Friday, January 14th, 2011
Today's Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:1-7
Memory Verse(s): 2 Cor. 4: 7
Have you ever seen the movie "Coach Carter?" Well, this movie is about so much more than basketball. One of the main lessons in it is that we all have and can reach our potential regardless of our circumstances. Throughout the movie, Coach Carter repeatedly asks one young man, a particularly hard case, “What is your deepest fear?" This young man has no idea what the coach is talking about, nor do any of the other players. The young man goes through a series of destiny- detouring obstacles that could have cost his very life, yet he perseveres.
At the end of the movie, he comes to the coach and says something to this effect, “My deepest fear is not that I am inadequate; my deepest fear is that I am powerful beyond measure.". What a powerful statement! It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are we not to be? We are children of God. Our playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around us. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us;it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Have you ever held back in some area of your life because you were afraid of what others would say? Have you ever thought, I am not smart enough, good enough, wealthy enough? Or, perhaps you think you have made too many mistakes. None of this matters. What matters is that we pursue our God- given destiny using the gifts, talents, and skills He has placed within us. Is everyone going to love and applaud us for being who God made us to be? Most certainly not. Will we be talked about and discouraged by others? We almost certainly will. Nevertheless, for the few negative ones, there will twice as many that will support, encourage and be inspired by us. So, do not be afraid of your light. Let it shine. Be the brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous person God intends you to be.
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me that You have placed greatness in me -- not so that I can walk in pride and feel like I'm better than everyone else, but so that Your glory can be revealed through me. May my focus be to make You famous in everything I do -- especially in the way I shine for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
By Sister Billie Barlow
It's Your Turn!
Thursday, January 13th, 2011
Today's Passage:Numbers 23: 19-20
Memory Verse(s): Galatians 6:9
God uses many ways to get messages to His people. He'll use a sermon, prophetic word, a song, and even visions or dreams. So if you don't mind, I'll share a dream I had the other night.
I was seemingly awakened to the vision of a little girl asking her father to take her to the carnival that was arriving soon. "Daddy, will you take me to the fair? I want to ride the carousel." "Yes, baby," her daddy said. "I'll take you to ride the carousel." "You promise?" The girl asked. "Yes. I promise," her father said. The girl spent the entire day in excitement when Opening Day arrived. That evening, she got dressed and waited for her daddy to take her. "Alright baby," her father said. "Let's go." When they arrived at the fair, they turned toward the area where the carousel was set up. But much to the little girl's dismay, there was a long line in front of it. It seemed to her like every girl in town was waiting to ride the carousel with her father. But she was still so excited, she was willing to wait. To her surprise, however, her father looked at her and said: "Alright, let's go home." The little girl was overwhelmed with disappointment. "But Daddy, you promised." Her dad replied, "I know, baby. I promise. You'll get your turn."
The same thing happened each night they returned to the fair. As a matter of fact, the line in front of the carousel seemed to get longer every night. The little girl could see the smiles on the other girl's faces as they got on and off the ride, only to have to leave without her turn. The last day the carnival was open brought a wave of emotion. The little girl still wanted to ride the carousel, but she had almost given up because of the long lines. Much worse, it was even longer the last night they went. And as he previously had, her dad just turned away, returning home without a ride. Early the next morning, the girl's father got out of bed and got dressed. He went into his daughter's room and gently shook her. As she rose from her sleep, her dad told her: "Get dressed baby, today's your day." She didn't understand what he meant. He couldn't have been referring to the carousel. The fair was leaving that day. As they left the house, she soon realized they were headed to the place where the carnival usually was. Upon arrival, they got out of the car and walked in. All the rides were being broken down and put on the back of trucks. But when they got to the carousel, it was still intact. The girl's father went up to the operator and shook his hand. Then he turned to the girl and motioned for her to come. "Pick your horse", the man said. She picked the pink one, of course. She got on the horse as her daddy stood next to her. "Hold on tight," he said. The little girl was able to ride the carousel twice, for as long as she wanted to.
I don't know who this is for. God has promised you some things and it seems as though everyone is getting blessed with what your Father promised you. But if you stay faithful to Him -- yes, if you trust Him -- the time will come when you'll feel Him get your attention and say: "Today is your day." And when that day comes, there won't be a line, anything man-made, or otherwise, in your way. You're going to have to hold on tight. Because His promise will turn out to be more than you ever asked for.
Prayer: Father, I'm so glad You know what's best for me. While I'm having to wait, You're teaching me character. I'm learning to trust Your voice and Your hand. I'm growing in my ability to depened completely on You through the process. And not only that; I'm understanding that You want me to encourage others who may be having to wait, just like me. When I come to the place of the promise, You'll get the glory for so much more than the eye will be able to see. So I praise You in anticipation for the joy of knowing and loving You through it all. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage:Numbers 23: 19-20
Memory Verse(s): Galatians 6:9
God uses many ways to get messages to His people. He'll use a sermon, prophetic word, a song, and even visions or dreams. So if you don't mind, I'll share a dream I had the other night.
I was seemingly awakened to the vision of a little girl asking her father to take her to the carnival that was arriving soon. "Daddy, will you take me to the fair? I want to ride the carousel." "Yes, baby," her daddy said. "I'll take you to ride the carousel." "You promise?" The girl asked. "Yes. I promise," her father said. The girl spent the entire day in excitement when Opening Day arrived. That evening, she got dressed and waited for her daddy to take her. "Alright baby," her father said. "Let's go." When they arrived at the fair, they turned toward the area where the carousel was set up. But much to the little girl's dismay, there was a long line in front of it. It seemed to her like every girl in town was waiting to ride the carousel with her father. But she was still so excited, she was willing to wait. To her surprise, however, her father looked at her and said: "Alright, let's go home." The little girl was overwhelmed with disappointment. "But Daddy, you promised." Her dad replied, "I know, baby. I promise. You'll get your turn."
The same thing happened each night they returned to the fair. As a matter of fact, the line in front of the carousel seemed to get longer every night. The little girl could see the smiles on the other girl's faces as they got on and off the ride, only to have to leave without her turn. The last day the carnival was open brought a wave of emotion. The little girl still wanted to ride the carousel, but she had almost given up because of the long lines. Much worse, it was even longer the last night they went. And as he previously had, her dad just turned away, returning home without a ride. Early the next morning, the girl's father got out of bed and got dressed. He went into his daughter's room and gently shook her. As she rose from her sleep, her dad told her: "Get dressed baby, today's your day." She didn't understand what he meant. He couldn't have been referring to the carousel. The fair was leaving that day. As they left the house, she soon realized they were headed to the place where the carnival usually was. Upon arrival, they got out of the car and walked in. All the rides were being broken down and put on the back of trucks. But when they got to the carousel, it was still intact. The girl's father went up to the operator and shook his hand. Then he turned to the girl and motioned for her to come. "Pick your horse", the man said. She picked the pink one, of course. She got on the horse as her daddy stood next to her. "Hold on tight," he said. The little girl was able to ride the carousel twice, for as long as she wanted to.
I don't know who this is for. God has promised you some things and it seems as though everyone is getting blessed with what your Father promised you. But if you stay faithful to Him -- yes, if you trust Him -- the time will come when you'll feel Him get your attention and say: "Today is your day." And when that day comes, there won't be a line, anything man-made, or otherwise, in your way. You're going to have to hold on tight. Because His promise will turn out to be more than you ever asked for.
Prayer: Father, I'm so glad You know what's best for me. While I'm having to wait, You're teaching me character. I'm learning to trust Your voice and Your hand. I'm growing in my ability to depened completely on You through the process. And not only that; I'm understanding that You want me to encourage others who may be having to wait, just like me. When I come to the place of the promise, You'll get the glory for so much more than the eye will be able to see. So I praise You in anticipation for the joy of knowing and loving You through it all. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
H.U.M.P. Day!
Wednesday January 12, 2010
Me, me, me. What about me? We've had that mentality since the day we were born. We believe if we don't look out for "yours truly", no one else will. According to the world's standards, part of that is true, but thank God we don't live by those standards. God's Word says "Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over". In other words, our me, me, me, has to become our them, them, them.
Our mission is to discover ways to unlock the "giver" inside us. Let God point you toward a person, family, or area outreach organization to target. He'll tell you what to do. And remember, when you give, you'll certainly get. If you desire to walk in blessing, be one. Happy HUMP Day!
Me, me, me. What about me? We've had that mentality since the day we were born. We believe if we don't look out for "yours truly", no one else will. According to the world's standards, part of that is true, but thank God we don't live by those standards. God's Word says "Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over". In other words, our me, me, me, has to become our them, them, them.
Our mission is to discover ways to unlock the "giver" inside us. Let God point you toward a person, family, or area outreach organization to target. He'll tell you what to do. And remember, when you give, you'll certainly get. If you desire to walk in blessing, be one. Happy HUMP Day!
Reap Right, Sow Right
Tuesday, January 11th, 2011
Today's Passage: Romans 8: 1-17
Memory Verse(s): Galatians 6: 7-8
Sir Isaac Newton, the mathematician and physicist from the 17th century who came up with the laws of motion that govern our known world would probably dispute the statement I am about to make. But I believe the man knew of the existence of God, and maybe even came to have a relationship with Him. The reason I say this is that one of those laws pretty much sums up what this passage says: every action results in an equal and opposite reaction.
For major decisions, we like to think that we're doing well by spending valuable time weighing their consequences and praying for wisdom before we act. But we often ignore the fact that seemingly minor, everyday decisions like what to eat, how to treat our loved ones, and how we spend our time also have consequences. That is why we need to walk in the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit daily.
As the Word says, whatever we sow is what we shall reap. We are warned not to deceive ourselves into thinking we are fooling God when we make everyday decisions without consulting Him. This is a spiritual as well as a natural law that will not change once it has been set into motion. It's also very important for us not to fall into the trap of buying into the "modern" values that are quickly replacing Christian morality, even sneaking into our homes through the media. This is the antiChrist spirit in disguise, lulling us to sleep and making sexual perversion and blatant disobedience of God's laws seem acceptable.
But God loves us enough to be consistent and upholding His standard of holiness. If we as His creation choose to invest in or cater to the things of the flesh that bring temporary gratification but no lasting fulfillment, that is exactly what our harvest will be: broken homes where marriages don't last long enough for the ink to dry on the licenses that were signed, children who develop zero respect for human life, and a school system that is failing to develop law-abiding citizens who will join the work force and continue to make our nation great. But if, through the loving guidance of the Holy Spirit, we make decisions that invest in our eternity, we will reap a harvest of spiritual things. It's never too late to return to doing things God's way in every area of our lives.
Prayer: Father, I repent for being shallow and easily forgetting the life of self-denial You are calling me to. In order to live a life of action, I have to be pro-active by depending on Your Spirit to show me the areas where I need more wisdom. I open my heart to You, and invite You to guide me every minute of every day. I truly want You to be glorified in this life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Romans 8: 1-17
Memory Verse(s): Galatians 6: 7-8
Sir Isaac Newton, the mathematician and physicist from the 17th century who came up with the laws of motion that govern our known world would probably dispute the statement I am about to make. But I believe the man knew of the existence of God, and maybe even came to have a relationship with Him. The reason I say this is that one of those laws pretty much sums up what this passage says: every action results in an equal and opposite reaction.
For major decisions, we like to think that we're doing well by spending valuable time weighing their consequences and praying for wisdom before we act. But we often ignore the fact that seemingly minor, everyday decisions like what to eat, how to treat our loved ones, and how we spend our time also have consequences. That is why we need to walk in the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit daily.
As the Word says, whatever we sow is what we shall reap. We are warned not to deceive ourselves into thinking we are fooling God when we make everyday decisions without consulting Him. This is a spiritual as well as a natural law that will not change once it has been set into motion. It's also very important for us not to fall into the trap of buying into the "modern" values that are quickly replacing Christian morality, even sneaking into our homes through the media. This is the antiChrist spirit in disguise, lulling us to sleep and making sexual perversion and blatant disobedience of God's laws seem acceptable.
But God loves us enough to be consistent and upholding His standard of holiness. If we as His creation choose to invest in or cater to the things of the flesh that bring temporary gratification but no lasting fulfillment, that is exactly what our harvest will be: broken homes where marriages don't last long enough for the ink to dry on the licenses that were signed, children who develop zero respect for human life, and a school system that is failing to develop law-abiding citizens who will join the work force and continue to make our nation great. But if, through the loving guidance of the Holy Spirit, we make decisions that invest in our eternity, we will reap a harvest of spiritual things. It's never too late to return to doing things God's way in every area of our lives.
Prayer: Father, I repent for being shallow and easily forgetting the life of self-denial You are calling me to. In order to live a life of action, I have to be pro-active by depending on Your Spirit to show me the areas where I need more wisdom. I open my heart to You, and invite You to guide me every minute of every day. I truly want You to be glorified in this life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prepare Us For Action
Monday, January 10th, 2011
Today's Passage: Galatians 5:13-25
Memory Verse: Galatians 5:22
Yesterday, the Lord used our worship team to speak prophetically the Word that He had already given our pastors: "prepare us for action". God is such an awesome Father. He never puts the cart before the horse, so He wanted us to open ourselves up for consecration in order to be ready for what He's about to use us to do.
We've always known that God is raising up ALM to be a mighty, impactful ministry in this region of Florida. But there is much preparation to be done so that whatever we accomplish by God's Spirit will add to His glory rather than subtract from it. So one thing we must all begin to pray for as part of this preparation is that God give us HIS heart for hurting people. It is extremely important that we see those we're desiring to help and reach the way He sees them.
It would profit the kingdom nothing if we fail to understand the reason we're called to reach out to nonbelievers like we never have before. We are literally HIS mouthpiece, and whatever we communicate to them must be from His heart rather than from our emotions. We need God to so re-arrange our thought patterns that we don't think about others the way we always have.
There's a scripture that says: "You'll know a tree by its fruit.". And in the spirit realm, we are living trees that people can see. Whether we know it or not, everytime we open our mouths or do something, we're showing what type of tree we are. So as we prepare for action, may the Holy Spirit produce in us love, joy, kindness, gentleness, patience, peace, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Against such things there is NO law.
Prayer: Father, I heard You clearly today when You spoke saying we needed to be prepared. Through self-denial, prayer, and walking in Your Spirit, everything I produce must have Your fragrance on it. More than anything, my acts of obedience that will call attention to Your kingdom must reflect Your character and no-one else's. I therefore release You to reproduce Yourself in Me,and bring glory to Your Great Name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Galatians 5:13-25
Memory Verse: Galatians 5:22
Yesterday, the Lord used our worship team to speak prophetically the Word that He had already given our pastors: "prepare us for action". God is such an awesome Father. He never puts the cart before the horse, so He wanted us to open ourselves up for consecration in order to be ready for what He's about to use us to do.
We've always known that God is raising up ALM to be a mighty, impactful ministry in this region of Florida. But there is much preparation to be done so that whatever we accomplish by God's Spirit will add to His glory rather than subtract from it. So one thing we must all begin to pray for as part of this preparation is that God give us HIS heart for hurting people. It is extremely important that we see those we're desiring to help and reach the way He sees them.
It would profit the kingdom nothing if we fail to understand the reason we're called to reach out to nonbelievers like we never have before. We are literally HIS mouthpiece, and whatever we communicate to them must be from His heart rather than from our emotions. We need God to so re-arrange our thought patterns that we don't think about others the way we always have.
There's a scripture that says: "You'll know a tree by its fruit.". And in the spirit realm, we are living trees that people can see. Whether we know it or not, everytime we open our mouths or do something, we're showing what type of tree we are. So as we prepare for action, may the Holy Spirit produce in us love, joy, kindness, gentleness, patience, peace, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Against such things there is NO law.
Prayer: Father, I heard You clearly today when You spoke saying we needed to be prepared. Through self-denial, prayer, and walking in Your Spirit, everything I produce must have Your fragrance on it. More than anything, my acts of obedience that will call attention to Your kingdom must reflect Your character and no-one else's. I therefore release You to reproduce Yourself in Me,and bring glory to Your Great Name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayers That Prevail
Sunday, January 9th, 2011
Today's Passage: Romans 10:5-17
Memory Verse: Rom. 10: 14
Father, thank You for the cycle of Your kingdom. You send out those who make themselves available to You, and they preach Your Word to the ones who've never received it. Then the brand new converts fall in love with the Word and keep hearing it until they, too are filled to overflowing and are ready to spread it as well. This is Your design for filling the earth with the news of Your love in preparation for the return of Your Son.
And yet, I confess that continuing what was deposited in me on a daily basis has not really been my life's goal. I realize that all those believers who planted seeds of love in my heart by sharing with me what You did for them were filled with a passion to do so. It wasn't a chore, or a matter of filling a quota, or it would never have made such an impact on my life.
So today, I ask Your Holy Spirit to fill me with that same fire and passion to fulfill Your command to go, preach, publish, and spread the life that will be the only thing that will change our world. I especially ask for the spirit of selfishness to be broken off my life. Although I face personal challenges day by day, help me remember to focus on Your Word to seek FIRST Your kingdom and its righteousness.
As I line myself up with the vision for this year that has been laid out by our pastors, fill me with compassion for the lost. I need to remember that I was once in that same place, ignorant of Who You were and how much I needed You. Let every action of mine reflect Your mercy and grace towards Your children. For Your glory and in Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Today's Passage: Romans 10:5-17
Memory Verse: Rom. 10: 14
Father, thank You for the cycle of Your kingdom. You send out those who make themselves available to You, and they preach Your Word to the ones who've never received it. Then the brand new converts fall in love with the Word and keep hearing it until they, too are filled to overflowing and are ready to spread it as well. This is Your design for filling the earth with the news of Your love in preparation for the return of Your Son.
And yet, I confess that continuing what was deposited in me on a daily basis has not really been my life's goal. I realize that all those believers who planted seeds of love in my heart by sharing with me what You did for them were filled with a passion to do so. It wasn't a chore, or a matter of filling a quota, or it would never have made such an impact on my life.
So today, I ask Your Holy Spirit to fill me with that same fire and passion to fulfill Your command to go, preach, publish, and spread the life that will be the only thing that will change our world. I especially ask for the spirit of selfishness to be broken off my life. Although I face personal challenges day by day, help me remember to focus on Your Word to seek FIRST Your kingdom and its righteousness.
As I line myself up with the vision for this year that has been laid out by our pastors, fill me with compassion for the lost. I need to remember that I was once in that same place, ignorant of Who You were and how much I needed You. Let every action of mine reflect Your mercy and grace towards Your children. For Your glory and in Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
The Interpreter
Saturday, January 8th, 2011
Today's Passage: John 16:5-15
Memory verses: Jn 16:13-14
As a teacher, I'm always looking for innovative ways to teach my students concepts in math, reading and other subjects. Because I struggled with learning math the conventional way, I'm a believer in making learning experiences fun and memorable. But many individuals, even some who are in a serious relationship with the Lord, doubt whether "fun" and "memorable" can be applied to reading the Bible.
We've all been there: you start reading a passage of scripture, then can't seem to connect or get any meaning out of it. I guess it's what the disciples felt like when Jesus was trying to explain to them His purpose for coming to the earth. They were literally going, what is He talking about? But Jesus didn't get frustrated with them because He knew that in our limited minds, we really can't understand the things of God. That's why He prompted them to prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
As I thought about the Holy Spirit's purpose, God gave me this awesome revelation. He's literally like the interpreter of the things of God. It's like what happens to you when you turn on the Spanish channel: you may be able to grasp one out of every 100 words, but you'd need an interpreter sitting right beside you if you want to understand it all. And that's what we have to do.
We must daily ask the Holy Spirit to translate to us what belongs to the Father and the Son in a way that we can walk as well as live in the Word for life. And, we can have fun and memorable experiences while learning about Him. If you've never asked the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what the Word is saying, ask Him now. But as you do that, remember this: a good parent starts the child off with milk first, then gradually adds solid food. It's in this same manner that the Father would have us study His Word. This year, let the maturity continue with a deeper commitment to the Word.
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus and the Holy Spirit to live in me. Holy Spirit, I ask you today to open my understanding. Show me the Word and reveal it to me in such a way that I can receive it, apply it, and produce good fruit for the kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: John 16:5-15
Memory verses: Jn 16:13-14
As a teacher, I'm always looking for innovative ways to teach my students concepts in math, reading and other subjects. Because I struggled with learning math the conventional way, I'm a believer in making learning experiences fun and memorable. But many individuals, even some who are in a serious relationship with the Lord, doubt whether "fun" and "memorable" can be applied to reading the Bible.
We've all been there: you start reading a passage of scripture, then can't seem to connect or get any meaning out of it. I guess it's what the disciples felt like when Jesus was trying to explain to them His purpose for coming to the earth. They were literally going, what is He talking about? But Jesus didn't get frustrated with them because He knew that in our limited minds, we really can't understand the things of God. That's why He prompted them to prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
As I thought about the Holy Spirit's purpose, God gave me this awesome revelation. He's literally like the interpreter of the things of God. It's like what happens to you when you turn on the Spanish channel: you may be able to grasp one out of every 100 words, but you'd need an interpreter sitting right beside you if you want to understand it all. And that's what we have to do.
We must daily ask the Holy Spirit to translate to us what belongs to the Father and the Son in a way that we can walk as well as live in the Word for life. And, we can have fun and memorable experiences while learning about Him. If you've never asked the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what the Word is saying, ask Him now. But as you do that, remember this: a good parent starts the child off with milk first, then gradually adds solid food. It's in this same manner that the Father would have us study His Word. This year, let the maturity continue with a deeper commitment to the Word.
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus and the Holy Spirit to live in me. Holy Spirit, I ask you today to open my understanding. Show me the Word and reveal it to me in such a way that I can receive it, apply it, and produce good fruit for the kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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