September 20, 2007
Taking a Spiritual Examination
By Micca Monda Campbell
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Devotion:
I don’t have a green thumb, but that doesn’t keep me from trying to grow plants and flowers. This year, my sister gave me a beautiful orchid for my birthday. On the card, she joked, “Happy Birthday. Enjoy the orchid and try not to kill it.”
Not wanting to disappoint my sister, I took extra care of the plant. I measured the water I gave it, marked the calendar so I’d remember when to water it again, and I even prayed over it. Caring for the plant made me consider what my life would be like if I gave this much attention to my relationship with God.
Often we neglect to care for our spiritual life. Too often we become apathetic and lazy in our faith. The result is lost passion and commitment, while self and sin thrive. Too often, we get nothing out of church. God seems far away, and freedom from bondage seems even further. I believe that these characteristics describe a Christian who is in need of a spiritual examination.
I realize that some of us are in a mess so big that we can’t see a way out. Others have tried and tried to live a holy life but continue to fall short. There are also those whose faith has become stagnate, and everyday long for something more. I know. I’ve been there. Whether we realize it or not, we have neglected some area of our spiritual life. Our passion and power have dried up. But with God, there is always hope. He can revive us!
Our key verse tells us how. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV ). According to this verse, the way out of our struggle is towards God through personal revival.
What exactly is revival? As one pastor put it, revival is: “coming to life again. It’s when we go from indifference to making a difference. It’s when we move from being comfortably numb to being passionately committed. It’s when we move from an appetite for the world and self to an appetite for God.”
Friend, I want to share with you a list of characteristics of a thriving believer that I keep tucked away in my bible so that I can periodically take a spiritual assessment of myself:
We need revival when....
... when we do not love God as we once did.
… when earthly interests and occupations are more important to us than eternal ones.
…when we would rather watch TV and read secular books and magazines than read the Bible.
… when our Christianity is joyless and passionless.
… when we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.
… when we make little effort to witness to the lost.
…when we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for Bible study or prayer.
. . . when we do not tremble at the power of God.
On the other hand, the characteristics that take place when revival comes are…
... a deepened spiritual hunger
... intense fervent prayer that is enjoyable not dreadful
... repentance
... reckless abandonment and surrender to God
... a fresh fullness of the Holy Spirit
... spontaneous evangelism and soul winning
... restored relationships
... a spirit of thanksgiving and joy
... increased hunger for God’s Word
... a desire to put God/church before entertainment
Just like any living thing, without proper care our spirits wilt. If you and I are smart, we will not neglect our faith. Daily, we will fall on our knees, confess our sin and seek God. Then, He showers down upon us fresh Holy Spirit power. Power that changes lives, restores relationships, brings healing, breaks strongholds, and enables us to live as God intends…passionate and purposeful.
Dear Lord, I confess indulging myself in pleasure and comfort. I confess a loss of passion and love for You. I have neglected my relationship with You and have lost the wonder of who You are. Oh, Lord, I cry out for forgiveness. I ask that You hear me, restore me, and heal me. I rejoice that You are the God of more than second chances. Awaken me, Lord, that I might live in righteousness again, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Who Holds the Key to Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst
God Calling by A.J. Russell
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
Use the above list to take a spiritual examination of yourself. Are you in need of a fresh faith? If so, humble yourself, confess your sins, and ask God for a fresh encounter with Him that creates new life within.
Reflections:
What characteristics above reveal to you that you have neglected your spiritual life?
Which characteristics show that you are alive and growing in Christ?
Power Verses:
Read Acts 2:1-42, 46, 47
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
A different perspective
September 19, 2007
A Different Perspective
By Zoë Elmore
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Our youngest son is studying to be a pilot. Three days after he received his initial pilot's license Joseph invited his dad and I to a nearby airport for a "flight." Now I must tell you that I'm claustrophobic and don't like small planes, but I was determined not to let my fears stand in the way of celebrating our son's accomplishment. Tom and I met our son at a rural airport and made our way to an old, tiny plane. Tom climbed in the back seat and I beside our son in the co-pilot's seat.
It was a perfect day for flying; clear blue sky and not a cloud in sight. As we taxied down the runway and took off I could hear my son talking over the headset to ground control (just a man sitting at a desk... I told you it was a rural airport) giving our coordinates and flight plan. What a proud moment for parents! We had only been up in the air ten minutes when my son looked at me from the corner of his sunglasses and said over the headset, "Hey mom, I'm going to show you a maneuver the FAA required me to do before giving me my pilot's license." At that moment Joseph pointed the nose of the plane straight toward heaven and stalled the engine. You can guess what happened next, the nose of the plane didn't point toward heaven any longer, it pointed straight down to the ground. Now, I've never spoken in tongues before but let me just say that day, knowing my son could hear everything I'd say and not wanting him to hear my fearful prayer fest, I took off my head set and then began praying in every tongue imaginable for the Lord to send his largest and strongest angels to rescue us from certain death!
After a few seconds that seemed like minutes I noticed my son pulling levers and turning knobs, and before I knew it he had righted the plane and returned us to our proper altitude. Once my heart had taken its rightful place back in my chest I opened my eyes and began to look out the window and I saw some pretty amazing sights. Rock quarries, deep and brilliant azure water surrounded by sparkling white rocks, incredible farm land untouched by housing developers and miles of towering pine trees. It was absolutely breathtaking. I've traveled the highway running parallel to all of this land literally hundreds of times yet I never knew these breathtaking sights even existed. Soon our flight was over and we landed at the tiny little airport. We hugged our son, expressed our pride in his accomplishment and headed home.
All the way home I heard the Lord speaking to my heart, "Zoe, I know your life appears to be spinning out of control just like that tiny plane." Just like your son knew how to recover the plane's engine; I know exactly what I'm doing in your life. I see and know the things you are going through, but if you will begin to see your life from a different perspective you will notice there is beauty even in the midst of these difficult days."
"Oh Lord, you're right, I've been focused on the discomfort of my life's difficulties and I've forgotten about Your sovereign hand allowing everything I'm experiencing for my good and Your glory. Someone said it best,' we should put our problems into perspective by saying 'Problem, here is my God!'" because there is no problem You cannot handle in our lives."
By making my problems my focus, I was easily discouraged and forgot I have a God who sustains me. When I changed my perspective, and made God the object and the focus of my life, I again experienced the peace that comes through a life of trust
Suggested Prayer:
Dear Lord, I confess I've turned my attention to my trails and my comfort. Forgive me and lift my perspective. Show me the beauty in the midst of these difficulties. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
In your journal, list your challenges.
Read Psalm 136
Right the refrain from this verse beside each challenge and trial listed in your journal.
Reflections:
What is keeping you from changing your perspective?
Who can hold you accountable for lifting your perspective?
A Different Perspective
By Zoë Elmore
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Our youngest son is studying to be a pilot. Three days after he received his initial pilot's license Joseph invited his dad and I to a nearby airport for a "flight." Now I must tell you that I'm claustrophobic and don't like small planes, but I was determined not to let my fears stand in the way of celebrating our son's accomplishment. Tom and I met our son at a rural airport and made our way to an old, tiny plane. Tom climbed in the back seat and I beside our son in the co-pilot's seat.
It was a perfect day for flying; clear blue sky and not a cloud in sight. As we taxied down the runway and took off I could hear my son talking over the headset to ground control (just a man sitting at a desk... I told you it was a rural airport) giving our coordinates and flight plan. What a proud moment for parents! We had only been up in the air ten minutes when my son looked at me from the corner of his sunglasses and said over the headset, "Hey mom, I'm going to show you a maneuver the FAA required me to do before giving me my pilot's license." At that moment Joseph pointed the nose of the plane straight toward heaven and stalled the engine. You can guess what happened next, the nose of the plane didn't point toward heaven any longer, it pointed straight down to the ground. Now, I've never spoken in tongues before but let me just say that day, knowing my son could hear everything I'd say and not wanting him to hear my fearful prayer fest, I took off my head set and then began praying in every tongue imaginable for the Lord to send his largest and strongest angels to rescue us from certain death!
After a few seconds that seemed like minutes I noticed my son pulling levers and turning knobs, and before I knew it he had righted the plane and returned us to our proper altitude. Once my heart had taken its rightful place back in my chest I opened my eyes and began to look out the window and I saw some pretty amazing sights. Rock quarries, deep and brilliant azure water surrounded by sparkling white rocks, incredible farm land untouched by housing developers and miles of towering pine trees. It was absolutely breathtaking. I've traveled the highway running parallel to all of this land literally hundreds of times yet I never knew these breathtaking sights even existed. Soon our flight was over and we landed at the tiny little airport. We hugged our son, expressed our pride in his accomplishment and headed home.
All the way home I heard the Lord speaking to my heart, "Zoe, I know your life appears to be spinning out of control just like that tiny plane." Just like your son knew how to recover the plane's engine; I know exactly what I'm doing in your life. I see and know the things you are going through, but if you will begin to see your life from a different perspective you will notice there is beauty even in the midst of these difficult days."
"Oh Lord, you're right, I've been focused on the discomfort of my life's difficulties and I've forgotten about Your sovereign hand allowing everything I'm experiencing for my good and Your glory. Someone said it best,' we should put our problems into perspective by saying 'Problem, here is my God!'" because there is no problem You cannot handle in our lives."
By making my problems my focus, I was easily discouraged and forgot I have a God who sustains me. When I changed my perspective, and made God the object and the focus of my life, I again experienced the peace that comes through a life of trust
Suggested Prayer:
Dear Lord, I confess I've turned my attention to my trails and my comfort. Forgive me and lift my perspective. Show me the beauty in the midst of these difficulties. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
In your journal, list your challenges.
Read Psalm 136
Right the refrain from this verse beside each challenge and trial listed in your journal.
Reflections:
What is keeping you from changing your perspective?
Who can hold you accountable for lifting your perspective?
Monday, September 17, 2007
Wisdom from Psalms - Psalm 116:14
Psalm 116:14
I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.
The teacher asked the class if anyone went to church. At first, no one raised his hand. Greg went every week, but he wasn't sure he wanted the rest of his class to know. There were some people who might laugh. Then someone raised his hand. Others followed, and soon Greg was surprised to see that over half his class attended church regularly. He raised his hand, a little ashamed that he hadn't had the nerve to raise it earlier.
We need to be proud of our faith. What God has done for us is a miracle, and we should want the whole world to know. Take every opportunity to let others know what you believe. Pay your vows to the Lord in front of other people, and be amazed at how much good it does.
Prayer:
Forgive me when I keep my faith to myself, Lord. You have given me so much, and I waste it when I refuse to share it with others. Teach me to proudly honor You. Amen.
I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.
The teacher asked the class if anyone went to church. At first, no one raised his hand. Greg went every week, but he wasn't sure he wanted the rest of his class to know. There were some people who might laugh. Then someone raised his hand. Others followed, and soon Greg was surprised to see that over half his class attended church regularly. He raised his hand, a little ashamed that he hadn't had the nerve to raise it earlier.
We need to be proud of our faith. What God has done for us is a miracle, and we should want the whole world to know. Take every opportunity to let others know what you believe. Pay your vows to the Lord in front of other people, and be amazed at how much good it does.
Prayer:
Forgive me when I keep my faith to myself, Lord. You have given me so much, and I waste it when I refuse to share it with others. Teach me to proudly honor You. Amen.
God watching
September 17, 2007
God Watching
By Amy Carroll
"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7 (NIV)
Devotion:
I've had a fascination with birds ever since I was a little girl. One summer my brother and I raised two baby birds from naked little things until they took flight. I still love the sound of birds on a spring morning, and I treasure my coneflowers because goldfinches love to eat them as they wilt and dry. This summer a tiny, brown bird built her nest in my front door wreath. No sooner were those beautiful blue eggs hatched, raised and gone than another bird raised her family in my topiary right beside the front porch. It has been my delight every morning to peep into those nests on my way out the door. On the morning that the second nest was empty, I happened to glance over to a nearby tree. There on a branch sat one of the babies receiving his first flying lesson. I listened enthralled as the mother bird coaxed her young one from a short distance away.
I've been thinking about the intensity of my interest as I watched the lives of these birds. My deepest desire is to be a more avid God watcher than a bird watcher. God is active all around us, but as we hurry through our daily lives, we so often overlook His work. My husband and I have both had the opportunity to do short term mission trips in third world countries. The thing that struck us with the most force upon reentry into American life was how our spiritual eyes get so glazed over in our familiar, comfortable environment. In a new and challenging place, we could see God everywhere! We saw Him shining in the faces of new believers even in the midst of terrible hardship. We saw Him provide extra strength and vigor to accomplish goals despite obstacles. We saw Him provide a capable doctor for an injured friend in an isolated area. We saw Him provide for even the smallest needs.
We realized that our familiarity with our culture and surroundings had caused us to feel very self-sufficient. We saw our actions and the things that came our way as a result of our own work and own will. That realization was followed by great repentance and a renewed determination to watch for God. Jesus, through parables and other means, often told his followers to watch. We are to watch for His work, watch out for sin, and watch in expectation for the signs of His second coming.
Luke 12:24 says, "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!" I encourage you to begin watching for God this week. He cares for you. Has He sent a cool breeze to blow over you as you work in your garden? Has He helped you to respond kindly to a friend or spouse who has just stepped on your last nerve? Has He provided a friend to wipe away the tears that spill over from the sorrow in your heart? Has He allowed the internet to include a devotion that reminds you of your great worth to Him? Turn your spiritual eyes toward your world this week and watch for Him.
Dear Lord, help me to have keen spiritual eyes. Make me aware of the times when my vision has glazed over, and sharpen my heart toward God-watching again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
God Watching
By Amy Carroll
"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7 (NIV)
Devotion:
I've had a fascination with birds ever since I was a little girl. One summer my brother and I raised two baby birds from naked little things until they took flight. I still love the sound of birds on a spring morning, and I treasure my coneflowers because goldfinches love to eat them as they wilt and dry. This summer a tiny, brown bird built her nest in my front door wreath. No sooner were those beautiful blue eggs hatched, raised and gone than another bird raised her family in my topiary right beside the front porch. It has been my delight every morning to peep into those nests on my way out the door. On the morning that the second nest was empty, I happened to glance over to a nearby tree. There on a branch sat one of the babies receiving his first flying lesson. I listened enthralled as the mother bird coaxed her young one from a short distance away.
I've been thinking about the intensity of my interest as I watched the lives of these birds. My deepest desire is to be a more avid God watcher than a bird watcher. God is active all around us, but as we hurry through our daily lives, we so often overlook His work. My husband and I have both had the opportunity to do short term mission trips in third world countries. The thing that struck us with the most force upon reentry into American life was how our spiritual eyes get so glazed over in our familiar, comfortable environment. In a new and challenging place, we could see God everywhere! We saw Him shining in the faces of new believers even in the midst of terrible hardship. We saw Him provide extra strength and vigor to accomplish goals despite obstacles. We saw Him provide a capable doctor for an injured friend in an isolated area. We saw Him provide for even the smallest needs.
We realized that our familiarity with our culture and surroundings had caused us to feel very self-sufficient. We saw our actions and the things that came our way as a result of our own work and own will. That realization was followed by great repentance and a renewed determination to watch for God. Jesus, through parables and other means, often told his followers to watch. We are to watch for His work, watch out for sin, and watch in expectation for the signs of His second coming.
Luke 12:24 says, "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!" I encourage you to begin watching for God this week. He cares for you. Has He sent a cool breeze to blow over you as you work in your garden? Has He helped you to respond kindly to a friend or spouse who has just stepped on your last nerve? Has He provided a friend to wipe away the tears that spill over from the sorrow in your heart? Has He allowed the internet to include a devotion that reminds you of your great worth to Him? Turn your spiritual eyes toward your world this week and watch for Him.
Dear Lord, help me to have keen spiritual eyes. Make me aware of the times when my vision has glazed over, and sharpen my heart toward God-watching again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Philippians 2:1-2
Philippians 2:1-2
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose
Thoughts on today's verse
Our call to sacrificially submit ourselves to others does not begin with our sacrifice, but with God's blessings. The actual grammatical construction of this is better translated with all the "if"s changed to "since"! We are called to unity in spirit and purpose after having received all these blessings from being in Jesus!
Prayer:
Holy and righteous Father, you have blessed me so richly in Jesus. Open my eyes to see how those around me in my spiritual family need to receive those same blessings from me. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.'
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose
Thoughts on today's verse
Our call to sacrificially submit ourselves to others does not begin with our sacrifice, but with God's blessings. The actual grammatical construction of this is better translated with all the "if"s changed to "since"! We are called to unity in spirit and purpose after having received all these blessings from being in Jesus!
Prayer:
Holy and righteous Father, you have blessed me so richly in Jesus. Open my eyes to see how those around me in my spiritual family need to receive those same blessings from me. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.'
It's not the How; It's the Wow!
It's Not The How; It's The Wow!
by Jon Walker
"Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20 NLT)
Long ago and far away, there was a teacher who worked painstakingly to teach me how to play the guitar. Every week, we'd climb up and down musical stairs crafted from the pentatonic, hexatonic, heptatonic, and octatonic scales. This emphasis upon technique frustrated me, and I grew to hate it so much that I abandoned the guitar – until playing it again became a positive part of my mid-life crisis.
OK, OK ... Yes, I would have been better guitar player today if I'd practiced what my teacher told me (and, kids, eat your spinach too). But somehow I became so buried in the technique of making music that I lost the exhilarating pleasure of the music – with its power to make my heart soar toward the grace-filled face of God.
You might say the “How” of guitar-ianity muted the “Wow!” of the music.
And in our well-intentioned focus on the “How” of Christianity, I sometimes wonder if we lose sight of the “Wow!” – that God's Holy Spirit lives within us and that he is with us always, day after day after day, until the very end of time.
Wow!
Can I get an “Amen?” Say this with me, brothers and sisters:
Wow! The God of the universe is present by his Spirit within me!
Wow! The God who spoke the world into existence lives within me!
Wow! The same God who placed the moon and the stars and the sun into the sky also placed his spirit within me!
Wow! The God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills considers me one of his heirs and is pleased to give me a share in his kingdom!
Wow! The God of Creation spoke me into my mother's womb, SHAPEd me as a masterpiece crafted for the mission of proclaiming his Wow! throughout the world! (Jeremiah 1:5)
It's not the How; it’s the Wow!
Good God Almighty, he lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives in me today! (Galatians 2:20) The Wow! is with me always and forever, yesterday today and tomorrow, forever and again, amen.
The Good News we proclaim without shame is that the Wow! is in our hearts, and the Wow! will come into any heart that confesses Jesus Christ as Lord.
What does this mean?
· Set your heart on the Wow! – You must be deliberate in staying focused on the Wow! "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:1b-2 NIV)
· Relationship over results – God is more interested in you than he is in your methods. Wow! And the Good News we carry is that God is truly interested in the life of each person he placed on the planet. Are there some relationships where you emphasize the How over the Wow?
· No commandment harmed – No commandment was harmed in the making of this devotional. Ha! Staying intimately focused on the Wow! does not suggest the How is unimportant or that the Wow! can compromise biblical truth or downgrade "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6 HCSB)
· The greatest How – is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." The second is "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-40 HCSB) The Wow! guides the How.
© 2007 Jon Walker . All rights reserved.
by Jon Walker
"Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20 NLT)
Long ago and far away, there was a teacher who worked painstakingly to teach me how to play the guitar. Every week, we'd climb up and down musical stairs crafted from the pentatonic, hexatonic, heptatonic, and octatonic scales. This emphasis upon technique frustrated me, and I grew to hate it so much that I abandoned the guitar – until playing it again became a positive part of my mid-life crisis.
OK, OK ... Yes, I would have been better guitar player today if I'd practiced what my teacher told me (and, kids, eat your spinach too). But somehow I became so buried in the technique of making music that I lost the exhilarating pleasure of the music – with its power to make my heart soar toward the grace-filled face of God.
You might say the “How” of guitar-ianity muted the “Wow!” of the music.
And in our well-intentioned focus on the “How” of Christianity, I sometimes wonder if we lose sight of the “Wow!” – that God's Holy Spirit lives within us and that he is with us always, day after day after day, until the very end of time.
Wow!
Can I get an “Amen?” Say this with me, brothers and sisters:
Wow! The God of the universe is present by his Spirit within me!
Wow! The God who spoke the world into existence lives within me!
Wow! The same God who placed the moon and the stars and the sun into the sky also placed his spirit within me!
Wow! The God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills considers me one of his heirs and is pleased to give me a share in his kingdom!
Wow! The God of Creation spoke me into my mother's womb, SHAPEd me as a masterpiece crafted for the mission of proclaiming his Wow! throughout the world! (Jeremiah 1:5)
It's not the How; it’s the Wow!
Good God Almighty, he lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives in me today! (Galatians 2:20) The Wow! is with me always and forever, yesterday today and tomorrow, forever and again, amen.
The Good News we proclaim without shame is that the Wow! is in our hearts, and the Wow! will come into any heart that confesses Jesus Christ as Lord.
What does this mean?
· Set your heart on the Wow! – You must be deliberate in staying focused on the Wow! "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:1b-2 NIV)
· Relationship over results – God is more interested in you than he is in your methods. Wow! And the Good News we carry is that God is truly interested in the life of each person he placed on the planet. Are there some relationships where you emphasize the How over the Wow?
· No commandment harmed – No commandment was harmed in the making of this devotional. Ha! Staying intimately focused on the Wow! does not suggest the How is unimportant or that the Wow! can compromise biblical truth or downgrade "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6 HCSB)
· The greatest How – is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." The second is "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-40 HCSB) The Wow! guides the How.
© 2007 Jon Walker . All rights reserved.
Praying on the armor of God
April 28 & 29, 2007 – Praying On the Armor of God – Ephesians 6:13-18
Prepare yourself for each day’s spiritual challenges by making the following prayer part of your morning routine:
“Dear Lord, as I get out of bed today, I know I’m stepping onto a battlefield. But I also know You’ve given me everything I need to stand firm. So in the power of Your Holy Spirit, I put on the armor of God:
“First, I place the helmet of salvation on my head. Protect my mind and imagination. Guard my eyes, allowing no sin to creep in. Focus my thoughts on the things of God. Let the breastplate of righteousness keep my heart and emotions safe. I pray that I won’t be governed by my feelings, but by truth. Wrap Your Word around me like a belt. And safeguard me from error. I put on the sandals of peace to guide my steps. Plant my feet in Your truth. Empower me to stand firm against attack.
“Next, I take up the shield of faith. Protect me from Satan’s fiery arrows. Place me shoulder to shoulder with Your army to oppose the Devil’s schemes. Finally, I take up the sword of the Spirit, Your Word. Help me to read the Bible in a fresh, exciting way so I will always be ready to deflect attacks and pierce hearts with Your truth.
“I know I’ll face assaults today, Lord. But You’ve empowered me to stand firm. Give me strength for the battle today.”
Without God’s armor, you’re as vulnerable as a soldier who goes into battle wearing only a bathing suit. Get dressed for success!
FEATURED RESOURCE
Prepare yourself for each day’s spiritual challenges by making the following prayer part of your morning routine:
“Dear Lord, as I get out of bed today, I know I’m stepping onto a battlefield. But I also know You’ve given me everything I need to stand firm. So in the power of Your Holy Spirit, I put on the armor of God:
“First, I place the helmet of salvation on my head. Protect my mind and imagination. Guard my eyes, allowing no sin to creep in. Focus my thoughts on the things of God. Let the breastplate of righteousness keep my heart and emotions safe. I pray that I won’t be governed by my feelings, but by truth. Wrap Your Word around me like a belt. And safeguard me from error. I put on the sandals of peace to guide my steps. Plant my feet in Your truth. Empower me to stand firm against attack.
“Next, I take up the shield of faith. Protect me from Satan’s fiery arrows. Place me shoulder to shoulder with Your army to oppose the Devil’s schemes. Finally, I take up the sword of the Spirit, Your Word. Help me to read the Bible in a fresh, exciting way so I will always be ready to deflect attacks and pierce hearts with Your truth.
“I know I’ll face assaults today, Lord. But You’ve empowered me to stand firm. Give me strength for the battle today.”
Without God’s armor, you’re as vulnerable as a soldier who goes into battle wearing only a bathing suit. Get dressed for success!
FEATURED RESOURCE
Suppression of emotions
Hi All,
This is what i have been feeling for a long time since last saturday, in the end God have indeed is faithful and loving through this verse.
God bless all of you,
Adel Pang
SUPPRESSION OF EMOTIONS
Psalm 32:3 NIV
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long
Suppression of emotions is a conscious denial of feelings (repression is an un conscious denial). Those who suppress their emotions ignore their feelings and choose not to deal with them. Suppression is an unhealthy response to your emotions.
King David had something to say about the negative impact of suppressing his feelings in his relationship with God: "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. . . . Let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him" (Psalm 32:3, 6 NIV ). David is not saying that God takes Himself out of our reach.
When extraneous circumstances loom larger to you than God, it will not take long for your emotions to overcome you. When suppressed emotions build up within you like "mighty waters," you won't turn to God. Your emotions will be in control. It's important to open up to God while you can, because if you bottle up your feelings too long, it will disrupt the harmony of your relationship with Him.
David also commented on the impact of suppression on relationships with people: "I said, 'I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle, while the wicked are in my presence.' I was dumb and silent, I refrained every from good; and my sorrow grew worse" (Psalm 39:1, 2).
Don't cover over your emotions. Suppression isn't good for you, for others, or for your relationship with God. God knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, and others can sense that something is wrong, because more is communicated nonverbally than verbally. When the verbal doesn't match the nonverbal, people believe the nonverbal. If we don't accurately express what we believe, people will believe our nonverbal messages about what we believe. Don't leave room for guesswork. Instead, "Speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another" (Ephesians 4:25).
Prayer:
Lord, I want to live in honest agreement with You and others. Give me the grace to speak the truth in love.
This is what i have been feeling for a long time since last saturday, in the end God have indeed is faithful and loving through this verse.
God bless all of you,
Adel Pang
SUPPRESSION OF EMOTIONS
Psalm 32:3 NIV
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long
Suppression of emotions is a conscious denial of feelings (repression is an un conscious denial). Those who suppress their emotions ignore their feelings and choose not to deal with them. Suppression is an unhealthy response to your emotions.
King David had something to say about the negative impact of suppressing his feelings in his relationship with God: "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. . . . Let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him" (Psalm 32:3, 6 NIV ). David is not saying that God takes Himself out of our reach.
When extraneous circumstances loom larger to you than God, it will not take long for your emotions to overcome you. When suppressed emotions build up within you like "mighty waters," you won't turn to God. Your emotions will be in control. It's important to open up to God while you can, because if you bottle up your feelings too long, it will disrupt the harmony of your relationship with Him.
David also commented on the impact of suppression on relationships with people: "I said, 'I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle, while the wicked are in my presence.' I was dumb and silent, I refrained every from good; and my sorrow grew worse" (Psalm 39:1, 2).
Don't cover over your emotions. Suppression isn't good for you, for others, or for your relationship with God. God knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, and others can sense that something is wrong, because more is communicated nonverbally than verbally. When the verbal doesn't match the nonverbal, people believe the nonverbal. If we don't accurately express what we believe, people will believe our nonverbal messages about what we believe. Don't leave room for guesswork. Instead, "Speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another" (Ephesians 4:25).
Prayer:
Lord, I want to live in honest agreement with You and others. Give me the grace to speak the truth in love.
The Land of Hope
The Land of Hope
Today's Scripture
“I’ve pitched my tent in the Land of Hope” (Acts 2:26 Message).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Where have you pitched your tent today? What are you expecting to happen in your life? What kind of attitude do you have? If you’re focused on what’s wrong, or what’s not working, it’s time to dig up your tent stakes! It’s time to pack up your belongings and move out of the land of discouragement. Move out of the “Not-going-to-happen” sub-division. Move out of “Can’t-do-it-ville.” It’s time to leave “Self-pity Estates.” Get out of those areas and move into the land of hope, faith, and expectation. Maybe you don’t quite know how to get there, but now’s the time to start looking for that new place. Open your heart to the Lord and ask Him to direct your thoughts and expectations. The Bible says that those who hope in the Lord will never be put to shame. You can trust God to order your steps. You can trust Him to move you from the land of disappointment to the land of hope today!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. Thank You for taking me to the land of hope! I release all my past hurts and disappointments to You today and ask that You fill me with Your faith and expectancy for a bright future! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today's Scripture
“I’ve pitched my tent in the Land of Hope” (Acts 2:26 Message).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Where have you pitched your tent today? What are you expecting to happen in your life? What kind of attitude do you have? If you’re focused on what’s wrong, or what’s not working, it’s time to dig up your tent stakes! It’s time to pack up your belongings and move out of the land of discouragement. Move out of the “Not-going-to-happen” sub-division. Move out of “Can’t-do-it-ville.” It’s time to leave “Self-pity Estates.” Get out of those areas and move into the land of hope, faith, and expectation. Maybe you don’t quite know how to get there, but now’s the time to start looking for that new place. Open your heart to the Lord and ask Him to direct your thoughts and expectations. The Bible says that those who hope in the Lord will never be put to shame. You can trust God to order your steps. You can trust Him to move you from the land of disappointment to the land of hope today!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. Thank You for taking me to the land of hope! I release all my past hurts and disappointments to You today and ask that You fill me with Your faith and expectancy for a bright future! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Refuse bitterness
Refuse Bitterness
Today's Scripture
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31 NIV).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Bitterness is an extremely destructive force. It seeps into the depths of your heart when you choose not to forgive someone. When you harbor unforgiveness, it closes the door to God’s working in your life. The Bible even tells us that if we choose not to forgive others, God cannot even hear our prayers. Thank God that He has empowered us to forgive and release bitterness! You have the choice to get rid of bitterness so you can live in freedom! You may have been through unfair situations, but it’s not over until God says it’s over. God always has the final say, and He is a God of justice. God sees every wrong that’s ever been done to you. He sees every unfair situation. If you will stay in faith and keep your hopes up, He will make your wrongs right. He’ll bring justice into your life. Your attitude should be, “It may have been unfair. They may have done me wrong. But I refuse to get bitter. I know my time is coming.” As you choose forgiveness and keep your thoughts focused on the Word of God, you will walk in complete freedom in every area of your life!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, today I refuse bitterness. I refuse to allow the past to keep me stuck. Right now I forgive those who have hurt me. I pray blessing on them, that they would come to know Your Truth. Father, thank You for setting my heart free today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today's Scripture
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31 NIV).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Bitterness is an extremely destructive force. It seeps into the depths of your heart when you choose not to forgive someone. When you harbor unforgiveness, it closes the door to God’s working in your life. The Bible even tells us that if we choose not to forgive others, God cannot even hear our prayers. Thank God that He has empowered us to forgive and release bitterness! You have the choice to get rid of bitterness so you can live in freedom! You may have been through unfair situations, but it’s not over until God says it’s over. God always has the final say, and He is a God of justice. God sees every wrong that’s ever been done to you. He sees every unfair situation. If you will stay in faith and keep your hopes up, He will make your wrongs right. He’ll bring justice into your life. Your attitude should be, “It may have been unfair. They may have done me wrong. But I refuse to get bitter. I know my time is coming.” As you choose forgiveness and keep your thoughts focused on the Word of God, you will walk in complete freedom in every area of your life!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, today I refuse bitterness. I refuse to allow the past to keep me stuck. Right now I forgive those who have hurt me. I pray blessing on them, that they would come to know Your Truth. Father, thank You for setting my heart free today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Compassion
COMPASSION
by Charles R. Swindoll
Colossians 3:12-14; James 5:11
Colossians 3:12-14 (New American Standard Bible)
12So, as those who have been (A)chosen of God, holy and beloved, (B)put on a (C)heart of compassion, kindness, (D)humility, gentleness and (E)patience;
13(F)bearing with one another, and (G)forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; (H)just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
14Beyond all these things put on love, which is (I)the perfect bond of (J)unity.
James 5:11 (New American Standard Bible)
11We count those (A)blessed who endured You have heard of (B)the endurance of Job and have seen (C)the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that (D)the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
It was one of those backhanded compliments. The guy had listened to me talk during several sessions at a pastors’ conference. All he knew about me was what he’d heard in the past few days: ex-marine . . . schooled in an independent seminary . . . committed to biblical exposition . . . noncharismatic . . . premil . . . pretrib . . . pro this . . . anti that.
Toward the end of the week, he decided to drink a cup of coffee with me and risk saying it straight. It went something like this: “You don’t fit. You’ve got the roots of a fundamentalist, but you don’t sound like it. Your theology is narrow, but you’re not rigid. You take God seriously, but you laugh like there’s no tomorrow. You have definite convictions, but you aren’t legalistic and demanding.” Then he added: “Even though you’re a firm believer in the Bible, you’re still having fun, still enjoying life. You’ve even got some compassion!”
“You’ve even got some compassion!” Like, if you’re committed to the truth of Scripture, you shouldn’t get that concerned about people stuff—heartaches, hunger, illness, fractured lives, insecurities, failures, and grief—because those are only temporal problems. Mere horizontal hassles. Leave that to the liberals. Our main job is to give ’em the gospel. Get ’em saved!
Be honest now. Isn’t that the way it usually is? Isn’t it a fact that the more conservative one becomes, the less compassionate? I want to know why. Why either-or? Why not both-and? I’d also like to know when we departed from the biblical model. When did we begin to ignore Christ’s care for the needy?
Maybe when we realized that one is much easier than the other. It’s also faster. When you don’t concern yourself with being your brother’s keeper, you don’t have to get dirty or take risks or lose your objectivity or run up against the thorny side of an issue that lacks easy answers.
And what will happen when we traffic in such compassion? The Living Bible says, “Then the Lord will be your delight, and I will see to it that you ride high, and get your full share of the blessings I promised to Jacob, your father” (Isa. 58:14).
If you really want to “ride high, and get your full share of the blessings,” prefer compassion to information. We need both, but in the right order.
Come on, let’s break the mold and surprise ’em. That’s exactly what Jesus did with you and me and a whole bunch of other sinners who deserved and expected a full dose of condemnation, but got compassion instead.
Others won’t care how much we know until they know how much we care.
Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Day by Day with Charles Swindoll (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2000). Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
by Charles R. Swindoll
Colossians 3:12-14; James 5:11
Colossians 3:12-14 (New American Standard Bible)
12So, as those who have been (A)chosen of God, holy and beloved, (B)put on a (C)heart of compassion, kindness, (D)humility, gentleness and (E)patience;
13(F)bearing with one another, and (G)forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; (H)just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
14Beyond all these things put on love, which is (I)the perfect bond of (J)unity.
James 5:11 (New American Standard Bible)
11We count those (A)blessed who endured You have heard of (B)the endurance of Job and have seen (C)the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that (D)the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
It was one of those backhanded compliments. The guy had listened to me talk during several sessions at a pastors’ conference. All he knew about me was what he’d heard in the past few days: ex-marine . . . schooled in an independent seminary . . . committed to biblical exposition . . . noncharismatic . . . premil . . . pretrib . . . pro this . . . anti that.
Toward the end of the week, he decided to drink a cup of coffee with me and risk saying it straight. It went something like this: “You don’t fit. You’ve got the roots of a fundamentalist, but you don’t sound like it. Your theology is narrow, but you’re not rigid. You take God seriously, but you laugh like there’s no tomorrow. You have definite convictions, but you aren’t legalistic and demanding.” Then he added: “Even though you’re a firm believer in the Bible, you’re still having fun, still enjoying life. You’ve even got some compassion!”
“You’ve even got some compassion!” Like, if you’re committed to the truth of Scripture, you shouldn’t get that concerned about people stuff—heartaches, hunger, illness, fractured lives, insecurities, failures, and grief—because those are only temporal problems. Mere horizontal hassles. Leave that to the liberals. Our main job is to give ’em the gospel. Get ’em saved!
Be honest now. Isn’t that the way it usually is? Isn’t it a fact that the more conservative one becomes, the less compassionate? I want to know why. Why either-or? Why not both-and? I’d also like to know when we departed from the biblical model. When did we begin to ignore Christ’s care for the needy?
Maybe when we realized that one is much easier than the other. It’s also faster. When you don’t concern yourself with being your brother’s keeper, you don’t have to get dirty or take risks or lose your objectivity or run up against the thorny side of an issue that lacks easy answers.
And what will happen when we traffic in such compassion? The Living Bible says, “Then the Lord will be your delight, and I will see to it that you ride high, and get your full share of the blessings I promised to Jacob, your father” (Isa. 58:14).
If you really want to “ride high, and get your full share of the blessings,” prefer compassion to information. We need both, but in the right order.
Come on, let’s break the mold and surprise ’em. That’s exactly what Jesus did with you and me and a whole bunch of other sinners who deserved and expected a full dose of condemnation, but got compassion instead.
Others won’t care how much we know until they know how much we care.
Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Day by Day with Charles Swindoll (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2000). Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Caring with our conscience
September 15-16, 2007 -- Caring With Our Conscience -- 1 Corinthians 8:9-12
1 Corinthians 8:9-12 (New American Standard Bible)
9But (A)take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the (B)weak.
10For if someone sees you, who have (C)knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat (D)things sacrificed to idols?
11For through (E)your knowledge he who is weak (F)is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died.
12(G)And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin (H)against Christ.
How do you approach your decisions-- by thinking primarily of yourself? Or do you consider how your actions will affect the faith and lives of others? Just as we have to discipline our conscience for it to grow stronger, we must use discernment to avoid wounding a weaker believer.
Some Christians never stop to think that their choices can weaken or destroy someone else's faith. They justify their behavior, saying God doesn't convict them for it. While they don't necessarily indulge in sinful acts, their spiritual defenses have grown strong enough to let them do things they wouldn't have done in the early stages of their spiritual walk. These believers fail to realize that younger Christians are watching how they live out their faith. When "weaker" ones follow the example they see, their ship of faith may capsize because of a conscience that is troubled or confused rather than strengthened.
Paul blames the "stronger" Christian for these shipwrecks. He says we're responsible not only for our actions, but also for the effect of those actions. In the end, we are to care more about the "brother for whose sake Christ died" than about our own wants or desires (1 Corinthians 8:11).
Because our faith is on display before the world, God promises rewards but insists on responsibility. One of the rewards is freedom from condemnation. But that freedom doesn't mean license to do as we please without considering those who watch our example. Through the Spirit, we must discern the greater good and act on it.
1 Corinthians 8:9-12 (New American Standard Bible)
9But (A)take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the (B)weak.
10For if someone sees you, who have (C)knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat (D)things sacrificed to idols?
11For through (E)your knowledge he who is weak (F)is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died.
12(G)And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin (H)against Christ.
How do you approach your decisions-- by thinking primarily of yourself? Or do you consider how your actions will affect the faith and lives of others? Just as we have to discipline our conscience for it to grow stronger, we must use discernment to avoid wounding a weaker believer.
Some Christians never stop to think that their choices can weaken or destroy someone else's faith. They justify their behavior, saying God doesn't convict them for it. While they don't necessarily indulge in sinful acts, their spiritual defenses have grown strong enough to let them do things they wouldn't have done in the early stages of their spiritual walk. These believers fail to realize that younger Christians are watching how they live out their faith. When "weaker" ones follow the example they see, their ship of faith may capsize because of a conscience that is troubled or confused rather than strengthened.
Paul blames the "stronger" Christian for these shipwrecks. He says we're responsible not only for our actions, but also for the effect of those actions. In the end, we are to care more about the "brother for whose sake Christ died" than about our own wants or desires (1 Corinthians 8:11).
Because our faith is on display before the world, God promises rewards but insists on responsibility. One of the rewards is freedom from condemnation. But that freedom doesn't mean license to do as we please without considering those who watch our example. Through the Spirit, we must discern the greater good and act on it.
Your Secret Petitions
Your Secret Petitions
Today's Scripture
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart”(Psalm 37:4 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God knows the secret petitions of your heart. He knows every hidden dream He’s placed within you. He knows those things that you haven’t told anybody about. Maybe you thought they would never come to pass, or maybe you buried them because they didn’t happen on your timetable. Maybe, in the natural, you have every reason to give up on those dreams. Be encouraged today—God is still working behind the scenes! He still has a plan to bring those dreams to pass. Do what the verse says, and delight yourself in Him today. That word delight, actually means to make yourself soft and pliable. It paints the picture of God as the Potter and you as the clay. Allow God to mold and shape your character today. Allow Him to direct your plans and ideas. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy today, and as you submit your ways to the Lord and open your heart to His leading, He will fulfill those secret petitions of your heart!
A Prayer for Today
Father, You said the path of the righteous gets brighter and brighter. You said no good thing will You withhold because I walk uprightly before You. You said because I delight myself in You, You will give me the secret petitions of my heart. So Father, I thank You today for being in control of my life. Thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart”(Psalm 37:4 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God knows the secret petitions of your heart. He knows every hidden dream He’s placed within you. He knows those things that you haven’t told anybody about. Maybe you thought they would never come to pass, or maybe you buried them because they didn’t happen on your timetable. Maybe, in the natural, you have every reason to give up on those dreams. Be encouraged today—God is still working behind the scenes! He still has a plan to bring those dreams to pass. Do what the verse says, and delight yourself in Him today. That word delight, actually means to make yourself soft and pliable. It paints the picture of God as the Potter and you as the clay. Allow God to mold and shape your character today. Allow Him to direct your plans and ideas. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy today, and as you submit your ways to the Lord and open your heart to His leading, He will fulfill those secret petitions of your heart!
A Prayer for Today
Father, You said the path of the righteous gets brighter and brighter. You said no good thing will You withhold because I walk uprightly before You. You said because I delight myself in You, You will give me the secret petitions of my heart. So Father, I thank You today for being in control of my life. Thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
From rags to riches
From Rags To Riches
Woodrow Kroll
Esther 8:1-2
On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman.
During the 1995 Christmas holidays, a passing motorist spotted a limousine stranded with a flat tire on a busy stretch of New Jersey highway. The man graciously stopped and offered to help the chauffeur change the tire. Just as the task was finished, the darkened window rolled down and the man inside asked what he and his wife could do to repay the favor. "Just send my wife a big bouquet of flowers," said the guy and handed him his card. Two weeks later a gargantuan bouquet of orchids arrived with a card reading, "We paid off your home mortgage. Marla and Donald Trump." Informers say the Trumps forked over more than $100,000 for the gesture.
Mordecai experienced a similar windfall. With the death of his enemy, Haman, he came into the possession of all Haman's wealth, one of Persia's highest officials. From the position of a minor bureaucrat, Mordecai suddenly became second only to the king.
Every Christian is graced with this same fortune. As unbelievers, we were spiritually impoverished. We owed a debt to God we could never repay. But when we trusted Jesus as Savior, we received the promise of His provision for our entire lifetime (Philippians 4:19). Even better, we were made spiritual billionaires when we became joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
Perhaps you are experiencing lean times. In spite of your efforts to be a good steward, too much month is left at the end of the paycheck. Don't despair. Trust God to meet your needs. These times of testing will someday give way to an abundance that is beyond your comprehension. You have God's word on it!
He is a poor man who can only measure his wealth in dollars.
<><><><><><> <><><><><> <><><><> <><><> <><> <> <><> <><><> <><><><> <><><><><> <><><><><><>
Dear Father, Help me get completely out of debt and stay out! Let me follow Your word, "Owe no man anything!…..except to love one another." Help me be a good steward of my business affairs. Spur me on to work smart as well as hard. Let me be very wise, even shrewd, in the way I order my business. While conserving resources, let me move forward, even taking risks when such is best. Help me, Father, to see You as the senior partner in what I do. And may I always render a generous portion of my income to do Your work in the world. In the name of Jesus and with the Spirit's help, I ask these things. Amen and Amen
Woodrow Kroll
Esther 8:1-2
On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman.
During the 1995 Christmas holidays, a passing motorist spotted a limousine stranded with a flat tire on a busy stretch of New Jersey highway. The man graciously stopped and offered to help the chauffeur change the tire. Just as the task was finished, the darkened window rolled down and the man inside asked what he and his wife could do to repay the favor. "Just send my wife a big bouquet of flowers," said the guy and handed him his card. Two weeks later a gargantuan bouquet of orchids arrived with a card reading, "We paid off your home mortgage. Marla and Donald Trump." Informers say the Trumps forked over more than $100,000 for the gesture.
Mordecai experienced a similar windfall. With the death of his enemy, Haman, he came into the possession of all Haman's wealth, one of Persia's highest officials. From the position of a minor bureaucrat, Mordecai suddenly became second only to the king.
Every Christian is graced with this same fortune. As unbelievers, we were spiritually impoverished. We owed a debt to God we could never repay. But when we trusted Jesus as Savior, we received the promise of His provision for our entire lifetime (Philippians 4:19). Even better, we were made spiritual billionaires when we became joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
Perhaps you are experiencing lean times. In spite of your efforts to be a good steward, too much month is left at the end of the paycheck. Don't despair. Trust God to meet your needs. These times of testing will someday give way to an abundance that is beyond your comprehension. You have God's word on it!
He is a poor man who can only measure his wealth in dollars.
<><><><><><> <><><><><> <><><><> <><><> <><> <> <><> <><><> <><><><> <><><><><> <><><><><><>
Dear Father, Help me get completely out of debt and stay out! Let me follow Your word, "Owe no man anything!…..except to love one another." Help me be a good steward of my business affairs. Spur me on to work smart as well as hard. Let me be very wise, even shrewd, in the way I order my business. While conserving resources, let me move forward, even taking risks when such is best. Help me, Father, to see You as the senior partner in what I do. And may I always render a generous portion of my income to do Your work in the world. In the name of Jesus and with the Spirit's help, I ask these things. Amen and Amen
Trust the Father
Trust the Father by Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
“My times are in Your hands...” (Psalm 31:15).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Throughout the Psalms, David acknowledges that he chose to put his life in the hands of the Lord. In this verse, He was, in essence, saying, “I trust You, God, because I know You are good—my times are in Your hands.” Are you willing to release every area of your life to the Father? Are you willing to trust Him with the times and seasons of your life? You may be in a situation right now that you don’t fully understand, but take heart—God is a good God, and you can trust Him. He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. If you’ll keep your heart surrendered to Him, you’ll begin to see things change in your favor. As you continue to trust Him, He’ll open doors for you. He’ll take what the enemy meant for evil in your life, and He’ll turn it around for your good. Keep standing, keep believing, and trust Him. Your times are in His hands!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, today I choose to trust You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust You with my whole life—my times are in Your hands. Help me to stay close to You today so that I can hear Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today's Scripture
“My times are in Your hands...” (Psalm 31:15).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Throughout the Psalms, David acknowledges that he chose to put his life in the hands of the Lord. In this verse, He was, in essence, saying, “I trust You, God, because I know You are good—my times are in Your hands.” Are you willing to release every area of your life to the Father? Are you willing to trust Him with the times and seasons of your life? You may be in a situation right now that you don’t fully understand, but take heart—God is a good God, and you can trust Him. He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. If you’ll keep your heart surrendered to Him, you’ll begin to see things change in your favor. As you continue to trust Him, He’ll open doors for you. He’ll take what the enemy meant for evil in your life, and He’ll turn it around for your good. Keep standing, keep believing, and trust Him. Your times are in His hands!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, today I choose to trust You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust You with my whole life—my times are in Your hands. Help me to stay close to You today so that I can hear Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
You can know the future Part 3
You can know the future Part 3 on 16 September 2007
The 2nd Seal
When the antichrist enters the world, there will be lawlessness.
There will also be the outpouring of deceptive spirits will be coming into the picture.
Ushering in the world dictator through advance technology.
World intertwine of markets and technology.
Revelation 6:3-4 (New American Standard Bible)
3When He broke the second seal, I heard the (A)second living creature saying, "Come."
4And another, (B)a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to (C)take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.
2 key words are red and sword.
The antichrist will wear two faces.
He is the greatest deceiver.
John 8:44 (New American Standard Bible)
44"(A)You are of (B)your father the devil, and (C)you want to do the desires of your father (D)He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because (E)there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he (F)speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies
1 Thessalonians 5:3 (New American Standard Bible)
3While they are saying, "(A)Peace and safety!" then (B)destruction will come upon them suddenly like (C)labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape
Daniel 9:27 (New American Standard Bible)
27"And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of (A)abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a (B)complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."
The antichrist will strategise a temporal world peace. The antichrist will hail as the world’s saviour.
Matthew 24:6 (New American Standard Bible)
6"You will be hearing of (A)wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
Luke 21:9 (New American Standard Bible)
9"When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately."
Factors of War are as follows:
a) Terriortory
b) Historic baggages
c) Race
d) Religion
e) Alliances
f) Trade
g) Water
h) Oil
The above-mentioned factors are very explosive.
1st 3 and a half years, the antichrist will secretly destroys key influential and active Christians. The rapture must happen 1st before the antichrist.
The antichrist will set a commercial centre in Babylon. The Jews can do amazing things.
2nd part of the 7 years, in the middle of the 7 year covenant, the antichrist shows the abomination of desolation.
2 Thessalonians 2:4 (New American Standard Bible)
4who opposes and exalts himself above (A)every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, (B)displaying himself as being God.
Ungodly people will rebel.
Luke 21:10 (New American Standard Bible)
Things to Come
10Then He continued by saying to them, "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom,
When the 2nd seal breaks, there are things far more than we can imagine.
Revelation 6:4 (New American Standard Bible)
4And another, (A)a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to (B)take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.
The 2nd Seal
When the antichrist enters the world, there will be lawlessness.
There will also be the outpouring of deceptive spirits will be coming into the picture.
Ushering in the world dictator through advance technology.
World intertwine of markets and technology.
Revelation 6:3-4 (New American Standard Bible)
3When He broke the second seal, I heard the (A)second living creature saying, "Come."
4And another, (B)a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to (C)take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.
2 key words are red and sword.
The antichrist will wear two faces.
He is the greatest deceiver.
John 8:44 (New American Standard Bible)
44"(A)You are of (B)your father the devil, and (C)you want to do the desires of your father (D)He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because (E)there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he (F)speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies
1 Thessalonians 5:3 (New American Standard Bible)
3While they are saying, "(A)Peace and safety!" then (B)destruction will come upon them suddenly like (C)labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape
Daniel 9:27 (New American Standard Bible)
27"And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of (A)abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a (B)complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."
The antichrist will strategise a temporal world peace. The antichrist will hail as the world’s saviour.
Matthew 24:6 (New American Standard Bible)
6"You will be hearing of (A)wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
Luke 21:9 (New American Standard Bible)
9"When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately."
Factors of War are as follows:
a) Terriortory
b) Historic baggages
c) Race
d) Religion
e) Alliances
f) Trade
g) Water
h) Oil
The above-mentioned factors are very explosive.
1st 3 and a half years, the antichrist will secretly destroys key influential and active Christians. The rapture must happen 1st before the antichrist.
The antichrist will set a commercial centre in Babylon. The Jews can do amazing things.
2nd part of the 7 years, in the middle of the 7 year covenant, the antichrist shows the abomination of desolation.
2 Thessalonians 2:4 (New American Standard Bible)
4who opposes and exalts himself above (A)every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, (B)displaying himself as being God.
Ungodly people will rebel.
Luke 21:10 (New American Standard Bible)
Things to Come
10Then He continued by saying to them, "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom,
When the 2nd seal breaks, there are things far more than we can imagine.
Revelation 6:4 (New American Standard Bible)
4And another, (A)a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to (B)take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.
Why God blesses
Why God Blesses
by Os Hillman, September 16, 2007
And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel. - 1 Chronicles 14:2
King David learned an important lesson every leader must learn if he is to ensure God's continual blessing. He knew why God blessed him. It wasn't because he deserved it, though he was a man who sought God with his whole heart. It wasn't because of his great skill, though he was a great military strategist. It wasn't because he was perfect, for he committed some horrible sins during his reign as king. No, it was for none of these reasons. God blessed David for the "sake of His people Israel."
God never blesses an individual just for that person's exclusive benefit. God calls each of us to be a blessing to others. So often we forget this last part. R.G. LeTourneau, a businessman who built heavy construction equipment, came to realize this only after God took him through many trials. Once the Lord had all of LeTourneau, he came to realize that the question wasn't whether he gave 10 percent of what the Lord gave him. Rather, the question was, "What amount does He want me to keep?" LeTourneau was known for giving 90 percent of his income toward the end of his career and was a great supporter of world missions. But the Lord doesn't bless workplace believers just for the ability to give financially. God has given workplace believers many more gifts beyond the financial.
What is happening with the spiritual fruit of God's blessing on your life? Is it clogged, or is it freely flowing to others? Ask the Lord to free you to be a blessing to those in your circle of influence
by Os Hillman, September 16, 2007
And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel. - 1 Chronicles 14:2
King David learned an important lesson every leader must learn if he is to ensure God's continual blessing. He knew why God blessed him. It wasn't because he deserved it, though he was a man who sought God with his whole heart. It wasn't because of his great skill, though he was a great military strategist. It wasn't because he was perfect, for he committed some horrible sins during his reign as king. No, it was for none of these reasons. God blessed David for the "sake of His people Israel."
God never blesses an individual just for that person's exclusive benefit. God calls each of us to be a blessing to others. So often we forget this last part. R.G. LeTourneau, a businessman who built heavy construction equipment, came to realize this only after God took him through many trials. Once the Lord had all of LeTourneau, he came to realize that the question wasn't whether he gave 10 percent of what the Lord gave him. Rather, the question was, "What amount does He want me to keep?" LeTourneau was known for giving 90 percent of his income toward the end of his career and was a great supporter of world missions. But the Lord doesn't bless workplace believers just for the ability to give financially. God has given workplace believers many more gifts beyond the financial.
What is happening with the spiritual fruit of God's blessing on your life? Is it clogged, or is it freely flowing to others? Ask the Lord to free you to be a blessing to those in your circle of influence
Seeking His Face
Daily Manna
September 17, 2007
Seeking His Face
By Os Hillman
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.
Deuteronomy 34:10
One of the great differences between Moses and any other character in the Bible is how God describes Moses. Moses was a friend of God, and he met God face to face. "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Ex. 33:11a). So often, we view others for what they can do for us, instead of who they are. There is a difference between being a servant and being a friend. There is a difference between being an employee and being a son.
Do you seek God's face, or do you find that you spend more time seeking His hand? God wants us to seek Him for our every need. However, there is a higher calling for every believer. That is to seek God's face, and to see Him for His love and tenderness toward us as His children. He can provide for our physical needs, but when we see Him face to face, we are changed. We no longer see Him as one to be feared as much as one to know intimately. We no longer view Him for what He can give to us, but for what He already has given for us.
When we see Jesus face to face, we are no longer slaves, but friends. We do not fear Him as a slave fears his master. We have entered a new kind of relationship-a relationship that has mutual respect and care.
Today, Jesus is calling you to seek His face, not just His hand. When you seek His face, you will know His provision and His mercy in all aspects of life. Seek His face today and become a friend of God.
September 17, 2007
Seeking His Face
By Os Hillman
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.
Deuteronomy 34:10
One of the great differences between Moses and any other character in the Bible is how God describes Moses. Moses was a friend of God, and he met God face to face. "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Ex. 33:11a). So often, we view others for what they can do for us, instead of who they are. There is a difference between being a servant and being a friend. There is a difference between being an employee and being a son.
Do you seek God's face, or do you find that you spend more time seeking His hand? God wants us to seek Him for our every need. However, there is a higher calling for every believer. That is to seek God's face, and to see Him for His love and tenderness toward us as His children. He can provide for our physical needs, but when we see Him face to face, we are changed. We no longer see Him as one to be feared as much as one to know intimately. We no longer view Him for what He can give to us, but for what He already has given for us.
When we see Jesus face to face, we are no longer slaves, but friends. We do not fear Him as a slave fears his master. We have entered a new kind of relationship-a relationship that has mutual respect and care.
Today, Jesus is calling you to seek His face, not just His hand. When you seek His face, you will know His provision and His mercy in all aspects of life. Seek His face today and become a friend of God.
A Tool for Miracles
A Tool For Miracles
by Os Hillman, September 15, 2007
With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the Lord touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the Lord disappeared. - Judges 6:21
How does God call people into His service? There is a clear pattern in the way God calls men and women into service for Him. Almost every major leader has been called while he or she was in the midst of performing his or her everyday vocation. Peter was a fisherman; Matthew, a tax collector; Luke, a physician; Paul, a tentmaker; Moses, a shepherd; Jesus, a carpenter; and so on.
When God called Gideon to free the people of Israel from the oppression of the Amalekites, he did so while Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress. Like Moses, Gideon argued with God, saying his family was nothing special, so how could he be used of God to save Israel? Gideon acknowledged God by preparing an offering to Him. The angel did an interesting thing with Gideon's offering; he took the tip of his staff and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. As with Moses, God chose to do a miracle with a staff, the instrument that symbolized Gideon's work life. Why would God do this? It is because God wants us to know that the tools He has given each of us are the tools He wants to use to demonstrate His power. However, in order for that to happen, we must yield our tools to Him for miracles to be manifested through them.
Have you yielded your tools to the Lord? God wants you to have an overriding ministry objective to your work life. He doesn't want you to leave your work; He wants to work through your work. Allow Him to do that today.
by Os Hillman, September 15, 2007
With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the Lord touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the Lord disappeared. - Judges 6:21
How does God call people into His service? There is a clear pattern in the way God calls men and women into service for Him. Almost every major leader has been called while he or she was in the midst of performing his or her everyday vocation. Peter was a fisherman; Matthew, a tax collector; Luke, a physician; Paul, a tentmaker; Moses, a shepherd; Jesus, a carpenter; and so on.
When God called Gideon to free the people of Israel from the oppression of the Amalekites, he did so while Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress. Like Moses, Gideon argued with God, saying his family was nothing special, so how could he be used of God to save Israel? Gideon acknowledged God by preparing an offering to Him. The angel did an interesting thing with Gideon's offering; he took the tip of his staff and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. As with Moses, God chose to do a miracle with a staff, the instrument that symbolized Gideon's work life. Why would God do this? It is because God wants us to know that the tools He has given each of us are the tools He wants to use to demonstrate His power. However, in order for that to happen, we must yield our tools to Him for miracles to be manifested through them.
Have you yielded your tools to the Lord? God wants you to have an overriding ministry objective to your work life. He doesn't want you to leave your work; He wants to work through your work. Allow Him to do that today.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
You can know the future Part 2 on 9 September 2007
The 1st seal
The title deed contains the future of the world.
Read Revelations 6: 1-2
Hidden mystery on the scroll (when the seal was broken). Symbolic for John. It depicts the end-time event. A horsemen with a bow, a crown was given to him and after he received the crown then he went forth conquering.
Read Revelations 19 : 11-16
Verse 11. stubbornly wicked will strike their fist.
Verse 12. His eyes are like fire, head with many crowns, Word of God.
4 ideas of similarities
1) white horse
2) Rider
3) Conquering King
4) crowns
5 Differences
1) Unnamed and unidentified
Rider in Revelations 6 is unnamed whereas Revelations 19 is specifically identified.
2) Single Crown
Rider in Revelations 6 have a single crown whereas Revelations 19 rider have many crowns.
3) Crown was given to him
Revelations 6 rider was given a crown whereas Revelations 19 rider have many crowns for all eternity.
4) Bow in his hand
Revelations 6 rider has a bow in his hand whereas Revelations 19 rider does not have a bow but out of his mouth came out a sword.
5) Rides alone
Revelations 6 rider rides alone whereas Revelations 19 rider accompanied by heavenly army.
In Revelations 6, Anti-Christ opposed to Jesus Christ and all the values that Christ holds.
Anti-Christ is
1) mere ordinary human being.
2) Greatest tool in the hands of Satan.
3) Worm his way to political areas.
Read 2 Thesselonians 2:1 – 2
- Man of Sin
- Son of destruction
- that wicked
Revelations 13: 1 -> Beast rising from the sea.
Sea represents people.
Read Daniel 7:8; 8:9 talks about Little horn
Anti-Christ
a) Will rise slowly from deceitful strategies.
b) Is going to deceive the whole man in the world.
c) Is the most clever diplomat.
d) Bloodless conquest using lies and deceit.
e) Bluffing his way through.
Read Luke 10:17-19
That is the position of the devil.
Stand our ground to reject and rebuke him (the devil).
The Anti-christ will like that in the world stage His trump card is bow without arrow through his lies and deceit. Through all this, he is given a crown.
2 Factors
1) The global condition that are so chaotic for strong leader to rule the world with a iron hand.
2) There have been deceiving spirits released. They will receive into the world stronger and stronger deceiving spirits.
When the Anti-Christ comes, many will believe and move towards Utopia to have peace and security.
Read Matthew 24 : 4-5 and Luke 21:8
Jesus warn us about deception.
Utopia is created by us without God- The New World order. They worship anything but God. Reincarnation is equated with the new world order.
This is the era of peace and grace He have given to us. He will come with the saint to wage the war to end all wars.
Read Revelations 19 : 14
Who are the army following him dressing in white? Only us the believers.
Read Jude 14 and Colossians 3:4
His grace will expire on the wicked man.
Redeeming the time and watch the day approaching.
Jesus is coming soon.
The title deed contains the future of the world.
Read Revelations 6: 1-2
Hidden mystery on the scroll (when the seal was broken). Symbolic for John. It depicts the end-time event. A horsemen with a bow, a crown was given to him and after he received the crown then he went forth conquering.
Read Revelations 19 : 11-16
Verse 11. stubbornly wicked will strike their fist.
Verse 12. His eyes are like fire, head with many crowns, Word of God.
4 ideas of similarities
1) white horse
2) Rider
3) Conquering King
4) crowns
5 Differences
1) Unnamed and unidentified
Rider in Revelations 6 is unnamed whereas Revelations 19 is specifically identified.
2) Single Crown
Rider in Revelations 6 have a single crown whereas Revelations 19 rider have many crowns.
3) Crown was given to him
Revelations 6 rider was given a crown whereas Revelations 19 rider have many crowns for all eternity.
4) Bow in his hand
Revelations 6 rider has a bow in his hand whereas Revelations 19 rider does not have a bow but out of his mouth came out a sword.
5) Rides alone
Revelations 6 rider rides alone whereas Revelations 19 rider accompanied by heavenly army.
In Revelations 6, Anti-Christ opposed to Jesus Christ and all the values that Christ holds.
Anti-Christ is
1) mere ordinary human being.
2) Greatest tool in the hands of Satan.
3) Worm his way to political areas.
Read 2 Thesselonians 2:1 – 2
- Man of Sin
- Son of destruction
- that wicked
Revelations 13: 1 -> Beast rising from the sea.
Sea represents people.
Read Daniel 7:8; 8:9 talks about Little horn
Anti-Christ
a) Will rise slowly from deceitful strategies.
b) Is going to deceive the whole man in the world.
c) Is the most clever diplomat.
d) Bloodless conquest using lies and deceit.
e) Bluffing his way through.
Read Luke 10:17-19
That is the position of the devil.
Stand our ground to reject and rebuke him (the devil).
The Anti-christ will like that in the world stage His trump card is bow without arrow through his lies and deceit. Through all this, he is given a crown.
2 Factors
1) The global condition that are so chaotic for strong leader to rule the world with a iron hand.
2) There have been deceiving spirits released. They will receive into the world stronger and stronger deceiving spirits.
When the Anti-Christ comes, many will believe and move towards Utopia to have peace and security.
Read Matthew 24 : 4-5 and Luke 21:8
Jesus warn us about deception.
Utopia is created by us without God- The New World order. They worship anything but God. Reincarnation is equated with the new world order.
This is the era of peace and grace He have given to us. He will come with the saint to wage the war to end all wars.
Read Revelations 19 : 14
Who are the army following him dressing in white? Only us the believers.
Read Jude 14 and Colossians 3:4
His grace will expire on the wicked man.
Redeeming the time and watch the day approaching.
Jesus is coming soon.
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