippians 4:8, Paul writes: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. According to Philippians 4:7, supernatural peace is a benefit… Read More »
Supernatural Peace (Philippians 4:7)
Today I am grateful for God’s supernatural peace that surpasses human understanding. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes: 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication [petition], with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through… Read More »
Prayer with Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)
Today I am grateful for the privilege of prayer. Prayer is personal communication and communion with God in worship. Prayer is the means through which we connect with God and he addresses the petitions that we place before him. In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes: 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and… Read More »
Self-Examination: Being Honest with God and Ourselves
Today we will explore the spiritual discipline of self-examination. Self-examination is the study of one’s own behaviors and motivations. Regular and intentional self-examination is an important aspect of the healthy Christian life. The spiritual discipline was modeled by King David (e.g., see Psalm 139: 23-24). The Apostle Paul on several occasions also encouraged Christians to… Read More »
The Spiritual Discipline of Surrender
Today we will explore the spiritual discipline of surrender. To surrender is to give up control. When we surrender to God, we abandon ourselves to his loving control over all things. To surrender to God is to recognize that we belong to him. It is to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our lives. … Read More »
