Monday, March 15, 2010
Today's Passage: Psalm 34:11-14
Memory Verse: Ps. 34:14
If you were to ask almost anyone you know what he or she considered "the good life", that person would most likely describe a life of physical comfort and ease. It probably would involve not having to worry about overdue bills, or dealing with health issues as many of us have to do. Whatever your description of the good life is, here's a formula from God's Word that's certain to provide it.
Before you start to leap for joy, however, there's something you must first consider. For every promise from God's Word, there is a condition that needs to be fulfilled. So what's our task here? In this passage, God is requiring us to "seek peace and pursue it" (verse 14). If we desire this good life, in which we are promised many days, we must eliminate strife from our hearts. Pastors Chad and Nette ministered yesterday that we must do everything we can to keep peace. Why is peace in our lives so important to God?
Walking in peace is tied to everything we are, and all we hope to be. It operates as the lifeblood within us that circulates throughout our bodies. If contaminated with thoughts of anger and evil speaking, our whole body is affected. Our immune system ceases to work properly, and everything in us goes into shutdown mode. Before long, we become nothing more than zombies -- merely waiting to die rather than alive. An existence like this resembles nothing like the life of joy and spiritual wellbeing that God promises us.
Does this mean we have to sacrifice our self-respect just so we can have this peace? What will people think of us if we're always walking away from conflict and never confronting it? To answer this, I ask another question: Whose opinion of us matters more -- man's, or God's? In any case, Jesus calls us "blessed" and "sons of God" if we are peacemakers. This means that, at any cost, we must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become offended. Is it going to be easy? No, not at all. But remember the reward: THE GOOD LIFE.
Prayer: Father, today I want to thank You for making available to me every good thing my heart could ever desire. I'm also grateful that, like a good dad, You require me to do my part in order to walk in it. I purpose in my heart to seek and pursue peace so that, when people see me, they'll see your character in me. Live BIG in me today, Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Like A Glove!!!
Today's Passage: John 14:26
Memory Verse: Acts 1:4-6
Sunday March 14, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! Have you ever felt empty? Ever spent days feeling like you're only a shell of your former self? This seems to be a reccurring theme among the Body of Christ lately. People go from day to day and week to week doing the same things over and over again. Before long, they're depleted of the life and energy it takes to be productive. If this describes you, don't be discouraged. There's a solution for this issue. The solution is a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Let's do an experiment. Find a glove, but don't put it on your hand. Just hold it up. What's it like? Is it flimsy, lifeless? Yes. That's what our lives are like without the Holy Spirit living inside us. Now put your hand inside the glove. Now what's it like? Move your hand around inside the glove. Is the glove being controlled by your hand? Yes. That's what our lives are like with the Holy Spirit living inside us. John 14:26 says "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you". God did not intend for us to live without His presence. The Holy Spirit is God within us. He's not that "goose bump" feeling you get in church. He's not a "lucky" charm to change your current fortunes. He's the presence of the Almighty God manifested in us. He's not moved by emotion or circumstance. He's moved by our obedience and faith.
I challenge you today to avail yourself to the Holy Spirit. He will give you the life and energy you'll need to make it through the day. He'll keep you on track. He'll take your prayers to the Father, and He'll even tell you what the Father is saying about you. You'll have a Friend in a very high place. So give Him a try today!!!
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill me now. I need Your presence in my life. Only You can keep me and sustain me. Teach me the ways of the Father. Teach me how to love and worship Him. Cover me as I surrender to You now and forever. In Jesus' name...Amen.
Memory Verse: Acts 1:4-6
Sunday March 14, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! Have you ever felt empty? Ever spent days feeling like you're only a shell of your former self? This seems to be a reccurring theme among the Body of Christ lately. People go from day to day and week to week doing the same things over and over again. Before long, they're depleted of the life and energy it takes to be productive. If this describes you, don't be discouraged. There's a solution for this issue. The solution is a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Let's do an experiment. Find a glove, but don't put it on your hand. Just hold it up. What's it like? Is it flimsy, lifeless? Yes. That's what our lives are like without the Holy Spirit living inside us. Now put your hand inside the glove. Now what's it like? Move your hand around inside the glove. Is the glove being controlled by your hand? Yes. That's what our lives are like with the Holy Spirit living inside us. John 14:26 says "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you". God did not intend for us to live without His presence. The Holy Spirit is God within us. He's not that "goose bump" feeling you get in church. He's not a "lucky" charm to change your current fortunes. He's the presence of the Almighty God manifested in us. He's not moved by emotion or circumstance. He's moved by our obedience and faith.
I challenge you today to avail yourself to the Holy Spirit. He will give you the life and energy you'll need to make it through the day. He'll keep you on track. He'll take your prayers to the Father, and He'll even tell you what the Father is saying about you. You'll have a Friend in a very high place. So give Him a try today!!!
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill me now. I need Your presence in my life. Only You can keep me and sustain me. Teach me the ways of the Father. Teach me how to love and worship Him. Cover me as I surrender to You now and forever. In Jesus' name...Amen.
Live Free!!!
Today's Passage: Galatians 5:1
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:15-16
Saturday March 13, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! I want to spend our time together talking about freedom. Yes, freedom. Why, you say? Because freedom is often misdefined by "our" culture or way of life. The world defines freedom as being exempt from restraint or control. They say it's the power to determine action without restraint. Well, what kind of person would you be if you were able to do whatever you wanted, when you wanted? For me this concept of freedom would not only be a bad idea, it'd be dangerous. How so? I would always choose whatever my flesh wanted. I'd literally be out of control. Wouldn't you? Think about where you were before Jesus saved you. Weren't you walking in this kind of "freedom", still you recognized you needed a savior?
1 Peter 2:15-16 says "This is the will of God, by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men- as free, yet not using freedom as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God". The will of God is for us to use freedom to be "bondservants" for Him. So we can't just do what we want, say what we want, and go where we want? I think not. You see, if I am a bondservant of God, then I have authority over the things that make me ignorant because He has authority over them. That's freedom!!! One of my favorite passages of scripture regarding this subject is Galatians 5:1. Paul encourages us to stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again in the yoke of bondage. Freedom is not making a choice (by the world's definition); freedom is taking authority. It's taking authority over addiction, depression, sexual immorality, and anger/unforgiveness. Basically, the only way to know true freedom is by making sure Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives. Only He can give us the power to walk away from the temptations of this world....for good!!!
I challenge you today to do a personal study on freedom and its benefits. I want you to understand that walking in freedom requires great responsibility, but yields even greater reward. The enemy has done well in decieving us into thinking sin is our only option. He makes us think we'll always be what we are because of our pasts. So even though we know we need to change, most of us don't make an effort to. That's the yoke of bondage Paul spoke of in Galatians. I tell you today that true freedom belongs to you. Not only is it attainable, it's....FREE! The price for your freedom has already been paid by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. So live free, my friends....'cause whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!
Prayer:
Father, I place myself in Your hands. I want to live free. Free from all the bondages that entangle me. I realize I don't have the power to release myself. That power only comes through You. So as I draw closer to You, let me walk in Your freedom more and more everyday. In Jesus' name...Amen!
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:15-16
Saturday March 13, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! I want to spend our time together talking about freedom. Yes, freedom. Why, you say? Because freedom is often misdefined by "our" culture or way of life. The world defines freedom as being exempt from restraint or control. They say it's the power to determine action without restraint. Well, what kind of person would you be if you were able to do whatever you wanted, when you wanted? For me this concept of freedom would not only be a bad idea, it'd be dangerous. How so? I would always choose whatever my flesh wanted. I'd literally be out of control. Wouldn't you? Think about where you were before Jesus saved you. Weren't you walking in this kind of "freedom", still you recognized you needed a savior?
1 Peter 2:15-16 says "This is the will of God, by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men- as free, yet not using freedom as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God". The will of God is for us to use freedom to be "bondservants" for Him. So we can't just do what we want, say what we want, and go where we want? I think not. You see, if I am a bondservant of God, then I have authority over the things that make me ignorant because He has authority over them. That's freedom!!! One of my favorite passages of scripture regarding this subject is Galatians 5:1. Paul encourages us to stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again in the yoke of bondage. Freedom is not making a choice (by the world's definition); freedom is taking authority. It's taking authority over addiction, depression, sexual immorality, and anger/unforgiveness. Basically, the only way to know true freedom is by making sure Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives. Only He can give us the power to walk away from the temptations of this world....for good!!!
I challenge you today to do a personal study on freedom and its benefits. I want you to understand that walking in freedom requires great responsibility, but yields even greater reward. The enemy has done well in decieving us into thinking sin is our only option. He makes us think we'll always be what we are because of our pasts. So even though we know we need to change, most of us don't make an effort to. That's the yoke of bondage Paul spoke of in Galatians. I tell you today that true freedom belongs to you. Not only is it attainable, it's....FREE! The price for your freedom has already been paid by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. So live free, my friends....'cause whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!
Prayer:
Father, I place myself in Your hands. I want to live free. Free from all the bondages that entangle me. I realize I don't have the power to release myself. That power only comes through You. So as I draw closer to You, let me walk in Your freedom more and more everyday. In Jesus' name...Amen!
What Shall We Say?
Friday, March 12,2010
Today's Passage: Romans 8:18;28-39
Memory Verse: Rom.8:31
In these last days, as the return of the Lord grows closer, it seems as if the Saints are bombarded with trials and problems that make it hard to see the promises of God. Money issues... health issues... relationship issues... One thing after another, there seems to be no relief. David describes this dilemna in Psalm 3 when he cries: "Lord, those that trouble me are increasing! There are many that rise up against me. They say of my soul, 'There is no help for Him in God.'" Every believer will agree that the enemy's sole purpose is to unleash his imps upon us in an all-out attack.
But what is it that makes the psalmist, the apostle Paul, and all of us victorious? Is there any way out at all, or should we lock ourselves in and hide from our enemy? Paul makes a bold claim in today's passage. Yes, we go through trials and problems, heartaches and pains. Nevertheless, NOTHING we endure can or will be compared to the GLORY that God will reveal in us. This is a promise that we can hold onto, but it doesn't end there. God doesn't just want us to suffer in silence. He has placed on the inside of us truths that rise up against the attacks of the evil one.
In the passage, Paul asks the question: what shall we SAY to these things? Should we spend all our time complaining about what we don't have, or about what's going on? No, because if God is FOR us, none of those things can overtake or triumph over us. We need to start speaking what we KNOW rather than what we see or hear. When we consider the fact that God didn't even spare His only Son because He wanted us to walk in victory, why wouldn't He make a way for that sacrifice to make provision for us in every trial?
As you go through your fiery furnace situation today or in the near future, remember this: we have ALREADY overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony. Even before being placed in the heat of the fire, the three Hebrew boys declared that their God was able to deliver them. Let your words plant the seeds of victory before you see it. And no matter what you do, let nothing that you go through separate you from God's love, which is REALLY what the enemy's after. Stay in His presence, and declare your victory from your place of protection.
Prayer: Father, whoever dwells in Your secret place always abides in Your shadow. No matter what challenges come, I am so grateful today that my victory is certain. I declare that I will always be Yours no matter what trials I may face. I SAY what You say, and purpose in my heart to go where You're going. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Romans 8:18;28-39
Memory Verse: Rom.8:31
In these last days, as the return of the Lord grows closer, it seems as if the Saints are bombarded with trials and problems that make it hard to see the promises of God. Money issues... health issues... relationship issues... One thing after another, there seems to be no relief. David describes this dilemna in Psalm 3 when he cries: "Lord, those that trouble me are increasing! There are many that rise up against me. They say of my soul, 'There is no help for Him in God.'" Every believer will agree that the enemy's sole purpose is to unleash his imps upon us in an all-out attack.
But what is it that makes the psalmist, the apostle Paul, and all of us victorious? Is there any way out at all, or should we lock ourselves in and hide from our enemy? Paul makes a bold claim in today's passage. Yes, we go through trials and problems, heartaches and pains. Nevertheless, NOTHING we endure can or will be compared to the GLORY that God will reveal in us. This is a promise that we can hold onto, but it doesn't end there. God doesn't just want us to suffer in silence. He has placed on the inside of us truths that rise up against the attacks of the evil one.
In the passage, Paul asks the question: what shall we SAY to these things? Should we spend all our time complaining about what we don't have, or about what's going on? No, because if God is FOR us, none of those things can overtake or triumph over us. We need to start speaking what we KNOW rather than what we see or hear. When we consider the fact that God didn't even spare His only Son because He wanted us to walk in victory, why wouldn't He make a way for that sacrifice to make provision for us in every trial?
As you go through your fiery furnace situation today or in the near future, remember this: we have ALREADY overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony. Even before being placed in the heat of the fire, the three Hebrew boys declared that their God was able to deliver them. Let your words plant the seeds of victory before you see it. And no matter what you do, let nothing that you go through separate you from God's love, which is REALLY what the enemy's after. Stay in His presence, and declare your victory from your place of protection.
Prayer: Father, whoever dwells in Your secret place always abides in Your shadow. No matter what challenges come, I am so grateful today that my victory is certain. I declare that I will always be Yours no matter what trials I may face. I SAY what You say, and purpose in my heart to go where You're going. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
My Compliments To The Chef!!!!
Today's Passage: Psalm 34:8
Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:20
Thursday March 11, 2010
Hello Friends & Lifers! The motivation for today's devotional comes from a memory I had of being on a cruise. If you've ever been on a cruise you know how much fun they can be. If not, you gotta go. Words cannot express the lengths the cruise ship staff go to to pamper you. Well, the last time I was on a cruise I remember having dinner with Pastor Chad and our wives. We were trying to figure out what we wanted for dessert when the waiter recommended this pudding. Pastor Chad and I were quite skeptical as we are both picky eaters. To our surprise, the dish was delicious!!! I remember being so impressed I was compelled to offer my compliments to the chef.
My Friends, this reminds me of living with God's favor. He goes to such great lengths to take care of us. He dots every "i" and crosses every "t". He even gives us things we didn't expect or ask for. His love is so sweet. Sweet like the dessert on the cruise. "Sweet" is a word usually used to describe something you've tasted right? Psalm 34:8 encourages us to "taste" and see that the Lord is good. The author of this verse wants us to know when God gives, it has a lasting effect. It's something you can savor. Also, it exceeds expectation. Remember this: when you allow God complete control of your life, He'll always exceed your expectations (Eph. 3:20).
The challenge today is to give God total control. If you struggle with "letting go" and allowing Him full access, I encourage you to consult His references (Bible). He's never failed. Allow me to be the waiter who tells you to try "God's" pudding.....it's TO DIE for. After a taste of His love, you'll be looking up to Heaven saying "My compliments to the Chef"!!!
Prayer:
Father, I place my life completely in Your hands. On my best day I cannot come close to Your love and protection. I realize the plan I have for my life pales in comparison to Yours. So I choose You. Now, and forever...Amen!
Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:20
Thursday March 11, 2010
Hello Friends & Lifers! The motivation for today's devotional comes from a memory I had of being on a cruise. If you've ever been on a cruise you know how much fun they can be. If not, you gotta go. Words cannot express the lengths the cruise ship staff go to to pamper you. Well, the last time I was on a cruise I remember having dinner with Pastor Chad and our wives. We were trying to figure out what we wanted for dessert when the waiter recommended this pudding. Pastor Chad and I were quite skeptical as we are both picky eaters. To our surprise, the dish was delicious!!! I remember being so impressed I was compelled to offer my compliments to the chef.
My Friends, this reminds me of living with God's favor. He goes to such great lengths to take care of us. He dots every "i" and crosses every "t". He even gives us things we didn't expect or ask for. His love is so sweet. Sweet like the dessert on the cruise. "Sweet" is a word usually used to describe something you've tasted right? Psalm 34:8 encourages us to "taste" and see that the Lord is good. The author of this verse wants us to know when God gives, it has a lasting effect. It's something you can savor. Also, it exceeds expectation. Remember this: when you allow God complete control of your life, He'll always exceed your expectations (Eph. 3:20).
The challenge today is to give God total control. If you struggle with "letting go" and allowing Him full access, I encourage you to consult His references (Bible). He's never failed. Allow me to be the waiter who tells you to try "God's" pudding.....it's TO DIE for. After a taste of His love, you'll be looking up to Heaven saying "My compliments to the Chef"!!!
Prayer:
Father, I place my life completely in Your hands. On my best day I cannot come close to Your love and protection. I realize the plan I have for my life pales in comparison to Yours. So I choose You. Now, and forever...Amen!
H.U.M.P. Day!!!
Wednesday March 10, 2010
Hello Friends and Lifers! It's H.U.M.P. (His Ultimate Mission & Purpose) Day! For those who are new to this, each Wednesday we challenge each other to step outside our comfort zones and display the love of Christ to a neighbor.
Our mission today is intercession. Before the day ends, ask a neighbor if you can pray with them about a situation in their life. Pray for your family, ministry, and community. Call or text someone to let them know you are praying for them. Remember to be salt and light today and everyday!!!
Blessings of favor and good success to all our children taking FCAT!!!
Hello Friends and Lifers! It's H.U.M.P. (His Ultimate Mission & Purpose) Day! For those who are new to this, each Wednesday we challenge each other to step outside our comfort zones and display the love of Christ to a neighbor.
Our mission today is intercession. Before the day ends, ask a neighbor if you can pray with them about a situation in their life. Pray for your family, ministry, and community. Call or text someone to let them know you are praying for them. Remember to be salt and light today and everyday!!!
Blessings of favor and good success to all our children taking FCAT!!!
Work It Out!
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Today's Passage: I Timothy 4:7-8
Memory Verses: I Tim. 4:7-8
The ladies on my job started a weight loss challenge at the beginning of the year. Since that time, I've watched one lady in particular take on this challenge, consistently losing about 5 to 6 pounds a week until literally becoming half the person she used to be not so long ago. When I asked her what was the secret to her success, she told me something I already knew, but just needed to hear again. Basically, she said that she committed herself to working towards her goal of becoming healthy everyday, keeping in mind that where she wanted to be health-wise was the most important thing in her life at that moment.
As I silently admired my workmate for her accomplishment, the Holy Spirit reminded me of this passage and what it implies for my spiritual life. Bodily exercise is extremely important if we as believers want to be "fit" for the Master's use. However, the Word tells us that it "profits only a little". So our focus should be to "exercise ourselves unto godliness", or to discipline ourselves using the principles of godliness that have been outlined for us.
Godliness, unlike any other exercise, is preparation for the battle that we have to face daily as soldiers in God's army. Because none of our weapons are carnal (although the enemy will use poor health against us), we must learn to make denying ourselves part of our daily lives. "Godliness is profitable unto ALL things, having promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come" (I Tim. 4:8). This means that when we take the time to pray, worship God, practice love for others, and keep ourselves from the filth in this world, not only are we pleasing the Father, but we are also opening ourselves up to what life will be like when we go to Heaven.
If you've ever stopped to think about what we'll do when we pass from this life into the next, you'll notice that only those things will go with us. God doesn't want the things we do when we get there to be foreign to us. He wants us to be in love with Him here, because those emotions will only be magnified there. He wants us to pray and seek Him, love others no matter who they are, and get rid of our sin nature. It's spiritual exercise indeed, for our flesh fights this in much the same way as it fights physical activity. So let's all be encouraged to "work it out" in the spirit, and press toward the mark, which is godliness. Like my co-worker's goal, it's more important than anything else we could ever aspire towards.
Prayer: Father, my life's goal is to know You, seek You, and be more like You. I want intimacy with You to be as natural as breathing not only while I'm on this earth, but when You come to take me home to be with You. Teach me to love You now and always. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: I Timothy 4:7-8
Memory Verses: I Tim. 4:7-8
The ladies on my job started a weight loss challenge at the beginning of the year. Since that time, I've watched one lady in particular take on this challenge, consistently losing about 5 to 6 pounds a week until literally becoming half the person she used to be not so long ago. When I asked her what was the secret to her success, she told me something I already knew, but just needed to hear again. Basically, she said that she committed herself to working towards her goal of becoming healthy everyday, keeping in mind that where she wanted to be health-wise was the most important thing in her life at that moment.
As I silently admired my workmate for her accomplishment, the Holy Spirit reminded me of this passage and what it implies for my spiritual life. Bodily exercise is extremely important if we as believers want to be "fit" for the Master's use. However, the Word tells us that it "profits only a little". So our focus should be to "exercise ourselves unto godliness", or to discipline ourselves using the principles of godliness that have been outlined for us.
Godliness, unlike any other exercise, is preparation for the battle that we have to face daily as soldiers in God's army. Because none of our weapons are carnal (although the enemy will use poor health against us), we must learn to make denying ourselves part of our daily lives. "Godliness is profitable unto ALL things, having promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come" (I Tim. 4:8). This means that when we take the time to pray, worship God, practice love for others, and keep ourselves from the filth in this world, not only are we pleasing the Father, but we are also opening ourselves up to what life will be like when we go to Heaven.
If you've ever stopped to think about what we'll do when we pass from this life into the next, you'll notice that only those things will go with us. God doesn't want the things we do when we get there to be foreign to us. He wants us to be in love with Him here, because those emotions will only be magnified there. He wants us to pray and seek Him, love others no matter who they are, and get rid of our sin nature. It's spiritual exercise indeed, for our flesh fights this in much the same way as it fights physical activity. So let's all be encouraged to "work it out" in the spirit, and press toward the mark, which is godliness. Like my co-worker's goal, it's more important than anything else we could ever aspire towards.
Prayer: Father, my life's goal is to know You, seek You, and be more like You. I want intimacy with You to be as natural as breathing not only while I'm on this earth, but when You come to take me home to be with You. Teach me to love You now and always. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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