Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
Today's Passage: Hebrews 11
Memory Verses: Heb. 11:1 & 3
Barely two months ago, I heard a word ministered by Pastor Nette that caused my baby to begin jumping. The gist of the message was that God has created a destiny for greatness in all of us, and that we should not allow what people around us do to make us stop seeing what God sees in them. But by the time I had the opportunity to hear those concepts again, I had forgotten the most important one: it takes faith to see what God sees in others.
You've heard this verse often enough, but every word of it is true. Faith is truly the foundation of everything that exists in this world. God stepped out on the nothingness of space, but before He spoke it into existence, He had to envision it -- every tree, the rolling waves that make up the oceans, birds and other animals moving and breathing. Then, when He pictured it and saw how pleasurable all of it would make Him, He spoke it into being. Well, why is this important for us to know? Because when He breathed life into us, He breathed that very essence of His nature, which is the ability to believe something into existence, into us.
So when we arise in the morning and begin to make our confession about the greatness we're about to walk in, in spite of the awful mistakes we ourselves have made, let's not forget to "SEE" through the eyes of faith the greatness in the lives of those around us. Mom, just because your son or daughter seems to be turning out the very opposite of what you "saw" when you held him or her in your arms as a baby, don't let that stop you from believing and speaking words of life over your child. Husband or wife, you'll never see what you desire in your spouse until you begin to plant, water, and cultivate those desires through your words. Never forget that the power of death and life is still in your tongue. Jesus told the blind men in Matthew 9:29, "According to your FAITH, let it be unto you".
Saints, God is no respector of persons. Read every example of faith hall of famers there is. They had to see it, and only when they grasped a hold of it were they then able to see it manifest in the natural. Look aroud you. How many people where God has placed us are not walking in the things God has in store for them? How long are we simply going to complain about it? When are we going to SEE them saved, healed, set free, and victorious instead of simply what they look like right now? It's according to our FAITH that things will begin to change, because our faith is what will cause us to SPEAK God's will and not our own.
Now, mind you, if our faith is the vehicle that brings destinies to life, then if we've negatively been speaking what we believe IS, it will take some time for that vehicle to turn around and move in the opposite direction. But watch the awesome manifestations that are coming to pass. Greatness is coming to the lives of those around us -- just because we dare to believe.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for the many times I've allowed what I see and hear about those around me to cause me to form opinions and speak death into their lives. But just as You've never given up on me, allow me now to begin to believe with an even greater fervency than ever before that their lives WILL be changed. Thank You even now for the turnaround in Jesus' Name, Amen!
Positioned for Greatness 2
Monday, June 7th, 2010
Today's Passage: The book of Esther
Memory Verse: Esther 4:14
There's a young lady who's truly been an inspiration to me the last few weeks. I've always known she had an awesome anointing since the first time I saw her sing in our very own hometown. Now, to see her on television's "Sunday Best" is a testimony to the reality of God's timing when it comes to the destiny of each of His children.
Yesterday, we discussed one aspect of greatness, which involves being a servant and doing whatever needs to be done to further God's kingdom. Today, we'll explore the subject of greatness as it pertains to always knowing who God has called us to be no matter what we have to endure. Paul says that we have a treasure called greatness in these earthen vessels so that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. In other words, we're not supposed to take any of that glory for ourselves, but we should still be able to arise and let God make himself famous through us.
In this passage, Esther came from very humble beginnings. She wasn't even supposed to be among the prospective queens because she was a Jew, but God still opened doors for her to become the favored one. Just at a time when the Jews needed someone to stand up for them, Esther realized after hearing the words of her uncle that she wasn't just placed in this position to be a pretty face. When she decided to seek God and do His will, she was able to bring her people to safety.
What has God called YOU to do? What are YOU positioned for? What problem has God created you to be an answer to? Begin now to thank God for every situation, especially the ones that were tragic, that will give you the testimony God will use to inspire others through your life. Watching that young lady walk into her destiny on "Sunday Best", I've no doubt God wants to do that for each one of us. All we must remember to do is always remain totally devoted to Him. It's in this position of adoration that greatness is sure to come. Just wait and see.
Prayer: Father, I'm so excited to see You move mightily in the lives of Your children. You are welcome to position me for the ministry of inspiring others to worship You. I know You created me to bring You glory, so however and whenever You choose to do so is fine with me. I just want to abide in You forever. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: The book of Esther
Memory Verse: Esther 4:14
There's a young lady who's truly been an inspiration to me the last few weeks. I've always known she had an awesome anointing since the first time I saw her sing in our very own hometown. Now, to see her on television's "Sunday Best" is a testimony to the reality of God's timing when it comes to the destiny of each of His children.
Yesterday, we discussed one aspect of greatness, which involves being a servant and doing whatever needs to be done to further God's kingdom. Today, we'll explore the subject of greatness as it pertains to always knowing who God has called us to be no matter what we have to endure. Paul says that we have a treasure called greatness in these earthen vessels so that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. In other words, we're not supposed to take any of that glory for ourselves, but we should still be able to arise and let God make himself famous through us.
In this passage, Esther came from very humble beginnings. She wasn't even supposed to be among the prospective queens because she was a Jew, but God still opened doors for her to become the favored one. Just at a time when the Jews needed someone to stand up for them, Esther realized after hearing the words of her uncle that she wasn't just placed in this position to be a pretty face. When she decided to seek God and do His will, she was able to bring her people to safety.
What has God called YOU to do? What are YOU positioned for? What problem has God created you to be an answer to? Begin now to thank God for every situation, especially the ones that were tragic, that will give you the testimony God will use to inspire others through your life. Watching that young lady walk into her destiny on "Sunday Best", I've no doubt God wants to do that for each one of us. All we must remember to do is always remain totally devoted to Him. It's in this position of adoration that greatness is sure to come. Just wait and see.
Prayer: Father, I'm so excited to see You move mightily in the lives of Your children. You are welcome to position me for the ministry of inspiring others to worship You. I know You created me to bring You glory, so however and whenever You choose to do so is fine with me. I just want to abide in You forever. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Positioned for Greatness
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Today's Passage: Mark 10:35-45
Memory Verses: Mk 10: 43-45
Many years ago, I had this notion that once you became saved, you were now considered "great" in God's eyes, "the head and not the tail". I thought that somehow whatever your gifting was involved you standing before a multitude of people, ministering and being seen. Then I came to Abundant Life Ministries, and everything I ever thought I knew about greatness was changed. I saw my pastors cleaning along with everyone else, and doing whatever it was that needed to be done for God's house to be ready for His service to go forth.
I guess that's why God included this passage in His book. He wanted those of us who call ourselves His children to be mindful not to get this warped attitude about "greatness". The greater you want to be in God's kingdom, the more willing you should be to serve others. Jesus Himself was the greatest example of servant leadership that there is. From the moment His ministry was launched, He set about serving others -- always healing, always teaching, always listening, and pointing the way to His Father's heart. He even went so far as to wash His disciples' feet just to show them what the true position of greatness was.
This morning, as you prepare to enter your house of worship, examine your mentality of greatness. Are you one of those who feels as though you've been saved for others to cater to you? Have you placed yourself on the altar of "it's all about me, my needs, and that's all I see"? If so, I admonish you to ask for God to show you His heart on the matter. The kingdom of God needs you to stand up and show your greatness by contributing to the building of His kingdom WHEREVER YOU'RE NEEDED.
For those of you who've caught on to the vision of true greatness, you may never receive any recognition or thanks on this side of heaven. But know that every act of service you render in the name of the Lord is being observed, recorded, and set up for reward. I speak strength to you for your tireless effort to be there when help is needed, and I praise God for your willingness to be used. Don't forget to spend time in His presence, because that's the one thing Jesus came away from everyone else to do. But when He fills you back up, get back into the field and keep working until you can see evidence of God's presence on everything you touch. Serve on, my brothers and sisters. That is true greatness.
Prayer: Father, fill me today and give me strength to reach outside of myself and serve others. You gave me the most wonderful example of being great: Your Son. If He hadn't given me all He had, I'd be lost today. So I give all I have to point the way to you for others to see, and I count it a privilege. Use me today and everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Mark 10:35-45
Memory Verses: Mk 10: 43-45
Many years ago, I had this notion that once you became saved, you were now considered "great" in God's eyes, "the head and not the tail". I thought that somehow whatever your gifting was involved you standing before a multitude of people, ministering and being seen. Then I came to Abundant Life Ministries, and everything I ever thought I knew about greatness was changed. I saw my pastors cleaning along with everyone else, and doing whatever it was that needed to be done for God's house to be ready for His service to go forth.
I guess that's why God included this passage in His book. He wanted those of us who call ourselves His children to be mindful not to get this warped attitude about "greatness". The greater you want to be in God's kingdom, the more willing you should be to serve others. Jesus Himself was the greatest example of servant leadership that there is. From the moment His ministry was launched, He set about serving others -- always healing, always teaching, always listening, and pointing the way to His Father's heart. He even went so far as to wash His disciples' feet just to show them what the true position of greatness was.
This morning, as you prepare to enter your house of worship, examine your mentality of greatness. Are you one of those who feels as though you've been saved for others to cater to you? Have you placed yourself on the altar of "it's all about me, my needs, and that's all I see"? If so, I admonish you to ask for God to show you His heart on the matter. The kingdom of God needs you to stand up and show your greatness by contributing to the building of His kingdom WHEREVER YOU'RE NEEDED.
For those of you who've caught on to the vision of true greatness, you may never receive any recognition or thanks on this side of heaven. But know that every act of service you render in the name of the Lord is being observed, recorded, and set up for reward. I speak strength to you for your tireless effort to be there when help is needed, and I praise God for your willingness to be used. Don't forget to spend time in His presence, because that's the one thing Jesus came away from everyone else to do. But when He fills you back up, get back into the field and keep working until you can see evidence of God's presence on everything you touch. Serve on, my brothers and sisters. That is true greatness.
Prayer: Father, fill me today and give me strength to reach outside of myself and serve others. You gave me the most wonderful example of being great: Your Son. If He hadn't given me all He had, I'd be lost today. So I give all I have to point the way to you for others to see, and I count it a privilege. Use me today and everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Like...Totally Dude!!!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Today's Passage:Luke 9:22-24
Memory Verses: Lk 9:23-24
Every since our Pastors spoke to us about total devotion, I've been making some changes in my life. The Word of God has been arriving with such clarity, it's been hard to stay the same after hearing it. So I've gone on a quest in my life to see if I were really totally devoted to God. Of course, the answer was a resounding "no"!
As I look to the people in the Bible, I can clearly see what it means to be totally devoted. For instance, God told Noah to build a cruise ship where there was no water or rain, and he did it. He told Abraham to go to that place and have that boy, that way he'd become a father to all those people, and he did it. He told Mary, because you're a virgin, you'll give birth to a king in a barn, and she did it. Can I go on? Daniel defied a king, was thrown to the lions, and lived. The 3 Hebrew boys stood in the face of death, and lived, and Jesus became sin for a humanity that would reject Him. All these people had one thing in common: they were totally devoted to the Father. So when I look at my life, I have to ask myself how I can show my total devotion. What can I do to let God know He has my undying love?
What about you? I challenge you to take an introspective view of yourself. Find out what God is telling you to do and devote yourself to Him. Remember, the "total" in totally devoted means all in. It means complete, or the whole. Nothing can be allowed to get you off course. No-one can be allowed to come between you and God. Daniel, Abraham, Mary, and Jesus made the most of their opportunity. What will you do with yours?
Prayer: Father, You're calling me to a place where I'm being made brand new. This place is out of my comfort zone, and requires 100 per cent trust in You and Your will for my life. Let me lose myself in You, and find myself totally devoted so You can become famous through me. I am and always will be Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage:Luke 9:22-24
Memory Verses: Lk 9:23-24
Every since our Pastors spoke to us about total devotion, I've been making some changes in my life. The Word of God has been arriving with such clarity, it's been hard to stay the same after hearing it. So I've gone on a quest in my life to see if I were really totally devoted to God. Of course, the answer was a resounding "no"!
As I look to the people in the Bible, I can clearly see what it means to be totally devoted. For instance, God told Noah to build a cruise ship where there was no water or rain, and he did it. He told Abraham to go to that place and have that boy, that way he'd become a father to all those people, and he did it. He told Mary, because you're a virgin, you'll give birth to a king in a barn, and she did it. Can I go on? Daniel defied a king, was thrown to the lions, and lived. The 3 Hebrew boys stood in the face of death, and lived, and Jesus became sin for a humanity that would reject Him. All these people had one thing in common: they were totally devoted to the Father. So when I look at my life, I have to ask myself how I can show my total devotion. What can I do to let God know He has my undying love?
What about you? I challenge you to take an introspective view of yourself. Find out what God is telling you to do and devote yourself to Him. Remember, the "total" in totally devoted means all in. It means complete, or the whole. Nothing can be allowed to get you off course. No-one can be allowed to come between you and God. Daniel, Abraham, Mary, and Jesus made the most of their opportunity. What will you do with yours?
Prayer: Father, You're calling me to a place where I'm being made brand new. This place is out of my comfort zone, and requires 100 per cent trust in You and Your will for my life. Let me lose myself in You, and find myself totally devoted so You can become famous through me. I am and always will be Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Are You Ready?
Friday, June 4th, 2010
Today's Passage: Colossians 3:1-10
Memory Verse: Matthew 24:44
It could happen any minute. Some of us could be in the middle of a meal, on the way to or from the store, or soundly sleeping. Others might be sitting at their work desks, while yet others may be on a plane or other form of public transportation. Can you imagine what it will be like to experience the electricity in the air the moment before our Savior Christ cracks the sky?
With bills and other everyday things threatening to consume our minds, it's sometimes difficult to focus on the fact that this earth is NOT our eternal home. Because of the fall of man, God's plan to create a new heaven and earth for us was set into motion. Consequently, it is very important for us to, as the passage warns us, set our minds on things above. Think about it for a moment: what really preoccupies us on a daily basis? What's going on at work or school, our children and immediate loved ones, or what the status of our relationships is at the time.
Even for those of us who are committed to giving our lives totally to God, being burdened with the souls of those around us is not always a priority. To be honest, it seems easy to put off ministering to the ones that we know who don't have a relationship with God. But His Word is very specific about what will happen to the "sons of disobedience" (Col. 3:6). God is a very loving Father Who is not willing that any of His children be lost, as we've already been reminded. So it's obvious He's planned for them to come in contact with His Son. How? Through the ones of us that have already been given this eternal life.
So our challenge today, Saints, is to be ready to step up and boldly share the salvation message through our lives, our smile, and our testimony. We don't have time to be weighed down with fleshly lusts that destroy our witness. Let's pray that the Father will put His Word in our hearts in such a powerful way that we have no other choice but to pass it on. Are you ready? It could be any day.
Prayer: Father, my honest answer to the question "are you ready" is yes, but I know I haven't always been consumed enough with your kingdom that I'd be anxious to share what You've done in my life with others. Prepare me now, God. I need You to consume me from the inside out so that Your love for me can flow outward to others. I want to hear You say, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Use me to draw others to You in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Today's Passage: Colossians 3:1-10
Memory Verse: Matthew 24:44
It could happen any minute. Some of us could be in the middle of a meal, on the way to or from the store, or soundly sleeping. Others might be sitting at their work desks, while yet others may be on a plane or other form of public transportation. Can you imagine what it will be like to experience the electricity in the air the moment before our Savior Christ cracks the sky?
With bills and other everyday things threatening to consume our minds, it's sometimes difficult to focus on the fact that this earth is NOT our eternal home. Because of the fall of man, God's plan to create a new heaven and earth for us was set into motion. Consequently, it is very important for us to, as the passage warns us, set our minds on things above. Think about it for a moment: what really preoccupies us on a daily basis? What's going on at work or school, our children and immediate loved ones, or what the status of our relationships is at the time.
Even for those of us who are committed to giving our lives totally to God, being burdened with the souls of those around us is not always a priority. To be honest, it seems easy to put off ministering to the ones that we know who don't have a relationship with God. But His Word is very specific about what will happen to the "sons of disobedience" (Col. 3:6). God is a very loving Father Who is not willing that any of His children be lost, as we've already been reminded. So it's obvious He's planned for them to come in contact with His Son. How? Through the ones of us that have already been given this eternal life.
So our challenge today, Saints, is to be ready to step up and boldly share the salvation message through our lives, our smile, and our testimony. We don't have time to be weighed down with fleshly lusts that destroy our witness. Let's pray that the Father will put His Word in our hearts in such a powerful way that we have no other choice but to pass it on. Are you ready? It could be any day.
Prayer: Father, my honest answer to the question "are you ready" is yes, but I know I haven't always been consumed enough with your kingdom that I'd be anxious to share what You've done in my life with others. Prepare me now, God. I need You to consume me from the inside out so that Your love for me can flow outward to others. I want to hear You say, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Use me to draw others to You in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Please Don't Touch The Art!!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Today's Passage: Isaiah 64:8
Memory Verse: Same
Ever look into the mirror and make a list of all the things you'd change about yourself? Everybody's got something they'd like to be: thinner or smaller, wider or smoother. Changing the body has gone from a tool used for helping accident victims to being a social trend. Now, I'm not here to criticize plastic surgery. My message is more spiritual in its context anyway. I'm here to remind you that your life has a design perfectly sculpted by God, and therefore should not be tampered with.
I remember being on a school field trip to the museum. Every exhibit we saw was so very well put together, we wanted to touch them. But as you know, you're not allowed to touch the art in the museum. Why not? It's because only the touch of the original artist can keep it valuable. Our passage for the day says God is the potter and we are the clay. We are God's workmanship. He molded us to be exactly what He wants. He wants us to be bold but broken, mature but new, and strong but dependant. All we have to do is stick to the design. We have to stay totally devoted. We can't allow God's art to be tampered with. We can't give in to just anyone or anything. God's art has to be preserved. It has to be kept in its valuable state. When you allow the world to tamper with you, it messes with your authenticity. It messes with the product. And God's not going to put His signature on something that's not His, something strange, or something that's been mixed or tainted.
I challenge you today to be what God made. Again, I'm not just talking about outside stuff. I'm also talking about the character He shaped into you, the mind He shaped into you, and the attitude He shaped into you. Don't try to add to His design. It's perfect just the way it is....
Prayer:
Father, I want to always be made in Your image. Mold and make me into what You want me to be. I'll carefully walk in Your ways. I want to be like You. I want to be used by You. I want to make You famous. Let me stay in Your care so I can produce after You and Your kingdom, in Jesus' name...Amen!
Today's Passage: Isaiah 64:8
Memory Verse: Same
Ever look into the mirror and make a list of all the things you'd change about yourself? Everybody's got something they'd like to be: thinner or smaller, wider or smoother. Changing the body has gone from a tool used for helping accident victims to being a social trend. Now, I'm not here to criticize plastic surgery. My message is more spiritual in its context anyway. I'm here to remind you that your life has a design perfectly sculpted by God, and therefore should not be tampered with.
I remember being on a school field trip to the museum. Every exhibit we saw was so very well put together, we wanted to touch them. But as you know, you're not allowed to touch the art in the museum. Why not? It's because only the touch of the original artist can keep it valuable. Our passage for the day says God is the potter and we are the clay. We are God's workmanship. He molded us to be exactly what He wants. He wants us to be bold but broken, mature but new, and strong but dependant. All we have to do is stick to the design. We have to stay totally devoted. We can't allow God's art to be tampered with. We can't give in to just anyone or anything. God's art has to be preserved. It has to be kept in its valuable state. When you allow the world to tamper with you, it messes with your authenticity. It messes with the product. And God's not going to put His signature on something that's not His, something strange, or something that's been mixed or tainted.
I challenge you today to be what God made. Again, I'm not just talking about outside stuff. I'm also talking about the character He shaped into you, the mind He shaped into you, and the attitude He shaped into you. Don't try to add to His design. It's perfect just the way it is....
Prayer:
Father, I want to always be made in Your image. Mold and make me into what You want me to be. I'll carefully walk in Your ways. I want to be like You. I want to be used by You. I want to make You famous. Let me stay in Your care so I can produce after You and Your kingdom, in Jesus' name...Amen!
#1 in Coverage! (H.U.M.P. Day)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Today's Passage: Matthew 28:19
Memory Verse: Same
I saw a cell phone commercial the other day that got me thinking. The ad was trying to convince me that they were #1 in coverage. Hmmm, I thought. They may have more coverage than their competition, but they're a distant second compared to the Body of Christ; or they should be.
Our assignment this H.U.M.P. Day is to 'extend the coverage'. Make sure someone around you knows how much Jesus loves them. Call an old friend who lives out of town and tell them Jesus loves them. You can even communicate that love via an act of service. The important thing is to do whatever you can to make God famous. Let's go Td (totally devoted) nation, we've got work to do. More coverage!!!
Prayer: Father, You've already given us the command to go and tell others about You. Give us Your heart, and help us make sharing the news of Your Son our number one priority. For the harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few. May we live only to bring You glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Matthew 28:19
Memory Verse: Same
I saw a cell phone commercial the other day that got me thinking. The ad was trying to convince me that they were #1 in coverage. Hmmm, I thought. They may have more coverage than their competition, but they're a distant second compared to the Body of Christ; or they should be.
Our assignment this H.U.M.P. Day is to 'extend the coverage'. Make sure someone around you knows how much Jesus loves them. Call an old friend who lives out of town and tell them Jesus loves them. You can even communicate that love via an act of service. The important thing is to do whatever you can to make God famous. Let's go Td (totally devoted) nation, we've got work to do. More coverage!!!
Prayer: Father, You've already given us the command to go and tell others about You. Give us Your heart, and help us make sharing the news of Your Son our number one priority. For the harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few. May we live only to bring You glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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