Our Daily Dose: Timeless Bible Principles for Maximizing Daily Living

By Jackye Morrisey and Cedric Morrisey

Christianity is a lifelong journey, and it’s one that’s better experienced when shared. This is one of the greatest truths that mother (Jackye) and son (Cedric) realized throughout their year-long pact to study the Bible and minister their personal reflections through daily devotional writings. This book is a chronicle of their collaborative study with rousing revelations of biblical truths.

Do you long to have a closer relationship with God and also understand the applicability of His word to your everyday life? When they began this quest in 2021, those were the exact objectives this mother and son duo wanted to address. In this book, they will help you:
• see God in issues of everyday life
• understand scripture in a user-friendly way
• reflect on past and present experiences to yield a more prosperous future

Our Daily Dose is a cross-gender and cross-generational deep dive into the 21st Century Christian experience. It is not only a devotional, but a rare and incredible opportunity to experience the same God through multiple lenses. Regardless of your gender, age or stage, Our Daily Dose will inspire you each day to live out your godly BEST.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385007066

Jackye Morrisey

Jackye Morrisey is a self-proclaimed zealot with a heart for people and a passion for Christ. A lover of both written and spoken word, Jackye has been writing for as long as she can remember and willing to speak publicly (and privately) to just about anyone who will listen. Her life’s mission is to know Christ and to make Christ known to others. Regardless of the vehicle–writing-speaking or teaching–that will always be the goal of each of her communication efforts. Cedric Morrisey is a sought after musician, singer, and songwriter who makes his way through space with a melody in his heart. In 2019, Cedric began leading worship music for a local church, where he soon realized that singing for Christ didn’t necessarily equate to knowing him. This revelation set him on a quest to truly learn and witness Christ to others. Today, Cedric and his wife, Sara host worship events and mentor other young adults seeking and searching for more.

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Copyright © 2023 Jackye Morrisey/ Cedric Morrisey.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0705-9 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0706-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023917237

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/21/2023

Contents

Introduction

Anything

Chosen

The Refiner

Rest

Believe

Seek

Holiness

Peace

Full Faith

Distractions

Stand

Handmade

Struggle

Character

Eveready

Come

Strength

Roots

Communication

Backtracking

Control

Joy

Light

Honor

Listen

Forgiveness

Renewed

Marked

Attitude

Sent

The Way

Gifts

Helping Hands

Real

Opportunity

Thanks

Iron

Ministry

Vision

Obey

Sharing

Fruit

Better

Greater

Suffering (Rewarded)

Beauty

Serve

Radiant

Guide

Guaranteed

Discipline

Perks

Impact

Everything

Know

Forfeit

Fixed

Reputation

Giving

Wait

Prayer

Death

Balance

Confront

Differences

Impressions

Press

Winning

Others

God’s Story

Glory

The Shaper

Storms

Separate

Look Up!

Jerusalem

Numb

Watch

Assignment

Live

Trust

Work

All In

Water

Inside

Potential

Plans

Voice

Log

Mistakes

Go

Multiply

Word

Resort

Light

Different

Sustain

Warning Signs

Answered Prayers

Contagious

Help

Pride

Doubt

Sacrifice

No Charge

Disappointment

Waste

Wives

Cycles

Manifestation

Supply

Power

Envy

Appearance

Apply

God’s Will

Stand

Integrity

Final Word

Forgive

Plan

Missed Opportunities

Opportunity

Dependency

Dreams

Divine Delays

Delegation

Remembered

Stubborn

Walking

Repurposed

Strangers

Before

Comprehension

Thoughts

Show

Turn-Around

Deny

Remind

Accompany

Details

Complain

Next

Remember

Limited

Witness

Account

Contentment

Doctrine

Sanctification

Reconcile

Peculiar

Leadership

Lead

Care

Name

God’s Timing

Security

Revelation

Delight

Otherwise

Follow

God’s Hands

Devoted

Integrity

Waver

Priorities

Access

Feel-Good

Valley

Vengeance

Tough

First

Change

Christian Labor

Judgment

Introduction

In late January, 2021, my young adult son, Cedric confided in me that he’d been wavering in his faith, but earnestly wanted to be more committed. He said, Momma, I want you to hold me accountable for reading the bible every day. Long after the conversation had ended, those words continued to linger. Like any mother, I desperately wanted to help my child, but I honestly didn’t know how. All I could think about were the miles that separated us and the laundry list of work, church and other responsibilities that seemed to be consuming both of our lives. I began to pray. Lord, show me the way.

A few days later, while driving home from work, the thought just took root in my spirit.

CEDRIC’S RESPONSE TO THE IDEA

Though I was raised in the church, my college years had awakened a certain curiosity in me. I knew the scriptures and the famous heroes of the Bible but for the first time, I think I really began to wonder what my life would look like if I sought after and then actually upheld the truths that the scriptures held. Would things change? Did searching, finding and then following the way of Jesus lead to a more fulfilling experience here on earth? There was only one way to find out. With my mom’s prodding, we decided to take the leap, and from the very start, it was as if I were learning to read again. For the first time in my life, I began to dissect God’s sacred text, not simply as a set of verses but as a series of His overall thoughts coming together, one word at a time.

So, with a shared desire to go deeper in the Lord and personally apply His teachings, we each began to write and what would unfold in our lives over the course of the next year would astound us both. We sat out to learn, but in the process, God’s living and active word challenged and inspired and even chastened us both. We pray and believe that these writings will do the exact same thing for you.

As you read, please understand that:

• These are a selection of personal God-breathed daily devotions. Each day, God spoke a word into our spirit, and we then reflected on it, by penning our thoughts, lived experiences, analysis and revelations.

• You will hear two distinguishable voices—one of a middle-aged woman, the other, a single, young-adult male. While our styles of writing and the lens through which we see and experience the world differ, the Spirit that unites us and all of God’s people remains the same.

• The Bible is timeless. The same principles and truths that worked for people like Moses and Elijah and the apostle Paul are still applicable today. So, just as God’s word found them and us, we know that it will also find you.

• The word of God is robust. It was never meant to be read in one sitting and neither is this study. You can’t take it all in at once, but we suspect that a dose each day will do you a world of good:)

Anything

GENESIS 18

Is there anything too hard for God?

Before you answer, take a moment to consider the dynamics of your current reality. For instance, are you struggling to make ends meet? Would most people describe you as stressed out... bogged down...perhaps a little over the edge? And, last, but certainly not least, are you a Believer, who’s been sitting in the same barren place for far too long?" If you answered, yes, to any of the last three questions, then, it stands to reason that you’ve probably never fully come to terms with the power of God and His abilities.

In Genesis 18, Sarah and Abraham are found entertaining three very special guests. One of the visitors discloses to Abraham that within a year, his wife will bear a son. As Sarah overhears the conversation, rather than rejoice at the prospect of her blessing, her response is to laugh, within. Considering her current reality, she subconsciously minimizes God’s ability, well... to be God. But, I’m SO glad the story doesn’t end there!

In response to Sarah’s limited and very narrow way of thinking, the Lord poses the question, Is there anything too hard for the Lord? (v. 14 KJV). In essence, this single question leaves us with a life-changing lesson. Regardless of how frustrating or undesirable our circumstances may be, we serve a God who is omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnipresent (everywhere all the time). He can do ANYTHING!

Let’s face it. If He could part the Red Sea, feed five thousand with two fish and a loaf of bread, and even raise a dead man from the grave, don’t ever underestimate what He can accomplish both in and through your life. Go ahead and accept the fact that God CAN do anything! He CAN change your situation! He CAN move you from the back of the line all the way to the front! He CAN give you a future that doesn’t look anything like your present or your past. Settle this truth... right here...right now...this moment in your spirit. ASK God for what you want. BELIEVE that He can do it; and then, just WATCH God change things!

Think About it: Think of a time when you personally minimized God’s abilities. How did He come through for you then? Are you trusting Him to come through for you now?

Chosen

JOHN 15:16

You’re worthy of being chosen, fought for and loved. Remember that.

MARK GROVWES

There’s a story my husband sometimes tells that makes me laugh within each time I hear it. Throughout his late teens and twenties, he was somewhat of a legend on the basketball court. In fact, anytime that he was in the gym, somebody always wanted him on their team. He knew it. They knew it and that’s just the way it was. But, as life would have it, as the years passed by and as the pounds pounded on, his gym celebrity began to dwindle more and more until finally the young man, once wanted on everybody’s team, had become one of the very last to be chosen.

While elements of my husband’s story may seem sad, rest assured, he arrived at a happy ending–perhaps not in the gym, but certainly in the game of life. Ironically, during his glory days in the gym, he was introduced to an even greater glory. John puts it this way:

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you (15:16 NIV)."

I’ve thought about this scripture in multiple ways, and each time, I arrive at the exact same end–Winning! You see, when we’ve been chosen by God (not man, but God), that means that we’ve been chosen by:

Elohim (the Creator)

El Shaddai (the Supplier)

Jehovah Jireh (the Provider)

Jehovah Nissi (the Battle Fighter)

Jehovah Rophe (the Healer)

Adonai (the Master)

Yes, it’s true, our glory days at school and at work and even in the gym might pass, but when we’re chosen by God, we just move from glory to glory to glory. And no matter what comes up in our lives–big, small or mediocre, the end result remains the same. We’re on the winning team and regardless of life’s circumstances–good or bad–WE STILL WIN!

Think About It: What does it mean to you to know that you’ve been chosen by God?

The Refiner

PROVERBS 17:1-9

Your life doesn’t get better by chance; it gets better by change.

JIM ROHN

For whatever reason, the Bible always links me to two things: personal relationship and a song. I’ll give you an example.

I woke up one morning, just before writing this entry, and as I was brushing my teeth I could hear my mom’s voice ringing back to me from childhood saying create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10 ESV). Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, it won’t depart from it. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). Later on while heading in to work, again before writing this entry, the song Fresh Fire came on my radio, and in it, the songwriter sings about seeking God and living with a fresh fire for Him...With no hesitation, without reservation, I wanna burn for you. Suffice it to say, I got a common theme that morning:

REFINEMENT.

The process of refining metal and other minerals involves an intense burning and shaping process. Through that pressure, something that was once nothing becomes something of artistry and craftsmanship that can be of great use to the world. While God doesn’t want to physically burn us, He does want to shape us into something beautiful. But how?

By becoming more pure and more refined through him. The first 9 verses of Proverbs 16 deal with seeking this refinement. Through committing every work, every action, and even every thought unto the Father, He will gradually change our hearts and minds to the point where we look more and more like Him. By seeking Him, relentlessly, He’ll show up and make something beautiful out of nothing. But it starts with personal intent, reckoning with the fact that we need Him, and that we can’t walk without Him holding our hand. In that process, we give that master craftsman something to work with. Today my prayer is that I will be burned beautifully, holy and righteous. Most of all I pray that He will refine me into something far greater than I could imagine.

Think About it: In what ways has God changed and/ or refined you? In what area(s) do you currently need refining?

Rest

GENESIS 2:1-3

There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.

ALAN COHEN

The American novelist, Anne Lamott once said, Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes...including you. I love this quote for multiple reasons. First, the simplicity, humor and relevance are quite obvious, but the thing that I love most about it is the fact that it’s also biblically sound. Earlyon in Genesis, God the Father, not only speaks to the importance of rest, but He also models it.

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made (2:2-3 ESV).

Here, we observe, firsthand, the value of rest. It is a gift that is blessed, sanctified and even commissioned by God. And later, in the New Testament, God the Son, further endorses the gift of rest by bidding willing souls to come to Him.

Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28 NKJV).

In the Old Testament, we are introduced to rest, primarily for our bodies, but in the New Testament, Jesus introduces us to His gift of rest for our weary souls. And isn’t that just like the Bible? Every aspect of life--even our rest--is fully covered. Even with the varied demands of life and the hustle and bustle of our ever pulsating society, what a gift to know that God has blessed us all with the gift of rest, and the sweetest place that we could ever find it is in His gentle and lowly Son, Jesus.

Point to note: Don’t ever feel guilty about taking a time out or a quick breather to rest and rejuvenate yourself. If God did it, so can you, and I guarantee that you’ll be better for it. In all of your getting, get understanding, and in all of your doing, carve out a time of rest.

Think About It: Consider your daily schedule. When and where do you find rest?

Believe

1 SAMUEL 17: 37-47

Believe you can and you’re halfway there.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

January 17th is Muhammad Ali’s birthday. Arguably the greatest boxer to ever walk this earth, Muhammad Ali is quoted with saying I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was. For Ali, every fight, every situation, and every circumstance was won before he ever got into the ring. Why? Because he believed.

Oftentimes, we let our current position determine our actions. But if we walk by faith and not by sight, And simply believe in the power of our God, three things happen that, like David, allow us to proclaim the victory in advance (v. 37)

1. Our enemy gets confused. When those in our lives that are meaning us harm or are striving to be a hindrance to us discover how calm and collected we are, it throws them off guard. They expect us to react a certain way, but when our belief is steadfast, we can walk in confidence and conquer any trial (v. 43)

2. The issue no longer becomes ours, but becomes God’s. God does not go back on his promises, and he does not lie. So the fact that He tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that our battles are not ours but the Lords (v. 47) lets us know that it’s all really a matter of turning it over to Him.

3. We can accomplish the goal without the qualifications or equipment required for other people. What Goliath depended on for armor David dismissed altogether, and instead turned to a few small stones (v. 40). This lets us know that it is not what you have in your hand, but WHO you have on your side.

So be encouraged and know this: The battle is not yours; it’s the Lord’s. All you really have to do is believe it.

Think About It: Do you truly believe that God is able to turn your situation around? How do your words and actions align with your beliefs?

Seek

MATTHEW: 6:33

If it’s a priority, you’ll find a way. If it isn’t, you’ll find an excuse.

JIM ROHN

Did you know that there are more than 100 bible verses that relate, specifically to seeking the Lord? Verses like:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. -Jer. 29:13

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near; -Isa. 55:6

I love those who love Me, and those who seek me diligently find me. -Pro. 8:17

The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. -Ps. 34:10

I love all of these verses, and countless others that time and space would not allow me to mention, but the one that has probably grounded me in my faith the most was the one spoken by Jesus during His famous Sermon on the Mount. Earlyon in Matthew 6, Jesus teaches His followers about concepts of Giving, Prayer and Fasting, but in verse 25, He shifts His focus to the cure for all forms of worry, stress and anxiety. And that cure is found in verse 33.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Jesus makes it so very plain. When we go after the things of God, HE WILL TAKE CARE OF US. If we align our mind, our will and our emotions with His plans and desires, the sky’s the limit for what we can have and accomplish on the face of this earth. But the key is to put God F-I-R-S-T (FIRST). In other words, don’t spend your day stressing over work and unfinished business; but put God first, and let Him be the One who establishes your agenda. Similarly, don’t gain a financial windfall, party hard and shop til you drop. Place your good fortune before the Lord, and ask Him for the wisdom to spend and invest wisely. When it comes to work, relationships, prosperity, health or any type of decision-making at all...PUT GOD FIRST, and watch how everything else in your life falls seamlessly into place.

Think About It: Is God’s will first and foremost in your life? If not, what simple steps can you begin taking today to make His will your top priority?

Holiness

I PETER 1:15

Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.

THERESE OF LISIEUX

You better act like you know where you came from!

If I was to take a poll of the children who grew up in my neighborhood, I’d be hard pressed to find one who hadn’t received this word of reprimand more than a time or two. I grew up in a day when parents took child rearing seriously. Knowing that their children were a direct reflection of them, they made statements like these to either reel an unruly child back in line or to dissuade any preconceived notions of perfunctory behavior.

In light of the privilege that we’ve been given to be called sons and daughters of God, it appears that the apostle Peter is issuing a similar charge. To the citizens of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithhynia, he writes,

As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy (I Peter 1:15-16 ESV)."

Peter goes on in subsequent verses to further build his case for holy living, and the evidence is quite compelling. He reminds us that we:

1. were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ (v.19)

2. now have purified souls (v. 22) and

3. are born again through the word of God (v. 23)

Let’s face it. Everything about our Christian molecular make-up is rooted in holiness--So why wouldn’t we live that way?

Okay, maybe it’s not that simple. The fact is, it IS going to take some concerted effort on our part. We’ll need to monitor our conduct (v. 17), walk in obedience to God and love others with a pure heart (v. 22). It is evident that we’ll have to make all kinds of sacrifices along the way, but just as a loving parent rewards his children for good behavior, we can fully expect for our heavenly Father to reward us for our good work (v. 17). When you think about it, Christians who act like they know where they came from are pretty easy to spot. Their attitude, conversations and conduct all look the same, and the common thread among them all is holiness.

Think About It: What is it about your behavior that lets others know that you belong to God? Would anyone describe you and/ or your actions as holy?

Peace

JOHN 14

Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.

DALAI LAMA

P-E-A-C-E

It’s the one thing that most Americans are either trying to find or trying to hold onto. In a world governed by high achievement, demands for success, and get-more mantras, along with the everyday run of the mill life situations, one might wonder if even a modicum of peace is even feasible. According to Jesus, the answer to that question is, yes.

In fact, in John 14, He adds comfort to His disciples with these words:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Did you get that? Jesus left us all with the gift of peace. And it’s not just surface level peace, either; it’s HIS peace. We’re talking about the One who turned contaminated water into mouth watering wine and the One who didn’t even bat an eye when His beloved friend died. Why, oh well...I’m guessing because He knew that He held the power to resurrect him from the dead!

But, wait...there’s more! Jesus adds further emphasis to the verse by saying, "Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid (v. 27 ESV)."

In short, when others tell you to have peace, it’s one thing, but when the Son of God says it, it’s a whole different ball game. Not only is it a feasible expectation for the born again Believer to have peace; it’s an expected way of life. As long as we keep our hand in His hand, life’s tranquil pathway of peace is our promise, possession and inheritance.

Think About It: Read John 14. Are you currently embracing God’s peace or is your spirit troubled by the circumstances surrounding you?

Full Faith

JAMES 1:2-8

A little faith will bring your soul to heaven; a great faith will bring heaven to your soul.

CHARLES H. SPURGEON

One of the ladies at the church where my dad once pastored often prefaced her testimonies with: "When you know that you know...that you know...that know!!"

Those who have faced a few snags in life can surely bear witness to this saying, and though I am young, I feel comfortable in describing it as that feeling when you come to terms with the fact that it was nobody but the Lord on your side and it was Him and Him, alone who had the power to bring you out.

James 1 talks about this level of faith, giving three key lessons: