"I Know It Was the Blood"

Scripture: We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7-8

Lyrics: "I know it was the blood, I know it was the blood, I know it was the blood, for me. One day when I was lost, He died up on the cross, and I know it was the blood for me. He's coming back again, He's coming back again. He's coming back again for me! One day when I was lost, He died upon the cross, and I know it was the blood for me."

Devotional: Oh, the power in the blood of Jesus! It cleans us from unrighteousness. It heals. It saves. It delivers. It protects. We can use it to defeat the enemy. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11 

Let's confess the power of the blood of Jesus over ourselves, our families, our homes, our health. Use it. Believe it. It was shed for us all. 

Prayer: Redeeming Lord, thank You for the power in the blood of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

"Were You There?"

Scripture: God raised Him up, having freed Him from death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Acts 2:23-24

Lyrics: "Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"

Devotional: It has been said among Believers in the church body that, if left up to us, we wouldn't have endured what our Savior Jesus did for us. Of course we wouldn't, because we are flesh. There is no way our earthly minds can even comprehend the love He has for us. Let's take time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made for us: God giving His only So, and Jesus giving His life. These actions were so that we may be redeemed, follow Him, and live to tell others. He is risen! Hallelujah!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, what love you have for us! May we have the mind to serve you always. Amen. 

“I’m So Glad”

Scripture: If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up. Psalm 27:10

Lyrics: “I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me. I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me. I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me, singin’ Glory Hallelujah! Jesus lifted me!”

Devotional: Everyone experiences sadness and has their down moments. And many folks may not want to talk about it, but depression can affect believers. Stress, the cares of life, health issues and the death of loved ones are enough to send anyone into a deep funk. The enemy would love to use these life experiences as tools to beat us down. BUT GOD! As the song says, He is the lifter of our heads. 

Our Heavenly Father gave us The Comforter in the Holy Spirit. When friends and loved ones are gone, He is always there. He said He will never leave us nor forsake us. Let's cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us! (1 Peter 5:7) We may feel down sometimes, but glory to God, we will not stay down with such good news!

Prayer: Precious Heavenly Father, help us to guard our hearts and minds against the spirit of  depression. May we remember our hope, our joy, our EVERYTHING is in You! Amen.

* Source: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism: an African American ecumenical hymnal #369

“Bless That Wonderful Name of Jesus”

Scripture: Therefore God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:9

Lyrics: “Bless that wonderful name of Jesus. Bless that wonderful name of Jesus. Bless that wonderful name, the name of Jesus. It’s the  sweetest name I know. There’s power in the name of Jesus. There’s healing in the name of Jesus. There is no other name I know!” *

Devotional: Wonderful counselor. Mighty God.  Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Holy One, Son of the Highest. Emmanuel. Lamb of God. Prince of Life. Lord God Almighty. Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Root of David. Word of Life. King of Kings. I Am. Lord of Lords. Advocate. Great Physician. The Way, the Truth, the Life. Dayspring. Lord of All. Messiah. Son of God. Saviour. Shepherd and Bishop of your soul. Author and Finisher of our faith. Light of the World. Morning Star. Alpha and Omega.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your Son, Jesus.

-- TTW

* Congregational Praise Song; arr. by Stephen Key, 2000 Gia Publications

"I've Got A Feelin'"

Scripture:  The Lord is my light and my  salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? — Ephesians 6:10

Lyrics: “I’ve got a feelin’, everything’s gonna be alright. Oh, I’ve got a feelin’, everything’s gonna be alright. I’ve got a feelin’, everything’s gonna be   alright, be alright, be alright, be alright.”*

Devotional: As we go about our daily routines, let’s keep in mind the Lord is in charge. His Word tells us that nothing will happen this hour, this day, this month, or this year that He has not given us the strength to handle. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us! (Romans 8:37)

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) 

Prayer: Father, thank you for the assurance we have in Your presence, and in Your Word. Amen.

-- TTW

* Congregational Praise Song; arr. by Kenneth Louis and Nolan Williams Jr. b.1969, 2000 Gia Publications

Dedication

This hymn-based devotional is dedicated to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, without Whom I am nothing, but in Whom I can do all things.

Thank You for the gift of writing.

With special thanks to my family, and especially to my church family for their love and support, and especially the older saints, whose wonderful storytelling through praise and song inspired this project.

I pray that all who read this are touched and encouraged by the Spirit of the Lord.

-- Edited and written by Teresa Cathleen Taylor-Williams and other Contributors

** I do not own the rights to any of the lyrics/songs that are referenced in this devotional.