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
Sunday, November 14, 2010
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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