Today's Passage: Matthew 9:37
Memory Verse: Matthew 9:38
Saturday May 1, 2010
Hello Friends & Lifers! Let's face it, we have all grown so distraught with this weak job market. Within the last year or so, many have fallen victim to this struggling job market. For our readers who may be in this situation, the pastoral staff of Abundant Life Ministries is believing God for supernatural favor for you. God hasn't forgotten you, and He won't let you down.
God has a different employment issue. He, unlike our situation, has enough jobs. He just doesn't have enough employees. Think about it. If the Kingdom of God was fully staffed, how powerful would it be? For every person we lead to Christ, there are thousands more who need Him. And yes, we've done well for a company that started with 12 people and a CEO. We sarted in a small country but now we're world-wide. Our stock seems to rise with every tragedy or calamity. And nobody has better benefits; not Lehman Bros., or Goldman Sachs, nobody. Our retirement package is second-to-none too. So if it's such a sweet place to work, why is it so hard to get and keep people employed? There's plenty to be done. And although we're basically doing the same job, we can use our own creative ways to do it. In Matthew 9:37, Jesus said "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few." He made this statement as He looked out over a multitude of broken and hurting people. His intent was to inspire the disciples to have a heart for someone other than themselves. He used that situation to show them their true purpose. When we begin to feel what Jesus felt we'll discover things about ourselves we never knew. For instance, did you know that God will put you directly in line for the "job" that has the greatest similarities to your ministry? He doesn't just want you to have a job, He wants your job to be full of opportunities to share His love.
I challenge you today to find the harvest field and get to work. God has already equipped you with everything you need. Allow Him to use your gifts to bring someone to Jesus today. So many people need Him so help them find their way. Who knows, doing so might even create a favorable opportunity for your life.
Prayer:
Father in these seemingly difficult times I pray for Your favor in my life. As I remain faithfull to You, let me remain in Your care. You are my Source and my Provider. Thank You for Your awesome love. Today, I dedicate myself to walk into the harvest field and become a reaper for You. So strengthen me as only You can. Show me opportunities to share your love. Give me creative ways to introduce people to You. My desire is to follow You today and everyday, in Jesus name...Amen!
Will You Be Found Faithful?
Friday, April 30th, 2010
Today's Passage: Matthew 25:14-30
Memory Verses: Matt. 25:23
Wars and rumors of wars everytime we turn on the news reveals to those of us who are watching that these are truly end times. Although it seems we've heard it too often, are we really living our lives as though Christ were to return soon? Here are some thoughts for your consideration as well as mine today. Is it possible that there might be more to living a saved life than just being free from sin? What is it that God is requiring of us before the trumpet sounds?
Jesus tells this parable to teach his disciples what their attitudes should be about service to Him. Like the three servants in this parable, we all have been given "talents", or gifts, according to our own abilities. That in itself is remarkable to me. Is it possible that we spend too much of our time trying to be like someone else, or compete with other believers who are gifted to do things we weren't? Often times, we don't think our abilities are as praiseworthy as those of others around us. So we do very little about using them, somehow thinking that God made a mistake when He created us.
Another awesome thing about this story is how the servants with the two and five talents conducted themselves. They immediately went to work, multiplying what they had been given. This confirms to me that those who desire to be productive barely have time to worry about what others are doing. Their main objective is to accomplish the will of the Father. They know how short life truly is, and how easy it is to get caught up in everything but what we were put on this earth to do.
The unfaithful servant, on the other hand, strikes me as extremely selfish. He hides his talent, using for an excuse that the lord of the house was a hard taskmaster. In other words, he refused to use the talent given to him because he thought his master was unfair in how he distributed his gifts. Is this how we see our Lord? Do we refuse to go above and beyond where we are because we resent Him for not blessing us the way He has blessed others? If you read the end of the story, you'll find that not only was the talent taken away from this servant whom the Lord called "wicked", but he was cast into outer darkness.
So back to my original question. Even if we lived holy and blameless lives as believers, but did nothing to serve God by using the talents He has given us on this earth, do you think He would still receive us into His heaven as "good and faithful servants"? Let's begin to truly search our hearts today and ask God to make us sensitive about what He wants us doing while we await His return. Because more than anything, what we want Him to say about us is that we were found faithful.
Prayer: Father, search our hearts today. If you find any selfish thoughts within that cause us to delay being productive for Your kingdom, please forgive and cleanse us. Renew our minds and set us on the course that will allow us to multiply the giftings You've placed wthin us. May everything we accomplish from sunrise to sunset be for the purpose of hearing You say, "Well done!" In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Matthew 25:14-30
Memory Verses: Matt. 25:23
Wars and rumors of wars everytime we turn on the news reveals to those of us who are watching that these are truly end times. Although it seems we've heard it too often, are we really living our lives as though Christ were to return soon? Here are some thoughts for your consideration as well as mine today. Is it possible that there might be more to living a saved life than just being free from sin? What is it that God is requiring of us before the trumpet sounds?
Jesus tells this parable to teach his disciples what their attitudes should be about service to Him. Like the three servants in this parable, we all have been given "talents", or gifts, according to our own abilities. That in itself is remarkable to me. Is it possible that we spend too much of our time trying to be like someone else, or compete with other believers who are gifted to do things we weren't? Often times, we don't think our abilities are as praiseworthy as those of others around us. So we do very little about using them, somehow thinking that God made a mistake when He created us.
Another awesome thing about this story is how the servants with the two and five talents conducted themselves. They immediately went to work, multiplying what they had been given. This confirms to me that those who desire to be productive barely have time to worry about what others are doing. Their main objective is to accomplish the will of the Father. They know how short life truly is, and how easy it is to get caught up in everything but what we were put on this earth to do.
The unfaithful servant, on the other hand, strikes me as extremely selfish. He hides his talent, using for an excuse that the lord of the house was a hard taskmaster. In other words, he refused to use the talent given to him because he thought his master was unfair in how he distributed his gifts. Is this how we see our Lord? Do we refuse to go above and beyond where we are because we resent Him for not blessing us the way He has blessed others? If you read the end of the story, you'll find that not only was the talent taken away from this servant whom the Lord called "wicked", but he was cast into outer darkness.
So back to my original question. Even if we lived holy and blameless lives as believers, but did nothing to serve God by using the talents He has given us on this earth, do you think He would still receive us into His heaven as "good and faithful servants"? Let's begin to truly search our hearts today and ask God to make us sensitive about what He wants us doing while we await His return. Because more than anything, what we want Him to say about us is that we were found faithful.
Prayer: Father, search our hearts today. If you find any selfish thoughts within that cause us to delay being productive for Your kingdom, please forgive and cleanse us. Renew our minds and set us on the course that will allow us to multiply the giftings You've placed wthin us. May everything we accomplish from sunrise to sunset be for the purpose of hearing You say, "Well done!" In Jesus' Name, Amen.
The Articles of Worship!!!
Today's Passage: Psalm 95:6-10
Memory Verse: Psalm 132:7
Thursday April 28, 2010
Blessings Friends & Lifers! The most important experience we have as Christians is worship. Worship is defined as adoration and complete devotion toward another. No matter how many times we attend church, sing in the choir, and teach in children's church, we have to fulfill our daily call to worship God. In order to have a true relationship with Him, we have to be intimate with Him.
Being a worshipper requires 3 things: an offering of heart, an offering of repentance, and an offering of humility and trust. Offering your heart to God signifies He has your full devotion. It says your affection belongs to Him, and you'll always be loyal. An offering of repentance fulfills God's requirement for purity. God is eager to respond to the petitions of those who live holy and righteous lives. Finally, an offering of humility & trust places the very life of the worshipper completely in God's hands. It says although we get tempted to lean on our own devices, we'll resist. Why is worship so important? It's the only way we can connect with the Father. We can pray all day. Which is good because prayer is communcating with God, and often leads worship. But worship is not just you communicating with Him, it's getting a tangible response. It's not asking for what He has, it's loving Him for who He is. And although worship is not about us, it still offers us benefits. Being in God's presence provides joy, rest, peace, and blessings. It also provides security, dominion over our surroundings, and it disarms the enemy. The Bible says "the weapons we fight with are not of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." The weapons that verse is speaking of are prayer, praise, and worship.
I challenge you today to find time to worship God everyday. Take a few moments to declare your love for Him. Offer Him your undivided attention. Doing so will not only take your relationship with Him to new levels, you'll come away with an awesome time of rest and refreshing. He's that good yall!!! Be encouraged. God has special things for you. You just have to find Him.....He's waiting!
Prayer:
Father I need more of You in my life. I'm nothing without you. Allow me to come into Your presence and commune with You. Change me in Your Holy presence so I can be more like You. I give You my life and it's Yours forever, in Jesus' name....Amen
Memory Verse: Psalm 132:7
Thursday April 28, 2010
Blessings Friends & Lifers! The most important experience we have as Christians is worship. Worship is defined as adoration and complete devotion toward another. No matter how many times we attend church, sing in the choir, and teach in children's church, we have to fulfill our daily call to worship God. In order to have a true relationship with Him, we have to be intimate with Him.
Being a worshipper requires 3 things: an offering of heart, an offering of repentance, and an offering of humility and trust. Offering your heart to God signifies He has your full devotion. It says your affection belongs to Him, and you'll always be loyal. An offering of repentance fulfills God's requirement for purity. God is eager to respond to the petitions of those who live holy and righteous lives. Finally, an offering of humility & trust places the very life of the worshipper completely in God's hands. It says although we get tempted to lean on our own devices, we'll resist. Why is worship so important? It's the only way we can connect with the Father. We can pray all day. Which is good because prayer is communcating with God, and often leads worship. But worship is not just you communicating with Him, it's getting a tangible response. It's not asking for what He has, it's loving Him for who He is. And although worship is not about us, it still offers us benefits. Being in God's presence provides joy, rest, peace, and blessings. It also provides security, dominion over our surroundings, and it disarms the enemy. The Bible says "the weapons we fight with are not of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." The weapons that verse is speaking of are prayer, praise, and worship.
I challenge you today to find time to worship God everyday. Take a few moments to declare your love for Him. Offer Him your undivided attention. Doing so will not only take your relationship with Him to new levels, you'll come away with an awesome time of rest and refreshing. He's that good yall!!! Be encouraged. God has special things for you. You just have to find Him.....He's waiting!
Prayer:
Father I need more of You in my life. I'm nothing without you. Allow me to come into Your presence and commune with You. Change me in Your Holy presence so I can be more like You. I give You my life and it's Yours forever, in Jesus' name....Amen
H.U.M.P. Day!!!
Wednesday April 27, 2010
It's H.U.M.P. Day Friends & Lifers! The day we observe God's ultmate mission and purpose for our lives. Pastor Yassah and I are praying super natural favor will fall on all who make an effort to expand the kingdom of God.
So what IS God's purpose for your life? What is He calling your heart to? Don't know? You can easily find out by asking yourself what breaks your heart the most. Does it hurt you to see kids quit school? Does it bother you to know that some elderly people go without food or medicine? Have you ever had someone you love go through alcohol/drug addiction and you really wanted to help them but didn't know how? All these scenarios fall under the ultimate mission and purpose of God.
Subsequently, I challenge you today find out what a ministry opportunity may be for you, then make an effort to fulfill it. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with creative ideas and resources. As you go into the harvest field, I bless you with the courage, faith, and prime opportunity to be the image of our God for someone today.
Prayer:
Father, make me enough today. By Your spirit, make me exactly what someone needs to get to You. Relieve me of all my inadequacies and excuses and let me stand boldly before Your harvest and be a reaper for You. As I walk though this day, I will not give in to fear. Because through You, I can take over the world!!! In Jesus' name...Amen!
It's H.U.M.P. Day Friends & Lifers! The day we observe God's ultmate mission and purpose for our lives. Pastor Yassah and I are praying super natural favor will fall on all who make an effort to expand the kingdom of God.
So what IS God's purpose for your life? What is He calling your heart to? Don't know? You can easily find out by asking yourself what breaks your heart the most. Does it hurt you to see kids quit school? Does it bother you to know that some elderly people go without food or medicine? Have you ever had someone you love go through alcohol/drug addiction and you really wanted to help them but didn't know how? All these scenarios fall under the ultimate mission and purpose of God.
Subsequently, I challenge you today find out what a ministry opportunity may be for you, then make an effort to fulfill it. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with creative ideas and resources. As you go into the harvest field, I bless you with the courage, faith, and prime opportunity to be the image of our God for someone today.
Prayer:
Father, make me enough today. By Your spirit, make me exactly what someone needs to get to You. Relieve me of all my inadequacies and excuses and let me stand boldly before Your harvest and be a reaper for You. As I walk though this day, I will not give in to fear. Because through You, I can take over the world!!! In Jesus' name...Amen!
"Water, Water Everywhere"
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
Today's Passage: John 4: 1-14
Memory Verse: Jn 4:10
Everyday as a teacher in the public school system, I'm amazed at how many resources have been made available to help students be more enthusiastic about learning. Coming from a West African country, the importance of education was stressed daily, but we were not exposed to so many manipulatives and computer programs which motivate stdents to be everything they can be. So when I see how students for the most part are nowhere near excited about learning, even with all that's available to them, it really breaks my heart. I do my best to remind them that somewhere else in the world, there are other students who would give anything to take their place.
Ever since I heard the expression "Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink", I always wondered how it was possible to be surrounded by water and yet be unable to drink it. Which brings us to today's message. Isn't that just what some of us are doing with our Christian walk? There's so much life, excitement, hope, and joy available in a real relationship with Christ. And yet we walk around, longing for those very things and thinking we can find them outside of Him.
Just like some of my students, we watch others dive into their walk with Christ and come up refreshed, but are content to settle for a mediocre life just beause we're unwilling to pay the price for more of Him. I challenge you today to never again be a person who remains on the outside looking in, thirsty for the Living Water while He's right in front of you. As soon as He manifests Himself to you, do exactly what the woman at the well did. Step -- no, run -- past your comfort zone to receive it, always keeping in mind that the enemy will not make it easy. But oh, how worth it it's going to be!
Prayer: Father, I see You daily stretching Your Hands to reach all Your children. You want to walk with us "in the cool of the day" like it was in the garden of Eden. And for fellowship with us, You offer joy unspeakable if we will only respond. So as I reach out to receive what I never deserved, I thank You from the bottom of my heart for the Living Water Jesus gives. Fill me to overflowing today, and I'll forever give You praise. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: John 4: 1-14
Memory Verse: Jn 4:10
Everyday as a teacher in the public school system, I'm amazed at how many resources have been made available to help students be more enthusiastic about learning. Coming from a West African country, the importance of education was stressed daily, but we were not exposed to so many manipulatives and computer programs which motivate stdents to be everything they can be. So when I see how students for the most part are nowhere near excited about learning, even with all that's available to them, it really breaks my heart. I do my best to remind them that somewhere else in the world, there are other students who would give anything to take their place.
Ever since I heard the expression "Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink", I always wondered how it was possible to be surrounded by water and yet be unable to drink it. Which brings us to today's message. Isn't that just what some of us are doing with our Christian walk? There's so much life, excitement, hope, and joy available in a real relationship with Christ. And yet we walk around, longing for those very things and thinking we can find them outside of Him.
Just like some of my students, we watch others dive into their walk with Christ and come up refreshed, but are content to settle for a mediocre life just beause we're unwilling to pay the price for more of Him. I challenge you today to never again be a person who remains on the outside looking in, thirsty for the Living Water while He's right in front of you. As soon as He manifests Himself to you, do exactly what the woman at the well did. Step -- no, run -- past your comfort zone to receive it, always keeping in mind that the enemy will not make it easy. But oh, how worth it it's going to be!
Prayer: Father, I see You daily stretching Your Hands to reach all Your children. You want to walk with us "in the cool of the day" like it was in the garden of Eden. And for fellowship with us, You offer joy unspeakable if we will only respond. So as I reach out to receive what I never deserved, I thank You from the bottom of my heart for the Living Water Jesus gives. Fill me to overflowing today, and I'll forever give You praise. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
The Price of My Praise
Monday, April 26, 2010
Today's Passage: 2 Samuel 24: 10-25
Memory Verses: 2 Sam. 24: 24
For the past couple of weeks, Pastors Chad and Nette have been ministering to us about our attitude in worship. Last week, we learned that we should acknowledge God our Father for His greatness. This week, we found out that as King, Jesus the Son is worthy of our worship because of the victories He has won for us. This coming Sunday, I'm sure our pastors are going to receive another rhema word from God regarding why worship is so important.
But whatever the reason to worship and praise our God, we must understand that it won't come from us without a price. Most of us will agree that because we live in this world, satan, our mortal enemy, spends his entire existence providing hindrances and distractions to discourage us from freely praising and worshipping. For this reason, as long as we live in this flesh suit, there will always be a reason NOT to do so, or at least to do it half-heartedly. Which is why it's called a SACRIFICE.
In the passage, David's purpose for wanting to reach God's heart was to ask for forgiveness after disobeying Him. So he knew that it was important for God, Who searches the heart and its intentions, to know that he was willing to pay whatever price was needed. He could have accepted the threshing floor without having to pay for it, but as a worshiper, David knew that the way we come to God is just as important as the fact that we do come to Him. So he told the man who owned it in so many words, "I refuse to give God something that cost me nothing."
Today, as you start a new week, I'd like you to remember that God knows what a sacrifice it is for you to find time to pray, seek His face, and worship Him. It's exactly the reason it pleases Him to accept it. So, as you press through your days of work, church, and family responsibilities, let the worship you give Him not only be the time you spend on your knees or in church; let it be everytime you respond to an angry person with soft words rather than wrath. Let it be everytime you spend quality time with your kids rather than send them away so you can get some much-needed rest.
May the worship you offer the Lord be a lifestyle of sacrificial giving, knowing that our awesome God deserves nothing less.
Prayer: Father, You deserve more than just lip service. You deserve the very air I breathe. The life I live,I live to bring You praise. Today, may everything I do be a sacrifice that costs me everything I have and then some. And as I offer it to You, may it be a sweet aroma, not strange incense. May it please You for the rest of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: 2 Samuel 24: 10-25
Memory Verses: 2 Sam. 24: 24
For the past couple of weeks, Pastors Chad and Nette have been ministering to us about our attitude in worship. Last week, we learned that we should acknowledge God our Father for His greatness. This week, we found out that as King, Jesus the Son is worthy of our worship because of the victories He has won for us. This coming Sunday, I'm sure our pastors are going to receive another rhema word from God regarding why worship is so important.
But whatever the reason to worship and praise our God, we must understand that it won't come from us without a price. Most of us will agree that because we live in this world, satan, our mortal enemy, spends his entire existence providing hindrances and distractions to discourage us from freely praising and worshipping. For this reason, as long as we live in this flesh suit, there will always be a reason NOT to do so, or at least to do it half-heartedly. Which is why it's called a SACRIFICE.
In the passage, David's purpose for wanting to reach God's heart was to ask for forgiveness after disobeying Him. So he knew that it was important for God, Who searches the heart and its intentions, to know that he was willing to pay whatever price was needed. He could have accepted the threshing floor without having to pay for it, but as a worshiper, David knew that the way we come to God is just as important as the fact that we do come to Him. So he told the man who owned it in so many words, "I refuse to give God something that cost me nothing."
Today, as you start a new week, I'd like you to remember that God knows what a sacrifice it is for you to find time to pray, seek His face, and worship Him. It's exactly the reason it pleases Him to accept it. So, as you press through your days of work, church, and family responsibilities, let the worship you give Him not only be the time you spend on your knees or in church; let it be everytime you respond to an angry person with soft words rather than wrath. Let it be everytime you spend quality time with your kids rather than send them away so you can get some much-needed rest.
May the worship you offer the Lord be a lifestyle of sacrificial giving, knowing that our awesome God deserves nothing less.
Prayer: Father, You deserve more than just lip service. You deserve the very air I breathe. The life I live,I live to bring You praise. Today, may everything I do be a sacrifice that costs me everything I have and then some. And as I offer it to You, may it be a sweet aroma, not strange incense. May it please You for the rest of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Bigger Is Better!!!
Today's Passage: 1 Chronicles 4:10
Memory Verse: Same
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! Look around. What do you see? Is it that same office, or that same house, or same life? Is what you see the same thing you've been looking at for years and years? I'm not suggesting there's something wrong with your life, I'm suggesting there's something small about your space. I'll explain.....
It is our priority as Christians to be kingdom-minded. We should always have our minds on growth, touching more, and doing more. So if we're all kingdom-minded, how big is the kingdom? If we're all kingdom-minded, what kind of territory are we talking about? My Friends, is your mind always consumed with the things that only concern you? Does your world shut down if one little thing is out of place? If so, that makes your territory very small. You can't make it in this world trying to be an island unto yourself. It takes a nation of selfless citizens to build this kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez asked God to keep him from evil, keep him from causing pain, bless him, and enlarge his territory. I think Jabez got the formula right. He knew the only way he could go beyaond where he was, or keep from being stuck in one place, he had to first stay away from evil and not cause anyone pain. We have to understand our lives are connected one way or the other. We need each other to survive. So if you want bigger territory, or a better life, think outside the box.
I challenge you to let your love reach out beyond your own borders. The more you develop a passion for the plight of others, the more God will intervene on the things that cause you concern. Allow God to show you His will. You'll find He has so much compassion for the people who need Him. Ask Him to show you where ministry is needed; then fulfill it. If you do, God will have to give you bigger territory to minister in. And bigger territory comes with bigger benefits.
Prayer: Father I realize I need to focus more on things other than myself. With Your help, I'll dedicate myself to the expansion of Your kingdom rather than my own selfish will. Help me be sensitive to the needs of my neighbor, and offer them love and fellowship as You instructed. I realize as I make things happen for them, You'll make things happen for me. In Jesus name....Amen!
Memory Verse: Same
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Blessings, Friends & Lifers! Look around. What do you see? Is it that same office, or that same house, or same life? Is what you see the same thing you've been looking at for years and years? I'm not suggesting there's something wrong with your life, I'm suggesting there's something small about your space. I'll explain.....
It is our priority as Christians to be kingdom-minded. We should always have our minds on growth, touching more, and doing more. So if we're all kingdom-minded, how big is the kingdom? If we're all kingdom-minded, what kind of territory are we talking about? My Friends, is your mind always consumed with the things that only concern you? Does your world shut down if one little thing is out of place? If so, that makes your territory very small. You can't make it in this world trying to be an island unto yourself. It takes a nation of selfless citizens to build this kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez asked God to keep him from evil, keep him from causing pain, bless him, and enlarge his territory. I think Jabez got the formula right. He knew the only way he could go beyaond where he was, or keep from being stuck in one place, he had to first stay away from evil and not cause anyone pain. We have to understand our lives are connected one way or the other. We need each other to survive. So if you want bigger territory, or a better life, think outside the box.
I challenge you to let your love reach out beyond your own borders. The more you develop a passion for the plight of others, the more God will intervene on the things that cause you concern. Allow God to show you His will. You'll find He has so much compassion for the people who need Him. Ask Him to show you where ministry is needed; then fulfill it. If you do, God will have to give you bigger territory to minister in. And bigger territory comes with bigger benefits.
Prayer: Father I realize I need to focus more on things other than myself. With Your help, I'll dedicate myself to the expansion of Your kingdom rather than my own selfish will. Help me be sensitive to the needs of my neighbor, and offer them love and fellowship as You instructed. I realize as I make things happen for them, You'll make things happen for me. In Jesus name....Amen!
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