Wednesday December 8, 2010
Be generous; invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don't hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others.... (Ecc. 11:1-2 Mess.)
We often find ourselves looking for ways to make more. We want to make more time, make more fun, and yes, make more money. There's nothing wrong with these kinds of ambitions. What gives them a black eye is when God's people consult the world for these strategies. God knows we need resources. He knows it takes money to further His kingdom here on Earth. So we need to release ourselves to want more, but recognize the "more" we seek only comes from Him.
God's word says to be generous. This means He not only wants us to freely share what we have, He wants us to make sure it's enough. Sharing, in its root form means equal or sufficient. So when someone needs something from me, I not only seek to fulfill the need, but I try to make sure it's enough to really bless them. Remember the 5,000 people Jesus fed. He took that kid's lunch and multiplied it. When the kid got his basket back, there was more food in it than what he had given. So yes, the kid had to give at a great sacrificial level, but the return was greater than what he sacrificed. God also said to invest in acts of charity. A friend of mine said the other day we should stop talking about outreach and actually DO something. That was a simple but very profound statement. Because God never told us to invest in "thoughts" of charity, or "plans" of charity. He said invest in "acts" of charity.
Some might say "I don't have much to give". The scripture said don't "hoard your goods". This means God is okay with us giving some of the things we already have. There's something you have that's dispensible to you, but valuable to someone else. Share it. The return would be awesome! To get a blessing this holiday season, you have to be a blessing this holiday season. Happy HUMP Day!
Test Every Spirit
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
Today's Passage: 1 John 4:1-6
Memory Verse: 1 John 4:1-3
More and more everyday, I see signs of the enemy drawing his lines in the sand, forcing the army of God to declare their allegiance to Him, or the lack thereof. Just today, a group of young Christian singers made a move to participate in a secular music competition called "Singoff". Okay, I thought, surely they're going to represent the remnant of those who will not bow their knee to the kingdom of darkness. Surely they will send a message to the world that once you've been called by the Most High, nothing else will suffice.
But to my horror, those young people agreed to compromise just so they could get a spot on a show where there was no guarantee of success. So they left their hometown-- encouraged by the pastors and elders of their church -- and set out to study secular music which they had never sung before. My question was, how could it have been so easy to forget everything they stood for all their lives? What happened to God's command never to walk in the counsel of the ungodly? Where was the counsel of the people of God when these young people needed it the most?
The harsh reality is that, in these last days, people of God are going to be enticed by the deceitfulness of worldly fame and fortune. Rather than hold fast to total devotion to the Father, whose reward is righteousness and victory over the evil one, some will stray from the faith, finding it more convenient to accept momentary recognition and pleasures. When those young people stood on that stage, it wasn't our God that they ended up showing devotion to. It was the god of self-love and sexual perversion. Yet another casualty had fallen in the battle for the will of man.
Saints, now is not the time to back down. We must question everything we see in this world where the enemy assumes dominion. According to today's passage, we must test the spirits against the Spirit of God. If those motives don't line up with God's plan and purpose for our lives, we must reject them. There must be no compromise in order to ensure satan's defeat. Arise, soldiers of the Most High God! Let's put on our righteous armor, and stand for what we know to be true. The rewards are eternal.
Prayer: Father, You have given us everything we need to be victorious in this battle. Help us continue to stand and discern every scheme of the enemy to steal our devotion from You. May we always find ourselves at Your feet, where Your love and wisdom abound. We remain totally devoted to You forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: 1 John 4:1-6
Memory Verse: 1 John 4:1-3
More and more everyday, I see signs of the enemy drawing his lines in the sand, forcing the army of God to declare their allegiance to Him, or the lack thereof. Just today, a group of young Christian singers made a move to participate in a secular music competition called "Singoff". Okay, I thought, surely they're going to represent the remnant of those who will not bow their knee to the kingdom of darkness. Surely they will send a message to the world that once you've been called by the Most High, nothing else will suffice.
But to my horror, those young people agreed to compromise just so they could get a spot on a show where there was no guarantee of success. So they left their hometown-- encouraged by the pastors and elders of their church -- and set out to study secular music which they had never sung before. My question was, how could it have been so easy to forget everything they stood for all their lives? What happened to God's command never to walk in the counsel of the ungodly? Where was the counsel of the people of God when these young people needed it the most?
The harsh reality is that, in these last days, people of God are going to be enticed by the deceitfulness of worldly fame and fortune. Rather than hold fast to total devotion to the Father, whose reward is righteousness and victory over the evil one, some will stray from the faith, finding it more convenient to accept momentary recognition and pleasures. When those young people stood on that stage, it wasn't our God that they ended up showing devotion to. It was the god of self-love and sexual perversion. Yet another casualty had fallen in the battle for the will of man.
Saints, now is not the time to back down. We must question everything we see in this world where the enemy assumes dominion. According to today's passage, we must test the spirits against the Spirit of God. If those motives don't line up with God's plan and purpose for our lives, we must reject them. There must be no compromise in order to ensure satan's defeat. Arise, soldiers of the Most High God! Let's put on our righteous armor, and stand for what we know to be true. The rewards are eternal.
Prayer: Father, You have given us everything we need to be victorious in this battle. Help us continue to stand and discern every scheme of the enemy to steal our devotion from You. May we always find ourselves at Your feet, where Your love and wisdom abound. We remain totally devoted to You forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Real-- Or Fake?
Monday, December 6th, 2010
Today's Passage: 2 Peter Chapter 2
Memory Verse: 2 Peter 2:1-2
The other day, there was a news report on television about how many people are now choosing to buy fake trees, which is causing a decline in the sale of real fir trees during the Christmas season. The primary reason for the new trend, of course, is due to financial constraints on the average middle-class family. The real trees have become too expensive for something that will be thrown away after only a month. On the other hand, fake trees are inexpensive, less of a hassle to put up and take down. Some even said they preferred fake trees because they were less likely to catch fire.
I actually have to agree with the argument for the fake tree-- which is why I am not ashamed to say I have one in my living room. But something--no, Someone begins to nudge me and urge me to look deeper than the surface. Just because something is inconvenient and not that easy to maintain, is that reason enough to just abandon it? Come to think of it, choosing ANYTHING fake over something real goes against everything we believe in as Christians.
Please don't get me wrong-- I just told you that I like a fake tree as much as anyone. But the attitude of doing away with what's real just so we can have the counterfeit reflects what is going on in our society today. Slowly but surely, the REAL Christian values that we've always known are being replaced by ideas that promote AntiChrist beliefs, but are disguised as "tolerance" of other faiths. What's even more sobering is that some of these beliefs are being preached from the pulpit of spiritual leaders whom many look up to.
Let me give you an example. When we watch Christian television, we expect that these values will be upheld on that channel, right? Well, that's what I thought, too -- until I saw some advertisements fora Christian matchmaking website for singles that actually encourages believers to step out and find their mates through their own means. All I know is that the Bible is still the One Real thing we'd better not ignore. And we'd certainly better not exchange it for anything that just sounds convenient. Our existence depends on it.
Prayer: Father, in a world where the lines of morality are dissolving at a steady rate, I depend on You to keep me focused on Your ways. I don't want to ever fall into the trap of desiring anything counterfeit instead of You, or Your Word. I love You forever, and will always be totally devoted to You alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: 2 Peter Chapter 2
Memory Verse: 2 Peter 2:1-2
The other day, there was a news report on television about how many people are now choosing to buy fake trees, which is causing a decline in the sale of real fir trees during the Christmas season. The primary reason for the new trend, of course, is due to financial constraints on the average middle-class family. The real trees have become too expensive for something that will be thrown away after only a month. On the other hand, fake trees are inexpensive, less of a hassle to put up and take down. Some even said they preferred fake trees because they were less likely to catch fire.
I actually have to agree with the argument for the fake tree-- which is why I am not ashamed to say I have one in my living room. But something--no, Someone begins to nudge me and urge me to look deeper than the surface. Just because something is inconvenient and not that easy to maintain, is that reason enough to just abandon it? Come to think of it, choosing ANYTHING fake over something real goes against everything we believe in as Christians.
Please don't get me wrong-- I just told you that I like a fake tree as much as anyone. But the attitude of doing away with what's real just so we can have the counterfeit reflects what is going on in our society today. Slowly but surely, the REAL Christian values that we've always known are being replaced by ideas that promote AntiChrist beliefs, but are disguised as "tolerance" of other faiths. What's even more sobering is that some of these beliefs are being preached from the pulpit of spiritual leaders whom many look up to.
Let me give you an example. When we watch Christian television, we expect that these values will be upheld on that channel, right? Well, that's what I thought, too -- until I saw some advertisements fora Christian matchmaking website for singles that actually encourages believers to step out and find their mates through their own means. All I know is that the Bible is still the One Real thing we'd better not ignore. And we'd certainly better not exchange it for anything that just sounds convenient. Our existence depends on it.
Prayer: Father, in a world where the lines of morality are dissolving at a steady rate, I depend on You to keep me focused on Your ways. I don't want to ever fall into the trap of desiring anything counterfeit instead of You, or Your Word. I love You forever, and will always be totally devoted to You alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayers That Prevail...
Sunday December 5, 2010
Father, as I commit my heart to enter into communion with You, Take rest in me. Be exalted above everything in my life I've put before You. You are higher than my wants, higher than my possessions, and higher than my selfish will. What I mean is, my life is totally Yours. I only exist for Your purpose. My life plan is to live out Your will and direction.
Father I ask for a heart like Yours. I need to love like You love. I want to be free to forgive and restore those who have harmed me. I seek freedom in Your mercy, and shelter in Your love. Make me whole in Your awesome presence. Speaking of Your presence, let my praise invite You into an atmosphere that is welcoming. You are not an intruder. You are the Guest of Honor. I pray You hear Your name being shouted across the world. Let Your praise be loud, let it be long, and let it pierce the ears of Your enemy. Then let our worship to You go to depths unknown. Be crowned by our affection. Be pleased by our heart cries. Know today Lord I am Yours forever. I want You more than the riches of this world. I will pursue You with everything I have. Now bless us oh Lord, as I live for You....in Jesus' name. Amen
Father, as I commit my heart to enter into communion with You, Take rest in me. Be exalted above everything in my life I've put before You. You are higher than my wants, higher than my possessions, and higher than my selfish will. What I mean is, my life is totally Yours. I only exist for Your purpose. My life plan is to live out Your will and direction.
Father I ask for a heart like Yours. I need to love like You love. I want to be free to forgive and restore those who have harmed me. I seek freedom in Your mercy, and shelter in Your love. Make me whole in Your awesome presence. Speaking of Your presence, let my praise invite You into an atmosphere that is welcoming. You are not an intruder. You are the Guest of Honor. I pray You hear Your name being shouted across the world. Let Your praise be loud, let it be long, and let it pierce the ears of Your enemy. Then let our worship to You go to depths unknown. Be crowned by our affection. Be pleased by our heart cries. Know today Lord I am Yours forever. I want You more than the riches of this world. I will pursue You with everything I have. Now bless us oh Lord, as I live for You....in Jesus' name. Amen
Which Image Do You See?
Saturday, December 4th, 2010
Today's Passage: II Corinthians 3: 12-18
Memory Verse: Colossians 1: 15
This time of year, people often have the tendency to look back over their lives and think about what they don't have. No matter how blessed we already are, we still focus entirely on ourselves, making a mad dash to acquire more, more, more. This is how we find ourselves up to our necks in debt, or miserable because our so-called "dreams" haven't yet been realized.
When you really stop and look at things a little more closely, though, you have to be honest with yourself and begin to ask more serious questions. Such as: why am I REALLY here? Was the reason I was put on this earth ONLY to live from day to day, trying to make ends meet? What's the true meaning of this joy some people talk about? How can every believer walk in it?
The answer's in the Book, of course. Bishop always says that God's got this funny idea that it's all about Him. And it is. But He designed it that way because His plan is to teach us selflessness. The crazy thing about it is that the more we focus on God, His ways, and the purpose He has for us that can only be revealed when we open ourselves up to Him, the more we experience fulfillment and concentrate less on things around us.
It's kinda like a mirror. Look into it, and you'll get a picture of what you look like now, compared to what you REALLY want to look like. If you're like me, you'll realize you've got a long way to go in accomplishing that goal. But you don't give up; you simply renew your commitment to keep doing something everyday to get where you want to be. Well, God has given us a Mirror to compare ourselves to. It's His Son, Jesus. The more we look into His beautiful face, we'll keep striving to move closer to what He called us to be so that we can please Him. And when we're focused on Kingdom Business -- representing our Father on this earth -- who'll have time to worry about acquiring more stuff? It'll pale in comparison to who we truly are. And that, my brothers and sisters, is something worth striving for.
Prayer: Father, too many times I use the pages of a magazine as the image of where I should be. I look now into Your Face, and choose to accept Your image of me. My life's goal becomes once again to be like You. Thank You for sending Jesus, the greatest image of grace, mercy, and love that has ever existed. May my life reflect that image for the rest of my days. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: II Corinthians 3: 12-18
Memory Verse: Colossians 1: 15
This time of year, people often have the tendency to look back over their lives and think about what they don't have. No matter how blessed we already are, we still focus entirely on ourselves, making a mad dash to acquire more, more, more. This is how we find ourselves up to our necks in debt, or miserable because our so-called "dreams" haven't yet been realized.
When you really stop and look at things a little more closely, though, you have to be honest with yourself and begin to ask more serious questions. Such as: why am I REALLY here? Was the reason I was put on this earth ONLY to live from day to day, trying to make ends meet? What's the true meaning of this joy some people talk about? How can every believer walk in it?
The answer's in the Book, of course. Bishop always says that God's got this funny idea that it's all about Him. And it is. But He designed it that way because His plan is to teach us selflessness. The crazy thing about it is that the more we focus on God, His ways, and the purpose He has for us that can only be revealed when we open ourselves up to Him, the more we experience fulfillment and concentrate less on things around us.
It's kinda like a mirror. Look into it, and you'll get a picture of what you look like now, compared to what you REALLY want to look like. If you're like me, you'll realize you've got a long way to go in accomplishing that goal. But you don't give up; you simply renew your commitment to keep doing something everyday to get where you want to be. Well, God has given us a Mirror to compare ourselves to. It's His Son, Jesus. The more we look into His beautiful face, we'll keep striving to move closer to what He called us to be so that we can please Him. And when we're focused on Kingdom Business -- representing our Father on this earth -- who'll have time to worry about acquiring more stuff? It'll pale in comparison to who we truly are. And that, my brothers and sisters, is something worth striving for.
Prayer: Father, too many times I use the pages of a magazine as the image of where I should be. I look now into Your Face, and choose to accept Your image of me. My life's goal becomes once again to be like You. Thank You for sending Jesus, the greatest image of grace, mercy, and love that has ever existed. May my life reflect that image for the rest of my days. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Something's Moving!
Friday December 3, 2010
Today's Passage: Psalms 122
Memory Verse: Psalms 57:7
Are you ready? Is your heart prepared for what God's getting ready to pour in? I don't know about you, but I am "amped" up for God. Every encounter I have with Him is showing new revelation. Every Word is filled with new truth. Prepare yourself for His response to everything you've been crying out for these past few days, months, or years.
Let's have a moment of reflection. Inspite of what seems to be going on around us, God has been good to us. We have no reasons to complain. The Lord is truly good and His mercy endures forever. We need to now move on from the "gimme" level of our faith, into anticipation, thanksgiving, and service. God's faithfulness has taught us to stand. Stand because He'll never leave us, nor forsake us. Stand because His favor is better than life. And stand because we will reap if we don't faint. We should also approach Him with anticipation. The anointing that comes into our atmosphere comes with an assignment. It comes to heal, redeem, and restore. If we really trust God and know who He is, it should excite us to come into His presence. David said "I was GLAD when they said to me, let 's go into the house of the Lord. Why was he glad? He was glad because he had an intimate relationship with God. Are you glad on church days? Does it fill you with excitement when you prepare to meet with God?
As Christians, we should not walk around with our heads down. We should walk in confidence because our God is mighty to save. We live in His light and His grace. That alone is enough to get through any problem or situation. Lift up your heads, and be lifted up you everlasting doors. Why, cause the King of Glory will come in. And that's not even the best part. Our King is strong and mighty, and He's mighty in battle. That's right folks, He's no wimp. He can totally take care of business. Love Him with your whole heart. Let Him half control of your life. If you do, you'll win. Search the scriptures and see if He's ever lost a battle. I'm excited folks. God's raining on us in buckets. Get excited. Anticipate His move. He's waiting for you.
Prayer: Father I anxiously await You next move. I'm sensitive to Your presence. I repent for ever taking You for granted. So from now on, I desire to be one with You. There's nothing like Your love. I'll stay with You Lord, forever....in Jesus' name. Amen
Today's Passage: Psalms 122
Memory Verse: Psalms 57:7
Are you ready? Is your heart prepared for what God's getting ready to pour in? I don't know about you, but I am "amped" up for God. Every encounter I have with Him is showing new revelation. Every Word is filled with new truth. Prepare yourself for His response to everything you've been crying out for these past few days, months, or years.
Let's have a moment of reflection. Inspite of what seems to be going on around us, God has been good to us. We have no reasons to complain. The Lord is truly good and His mercy endures forever. We need to now move on from the "gimme" level of our faith, into anticipation, thanksgiving, and service. God's faithfulness has taught us to stand. Stand because He'll never leave us, nor forsake us. Stand because His favor is better than life. And stand because we will reap if we don't faint. We should also approach Him with anticipation. The anointing that comes into our atmosphere comes with an assignment. It comes to heal, redeem, and restore. If we really trust God and know who He is, it should excite us to come into His presence. David said "I was GLAD when they said to me, let 's go into the house of the Lord. Why was he glad? He was glad because he had an intimate relationship with God. Are you glad on church days? Does it fill you with excitement when you prepare to meet with God?
As Christians, we should not walk around with our heads down. We should walk in confidence because our God is mighty to save. We live in His light and His grace. That alone is enough to get through any problem or situation. Lift up your heads, and be lifted up you everlasting doors. Why, cause the King of Glory will come in. And that's not even the best part. Our King is strong and mighty, and He's mighty in battle. That's right folks, He's no wimp. He can totally take care of business. Love Him with your whole heart. Let Him half control of your life. If you do, you'll win. Search the scriptures and see if He's ever lost a battle. I'm excited folks. God's raining on us in buckets. Get excited. Anticipate His move. He's waiting for you.
Prayer: Father I anxiously await You next move. I'm sensitive to Your presence. I repent for ever taking You for granted. So from now on, I desire to be one with You. There's nothing like Your love. I'll stay with You Lord, forever....in Jesus' name. Amen
Where Your Treasure Is
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
Today's Passage: Matthew 6:19-24
Memory Verse: Matt. 6:19-21
Okay, be honest now, Lifers. Which ones of you were bold enough to get out there and face Black Friday? I was told that at Wal-mart alone, people had to show up at 11 pm to receive a ticket for certain electronics -- for which, mind you, there was a limited supply. Then, these ticket holders were required to stand in line until 5 am. If you were one of the brave souls to make this journey, hats off to you. You are truly the reason the economy is making a turnaround.
But on a more serious note, how many of us would be willing to admit that pursuing worldly things sometimes seems more achievable than what God is asking us to do? Some of us will stand for hours waiting for a new gizmo to go on sale, or for a new movie to come out. But when worship service runs a little long on Wednesday night or Sunday morning, we find that highly irritating. Furthermore, is it just me, or isn't that a thunderous sea of voices lifted in jubilant praise when our favorite team is victorious? Then how come it's so difficult for us to even lift our hands to praise God?
Today's passage requires us to make sure our priorities are in the right place. When it comes to things that yield instant gratification for us or those we love, do we have our minds already made up that we'll go as far as we need to in order to get what we want? If that is the case, how much energy is left for the things that really count? How much time do we take -- not because we HAVE to, but because we GET to participate in the benefits God provided -- to worship, pray, and spend time with the Father?
As we go about our day, let's remember that where our treasure is, God can tell by how we respond. Without saying a word, our actions will show just how we feel about that thing. Let's ask God to fill us with the desire for Him that money cannot buy, and that moth or rust couldn't steal from us. It may take a while, but as we get to know Who is residing on the inside of us, we'll carry Him like the rich treasure He is in our lives. And that will make all the difference in the world.
Prayer: Father, thank You for revealing to me that You are the most precious treasure that exists in my life. I hide you on the inside of my heart. Help me rise daily to grab hold of You like never before. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage: Matthew 6:19-24
Memory Verse: Matt. 6:19-21
Okay, be honest now, Lifers. Which ones of you were bold enough to get out there and face Black Friday? I was told that at Wal-mart alone, people had to show up at 11 pm to receive a ticket for certain electronics -- for which, mind you, there was a limited supply. Then, these ticket holders were required to stand in line until 5 am. If you were one of the brave souls to make this journey, hats off to you. You are truly the reason the economy is making a turnaround.
But on a more serious note, how many of us would be willing to admit that pursuing worldly things sometimes seems more achievable than what God is asking us to do? Some of us will stand for hours waiting for a new gizmo to go on sale, or for a new movie to come out. But when worship service runs a little long on Wednesday night or Sunday morning, we find that highly irritating. Furthermore, is it just me, or isn't that a thunderous sea of voices lifted in jubilant praise when our favorite team is victorious? Then how come it's so difficult for us to even lift our hands to praise God?
Today's passage requires us to make sure our priorities are in the right place. When it comes to things that yield instant gratification for us or those we love, do we have our minds already made up that we'll go as far as we need to in order to get what we want? If that is the case, how much energy is left for the things that really count? How much time do we take -- not because we HAVE to, but because we GET to participate in the benefits God provided -- to worship, pray, and spend time with the Father?
As we go about our day, let's remember that where our treasure is, God can tell by how we respond. Without saying a word, our actions will show just how we feel about that thing. Let's ask God to fill us with the desire for Him that money cannot buy, and that moth or rust couldn't steal from us. It may take a while, but as we get to know Who is residing on the inside of us, we'll carry Him like the rich treasure He is in our lives. And that will make all the difference in the world.
Prayer: Father, thank You for revealing to me that You are the most precious treasure that exists in my life. I hide you on the inside of my heart. Help me rise daily to grab hold of You like never before. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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