Posted on Dec 30, 2016 in Devotions |
When missionary Dr. David Livingstone was working in Africa, a group of friends wrote him: “We would like to send other men to you. Have you found a good road into your area yet?” Dr. Livingstone sent this message in reply: “If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all.”
There’s a big difference between just being interested in doing something and actually making a commitment to doing it! Just being interested allows us the freedom do a thing only when our circumstances permit. But making a commitment to do that thing means accepting no excuses and no reservations — it means putting aside our fears and reservations moving forward till we see the end result! Dr. Livingstone was looking for results, and this required men of commitment!
Let’s make some commitments! Our Lord, our families, our jobs and our congregations are awaiting us!
Posted on Dec 28, 2016 in Devotions |
STOP WAITING FOR PERFECT CONDITIONS
“He who observes the wind will not sow.” Ecc 11:4 NKJV
Too many of us stand on the dock waiting. We want the ship in place, the gangplank perfectly positioned, the weather right, and an engraved invitation before we’re willing to launch out. It will never happen! Dreams don’t move toward us, we have to move toward them.
One author writes: “It’s time to quit waiting for perfection, inspiration, permission, reassurance, someone to change, the right person to come along, the kids to leave home, the new administration to take over, an absence of risk, someone to discover you, a clear set of instructions, more self-confidence, or the pain to go away. Instead of saying, ‘We’ve never done it before,’ say, ‘We have the opportunity to be first.’ Instead of saying, ‘We don’t have the resources,’ say, ‘Necessity fuels invention.’ Instead of saying, ‘There’s not enough time,’ say, ‘We’ll change how we work.’ Instead of saying, ‘We’ve already tried that,’ say, ‘We learned from experience.’ Instead of saying, ‘We don’t have the expertise,’ say, ‘Let’s network with those who do.’ Instead of saying, ‘Our vendors and customers won’t go for it,’ say, ‘Let’s show them the opportunities.’ Instead of saying, ‘We don’t have enough money,’ say, ‘Maybe there’s something we can cut.’ Instead of saying, ‘We’re understaffed,’ say, ‘We’re a lean, hungry team.’ Instead of saying, ‘It’ll never get any better,’ say, ‘We’ll try one more time.’ Instead of saying, ‘Let somebody else deal with it,’ say, ‘I’m ready to learn something new.’ Instead of saying, ‘It’s not my job,’ say, ‘I’ll be glad to take the responsibility.’ Instead of saying, ‘I can’t,’ say, ‘By God’s grace I can!’”
Posted on Dec 28, 2016 in Devotions, Event Photo Gallery |
Posted on Dec 21, 2016 in Devotions |
Living Fearlessly
“You are my servant; I have chosen you.” Isa 41:9 NIV
Have you ever wondered how animal trainers can control a five-ton elephant and keep it from running away? They do it by controlling the animal’s thinking. When a baby elephant is being trained, a rope is put around its leg and then tied to a wooden post secured in the ground. The elephant, which is not yet very strong, pulls at the rope but is unable to break it or to pull up the post. Eventually it gives up. From that point forward when the elephant’s leg is secured it believes it cannot get away—even though it is fully capable of escaping, and has been for a long time. It remembers its struggle. That’s one reason it’s said, “Elephants never forget.” And we are like that too. Our thinking limits us, just as an elephant’s does. Usually it’s because of fear. The truth is, fear can steal your dreams. You may be afraid of failure. You may be afraid of rejection. You may not want to make a fool of yourself. You may be afraid of trying because you believe you can’t succeed. If you give in to these thoughts and believe that you can’t achieve your dream, you’ll be right—and therefore unable to achieve your dream. Often what we fear has no connection to reality. But here’s the good news: fear can be overcome. The first step to overcoming it is to believe God when He says about you: “You are my servant; I have chosen you…do not fear, for I am with you…I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (vv. 9-10 NIV).
Posted on Dec 20, 2016 in Devotions |
If you’re not choosing to spend regular time with God, then you’re choosing to die spiritually
In many cultures, life is centered around food. Very few people in the western world would go for more than 10 or 12 hours without food or drink. Besides the fact that food is built into culture, doing so would make one very hungry.
Many people wouldn’t dare going physically hungry; yet they starve themselves spiritually. If you ate food only once a week- say for several months, you’d certainly die of starvation and malnutrition. Yet countless Christians do exactly that in their spiritual lives.
It is no wonder that Jesus called himself
the bread of life (John 6:35
). In order to grow spiritually, you must feed on spiritual food — God’s word.
Have the attitude found in
Isaiah 26:8: Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
Make it your desire to know God better.
When you regularly spend time with God — praying, seeking him, and studying his word — you will thrive spiritually. Take some advice from the psalmist:
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always (Psalm 105:4
).
Make time with God a priority in your live. If you made being well fed spiritually as important as be well fed physically, your relationship with God would thrive.
Posted on Dec 16, 2016 in Devotions |
Generous giving
Why all the focus on the giving of gifts at Christmas? Well, I
will be the first one to say that things have gotten a bit out
of hand for sure!
However, the main thing to remember on this topic is that the
example of the Father is giving!
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life.
The greatest gift to mankind came from the greatest Giver. The
Heavenly Father showed us what it meant to be extremely generous
by sending His Son into a world that for the most part rejected
Him then, and continues to reject Him now.
I would say the opposite of being generous is being stingy –
The Heavenly Father could hardly be accused of being stingy
when He gave His only Son to this world.
Posted on Dec 16, 2016 in Devotions |
Posted on Dec 13, 2016 in Devotions |
Posted on Dec 13, 2016 in Devotions |
Don’t miss your divine Moment.
Matthew 1:18-19
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
It’s possible to miss out on your divine Moment.
Joseph who was engaged to Mary almost missed a divine moment to be the earthly father of Jesus were it not for God’s intervention.
The bible says Joseph was planning to divorce Mary quietly when he discovered that she was pregnant. Joseph was about to make a bad decision based on what he saw. He sees a pregnant fiancée and he is thinking- I am out of this thing, he feels cheated. He did not know that the Child Mary was carrying was conceived of the Holy Spirit. The Lord spoke to Joseph right before he made a bad decision and explained to him what was happening.
How many times have we seen people walk away from great opportunities, Jobs, businesses, relationships, churches and engagements because of something they saw or heard? As Christians, we walk by faith and not by sight.
Lessons.
1. Never make a hasty decision on based solely on what you see or hear, what if you are wrong. Sight can be deceiving.
2. Let God order your steps in all that you do by spending time with Him. Let Him Instruct you like He instructed Joseph.
Posted on Nov 28, 2016 in Devotions |
Posted on Nov 9, 2016 in Devotions |
Submitting to and Respecting Authority
by Karen Wolff
As a parent I can surely tell you that when your kids don’t show you respect, it is really hard not to want to ground them until they’re 30—at least. We all try to instill the importance of honoring authority into our kids. Yet, we all have more than a little trouble honoring the authority that’s over our own lives.
Remember the old saying, “Do what I say, not what I do?”
We all want it. We all expect it. Yet, we want others to earn it from us. How is that supposed to work?
God’s View of Authority
The truth is, God has placed an entire network of people in this world into positions of authority. I’m not just referring to our government leaders, but also to the leaders in our workplaces and in our families. Perhaps it’s time to take a look at just how God views authority and our lack of respect thereof.
Coming under authority and showing respect isn’t easy. Nobody wants to be told what to do or how to do it. We criticize anybody that makes a decision we don’t like.
It’s not right. It’s not fair. It’s not good for me.
In our country we’ve taken our right to free speech to an unbelievable level. We openly criticize our leaders, our country, our values, and pretty much anything else that doesn’t line up with what we want. We don’t see anything wrong with complaining, whining, and showing disgust to anybody who will listen.
An open dialogue about how to solve issues is always a good thing. But some have even categorized their poor behavior as an attempt at “open dialogue.” There is much to learn about how God views these kinds of situations.
Protection and Favor
When you are in relationship with God, he provides you with protection and favor. But as you belittle and criticize those people he has placed in authority over you, that protection and favor is lifted from you. The bottom line is that God expects you to respect him and his choices. He expects that you will respect the people he’s placed in authority over you. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with every one of their decisions, but it does mean you still need to show respect for the position, and by extension, the person who is in the position.
Romans 13:1-3 says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.”
Now, do you want to respect authority? Probably not. In reality, would you rather just tell them what you think about it? Yup. So how do you go about this seemingly impossible task? How do you submit to and show respect for the authority God has placed over you when you don’t agree? And, how do you keep a good attitude while you’re doing it?
Practical Steps for Respecting Authority
- Start by reading and learning what God says about respecting authority. Find out just what he thinks and how much importance he places on your willingness and your attitude about it. When you discover that God will only give you authority over others when you show that you can come under authority yourself, perhaps things will look a little different to you.
- Pray for those in authority over you. Ask God to guide them as they fulfill their tasks. Pray that their hearts would seek God as they make decisions. As God to show you how you can be a blessing to those in authority over you.
- Set the example for the people around you. Show them what submitting to authority for the right reasons is supposed to look like. Don’t participate in back-biting, gossiping, or criticizing your bosses or others in authority. There is nothing wrong with having constructive conversations, but there is a fine line between offering your opinion and becoming disrespectful.
- Understand and know ahead of time that you are not going to like every decision. If you look at the responsibility and accountability that exists within the role of your leaders, it should become clear that the scope of their authority affects more than just you and your circumstances. There are times when decisions will negatively impact you. But just remember that how you react to these times will determine how quickly God puts you in a position of authority over others.
There is no magic pill that can make you feel good about having to submit to authority—any authority. But know when you make the conscious effort to do what God says, regardless of how it feels, you are planting a wonderful seed that will produce a harvest in your life.
You can’t expect a harvest of blessings from people who will respect and honor you, if you haven’t first planted the seeds. So as hard as it is, start planting!
Posted on Nov 8, 2016 in Devotions |
Submission to Authority
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men…
1 Peter 2:13
The word “submit” comes from the Greek word hupeiko, meaning
“to yield.” The culture in which we live suggests to us that we must be in control of our own destiny. Leading submitted, humble lives seems to be synonymous with being weak in character. However, yielding to the Lord and to those in authority actually strengthens us to live successful lives.
When we yield ourselves completely to Christ, we love others and have their best interest at heart. We become people who are God-centered and not self-centered. Yielding to the authority of God allows us to live in peaceful surrender to a loving God who knows what is best for us and for others.
The verses in this section of I Peter challenge us as we seek to understand the meaning of submission in our lives.
Where are you struggling with submission to authority? Yielding requires us to slow down or perhaps stop and allow others to go ahead of us. The Lord has given us people in authority such as parents, government officials and our bosses, to whom we must be willing to submit. God is our ultimate authority, and as we learn to yield and surrender ourselves to Him, we will likewise learn to submit to others. We are actually strengthened as we learn to humbly do so.
Posted on Nov 8, 2016 in Devotions |
Hebrews 13:17 (KJV)
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Posted on Oct 31, 2016 in Devotions |
We are the Light Of the World
What Kind of Light Are You?
1. Are you a Smokey Lamp with a Cloudy Globe?
When a lamp’s globe is clouded up it doesn’t shine to it’s fullest potential. Maybe the blackness of unconfessed sin has crept in and started smoking up your life. It just takes a little smoke to cloud up a lamp globe.
The same is true with our lives. It just takes a little sin to make our light dull. We are always going to be prone to sin because it’s our nature but we have to work on it one day at a time. We have to confess our sin to Christ. Having unconfessed sin breaks our fellowship with Christ and causes our lives not to shine our brightest for Him.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
2. Are You a Dim and Slow Burning Candle?
As a candle burns out it gets dim and burns slow. Are you this type of light? Remember when you first received Christ? The Christian life was exciting and new! Are you getting slow about having a devotional life? Is your prayer life getting dim?
It’s easy to become complacent in our Christian life but when we do our light for Christ begins to dim and others can’t see Him in us. Take a step back, and get things into perspective, and remember what Christ did for you.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
3. Are you a Flickering and Hazy Light Bulb?
Just before a light bulb blows out, it flickers. It shines bright then dull and hazy, then bright and then dull again. Are you that type of light for Christ? Do you serve Him wholeheartedly then slack off?
Maybe you get discouraged about something and you start flickering. Then you get fired up again and begin really serving the Lord only to be bogged down again and you find yourself not attending church, not reading your Bible, slacking off in your prayer life and fellowship with the Lord.
The Christian life wasn’t designed to be lived on and off again. It has to be a daily continual thing.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
Posted on Oct 30, 2016 in Devotions |
We are the Light of the World
How Bright is our Light?
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
As Christians we know we are to shine as beacons of light in this sinful world but how bright do we shine? Our verse says, “Let your light so shine before men…”, but do we really look any different to our co-workers and neighbors than anyone else they come in contact with?
Is our speech different? Is our attitude different? When things go wrong in our lives do others see that we have something or Someone to lean on? Do people see that we as Christians have something they don’t have?
Many of us learned the little song when we were small about not hiding our light under a bushel, but as adults that’s exactly what we do sometimes. We get so caught up in living in this world that we forget that we are not of this world. We have something better in Christ but our sinful nature rears its ugly head, and we forget we are children of the King.
We need to realize that this world is dark with sin and people need us as Christians to shine. As we look around at the school shootings, drugs, crime, and the diluting of the family we are reminded of how there are hurting people all around.
People need the Lord and they need hope. We as children of God can give that to them if we just live as a shinning example of Christ. We can’t keep Christ to ourselves. We have to flood the world with His Light!
Posted on Oct 29, 2016 in Devotions |
We are The Light Of The World
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 NIV)
You cannot make yourself the light of the world. Jesus says you are the light of the world because of your relationship with him. “The God who said, ‘Out of darkness the light shall shine!’ is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God’s glory shining in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6 TEV).
God speaks the light of Jesus into our hearts, and his light shines so powerfully through us that we are like stars in the universe that point the whole human race toward real life (Philippians 2:15-16).
We are light, not because of anything in ourselves, but because we are in a supernatural union with the light of the world. He calls us to follow after him, and he says, “Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness” (John 8:12 ).
Prayerfully remember —
- Our influence and visibility is a result of who lives in us, not because of what we do. It is God who puts us in a place of influence and visibility.
- We are merely a steward of our influence and visibility, so it is important we get out of the way and let Jesus work through us.
- Only God can measure the significance of our influence and visibility. We may influence one person who will then influence the world. Our focus is on following Jesus wherever he leads.
Posted on Sep 30, 2016 in Devotions |
Things God is able to do
God is able to create something out of nothing
God is able from these stones to raise up children.. Matthew 3:9
God is able to make all grace abound to you
God is able to make all grace abound to you… having all-sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
God is able to deliver
God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand… Daniel 3:17
God is able to give you strength to rise above trials
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it… 1 Corinthians 10:13
God is able to save
He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them… Hebrews 7:25
God is able to build you up in Grace
I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified… Acts 20:32
God is able to exceed your expectation… He is able to do exceedingly above all you can ask of imagine
The Lord is able to give you much more than this… 2 Chronicles 25:9
God is able to keep you from falling
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy… Jude 1:24
God is able to Guard the good word in you, good deposit in you… to keep you from error
I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of he sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within… 2 Timothy 1:12-14
God is able to fulfill His promises
fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised… Romans 4:21
God is able to comfort those who are afflicted
Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God… 2 Corinthians 1:4
Posted on Sep 29, 2016 in Devotions |
“God Is Able”
“Being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” Ro 4:21 NKJV
The reason we don’t turn to God more often is because at some basic and unconscious level we are not “fully convinced” He is able and willing to move on our behalf.
He’s able to defeat the giants that stand in your way. He’s able to go through fiery trials with you and bring you out unharmed. He’s able to promote you when you’ve been overlooked or opposed.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph 3:20 NKJV).
Whatever it takes to own the words, “God is able,” do it; otherwise you won’t be able to pray with confidence. You’ll make a few wishes on your knees, but you won’t be able to persevere in prayer until you know in your heart of hearts that God is able—and that He’s willing! Nothing is too difficult for Him. He’s just waiting for you to recognize that, and come to Him in faith asking for help.
Posted on Sep 28, 2016 in Devotions, Guest Speakers |
Don’t run from your trials. Everyone faces many trials; however, these trials are not in vain. God uses them to do a work in us, developing us into mature Christians. In James 1:2-4, we are told, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. In other words, God uses the tough times in life to sharpen us, making us mature and complete Christians. Furthermore, God will not permit you to remain in the same trials all of your life; in His proper timing He will deliver you. Psalm 34:17 says, The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. So don’t run from your trials, because the testing of your faith develops you into a mature and complete Christian
Posted on Sep 28, 2016 in Devotions |
Posted on Sep 28, 2016 in Devotions |
The Power of Prayer
And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
Never underestimate the power of prayer. When you are praying according to God’s will, your prayer is unstoppable. And how do we know what God’s will is? By careful study of Scripture.
Jesus made this promise: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).
If we are walking in fellowship with God and studying the Word of God, then we will start praying according to the will of God. And then we will start seeing our prayers answered.
First John 5:14–15 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
Therefore, we should never give up or back down. We need to keep praying. That is why Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). In the original language there is an ascending intensity to the terms. It is like starting off with some politeness. Then you get more aggressive. And then you are not letting go, like Jacob, who wrestled with the Lord and refused to let go until He blessed him.
Posted on Aug 25, 2016 in Devotions |
Don’t follow fickle feelings; follow God.
Webster’s Dictionary defines “fickle” as “Not fixed or firm; liable to change; unstable.” Your emotions and how you feel are unstable and liable to change. So, if you follow your feelings, then your life, your choices, and your actions will sway like a tree in strong wind.
Because your feelings can be unstable, it is important not to follow them exclusively. For example, there will probably be some days when you don’t feel like being nice to your spouse. If you follow your feelings and act impulsively, then your marriage will have problems. Because feelings are unstable and unpredictable, someone who lives based on their feelings will also be unstable and unpredictable.
Indeed, James 1:8 says that someone who follows his feelings “is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”
Instead of following our feelings, we need to follow God, for He is the only source of true stability. We need to take the same attitude as an old hymn, which says, “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.”
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus says, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
That “rock” is God’s Word. If we want to live solid, stable lives, they must be built on the rock—God, himself. Therefore, don’t follow fickle feelings; follow God.
Posted on Aug 24, 2016 in Devotions |
Not every good idea is a God idea.
What God may tell your friend to do might be a terrible thing for you to do. For example, say you start doing something because someone else says it is a good idea, but you find it a struggle. In that case, you may be struggling because God hasn’t given you the grace to do what your friend told you to do. In other words, just because other people tell you to do “good” things, doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
Furthermore, if God instructs you to do something, be assured that His plan is better than any other plan you could have. For example, God’s plan for Jonah was for him to “go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it” (Jonah 1:2). However, Jonah didn’t like that, and so he came up with his own idea: Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). To Jonah, running away to Tarshish seemed like a much better plan than traveling to Nineveh. But it wasn’t God’s plan. And so Jonah’s plan failed miserably as will any plan that is against God’s plan. Jonah ended up in so much trouble as a result of his plan that he realized he should have followed God’s plan in the first place (Jonah 3:1-3). In short, Jonah’s “good” idea was anything but a God idea.
In your life today, don’t do what sounds “good” to you; instead, do what God tells you to do. Stop following “good” plans and start following God’s plans.
Posted on Aug 24, 2016 in Devotions |
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 1:10
Posted on Aug 16, 2016 in Devotions |
Immeasurable Impact on generations
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
In
2 Chronicles 7:14, God says, “If my people…” Do you know what it takes to be God’s people? You have to first be God’s person. Be the person who will begin something that will bring generations of change.
But it begins with humbling yourself.
David prayed, “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth;
I humbled myself with fasting” (Psalm 35:13 emphasis added). Ezra needed to cross a dangerous territory with a large group of people and little children. So he said, “I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God …” (Ezra 8:21
Fasting embraces emptiness and starves haughtiness. It is a form of withdrawing from normal life in the regular world that we live in, emptying ourselves of not just food, but anything else that we “seek, crave and require of necessity” other than His face. We should fast not just food, but entertainment, media and worldly junk—delicacies from the world’s table—things that contaminate and limit the power of a fast.
Fasting is our ‘body language’ to God. When we fast, we are expressing our heart hunger for Jesus, and how serious we are about hearing His voice and following His ways. From a place of humbleness when we pray and seek His face, we position ourselves to be ‘lifted up’ to see how He sees, to hear what He wants us to hear and to learn the sound of His whisper guiding our steps.
When we seriously commit to humble ourselves, pray and seek His face and turn from wickedness, He promises to hear us! He promises to forgive our sin and heal our land. One person alone cannot stop the sin of abortion in our land, but God can when we humble ourselves and seek Him. One person alone cannot stop the tide of immorality sweeping America, but God can forgive our sin and heal our land.
This promise is for all of us, every day: If we will—He will. When you fast and pray in this way, it will affect generations!
When you lay a solid foundation of humbling yourself in fasting and in prayer and in turning from wickedness, the impact will be immeasurable
.
Posted on Aug 15, 2016 in Devotions |
SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE AND HEALTH
“Gentle words cause life and health.” Pr 15:4 TLB
James writes, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (Jas 1:26 NIV). The poet wrote, “Oh I say the things that I never should, just want to be heard or I never would. Talk on and on and know it’s wrong; the trouble is, my tongue’s too long.” So how can you control your tongue’s negative propensity? Engage it positively. How? (1) Be an encourager! “Gentle words cause life and health.” Your words can help a hopeless person keep on living and motivate a sick loved one to fight illness and become whole. Encouragers are God’s frontline against defeat, despair and depression! (2) Speak the truth in love. Saying what needs to be heard is often hard, but being a friend requires saying difficult things. “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (Pr 27:6 NLT). Truth spoken in love can release people from their delusions, misperceptions and inflexibility to live free, productive lives. (See Jn 8:32). (3) Ask God for the right words. “The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable” (Pr 10:32 NAS). How do you know what words the hearer will accept? Let God be your guide. (4) Make your words life-giving. “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death” (Pr 13:14 NIV). The people you meet need words that turn them from spiritual death to eternal life. So today, speak words of life and health.
Posted on Aug 14, 2016 in Announcements, Devotions, Events |
Posted on Aug 14, 2016 in Devotions |
Nothing steals your joy like thinking, “I will enjoy my life when …”
It’s very tempting to think that happiness will come to me once I get something: “I would be happy if I just had a bigger house, another car, a better job, more money, a nicer family, a new TV….” But such thoughts are very deceptive. In truth,
all those things we want actually make us miserable; we fight and quarrel about what we want, and then we’re upset when we don’t get it (see
James 4:1-4). Don’t get caught up in things that you want or need. Instead, you should not worry about getting what you need; rest assured your heavenly Father will take care of what you need (see
Matthew 6:30-32). It’s foolish to make your enjoyment of life hinge upon anything. There will always be one more thing for you to acquire before you can “enjoy life.” The more you have, the more you have to worry about, which makes life that much harder to enjoy. Instead of expecting possessions or circumstances to give you joy, seek the only source of everlasting joy—Jesus. Jesus says he came to Earth
“so that [you] may have the full measure of my joy within [you]” (
John 17:13). Similarly, Jesus said,
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete“ (
John 15:11). Jesus offers to make our joy complete and to give us the full measure of his joy. Since Jesus is wholly God, His joy is complete and whole joy. That Jesus offers us such joy is astonishing. Therefore, find your joy in God for in his presence is fullness of joy (see
Psalm 16:11). Don’t let your joy depend on getting all the things you want because there will always be more things that you don’t have, and therefore there will always be more things that will prevent you from enjoying life.
Let Jesus be your joy, rather than waiting to enjoy life “when….”
Posted on Aug 13, 2016 in Devotions |
What’s New?
“His compassions…are new every morning.” Lam 3:22-23 NIV
Are you going through a hard time at the moment? You’re not alone! Things were so bad in Israel that when Jeremiah wrote one of the books of the Bible he called it Lamentations.
In a positive-thinking, feel-good world, that’s not exactly a best-selling title. Jeremiah describes God’s people as a “widow” and a “slave,” and says, “All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies” (Lam 1:2 NKJV).
As you move through the book verse by verse, things just keep going from bad to worse as God’s people reap what they have sown. Then suddenly in the middle of all his lamenting, when you think things can’t get any worse, Jeremiah writes, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam 3:22-23 NIV).
Isn’t that wonderful? God’s love, compassion and faithfulness have been placed in an account that cannot be overdrawn, that you don’t have to contribute to, and that’ll last as long as you live. In a world that doesn’t seem to care, where only the fittest survive, that’s good to know.
Next time somebody says to you, “What’s new?” tell them, “God’s love, compassion, and faithfulness.”
The dictionary defines compassion as “tenderness of heart that disposes a person to overlook injuries or to treat an offender better than he or she deserves.” So when you wake up each day, be like the lady who prayed, “Lord, I’m glad Your mercies are new every morning, because I sure used up all of yesterday’s.”
Posted on Aug 9, 2016 in Devotions |
Have Little Foxes
“Catch…the little foxes that spoil the vines.” SS 2:15 NKJV
Michelangelo once sculpted a figure out of marble while a friend watched. Later his friend went away on business and when he returned he said, “I see you haven’t worked on your sculpture.” The great artist replied, “I’ve been working constantly on it since you left.” His friend asked, “How’s that possible?” Michelangelo replied, “I’ve softened a line here, straightened the lip there, defined the muscles more clearly, polished this and sharpened that.” His friend said, “But those are trifles!” Michelangelo replied, “Trifles they may be, but trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle!” Solomon writes, “Catch…the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.”
One Bible teacher put it this way: “Small things that seem unimportant can spoil ‘tender grapes,’ like a relationship, a career, or a life dedicated to Christ. How many marriages fail because spouses paid no attention to the little things? How many athletes lost competitions because of tiny missteps? Many of us can see the big picture of our lives and our relationship with God, but we neglect the details necessary for bringing it all into focus. We must attend to ‘trifles’ if we hope to succeed. As we act faithfully in the little things God will bless us with greater opportunities. We’ll develop the faithfulness and obedience to conquer the great issues in life.” Only when you’re faithful in small things will God entrust you with greater things (See Mt 25:21). So, what “little foxes” do you need to catch today? Little resentments, little habits, little areas of dishonesty? Nip them in the bud. Deal with them, and watch how it changes your life.
Posted on Aug 8, 2016 in Devotions |
Playing the Lesser Part
“Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.” Php 2:3
Frances Green was an elderly lady living on a pension. Every year she sent a dollar to the Republican National Convention. One day she received an invitation to meet President Reagan. Not realizing the RSVP should include a generous donation, she scraped up every cent she had and took a four-day train ride across America. She slept sitting up because she couldn’t afford a sleeper. When she arrived at the White House and found her name wasn’t on the guest list, she was heartbroken. Overhearing her story, a Ford Motor executive contacted a presidential aide and got clearance to give Frances a tour and introduce her to the president the next day. But the following morning there was a military uprising overseas and the president was in high-level meetings. When Frances showed up at the White House the executive showed her around and walked her past the Oval Office hoping she’d at least get a glimpse of the president. As they passed he looked up, stood up from his desk and announced, “Frances! Those darn computers fouled up again! If I’d known you were coming I’d have come out to get you myself!” The little woman from California had nothing to give the president that day, but there was something he could give her, so he made time in his busy schedule.
Paul says, “Don’t push your way to the front…Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.” In other words, be willing to play second fiddle. Remind yourself that God sees, God evaluates, and God rewards. So, today go out of your way to help somebody.
Posted on Aug 7, 2016 in Devotions |
Focus on what lasts, not on what doesn’t.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Mt 5:3 NKJV
Let’s look at the Beatitudes (what our attitudes should be). Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Now Jesus wasn’t saying He’s against you having money, He was saying He’s against money having you. He will actually prosper you so that you can finance and fulfill His purposes in the earth. But He doesn’t measure the size of your faith by the size of your bank balance. In one of His parables Jesus called a wealthy man a “fool.” That wasn’t because the man was rich, it was because he wasn’t “rich toward God” (Lk 12:21 NKJV). Old John D. Rockefeller once said, “I’ve made many millions but they brought me no real happiness. I’d barter them all for the days I sat on an office stool in Cleveland and counted myself rich on three dollars a week.” Having more money may give you social status, but serving God gives you kingdom-significance. Big difference! So keep your focus on what matters and live for what lasts. In Kemi, Finland, they supposedly built a sprawling ice castle that featured a theatre, a playground, an art gallery and a chapel. The castle walls were 13 feet high and stretched for 1,650 feet. The chapel was a popular wedding venue and the theatre could seat 3,000 people. In it they held rock concerts, musicals, modern dance and opera recitals. The problem was, its upkeep cost millions of dollars, and it all melted in the spring. Are you getting the idea? Focus on what lasts, not on what doesn’t.
Posted on Aug 6, 2016 in Devotions |
The Touch of the Master’s Hand
“Jesus…touched him.” Mk 1:41 NKJV
It was battered and scarred and the auctioneer thought it hardly worth his while, to waste much time on the old violin so he held it up with a smile. ‘What am I bidden for this old violin? Who’ll start the bidding for me? A dollar, a dollar, who’ll make it two? Two dollars, and who’ll make it three? Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,’ but no; from the back of the room a gray haired man came forward and picked up the bow. Then sweeping the dust from the old violin, and tightening up all the strings, he played a melody pure and sweet, as sweet as the angels sing. The music ceased and the auctioneer, with a voice that was quiet and low, said, ‘What am I bid for the old violin?’ and he held it up with the bow. ‘A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two? Two thousand, and who’ll make it three? Three thousand once, three thousand twice, going, and gone,’ said he. The people cheered, but some of them said, ‘We do not quite understand. What changed its worth?’ Then came the reply, ‘The touch of the Master’s hand.’ And many a man with his life out of tune, battered and scarred with sin, is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd, much like the old violin. A mess of pottage, a glass of wine, a game, and he shuffles along: going once, going twice, he’s going and almost gone. But the Master comes, and the thoughtless crowd never can quite understand, the worth of the soul, and the change that’s wrought, by the touch of the Master’s hand.”
Posted on Aug 5, 2016 in Devotions |
Give Them Another Chance
“Mark…is profitable to me for the ministry.” 2Ti 4:11
Paul, who demanded 100 percent commitment from himself and those he worked with, was angry with Mark for wanting to take a break and go home and spend time with his family. But later, after reconsidering the whole thing, Paul gave Mark a second chance, saying, “He is profitable to me for the ministry.” God sees potential in people, even flawed people, and we must too. When we believe in people and encourage them, they can move from the loss column to the profit column. Some years ago in a manufacturing town in Scotland, a young lady gathered a class of street kids to teach them God’s Word. To keep them coming back, the superintendent bought each of them a new suit. But after a few weeks, Bob, the most unpromising boy in the class, was missing. When she went looking for him she found him with his clothes torn and dirty. So the superintendent bought him another suit and invited him back again. After a few weeks he dropped out of Sunday school once more. Disgusted, the teacher wanted to give up on him. But the superintendent said, “I’ll buy him a third suit if he will promise to attend regularly.” Bob did. He kept coming, committed his life to Christ and studied for the ministry. That discouraged, forlorn, ragged, runaway boy was Robert Morrison, the great missionary to China who translated the Bible into the Chinese language and opened the kingdom of heaven to countless millions who live there. So, who are you thinking of giving up on? Don’t do it! Give them, and God, another chance!
Posted on Jul 31, 2016 in Devotions |
Do you still believe God even when you can’t believe what just happened?
When something really awful occurs, you may use the word “unbelievable” to describe it. During those times, even if what happened may have shaken your life, it is very important to maintain your faith. Circumstances are volatile, but God is never-changing—the solid rock.
You can’t depend on your outward surroundings; however, you can depend on God. That’s the purpose of faith. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Then, the rest of Hebrews 11 goes on to discuss great men and women in the Bible who exhibited faith. So, when your circumstances are unbelievable—whether good or bad—be sure to maintain your faith, your confident assurance of God’s love for you.
All the people mentioned in Hebrews 11 went through difficult circumstances, yet they still believed God even in the midst of their tough trials. Follow the examples of Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Moses, and countless others: live by faith. It is important that you still believe God even during unbelievable circumstances.
Posted on Jul 30, 2016 in Devotions |
MEASURED VISION
God’s power is not subject to human will. Hebrews 7:25 says Jesus is “able to save to the uttermost.” Be careful if you have a tendency to use society’s measure to judge people it says are no good. God can shake nations with people He pulls out of the dirt and mud. We also need to be careful not to pull out our measuring stick regarding people who have fallen. You don’t know how many times they resisted. You don’t know how many times they fought. God says, “I’m not going to let your past limit you. I’m not going to allow the measure of what you did in that failure stop My will from being done in your life. I reward not for performance, but for effort.”
Everyone has a destiny, a vision that God has given us. Your “promised land” may be your family being saved. It may be having a successful business or a ministry where God can use you to impact people’s lives. Don’t limit His purposes with your measuring stick.
Posted on Jul 29, 2016 in Devotions |
Victory Unfolding
Joshua understood the words of Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue
.” God instructed him to tell the people of Israel to be quiet. Joshua knew that if they didn’t remain silent, they would whine and complain their way out of a crucial victory.
The cost of whining and complaining wasn’t new to Joshua. About 40 years before the battle of Jericho, a young Joshua returned from spying out the Promised Land. He and Caleb were confident that the people of Israel could take the land, just like God had said. But the other spies disagreed. They told everyone there were giants in the land who couldn’t be defeated. And soon, the people began to talk themselves out of the victory that God was ready to give them.
They refused to step into the greatest victory God had ever given His people. He already had crops and vineyards planted, herds of cattle fattened, wells dug and homes built for the Israelites to inhabit. All they had to do was be quiet and receive God’s victory. Instead, their murmuring and negative talk got them a 40-year camping trip in the desert.
Today, you need to know, if God has told you He’s unfolding a victory in your life — BE QUIET! Because there’s a victory in progress. In every problem, in every home, in every marriage, with every child, just because you aren’t seeing change doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. If God has made a promise over your situation, the worst thing you can do is to open your mouth and begin to talk doubt and unbelief into it. Speak life into all of your problems!
There is a victory unfolding in our homes, in our Church, in our finances, in our future, in our children. The only time you need to speak is when you’re saying, “Thank You, Lord You’re going to work it out. Thank You, Lord that victory is unfolding in my life.” Other than that, BE QUIET! There’s a victory in progress.
Posted on Jul 26, 2016 in Devotions |
WHOSE “REPORT” WILL YOU BELIEVE?
“Who has believed our report?” Isa 53:1 NKJV
An oil spill pollutes the Gulf of Mexico, devastating marine life and the livelihood of millions of people. Day after day we watch it on TV, in real time. An earthquake hits Haiti, 200,000 die, and the world’s poorest people are left hungry and homeless. An American-born terrorist flies home from an Al Qaeda training camp with a bomb in his underwear and tries to destroy not only the plane, but much of Detroit. Bankers, car makers and oil executives we trusted sit in front of a Congressional committee and say they have no idea how we got into this mess. The reports keep coming 24/7. Talking heads in the media milk each moment and sensationalize each event because it increases their ratings, sells advertising and makes money. Indeed, some of the news reporters have become celebrities. Fear sells! It’s a major industry. Paradoxically, we are the most prosperous generation in history, and the most fearful one too. In the past you had to get your daily dose of anxiety from the evening news; today you get it around the clock on your Blackberry or iPad. Now you can’t bury your head in the sand. But if you’re not selective in what you listen to, you can lose your peace of mind. God knows this, so His Word asks, “Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” In Scripture, the “arm of the Lord” speaks of His power to deliver and His providential care over every event in our lives.
So whose report are you going to listen to, internalize, and respond to?
Posted on Jul 25, 2016 in Devotions |
Are you so hungry to own more money that your money owns you?
In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Jesus tells about two men, both of whom sold everything for the kingdom of heaven. To those men, God’s eternal kingdom was so valuable that they were willing to give up everything they had in order to invest in it.
That’s exactly the same attitude God wants us to have toward wealth. Money is an excellent servant but a terrible master. Unfortunately, many people in society are mastered by their money, unable to control their greed.
Yet God is more important than all these things in the world. He requires that we be willing to sell all for Him.
Mark 10:17-22 tells the story of a rich man’s encounter with Jesus: As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good — except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'”
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
He owned great wealth, but really his wealth owned him. Remember that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).
This man’s heart was so attached to his money that his money owned him. His attitude is very different than that of the two men, who sold everything for the kingdom of heaven.
If, like this man, you become so hungry to own more money, be aware that really your money will own you.
Posted on Jul 24, 2016 in Devotions |
KINDNESS
“What does the Lord require of you…to love kindness.” Mic 6:8 NAS
Every day we miss opportunities to be kind in order to save a few seconds.
One author writes, “When I treat people as obstacles, or a means to getting things done, I become a smaller man. With each brusque comment…dismissive glance…curt reply I lose a little more of myself…my relationship with God suffers.”
Paul says, “The fruit of the Spirit is…kindness” (Gal 5:22 NKJV), and you can’t love God without being kind to those He loves. Consider Ruth and Naomi. When circumstances left them widowed, Ruth told her aging mother-in-law, “Don’t ask me to leave you…May the Lord punish me…if I allow anything but death to separate us!” (Ru 1:16-17 NLT). Consider Jonathan and David. When Saul tried to kill David, Jonathan stuck by him and “loved him as himself” (1Sa 18:3 NIV) although it meant sacrificing his chance to become king. Consider David and Mephibosheth. In an era when newly-appointed monarchs routinely banished those associated with former dynasties, David sought out Jonathan’s son and said, “I will…show kindness to you for the sake of your father…and…restore to you…the land of your grandfather…you shall eat at my table regularly” (2Sa 9:7 NAS). Consider the Shunammite woman who noticed Elisha was always passing her house, so she built a little room so he could “turn in” when he was tired (2Ki 4:9-10 NAS).
You never regret kindness. Og Mandino says, “Treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend all the care, kindness and understanding you can, with no thought of reward, and your life will never be the same
.”
Posted on Jul 23, 2016 in Devotions |
DOING THE RIGHT THINGS
“You…harvest what you plant.” Gal 6:7 CEV
George Bernard Shaw said, “People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get ahead are those who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, they make them.”
A farmer can plant anything he wants; the land doesn’t care one way or the other. Suppose he plants both wheat and poisonous hemlock. The land will return poisonous hemlock as plentifully as it does wheat. Your mind is far more fertile, but the same principle applies. It doesn’t care what kind of seeds you plant; success or failure, good or evil, anxiety or peace—what you sow returns to you. The Bible says, “If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction…if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life” (v. 8 CEV).
Success lies in your daily routine. So, get to know God better through His Word and prayer. Make up your mind to be of service to somebody every day. Tackle a problem bigger than you. Encourage everyone you meet. Take the first step toward overcoming a bad habit. Do something for somebody who can’t repay you. Change your thinking from TGIF (thank goodness it’s Friday!) to TGIT (thank goodness it’s today!). Do three things that will take you outside your comfort zone. Be thankful for what you have. Ask for help when you need it. Give God the best part of your day. The Psalmist said, “This is the day the Lord
Posted on Jul 22, 2016 in Devotions |
SNAKE EGGS!
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death.-James 1:15
Pythons can lay more eggs than any other breed of snake. In most cases, after they lay their eggs, females will typically incubate them until they hatch. Consistent temperature is critical for the python embryos to develop.
What do python eggs have to do with our Christian walk? Every sin begins with a thought. The greatest battle for your soul is not the war going on between angels and demons; it is the war going on between your ears. This battle starts with how you think and the “snake eggs” you allow the enemy to lay in your head. How does the python get his snake eggs in your life? He gains access through your eyes, your ears, and your mouth.
The things you allow yourself to watch, to hear, and to speak profoundly affect the spiritual atmosphere of your life and your home. Your life will always move in the direction of the dominant images you allow in your mind. Those images become thoughts that will eventually become actions.Don’t let that snake make a nest and hatch eggs in your mind.
What images are you allowing into your mind through your eyes? What do you allow yourself to hear day in and day out? What kind of words come out of your mouth?
Posted on Jul 21, 2016 in Devotions |
Posted on Jul 21, 2016 in Devotions |
OPERATION DISTRACTION
Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.-Proverbs 4:27 NIV
There’s no one better at it than the devil. He’ll parade the most impressive material things in front of us to distract us from the ultimate mission God has for our lives. I believe there are three ways that the devil tries to distract us: Emotional distractions — An emotional distraction is something that gets you all worked up, but it really doesn’t have anything to do with that which is eternal. Anything in your life that is pulling you away from intimacy with Jesus is a distraction from the enemy. Opportunity distractions — Not all opportunities are of God. Too many times the devil dangles a golden carrot in front of us; he paints a beautiful portrait of prosperity somewhere else, and we forget about what God is doing right where we are. People distractions — Do not allow the wrong people to distract you from what God has told you and called you to do. Even the right people can cause distractions and steal your attention: interruptions, crises, disagreements, phone calls, e-mails, text messages, Twitter, Facebook.
What distractions are in your life today?
Posted on Jul 17, 2016 in Devotions |
When Fishermen Don’t Fish Matthew 4:18-20
Marking the beginning of a lifetime of service and followship Jesus said to Simon Peter and Andrew,
“Come, follow me and I will make you Fishers of Men.” Jesus is the Ultimate fisherman! His Whole life is devoted to fishing. Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” We must understand that the entire Purpose for which Christ came to earth-to seek and to save! Not comfort, happiness, contentment, wealth, or power. To Sum Up Jesus’ purpose for existing on Earth it was “to seek and to save”
When Fishermen Don’t Fish, They: 1. Fight (Matt 20:20-24) mother of 2 disciples asks for seating order in heaven
Describe-Old fashioned power struggle! Disciples not concerned with Fishing for men or winning the Lost! Disciples concerned with power, control, territory, and prestige.
Do you want to know whether a church is fishing and following Christ? Look at how much fighting is going on (Barometer to Church). If fussing and fighting, bickering, hard feelings, hurt feelings are the norm then the church has lost its focus!
When Fishermen Don’t Fish, they not only Fight, they Flee 2. Flee (Matt 26:69-75) Peters Denial of Jesus at trial
Peter ran when times got Hard or there was Persecution! (Things didn’t go like he planned, Lost sight of purpose and ran!)
To often the Church does the same!
When we lose sight of our call to fish for men we Flee from every little problem! Little things make us cut and run! We can’t stand adversity because we’ve lost sight of our purpose.
When fishermen don’t fish, not only do they Fight and Flee, but they: 3. Forget (John 21:1-3) The disciples went fishing and forgot Jesus words
After all Jesus had taught Peter! After all the miracles he’d seen He forgot everything and said,
“I’m going out to fish”
The Fisher of Men had once again become just a fisherman! When Fishermen don’t fish, they forget the things of God! Their wants become more important than God’s will! Their desires become paramount to God’s decrees!
Posted on Jul 16, 2016 in Devotions |
A MOMENT OF GREAT OPPORTUNITY
” you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity” Philippians 4:10
Isn’t is interesting that we can know when it’s going to rain by just observing
the clouds but cannot discern the “spiritual climate” around us to know the
direction God is moving? Recognizing and taking advantage of the direction the
Spirit of God is steering us is critical to anyone who wants to achieve
anything in this season.
Another area where Christians can tap into the new move of the Spirit is when
we give others the space and time (opportunity) to bless us with their
presence, their wise counsel and their substance. This is how edification and
impartation comes (for you and for them). In more ways than one, God will move
to bless you by using another person. We know how to practice the presence of
God, but have we learnt to practice the presence of people?
This is a season of new opportunities; Opportunities in business, career
advancement, church growth, relationships and marriage. Have you recognized
your spirit-availed opportunity today or are you caught up in a deep spiritual
slumber? Which new areas is the Holy Spirit steering you this season? Are you
resisting?
Success or failure will depend on our ability to tune in to the
God-frequency of this season and receive a new broadcast of opportunities to
bless and be blessed.
Posted on Jul 15, 2016 in Devotions |
Posted on Jul 15, 2016 in Devotions |
God is at work
Every person has a destiny in God. God has a great plan for each person in the world. The problem is that we often get out of God’s plan. We see things and formulate plans that we think would be wonderful, but God has something far more special for us than we could ever imagine. A study at the life of Joseph illustrates this truth. Joseph’s life demonstrates the reality of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
It is always important for Christians to know that God is at work behind the daily circumstances of our lives. He is using them to keep molding us into a greater image – that of Himself. The life of Joseph can provide a lot of principles on how we ought to respond to God’s process of molding:
Posted on Jun 23, 2016 in Devotions |
About guarding your tongue…
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Everyone uses words to communicate. Some of us love to use words, but what words are we going to use? Every day we can use words to give others life. We can use words to give others hope. We can use words to give others joy. We can use words to tell others how much we love them. We can use words to tell others we accept them and we forgive them. Our world is filled with words of death, hatred, ego, greed, and lust. We must use Christ’s words of light to counter the words of darkness filling up our world.
The words we send out come back to us. The words we send out can store up treasures for us in heaven or dig our grave so deep down our grave descends into the pits of Satan’s hell. What we send out in words has consequences for others and for ourselves…eternal consequences for others and for ourselves. What kind of words will you send out today and in the days to come?
Posted on Jun 23, 2016 in Devotions |
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
