Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship

1. The principle of ownership. 

The psalmist begins the 24^th psalm with,

As Christians in the 21^st century, we need to embrace this larger biblical view of stewardship, which goes beyond church budgets or building projects, though important; it connects everything we do with what God is doing in the world.

Stewardship

The Four T’s of Stewardship:Time, Temple, Talent, and Treasure

1. Time – Redeeming the Time That God Has Given You.

God has given us our life and our time to manage as part of us being his steward. As good stewards, he expects us to manage our time, our life, according to his will. We are to redeem the time that God has provided us. Ephesians 5:16 advises us to redeem our time for God’s glory.

2. Temple – Care For Your Body, the Temple of the Holy Ghost.

The definition of stewardship includes caring for all things that God has given us. This includes our bodies. As Christians, our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost. If our bodies are to be temples of the Holy Ghost, then it goes without saying that we should not defile our bodies with sin. 1st Corinthians 6:19 advises us that our bodies are the not ours, but the temple of the Holy Ghost.

3. Talents – Use Our Given Talents For Good Works.

The definition of stewardship also includes the making use of the talents and abilities that God had given us. God has given each us unique talents and he desires us to put our talents to good use. As Christians, we can even say that God has ordained us with our unique talents to do his good works. : Ephesians 2:10 advises us that we are ordained with unique talents and that we should walk in them.

4. Treasure – Being Accountable For God’s Treasure.

HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?

“You have great faith! Your request is granted.” Mt 15:28 

Matthew records: “A Canaanite woman … came to him, crying out,
‘Lord … My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession’ …
He answered, ‘I was sent only to … Israel … It is not right to take
the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she said,
‘but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’

Then Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request
is granted’” (vv. 22-28 NIV).

This Gentile woman was an outsider, yet she pushed through and
got what comfortable insiders often miss. Talk about hurdles! First,
Jesus refused to answer her. Next, He said, “What I have is only for
the Jews.” Finally, He said, “It wouldn’t be right to give the children’s
bread to dogs.” Most of us would have walked away offended. Not
her! She cried, “Have mercy on me.” She wasn’t asking for what she
deserved, she was crying out for what she needed! As a result,
Jesus removed every obstacle and answered her prayer. And if you
persist, He will do the same for you too.

In reality, this woman told Jesus, “Let the children have the bread,
all I need are the crumbs.” Church folks become so complacent that
they neglect the bread, waste the bread, complain about the bread,
and sometimes don’t even come to church to get the bread. But
desperate people pick up the crumbs and find life! They know that if
there’s power in the loaf, there’s power in the crumb. And when a
crumb is all you can get, a crumb is all you need. So what do you
need from God today?

How badly do you want it?

Words Hurt

Have you noticed that it is easier to love someone who thinks great about you than like someone who thinks you are of no good? The words of people have a profound effect on our hearts, no matter what.

There is a deep need within all of us, to be loved and accepted by people around us. This need makes us curious to know how people feel about us. And this knowledge about what people think about us further sets us on a journey of emotions.

It’s amazing how deeply your respect for an individual shifts the moment you know their negative opinion about you!

Why are Words So Powerful?

Words have life in them and also the power to destroy. Let us not forget that this world that we live in came into being with the spoken Words of God. The battle of Genesis also began with the tricky words of satan.

However words have as much power on you as you let them have. If someone calls you worthless and if you know your true worth, then the words they speak over you must bounce off you.

However an insecure heart feels the need to defend itself. To defend yourself comes from the desire to prove yourself. Wounded pride is the deepest scar of an insecure heart.

Look at Jesus. It is amazing how Jesus wouldn’t let the opinion of people affect Him. John 2:23-25 says, “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs that He was doing. But Jesus on His part did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for He Himself knew what was in man.”

Now it is not enough that you just back off and walk away. We are taught by our Master to love the very ones that mock and look down upon us.

To be like our Master, we must learn to love unconditionally!

He prayed to the Father, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”Jesus was simply following what He had taught them, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matt 5:44-45).

It’s easy to ignore and walk away from those that hurt you. However God wants you to love and pray for them.

Today remember you are above all the lies of the enemy. He has “raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6). So, then, right now, take captive every thought that the enemy sows into your head to discourage you! (2 Corinthians` 10:5)

What Happens to Christians Who Stray or get distracted?

What happens to Christians who stray, or follow another Jesus, another Spirit, or another gospel?

This is not a hard question to answer because it happened in the Bible. The consequences of going astray are well-documented.

Yet the question is worth asking because many don’t know the answer. Or, rather, they have the wrong answer, which is this:

What happens when Christians stray? They fall from grace prompting a loving God to discipline them with punishment. If they don’t repent they’ll lose their salvation and be eternally condemned.

The bit about falling from grace is true but the rest is a big fat lie. Your heavenly Father’s discipline never takes the form of punishment – that’s old covenant thinking – and those who have been found by Jesus cannot be lost by Jesus (John 6:39).

14 bad things that happen to Christians who stray or get distracted

1. We lose sight of God’s love for us (Rev 2:4)

Jesus told the Ephesians, “You have left your protos agape,” or your primary love. What is ourprotos agape? It is not our love for him; it is a revelation of his love for us:

• Love comes from God. (1 John 4:7)
• This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us… (1 John 4:10)
• We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

Why would Paul pray that we would know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge (Eph 3:18-19)? Because there is a danger we might not know – that we might forget it or leave it. And that’s the thin edge of a bad wedge. God’s love is like air for us. We can’t live without it.

2. Things become complicated – our minds become corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor 11:3)

The gospel is simple but lose sight of God’s love and everything becomes murky. I know God loves me but…

Suddenly the good news is not so good. It needs qualifying. We feel an unholy need to balance his grace needs with our works. We start thinking there’s more than one side to every scripture, the Bible is full of paradoxes, and God is a mystery.

Next thing you know, you need a divinity degree to be saved and you’re trusting the guy who can recognize Greek words and aorist verbs more than you’re trusting the Holy Spirit. Not good.

3. We start striving to keep the rules (Gal 3:3, Col 2:20)

We never call it legalism, for that would alert us to the danger. Instead, we call it “Christian responsibility” or “duty” or “doing our part.” God has done his part, now it’s up to me to finish what he started. I have to work out my salvation and prove my repentance.

We worry about cheap grace (there’s no such thing) and invest in a little works-insurance (there’s no such thing). We tell ourselves, I gotta pray more, fast more, attend more. I gotta witness to two people this week. I gotta be a good Christian for Jesus.

4. We feel unworthy and unqualified (Col 2:18, AMP)

The New International Version says, “Do not let anyone… disqualify you for the prize,” as if anyone could disqualify those whom God qualifies (Col 1:12)!

The point is not that we can disqualify ourselves, but when we get distracted from Christ and his perfect work – when we begin to trust in our own performance, our self-denial, our rule-keeping – we start to feel disqualified.  Although Christ makes us worthy, we feel unworthy.

5. Our consciences condemn us and shipwreck our faith (1 Tim 1:18-19)

As I have explained elsewhere, “shipwrecked faith” does not equal “Christian burning in hell.” But it’s still a bad idea to thrust aside your good conscience.

Paul repeatedly warns about the need to hold “onto faith and a good conscience” (1 Tim 3:9, Acts 24:16). He’s not saying, “Avoid sin to keep your conscience clear.” He’s saying, “Treasure what Christ has done for you. He has cleansed you 100%” (Heb 10:22).

6. We lose our freedom (Gal 5:1, Col 2:8)

The Galatian Christians famously lost their liberty by enslaving themselves to law, while the Colossian Christians were in danger of enslaving themselves to worldly philosophy. We repeat their mistakes whenever we take on the yokes of performance-based Christianity and manmade expectations.

7. We fall from grace and cut ourselves off from Christ (Gal 5:2-4)

Falling from grace does not mean falling out of the kingdom. We fall from the high place of grace and favor when we try to merit what God has freely given us. This can happen when we put ourselves under the old law that says, “do good, get good; do bad, get bad.” If you think you have to work before God will bless you, you have made Christ of no value.

Christ died to set you free. But if you enslave yourself to religious expectations, then what was the point? Christ won’t cut you off – he’s utterly faithful – but you can cut yourself off from his love and grace.

8. We miss out on all God has in store for us (2 John 1:8)

Jesus said those who went all out for the sake of the gospel would receive back in this life100 times what they gave up (Mk 10:29-30).

Live to reveal the good news of the kingdom and you’ll be rich in friends – people whose lives have blessed by your revelation of Jesus, people who will be your friends for eternity. In contrast, those who aren’t walking in the power of his grace won’t achieve anything of lasting significance.

9. We get bogged down in time-wasting, life-sapping discussions (1 Tim 1:6)

In his warning about men who were fascinated by myths, Paul did not say, “Some have turned aside unto damnation.” He said, “Some have turned aside to idle talk.” In other words, they’re wasting time in conversations that are going nowhere –  usually on Facebook. Haha!

An excessive interest in controversy is a sure sign one has wandered from the uncontroversial gospel (1 Tim 1:4, 6:4). It’s good to ask questions, but when it comes to the gospel, Jesus provides emphatic answers. At some point you have to stop asking and start believing.

10. We live lives of regret (1Tim 6:10)

Paul did not say, “Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and lost their salvation.” He said, “Some have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” Sorrow and regret is what you get when you run after inferior substitutes like money and reputation. Only Jesus satisfies the deepest longings of your soul.

11. We do not mature (Lk 8:14, Eph 4:14)

A lot of maturity teaching is based on the so-called spiritual disciplines. You need to do more of everything in order to grow. But growth is a perfectly natural process. You don’t need to do a thing – it just happens (Mk 4:27, 1 Cor 3:7). The only thing you can do is hinder the process by choking the seed of the gospel with the cares of this world or contrary teachings.

Do you desire good teaching? Do you crave good food? Then “grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18). Jesus is the best teaching. Anything else is junk food.

12. We look less and less like Jesus (2 Tim 2:16-18)

Review this full list and you will see nothing that describes Jesus. Did Jesus lose sight of his Father’s love? Was Jesus enslaved to men’s expectations? Did he cast off his good conscience when the Pharisees pressed him with their traditions? Did he indulge time-wasters? No. Everything about Jesus speaks of life, freedom, and intentional living.

Paul said, “Those who indulge in godless chatter become more and more ungodly” (2 Tim 2:16). What you talk about reveals your treasure. Hopefully what you talk about reveals Jesus and his love, for there is no greater treasure.

13. We fear God’s punishment (1 John 4:17-18)

Those who are secure in their Father’s love can look forward to Judgment Day with confidence. Those who are insecure will be anxious. Have I done enough? Will God find fault with me? These are the questions asked by those who have wandered from the faith, who have fallen from grace, and who have left their first love.

14. We’ll be ashamed (but not condemned) when Jesus comes (1 John 2:28)

I love how the Message Bible translates this verse:

And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives. (1 John 2:28, MSG)

John doesn’t say, “Abide in Christ or you will lose your salvation.” He says, “Abide in Christ so you won’t feel like a fruitless schmuck when he returns.” Imagine the shame some are going to have when Christ shows up and all their futile attempts to impress him are burned up in the splendor of his glory. All our manmade programs, all our self-efforts – Woof! – gone in a puff of smoke. How embarrassing to arrive at the wedding feast with the smell of smoke in your hair (1 Cor 3:15)!

7 principles to keep you focused on your future.

1.Focus requires a reference point.

I can’t think of a better story or illustration about the necessity of focus than that one found in Hebrews 12 of the Message Bible.

“We’d better get on with it. . .keep your eyes on Jesus. . .Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed.”

That is focus! You have to have a reference point.

2.Focus requires effort.

Focus requires a conscious mental decision to do whatever is necessary.

That means you may have a job description that only requires you to do a certain amount of effort. But when you see it is necessary to do more to make sure the outcome is successful and you do it, you put yourself on the next level for success.

While others may criticize, complain and seek to find and enlist fellow commiseraters. . .the one who will survive to success. . .the one who will overcome adversity. . .is the one who maintains their focus.

3.Focus should be taught and modeled early.

The scripture teaches that we should train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

What are we teaching our children to focus on? We are teachers either consciously or subconsciously.

Children will imitate their parents. If your daily focus is on any and everything that’s on television, then your children will duplicate your choices as their own.

If your words are focused on criticism of your church, your pastor or your spouse or others in authority, then your children will act and behave in the same manner. Studies have shown that male children generally treat their wives the way their fathers treated their mothers.

That lends credibility to the old saying that: more is caught than taught.

4.Focus must be filtered through priorities.

There will be moments in our lives, despite our most best efforts, that we tend to focus on the wrong things or perhaps things that aren’t a part of our vision or the goals that we’ve established for ourselves.

Our focus should be filtered through the achievement of our goals in the six major areas of our lives (spiritual, family, financial, physical, mental and social.)

5.Focus can be strengthened.

The best way to strengthen your focus is in the King James Version of verse Philippians 4:8 says, “. . .think on these things.”

What you focus on will expand in your life. As believers you are to protecting what you are reproducing in your imagination (1 Peter 1:13).

Your focus can also be strengthened by associating with people who will help you think on the right kind of things. Stay away from negative, toxic people. Unfortunately, some of those folks are family members or long-time friends.

Proverbs 13:20 in the New Living Translation says:

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”

6.God is focused. . .should we be any less?

Luke 2:49 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And He said to them, How is it that you had to look for Me? Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father’s house and [occupied] about My Father’s business?”

If something is important to God, then it should be important to us. He wants you to have more than enough.

When it comes to focusing on our future. . .Jesus gives us very specific instructions on how to ask and receive.

Matthew 7:7 says:

7.Focus will produce the faith we need to accomplish our goals and dreams.

Luke 17:5-6 in The Living Bible says:

“One day the apostles said to the Lord, “We need more faith; tell us how to get it.” “If your faith were only the size of a mustard seed,” Jesus answered, “it would be large enough to uproot that mulberry tree over there and send it hurtling into the sea! Your command would bring immediate results!”

Focus strengthens faith which produces miracles.

How do you achieve your goals and dreams in 2015 … by focusing on the Word.

Romans 10:17 says:

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

That’s focusing on the Word. . .then you’ll find every answer you’ll need in 2015.

7 things that happen when we become distracted and our focus is broken.

1.We fall to victim to our circumstances instead of being victorious over them.

If you feel overwhelmed by what’s happening around you. . .the turbulence of life at the moment . . . take comfort in Isaiah 41:10 in the Message Bible which says:

“Don’t panic. I’m with you.  There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.  I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”

2.We will be double-minded when we lose our focus.

James 1:8-9 in the Amplified Bible says:

“[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].”

3.We will feel intimidated and insecure when our focus on God is broken.

Philippians 1:28 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.”

4.Confusion and chaos will enter our lives when become distracted.

Romans 16:17 in the Amplified Bible says:

“I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them.”

5.Without our focus. . .we become unstable.

James 4:8 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].”

6.We will never experience lasting success if we are unable to remain focused.

1 Peter 5:8 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.”

7.Without focus. . .we will live a life filled with fear and doubt.

Mark 11:23 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.”

One more verse. . .Mark 9:23 in the New Living Translation says:

“`What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.’”

DANGER! Destructive Distractions

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:25-27)

Police officers set up shop at various intersections in our cities with one goal in mind: Catch those who were committing the offense known as “distracted driving.” 

The most flagrant violation under this category is, of course, drivers using their cell phones to text, talk, check e-mail, etc. However, distracted driving is not limited to cell phone use. You could also be ticketed for eating a sandwich with one hand while driving with the other or applying lipstick while looking into the mirror on your visor…in short, anything that takes your attention away from focusing on the main task at hand, i.e. driving in a safe manner.

What is even worse is the prospect of driving off the road and putting one’s life and the lives of others in the vehicle in jeopardy. Or even worse, driving into another vehicle and destroying more innocent lives in the process.  

No wonder Solomon, the wisest king of them all, counsels us: “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you…Do not turn to the right or to the left…”  

In other words, he is telling us to avoid distractions. They carry a hefty penalty. Sometimes you pay with hard-earned cash. Sometimes the price tag is a precious life.

Trusting God in the face of fear

They decided that they could not conquer the land because the inhabitants were much bigger and stronger than them.  Those spies reported their findings to the other Israelites and convinced them to live in fear too.

Two of the spies saw things differently.  They saw how big and strong the giants were as well, but they knew their God was able to give His people what He promised them.  Unfortunately, the rest of the Israelites were not willing to step past their fears and follow God.

God had demonstrated His power to them in Egypt, but they still didn’t believe He was more powerful than the giants.  The people chose to stay in the wilderness and not take the Promised Land.

As a result, that generation died in the wilderness and never entered the Promised Land.  The two spies who trusted God were blessed and led the younger generation into the Promised Land 40 years later.

In the End Times, we will see the evil in this world get worse and God demonstrating His power over evil.  We have two choices.  We can live in fear or we can choose to trust God.

If we live in fear, we will miss out on experiencing the fullness of God’s promises for us.

If we choose to trust God, we will see God demonstrate His power in ways we have not experienced before.

The best way to get through the hard times is to get to know who God is and stay close to Him.  Life with Him is full of blessing.

Do you honor the Lord’s Anointed?

David is in the wilderness of En Gedi, hiding from King Saul, who is seeking to kill him, because he is jealous and “afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, but had departed from Saul” (I Samuel 18:12).

David had a great opportunity to kill King Saul, as he entered the cave where he was hiding, but he refrained from killing him and restrained his servants from rising against Saul because he was ‘the Lord’s anointed’.  David gets another chance (I Samuel 26:8-11) to kill King Saul and yet he would not touch ‘the Lord’s anointed’. 

Dear friends, as our heavenly Father is preparing His people for the great move of God that is coming, I have noticed that satan is very busy creating disharmony within the body of Christ.  

People are getting offended so easily. Some are walking away from their spiritual families after hearing just one remark made by their pastor, guest speaker or any of ‘the Lord’s anointed’, with which they do not agree.  Some are insisting that what they do not agree with should not be offered at all, otherwise they’re walking out. There seems to be a lack of willingness to forgive among Christians and a readiness to judge, instead of letting God do His work.

I am not even suggesting for a moment that all of the Lord’s anointed are perfect. We are all human beings and we do make mistakes sometimes.

Look at David, he had every good reason to kill King Saul, we might think, but he wouldn’t.  Not only that, his people were advising him to kill him, but he refused, because Saul was ‘the Lord’s anointed’.

It is high time that we bring back our respect for all of ‘the Lord’s anointed’.  When we go to a church service or to a conference where one of these anointed ones is ministering, think of it like going to a grocery store.  We are not going to buy everything on the shelves, are we?  We grab what we need and leave the rest.

Just because we don’t care for pork, would we insist that the store take it off the shelves? Of course not, because someone else might love it.  The same thing applies to what we receive from our leaders too, doesn’t it?  We take in what agrees with us and leave the rest for someone else to devour.

If God is convicting you as you read these words, please ask God for His forgiveness first and then if possible, have a heart to heart talk with ‘the Lord’s anointed’ and ask for their forgiveness.  If all of us did that, there will be a lot less strife and more unity. Watch the blessings flow now, because God has said that He will command His blessings where there is unity (Psalm 133:3).

We also need to remember that God has placed these anointed people to watch over us and wants us to honor them: “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit”.(Hebrews 13:17)

David’s example so impressed King Saul that he blessed him with these words in I Samuel 24:19-20: “May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.” Wow!

As you advance into your destiny, I pray that you too will reap every blessing that flows from the King of kings for showing honor to ‘the Lord’s anointed’.

My God Shall Provide

Have you ever gone through a time of complete dependence on God for your material needs? Perhaps you lost a job and could not generate income on your own. Perhaps you got sick and could not work. There are circumstances in our lives that can put us in this place.

When God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt through the desolate desert, they had no ability to provide for themselves. God met their needs supernaturally each day by providing manna from Heaven. Each day they would awake to one day’s portion of what they needed. This was a season in their lives to learn dependence and the faithfulness of God as provider.

By and by, they entered the Promised Land. When they did, God’s “supernatural provision” was no longer required. “The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan” (Joshua 5:12). In both cases God was the provider of the need.

For most of us, we derive our necessities of life through our work. Like the birds of the fields we are commanded to go out and gather what God has already provided. It is a process of participation in what God has already provided.

Sometimes it appears it is all up to us; sometimes it appears it is all up to God. In either case we must realize that the Lord is our provider; the job is only an instrument of His provision. He requires our involvement in either case.

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

Acknowledge the Lord as the provider of every need you have today. He is a faithful provider.

Where is passion for God?

Psalm 130 (NLT): A song for the ascent to Jerusalem From the depths of despair, O LORD, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.

• How are you passionate in your love for the Lord?
• In what areas do you actively choose God’s ways and desire to live for Him?
• Or, do you passively follow Him?
• In what ways do others look at your life and see your passion and consuming love for Jesus?
• Ask God to enable you to passionately love and follow Him.

Tune in

John 10:22-30: Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Have you ever been searching for a radio station only to be frustrated by finding static rather than music? You then focus to fine tune the dial again, and suddenly you hear a clear signal. The fact is, the signal always existed on the airwaves; the only difference is that now you have adjusted your tuner to the right frequency.

In our hectic lives, there are so many signals bombarding our senses that it can become difficult to distinguish God’s voice from the deafening “static noise” of life. Fasting enables us to tune out the world’s distractions and tune in to God. As we fast, we deny our flesh. When we deny our flesh, we become more in tune to the Holy Spirit and can hear God’s voice more clearly. If you truly listen for God’s voice, you will hear it. When you hear it, it will build faith within you. If you desire to tune out the static of life and really tune into the voice of God, come to Him first and foremost with ears that are willing to listen and a heart that is ready to obey what he says. (Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 66:2) The more we practice being in His presence, the clearer and more recognizable His voice becomes.

• In this time of fasting, what is your mind tuned to?
• What distractions do you need to remove so that you can focus on God?
• Prepare your heart to hear the voice of God, and ask God to help you remove distractions that keep you from focusing on Him and hearing Him clearly.

additional reading:

Psalm 34:18

Isaiah 66:2:

Fasting with prayer removes unbelief

.Ask the Holy Spirit to free you from your
unbelief. • Pray with confidence, knowing “nothing will be impossible for you.

FASTING & PRAYER DAY 4

BE MORE…DISCIPLINED

Have you ever wondered what is so different about the person that makes a determination to excel? Have you noticed how runners in a race all run like they have already won? Some start out fast; some pace themselves at a slower rate, and then there are those who seem to take it in stride, confident that they will accomplish what they set out to do. They never give up before the race is over. “Practice makes perfect” is a true saying and runners adopt this attitude by disciplining themselves to be ready for whatever challenge lies ahead. They can run in the heat, the rain, and even cold weather. Their bodies have been disciplined to withstand the elements.

So, too, the Apostle Paul reminds us to discipline ourselves by the Word of God so that we can not only stay in the race, but also complete it in a way that brings glory to God. Discipline for the believer is achieved when we read and obey the Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Discipline yourself today to let God’s Will for your life be your will and act on it daily. ASK the Lord to teach you how to submit yourself daily to HIS Will.

PRAYER & FASTING DAY  3

Pursue Him

Welcome to Day 3 of the Fast!

Some people have no problem pursuing a job they really want; they will pack up their family and move across country if the right opportunity comes along. Some will pursue a mate relentlessly until he or she agrees to that first date. But how many people take time out of their busy lives to pursue God?

That’s what you’re doing now on this 7 days fast. When you fast, you “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1 NKJV). God is looking for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. God sees the choice you have made to consecrate yourself, or to set yourself apart, just to pursue Him. You are running after Him when you fast, and He sees that you have humbled yourself and are completely dependent on Him.

God knows how much food means to our daily routine and is keenly aware of the body’s desire for food throughout the day. He knows how much we enjoy eating, and many times eating is also centered around friends, family, and co-workers. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, we have lunch meetings—all centered around food. When we fast, we give up not only food but some social interactions. Fasting tells your heavenly father that you want more of Him and less of the world. He sees that the only thing that can satisfy that deep hunger is Him.

You’ve chosen to go without food, one of our most basic human fleshly needs, because you have a strong spiritual desire to be with and hear from God. God sees and will respond to your physical hunger. He wants to fill up that empty space with His blessings and goodness.  You have attracted the Lord’s attention in an extraordinary way.

Extraordinary sacrifice leads to supernatural intervention and attention. However, for lasting change to occur and to experience the fullness of God’s power and provision, you must make room for Him—in your heart, your mind, and your daily schedule.

Adjust what you’re focusing on; make sure that you’re not just giving up food—make sure that when your stomach is empty, you turn to your Father and make room for the miracles He has in store for you. Our temporary physical discomfort has spiritual rewards.

PRAYER & FASTING DAY  2

The Most Valuable Asset That You Have, Is Your Time. When you think of something valuable, what comes to mind first? Most would see dollar bills, jewelry, or maybe some other asset; however, the most valuable asset that you have, is your time. You cannot add one minute to the end of a day, no matter how large your bank account grows. We tend to waste these moments with abandon, like we can never run out. While we are throwing hours away, we forget the one who gives us each and every second.

Many people focus on tangibles when they think of God. They focus on giving finances or getting physical health, but what about time? Tithe is a command and offerings are a blessing, but why not also give God your time? When is the last time you volunteered for a function that gave back to God? Have you fed the hungry or gave medicine to the sick?

How to Stay Devoted Out of the Spotlight
Study. II Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” Devote yourself to moments alone in God’s Word. Don’t just read like any other book, but read to learn. Take a few extra moments to pick out pieces that you have not seen before and ask questions if there are things you don’t understand. Everest isn’t climbed in a day. Adventurers must go up the mountain in increments and let their lungs grow to the new challenge. The same is true with studying scripture. It’s a journey, as much as a destination.

Prayer. Matthew 6:5 says, “And when you pray…” Later in this chapter we learn the Lord’s Prayer, but it starts with when. Prayer is an integral part of the faith. It is difficult to grow any relationship without communication, yet many people talk to themselves more than their God. Take time to just let God know that you love Him and are thinking about Him. It doesn’t take long to say, “I love you.”
Fasting. Matthew 6:16 says, “Moreover when you fast…” Fasting is expected, it’s just a part of being a Christian. It is difficult to put aside food (whether all or part) for any period of time. You have to devote this time to God and stay true, otherwise the hamburgers start to look great. If you simply see it through, “… your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:18)

PRAYER & FASTING DAY  1

When I think about alignment, I can’t help but think about my car. You could be traveling the smoothest road in the world, heading into the sunset. But if your car is out of alignment, it feels like you’re navigating a winding, gravel road in the dark! When your vehicle is out of alignment, your direction, your safety and your longevity are all at risk.

You probably have a pretty good guess where this is going …

There are two distinctively different definitions for alignment—both have significant spiritual implications. First of all, alignment refers to arrangement in a straight line, or in correct position. Secondly, alignment refers to a position of agreement or alliance.

If you want to be in the correct position to receive favor and blessing from the Lord, you have to align your priorities with God’s word! It’s time for a tune-up. We’ve got to put first things, first. Here are seven things God’s word says to do first:

Get priorities straight: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).
Mend relationships: Matthew 5:24 says, “First be reconciled to your brother …”
Take authority: No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man.” (Mark 3:27).
Give your whole heart: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).
Seek inner purity: “For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also” (Matthew 23:25-26).
Join with the body of Christ: In John 20:19 we see that even the disciples assembled on the first day of the week.
Give God what’s His: “That you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground . . . and put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide” (Deuteronomy 26:2).

1. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.

2. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.

3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.

4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.

5. Of the remaining 33% of deaths, 32% occur in hospitals. Above all, avoid hospitals.

You will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!

Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.

Accept correction as direction.

Revelation 3:19, Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. If God’s spirit is correcting you, then that a sign that he loves you. God loves you enough to risk offending you so that he can guide you away from things that might harm you.

If you’re wise, you’ll appreciate and love the people who correct you (Proverbs 9:8 )

Parents aren’t showing their children love if they never correct them. If your little boy is being mean to other kids, but you chose not to correct him, then he’ll probably never change. However, if you love him enough that you want him to improve his behavior, then you’ll correct him so that you can guide him in a different direction.

When someone corrects you, don’t become angry at them. Recognize that they’re simply trying to help you. Accept their correction as direction.

THE ENEMY OF PURPOSE

“But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry.” Nehemiah 4:7 (ESV)

When Nehemiah received his divine mandate to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, he encountered stiff opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah. Sanballat was the then governor of Samaria, a hated outpost in Judea whose inhabitants were deemed outcasts because of intermarrying with non-covenant nations. Sanballat focused his attacks on what the Jews lacked rather than on the actual strength of the opposition.

Dear friend, it is on your way to fulfilling your God-given purpose for your life that you will face the stiffest opposition. Satan does not formulate his attacks on those that are lost but on those that have heard God. In often times, his attacks will take the form of focusing our attention and energies on what we do not have or rather, what we are lacking in resources and strength to accomplish God’s purposes.

Friend, if God called you, He will equip you. If He sent you, He will resource you for the journey. Jesus exhorts us in John that without Him we can do nothing. We are to focus on Him and abide (persevere and remain steadfast) in Him alone for strength and refreshment. He is sufficient for every need. Distraction is the enemy of purpose and the enemy would rather have us focus on the challenges and impossibilities brought about by our inadequacies rather than on He who is All-Capable to replenish us.

Shake off all voices of distraction and focus on the Living and Effective Word of Him who is able to complete whatever He put in your heart to accomplish this season.

STANDING NO MATTER WHAT

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 13:1 One of these witnesses is the Apostle Paul. He went through some of the hardest times in History yet he kept going. In recognizing this he says in Cor 4:7-12

Through all the beatings, rejection, imprisonment he remained grounded and kept going. He did not lose hope no matter what. One of the ways that he stayed on track was by staying focused Phil 3:12-15

He points out in the passage above that forgetting and pressing on toward the mark is the mature view of things. He also encourages the believer to stand and continue to stand no matter how stretched we may feel.

What a challenge to the believer to know that we can and will go through anything. Be encouraged as you face the stormy times that you can stand like Paul. He realized that no matter what NOTHING can separate him from the love of God. This is reason to keep each of us going. Let us like Paul be convinced of the love of God for us. Romans 8:38-39.

God Bless

JUST PRAISE HIM!

In order to bring forth the sweetness, there has to be some suffering. To bring

about the beauty of the flame, something must go to ashes.

Blessings come from suffering; beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3). This is borne

out so well in Hebrews 12, verse 11, which says: “Now no chastening seems

joyful for the present, but painful: nevertheless afterward it yields the

peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it”

It’s like a giant hand taking a honeycomb and squeezing it and out comes the

honey. Or it’s like when Moses smote the rock: The rock received a blow, but

out came the water (Exodus 17:1-7). The heart of stone has to be broken before

the water [of God’s Spirit] can flow out to refresh the people. It’s like a

beautiful flower that’s pressed and crushed, out comes the perfume. The perfume

smells good to everyone.

Or like the beautiful music that comes from the throat of the bird, almost as

though it’s in pain, yet it comes forth with song. Even though the bird’s song

may be sad, it’s so sweet. The groans are not murmurs, but songs of praise and

thanksgiving to God’s sad, sweet song! As the great poet Shelley once said, Our

sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thoughts!

Praise is the voice of faith!

We could never appreciate the light unless we had once been in darkness. We

couldn’t appreciate health unless we had been sick. We can’t appreciate joy

until we’ve known sorrow. We can’t appreciate God’s mercy until we’ve known the

Devil’s justice.

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (1Cor.1:4)

Frustrated? It may be because you’re trying to make something happen that only God can make happen.

OUR COMPLETENESS IS IN CHRIST

Ocober is the Tenth Month In the Bible, the number 10 is used 242 times. The designation “10th” is used 79 times. Ten is also viewed as a complete and perfect number, as is 3, 7 and 12.

Christianity is Christ, salvation is complete and comprehensive. The moment a person is saved by faith
in Christ, that person is complete. That individual has everything he or she needs to live the Christian
life in a Godly way. We as believers lack nothing because Christ lacks nothing and He’s the one who provided the salvation.

The completeness of Christianity rest on the person of Jesus Christ, not on our works, merit or accomplishments. Any person who attempts to sway you away from whom Christ is and from the complete and comprehensive salvation that He provides, is to be rejected as a heretic, no matter whom they are nor what they say. In Christ are hid the storehouse of wisdom and knowledge.

In Christ, we as believers are to live steadfast in Him, rooted and built up in Him, abounding in thankfulness to Him. We are not to allow any person, religion, denomination, angel or demon to rob us from what we have in Christ Jesus. We are not to allow the philosophies of man, no matter how intelligent it may sound, no matter how convincing it may appeal to the mind or the flesh, to draw us away, to entice us away from Christ Jesus, in whom is everything. Christ is the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form. In Christ is the fullness of deity, because He is God. Because of whom He is, we are complete. Notice in chapter 2 verse 10, that we are complete IN HIM, not in our performance, or in our religion or in our theology, but IN HIM, IN CHRIST, I AM COMPLETE!!

IS YOUR HEART RIGHT WITH GOD?

Do you have an evil heart?

An evil heart can spring up at any time. Heb. 3:13

Bitterness can spring up.

In many families, churches, relationships, etc., where there was once love, bitterness  has taken over. How sad!  

Heb. 12:15 “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

As weeds have a tendency to always spring up where  they ought not be, so does bitterness.

WHEN IS ONE’S HEART NOT RIGHT?

1. Do you find church services boring?
2. Do you find true joy in Bible study?
3. Do you enjoy the company of brethren?
4. Do you get mad at others when they rebuke you?
5. Are you truly interested in souls?

God Will Take Care of You!

 “The Lord…has given rest to his people.” 1Ki 8:56 NIV

“what if” from your vocabulary. God will always be one step ahead of you. “The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Dt 31:8 NKJV). The reason God is called the “Alpha and Omega” in Scripture is because He not only initiates the starting point of your spiritual journey, He has arranged every step of it according with His will. He says to you: “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope…when you pray, I will listen…I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes” (Jer 29:11-14 NLT). If you’re fearful of the future, check with the past. “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people…according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised” (1Ki 8:56 NKJV). You will never conquer your worries entirely, for worries, just like weaknesses and character flaws, draw you closer to God and keep you dependent on Him.

SENSE OF URGENCY

In Luke 12:35-40, Jesus clearly explains what every believer must do. First, the believer must be ready for Christ’s return. The believer must always be spiritually ready, for there will be no time to get ready after He comes. Secondly, the believer must be watching at all times in anticipation of Christ’s return. Verse 40 says, “You must also be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

If a huge snow storm was coming, you would prepare. You would get enough food and supplies to last several days. You would watch the weather to see exactly when the storm is coming and how long the storm is expected to last.

If a hurricane was heading for your home, you would prepare. You would watch the weather to see if the hurricane was going to hit in your area. You would find out exactly how strong the storm was going to be. If necessary, you would board up the windows. You would take every precaution to protect your family and belongings.

As Christian believers, we must maintain a sense of urgency about the second coming of Christ. We must constantly be ready and watching for Christ’s return. Are you ready? Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Are you watching? Have you become complacent? Are you telling others about Jesus?

God Bless.

Our trails either define who you are or refine You.

It is what we do with the Trails and how we handle them that makes the difference on how we come out of them.

No Test comes to us to make us weak or frail or fail. My Trails Define and Refine Me. Your greatest hurt is the opportunity for your greatest Growth”

Be willing to walk through every hurting situation. And defining circumstances.

So be truly glad!* There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.

DESTINED FOR GREATNESS

The more you doubt, the more you’ll have to live without.

They didn’t trust God; they doubted his ability to provide and tested him. So, because of their doubt, God sent a wasting disease upon them.

Knowing God’s Word will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from knowing His Word.

God has given us His Word as a guide for our life. However, His Word won’t help us if we don’t study it, know it, and live by it. Therefore, we must diligently study and apply God’s Word if we wish for it to have an impact on our lives.

Jesus promised, “If you abide in My word …, you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32 , AMP). That’s a promise that if we abide in His Word, we will know the Truth, because His

Word is the Truth. So it makes sense that God told the Israelites,

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).

Joshua later repeated a similar instruction:

“Be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left” (Joshua 23:6).

Why is it so important to follow God’s Word? Because

His Word keeps us from turning aside to the right or to the left; it keeps us on the straight and narrow path that leads to life (see Matthew 7:13-14)

Are you looking for right answers in wrong places?

But so many people look for right answers in all the wrong places: psychics, mediums, weegie boards, star charts, spiritists, astrological signs, and other similar places.

Leviticus 19:31, God tells us, “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.” Only a few verses later, He again warns: “I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritisms to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people” (Leviticus 20:6

the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). Jesus is not one of the ways; He is the way. You will get real answers to life’s difficult questions only from God.

Comparison Trap

Many times we begin to compare our lives to other people, our future and our past that it cripples our present. We need to always remember that we were made in the image and likeness of God not man.

meone else.

Please don’t lower the Hoop.

In God’s Kingdom, there is God’s Standard and human standard. When we proclaim Him as King and Lord of our lives, We are expected to measure ourselves against His Standard, We are to make His Standard our Standard. Its amazing that in these last days, the “Spiritual Hoop” has been lowered from 10 ft in order to score. Its makes us feel good, well accomplished and successful as believers because we scored on a 5ft spiritual hoop. Let’s remember that the 5ft hoop score does not count, only a 10ft hoop score does. We may get pats on out backs, trophies on our shelves, cheers from the crowds, high sales on our Books and Cds but if we lowered our hoops, its not counting before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.⁹ 

DECISIONS OR CHOICES

Basic principles on making choices

D.MAKE CHOICES WHICH VALUE GOD’S ETERNAL PROMISES OVER IMMEDIATE PLEASURE.

Lot’s choice of Sodom was based on what would bring him quick gratification, but he didn’t take into account God’s promise to Abram about the land.

DECISIONS OR CHOICES

We see again the two things that marked Abram’s life of obedient faith, the tent and the altar: Abram the pilgrim, just passing through; and, Abram the worshiper, bearing witness to a pagan world.