From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Hebrews 3:13 "Encourage one another daily while it is still today, so that no one grows hardened by the deceit of sin."
Fellowship is one of the tools God has given us to transform our lives. The best way to avoid a hardened heart is to get close to other people who have a real love for God. Really get into each other's spiritual lives.
Don't just hang out together. Rather, share with each other what is happening in your spiritual lives. Talk about what God is teaching you. Pray together. Study the Bible together.
If you can't find a group like that, then start one, even if you are not a leader or a strong Christian. Find someone else and just start making your spiritual lives the center of your conversation. At the end of your time together, suggest that you each pray together for each other's spiritual life.
You will find that this keeps your heart soft toward God and you will be growing spiritually as you "encourage one another!"
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
All Wisdom, Knowledge, And Common Sense
From: Wisdom From The Psalms Devotions
Psalm 139:17 "How precious are Your thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"
William was considered by many to be one of the most influential men in American business. He controlled millions of dollars, was responsible for employing millions of workers, and made decisions that affected millions of people's lives. He spent time with most of the truly important people in the world; but no one more important, in William's mind, than the Lord.
Schedules were always packed full, but never so full that William didn't take some time with God. No decision was made without consulting the Lord. When so much depended on the integrity of William's decisions, he wanted to make sure he took into consideration the Word of the Lord. To do less would be absurd.
The counsel of the Lord should be precious to us all. God holds the sum of all wisdom and knowledge. He is the ground of all common sense. Why wouldn't we want to consult the Lord when we make the important decisions in our lives?
Prayer: Fill my mind with Your own thoughts, O God. Help me to see problems through Your eyes and meet them with Your solutions. Teach me to use the gifts of reason, logic, and wisdom that You have given me. Amen.
Psalm 139:17 "How precious are Your thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"
William was considered by many to be one of the most influential men in American business. He controlled millions of dollars, was responsible for employing millions of workers, and made decisions that affected millions of people's lives. He spent time with most of the truly important people in the world; but no one more important, in William's mind, than the Lord.
Schedules were always packed full, but never so full that William didn't take some time with God. No decision was made without consulting the Lord. When so much depended on the integrity of William's decisions, he wanted to make sure he took into consideration the Word of the Lord. To do less would be absurd.
The counsel of the Lord should be precious to us all. God holds the sum of all wisdom and knowledge. He is the ground of all common sense. Why wouldn't we want to consult the Lord when we make the important decisions in our lives?
Prayer: Fill my mind with Your own thoughts, O God. Help me to see problems through Your eyes and meet them with Your solutions. Teach me to use the gifts of reason, logic, and wisdom that You have given me. Amen.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Surrendering To God
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
Philippians 2:13 "For it is God Who works in you both to His will and to His good pleasure."
One of the greatest secrets I have ever learned is this: God doesn't want me to do anything for Him. He wants to do something through me.
People say, "Well, I just serve God in my poor, little, old weak way." I feel like saying, "Well, quit it." He doesn't want you to serve Him in your poor, little, old weak way. He wants you out of the way, so He can flow through you!
We need to make ourselves available to God and say, "God, I'm tired of being inhibited. I want to be inhabited by You. I want You to live Your life through me."
Have you been standing in the way of God instead of surrendering to God and letting Him live through you?
Philippians 2:13 "For it is God Who works in you both to His will and to His good pleasure."
One of the greatest secrets I have ever learned is this: God doesn't want me to do anything for Him. He wants to do something through me.
People say, "Well, I just serve God in my poor, little, old weak way." I feel like saying, "Well, quit it." He doesn't want you to serve Him in your poor, little, old weak way. He wants you out of the way, so He can flow through you!
We need to make ourselves available to God and say, "God, I'm tired of being inhibited. I want to be inhabited by You. I want You to live Your life through me."
Have you been standing in the way of God instead of surrendering to God and letting Him live through you?
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Faith Trumps Fear
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you and uphold you with My right hand of justice."
God has given you a vision. It is His gift to you. It is yours for the taking. Do not be discouraged over the timing of its culmination. He is working out all things for His purposes. Stay fixed on Him.
Your God-given vision may be dormant for now, but a dormant vision is not a dead vision. You may be experiencing a momentary pause for the sake of preparation. There are other people and resources that need cultivation and development. Your own maturity and capacity for responsibility needs expansion.
It is now that God is preparing you to handle the next steps of His vision for your life. Use this time of uncertainty to grow your faith and to drown your fears. There are two choices that invite you to decide daily. One is fear and the other is faith. Faith will trump fear if you let it. Faith is the heat that melts the cold, icy grip of fear.
Fear discourages. Faith encourages. Fear flees. Faith stays. Fear gives up. Faith digs in. Fear sees obstacles. Faith sees opportunities. Fear weakens. Faith strengthens.
Use this test of your faith to go deeper with Christ. Be encouraged. Fear is overrated. Faith in Christ is underrated. He is your confidence. In the face of fear He can be trusted!
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you and uphold you with My right hand of justice."
God has given you a vision. It is His gift to you. It is yours for the taking. Do not be discouraged over the timing of its culmination. He is working out all things for His purposes. Stay fixed on Him.
Your God-given vision may be dormant for now, but a dormant vision is not a dead vision. You may be experiencing a momentary pause for the sake of preparation. There are other people and resources that need cultivation and development. Your own maturity and capacity for responsibility needs expansion.
It is now that God is preparing you to handle the next steps of His vision for your life. Use this time of uncertainty to grow your faith and to drown your fears. There are two choices that invite you to decide daily. One is fear and the other is faith. Faith will trump fear if you let it. Faith is the heat that melts the cold, icy grip of fear.
Fear discourages. Faith encourages. Fear flees. Faith stays. Fear gives up. Faith digs in. Fear sees obstacles. Faith sees opportunities. Fear weakens. Faith strengthens.
Use this test of your faith to go deeper with Christ. Be encouraged. Fear is overrated. Faith in Christ is underrated. He is your confidence. In the face of fear He can be trusted!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Supernatural Energy
From: In Touch Ministries
Isaiah 40:31 "Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Exhaustion is a by-product of overcommitted schedules and never-ending responsibilities. In an effort to accomplish all that is expected, we often try to move faster and cram in more by multitasking. But in the process, we end up emotionally and physically fatigued. The Lord offers a radically different mode of living and grants renewed strength and stamina.
Those who wait upon the Lord are promised His supernatural energy. In fact, Scripture says it will surpass the natural strength and endurance of the young. Access to this divine power is achieved not by moving faster but by going slower—stopping to take time to focus on the Father, seek His direction, and ask for His strength to accomplish what He is calling you to do.
There is no human explanation for what God is willing and able to do in a yielded human body. His Holy Spirit is like the wind beneath our wings, enabling us to soar like eagles.
Isaiah 40:31 "Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Exhaustion is a by-product of overcommitted schedules and never-ending responsibilities. In an effort to accomplish all that is expected, we often try to move faster and cram in more by multitasking. But in the process, we end up emotionally and physically fatigued. The Lord offers a radically different mode of living and grants renewed strength and stamina.
Those who wait upon the Lord are promised His supernatural energy. In fact, Scripture says it will surpass the natural strength and endurance of the young. Access to this divine power is achieved not by moving faster but by going slower—stopping to take time to focus on the Father, seek His direction, and ask for His strength to accomplish what He is calling you to do.
There is no human explanation for what God is willing and able to do in a yielded human body. His Holy Spirit is like the wind beneath our wings, enabling us to soar like eagles.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Spiritual Maturity
From: In Touch Ministries
Psalm 25:4-5 "Your ways O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your Truth..."
On life's road, crucial decisions are like intersections that call for a choice of direction. If we barrel through without seeking the mind of Christ, the road we pick may lead to regret and heartache. Although the Lord is ready and willing to offer clear direction, He doesn't always give it quickly. Knowing that He has very good reasons for withholding immediate instruction can help us wait patiently at the intersection for His guidance.
At times God leaves us in our confusion because He wants to get our attention. When everything is running smoothly, we tend to forget the Lord. But uncertainty draws us back to Him like a magnet. By aligning our steps with His and walking in submission to the Spirit, we open our ears to hear His voice.
Our waiting time is God's preparation time. In bringing about His sovereign purposes, He may put us on hold while He coordinates events to line up with His will. Sometimes the Lord has work to accomplish in us before we are ready to handle what He has planned for our future. If we instantly received His direction, we would never grow in faith. Spiritual maturity is evidenced in the ability to wait in peaceful confidence, trusting that in His time, we will know what to do.
Psalm 25:4-5 "Your ways O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your Truth..."
On life's road, crucial decisions are like intersections that call for a choice of direction. If we barrel through without seeking the mind of Christ, the road we pick may lead to regret and heartache. Although the Lord is ready and willing to offer clear direction, He doesn't always give it quickly. Knowing that He has very good reasons for withholding immediate instruction can help us wait patiently at the intersection for His guidance.
At times God leaves us in our confusion because He wants to get our attention. When everything is running smoothly, we tend to forget the Lord. But uncertainty draws us back to Him like a magnet. By aligning our steps with His and walking in submission to the Spirit, we open our ears to hear His voice.
Our waiting time is God's preparation time. In bringing about His sovereign purposes, He may put us on hold while He coordinates events to line up with His will. Sometimes the Lord has work to accomplish in us before we are ready to handle what He has planned for our future. If we instantly received His direction, we would never grow in faith. Spiritual maturity is evidenced in the ability to wait in peaceful confidence, trusting that in His time, we will know what to do.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Preparation
From: Os Hillman Ministries
Psalm 130:5 "I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His Word."
The apostle Paul clearly understood the call Jesus placed on his life at his conversion. He did not have to consult other men about this calling. But before he was released to begin his own mission, He went to Arabia for three years. Why did Paul have to go to Arabia for three years before he ever met another disciple of Jesus Christ?
The Scripture does not tell us plainly why Paul spent three years in Arabia. However, often when God places a call on one of His children, it requires a separation between the old life and the new life.
There is a time of being away from the old in order to prepare the heart for what is coming. It can be a painful and difficult separation. Joseph was separated from his family. Jacob was sent to live with his uncle Laban. Moses was sent to the desert.
Perhaps God has placed you in your own desert period. Perhaps you cannot make sense of the situation in which you find yourself. If you press into God during this time, He will reveal the purposes He has for you. The key is pressing into Him. Seek Him with a whole heart and He will be found. God may have a special calling and message He is building in your life right now.
Psalm 130:5 "I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His Word."
The apostle Paul clearly understood the call Jesus placed on his life at his conversion. He did not have to consult other men about this calling. But before he was released to begin his own mission, He went to Arabia for three years. Why did Paul have to go to Arabia for three years before he ever met another disciple of Jesus Christ?
The Scripture does not tell us plainly why Paul spent three years in Arabia. However, often when God places a call on one of His children, it requires a separation between the old life and the new life.
There is a time of being away from the old in order to prepare the heart for what is coming. It can be a painful and difficult separation. Joseph was separated from his family. Jacob was sent to live with his uncle Laban. Moses was sent to the desert.
Perhaps God has placed you in your own desert period. Perhaps you cannot make sense of the situation in which you find yourself. If you press into God during this time, He will reveal the purposes He has for you. The key is pressing into Him. Seek Him with a whole heart and He will be found. God may have a special calling and message He is building in your life right now.
Monday, November 15, 2010
SHAPE
From: The Purpose Driveen Life Ministries
Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"
The point of living your life to the fullest in every aspect is not to increase your reputation; it’s to make your life count for God, to invest it in what God says is going to make a difference.
I believe that God put you here on earth for a purpose. God has given you a special SHAPE – Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences – that he wants you to use for his glory. And when we stand before him at the end of time, all that matters is what he’s going to say about how you used your SHAPE.
Just like the servant in Matthew , I hope God says to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"
That’s what you want said about you, and you want it said by God, not by other people.
Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"
The point of living your life to the fullest in every aspect is not to increase your reputation; it’s to make your life count for God, to invest it in what God says is going to make a difference.
I believe that God put you here on earth for a purpose. God has given you a special SHAPE – Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences – that he wants you to use for his glory. And when we stand before him at the end of time, all that matters is what he’s going to say about how you used your SHAPE.
Just like the servant in Matthew , I hope God says to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"
That’s what you want said about you, and you want it said by God, not by other people.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Aim Good
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
When Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne after his father died, he was overwhelmed by the task at hand. So he prayed, and God appeared to him in a dream and told him, "Ask! What shall I give you?" (1 Kings 3:5).
If God appeared to you tonight and told you to ask for whatever you wanted, what would you pray for? Fortunately, Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God's people: "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" (1 Kings 3:9).
Because he had not asked for a long life, riches, or even the death of his enemies, God told Solomon He would give him just what he requested and more: "And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days" (1 Kings 3:13).
"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither." - Clive Lewis
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
When Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne after his father died, he was overwhelmed by the task at hand. So he prayed, and God appeared to him in a dream and told him, "Ask! What shall I give you?" (1 Kings 3:5).
If God appeared to you tonight and told you to ask for whatever you wanted, what would you pray for? Fortunately, Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God's people: "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" (1 Kings 3:9).
Because he had not asked for a long life, riches, or even the death of his enemies, God told Solomon He would give him just what he requested and more: "And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days" (1 Kings 3:13).
"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither." - Clive Lewis
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Inner Transformation
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
Romans 12:1 "Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God's will, what is good, pleasing, and perfect."
God is actively pursuing transformation in your life. He is working in you to make you more and more like Jesus!
God will use every kind of circumstance and influence in your life to accomplish this inner transformation. If you choose to embrace what God is trying to do in your life (and not just grit your teeth grudgingly), then you will grow by leaps and bounds in your spiritual life and this inner growth will overflow in the way that you live.
But if you resist what God is trying to do in your life, then He will have to resort to more and more drastic means to get your attention and turn your heart back to what really matters. As a result, your spiritual growth will be stunted.
Many of the things God wants to change in us can mean painful lessons, but if you want to grow, you must respond to Him in all things. Let the lessons drive you deeper into Him.
Romans 12:1 "Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God's will, what is good, pleasing, and perfect."
God is actively pursuing transformation in your life. He is working in you to make you more and more like Jesus!
God will use every kind of circumstance and influence in your life to accomplish this inner transformation. If you choose to embrace what God is trying to do in your life (and not just grit your teeth grudgingly), then you will grow by leaps and bounds in your spiritual life and this inner growth will overflow in the way that you live.
But if you resist what God is trying to do in your life, then He will have to resort to more and more drastic means to get your attention and turn your heart back to what really matters. As a result, your spiritual growth will be stunted.
Many of the things God wants to change in us can mean painful lessons, but if you want to grow, you must respond to Him in all things. Let the lessons drive you deeper into Him.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Perspective
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
It’s easy to get focused on what’s wrong in life, what we don’t have, and how big our obstacles are. If we’re not careful, we’ll lose sight of all the good things God has done. We’ll take for granted our family, friends, health and the opportunities God has blessed us with. We’ll get so busy and stressed out that we won’t appreciate the gift of today. What’s happened? Our perspective has gotten off.
Perspective is all about how we see a situation. There’s power in your perspective because you will draw into your life what you constantly meditate on. Business may be slow. The economy may be down. The wrong perspective is, “I’ll never make it. It’s just too much.” The right perspective is, “God is supplying all of my needs."
Today, I encourage you to evaluate your perspective. Choose to lift your eyes to God the Father no matter what is happening in your circumstances. Remember, as you set your perspective in the right direction, your life will follow. When you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, you open the door for His blessing in every area of your life!
Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
It’s easy to get focused on what’s wrong in life, what we don’t have, and how big our obstacles are. If we’re not careful, we’ll lose sight of all the good things God has done. We’ll take for granted our family, friends, health and the opportunities God has blessed us with. We’ll get so busy and stressed out that we won’t appreciate the gift of today. What’s happened? Our perspective has gotten off.
Perspective is all about how we see a situation. There’s power in your perspective because you will draw into your life what you constantly meditate on. Business may be slow. The economy may be down. The wrong perspective is, “I’ll never make it. It’s just too much.” The right perspective is, “God is supplying all of my needs."
Today, I encourage you to evaluate your perspective. Choose to lift your eyes to God the Father no matter what is happening in your circumstances. Remember, as you set your perspective in the right direction, your life will follow. When you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, you open the door for His blessing in every area of your life!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A Clear Purpose
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Joshua 24:15 "...Decide today whom you will serve.... As for me and my household we will serve the Lord."
Do you hear the clock ticking? Time keeps moving on. It never stops for anyone--no matter how important you are. We just can't find enough of that stuff. The late Jim Croce sang about bottling time. But one thing's for sure -- God wants us to be good stewards of our time, but we'll never be able to until we're clear about our purpose for living. The starting point is knowing why we're here.
First, ask God to help you develop a life-purpose statement. It will take some time, but it's the best time you'll ever invest. Know why you're here.
Second, decide each day what's most important for you to do that day, and do it. By having a clear purpose, and doing the most important thing each day, God can revolutionize your life and help you make the most of your time.
Joshua 24:15 "...Decide today whom you will serve.... As for me and my household we will serve the Lord."
Do you hear the clock ticking? Time keeps moving on. It never stops for anyone--no matter how important you are. We just can't find enough of that stuff. The late Jim Croce sang about bottling time. But one thing's for sure -- God wants us to be good stewards of our time, but we'll never be able to until we're clear about our purpose for living. The starting point is knowing why we're here.
First, ask God to help you develop a life-purpose statement. It will take some time, but it's the best time you'll ever invest. Know why you're here.
Second, decide each day what's most important for you to do that day, and do it. By having a clear purpose, and doing the most important thing each day, God can revolutionize your life and help you make the most of your time.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Personal Connection To God
From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
This is one of the shortest verses in the Bible—just three words—but it is one of the most powerful keys to your Christian life. Your faith will flow from your current of communion with God. To increase your faith, increase your communication with God! When you are experiencing God Himself in your life and His nearness is something that you are consciously aware of, what is there to fear in anything else that comes along?
Your living, interactive, personal connection to God makes your faith bulletproof. It is this kind of connection with God that Paul is talking about in this passage and that God is challenging us about today. God wants you to not only have a special time with Him in His word and prayer each day; He also wants you to learn the practice of communicating with Him throughout the day.
Keep your awareness of the presence of God constant and you never need to worry that your faith might falter at the critical moment. Your faith will pour out of your experience of God. If you are able to think while doing other things, then you are also able to pray while doing other things. Why not work on it today? Develop the habit of constant fellowship with God.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
This is one of the shortest verses in the Bible—just three words—but it is one of the most powerful keys to your Christian life. Your faith will flow from your current of communion with God. To increase your faith, increase your communication with God! When you are experiencing God Himself in your life and His nearness is something that you are consciously aware of, what is there to fear in anything else that comes along?
Your living, interactive, personal connection to God makes your faith bulletproof. It is this kind of connection with God that Paul is talking about in this passage and that God is challenging us about today. God wants you to not only have a special time with Him in His word and prayer each day; He also wants you to learn the practice of communicating with Him throughout the day.
Keep your awareness of the presence of God constant and you never need to worry that your faith might falter at the critical moment. Your faith will pour out of your experience of God. If you are able to think while doing other things, then you are also able to pray while doing other things. Why not work on it today? Develop the habit of constant fellowship with God.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Cycles Of Change
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose."
Change can happen fast. It may be a health change. It could be a career change. It may be a good or bad change involving finances. Life is about cycles of change. A relationship can be here today and gone tomorrow. It is nobody’s fault, but it is part of God’s process. Many times He is behind change. God is the ultimate change agent. He changes seasons.
He changes hearts. He changes weather. He changes life to death. He changes death to life. He can convene change because He never changes. It is reassuring to rest in our unchanging heavenly Father. But, it can be disconcerting to experience change, especially sudden change. It is this unpredictability that rattles our cages.
We like life neat and in clearly defined categories—but the reality of life is change. Categories become redefined and their locations shift. This is where you need to remain nimble. Do not become set in your ways. Anything you hold with a tight fist is a candidate for God’s removal.
You cannot trust Him with everything but then leave out this one thing. Trust in God is all-inclusive. Anything that you exempt from God’s trust can be easily removed. Change may be a part of God’s process of shaking loose anything you may be gripping too tightly. This change is an opportunity to trust. Proper perspective is critical during change. Look at change as a friend not a foe.
Follow the Holy Spirit and you will change, people around you will change and circumstances will change. Change means that God is at work. Be concerned only if you are not changing. You can trust God explicitly during this change. However quick or calculated change has been, He is unchanging and can be trusted!
Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose."
Change can happen fast. It may be a health change. It could be a career change. It may be a good or bad change involving finances. Life is about cycles of change. A relationship can be here today and gone tomorrow. It is nobody’s fault, but it is part of God’s process. Many times He is behind change. God is the ultimate change agent. He changes seasons.
He changes hearts. He changes weather. He changes life to death. He changes death to life. He can convene change because He never changes. It is reassuring to rest in our unchanging heavenly Father. But, it can be disconcerting to experience change, especially sudden change. It is this unpredictability that rattles our cages.
We like life neat and in clearly defined categories—but the reality of life is change. Categories become redefined and their locations shift. This is where you need to remain nimble. Do not become set in your ways. Anything you hold with a tight fist is a candidate for God’s removal.
You cannot trust Him with everything but then leave out this one thing. Trust in God is all-inclusive. Anything that you exempt from God’s trust can be easily removed. Change may be a part of God’s process of shaking loose anything you may be gripping too tightly. This change is an opportunity to trust. Proper perspective is critical during change. Look at change as a friend not a foe.
Follow the Holy Spirit and you will change, people around you will change and circumstances will change. Change means that God is at work. Be concerned only if you are not changing. You can trust God explicitly during this change. However quick or calculated change has been, He is unchanging and can be trusted!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Finishing The Race
From: Love Worth Finding Ministries
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith."
When Jesus came to the end of His life, He said, "I have finished the work which You gave me to do" (John 17:4).
He stayed on the track, and so did Paul. They accomplished what God had set out for them to do.
Every man has a race that he must run. Every woman has a race set before her. God knows the course. And everything God commands of you, He will empower you to do. Whether you're nine or ninety, young or old, rich or poor, God has a plan for your life! God has a race He wants you to run!
What is the race God has set before you? Thank God for the power to finish the course.
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith."
When Jesus came to the end of His life, He said, "I have finished the work which You gave me to do" (John 17:4).
He stayed on the track, and so did Paul. They accomplished what God had set out for them to do.
Every man has a race that he must run. Every woman has a race set before her. God knows the course. And everything God commands of you, He will empower you to do. Whether you're nine or ninety, young or old, rich or poor, God has a plan for your life! God has a race He wants you to run!
What is the race God has set before you? Thank God for the power to finish the course.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Life, Peace And Joy
From: Joel Osteen Ministries
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform yourselves to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what God’s will is...His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Most people have things in their lives that they want to change...old habits, addictions or something they want to overcome. The world offers so many "solutions" to improve your life; but really, the only way we are truly changed, the only way to be permanently transformed is by renewing your mind with the Word of God.
The scripture tells us that we shouldn’t follow the pattern of the world. What is the pattern of the world? It’s the constant striving to do more, be more and have more that only leads to weariness, emptiness and frustration. That’s not what God intends! Instead, focus your thoughts on the Word of God because when you make the Word your number one focus, something supernatural takes place.
Only you can control the doorway to your mind. Nobody can do this for you. You choose what you meditate on and what you set before your eyes. I encourage you to stay on the offensive and diligently guard your mind and heart because when you do things God’s way, you get God’s results...life, peace and joy!
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform yourselves to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what God’s will is...His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Most people have things in their lives that they want to change...old habits, addictions or something they want to overcome. The world offers so many "solutions" to improve your life; but really, the only way we are truly changed, the only way to be permanently transformed is by renewing your mind with the Word of God.
The scripture tells us that we shouldn’t follow the pattern of the world. What is the pattern of the world? It’s the constant striving to do more, be more and have more that only leads to weariness, emptiness and frustration. That’s not what God intends! Instead, focus your thoughts on the Word of God because when you make the Word your number one focus, something supernatural takes place.
Only you can control the doorway to your mind. Nobody can do this for you. You choose what you meditate on and what you set before your eyes. I encourage you to stay on the offensive and diligently guard your mind and heart because when you do things God’s way, you get God’s results...life, peace and joy!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Anxiety And Worry
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Matthew 6:31-32 "So don't worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs."
What do you worry about the most? What causes you the greatest stress? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us why we should not worry, and what we should do instead. Then He concludes with this statement: "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need" (Matthew 6:33).
What we learn from Jesus about anxiety and worry is that the follower of Jesus Christ should not be filled with anxiety. This does not mean that a Christian should not be concerned with needs like food or clothing. Yes, we need to concern ourselves with them. Yes, we need to think about a roof over our heads and clothes on our backs and food in our stomachs.
In fact, the Bible contains many admonitions about saving our money, investing wisely, and working hard for a living. Jesus is not saying that we should never think about these things. Rather, He is saying that we should not be obsessed with or worry about them.
"Worrying doesn't empty today of its sorrow; it empties tomorrow of its strength." - Corrie Ten Boom
Matthew 6:31-32 "So don't worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs."
What do you worry about the most? What causes you the greatest stress? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us why we should not worry, and what we should do instead. Then He concludes with this statement: "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need" (Matthew 6:33).
What we learn from Jesus about anxiety and worry is that the follower of Jesus Christ should not be filled with anxiety. This does not mean that a Christian should not be concerned with needs like food or clothing. Yes, we need to concern ourselves with them. Yes, we need to think about a roof over our heads and clothes on our backs and food in our stomachs.
In fact, the Bible contains many admonitions about saving our money, investing wisely, and working hard for a living. Jesus is not saying that we should never think about these things. Rather, He is saying that we should not be obsessed with or worry about them.
"Worrying doesn't empty today of its sorrow; it empties tomorrow of its strength." - Corrie Ten Boom
Monday, November 1, 2010
Friends
From: Game Plan For Life - Joe Gibbs
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one (person) sharpens another."
Peer pressure isn't something that automatically ends when we take on adult responsibilities. Just because we're not teenagers being dared to drive too fast or stay out too late, doesn't mean we're not influenced by the grown-up friends we keep. People we go hunting with, or go shopping with, and meet for lunch can still hold significant weight on what we do, think, and say, and what we consider to be normal.
That's why we need friends who make us want to be more like Jesus. People who have deep convictions and compassionate hearts. People who don't have a church side and a public side. People who love their spouses and invest in their kids. People who make us want to be even more sold-out and godly, not the kind who convince us, whether out loud or by a certain look, that we're taking this Christian life too seriously.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one (person) sharpens another," the Bible says. If peer pressure is something we can expect to have around for a long time, we'd better be sure we've got some people around us who help us want to become everything we ought to be.
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one (person) sharpens another."
Peer pressure isn't something that automatically ends when we take on adult responsibilities. Just because we're not teenagers being dared to drive too fast or stay out too late, doesn't mean we're not influenced by the grown-up friends we keep. People we go hunting with, or go shopping with, and meet for lunch can still hold significant weight on what we do, think, and say, and what we consider to be normal.
That's why we need friends who make us want to be more like Jesus. People who have deep convictions and compassionate hearts. People who don't have a church side and a public side. People who love their spouses and invest in their kids. People who make us want to be even more sold-out and godly, not the kind who convince us, whether out loud or by a certain look, that we're taking this Christian life too seriously.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one (person) sharpens another," the Bible says. If peer pressure is something we can expect to have around for a long time, we'd better be sure we've got some people around us who help us want to become everything we ought to be.
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