Galatians 5:24-25 (Amplified Bible) And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
There is a path we can follow that draws us closer to God. There is a drumbeat we can march to that keeps us in step with our Lord, and brings us into the best possible place we can be. Yet so many of us go about following the chaotic drumbeat of the ways of the world. We live day after day out of step with God--walking our own way--afraid to let go and let God have full reign. Do we realize that when we are in step with Him that our lives are abundant and full? Do we understand that drawing near to Him is the only true way we will be content. We linger in the world, and the ways of the world because, for some strange reason, we think there is something wonderful there for us just around the corner. We are waiting for our proverbial ship to come in. But it is time to stop waiting for someday while we wander an uncertain course. And it is time we surrender complete control to Christ, and learn what life can look like when it is lived in step with Him.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Having Your Feet Shod
Ephesians 6:15 (The Message) 13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
God is telling us to be ready and prepared for the areas that He is sending us to tell others the good news that brings peace! This is not about "watering down" God's message, but is about being able to speak the language of the environment you are entering. "Churchy" jargon and catch phrases will not compute in the business world, just like musical industry slang will not compute in the food industry. Jesus used this same practice when He spoke to those in the different environments He entered. He spoke parables of farming and ranching to the farmers and ranchers of His day. His message was the message of the Kingdom of Heaven, but He spoke in terms that people could understand. In our world, which "mountain of influence" is God sending you to? Ask Him to show you how to relate His Kingdom message to those areas that you will be entering. You will find that when your "feet are shod with preparation", the gospel of peace will be much easier to convey or relate to others. Be prepared!
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
God is telling us to be ready and prepared for the areas that He is sending us to tell others the good news that brings peace! This is not about "watering down" God's message, but is about being able to speak the language of the environment you are entering. "Churchy" jargon and catch phrases will not compute in the business world, just like musical industry slang will not compute in the food industry. Jesus used this same practice when He spoke to those in the different environments He entered. He spoke parables of farming and ranching to the farmers and ranchers of His day. His message was the message of the Kingdom of Heaven, but He spoke in terms that people could understand. In our world, which "mountain of influence" is God sending you to? Ask Him to show you how to relate His Kingdom message to those areas that you will be entering. You will find that when your "feet are shod with preparation", the gospel of peace will be much easier to convey or relate to others. Be prepared!
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
For His Glory
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NKJV) For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
If there is one thing I am convinced of, it is that there is no shortage of self-serving Christians. True, each of us is selfish to a point, and at some point in time. But where are those who “no longer live for themselves?” I have spent my life, filling my life with all kinds of things. Jesus implores me, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” I respond with an acquiescing nod, and turn to find my way to fill my need in ways that pacify my human understanding. Even my pursuit of God is often driven by my selfish want. I come to Him to be filled, fulfilled, freed fully and fully forgiven, and for what? For His glory? Or for mine? But lest I fear, there is hope in Christ. For Jesus knowing the very motives of my heart remains faithful, and says, “I love you regardless.” Dear Christian, He knows there is within you a deep desire to selflessly live for Him. And He is more than willing to help you each day to live a little more for His glory, and less for your own.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
If there is one thing I am convinced of, it is that there is no shortage of self-serving Christians. True, each of us is selfish to a point, and at some point in time. But where are those who “no longer live for themselves?” I have spent my life, filling my life with all kinds of things. Jesus implores me, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” I respond with an acquiescing nod, and turn to find my way to fill my need in ways that pacify my human understanding. Even my pursuit of God is often driven by my selfish want. I come to Him to be filled, fulfilled, freed fully and fully forgiven, and for what? For His glory? Or for mine? But lest I fear, there is hope in Christ. For Jesus knowing the very motives of my heart remains faithful, and says, “I love you regardless.” Dear Christian, He knows there is within you a deep desire to selflessly live for Him. And He is more than willing to help you each day to live a little more for His glory, and less for your own.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
God's Favor and Help
Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. -Daniel 2:17-18
This story in Daniel is the one of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He decreed that unless someone could tell him the dream and the interpretation, all the wise men would be killed, including Daniel and his friends. The first thing Daniel did was to gather his friends and pray. The interesting thing is that the Hebrew meanings of Daniels friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah translate to mean "favor", "interpose" and "help". Daniel and his friends prayed for God's mercies and got results. In the same way, when we face a situation or crisis, we can come together and pray for God's mercies and wisdom. And when God interposes, or puts us right in the middle of His favor and His help, it will lead us to victory every time!
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
This story in Daniel is the one of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He decreed that unless someone could tell him the dream and the interpretation, all the wise men would be killed, including Daniel and his friends. The first thing Daniel did was to gather his friends and pray. The interesting thing is that the Hebrew meanings of Daniels friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah translate to mean "favor", "interpose" and "help". Daniel and his friends prayed for God's mercies and got results. In the same way, when we face a situation or crisis, we can come together and pray for God's mercies and wisdom. And when God interposes, or puts us right in the middle of His favor and His help, it will lead us to victory every time!
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
All Things Common
Acts 2:44-45, NIV: All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
It seems that in the early church, there was a common practice held by its members. As they considered the needs of others as if their own, and practiced the principle of “love your neighbor as yourself,” they found it necessary to sell what they did not need in an effort to help meet the needs of others in the church. They did not gather for themselves riches and material excess. And they did not hesitate to see that which God had given them as something to be shared—not accumulated. In looking at the church today, one might wonder if this principle is one that is considered by its members. Do we think our excess to be ours alone—a blessing of abundance for us to thank God for and end it there? Or do we believe that God has given us more than we need to enable us to use it to meet the needs of others? Or is it a test to see what we will choose to do with all we have? One might then wonder…have we passed the test?
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
It seems that in the early church, there was a common practice held by its members. As they considered the needs of others as if their own, and practiced the principle of “love your neighbor as yourself,” they found it necessary to sell what they did not need in an effort to help meet the needs of others in the church. They did not gather for themselves riches and material excess. And they did not hesitate to see that which God had given them as something to be shared—not accumulated. In looking at the church today, one might wonder if this principle is one that is considered by its members. Do we think our excess to be ours alone—a blessing of abundance for us to thank God for and end it there? Or do we believe that God has given us more than we need to enable us to use it to meet the needs of others? Or is it a test to see what we will choose to do with all we have? One might then wonder…have we passed the test?
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Integrity
Psalm 120:2 (The Message) I'm in trouble. I cry to God, desperate for an answer: "Deliver me from the liars, God! They smile so sweetly but lie through their teeth."
Lying is, most of all, about stupidity. You will be found out. The people that you are lying to are probably smarter then you think. You may be getting away with it for now. But in the end, the truth comes out. It may not be until you die, but God has it on file everything you've ever said. You'd be wise to seek His forgiveness and start telling the truth. Always!
Integrity was an issue in David's time just as it is today. Though it may be counter-culture to be truthful, God desires us to be people of integrity. This includes both what we speak and what we think. Why does God feel so strongly about lying? He is the God of Truth. He knows the damage and destruction that even little lies can lead to. Once we start giving falsehood a foothold, the lies we say and think tend to grow. Another point is that every form of sin involves some kind of a lie. Like Eve, when we sin, we're buying into a lie of some sort that suggests the boundary God has established in that area is unreasonable or unjust, or that the consequences won't be as bad as God said they'd be. As a result, our decisions to sin damage our own lives and those of the people around us. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.“
Matthew 5:13
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Lying is, most of all, about stupidity. You will be found out. The people that you are lying to are probably smarter then you think. You may be getting away with it for now. But in the end, the truth comes out. It may not be until you die, but God has it on file everything you've ever said. You'd be wise to seek His forgiveness and start telling the truth. Always!
Integrity was an issue in David's time just as it is today. Though it may be counter-culture to be truthful, God desires us to be people of integrity. This includes both what we speak and what we think. Why does God feel so strongly about lying? He is the God of Truth. He knows the damage and destruction that even little lies can lead to. Once we start giving falsehood a foothold, the lies we say and think tend to grow. Another point is that every form of sin involves some kind of a lie. Like Eve, when we sin, we're buying into a lie of some sort that suggests the boundary God has established in that area is unreasonable or unjust, or that the consequences won't be as bad as God said they'd be. As a result, our decisions to sin damage our own lives and those of the people around us. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.“
Matthew 5:13
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Good News
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance - Romans 1:16
The gospel is good news, not bad news. The good news is that God's power can change you! Through Christ, it is the power of God that enters you into salvation (safety, protection, health, preserve, make whole, deliverance). When you connect with the power of God through your belief in Jesus Christ, it is that belief (personal trust, confident surrender and firm reliance) that puts you in a position to be changed. It can change you from danger and risk to safety and protection; from illness to health; from death to life! God's message to mankind through Jesus is not to take you from life to death, it is to redeem you from death to life! The devil has twisted this message long enough! God is not mad at you, He loves you. The gospel is good news that the power of God can change and restore your life.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
The gospel is good news, not bad news. The good news is that God's power can change you! Through Christ, it is the power of God that enters you into salvation (safety, protection, health, preserve, make whole, deliverance). When you connect with the power of God through your belief in Jesus Christ, it is that belief (personal trust, confident surrender and firm reliance) that puts you in a position to be changed. It can change you from danger and risk to safety and protection; from illness to health; from death to life! God's message to mankind through Jesus is not to take you from life to death, it is to redeem you from death to life! The devil has twisted this message long enough! God is not mad at you, He loves you. The gospel is good news that the power of God can change and restore your life.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Different Gifts
Romans 12:6 -8 (The Message) In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pride fully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't. If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.
The church, the body of Christ, is made up of many different parts. We are each anointed, gifted and called to be and do what God created us to do. In a physical body, nothing else can do what a little toe can do. Nothing else can do what a nose can do. A finger can't see, and an eye can't touch, but they each have significant value and contribution to the good of the whole body. In the same way, God has not created you to be Joel Osteen, Billy Graham or Oral Roberts. He has not called you to be Kirk Cameron, George Foreman or Chris Tomlin. He has created and called you to be you! To compare ourselves with each other rather than to Christ is not wise. For example, you shouldn't be criticized for not doing it Joel's way any more than Joel should be criticized for not doing it your way. We are each unique, and God has called you to be You for such a time as this. Your time is now. Be all you can be for God, but remember to be yourself with your identity in Christ, not who the world says you should be.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
The church, the body of Christ, is made up of many different parts. We are each anointed, gifted and called to be and do what God created us to do. In a physical body, nothing else can do what a little toe can do. Nothing else can do what a nose can do. A finger can't see, and an eye can't touch, but they each have significant value and contribution to the good of the whole body. In the same way, God has not created you to be Joel Osteen, Billy Graham or Oral Roberts. He has not called you to be Kirk Cameron, George Foreman or Chris Tomlin. He has created and called you to be you! To compare ourselves with each other rather than to Christ is not wise. For example, you shouldn't be criticized for not doing it Joel's way any more than Joel should be criticized for not doing it your way. We are each unique, and God has called you to be You for such a time as this. Your time is now. Be all you can be for God, but remember to be yourself with your identity in Christ, not who the world says you should be.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Think Highly Of Yourself
Romans 12:3 (KJV) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Religion will tell you that you are just an old sinner saved by grace. It says that you should consider yourself a weak worm of the dust, or an old grasshopper, because anything above that level would be thinking too highly of yourself. However, God is not saying that you shouldn't think highly of yourself. He is saying that you shouldn't think more highly of yourself and become conceited, vain or self-righteous. But because of what Jesus did for you, you should think highly of yourself because of your identity in Him! Through Jesus Christ your thoughts about yourself should be: "I am well able" "Give me a mountain to climb" "I am more than a conqueror" "I am an overcomer" "I can do all things through Christ" "I am anointed" "I am blessed to be a blessing" "I am chosen of God" If you think highly of what Jesus did for you, then move up higher to your position in Him and see yourself from a higher perspective!
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Religion will tell you that you are just an old sinner saved by grace. It says that you should consider yourself a weak worm of the dust, or an old grasshopper, because anything above that level would be thinking too highly of yourself. However, God is not saying that you shouldn't think highly of yourself. He is saying that you shouldn't think more highly of yourself and become conceited, vain or self-righteous. But because of what Jesus did for you, you should think highly of yourself because of your identity in Him! Through Jesus Christ your thoughts about yourself should be: "I am well able" "Give me a mountain to climb" "I am more than a conqueror" "I am an overcomer" "I can do all things through Christ" "I am anointed" "I am blessed to be a blessing" "I am chosen of God" If you think highly of what Jesus did for you, then move up higher to your position in Him and see yourself from a higher perspective!
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
What Is The World Coming To?
2 Timothy 3:1-4 (KJV) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Many believe we are in the last days; many believe we have been for some time. Only God knows when all things will converge according to His will to bring us into the final days of the last days. As time goes by--as the final days draw near to the fullness of time--we can be certain we will see the decay of all things. Morality becomes more subjective. Civility and decency toward others declines. The world itself will tremble and weaken as the disease of humanity’s sin eats away as a cancer in the bones of all creation. We live in a world which grows more hedonistic by the day. The hedonism has penetrated the walls of the church; and, many within the church embrace worldly things once considered disgraceful. The world will wallow in sin, but the church must not. The church must draw a distinct line. God’s people must remember that as His followers we are to take up our cross. While the world pursues personal happiness and self fulfillment; we are to pursue God in truth and with all our being.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Many believe we are in the last days; many believe we have been for some time. Only God knows when all things will converge according to His will to bring us into the final days of the last days. As time goes by--as the final days draw near to the fullness of time--we can be certain we will see the decay of all things. Morality becomes more subjective. Civility and decency toward others declines. The world itself will tremble and weaken as the disease of humanity’s sin eats away as a cancer in the bones of all creation. We live in a world which grows more hedonistic by the day. The hedonism has penetrated the walls of the church; and, many within the church embrace worldly things once considered disgraceful. The world will wallow in sin, but the church must not. The church must draw a distinct line. God’s people must remember that as His followers we are to take up our cross. While the world pursues personal happiness and self fulfillment; we are to pursue God in truth and with all our being.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Confessions-2
Proverbs 6:2 (KJV) Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
What we say is our confession. And our confessions, the words we say rule us. There are two sides of confession, the negative side and the positive side, that is why we need to understand Proverbs 6:2. Yesterday we talked about wrong confession. Today we are going to look at right confession. Romans 10:9-10 I believe in my heart Jesus is the Son of God. II Corinthians 5:17 I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. II Corinthians 5:21.I am the righteousness of God in Christ. Romans 5:17. I have received abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. 1 Peter 2:4. By HIS stripes I was healed. Romans 8:37.I am a conqueror. Philippians 4:19.All my needs are supplied!!!
When you open your mouth, you had better understand what is getting ready to come out.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
What we say is our confession. And our confessions, the words we say rule us. There are two sides of confession, the negative side and the positive side, that is why we need to understand Proverbs 6:2. Yesterday we talked about wrong confession. Today we are going to look at right confession. Romans 10:9-10 I believe in my heart Jesus is the Son of God. II Corinthians 5:17 I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. II Corinthians 5:21.I am the righteousness of God in Christ. Romans 5:17. I have received abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. 1 Peter 2:4. By HIS stripes I was healed. Romans 8:37.I am a conqueror. Philippians 4:19.All my needs are supplied!!!
When you open your mouth, you had better understand what is getting ready to come out.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Confessions
Proverbs 6:2 (KJV) Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
What we say is our confession. And our confessions, the words we say rule us. There are two sides of confession, the negative side and the positive side, that is why we need to understand Proverbs 6:2. The majority of Christians, though sincere are weak. In fact, many maintain a wrong confession instead of holding fast to a right confession. So they are confessing defeat. I know you have seen them, heard them or you may have done it. There was a time that I did. Always talking about what a time they are having with the devil, what a battle they’re having or what all they’re going through, how the devil is keeping them sick or holding them in bondage. And as long as they confess that garbage, that is what you are going to have. Do you know that that kind of confession is an unconscious declaration that God, our Heavenly Father, is a failure. So how should I speak? I will touch on that tomorrow. When you open your mouth, you had better understand what is getting ready to come out.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
What we say is our confession. And our confessions, the words we say rule us. There are two sides of confession, the negative side and the positive side, that is why we need to understand Proverbs 6:2. The majority of Christians, though sincere are weak. In fact, many maintain a wrong confession instead of holding fast to a right confession. So they are confessing defeat. I know you have seen them, heard them or you may have done it. There was a time that I did. Always talking about what a time they are having with the devil, what a battle they’re having or what all they’re going through, how the devil is keeping them sick or holding them in bondage. And as long as they confess that garbage, that is what you are going to have. Do you know that that kind of confession is an unconscious declaration that God, our Heavenly Father, is a failure. So how should I speak? I will touch on that tomorrow. When you open your mouth, you had better understand what is getting ready to come out.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Seed
Galatians 6:7-8 (The Message) Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
Within a dream, you hold in your hands a bag. Looking into the bag, you see a limited amount of seed. It is all you have, and you know you will not be getting any more. You know you must do something with it, but what? It seems to make sense that you should search for the best soil to plant the seed, so that the seed will grow and produce even more. As you search for the right places, you grow weary, and begin to settle for soils that are not the best. Along the way, you become distracted. Your bag is torn a bit and seed spills out without you knowing. Eventually, you reach into the bag and in a moment of dread, you realize your bag is now empty. Saddened, you sit on a rock and wonder how you could have been more careful. We each are given only so much time. It can be sown into good things, or meaningless. It can produce things that fade, or it can produce things that will be carried into the eternal Kingdom of God.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Within a dream, you hold in your hands a bag. Looking into the bag, you see a limited amount of seed. It is all you have, and you know you will not be getting any more. You know you must do something with it, but what? It seems to make sense that you should search for the best soil to plant the seed, so that the seed will grow and produce even more. As you search for the right places, you grow weary, and begin to settle for soils that are not the best. Along the way, you become distracted. Your bag is torn a bit and seed spills out without you knowing. Eventually, you reach into the bag and in a moment of dread, you realize your bag is now empty. Saddened, you sit on a rock and wonder how you could have been more careful. We each are given only so much time. It can be sown into good things, or meaningless. It can produce things that fade, or it can produce things that will be carried into the eternal Kingdom of God.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Outside the Box
John 7:21-24 (The Message) Jesus said, "I did one miraculous thing a few months ago, and you're still standing around getting all upset, wondering what I'm up to. Moses prescribed circumcision—originally it came not from Moses but from his ancestors—and so you circumcise a man, dealing with one part of his body, even if it's the Sabbath. You do this in order to preserve one item in the Law of Moses. So why are you upset with me because I made a man's whole body well on the Sabbath? Don't be nitpickers; use your head—and heart!—to discern what is right, to test what is authentically right."
Jesus’ ministry was not the typical ministry of His day. His ways and teachings continuously clashed with those of the mainstream religious leaders. His methods and message were, to say the least, unorthodox. He resisted the pressures of Pharisees, followers, and family, and maintained His focus on the Father. Pleasing God was more important to Him than pleasing men. There is a quote “What are the seven last words of a dying church?” The answer: “We’ve never done it that way before.” When seeking God’s will for our church, we may often grind against the grains of tradition, doctrine, preference and bias. And yet, just as Jesus did, we must maintain focus on the Father throughout. The easiest thing to do is to go with the flow and accept the usual ways. Yet, our goal must remain to find God’s will, regardless of how “out of the norm” it may seem. Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Jesus’ ministry was not the typical ministry of His day. His ways and teachings continuously clashed with those of the mainstream religious leaders. His methods and message were, to say the least, unorthodox. He resisted the pressures of Pharisees, followers, and family, and maintained His focus on the Father. Pleasing God was more important to Him than pleasing men. There is a quote “What are the seven last words of a dying church?” The answer: “We’ve never done it that way before.” When seeking God’s will for our church, we may often grind against the grains of tradition, doctrine, preference and bias. And yet, just as Jesus did, we must maintain focus on the Father throughout. The easiest thing to do is to go with the flow and accept the usual ways. Yet, our goal must remain to find God’s will, regardless of how “out of the norm” it may seem. Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Monday, January 10, 2011
World Gone Mad
Matthew 24:6 (KJV And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Look around these days, and you may wonder what the world is coming to. The simple answer might be, that it is coming to an end. When, however, is completely up to our Lord—not presidents, politicians, priests, or any other people. And though the world around us may seem to be falling apart, let not your hearts be troubled, God is in control. We know our Lord could come tomorrow, or perhaps not even in our lifetime. Yet we know with certainty He will come, and we know without question, the world will come to an end. At times, it is easy to see why we would become preoccupied with the end of the world. But worry and over-speculation are not fitting for the mind of a believer. We acknowledge what is, but trust that He is greater. We continue on in Christ, and we continue to love God and to love others. The whole world may be crumbling around us, yet we need not fear, but simply find peace in the eyes of Christ. For our home is in Him. And He will never be shaken.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Look around these days, and you may wonder what the world is coming to. The simple answer might be, that it is coming to an end. When, however, is completely up to our Lord—not presidents, politicians, priests, or any other people. And though the world around us may seem to be falling apart, let not your hearts be troubled, God is in control. We know our Lord could come tomorrow, or perhaps not even in our lifetime. Yet we know with certainty He will come, and we know without question, the world will come to an end. At times, it is easy to see why we would become preoccupied with the end of the world. But worry and over-speculation are not fitting for the mind of a believer. We acknowledge what is, but trust that He is greater. We continue on in Christ, and we continue to love God and to love others. The whole world may be crumbling around us, yet we need not fear, but simply find peace in the eyes of Christ. For our home is in Him. And He will never be shaken.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Time
Job 7:1 (KJV) Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth?
Time is a gift. It is a commodity that once used up, is gone forever. Time is holy, a gift from God, given to each and every person on the face of the earth. God says in Ephesians 5 that we are to make the most of our time, and to use it wisely because the days are evil. From the day that you were born, until the day you die, is your gift of time given to you, to live on the earth and to honor God. It is your time. How will you use it wisely? The best way to honor God with it is to ask Him what your purpose is here on earth, and for Him to show you how to accomplish what He has destined you to be and to do. There's no better time than now to get right, to be prepared, to get back on track, to get honest with yourself and with God, and to be about His business. Your time is now!
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Time is a gift. It is a commodity that once used up, is gone forever. Time is holy, a gift from God, given to each and every person on the face of the earth. God says in Ephesians 5 that we are to make the most of our time, and to use it wisely because the days are evil. From the day that you were born, until the day you die, is your gift of time given to you, to live on the earth and to honor God. It is your time. How will you use it wisely? The best way to honor God with it is to ask Him what your purpose is here on earth, and for Him to show you how to accomplish what He has destined you to be and to do. There's no better time than now to get right, to be prepared, to get back on track, to get honest with yourself and with God, and to be about His business. Your time is now!
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Ministers of Grace
1 Peter 4:10, NKJV: As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
There is a simple question that comes to mind when I prepare to minister. That question is, “Lord, what do they need?” I have found that question often draws my mind to the most important part of ministry--the people to whom we are ministering. For, in fact, when we preach, or teach, or serve, or give in ministry we can easily become distracted by so many details that we lose sight of the reason for ministry. Ministry is not about me being used, but about lives being affected by God. In this equation, I am a simple instrument. And I can only be the best instrument when I let God use me as He chooses, and not how I suppose I ought to be used. My plans must be flexible, and my agenda must not even be a consideration. As I am the instrument, it is God who has the agenda, and the plan. It is always such a shame when our well-intended plans and agenda become the very things that quench the movement of the Spirit and prevent God from using us effectively to minister His manifold Grace.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
There is a simple question that comes to mind when I prepare to minister. That question is, “Lord, what do they need?” I have found that question often draws my mind to the most important part of ministry--the people to whom we are ministering. For, in fact, when we preach, or teach, or serve, or give in ministry we can easily become distracted by so many details that we lose sight of the reason for ministry. Ministry is not about me being used, but about lives being affected by God. In this equation, I am a simple instrument. And I can only be the best instrument when I let God use me as He chooses, and not how I suppose I ought to be used. My plans must be flexible, and my agenda must not even be a consideration. As I am the instrument, it is God who has the agenda, and the plan. It is always such a shame when our well-intended plans and agenda become the very things that quench the movement of the Spirit and prevent God from using us effectively to minister His manifold Grace.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Refuse!
Hebrews 11:24-28 (The Message) By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God's people rather than an opportunistic soft life of sin with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah's camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff. By an act of faith, he turned his heel on Egypt, indifferent to the king's blind rage. He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going. By an act of faith, he kept the Passover Feast and sprinkled Passover blood on each house so that the destroyer of the firstborn wouldn't touch them.
There are things we are going to have to refuse in our life if we want to walk forward in the things that God has for us. Refuse to believe the negative things people may have told you all your life. Refuse to think negative thoughts. Refuse to make choices that are for evil and not good. Refuse to believe that you don't have any gifts or talents, or that you can't be useful in the kingdom of God. God has created you for a purpose and He has a good plan for your future. However, you'll never arrive at that place He has for you if you don't refuse all the lies of doubt and defeat that the devil tries to throw your way everyday. You were created to do great things. Refuse to be second best, or anything less than what God has planned for you.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
There are things we are going to have to refuse in our life if we want to walk forward in the things that God has for us. Refuse to believe the negative things people may have told you all your life. Refuse to think negative thoughts. Refuse to make choices that are for evil and not good. Refuse to believe that you don't have any gifts or talents, or that you can't be useful in the kingdom of God. God has created you for a purpose and He has a good plan for your future. However, you'll never arrive at that place He has for you if you don't refuse all the lies of doubt and defeat that the devil tries to throw your way everyday. You were created to do great things. Refuse to be second best, or anything less than what God has planned for you.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Law of Love
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
It's a new year and new laws are being implemented in various states. In Kentucky Law Banning Texting While Driving is Now in Effect. In California there are 725 new state laws that took effect on January 1st. In other states throughout the country there are new laws that affect people in various ways. On the other hand, God has not changed. His law of love is still in effect. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things; love never fails. Jesus said to not merely love others as you love yourself, but to love others as He loves us. In 2011 and beyond, if you'll make the law of love your focus and endeavor to show it to those around you, you'll find that you can rise above any circumstance and truly be the light of the world that God has called you to be. Choose to put love first and leave a lasting affect on people you cross paths with. For God so loved the world...
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
It's a new year and new laws are being implemented in various states. In Kentucky Law Banning Texting While Driving is Now in Effect. In California there are 725 new state laws that took effect on January 1st. In other states throughout the country there are new laws that affect people in various ways. On the other hand, God has not changed. His law of love is still in effect. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things; love never fails. Jesus said to not merely love others as you love yourself, but to love others as He loves us. In 2011 and beyond, if you'll make the law of love your focus and endeavor to show it to those around you, you'll find that you can rise above any circumstance and truly be the light of the world that God has called you to be. Choose to put love first and leave a lasting affect on people you cross paths with. For God so loved the world...
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Filled to Overflowing
Psalm 23:5, NIV: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
God calls me to do something, and I begin with enthusiasm. But at some point my fervor fades, and my dedication dissipates. I find I’ve very little left to give. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been neglecting being filled. David said, “My cup overflows.” It is difficult to find your cup overflowing if you do not intentionally hold your cup under the outpouring of God. All too often, we ask the Lord why we feel empty, or why we don’t see His fruits, or why we don’t feel His presence, or His power, or understand His purpose. All too often, we struggle to find His will and wonder what we’re missing; all the while we have yet to diligently seek Him with a whole heart. We are like a man who eats nothing all day and wonders why he is hungry the next morning. But God is faithful, and “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Are you empty inside? Seek the Lord diligently and with all your heart. “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
God calls me to do something, and I begin with enthusiasm. But at some point my fervor fades, and my dedication dissipates. I find I’ve very little left to give. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been neglecting being filled. David said, “My cup overflows.” It is difficult to find your cup overflowing if you do not intentionally hold your cup under the outpouring of God. All too often, we ask the Lord why we feel empty, or why we don’t see His fruits, or why we don’t feel His presence, or His power, or understand His purpose. All too often, we struggle to find His will and wonder what we’re missing; all the while we have yet to diligently seek Him with a whole heart. We are like a man who eats nothing all day and wonders why he is hungry the next morning. But God is faithful, and “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Are you empty inside? Seek the Lord diligently and with all your heart. “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Continue in the Work
1 Corinthians 15:58 (Amplified Bible) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].
“Who are you to do it?” an accusing voice demands. “You are a hypocrite!” Your heart sinks, as you consider the accusation. But, then you hear another voice. “My grace is sufficient,” He assures. And you find in that voice of Truth what you need to continue in the work God has given you. The devil will try everything to discourage you from doing God’s work. The Lord may ask you to speak of His Love when you feel you’ve not been loving. He may ask you to speak of His Goodness, when your thinking, your behavior, or your lifestyle has not reflected His Goodness. If you are waiting until you are perfect before you serve, or teach, or preach--you will be waiting a long time. We will not always feel adequate for the work God gives us. Even while we are neck deep in serving Him, we will struggle with our weaknesses. But God’s Truth does not change just because you or I cannot live up to it. Continue to recognize the sin that is in you as sin, confess it, repent of it; and while you are doing that--continue in the labor of the Lord.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
“Who are you to do it?” an accusing voice demands. “You are a hypocrite!” Your heart sinks, as you consider the accusation. But, then you hear another voice. “My grace is sufficient,” He assures. And you find in that voice of Truth what you need to continue in the work God has given you. The devil will try everything to discourage you from doing God’s work. The Lord may ask you to speak of His Love when you feel you’ve not been loving. He may ask you to speak of His Goodness, when your thinking, your behavior, or your lifestyle has not reflected His Goodness. If you are waiting until you are perfect before you serve, or teach, or preach--you will be waiting a long time. We will not always feel adequate for the work God gives us. Even while we are neck deep in serving Him, we will struggle with our weaknesses. But God’s Truth does not change just because you or I cannot live up to it. Continue to recognize the sin that is in you as sin, confess it, repent of it; and while you are doing that--continue in the labor of the Lord.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Rubbing Against The Flesh
John 6:60 (Amplified Bible)
When His disciples heard this, many of them said, This is a hard and difficult and strange saying (an offensive and unbearable message). Who can stand to hear it? [Who can be expected to listen to such teaching?] After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him.
Jesus had finished explaining to many of his disciples some of the principles surrounding who He was. But what Jesus said was difficult for them to receive because what He said rubbed harshly against their flesh. What Jesus said did not settle with what they in their own human wisdom could reason out. "Many of his disciples," the scripture tells us, "turned back and no longer followed him." Their response was to say within themselves, "I just can't understand that--I don't even want to think about it." We like to feel secure in our beliefs and understandings about the way things are. When something or someone comes along that shakes those beliefs and causes us to question things of which we have felt secure in our understanding, our tendency is to resist. We become uncomfortable and insecure and find ourselves at the crossroads--wondering what is right and who is wrong. We have a choice: struggle through the questions, trusting God for the answers; or bow to the bliss of ignorance.
Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
When His disciples heard this, many of them said, This is a hard and difficult and strange saying (an offensive and unbearable message). Who can stand to hear it? [Who can be expected to listen to such teaching?] After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him.
Jesus had finished explaining to many of his disciples some of the principles surrounding who He was. But what Jesus said was difficult for them to receive because what He said rubbed harshly against their flesh. What Jesus said did not settle with what they in their own human wisdom could reason out. "Many of his disciples," the scripture tells us, "turned back and no longer followed him." Their response was to say within themselves, "I just can't understand that--I don't even want to think about it." We like to feel secure in our beliefs and understandings about the way things are. When something or someone comes along that shakes those beliefs and causes us to question things of which we have felt secure in our understanding, our tendency is to resist. We become uncomfortable and insecure and find ourselves at the crossroads--wondering what is right and who is wrong. We have a choice: struggle through the questions, trusting God for the answers; or bow to the bliss of ignorance.
Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
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