Today's Passage: Acts 22:15
Memory Verse: Acts 26:16
Thursday April 8, 2010
Blessings Friends & Lifers! Question: if something were to happen in your immediate surroundings and you needed to report it, would you be a good witness? To witness is to see, hear, or know by personal experience or perception. Think about something you've heard before. Can you attest to its truth with assurity? Maybe not, right? Now think of something you saw or exerienced. Can you attest to that with an assurity? Without a doubt!
God has a purpose for everything He creates. He said in Acts 22:15 "you will be His(Jesus) witness to all men of what you have seen and heard". God created the witness to share His goodness to those who may not visit a church or read a bible. Why? Because a witness' testimony will always hold more weight than an account read or heard. The two main characterisics of the true witness is you can't convince them that they didn't see what they saw, and they don't have trouble telling what they exprienced. So, in being true witnesses for Christ, we should be more confident than someone following other gods. Afterall, you've seen and exprienced what a real God can do. Also, witnesses for Christ look forward to sharing their experience with others. God's word says to rise and stand on your feet; for He has appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minster and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which He will yet reveal to you (Acts 26:16).
I challenge you to enhance your ability to witness today. You don't have to preach a 3-part sermon, or quote 20 scriptures. All a witness has to do is tell someone what they've seen or experienced. Who can argue with that? God has done awesome things in your life. He's blessed you in ways words couldn't adequately express. He knows we'd never be able to repay what He's given, so all He asks is that we do a simple thing that doesn't take much at all.......be a witness!
Prayer:
Father you are so faithful to me. I want to be a part of Your kingdom. I want everyone to know You like I know You. I speak to the witness inside me and I say "Arise". There are people who need to know You Jesus, and the only way they will is if I speak up and stand out. So I commit myself to finding ways to be a witness for you.....in Jesus name, Amen.
H.U.M.P. Day!!!
Wednesday April 7, 2010
Blessings Friends & Lifers! How good and pleasant it is for us to dwell together in unity. I don't think we understand how powerful we are when we're together under the umbrella of God's love. Unity protects those who are weak. It forms a defense against our enemy. And unity brings the blessing of life forever more.
Our mission today is unity. A great unity idea is planning a lunch or dinner outing with another believer. When you meet, talk about oppotunities for ministry in your neighborhood or in an area shelter. Ask each other why you feel gathering together is necessary and share answers. Make sure to ask one another for possible prayer requests. Doing this pleases God because He wants us to bear each others burdens (Gal. 6:2). So let's carry out the mission of unity today. God blesses His children who come together on one accord. Happy H.U.M.P. Day!!!
Blessings Friends & Lifers! How good and pleasant it is for us to dwell together in unity. I don't think we understand how powerful we are when we're together under the umbrella of God's love. Unity protects those who are weak. It forms a defense against our enemy. And unity brings the blessing of life forever more.
Our mission today is unity. A great unity idea is planning a lunch or dinner outing with another believer. When you meet, talk about oppotunities for ministry in your neighborhood or in an area shelter. Ask each other why you feel gathering together is necessary and share answers. Make sure to ask one another for possible prayer requests. Doing this pleases God because He wants us to bear each others burdens (Gal. 6:2). So let's carry out the mission of unity today. God blesses His children who come together on one accord. Happy H.U.M.P. Day!!!
Ready...Set...Run!
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
Today's Passage: Hebrews 12:1-2
Memory Verses: Heb. 12:1-2
RUNNING. Yet another word that never sits well with me when I think about getting myself into the healthy condition I need to be in. Somehow, I try to convince myself that I can "cut corners" or find other alternatives to this tried-and-true method of discipline, I'll still be able to lose weight. So I spend valuable time doing just enough to make me think a difference will be made in my body. Weeks go by, and I'm disappointed to find that I'm pretty much in the same place I was when I decided to take short cuts to discipline.
So here's another parallel for you: you've been inspired by the Holy Spirit to envision yourself living the successful life of a believer, daily walking in victory and giving the devil a run for his money. For some of us, this vision may include leading our family members to Christ; for others, it may entail being in the forefront of our generation, leading our friends and associates away from a life of worthless pursuits to abundant life in Jesus. But before any of this happens, Paul cautions us that some "weight" has to be shed off of us first.
Why is it so important to run this race? Why not just take giant steps? Surely there must be another way to get the weight off? You may have these questions in the back of your mind. Like me, you may not be accustomed to success in this area. But the failure isn't in WHAT we've been told to do; it's HOW we respond to it. Listen: there's a long list of believers who trusted in God and committed to doing it HIS way, and now we're reading about how they became victorious.
So I'm making a decision to trust that God has foreseen my success and pre-planned the steps I'm to take in living a victorious life. If I want the excess weight to come off, I must run with ENDURANCE. This means I must run with patient determination to get to the finish line. Does this mean I may not get tired, and that I'm not allowed to catch my breath? Certainly not! God knows if I've never run before, I need to start out in walk-run mode. As long as I DON'T STOP MOVING, I'll get to my destination. As long as I don't make excuses for why I can't be successful and quit when the going gets tough, I can do this.
The best part is that we have Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of this RACE of LIFE, Who was completely human, yet Who already went before us and won so we could see how it's done. Who's with me today? Anybody ready to run? Don't forget to stretch first -- spend time meditating on the Father and all His promises to us. And while you're running, remember to BREATHE -- breathe in all the goodness of our God, and breathe out anything that's not like Him. Pace yourself -- the race is not about being the fastest, but to the one who endures until the finish line. I think we're ready to do this.
Prayer: Father, today I focus on Your Son Jesus and His awesome example of how we are to run the race of faith. You've already given us everything we need to be successful, and I walk in all of it today. Thank You for the endurance to finish strong, no matter what challenges come. I will serve You forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Hebrews 12:1-2
Memory Verses: Heb. 12:1-2
RUNNING. Yet another word that never sits well with me when I think about getting myself into the healthy condition I need to be in. Somehow, I try to convince myself that I can "cut corners" or find other alternatives to this tried-and-true method of discipline, I'll still be able to lose weight. So I spend valuable time doing just enough to make me think a difference will be made in my body. Weeks go by, and I'm disappointed to find that I'm pretty much in the same place I was when I decided to take short cuts to discipline.
So here's another parallel for you: you've been inspired by the Holy Spirit to envision yourself living the successful life of a believer, daily walking in victory and giving the devil a run for his money. For some of us, this vision may include leading our family members to Christ; for others, it may entail being in the forefront of our generation, leading our friends and associates away from a life of worthless pursuits to abundant life in Jesus. But before any of this happens, Paul cautions us that some "weight" has to be shed off of us first.
Why is it so important to run this race? Why not just take giant steps? Surely there must be another way to get the weight off? You may have these questions in the back of your mind. Like me, you may not be accustomed to success in this area. But the failure isn't in WHAT we've been told to do; it's HOW we respond to it. Listen: there's a long list of believers who trusted in God and committed to doing it HIS way, and now we're reading about how they became victorious.
So I'm making a decision to trust that God has foreseen my success and pre-planned the steps I'm to take in living a victorious life. If I want the excess weight to come off, I must run with ENDURANCE. This means I must run with patient determination to get to the finish line. Does this mean I may not get tired, and that I'm not allowed to catch my breath? Certainly not! God knows if I've never run before, I need to start out in walk-run mode. As long as I DON'T STOP MOVING, I'll get to my destination. As long as I don't make excuses for why I can't be successful and quit when the going gets tough, I can do this.
The best part is that we have Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of this RACE of LIFE, Who was completely human, yet Who already went before us and won so we could see how it's done. Who's with me today? Anybody ready to run? Don't forget to stretch first -- spend time meditating on the Father and all His promises to us. And while you're running, remember to BREATHE -- breathe in all the goodness of our God, and breathe out anything that's not like Him. Pace yourself -- the race is not about being the fastest, but to the one who endures until the finish line. I think we're ready to do this.
Prayer: Father, today I focus on Your Son Jesus and His awesome example of how we are to run the race of faith. You've already given us everything we need to be successful, and I walk in all of it today. Thank You for the endurance to finish strong, no matter what challenges come. I will serve You forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Press Toward the Mark
Monday, April 5th, 2010
Today's Passage: Philppians 3:7-16
Memory Verses: Phil.3:14-15
Exercise. Discipline. Self-control. Words it seems I've always cringed at everytime I heard them. I've always wondered why, after being gung-ho about starting a new exercise regimen, my enthusiasm would dwindle in only a few days. Why is it that, after deciding to embark on a journey to better health, I can't seem to focus long enough to carry it out?
As I pondered these things,the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance this passage. Paul tells how I can stay focused. First,I must have a GOAL: what do I want to accomplish with this regimen? Have I written a vision about it that I can refer to constantly so that I don't give up so easily? In addition to that, have I made a commitment to do something DAILY that will bring me closer to that goal? And even when it's hard, do I PRESS THROUGH, or do I just give up?
If you haven't seen the parallel already, here it is: if you struggle with keeping your focus on spiritual things, falling off track more often than not, what Paul has to say will help you today. What are you focusing on? Are you dwelling more on your failures of the past than you are on what Christ purchased for your future? What IS your goal for this Christian journey? Are you simply content with living from one day to the next, trying to stay under the radar so the devil doesn't mess with you? Or have you been given a revelation of your PURPOSE, and won't let anything or anyone stop you until you're walking in it?
Today, I encourage you to take a minute and focus on our mark: the goal of pursuing a relationship with Christ that grows closer and more intimate as time goes by. We can't waste time worrying about mistakes of the past. All we have the energy to do is give God our all with every waking moment. And what an awesome Coach/Trainer we've been given: the Holy Spirit is always there, whispering God's Word to remind us of Whose we are as well as what God wants us to be doing. So if you're in need of Someone to encourage you and keep you on track, depend on Him. Just as I've realized I have everything I need to be successful on my journey to better health, you as a believer have the same. Press toward your mark today.
Today's Passage: Philppians 3:7-16
Memory Verses: Phil.3:14-15
Exercise. Discipline. Self-control. Words it seems I've always cringed at everytime I heard them. I've always wondered why, after being gung-ho about starting a new exercise regimen, my enthusiasm would dwindle in only a few days. Why is it that, after deciding to embark on a journey to better health, I can't seem to focus long enough to carry it out?
As I pondered these things,the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance this passage. Paul tells how I can stay focused. First,I must have a GOAL: what do I want to accomplish with this regimen? Have I written a vision about it that I can refer to constantly so that I don't give up so easily? In addition to that, have I made a commitment to do something DAILY that will bring me closer to that goal? And even when it's hard, do I PRESS THROUGH, or do I just give up?
If you haven't seen the parallel already, here it is: if you struggle with keeping your focus on spiritual things, falling off track more often than not, what Paul has to say will help you today. What are you focusing on? Are you dwelling more on your failures of the past than you are on what Christ purchased for your future? What IS your goal for this Christian journey? Are you simply content with living from one day to the next, trying to stay under the radar so the devil doesn't mess with you? Or have you been given a revelation of your PURPOSE, and won't let anything or anyone stop you until you're walking in it?
Today, I encourage you to take a minute and focus on our mark: the goal of pursuing a relationship with Christ that grows closer and more intimate as time goes by. We can't waste time worrying about mistakes of the past. All we have the energy to do is give God our all with every waking moment. And what an awesome Coach/Trainer we've been given: the Holy Spirit is always there, whispering God's Word to remind us of Whose we are as well as what God wants us to be doing. So if you're in need of Someone to encourage you and keep you on track, depend on Him. Just as I've realized I have everything I need to be successful on my journey to better health, you as a believer have the same. Press toward your mark today.
He Lives!!!
Today's Passage: Matthew 28:18
Memory Verse: Romans 6:23
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! I have exciting news. Jesus Christ rose from the grave this morning. By the time your eyes opened today, Jesus had already conquered death and the grave. How's that for a busy night? So let's remember to celebrate this great victory. Go to the church of your choice and take advantage of this special moment. Let your praise be louder and more exuberant than ever before. He deserves it. He's worthy.
The challenge today is to understand what all this means. First of all, you are no longer a slave to the bondage of sin. You can choose to say no. Also, when the "accuser" comes to remind God of your guilt, Jesus' blood cleanses you of the evidence levied against you. Second, when Jesus walked out of that tomb, He walked out with all authority in His hands (Matt. 28:18). And He gave us that authority. Therefore, walk in your authority when the devil tempts you with the sins of his world. Walk in authority when your mind is distracted by the cares of life, or when the voice of discouragement is protesting against you. If you have authority over something, is it submitted to you, or are you submitted to it? So live free from the world's traps and strongholds, because those things only lead to death (Rom. 6:23). What would be much easier is to choose life. Life in Christ is always the smartest choice. You can choose Him today and live. After all.....He lives!!!!
Prayer:
Hallelujah! Lord, You reign forever! You've conquered death and the grave just for me. I will always be Yours. I claim authority in Your name over the devil and his works. Now I live, because You live!!! Amen...
Memory Verse: Romans 6:23
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! I have exciting news. Jesus Christ rose from the grave this morning. By the time your eyes opened today, Jesus had already conquered death and the grave. How's that for a busy night? So let's remember to celebrate this great victory. Go to the church of your choice and take advantage of this special moment. Let your praise be louder and more exuberant than ever before. He deserves it. He's worthy.
The challenge today is to understand what all this means. First of all, you are no longer a slave to the bondage of sin. You can choose to say no. Also, when the "accuser" comes to remind God of your guilt, Jesus' blood cleanses you of the evidence levied against you. Second, when Jesus walked out of that tomb, He walked out with all authority in His hands (Matt. 28:18). And He gave us that authority. Therefore, walk in your authority when the devil tempts you with the sins of his world. Walk in authority when your mind is distracted by the cares of life, or when the voice of discouragement is protesting against you. If you have authority over something, is it submitted to you, or are you submitted to it? So live free from the world's traps and strongholds, because those things only lead to death (Rom. 6:23). What would be much easier is to choose life. Life in Christ is always the smartest choice. You can choose Him today and live. After all.....He lives!!!!
Prayer:
Hallelujah! Lord, You reign forever! You've conquered death and the grave just for me. I will always be Yours. I claim authority in Your name over the devil and his works. Now I live, because You live!!! Amen...
Cover Me, In Recovery!!!
Today' Passage: Revelations 1:18
Memory Verse: Galatians 2:20
Saturday April 3, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! Today's devotional calls our attention to day two of resurrection weekend. As you know, yesterday Jesus was crucified on the cross for claiming to be a king. People watched as He took His last breath while hanging by His nailed hands & feet between 2 thieves. Because it was the Sabbath, there was no time to prepare for the proper rituals of mourning. So there He laid in wait. But was it wait, or was it recovery?
As Jesus laid in that cold, dark tomb, I'd like to think there were 3 things He wanted us to know. (1) Sometimes you find your purpose in the "darkest" hour of your situation. If Jesus hadn't allowed them to break His flesh, He would not have died, become "Spirit", and subsequently fulfilled His mission. He said in Revelations 1:18, "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forever. And I have the keys of Hades(hell) and of death". (2) Not being able to "see" may be the avenue to your greatest vision. Jesus' natural eyes were rendered useless. So being able to percieve the darkness of the tomb was nullified. Also, natural eyesight would only show Him the lie of how "alone" He was, not the truth of His ever-present Father. (3) New life only comes after something old has died. Jesus said "destroy this temple and in 3 days I will raise it up again" (John 2:19). Paul summed it up by saying "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer "I" who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I now live by faith in the Son of God" (Galatians 2:20). If you want a life that's free from the bondage of sin, your old nature; which are your attitudes, habits, and mindsets, must die.
So, if you're experiencing persecution even though you've done everything the right way, and every ounce of strength seems to be leaving you, the challenge today is to ask God to cover you while you recover with His love and grace. Go ahead, say it..."cover me, while I'm in recovery". Now ask God to cover you while you recover your zeal to pursue Him. Ask Him to cover you while you recover the strength you lost in that broken relationship. You can even ask God to cover you as you learn how to breathe again. So many things and people have stifled your ability to receive a fresh breath of life and energy. Through God, you can recover that ability. So don't give up on your purpose and destiny. Where would we be if Jesus had given up before completing the process? C'mon, just cause you're down, doesn't mean you're out!!!
Prayer:
Lord, I rejoice in the power of Your resurrection. As your body lay still in that borrowed tomb, Your spirit is alive and conquering death as we speak. I'll never be able to thank You enough for what you've done for me. Because You overcame, I overcome....forever and ever!!!! In Your name I pray, Amen
Memory Verse: Galatians 2:20
Saturday April 3, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! Today's devotional calls our attention to day two of resurrection weekend. As you know, yesterday Jesus was crucified on the cross for claiming to be a king. People watched as He took His last breath while hanging by His nailed hands & feet between 2 thieves. Because it was the Sabbath, there was no time to prepare for the proper rituals of mourning. So there He laid in wait. But was it wait, or was it recovery?
As Jesus laid in that cold, dark tomb, I'd like to think there were 3 things He wanted us to know. (1) Sometimes you find your purpose in the "darkest" hour of your situation. If Jesus hadn't allowed them to break His flesh, He would not have died, become "Spirit", and subsequently fulfilled His mission. He said in Revelations 1:18, "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forever. And I have the keys of Hades(hell) and of death". (2) Not being able to "see" may be the avenue to your greatest vision. Jesus' natural eyes were rendered useless. So being able to percieve the darkness of the tomb was nullified. Also, natural eyesight would only show Him the lie of how "alone" He was, not the truth of His ever-present Father. (3) New life only comes after something old has died. Jesus said "destroy this temple and in 3 days I will raise it up again" (John 2:19). Paul summed it up by saying "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer "I" who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I now live by faith in the Son of God" (Galatians 2:20). If you want a life that's free from the bondage of sin, your old nature; which are your attitudes, habits, and mindsets, must die.
So, if you're experiencing persecution even though you've done everything the right way, and every ounce of strength seems to be leaving you, the challenge today is to ask God to cover you while you recover with His love and grace. Go ahead, say it..."cover me, while I'm in recovery". Now ask God to cover you while you recover your zeal to pursue Him. Ask Him to cover you while you recover the strength you lost in that broken relationship. You can even ask God to cover you as you learn how to breathe again. So many things and people have stifled your ability to receive a fresh breath of life and energy. Through God, you can recover that ability. So don't give up on your purpose and destiny. Where would we be if Jesus had given up before completing the process? C'mon, just cause you're down, doesn't mean you're out!!!
Prayer:
Lord, I rejoice in the power of Your resurrection. As your body lay still in that borrowed tomb, Your spirit is alive and conquering death as we speak. I'll never be able to thank You enough for what you've done for me. Because You overcame, I overcome....forever and ever!!!! In Your name I pray, Amen
The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power
Good Friday, 2010
Today's Passage: John 19
Memory Verses: Isaiah 53:4-5
Every year about this time, we stop to focus on the painful details of Christ's death to make sure we never forget what He went through for us. I didn't think the crucifixion could be any more real until Mel Gibson's representation in The Passion of the Christ. So what do we do with what we know about how Christ died for us? How do we live so that His shed blood loses none of its value in our lives?
We live daily knowing that when Jesus said, "It is finished", He meant it with every drop of blood that was shed. Christ bled on the outside when he was scourged with the cat-o'-nine-tails. And for that, I can bring to Him my transgressions, asking for forgiveness with a contrite heart, and know that I will be forgiven and set free. But Christ was also bruised on the inside, signifying that my iniquity, the inward struggles and bondages the enemy has used against me through my ancestors, were also covered under the blood, and as I repent for them and break the contract, I will walk away completely delivered.
So today, when we remember what He did, let us do it with joy in our hearts that Jesus' blood is still strong enough to cover every sickness, every problem, every trial, every fear, and every attack from the enemy. That blood was so strong that, even while His body lay in that borrowed tomb, Christ was in the bowels of hell itself, snatching the authority over all principalities and powers from satan, and taking the sting of sin and the grave away from him. And now, we live even on our worst days with that toothless lion under our feet.
Arise, men and women of God, and take your place. Walk in that authority,and apply the blood as liberally as you need it. This Good Friday, be filled with the hope of the cross, and the truth of everything that was purchased for you. Let the rest of the world focus on bunnies and eggs and candy. Spend your time praising our God for ransoming us from the tyranny of sin and death. And let the rest of your lives be lived as a testimony to the awesome power of the blood.
Prayer: Father, words will never be able to express how in awe of You I remain, especially today. Only the thought of my freedom and that of the entire world could have stopped You from calling a host of angels to get Your Son off that cross. And am I grateful You didn't. I live to honor You forever. Thank You for giving me the greatest gift I could've ever received: eternal life wrapped up in victory here on earth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: John 19
Memory Verses: Isaiah 53:4-5
Every year about this time, we stop to focus on the painful details of Christ's death to make sure we never forget what He went through for us. I didn't think the crucifixion could be any more real until Mel Gibson's representation in The Passion of the Christ. So what do we do with what we know about how Christ died for us? How do we live so that His shed blood loses none of its value in our lives?
We live daily knowing that when Jesus said, "It is finished", He meant it with every drop of blood that was shed. Christ bled on the outside when he was scourged with the cat-o'-nine-tails. And for that, I can bring to Him my transgressions, asking for forgiveness with a contrite heart, and know that I will be forgiven and set free. But Christ was also bruised on the inside, signifying that my iniquity, the inward struggles and bondages the enemy has used against me through my ancestors, were also covered under the blood, and as I repent for them and break the contract, I will walk away completely delivered.
So today, when we remember what He did, let us do it with joy in our hearts that Jesus' blood is still strong enough to cover every sickness, every problem, every trial, every fear, and every attack from the enemy. That blood was so strong that, even while His body lay in that borrowed tomb, Christ was in the bowels of hell itself, snatching the authority over all principalities and powers from satan, and taking the sting of sin and the grave away from him. And now, we live even on our worst days with that toothless lion under our feet.
Arise, men and women of God, and take your place. Walk in that authority,and apply the blood as liberally as you need it. This Good Friday, be filled with the hope of the cross, and the truth of everything that was purchased for you. Let the rest of the world focus on bunnies and eggs and candy. Spend your time praising our God for ransoming us from the tyranny of sin and death. And let the rest of your lives be lived as a testimony to the awesome power of the blood.
Prayer: Father, words will never be able to express how in awe of You I remain, especially today. Only the thought of my freedom and that of the entire world could have stopped You from calling a host of angels to get Your Son off that cross. And am I grateful You didn't. I live to honor You forever. Thank You for giving me the greatest gift I could've ever received: eternal life wrapped up in victory here on earth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)