Daily Devotional
How to Know God is Leading You
By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
This week's topic: New Life In Christ
God guides us by closing one door then opening another. Abraham didn't know where he was going, but he knew he couldn't stay where he was - and that's enough to create movement in the right direction. Knowing you can't stay where you are is often the starting point of God's guidance. And it usually begins with an inward stirring and restlessness in your soul. Seasons have beginnings and endings. When a season is over, you sense it's time to move!
"They headed north [to]...Bithynia, but again the Spirit...said no. So instead they went on through Mysia province to the city of Troas. That night Paul had a vision. In his dream he saw a man over in Macedonia, Greece, pleading with him, 'Come over here and help us.' Well, that settled it. We would go to Macedonia, for we could only conclude that God was sending us to preach the Good News there" (Acts 16:7-10 TLB).
Notice, when God kept Paul from going into Asia, Paul didn't stay there praying and asking "why?" - he just kept moving. For Paul, trying something and it not working out was no big deal. He believed that his gift to God was his willing heart and his mobility, and that God's gift to him was that He would always guide him to where he needed to be. What God prevents, denies, or keeps us away from, is as much divine guidance as what He permits and opens up to us.
Every door that didn't open, every opportunity you didn't get, every call that didn't come, is as much God's guidance as those that did. Think about it!
Scripture Of The Day: "Abraham...obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." - Hebrews 11:8 NIV
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far.
Monday, January 10, 2011
I am Resolved
Daily Devotional
I Am Resolved
By Alan Riley
This week's topic: New Life In Christ
There's an old gospel song that I've always liked to sing around the New Year called "I Am Resolved." Since polls tell us that a large number of us will carry on the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions, the words of this old song make a couple of great suggestions for worthy resolutions for you and me:
I am resolved no longer to linger
Charmed by the world's delight
Things that are higher
Things that are nobler
These have allured my sight
It is so easy for us to get distracted by the "world's delight" and fail to make progress in our walk with and relationship with the Lord. In this New Year, I am resolved to set my sights on things that are higher and nobler.
I am resolved to go to the Savior
Leaving my sin and strife
He is the true one
He is the just one
He hath the words of life
As the time drew nearer for Jesus to give up His life, the going got tough for Jesus and those who followed Him. The Pharisees sought to trick Him into "blasphemy" and put Him to death. People were all in for the free food for 5,000 or getting healed from all manner of sicknesses and diseases, but now He began to talk about taking up your cross and following Him. The Bible tells us that many who had followed Him followed Him no more. Jesus turned to the disciples and said, "Will you leave also?" Simon Peter quickly replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of life!" In this New Year, I am resolved to follow Jesus no matter what my circumstances.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin
Friends may oppose me
Foes may beset me
Still will I enter in
Today, just as it was 2,000 years ago, Jesus has many fair weather friends. If you don't believe it, just see how church attendance drops the next time a big rainstorm comes on Sunday. Around the world there are believers who risk their lives by coming to worship, and in the West, we are deterred by a few drops of water. This year, I am resolved to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, no matter who or what may oppose me.
I am resolved and who will go with me?
Come friends without delay
Taught by the Bible
Led by the Spirit
We'll walk the heavenly way
This year I am resolved to share the Good News of Jesus with people that He places me in contact with. I want to be passionate about bringing people with me to heaven.
Striving to keep these resolutions will reap eternal benefits!
Scripture Of The Day: "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." - Mark 8:34-35
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
I Am Resolved
By Alan Riley
This week's topic: New Life In Christ
There's an old gospel song that I've always liked to sing around the New Year called "I Am Resolved." Since polls tell us that a large number of us will carry on the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions, the words of this old song make a couple of great suggestions for worthy resolutions for you and me:
I am resolved no longer to linger
Charmed by the world's delight
Things that are higher
Things that are nobler
These have allured my sight
It is so easy for us to get distracted by the "world's delight" and fail to make progress in our walk with and relationship with the Lord. In this New Year, I am resolved to set my sights on things that are higher and nobler.
I am resolved to go to the Savior
Leaving my sin and strife
He is the true one
He is the just one
He hath the words of life
As the time drew nearer for Jesus to give up His life, the going got tough for Jesus and those who followed Him. The Pharisees sought to trick Him into "blasphemy" and put Him to death. People were all in for the free food for 5,000 or getting healed from all manner of sicknesses and diseases, but now He began to talk about taking up your cross and following Him. The Bible tells us that many who had followed Him followed Him no more. Jesus turned to the disciples and said, "Will you leave also?" Simon Peter quickly replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of life!" In this New Year, I am resolved to follow Jesus no matter what my circumstances.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin
Friends may oppose me
Foes may beset me
Still will I enter in
Today, just as it was 2,000 years ago, Jesus has many fair weather friends. If you don't believe it, just see how church attendance drops the next time a big rainstorm comes on Sunday. Around the world there are believers who risk their lives by coming to worship, and in the West, we are deterred by a few drops of water. This year, I am resolved to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, no matter who or what may oppose me.
I am resolved and who will go with me?
Come friends without delay
Taught by the Bible
Led by the Spirit
We'll walk the heavenly way
This year I am resolved to share the Good News of Jesus with people that He places me in contact with. I want to be passionate about bringing people with me to heaven.
Striving to keep these resolutions will reap eternal benefits!
Scripture Of The Day: "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." - Mark 8:34-35
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Art Of Re-Gifting
2011
Saturday
08
January
Daily Devotional
The Art of Re-gifting
By Robin May
This week's topic: A New Beginning
A few weeks ago during the Christmas holiday, I posted the following question on my Facebook page: "Do you believe that re-gifting is tacky or resourceful".
As I am sure you can imagine I received a plethora of responses that varied from "Yes! It most certainly is resourceful" to the exact opposite, "I think it's absolutely tacky". While I posted that question just to spark casual conversation about the common practice of re-gifting, I have since been unable to shake the question out of my mind.
Most often in my walk with the Lord, when something stays on my mind, it's often a whisper from God to my heart. However, it was hard for me to take myself seriously this time. What in the world could God have to say about 're-gifting?'
When we think of re-gifting what do we mean? In the simplest definition it means receiving a gift and then instead of keeping the gift, passing it on to someone else. Are you catching it yet? You receive a gift and you pass it on to someone else. That summarizes exactly what God has called us to do!
He has placed in each of us a special gift. All of us, I don't care what you've been told or what you've experienced, all of us were created with a specific purpose; a unique gift. (If you don't believe me I encourage you to read Jeremiah 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:7, or Isaiah 42:6).
But the gift that he has given us is not intended for us to hold on to them, but rather "re-gift" our gift from God! In Mark 4:21 Jesus asks "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lamp stand? " In other words, a light is meant to shine for others to see.
He gave gifts to us for us to pass them onto someone else. But there is one distinction. Most times we re-gift items to others that are our left-overs or items we don't want. That's not God's desire. He wants us to re-gift our very best. Because as we all know "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:17).
As you ponder this issue of re-gifting allow me to ask you a few questions:
Do you have the gift of song?
If so, don't simply use your gift for the confines of your shower; allow your gift of song to calm someone's anxious heart.
Do you have the gift of writing?
If so, don't simply use the gift for your personal journal; allow that gift to encourage someone during a challenging time.
There is a popular TV show called "Hoarders" and it highlights persons struggling with an obsessive compulsion to stockpile things in their home to the extent that it causes personal crisis in their life. At risk of being an extremist, I believe that those of us who have been given a gift from the Lord but refuse to share the gift with others could be accused of being a lot like these persons on this show...hoarders.
As we embark upon this New Year I am sure you have at least thought about what you want to improve upon in this new decade. Why not add the habit of re-gifting to your list? Believe it or not, it's not tacky at all!
Scripture Of The Day: "Every good and perfect gift is from above" - James 1:17
Robin May is a much sought-after speaker, relationship coach and mental health therapist. She is the author of Before You Take His Name and founder of http://www.ibelieveinmarriage.com. For more information about Robin, visit http://www.virtuespeaks.com.
Saturday
08
January
Daily Devotional
The Art of Re-gifting
By Robin May
This week's topic: A New Beginning
A few weeks ago during the Christmas holiday, I posted the following question on my Facebook page: "Do you believe that re-gifting is tacky or resourceful".
As I am sure you can imagine I received a plethora of responses that varied from "Yes! It most certainly is resourceful" to the exact opposite, "I think it's absolutely tacky". While I posted that question just to spark casual conversation about the common practice of re-gifting, I have since been unable to shake the question out of my mind.
Most often in my walk with the Lord, when something stays on my mind, it's often a whisper from God to my heart. However, it was hard for me to take myself seriously this time. What in the world could God have to say about 're-gifting?'
When we think of re-gifting what do we mean? In the simplest definition it means receiving a gift and then instead of keeping the gift, passing it on to someone else. Are you catching it yet? You receive a gift and you pass it on to someone else. That summarizes exactly what God has called us to do!
He has placed in each of us a special gift. All of us, I don't care what you've been told or what you've experienced, all of us were created with a specific purpose; a unique gift. (If you don't believe me I encourage you to read Jeremiah 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:7, or Isaiah 42:6).
But the gift that he has given us is not intended for us to hold on to them, but rather "re-gift" our gift from God! In Mark 4:21 Jesus asks "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lamp stand? " In other words, a light is meant to shine for others to see.
He gave gifts to us for us to pass them onto someone else. But there is one distinction. Most times we re-gift items to others that are our left-overs or items we don't want. That's not God's desire. He wants us to re-gift our very best. Because as we all know "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:17).
As you ponder this issue of re-gifting allow me to ask you a few questions:
Do you have the gift of song?
If so, don't simply use your gift for the confines of your shower; allow your gift of song to calm someone's anxious heart.
Do you have the gift of writing?
If so, don't simply use the gift for your personal journal; allow that gift to encourage someone during a challenging time.
There is a popular TV show called "Hoarders" and it highlights persons struggling with an obsessive compulsion to stockpile things in their home to the extent that it causes personal crisis in their life. At risk of being an extremist, I believe that those of us who have been given a gift from the Lord but refuse to share the gift with others could be accused of being a lot like these persons on this show...hoarders.
As we embark upon this New Year I am sure you have at least thought about what you want to improve upon in this new decade. Why not add the habit of re-gifting to your list? Believe it or not, it's not tacky at all!
Scripture Of The Day: "Every good and perfect gift is from above" - James 1:17
Robin May is a much sought-after speaker, relationship coach and mental health therapist. She is the author of Before You Take His Name and founder of http://www.ibelieveinmarriage.com. For more information about Robin, visit http://www.virtuespeaks.com.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
From Darkness To Light
2010
Saturday
11
December
Daily Devotional
From Darkness to Light
By Greg Laurie
This week's topic: In Need Of A Savior
People have asked me for the one thing they could say to their unbelieving friends to make them become Christians. They want to know the one truth that no one can resist. But I have no such truth—nor does anyone else. There is nothing I can say or you can say that will make a person believe.
To me, conversion is a mystery. I have seen it happen it many times, but I don't understand it. I don't understand why God uses someone like me to articulate a message, and then the Holy Spirit makes it resonate with the listener. But I have seen it happen, even when I am speaking, as I watch a person's reaction. God's Holy Spirit is opening his or her eyes to the truth of the gospel. And when an invitation is extended and that person comes forward, it is exciting to see what God has done.
When we pray for unbelievers, not only should we ask God to open their eyes, but we should also pray they would turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Only God can open their eyes, but only they can turn from darkness to light. Only God can make them aware of their need for Christ, but only they can put their faith in Christ. God won't do it for them; He has given them a free will. Therefore, it is up to them to respond and decide.
There are a lot of people who are trying to live in two worlds. They know what is true. They effectively believe it is true. But they have not turned from darkness to light. Have you turned from darkness to light? Are you following Jesus Christ? Or are you just going through the rituals?
Scripture Of The Day: "‘Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.'" - Acts 26:17-18
Greg Laurie serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. For more about Greg
Saturday
11
December
Daily Devotional
From Darkness to Light
By Greg Laurie
This week's topic: In Need Of A Savior
People have asked me for the one thing they could say to their unbelieving friends to make them become Christians. They want to know the one truth that no one can resist. But I have no such truth—nor does anyone else. There is nothing I can say or you can say that will make a person believe.
To me, conversion is a mystery. I have seen it happen it many times, but I don't understand it. I don't understand why God uses someone like me to articulate a message, and then the Holy Spirit makes it resonate with the listener. But I have seen it happen, even when I am speaking, as I watch a person's reaction. God's Holy Spirit is opening his or her eyes to the truth of the gospel. And when an invitation is extended and that person comes forward, it is exciting to see what God has done.
When we pray for unbelievers, not only should we ask God to open their eyes, but we should also pray they would turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Only God can open their eyes, but only they can turn from darkness to light. Only God can make them aware of their need for Christ, but only they can put their faith in Christ. God won't do it for them; He has given them a free will. Therefore, it is up to them to respond and decide.
There are a lot of people who are trying to live in two worlds. They know what is true. They effectively believe it is true. But they have not turned from darkness to light. Have you turned from darkness to light? Are you following Jesus Christ? Or are you just going through the rituals?
Scripture Of The Day: "‘Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.'" - Acts 26:17-18
Greg Laurie serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. For more about Greg
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
In Need Of A Saviour
Daily Devotional
Receive the Lord Today
By Bishop Keith Butler
This week's topic: In Need Of A Savior
The Lord is merciful. He is reaching out His hand for all to receive Jesus today, not tomorrow. Don't think simply because you are young that means you then have a visa card of life to do whatever you want without consequences. Not true. God is against sin because sin will kill you.
Often "reproved" means that he's been warned and warned and warned. The Holy Ghost will warn you not to do this, not to go this way, not to be with these people, not to be in this place. He'll keep warning you. As he keeps warning people, there are people who will listen and then there are people who will not. They keep going their own way. Yet God keeps trying to get to them. You may have been rejecting God. God keeps calling for you, and you keep on rejecting him because you want to do what you want to do, the way you want to do it, and still think you're going to get into heaven. Well, the scripture says that he that is often reproved shall be destroyed suddenly without remedy. (Proverbs 29:1)
Suddenly he will be destroyed, and without remedy. I heard R. W. Schambach talk about how a 15- or 16-year-old boy came to a church that he was pastoring. He drove a motorcycle. And the spirit of God moved on him to minister to that young boy and told him, "Son, you need to get saved today; Get saved today." The boy was being drawn by the Holy Ghost and shrugged it off. He said, "I'm not ready yet. I'll do it when I'm ready." He walked on out of that church. He got on his bike heading home. The pavement was wet and he therefore lost control of that bike and wound up in the grill of an 18 wheeler truck. He met eternity suddenly. He wasn't prepared. He thought he had all day.
I submit to you that you don't have all day to decide to follow God. Who are you to tell God to wait? Who are you to tell God when you're ready? When God calls you, you'd better answer and come. He loves you, and His mercy is out there. So come to Him now while it is called today.
Scripture Of The Day: "He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." - Proverbs 29:1 (KJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
Receive the Lord Today
By Bishop Keith Butler
This week's topic: In Need Of A Savior
The Lord is merciful. He is reaching out His hand for all to receive Jesus today, not tomorrow. Don't think simply because you are young that means you then have a visa card of life to do whatever you want without consequences. Not true. God is against sin because sin will kill you.
Often "reproved" means that he's been warned and warned and warned. The Holy Ghost will warn you not to do this, not to go this way, not to be with these people, not to be in this place. He'll keep warning you. As he keeps warning people, there are people who will listen and then there are people who will not. They keep going their own way. Yet God keeps trying to get to them. You may have been rejecting God. God keeps calling for you, and you keep on rejecting him because you want to do what you want to do, the way you want to do it, and still think you're going to get into heaven. Well, the scripture says that he that is often reproved shall be destroyed suddenly without remedy. (Proverbs 29:1)
Suddenly he will be destroyed, and without remedy. I heard R. W. Schambach talk about how a 15- or 16-year-old boy came to a church that he was pastoring. He drove a motorcycle. And the spirit of God moved on him to minister to that young boy and told him, "Son, you need to get saved today; Get saved today." The boy was being drawn by the Holy Ghost and shrugged it off. He said, "I'm not ready yet. I'll do it when I'm ready." He walked on out of that church. He got on his bike heading home. The pavement was wet and he therefore lost control of that bike and wound up in the grill of an 18 wheeler truck. He met eternity suddenly. He wasn't prepared. He thought he had all day.
I submit to you that you don't have all day to decide to follow God. Who are you to tell God to wait? Who are you to tell God when you're ready? When God calls you, you'd better answer and come. He loves you, and His mercy is out there. So come to Him now while it is called today.
Scripture Of The Day: "He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." - Proverbs 29:1 (KJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Power of Accountability
Daily Devotional
The Power of Accountability
By Bonnie St. John
This week's topic: The Power Of Accountability
If you want to deepen your experience of these daily devotional messages and thus your relationship with God, consider choosing a prayer partner to share this journey with you.
Going through each devotional with a friend or prayer partner creates a great opportunity to discuss your thoughts, feelings and insights along the way, deepening your understanding. It is also helpful to have someone who will hold you accountable and challenge you to stay on track. And of course, as we know, where two or more are gathered, He is there. So with a prayer partner it’s a mini-prayer meeting!
Whatever frequency you set up, daily, weekly, or even monthly, you can meet in person or by phone. Try starting each meeting with a prayer. You can read the daily devotional out loud, and discuss any insights that emerge. Or, if not meeting daily, each of you can bring one devotional that has touched you since the last time you met. Take turns reading your devotional message and explaining why it resonated with you.
You may also want to prayerfully commit to your partner that you will take certain actions or make changes in the time before your next meeting. Close with a prayer to strengthen you and your prayer partner for the journey.
At your next meeting, you can check in on whether you were able to accomplish your goals (or not—we are human!) and how the discussion topic showed up in your actions and attitudes. Sharing this journey with a partner will significantly increase your ability to learn to live God’s joy in the world; it can double your joy! Having a partner keeps you accountable and therefore makes a more powerful impact on your life.
Are you willing to experience the power of accountability?
If you’ve decided that having a prayer partner feels right to you, take time now to list three potential prayer partners. Get in touch and if your first choice isn’t available for this journey right now, keep trying until you find someone who is.
You are on your way!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV
Bonnie St. John is a professional speaker and Olympic medalist, who has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, the 700 Club, and Life Today. The author of How Strong Women Pray and Live Your Joy, Bonnie St. John is committed to reaching out to the world with a message of triumph over circumstance. For more information about Bonnie, log onto http://www.bonniestjohn.com…
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
The Power of Accountability
By Bonnie St. John
This week's topic: The Power Of Accountability
If you want to deepen your experience of these daily devotional messages and thus your relationship with God, consider choosing a prayer partner to share this journey with you.
Going through each devotional with a friend or prayer partner creates a great opportunity to discuss your thoughts, feelings and insights along the way, deepening your understanding. It is also helpful to have someone who will hold you accountable and challenge you to stay on track. And of course, as we know, where two or more are gathered, He is there. So with a prayer partner it’s a mini-prayer meeting!
Whatever frequency you set up, daily, weekly, or even monthly, you can meet in person or by phone. Try starting each meeting with a prayer. You can read the daily devotional out loud, and discuss any insights that emerge. Or, if not meeting daily, each of you can bring one devotional that has touched you since the last time you met. Take turns reading your devotional message and explaining why it resonated with you.
You may also want to prayerfully commit to your partner that you will take certain actions or make changes in the time before your next meeting. Close with a prayer to strengthen you and your prayer partner for the journey.
At your next meeting, you can check in on whether you were able to accomplish your goals (or not—we are human!) and how the discussion topic showed up in your actions and attitudes. Sharing this journey with a partner will significantly increase your ability to learn to live God’s joy in the world; it can double your joy! Having a partner keeps you accountable and therefore makes a more powerful impact on your life.
Are you willing to experience the power of accountability?
If you’ve decided that having a prayer partner feels right to you, take time now to list three potential prayer partners. Get in touch and if your first choice isn’t available for this journey right now, keep trying until you find someone who is.
You are on your way!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV
Bonnie St. John is a professional speaker and Olympic medalist, who has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, the 700 Club, and Life Today. The author of How Strong Women Pray and Live Your Joy, Bonnie St. John is committed to reaching out to the world with a message of triumph over circumstance. For more information about Bonnie, log onto http://www.bonniestjohn.com…
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Accountability of Passion
Daily Devotional
The Accountability Of Passion
By Lisa Birch
This week's topic: The Power Of Accountability
I got sucked into reality TV recently about a popular entertainment industry mogul.
He talked about how he hadn't slept for days because of the projects he was so heavily involved with. On this particular mission he set out to deliver new and different work and he went at it full force. He surrounded himself with top talent, fine tuned the good stuff, got rid of the bad, learned new techniques, stretched his skill set, and practiced to near perfection. He put in as many if not more hours than his support team. He was clearly exhausted, but still driven to create the best.
I'll have to admit that by the end of the episode I was sold on this man's passion.
A person of mogul status doesn't get to where he is without passion. Yes we all strive to be and do our best, but when passion shows up it takes on a different look.
It's peculiar and relentless. It elevates things to a new level and is strong enough to push you past the point where others normally stop. Rest is vital for the body and balance is key, but there are times when passion overrides sleep and even satisfies the appetite.
When all signs indicated that the guy in the reality show should slow down or stop, the power of passion held him accountable to keep going.
Think about Christ.
He was tired, beaten and bloody, but nothing could stop His passion (thank God!). No boundaries, no persecutions, no haters.
Not even death.
If you're passionate about anything at all, you've made some sacrifices in your life and you've realized some successes. But how much passion do we truly have for God and His word?
Even 99 percent isn't enough.
Lord, I pray by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I develop a passion for You that's so intense it holds me accountable like nothing else will. Make me crazily ambitious for Your word, and set me on fire to love, serve, honor and put you first every day. Amen.
Scripture Of The Day: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." - Matthew 5:6
Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and ministerial environments. For more on Lisa, log onto http://www.verticalfix.com.
The Accountability Of Passion
By Lisa Birch
This week's topic: The Power Of Accountability
I got sucked into reality TV recently about a popular entertainment industry mogul.
He talked about how he hadn't slept for days because of the projects he was so heavily involved with. On this particular mission he set out to deliver new and different work and he went at it full force. He surrounded himself with top talent, fine tuned the good stuff, got rid of the bad, learned new techniques, stretched his skill set, and practiced to near perfection. He put in as many if not more hours than his support team. He was clearly exhausted, but still driven to create the best.
I'll have to admit that by the end of the episode I was sold on this man's passion.
A person of mogul status doesn't get to where he is without passion. Yes we all strive to be and do our best, but when passion shows up it takes on a different look.
It's peculiar and relentless. It elevates things to a new level and is strong enough to push you past the point where others normally stop. Rest is vital for the body and balance is key, but there are times when passion overrides sleep and even satisfies the appetite.
When all signs indicated that the guy in the reality show should slow down or stop, the power of passion held him accountable to keep going.
Think about Christ.
He was tired, beaten and bloody, but nothing could stop His passion (thank God!). No boundaries, no persecutions, no haters.
Not even death.
If you're passionate about anything at all, you've made some sacrifices in your life and you've realized some successes. But how much passion do we truly have for God and His word?
Even 99 percent isn't enough.
Lord, I pray by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I develop a passion for You that's so intense it holds me accountable like nothing else will. Make me crazily ambitious for Your word, and set me on fire to love, serve, honor and put you first every day. Amen.
Scripture Of The Day: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." - Matthew 5:6
Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and ministerial environments. For more on Lisa, log onto http://www.verticalfix.com.
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Power of Accountability
Daily Devotional
Accountability
By Tanya James
This week's topic: The Power Of Accountability
Accountability; what a 14 letter word!
But what does it mean?
"Accountability is the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable"
So why do I think OUCH when I think of accountability?
Because for true accountability to take place, there has to be a serious level of transparency, and for many that is a hard place to be. YET, there is so much power in it.
I remember before I got married and I had finally decided to obey God's mandates as it related to abstinence until marriage; one of the first things I did was find accountability partners.
People that I could trust and confide in that would not just pray for or with me but people that would help keep me in check. You know, people that would call after my date with tall, dark and handsome, just to make sure I was home...in my bed...by myself.
There were MANY of days I wanted to dodge my accountability partners or to tell them to leave me alone because I was a grown woman and could make my own decisions, but God sent them into my life to help me get off that fence of sexual immorality.
I needed that support system even if I didn't always want it! We all need support systems because it's not always easy to keep our commitments to living a life pleasing unto God.
Just make sure you are walking with someone that will help you in your commitments (whatever they are) and not people that will encourage you to go against God's word.
Proverbs 13:30 says "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Find yourself an accountability partner, but make sure you use wisdom; don't have a fool holding you accountable! And once you find that person, be open, transparent and totally honest and watch how God will use them to make you a better person!
Scripture Of The Day: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." - Proverbs 13:20 NASB
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Accountability
By Tanya James
This week's topic: The Power Of Accountability
Accountability; what a 14 letter word!
But what does it mean?
"Accountability is the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable"
So why do I think OUCH when I think of accountability?
Because for true accountability to take place, there has to be a serious level of transparency, and for many that is a hard place to be. YET, there is so much power in it.
I remember before I got married and I had finally decided to obey God's mandates as it related to abstinence until marriage; one of the first things I did was find accountability partners.
People that I could trust and confide in that would not just pray for or with me but people that would help keep me in check. You know, people that would call after my date with tall, dark and handsome, just to make sure I was home...in my bed...by myself.
There were MANY of days I wanted to dodge my accountability partners or to tell them to leave me alone because I was a grown woman and could make my own decisions, but God sent them into my life to help me get off that fence of sexual immorality.
I needed that support system even if I didn't always want it! We all need support systems because it's not always easy to keep our commitments to living a life pleasing unto God.
Just make sure you are walking with someone that will help you in your commitments (whatever they are) and not people that will encourage you to go against God's word.
Proverbs 13:30 says "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Find yourself an accountability partner, but make sure you use wisdom; don't have a fool holding you accountable! And once you find that person, be open, transparent and totally honest and watch how God will use them to make you a better person!
Scripture Of The Day: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." - Proverbs 13:20 NASB
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Getting Your Priorities In Order
Holiness—Getting Your Priorities In Order
By Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr.
This week's topic: Holiness
Do you have daily “intimate” fellowship with God? A life of holiness in the believer demands a life of priority, precedence, and first preference for God, such as with David, “a man after God’s own heart.”
David was consumed with a love and deep passion for God, “Oh God, thou art my God: Early will I seek You, My soul thirsts for You, My flesh longs for You, in a dry and thirsty land, Where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1-2
Developing Christian character is a work of establishing set order in our lives. The worship of God is a spiritual discipline that exhibits the values of living holy. Spending quality time in the presence of God is how David expressed his passion.
It was the “one thing” in his day that took precedence in his life, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His tabernacle.” Psalm 27:4.
The Disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray and He gave them the whole spiritual dynamic written in Matthew 6, “Give us this day, our daily bread….” The focal point is that EACH DAY, God wants to have daily fellowship with us; not a casual, materialistic, lop-sided, one-dimensional relationship, but an intimate DAILY fellowship of spending time together in His presence.
He has so much that he wants to give to us, yet He does not bestow all of it upon us up front, else we would not come back. What we need will fall into place when we get our priorities in order.
How else will God know our passion if we do not spend time with Him? Like David, our example, God desires intimacy and a purposeful relationship with His children. How would you feel if a stranger asked to borrow your car? A red flag would check you immediately and you probably would respond, “Hey, I don’t know you like that!”
That is the way some people treat God -- too casual, too complacent, and not making a reasonable investment in building a relationship with Him. God comes where He is celebrated. When we pursue His presence, it shows God how much we value a relationship with Him.
Getting closer to God is tantamount to holiness in our Christian walk. We are too needy a people who require God’s provisions for our daily survival. This fact was demonstrated in the lives of the children of Israel who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years when God’s supply never ran out.
Each day was a total dependence on the Lord to send them fresh manna from heaven for their daily nourishment. No one suffered lack and no one needed to be greedy. God made enough manna every day for everyone. Yet, if anyone hoarded the manna overnight, it provoked God to send worms to eat it up so the people would learn the basic principle of dependence on Him and His grace for their daily survival.
God’s sustaining provisions daily load us with benefits.
Living holy is a conscious act of discipline and a priority to make Him first in our lives.
Scripture Of The Day: "For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness." - 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (ESV)
Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. is the Senior Pastor, CEO and founder of New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC). The focus of the ministry is to exemplify the love of Jesus Christ with a passion for helping people. For more information, visit http://www.ndcc.tv/.
By Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr.
This week's topic: Holiness
Do you have daily “intimate” fellowship with God? A life of holiness in the believer demands a life of priority, precedence, and first preference for God, such as with David, “a man after God’s own heart.”
David was consumed with a love and deep passion for God, “Oh God, thou art my God: Early will I seek You, My soul thirsts for You, My flesh longs for You, in a dry and thirsty land, Where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1-2
Developing Christian character is a work of establishing set order in our lives. The worship of God is a spiritual discipline that exhibits the values of living holy. Spending quality time in the presence of God is how David expressed his passion.
It was the “one thing” in his day that took precedence in his life, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His tabernacle.” Psalm 27:4.
The Disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray and He gave them the whole spiritual dynamic written in Matthew 6, “Give us this day, our daily bread….” The focal point is that EACH DAY, God wants to have daily fellowship with us; not a casual, materialistic, lop-sided, one-dimensional relationship, but an intimate DAILY fellowship of spending time together in His presence.
He has so much that he wants to give to us, yet He does not bestow all of it upon us up front, else we would not come back. What we need will fall into place when we get our priorities in order.
How else will God know our passion if we do not spend time with Him? Like David, our example, God desires intimacy and a purposeful relationship with His children. How would you feel if a stranger asked to borrow your car? A red flag would check you immediately and you probably would respond, “Hey, I don’t know you like that!”
That is the way some people treat God -- too casual, too complacent, and not making a reasonable investment in building a relationship with Him. God comes where He is celebrated. When we pursue His presence, it shows God how much we value a relationship with Him.
Getting closer to God is tantamount to holiness in our Christian walk. We are too needy a people who require God’s provisions for our daily survival. This fact was demonstrated in the lives of the children of Israel who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years when God’s supply never ran out.
Each day was a total dependence on the Lord to send them fresh manna from heaven for their daily nourishment. No one suffered lack and no one needed to be greedy. God made enough manna every day for everyone. Yet, if anyone hoarded the manna overnight, it provoked God to send worms to eat it up so the people would learn the basic principle of dependence on Him and His grace for their daily survival.
God’s sustaining provisions daily load us with benefits.
Living holy is a conscious act of discipline and a priority to make Him first in our lives.
Scripture Of The Day: "For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness." - 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (ESV)
Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. is the Senior Pastor, CEO and founder of New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC). The focus of the ministry is to exemplify the love of Jesus Christ with a passion for helping people. For more information, visit http://www.ndcc.tv/.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Keeping Yourself Holy and Pure
Daily Devotional
Keeping Yourself Holy and Pure
By Bishop Keith Butler
This week's topic: Holiness
There are many traps set for the single individual who is living holy. The Bible tells you what to do in a dating relationship that begins to develop into ungodly behavior. 1 Cor. 6:17 says to flee fornication. What does "flee" mean? Flee doesn't mean, "I can deal with it." Flee means get on your running shoes and run. In other words, when you come into a scenario and sense that there is ungodly potential there, don't hang around. Get out of Dodge. That is how you keep yourself holy.
Prayer is essential for the single individual. You have to be prayed up so that you can see trouble coming, and so that you will have strength to flee. Proverbs 6:27 says, "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?" Flee that situation.
This is one reason why a born again brother may end a relationship with a born again sister. Men know that they cannot deal with holding on to a woman and stay holy. So, if he dates a single woman a couple of times, and she jumps all on him, he is going to cut it short. He is trying to be saved. If this woman keeps on messing with him he knows he is going to get in trouble. So he decides he cannot see her anymore, and ends it.
That goes the other way too. Here is a single woman living holy before God. She is dating this guy. They have only been out once or twice, and he has his paws all over her. Here is what to do with him: "Sorry Charlie. I'm looking for a holy man." She will not deal with him any further. She is looking for somebody who can exhibit control.
Holiness is self-control. The way to get a godly mate is to exhibit self-control in your life. Nothing is worth losing your testimony over. So, stay in prayer and in the Word. It is there that you will be strengthened to keep yourself holy and pure, and to live a life pleasing to God.
Scripture Of The Day: "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." - 1 Corinthians 6:17-18 (KJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Keeping Yourself Holy and Pure
By Bishop Keith Butler
This week's topic: Holiness
There are many traps set for the single individual who is living holy. The Bible tells you what to do in a dating relationship that begins to develop into ungodly behavior. 1 Cor. 6:17 says to flee fornication. What does "flee" mean? Flee doesn't mean, "I can deal with it." Flee means get on your running shoes and run. In other words, when you come into a scenario and sense that there is ungodly potential there, don't hang around. Get out of Dodge. That is how you keep yourself holy.
Prayer is essential for the single individual. You have to be prayed up so that you can see trouble coming, and so that you will have strength to flee. Proverbs 6:27 says, "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?" Flee that situation.
This is one reason why a born again brother may end a relationship with a born again sister. Men know that they cannot deal with holding on to a woman and stay holy. So, if he dates a single woman a couple of times, and she jumps all on him, he is going to cut it short. He is trying to be saved. If this woman keeps on messing with him he knows he is going to get in trouble. So he decides he cannot see her anymore, and ends it.
That goes the other way too. Here is a single woman living holy before God. She is dating this guy. They have only been out once or twice, and he has his paws all over her. Here is what to do with him: "Sorry Charlie. I'm looking for a holy man." She will not deal with him any further. She is looking for somebody who can exhibit control.
Holiness is self-control. The way to get a godly mate is to exhibit self-control in your life. Nothing is worth losing your testimony over. So, stay in prayer and in the Word. It is there that you will be strengthened to keep yourself holy and pure, and to live a life pleasing to God.
Scripture Of The Day: "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." - 1 Corinthians 6:17-18 (KJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The Hard Fight Against Lust
Daily Devotional
The Hard Fight Against Lust
By Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
This week's topic: Holiness
The American Heritage Dictionary defines lust as “a sexual craving, especially excessive or unrestrained; any overwhelming desire or craving.” While there are many types of lust, sexual lust is probably one of the most dangerous because it is a seed that, when planted, can produce a harvest of fornication and even death.
James 1:14-15 (AMP) says, “But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death.”
Anytime you have an overwhelming sexual desire for someone who is not your spouse, it has the potential to kill you and pull you away from the will of God for your life.
Why do people give in to sexual lust? Because it “feels good” or because they don’t really believe that there are consequences. The truth of the matter is that lust can be difficult to control because it is a desire that cannot be quenched. Lust will never be satisfied; it must always have more.
To combat lust, you must create boundaries in your life that help keep you out of potentially compromising situations. If you’re single, for example, avoid late-night visits and phone conversations with members of the opposite sex.
Or, if you know you are challenged in this area, confide in a friend who can keep you accountable and help you maintain your purity. But the best way to quench the fire of lust is through the Word of God. It is always the best source of power when it comes to defeating any type of sin, including lust. If you are struggling with lust, follow these steps to help you overcome this sin in your life:
1) Focus on the will of God. When you choose to give your attention to anything that opposes God’s Word, you leave yourself vulnerable for lust to enter your mind, body and spirit. It then conceives and brings forth sin, and eventually leads to death. Stay focused on God’s will and plan for your life. Stay on track!
2) Guard your eyes and ears. If you conceive a child, nine months later a child will be born. It is the same way with lust. If you sit up all night watching pornography, for example, that seed will be planted into your spirit and you’ll eventually see the results of it in your life. Make it a point to monitor the material you allow into your spirit through your eyes and ears. It really does have an ability to alter your behavior.
3) Think about the Word. Satan’s most powerful weapon is the power of suggestion. His job is to try to inject a pattern of thinking into your mind that goes against the Word of God. But if you continue to read and study God’s Word, your mind will be better equipped to discern the truth from Satan’s lies.
4) Speak the Word. Try this exercise. Count to yourself from 1 to 10, keeping your mouth closed. Now say out loud, “Glory Hallelujah!” What happened to your counting? It stopped. Why? Because it was captured by what was coming out of your mouth. You can combat lustful thoughts and desires by shifting your focus to the Word of God and making daily verbal confessions over your life about your purity and wholeness in Christ.
Make this confession over your life: Father, I thank You that today I am free from the spirit of lust. I will no longer think lustful thoughts, but instead I will think on things that are true, things that are noble, just and pure (Philippians 4:8).
I walk in complete victory and self-control over my mind and my body in Jesus’ name, amen!
Scripture Of The Day: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." - Romans 13:14 (ESV)
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, located in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning “Changing Your World” television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit http://www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org…
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
The Hard Fight Against Lust
By Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
This week's topic: Holiness
The American Heritage Dictionary defines lust as “a sexual craving, especially excessive or unrestrained; any overwhelming desire or craving.” While there are many types of lust, sexual lust is probably one of the most dangerous because it is a seed that, when planted, can produce a harvest of fornication and even death.
James 1:14-15 (AMP) says, “But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death.”
Anytime you have an overwhelming sexual desire for someone who is not your spouse, it has the potential to kill you and pull you away from the will of God for your life.
Why do people give in to sexual lust? Because it “feels good” or because they don’t really believe that there are consequences. The truth of the matter is that lust can be difficult to control because it is a desire that cannot be quenched. Lust will never be satisfied; it must always have more.
To combat lust, you must create boundaries in your life that help keep you out of potentially compromising situations. If you’re single, for example, avoid late-night visits and phone conversations with members of the opposite sex.
Or, if you know you are challenged in this area, confide in a friend who can keep you accountable and help you maintain your purity. But the best way to quench the fire of lust is through the Word of God. It is always the best source of power when it comes to defeating any type of sin, including lust. If you are struggling with lust, follow these steps to help you overcome this sin in your life:
1) Focus on the will of God. When you choose to give your attention to anything that opposes God’s Word, you leave yourself vulnerable for lust to enter your mind, body and spirit. It then conceives and brings forth sin, and eventually leads to death. Stay focused on God’s will and plan for your life. Stay on track!
2) Guard your eyes and ears. If you conceive a child, nine months later a child will be born. It is the same way with lust. If you sit up all night watching pornography, for example, that seed will be planted into your spirit and you’ll eventually see the results of it in your life. Make it a point to monitor the material you allow into your spirit through your eyes and ears. It really does have an ability to alter your behavior.
3) Think about the Word. Satan’s most powerful weapon is the power of suggestion. His job is to try to inject a pattern of thinking into your mind that goes against the Word of God. But if you continue to read and study God’s Word, your mind will be better equipped to discern the truth from Satan’s lies.
4) Speak the Word. Try this exercise. Count to yourself from 1 to 10, keeping your mouth closed. Now say out loud, “Glory Hallelujah!” What happened to your counting? It stopped. Why? Because it was captured by what was coming out of your mouth. You can combat lustful thoughts and desires by shifting your focus to the Word of God and making daily verbal confessions over your life about your purity and wholeness in Christ.
Make this confession over your life: Father, I thank You that today I am free from the spirit of lust. I will no longer think lustful thoughts, but instead I will think on things that are true, things that are noble, just and pure (Philippians 4:8).
I walk in complete victory and self-control over my mind and my body in Jesus’ name, amen!
Scripture Of The Day: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." - Romans 13:14 (ESV)
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, located in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning “Changing Your World” television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit http://www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org…
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Living As A New Creation
2010
Tuesday
05
October
Daily Devotional
Living As a New Creation
By Pastor Andre Butler
This week's topic: Holiness
The Bible says that when you accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life, your spirit was recreated. You went from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The spirit that is living inside your body looks just like God’s, and wants you to act just like God. Have you noticed that there is a part of you that always wants to do the right thing? Why is that? Because, your spirit is holy and always wants you to do things God’s way. Your flesh, however, may still want to drink, smoke, sleep around, tell people off, party, or curse from time to time. Your flesh is working to bring you into the captivity of sin again.
There is a war going on inside of you right now. Your spirit and your flesh are in a boxing ring every day. Have you ever said, “I’ll never tell off someone like that again,” only to find yourself saying the same things one week later? Have you ever said, “I’ll never go to that porn website again,” only to find yourself at the same website a month later? For some reason, you just keep doing the same things. You are fighting a war, and your flesh is winning. This describes the plight of many Christians, particularly those who are still carnal. The word carnal means “flesh ruled.” Carnal Christians plan to do the right thing and try to grow spiritually, yet keep making the same mistakes.
God did not put you in a place where you’re winning in one moment and losing in the next. He wants you to live in constant spiritual victory. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to end up. But you cannot get to where God wants you to be until you deal with the issues of your flesh.
God asks you to be holy, and live for Him. Christian believers should not be like non-believers. We should not talk like they talk or react like they react. Our lifestyle should be separate and different from that of the world. This is more easily said than done. You are surrounded by the world. You live in the world. What is a Christian to do? How do you get to a place where you are holy, obedient, and blessed? By renewing your mind using the Word of God.
What you have is a battle between your spirit and your flesh to gain control of your mind. If your flesh can get you to start thinking in line with your fleshly desires, then your flesh wins. But if you renew your mind and start thinking in line with God’s Word, your spirit wins. You need to decide to daily renew your mind with the Word of God, because it is only when you do that you will change, and your spirit will have ultimate victory.
Scripture Of The Day: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:” - 2 Corinthians 5:17a
Pastor Andre Butler is a young man anointed and commissioned by God to spread the Good News of Christ. A 1996 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, Pastor Butler serves as Co-Pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI.s. For more information about Pastor Andre Butler, log onto http://www.andrebutler.tv.…
Tuesday
05
October
Daily Devotional
Living As a New Creation
By Pastor Andre Butler
This week's topic: Holiness
The Bible says that when you accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life, your spirit was recreated. You went from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The spirit that is living inside your body looks just like God’s, and wants you to act just like God. Have you noticed that there is a part of you that always wants to do the right thing? Why is that? Because, your spirit is holy and always wants you to do things God’s way. Your flesh, however, may still want to drink, smoke, sleep around, tell people off, party, or curse from time to time. Your flesh is working to bring you into the captivity of sin again.
There is a war going on inside of you right now. Your spirit and your flesh are in a boxing ring every day. Have you ever said, “I’ll never tell off someone like that again,” only to find yourself saying the same things one week later? Have you ever said, “I’ll never go to that porn website again,” only to find yourself at the same website a month later? For some reason, you just keep doing the same things. You are fighting a war, and your flesh is winning. This describes the plight of many Christians, particularly those who are still carnal. The word carnal means “flesh ruled.” Carnal Christians plan to do the right thing and try to grow spiritually, yet keep making the same mistakes.
God did not put you in a place where you’re winning in one moment and losing in the next. He wants you to live in constant spiritual victory. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to end up. But you cannot get to where God wants you to be until you deal with the issues of your flesh.
God asks you to be holy, and live for Him. Christian believers should not be like non-believers. We should not talk like they talk or react like they react. Our lifestyle should be separate and different from that of the world. This is more easily said than done. You are surrounded by the world. You live in the world. What is a Christian to do? How do you get to a place where you are holy, obedient, and blessed? By renewing your mind using the Word of God.
What you have is a battle between your spirit and your flesh to gain control of your mind. If your flesh can get you to start thinking in line with your fleshly desires, then your flesh wins. But if you renew your mind and start thinking in line with God’s Word, your spirit wins. You need to decide to daily renew your mind with the Word of God, because it is only when you do that you will change, and your spirit will have ultimate victory.
Scripture Of The Day: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:” - 2 Corinthians 5:17a
Pastor Andre Butler is a young man anointed and commissioned by God to spread the Good News of Christ. A 1996 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, Pastor Butler serves as Co-Pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI.s. For more information about Pastor Andre Butler, log onto http://www.andrebutler.tv.…
Monday, October 4, 2010
Is Your Gift Bigger Than You
Daily Devotional
Is Your Gift Bigger Than You?
By Bishop Donald Hilliard
This week's topic: Holiness
You wouldn’t give your 5-year-old a 12-gauge shotgun or a big Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Shotguns and motorcycles are great – but they’re for adults. You need maturity to handle them. Giving such gifts to your child would endanger them, and everybody else around them. The gifts just don’t fit the person.
Perhaps you’re a talented individual. God’s given you some large gifts like the ability to speak well, or organize things, or create and design. But we sabotage ourselves when our gift becomes bigger than we are. How does this happen? When we begin to lean on the talents God gave us and don’t mature emotionally and spiritually – we ruin our chance to use those talents as God designed them. When our character doesn’t keep up with our talent, we learn to “wing it” through life. We live on the surface but lack real strength underneath. And it shows up when the crisis hits, the storm comes, or we are under pressure. You can’t “wing it” when it comes to character building.
The greater the size of your gifts, the more you must dedicate time to developing your character. Eugene Peterson paraphrases the Psalmist in The Message: “God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list? Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. You’ll never get blacklisted if you live like this” (Ps 15:1-5 TM).
So, do you live that way?
Scripture Of The Day: "O Lord, who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with Integrity." - Psalm 15:1-2 (NAS)
Is Your Gift Bigger Than You?
By Bishop Donald Hilliard
This week's topic: Holiness
You wouldn’t give your 5-year-old a 12-gauge shotgun or a big Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Shotguns and motorcycles are great – but they’re for adults. You need maturity to handle them. Giving such gifts to your child would endanger them, and everybody else around them. The gifts just don’t fit the person.
Perhaps you’re a talented individual. God’s given you some large gifts like the ability to speak well, or organize things, or create and design. But we sabotage ourselves when our gift becomes bigger than we are. How does this happen? When we begin to lean on the talents God gave us and don’t mature emotionally and spiritually – we ruin our chance to use those talents as God designed them. When our character doesn’t keep up with our talent, we learn to “wing it” through life. We live on the surface but lack real strength underneath. And it shows up when the crisis hits, the storm comes, or we are under pressure. You can’t “wing it” when it comes to character building.
The greater the size of your gifts, the more you must dedicate time to developing your character. Eugene Peterson paraphrases the Psalmist in The Message: “God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list? Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. You’ll never get blacklisted if you live like this” (Ps 15:1-5 TM).
So, do you live that way?
Scripture Of The Day: "O Lord, who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with Integrity." - Psalm 15:1-2 (NAS)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Holy Living Sacrifices
Daily Devotional
Holy, Living Sacrifices
By Brent Barnett
This week's topic: Holiness
In Exodus 12:5, God commanded each household in Israel to take an unblemished lamb and slaughter it on the Passover. The blood of the Lamb was to be put on the doorposts of their homes so that God would pass over them and not strike down their firstborn as He did to the Egyptians. This was a clear foreshadowing of Christ who would shed His innocent blood for us as the perfect Lamb of God.
Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 1:19 that we have not been bought with perishable things such as silver and gold “but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” Our holy standing before God come judgment day is going to be because we have received Christ as the One Who alone could forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). It is His blood which can set us free, and nothing else, because only He was the unblemished and spotless Lamb of God.
But the imagery of unblemished sacrifices doesn’t end here. Jesus refers to those who believe in Him as His sheep (John 10:27), and Paul says in Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” There is a sense in which our lives are to resemble the unblemished lamb of the Passover and the holy, unblemished Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Just as Christ was holy and laid down His life, so, too, are we to grow in holiness and lay down our lives for others. We, the sheep of God, are to be holy sacrifices while we are yet living. This we can do each day as we present our bodies, hearts, and minds as clean and holy to God.
Paul speaks of dying daily (1 Corinthians 15:31, Galatians 2:20) and Jesus says that we must take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). Each day, we must offer ourselves to God spiritually, reckoning ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). We are alive because Christ has given us new life. We are holy because Christ has made us righteous in His perfect blood. Yet we are also to be sacrifices, living daily in practical holiness as we let God accomplish His good and perfect will in and through us. Paul summarized this mindset in Galatians 2:20 when he said, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 5:24 echoes this theme saying, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” A holy, living sacrifice lets Christ have His way and daily reckons himself dead to sin and free to let Christ live out His will in and through him. Being a sacrifice implies a willingness to die. We may never have to physically die for being a Christian, but daily we do need to die to the flesh as we remember by faith that we have been bought with the blood of the perfect Lamb Who is working to perfect us also. When we yield to God, we can see just how alive we really are.
May God in His mercy fashion us into those whose lives are pleasing to Him, and may we by faith let Him transform us from the ways of the world to the unblemished state of our Lord, the Lamb of God.
Scripture Of The Day: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." - Romans 12:1 (NASB)
Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke
Holy, Living Sacrifices
By Brent Barnett
This week's topic: Holiness
In Exodus 12:5, God commanded each household in Israel to take an unblemished lamb and slaughter it on the Passover. The blood of the Lamb was to be put on the doorposts of their homes so that God would pass over them and not strike down their firstborn as He did to the Egyptians. This was a clear foreshadowing of Christ who would shed His innocent blood for us as the perfect Lamb of God.
Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 1:19 that we have not been bought with perishable things such as silver and gold “but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” Our holy standing before God come judgment day is going to be because we have received Christ as the One Who alone could forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). It is His blood which can set us free, and nothing else, because only He was the unblemished and spotless Lamb of God.
But the imagery of unblemished sacrifices doesn’t end here. Jesus refers to those who believe in Him as His sheep (John 10:27), and Paul says in Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” There is a sense in which our lives are to resemble the unblemished lamb of the Passover and the holy, unblemished Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Just as Christ was holy and laid down His life, so, too, are we to grow in holiness and lay down our lives for others. We, the sheep of God, are to be holy sacrifices while we are yet living. This we can do each day as we present our bodies, hearts, and minds as clean and holy to God.
Paul speaks of dying daily (1 Corinthians 15:31, Galatians 2:20) and Jesus says that we must take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). Each day, we must offer ourselves to God spiritually, reckoning ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). We are alive because Christ has given us new life. We are holy because Christ has made us righteous in His perfect blood. Yet we are also to be sacrifices, living daily in practical holiness as we let God accomplish His good and perfect will in and through us. Paul summarized this mindset in Galatians 2:20 when he said, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 5:24 echoes this theme saying, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” A holy, living sacrifice lets Christ have His way and daily reckons himself dead to sin and free to let Christ live out His will in and through him. Being a sacrifice implies a willingness to die. We may never have to physically die for being a Christian, but daily we do need to die to the flesh as we remember by faith that we have been bought with the blood of the perfect Lamb Who is working to perfect us also. When we yield to God, we can see just how alive we really are.
May God in His mercy fashion us into those whose lives are pleasing to Him, and may we by faith let Him transform us from the ways of the world to the unblemished state of our Lord, the Lamb of God.
Scripture Of The Day: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." - Romans 12:1 (NASB)
Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Our Time
Daily Devotional
Our Time
By Cindy Beall
This week's topic: Serving Others
Have you ever heard someone say, "I just don't have the time...?" Being the analyzer that I am, I have found myself thinking about that phrase for years now. Literally years.
My brother discounts that line of thinking by telling people that no one has time...we make time. I didn't really like hearing it when it came from his lips that day, but now, I couldn't agree with him more.
I don't have time to call that friend back who needs to talk but I certainly make time to watch 24, LOST and The Office.
I don't have time to play Jr. Monopoly with my 8-year old son but I will always make time to watch the Texas Longhorns play football.
I don't have time to volunteer at my church or my son's school but I make time to get to Kirkland's or Pier 1 when there is a sale.
There are plenty of things that I will always make time for. I will always make time to eat. I will always make time to sit on the sofa. I will always make time to check what my fave daily bloggers and twitterers have to say.
People are more likely to make time for others during the season where we celebrate our Savior's birth. What is stopping us from giving our time throughout the rest of the year? Oh, I know I'm crazy to challenge you to give of yourself without expecting anything in return.
But that's the funny part...you will get in return.
You know that whole "It is in giving that we receive" thing?
It works.
Scripture Of The Day: "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." - Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Our Time
By Cindy Beall
This week's topic: Serving Others
Have you ever heard someone say, "I just don't have the time...?" Being the analyzer that I am, I have found myself thinking about that phrase for years now. Literally years.
My brother discounts that line of thinking by telling people that no one has time...we make time. I didn't really like hearing it when it came from his lips that day, but now, I couldn't agree with him more.
I don't have time to call that friend back who needs to talk but I certainly make time to watch 24, LOST and The Office.
I don't have time to play Jr. Monopoly with my 8-year old son but I will always make time to watch the Texas Longhorns play football.
I don't have time to volunteer at my church or my son's school but I make time to get to Kirkland's or Pier 1 when there is a sale.
There are plenty of things that I will always make time for. I will always make time to eat. I will always make time to sit on the sofa. I will always make time to check what my fave daily bloggers and twitterers have to say.
People are more likely to make time for others during the season where we celebrate our Savior's birth. What is stopping us from giving our time throughout the rest of the year? Oh, I know I'm crazy to challenge you to give of yourself without expecting anything in return.
But that's the funny part...you will get in return.
You know that whole "It is in giving that we receive" thing?
It works.
Scripture Of The Day: "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." - Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Serving Others
Daily Devotional
Serving Others
By Lisa Birch
This week's topic: Serving Others
Since when are things--like personal agendas--more important than people?
Never have been, yet we live that way.
With a husband, three kids, a business, and a schedule on wheels, there are countless times I've ignored the phone, been too busy or just felt too overwhelmed to check in on longtime friends, new acquaintances or even family members.
No matter how good our intentions, it's pretty selfish to repeatedly fall into a cycle of putting things above people--things like meetings, moods, deadlines, plans, conditions, desires, events, and more.
God's law commands that we love others as we love ourselves. This stresses the value and priority we should place on "other people." One way to love on others with the love of God is to serve them.
Jesus spent His precious time on the earth loving and serving people. His purpose was the Ultimate Sacrifice, which was in fact the Ultimate Act of Servanthood.
It's hard to shut people out and love them at the same time. When we serve others, we serve God.
Here's a quick list to help keep things in perspective:
Serve not to be seen. Check your motives. Serving others is a selfless act, not a self-centered one.
Step outside the box. When we think of serving others, the traditional ministry volunteering often comes to mind. But we can also serve people by simply reaching out to express genuine concern and interest in their well being.
Persevere. There may be times when people you serve are not very receptive, grateful or appreciative. Forego your expectations, continue on, and put emphasis on the act of serving in love, not the recipient.
Set the tone. Be humble, yet serve with authority and passion. Let God's love create the atmosphere to be fruitful, productive and effective.
Be consistent. There's never been a shortage of people who could use a listening ear, an extra eye or a helping hand. Let your act of service be ongoing, not just for a season.
Accept the timing. Remain open. Serving others will almost always inconvenience you. Push past yourself and heed the call to help others when it comes.
Don't wait. Perfect conditions will never exist. Decide on an act of service and do it today.
Scripture Of The Day: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10
Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and ministerial environments. For more on Lisa, log onto http://www.verticalfix.com.
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Serving Others
By Lisa Birch
This week's topic: Serving Others
Since when are things--like personal agendas--more important than people?
Never have been, yet we live that way.
With a husband, three kids, a business, and a schedule on wheels, there are countless times I've ignored the phone, been too busy or just felt too overwhelmed to check in on longtime friends, new acquaintances or even family members.
No matter how good our intentions, it's pretty selfish to repeatedly fall into a cycle of putting things above people--things like meetings, moods, deadlines, plans, conditions, desires, events, and more.
God's law commands that we love others as we love ourselves. This stresses the value and priority we should place on "other people." One way to love on others with the love of God is to serve them.
Jesus spent His precious time on the earth loving and serving people. His purpose was the Ultimate Sacrifice, which was in fact the Ultimate Act of Servanthood.
It's hard to shut people out and love them at the same time. When we serve others, we serve God.
Here's a quick list to help keep things in perspective:
Serve not to be seen. Check your motives. Serving others is a selfless act, not a self-centered one.
Step outside the box. When we think of serving others, the traditional ministry volunteering often comes to mind. But we can also serve people by simply reaching out to express genuine concern and interest in their well being.
Persevere. There may be times when people you serve are not very receptive, grateful or appreciative. Forego your expectations, continue on, and put emphasis on the act of serving in love, not the recipient.
Set the tone. Be humble, yet serve with authority and passion. Let God's love create the atmosphere to be fruitful, productive and effective.
Be consistent. There's never been a shortage of people who could use a listening ear, an extra eye or a helping hand. Let your act of service be ongoing, not just for a season.
Accept the timing. Remain open. Serving others will almost always inconvenience you. Push past yourself and heed the call to help others when it comes.
Don't wait. Perfect conditions will never exist. Decide on an act of service and do it today.
Scripture Of The Day: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10
Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and ministerial environments. For more on Lisa, log onto http://www.verticalfix.com.
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
No More Lack
2010
Friday
24
September
Daily Devotional
No More Lack
By Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
This week's topic: The Importance Of Giving
We are the generation Paul spoke of in 2 Timothy 3:1: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." Satan has been increasing his attacks against Believers in these last days. His goal is to cause us to cave in and quit before we experience a breakthrough, and he's using insufficiency to accomplish his task. However, you don't have to be a victim of this vicious tactic.
The key to overcoming insufficiency in your life is to believe in and stand firmly on God's Word, which declares that the righteous (those in right-standing with God) will be upheld. Psalm 37:18, 19 says, "The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."
Confession plays a key role in helping you reach the good life God has for you. Freedom from insufficiency is possible if you: (1) sow financial seed as God directs and (2) use your mouth to speak the Word over your life.
In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." You must continue to obey God in your giving, even when your resources are wearing thin. Why? You reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7-9). When you sow as God directs, you position yourself to reap increase.
The widow at Zarephath is a perfect example of someone who stayed on the giving side of life even when her resources had run out. She was down to her last meal when Elijah asked her to prepare a cake for him (1 Kings 17:13). When she did, she experienced increase in her life. Not only did her resources multiply, but her son was also brought back to life! A seed will definitely meet any need you have.
Keep in mind the power of words (Proverbs 18:21). Words are seeds. Whatever you speak will come back to you in the form of positive or negative manifestations. It's easy to become weary and give up when the pressure is on. But if you continue to speak positive, faith-filled words over your situation, you will see breakthrough. Don't allow the devil to oppress you with the cares of life. God is faithful to pull you through!
You don't have to be subject to the stress of lack because you have access to Jesus' peace! Have confidence that He will provide your every need. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Tap into this supernatural peace and rest confidently, knowing you can triumph over the devil every time!
Scripture Of The Day: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27 (NKJV)
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, located in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning “Changing Your World” television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit http://www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org…
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Friday
24
September
Daily Devotional
No More Lack
By Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
This week's topic: The Importance Of Giving
We are the generation Paul spoke of in 2 Timothy 3:1: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." Satan has been increasing his attacks against Believers in these last days. His goal is to cause us to cave in and quit before we experience a breakthrough, and he's using insufficiency to accomplish his task. However, you don't have to be a victim of this vicious tactic.
The key to overcoming insufficiency in your life is to believe in and stand firmly on God's Word, which declares that the righteous (those in right-standing with God) will be upheld. Psalm 37:18, 19 says, "The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."
Confession plays a key role in helping you reach the good life God has for you. Freedom from insufficiency is possible if you: (1) sow financial seed as God directs and (2) use your mouth to speak the Word over your life.
In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." You must continue to obey God in your giving, even when your resources are wearing thin. Why? You reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7-9). When you sow as God directs, you position yourself to reap increase.
The widow at Zarephath is a perfect example of someone who stayed on the giving side of life even when her resources had run out. She was down to her last meal when Elijah asked her to prepare a cake for him (1 Kings 17:13). When she did, she experienced increase in her life. Not only did her resources multiply, but her son was also brought back to life! A seed will definitely meet any need you have.
Keep in mind the power of words (Proverbs 18:21). Words are seeds. Whatever you speak will come back to you in the form of positive or negative manifestations. It's easy to become weary and give up when the pressure is on. But if you continue to speak positive, faith-filled words over your situation, you will see breakthrough. Don't allow the devil to oppress you with the cares of life. God is faithful to pull you through!
You don't have to be subject to the stress of lack because you have access to Jesus' peace! Have confidence that He will provide your every need. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Tap into this supernatural peace and rest confidently, knowing you can triumph over the devil every time!
Scripture Of The Day: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27 (NKJV)
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, located in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning “Changing Your World” television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit http://www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org…
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Grow In the Dump
2010
Tuesday
28
September
Daily Devotional
Grow In The Dump
By Milan Ford
This week's topic: Serving Others
Warning: the following devotional may RADICALLY change our water cooler conversations at work. So please, read at your own risk.
I am often asked by younger (and sometimes older) leaders what they should do when they feel like their boss is no longer delegating responsibilities to them, but rather dumping them in an effort to remain in charge and void of responsibility. It seems that nothing can frustrate a lower level leader more than when he or she has come to the realization that his or her boss or team leader has begun to take advantage of them.
Now more than ever before, one of the most common mistakes any leader can make when given the opportunity to lead or manage a new project or team, is confusing the art of delegating with the art of dumping. With this in mind, my response to this complex challenge is actually quite simple:
If you truly believe you have been called, gifted, and uniquely assigned to your place of employment or ministry…then the time has come for you to learn how to GROW IN THE DUMP.
My wife will attest to the fact that on any given day of the week, if asked, I probably will claim a different passage of scripture as my all-time favorite. Quite recently, I have two that are running neck and neck.
The First: Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. – John 12:24-26
And The Second: But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:42-45
In my opinion, one of the most unwanted, neglected and underutilized spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ today is the call to serve. Many of us, out of what I believe at times is a sincere desire to be recognized and rewarded for our various gifts and talents, have sadly embraced a 'survival of the fittest' attitude when it comes to serving within the workplace God has planted us in. Especially to those who lead and ‘rule’ over us.
Many of our attitudes (if I may speak plainly) just stink. From the unnecessary stomping of our feet down the hallway, to the magnetic pull of our ears to gossip, many of us as believers have forgotten that we are the living representation of Christ in the earth.
Our ability to get ‘lost’ in serving others, is the determining factor in ‘finding’ the kind of life God has designed for us all to live.
Now, for those of you reading this, who still have some reservations about serving your boss or team leader at your job with excellence, I’ll let you in on a little secret. (Shhhh…let’s just keep this between us two)
I am thoroughly convinced that we are living during a time when many of today’s leaders will delegate themselves right out of leadership. I encourage you to take the time to discover what burdens (if delegated or dumped upon you from another leader) you can adequately handle, and most importantly, are aligned with the kind of responsibilities you believe you should be leading in anyway.
While I do not believe in conquering giants without a reward, there are times when you can serve someone above you (who is not fit for the position they’re in) RIGHT OUT of that position. Or even better: you can acquire the skills (and experience) to apply elsewhere for that same position. That is why service is not something you are to avoid. But something you are to lean into.
This week, take your eyes off what’s coming down on you, and refocus yourself on what has the potential to come out of you. It’s time for many of us to grow in the dump. Now is the time to serve.
Scripture Of The Day: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:43-45
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com or at http://twitter.com/milanford.…
Tuesday
28
September
Daily Devotional
Grow In The Dump
By Milan Ford
This week's topic: Serving Others
Warning: the following devotional may RADICALLY change our water cooler conversations at work. So please, read at your own risk.
I am often asked by younger (and sometimes older) leaders what they should do when they feel like their boss is no longer delegating responsibilities to them, but rather dumping them in an effort to remain in charge and void of responsibility. It seems that nothing can frustrate a lower level leader more than when he or she has come to the realization that his or her boss or team leader has begun to take advantage of them.
Now more than ever before, one of the most common mistakes any leader can make when given the opportunity to lead or manage a new project or team, is confusing the art of delegating with the art of dumping. With this in mind, my response to this complex challenge is actually quite simple:
If you truly believe you have been called, gifted, and uniquely assigned to your place of employment or ministry…then the time has come for you to learn how to GROW IN THE DUMP.
My wife will attest to the fact that on any given day of the week, if asked, I probably will claim a different passage of scripture as my all-time favorite. Quite recently, I have two that are running neck and neck.
The First: Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. – John 12:24-26
And The Second: But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:42-45
In my opinion, one of the most unwanted, neglected and underutilized spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ today is the call to serve. Many of us, out of what I believe at times is a sincere desire to be recognized and rewarded for our various gifts and talents, have sadly embraced a 'survival of the fittest' attitude when it comes to serving within the workplace God has planted us in. Especially to those who lead and ‘rule’ over us.
Many of our attitudes (if I may speak plainly) just stink. From the unnecessary stomping of our feet down the hallway, to the magnetic pull of our ears to gossip, many of us as believers have forgotten that we are the living representation of Christ in the earth.
Our ability to get ‘lost’ in serving others, is the determining factor in ‘finding’ the kind of life God has designed for us all to live.
Now, for those of you reading this, who still have some reservations about serving your boss or team leader at your job with excellence, I’ll let you in on a little secret. (Shhhh…let’s just keep this between us two)
I am thoroughly convinced that we are living during a time when many of today’s leaders will delegate themselves right out of leadership. I encourage you to take the time to discover what burdens (if delegated or dumped upon you from another leader) you can adequately handle, and most importantly, are aligned with the kind of responsibilities you believe you should be leading in anyway.
While I do not believe in conquering giants without a reward, there are times when you can serve someone above you (who is not fit for the position they’re in) RIGHT OUT of that position. Or even better: you can acquire the skills (and experience) to apply elsewhere for that same position. That is why service is not something you are to avoid. But something you are to lean into.
This week, take your eyes off what’s coming down on you, and refocus yourself on what has the potential to come out of you. It’s time for many of us to grow in the dump. Now is the time to serve.
Scripture Of The Day: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:43-45
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com or at http://twitter.com/milanford.…
Monday, September 27, 2010
Stepping Into the Darkness
Daily Devotional
Stepping Into The Darkness
By Alan Riley
This week's topic: Serving Others
Have you ever heard the story of the man who slipped off the edge of a cliff and was desperately hanging on to a rope to keep from falling? The man screamed at the top of his voice, "IS THERE ANYONE THERE WHO CAN HELP ME?" A calm, reassuring voice answered back, "It is the Lord. Let go of the rope."
The man thought about it for a moment, looked down to see how far he would fall. Then he yelled out again even louder, "IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THERE WHO CAN HELP ME???"
Have you ever been at a place in your life where you felt the Lord was telling you to let go of the rope, but all you could see was how things looked from a logical, human perspective? I know I have, and I was really tempted to ask for a second opinion like the man in the joke.
Everything about our human nature wants to see it first and then respond based on what we see. We want to see it then believe it. We want to know where we are going before we agree to start the trip. That is our human nature. And it flies in the face of what God calls us to do and who God calls us to be.
Look at the heroes of the faith and you will see people who believed it before they saw it. You will see people who went when God said 'go' even though they didn't know where they were going or what it would be like when they got there. You will see people who walked by faith and not by sight.
When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He allowed and encouraged Thomas to experience what he had said he needed to see to believe that Jesus was alive. Thomas physically saw and felt the wounds in Jesus' hands, feet and side. When he did so, Thomas fell down on His face and declared, "My Lord and My God!" Jesus responded by saying, "Thomas, you believe because you have seen. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). The New International Version translates that verse this way: "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Far too often, I find myself walking only by sight. But I know it is those times when I step out into the darkness in obedience to God's call that He blesses me, and grows me, and stretches me.
What is God calling you to do that will require you to step into the darkness?
Scripture Of The Day: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
Stepping Into The Darkness
By Alan Riley
This week's topic: Serving Others
Have you ever heard the story of the man who slipped off the edge of a cliff and was desperately hanging on to a rope to keep from falling? The man screamed at the top of his voice, "IS THERE ANYONE THERE WHO CAN HELP ME?" A calm, reassuring voice answered back, "It is the Lord. Let go of the rope."
The man thought about it for a moment, looked down to see how far he would fall. Then he yelled out again even louder, "IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THERE WHO CAN HELP ME???"
Have you ever been at a place in your life where you felt the Lord was telling you to let go of the rope, but all you could see was how things looked from a logical, human perspective? I know I have, and I was really tempted to ask for a second opinion like the man in the joke.
Everything about our human nature wants to see it first and then respond based on what we see. We want to see it then believe it. We want to know where we are going before we agree to start the trip. That is our human nature. And it flies in the face of what God calls us to do and who God calls us to be.
Look at the heroes of the faith and you will see people who believed it before they saw it. You will see people who went when God said 'go' even though they didn't know where they were going or what it would be like when they got there. You will see people who walked by faith and not by sight.
When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He allowed and encouraged Thomas to experience what he had said he needed to see to believe that Jesus was alive. Thomas physically saw and felt the wounds in Jesus' hands, feet and side. When he did so, Thomas fell down on His face and declared, "My Lord and My God!" Jesus responded by saying, "Thomas, you believe because you have seen. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). The New International Version translates that verse this way: "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Far too often, I find myself walking only by sight. But I know it is those times when I step out into the darkness in obedience to God's call that He blesses me, and grows me, and stretches me.
What is God calling you to do that will require you to step into the darkness?
Scripture Of The Day: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Do What You Have The Power To Do
2010
Wednesday
22
September
Daily Devotional
Do What You Have The Power To Do
By Bishop Vashti McKenzie
This week's topic: The Importance Of Giving
We would all like to do some good during the time God grants us life. Yet, some who could do good are unsure about when to do good, how long to do the good thing, when do you stop doing good or to whom the doing good is extended.
The Bible encourages us to give to all who ask. But suppose you have nothing to give? The Bible tells us about serving others through the ministry of hospitality because we may be entertaining angels unaware. What about all the “unangel-like” personalities who show up in between? The Bible encourages us to return good for evil but sometimes people get tired of being taken advantage of and returning good is the last thing on their minds.
If we have two coats give one away. You did and now there are twenty others hoping you’ll do the same for them. You’ve given your offering and tithes and now someone is asking you to stretch to do even more.
You are not insensitive to the needs of those around them. You have not forgotten what compassion feels like or how compassion compels you to give to those in need and serve the Lord with gladness at the same time. You may not be sure of the when and how of your response.
There is Biblical encouragement and examples. There is also a sea of role models from the pages of the Holy Scripture and living in the 21st century. After all wasn’t it written in the gospel of Mark that it was Jesus who went around doing good.
We’d all like to do some good during the time God grants us life. The book of Proverbs offers some help. Proverbs is the practical side of God’s commands. It is a “How-to guide” about how people are to behave and how things work written by someone who has done that and been there. It is wisdom by experience that lines up with God’s instructions on how to live.
1. Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel. (Proverbs 11: 17) It is a privilege to be a conduit for God’s love towards someone else. The experience may bring calm, peace and some feel-good feelings. This may help answer the question, "What’s in it for me?" The refreshing of your own soul.
2. The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. (Proverbs 16:26) Hunger or the possibility of hunger may help someone develop the skills to take responsibility for their own lives. When their pay is docked because they keep coming to work late, hunger may motivate them to be on time. When they lose the job because they were not productive, hunger may motivate them to do better next time. When you say no after they have borrowed from you too many times because they spend too much on wants and come to you to fund their needs, hunger may motivate them towards financial discipline. This may help answer the question of how often do I do good. It may also help you shape the kind of good you do. A food pantry, community garden, job fair, employment opportunities and training, a shelter, or a support group are all different ways to meet a hunger need.
3. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. (Proverbs 3:27) If you have the means to respond, do not withhold good from those who are in need. If you have it to give, give. God is not asking you to do what you cannot do or give what you do not have to give. If you have the power to act yourself or you can influence others to provide service, by all means get the job done.
I have discovered that if you have the desire to do good, to serve or to give, God will empower you to act or provide you with the resources to act. Do what you have the power to do, the Lord being your helper!
Scripture Of The Day: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” - Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, and serves as a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. For more on Bishop McKenzie, visit http://www.13thame.com or hear her messages daily at http://www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com.…
Wednesday
22
September
Daily Devotional
Do What You Have The Power To Do
By Bishop Vashti McKenzie
This week's topic: The Importance Of Giving
We would all like to do some good during the time God grants us life. Yet, some who could do good are unsure about when to do good, how long to do the good thing, when do you stop doing good or to whom the doing good is extended.
The Bible encourages us to give to all who ask. But suppose you have nothing to give? The Bible tells us about serving others through the ministry of hospitality because we may be entertaining angels unaware. What about all the “unangel-like” personalities who show up in between? The Bible encourages us to return good for evil but sometimes people get tired of being taken advantage of and returning good is the last thing on their minds.
If we have two coats give one away. You did and now there are twenty others hoping you’ll do the same for them. You’ve given your offering and tithes and now someone is asking you to stretch to do even more.
You are not insensitive to the needs of those around them. You have not forgotten what compassion feels like or how compassion compels you to give to those in need and serve the Lord with gladness at the same time. You may not be sure of the when and how of your response.
There is Biblical encouragement and examples. There is also a sea of role models from the pages of the Holy Scripture and living in the 21st century. After all wasn’t it written in the gospel of Mark that it was Jesus who went around doing good.
We’d all like to do some good during the time God grants us life. The book of Proverbs offers some help. Proverbs is the practical side of God’s commands. It is a “How-to guide” about how people are to behave and how things work written by someone who has done that and been there. It is wisdom by experience that lines up with God’s instructions on how to live.
1. Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel. (Proverbs 11: 17) It is a privilege to be a conduit for God’s love towards someone else. The experience may bring calm, peace and some feel-good feelings. This may help answer the question, "What’s in it for me?" The refreshing of your own soul.
2. The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. (Proverbs 16:26) Hunger or the possibility of hunger may help someone develop the skills to take responsibility for their own lives. When their pay is docked because they keep coming to work late, hunger may motivate them to be on time. When they lose the job because they were not productive, hunger may motivate them to do better next time. When you say no after they have borrowed from you too many times because they spend too much on wants and come to you to fund their needs, hunger may motivate them towards financial discipline. This may help answer the question of how often do I do good. It may also help you shape the kind of good you do. A food pantry, community garden, job fair, employment opportunities and training, a shelter, or a support group are all different ways to meet a hunger need.
3. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. (Proverbs 3:27) If you have the means to respond, do not withhold good from those who are in need. If you have it to give, give. God is not asking you to do what you cannot do or give what you do not have to give. If you have the power to act yourself or you can influence others to provide service, by all means get the job done.
I have discovered that if you have the desire to do good, to serve or to give, God will empower you to act or provide you with the resources to act. Do what you have the power to do, the Lord being your helper!
Scripture Of The Day: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” - Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, and serves as a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. For more on Bishop McKenzie, visit http://www.13thame.com or hear her messages daily at http://www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com.…
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