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Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Today's Devo 6/12...Who God Says You Are
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Do Good...Today's Devo 5/30/2013
Do Good
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38, ASV)
The first thing Jesus did before healing, before ministering, before delivering is that He was good to people. Think about that for a moment. We all have an assignment. You could say that we all have a ministry. It may not be up in front of people. It may not be to go overseas and be a missionary. Our ministry starts by being good to people.
When goodness flows out of our hearts, it catches people’s attention. It causes them to want to know more about what we have. We can say all day long, “I love you,” but true love is seen in what we do. If I really love you, I’ll be good to you. I’ll prefer you. God said to Abraham, “I will bless you and you will be a blessing.” One key to being blessed is: are you willing to be a blessing? Are you willing to do good?
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, today I ask that You empower me to do good. Help me to love others. Use me to be a blessing and be a testimony of Your goodness so that others may come to know You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Today's Devo 5/22
The Place of Blessing
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: ‘Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.’ ”
(1 Kings 17:2–4, NIV)
In scripture, God had a place of provision for Elijah. He gave specific instructions, and as long as Elijah obeyed, he would walk right in to His place of blessing.
Just as God directed Elijah to his place of blessing, God is directing you, too. He’s aligning the right opportunities for you and causing the right people to come along your path to help you get ahead. He’s constantly working behind the scenes on your behalf. But you have to do your part to keep your heart in the right place by following His Word. That means living in peace and unity. The Bible says that when we live in unity with other believers, there He has commanded the blessing. And when your heart is in the place of blessing, the rest of your life will be in the place of blessing, too!
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I come to You with a grateful heart. Thank You for leading me and directing my steps. Help me to see others the way You see them so I can honor You and live in unity all the days of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Today's Devo 5/21/2013
He Opens and Closes Doors
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
(Revelation 3:8, ESV)
God opens doors of opportunity before us that no one is able to shut. But we have to realize, sometimes He also closes doors because He has something better in store. We may see a logical opportunity, but just because it’s the logical way doesn’t mean that it’s God’s way. Just because it happened that way before doesn’t mean it’s going to happen that way next time. That’s why you have to stay open and keep trusting in God. If you’re narrow-minded and only look at the door that’s been closed, you may miss the door He has opened behind you!
Friend, when you are able to let go of your own agenda and trust God, He’ll make sure you see those open doors. Scripture says His Word is what lights our path. Our attitude should always be, “God, I surrender all to You. Have Your way in my life. I trust Your timing. God, I trust You to do it Your way.” Then, step back and see the open door He has prepared for you!
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. I choose to trust You even when doors close before me. I believe that You have my best interest at heart. I am ready and available. I stand looking for the open door You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Today's Devo 5/20
A Song for Today
May 20th, 2013 Rev. Daniel Forster
Music is an instrumental (no pun intended) part of our society today but we as believers often overlook its importance of it in our life in Christ Jesus.
King David was gifted with the talent of music. Undoubtedly, God enjoyed the music that David and others wrote and played for their songs are a part of the book of the bible called Psalms. God even had men assigned as musicians as we see in 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 (ESV): “These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they performed their service according to their order.”
Music was not just a part of the Old Testament either. Following the last supper, Jesus and all the disciples come together and sang: “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:30 (ESV)
Music can be a powerful act of worship and reverence to God when it sings of His living Word and Truth. Music is a tool in which to help us keep our mind and thoughts on our Lord.
Sadly, it can be hard for us to keep our mind on God throughout the day. Unless something triggers us to think of Him, we tend to go through our day without paying Him attention, let alone praising and worshiping Him and worshiping Him. Let us use music to remind us of His great truth and not neglect our God.
God, forgive me for not focusing on praising you as much as I should. I want to honor you with the music that I listen to. Help me to integrate worship into my life more. My desire is to praise you in truth and spirit.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Today's Devo 5/18/13
http://www.intouch.org/Resources/BibleStudies/Content.aspx?topic=The_Advantages_of_Goal_Setting_devotional
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Put Your Faith into Action!
The Bible says, “Faith without works is dead” (Jas 2:20). Certain prayers only get answered when you take action. When the woman with the issue of blood took the initiative, pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, He told her, “You took a risk of faith…now you’re well” (Mt 9:22 TM). And on another occasion we read, “As He entered a certain village, there met Him ten…lepers…they lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ So…He said to them, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests’” (Lk 17:12-14 NKJV). According to Jewish law, an unclean person discovered in the vicinity of the temple could be stoned to death. So by following Jesus’ instructions these guys were literally putting their lives on the line. But they did it, and “as they went they were cleansed” (v. 14 NKJV). Jesus said, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Your decisions and actions are based on what you believe. One teacher writes: “Anybody can believe sitting in church, or when all is right in their life. But when you get outside, you find out what you’ve really got. Healing power was obviously available, and these men believed Jesus could heal them. That’s why they came to him in the first place. They didn’t doubt His ability…The key was, as soon as they did what Jesus told them they were healed.” So the word for you today is: Put your faith into action.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Today's Devo 4/25...Always remember
His Mercy is Greater
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”
(Psalm 100:5, NKJV)
When you make a mistake, unfortunately, the critics and naysayers come out of the woodwork. People will tell you, “You’re all washed up. It’s too late.” If you wear that label, it will keep you from the amazing future God has in store. God says, “My mercy is bigger than any mistake.” God says, “I can still get you to your destiny.” God says, “I will give you beauty for those ashes. I’ll pay you back double for the unfair things that have happened.” You wouldn’t be alive unless God had another victory in your future. Why don’t you take off the “washed up” label? Take off the “failure,” “guilty,” “condemned” labels and put on some new labels: redeemed, restored, forgiven, bright future, new beginning.
Always remember, you have been made in the image of Almighty God. God did not make any mistakes. You are the perfect size. You have the right personality, the right gifts, the right looks, the right skin color. You are not an accident. God designed you precisely for the race that is laid out for you. You are fully equipped for this life, and His mercy is greater than any mistake you could make. Embrace the truth and the victory He has in store for your future!
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for equipping me for everything I need in this life. I choose to renounce old labels and forgive those who have hurt me. I set my eyes on You, Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Dedication to Mothers...In Preparation for Mother's Day 2013
An excerpt from
Heart of a Mother by Paula J. Fox |
Mothers are also a lot LIKE flowers in many ways...each one has her own unique beauty and each is designed by God to bloom where she is planted. As the heart of a Mother grows and blossoms in beauty and grace, she spreads her fragrance of LOVE not only in her home, but throughout her world.
Walk with me now through this enchanting garden as we examine how the different qualities and characteristics of each of these flowers remind us of the BEAUTY of a Mother's love. Baby's Breath Our first flower reminds us of the very beginning of a woman's life as a Mother...the moment when she takes her first child into her arms and smells the fragrance of that sweet Baby's Breath. Her heart will never be the same again. Lilac The Lilac represents the fragrance of a Mother's sacrifice...the lovely scent of forgiveness that results when a flower is crushed and gives back to the very one that crushed it. It reminds us of the beauty that surrounds a Mother who is always willing to forgive her children's faults and offer them compassion, mercy and unconditional love. Hydrangea The Hydrangea has a wonderful quality of being able to change color from shades of pink to blue. Initially it was thought that this flower was like a chameleon, changing color to match its surroundings, but experiments proved that the color is actually determined by the roots of the plant and the kind of soil it is planted in. This illustrates the Mother who gives her children a rich foundation of love and deep roots of character and strength. |
Friday, April 19, 2013
Prayer for today 4/19/2013
Father thank you for a new day in you. A new day of power and a new day of strength. Thank you Father for your word works. If we trust you and if we believe you ... you work out all things for our good. Thank you for working it all out today. For working out the things we have need of. For healing our bodies and for meeting our needs. Thank you Father for giving us the peace that exceeds our understanding. We love you Lord. We expect you Lord. We expect you to move for us and to move through us. We expect you to pour out your love upon us. We expect you.
Now Father we ask that you do what you do. Bless like only you can. Show up and show out like only you can. Father as we yield to you, honor your word in us. In Jesus name we do pray. Amen.
Now Father we ask that you do what you do. Bless like only you can. Show up and show out like only you can. Father as we yield to you, honor your word in us. In Jesus name we do pray. Amen.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Niggling...Today's Devo 4/4/2013
Niggling
Today in America, it’s hard to imagine anyone (Christian or not) who is totally unaware that when someone speaks about God, they’re referring to the living, powerful creator. In the book of Acts, when Paul visited Greece, most people there worshipped idols. He explained that the God he served wasn’t made by man – rather, man, the heavens and the earth was created by Him. Paul pointed out an altar they’d made with the inscription “To the unknown god.” “What therefore you worship as unknown,” Paul told them, “this I proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:23)
They should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him.
Acts 17:27
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There must have been a niggling in their spirits, a desire to worship the true God instead of inanimate objects. Paul assured them that God is near everyone (Acts 17:27). And you have Christ’s promise, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Take advantage of this precious promise to ask, seek and knock for yourself, the nation, and all those who have that niggling in their spirits – knowing there’s something more to life, and that it may be available from their creator God.
Take advantage of this precious promise to ask, seek and knock for yourself, the nation, and all those who have that niggling in their spirits – knowing there’s something more to life, and that it may be available from their creator God.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Today's Scripture...Easter Sunday 2013
Luke 24:6-7
He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "
He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
A Living Book
Dr. David Jeremiah
Dr. David Jeremiah
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
Psalm 119:18
Psalm 119:18
Recommended Reading
Psalm 119:17-24 |
According to theologian Erich Sauer, the Bible isn't merely an old volume of once-upon-a-time stories; it's a living Book. "The Spirit of God has not only inbreathed the written Word," wrote Sauer, "He accompanies it and makes it operative .... God comes to us now through His Word, and the Word that is centuries old remains fresh and eternally young. It is as if it had been written yesterday, as if the ink was not yet dry, never growing old, superior to time, ever present."1
The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible makes it new every morning to those who prayerfully study it. The words of David, Matthew, Peter, Paul, and the other writers teach us fresh lessons, remold our thoughts, refresh our hearts, and help us achieve a renewed mind. In the process, we discover for ourselves on a daily basis "what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).
Let's learn to pray as we study our Bibles: Lord, open our eyes that we may see wondrous things from Your Word.
The Bible is a living Book ... not only a written word, but a spiritually living Word.
Erich Sauer
Let's learn to pray as we study our Bibles: Lord, open our eyes that we may see wondrous things from Your Word.
The Bible is a living Book ... not only a written word, but a spiritually living Word.
Erich Sauer
1Erich Sauer, From Eternity to Eternity, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), 134.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
“It is what it is”…NOT!
By Karla Futral
I hear, “It is, what it is” all the time. But, is it really? Is this how you really want to leave a situation or live the rest of your life, or do we want to see blessings, favor, and have a new perspective on life? Do we just settle? Do we give up on hope and faith and tell ourselves that it can’t get any better? Or better yet, do we let Satan sneak in the door and convince us that we just need to give up, because “it is what it is”.
God said in John 10:10…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Here is the full chapter to read at your convenience: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2010&version=NIV
Does this sound like “It is, what it is” to you?
Whatever it may be, do not let the enemy steal your life through laziness, distraction, or fearfulness. Jesus lived, incarnated, and died so that we could be in right relationship with God, the enemy will employ any means necessary to keep us from that. Often though, his fingerprints are not so easily visible on the things keeping us from fulfilling our glorious purpose. Don’t let the words: ”it is what it is” keep you from succeeding. Press through this mess and believe. God has His perfect plan for your life.
Take a moment to reflect on just what or who God has made you to be. Now what is keeping you from doing or being that man or woman of God? Resist the enemy, the stealer of life, and press into the giver of life.
Prayer
Father, today we thank you for your favor, grace, mercy, and love. Often times we forget to stop for a minute and listen to you. Help us to remember to reach for Your Word when we need direction, comfort, peace, discernment, and guidance. For in the pages of Your Word is amazing knowledge to help us succeed in life. Your Word gives life. It helps us to dismiss doubt and confusion. It gives us strength and power to overcome many things of this world, especially the enemy.
Lord Jesus, we give you praise and honor for what you did for us on the cross at Calvary. We will be like the sheep you describe in Your Word and will listen and know your voice when you call. Help us every day to be attentive, so that we may have life and have life more abundant, as You promise in Your Word.
We love you Lord and again, that you for your love. Amen!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Today's Devo 3/18/2013
What Honor Is and Isn’t
James MacDonald - Senior Pastor - Harvest Bible Chapel
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
—Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor, as we have already seen, is the third significant word that impacts our families in multi-generational ways. But people always wonder about the lines and limits of honor. Let’s look briefly at what honor is and isn’t.
Honoring your parents does not mean these three things:
1. Honoring your parents does not mean groveling back and seeking their approval. Honoring is choosing to give, not trying to get. God wants us to be free from bondage to anyone’s approval but His. The apostle Paul said, “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
2. Honoring your parents does not mean making yourself vulnerable to their hurtful behavior. There are appropriate boundaries between people.
3. Honoring your parents does not mean ignoring or denying the past.
But honoring does mean these things:
1. Honoring your parents means choosing to place great value on your relationship with them and knocking off the attitude that it doesn’t matter. It does matter. It matters to God.
2. Honoring means taking the initiative to try to improve the relationship in whatever increments you can.
3. Honoring your parents means recognizing they have done some things right. You might think, “My parents didn’t do anything right!” Your perspective is clouded, possibly by great pain. But they did something right. God will show you.
4. Honoring means acknowledging the sacrifices they have made for you.
5. Honoring means seeing your parents as Christ does with compassion and mercy.
6. Honoring your parents means forgiving them even as God in Christ has forgiven you.
The goal of God’s command to honor is not that you would do some minor upgrading in your attitude toward your parents, but that you come to a crisis of deciding to officially honor your parents. You might call it a tribute. Take the time to write two or three paragraphs as you are able and then find a formal time in front of your family to honor your parents to whatever degree the Lord will allow. This is not about how they will respond; it’s about your willingness to put into practice what God wants from you.
Journal
• How would I summarize in several paragraphs the ways I know I can honor my parents? (For added information on the specifics of honor, see Gary Smalley and John Trent’s book, The Gift of Honor, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1987).
Prayer
Lord, I don’t want to honor my parents just a little better. I want to be more intentional in my respect for them. I want to be Your obedient child in the way I approach all the opportunities for influencing the course of my family. I realize honor is a big part of Your design. Forgive me for attitudes of disrespect and teach me to be aware of those things about my parents that are worthy of honor. And remind me to put them into words. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Today's Devo 3/15/2013
March 15, 2013
Word #3 - Honor
James MacDonald - Senior Pastor - Harvest Bible Chapel
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
—Ephesians 6:1-4
All children are commanded by God to honor their parents. This is the third word in our list of seven concepts that make a huge difference in family life. Honor is a universal duty.
By all, I mean small children to middle-aged adults to older adults. We never outgrow this command. This rule of family interaction is for every race, for every nation, for every culture—not just where it is sociologically acceptable. We seem increasingly to live in a society where honoring parents is not important and honoring self is the supreme thing. But this eternal, biblical principle stands. Regardless of your parents’ success rating, regardless of how you may feel about it, God doesn’t want us to grade parents on the curve. He just says straight up, “Honor your father and mother.”
Word #2 was blessing, and the action was the responsibility of parents. Give the blessing to your children. But while everyone is not a parent, everyone certainly is a child. So, whether your parents are living or not, God commands all of His people everywhere, “Honor your father and mother.”
Webster defines honor as fame; glory; high public esteem; a position of respect. The Hebrew word translated honor in the Old Testament means literally a heavy weight or to lay it on them. In today’s society, “laying it on” is a term for insincerity. As in, “Boy! He was really spreading it thick!” But as it relates to God’s command, honor is a sincere locating of the things my parents have done right and publicly honoring them for those things. It also means consistent, respectful treatment.
There is just something about people who choose to honor their parents. Parents who honor parents are likely to find themselves honored. If you didn’t have that example, decide: “As for my family, in the future, things are going to be different.” If you honor your parents, your kids are going to see that and things are going to be different in your life. If your family hasn’t traditionally honored parents, you can be the first of many generations! All children are commanded to honor their parents. When we honor our parents, our family is blessed.
Journal
• Am I continuing a tradition of honoring parents or beginning a new tradition in my family?
• What is my specific plan?
Prayer
Father, let me begin today by honoring You as my heavenly Father. Thank You for the parents You gave me. Thank You for the gifts and lessons You brought into my life through them. Teach me to forgive their shortcomings even as I pray that my children and others will forgive mine. Help me most of all to see my parents as You see them and lead me in finding the points of honor I can use to encourage and thank them best. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings,
Karla Futral
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Today's Devo...3/12/2013
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
A Prayer for You Today
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you that Your word gives the comfort, guidance and instruction that I need. Bless me today as I seek Your refreshing.
Thank you for the timeless truths of this scripture verse. Some days it feels like life would consume me if I did not look for Your daily mercies!
Lord, right now I focus on Your compassion, on Your mercy. The Hebrew definition calls this Your “loving-kindness.” May it reach into my heart and wash over me with Your love. May it fall on me today like a blanket. Lord, it is my nature to lose sight of all You are in the midst of confusion and trouble. Highlight Your loving-kindness to me today in a way that will bless and encourage and revive me afresh.
Lord, You are faithful in all of life. Surprise me with Your faithful mercy dropping like rain around me all day long. May I not be consumed or eaten up by the challenges of this day, but find rest for my soul in the depths of Your compassion for me.
Thank you that You alone are our merciful God who brings a fresh basket of loving-kindness to my heart every morning. May I watch for it, enjoy it, and share it. I pray this in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.
Monday, March 11, 2013
My prayer today 3/11/2013
Father, I pray today that You take control. I forsake all to You. Let me be led by Your Spirit all day, every day. Let me die to my flesh and my own desires. Let me die to my frustrations and the way I have always thought and looked at circumstances. Let me just be led by Your glorious Spirit and bask in Your presence all day. Lord I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
Friday, March 8, 2013
God Knows...
James MacDonald - Senior Pastor - Harvest Bible Chapel
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. —Job 23:8-11
God sees you on the road you are walking today. As Job put it, “. . . he knows the way that I take” (Job 23:10). He sees the steps you must take today to get through this hard place. Proverbs 5:21 tells us that “A man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths.” This means God not only watches the winding of your road today, He is also thinking about every step and everything you must step over. Wow! God is considering your next fork in the road too, the good choice and the dismal, misery-inducing one. Your Father in heaven is reflecting about what you are going to decide. Even though He has known from eternity past every detail of your life, He is still meditating upon it as it plays out. That blows me away.
God knows the way that you take. He wants you to succeed in the testing you are experiencing. Considering His great love for you, do you honestly think He would let you go through more than you can handle? No. He won’t let this hard season knock you off the path of your highest usefulness to His kingdom. He has already scouted the path ahead and will be with you during the rough stretches. And He wants to help you make sure you don’t drive yourself off that high road.
God is near to you when your heart is broken and saves you when your spirit is crushed (Psalm 34:18). God draws near to you during a hardship unlike at any other time in your life. Maybe this is why the desperate need comes. Maybe this is the very moment God is seeking to engineer—the moment of your turning as never before to Him.
If this is your moment and you don’t know how to pray, God even knows that. Romans 8:26 tells us God’s Spirit prays for us when we don’t have words. Just start praying and sharing your heart. Thank God that He knows the way you take.
Journal
• What difference does it make for me to know God has already reviewed everything that will occur in my life?
• Read Job 23:10 again. What does it mean for me to “come out as gold”?
Prayer
Almighty God, help me remember Job’s testimony and David’s prayer in Psalm 139:3, “You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” Thank You for the comfort of knowing that no obstacle enters my life that You have not seen and approved for its usefulness for me. Now guide me as I live out that trust this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Today's Devo 3/5/2013
Exceptional Favor
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day...”
(Proverbs 4:18, AMP)
We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. But if we can keep the right perspective, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory. You may feel right now like the challenges that you face are too big or too overwhelming. One thing I’ve learned is that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re not average.
You’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But, the good news is that we serve an exceptional God! He’ll pour out His exceptional grace, exceptional wisdom and exceptional favor!
When you have an extraordinary problem; instead of being discouraged, be encouraged knowing that you’re an extraordinary person and have an extraordinary future. Your path is shining brighter and brighter. You are on an extraordinary path. Keep standing in faith, keep declaring victory over your future, keep declaring His promises. Keep declaring that you are moving forward into the exceptional favor the Lord has in store for you!
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, today I lift my eyes to You. I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an extraordinary future. I choose to stand in faith today knowing that You have a wonderful plan in store for me in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Monday, March 4, 2013
The Same Favor..Today's Devo 3/4/2013
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
(Hebrews 13:8, NKJV)
One of the reasons it’s so important to know the Word of God is not only to learn His promises and His ways, but to understand His character. What He’s done for others, He will do for you. The same God who displayed His favor in the Bible is still at work today. I believe God wants to flood you with the same favor He flooded Joseph, Abraham and Elijah with. I believe He wants to open new doors, line up supernatural appointments, and bring new increase and provision. The question is, are you ready to receive it? Can you see it with your eyes of faith?
Today, know that our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is with you and for you. Even before you see things turn around, believe that He is working on your behalf. And when He pours out His favor, it won’t be just a drizzle; it’s going to be a flood — a flood of ideas, a flood of good breaks, a flood of talent. Keep believing, keep hoping and keep praising because the same favor that was in the Bible is coming your way!
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your favor and blessing which is available to me each and every day. I turn my heart and mind toward You. I submit my ways to You knowing that You are faithful. I open my heart to receive everything You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
It's a small world...
My daughter Kameryn standing with our high school friend's son Justin Childers in Bagram Afghanistan.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Breaking Down Stronholds ...
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”
(2 Corinthians 10:4, NKJV)
Scripture tells us that there is a battle going on in our minds. Our thoughts dictate our actions. That’s why the enemy will do everything he can to get you thinking in the wrong direction. Sometimes, it’s not our own thoughts that are holding us back; sometimes it’s that we’ve believed the negative things that other people have spoken over us. Those words are like seeds. If you dwell on them long enough, they’ll take root and become a reality.
In life, there will always be people telling you what cannot be done, speaking negative things. Too often we latch on to those negative words and develop what the scripture calls a “stronghold.” That’s a wrong thought or action that keeps us from God’s best. The way you break those negative strongholds is by rejecting the lie, forgiving the person, and embracing the truth of God’s Word. In other words, you have to choose to delete that negative file in your mind.
Today, why don’t you take inventory of your thought life? Ask yourself, “Where did these thoughts come from? Do they line up with what God says about me?” Break the negative strongholds and embrace God’s truth so you can be all that God has called you to be!
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, today I choose to reject negative thoughts. I choose to reject lies from the past. I break every stronghold through the power of Your Word and embrace Your truth which sets me free in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Lost in God’s Will
February 27th, 2013
Joel Pukalo
“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (Jeremiah 29:13-14, NLT)
Do you ever worry about missing God’s plan for your life? I have met many people who are terrified of missing God’s will for their life. Tragically this fear is paralyzing and prevents many from entering into the Father’s perfect plan for their lives. This fear is only a ploy of the enemy and it is not God’s will for you to feel this way.
In fact God has made following His perfect will so simple that even a child can walk in God’s perfect plan for their life. As we walk with our Heavenly Father each day He guides, opens and closes the right doors, put impressions on our hearts and gives us wisdom to guide us right where we need to be. Greater yet, the Father knit us together with the specific skills, personality and abilities that will naturally gravitate to following his perfect plan for our lives.
Stop and consider the biblical truth and implications of this in following Gods perfect will in your life.
The greatest mistake is to think following God’s plan for my life is dependent on my human ability. Your heavenly Father wants to set you completely free from such fears today! Pray and allow this truth to permeating your very being and set you free from the fear of missing God’s plan.
God, I want to walk in the plans You have for me. When I’m tempted to listen to fear I pray that You would refocus my thoughts on You. Amen
Monday, February 25, 2013
“. . . he knows the way that I take” (Job 23:10)
February 25, 2013
God Knows
James MacDonald - Senior Pastor - Harvest Bible Chapel
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
—Job 23:8-11
God sees you on the road you are walking today. As Job put it, “. . . he knows the way that I take” (Job 23:10). He sees the steps you must take today to get through this hard place. Proverbs 5:21 tells us that “A man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths.” This means God not only watches the winding of your road today, He is also thinking about every step and everything you must step over. Wow! God is considering your next fork in the road too, the good choice and the dismal, misery-inducing one. Your Father in heaven is reflecting about what you are going to decide. Even though He has known from eternity past every detail of your life, He is still meditating upon it as it plays out. That blows me away.
God knows the way that you take. He wants you to succeed in the testing you are experiencing. Considering His great love for you, do you honestly think He would let you go through more than you can handle? No. He won’t let this hard season knock you off the path of your highest usefulness to His kingdom. He has already scouted the path ahead and will be with you during the rough stretches. And He wants to help you make sure you don’t drive yourself off that high road.
God is near to you when your heart is broken and saves you when your spirit is crushed (Psalm 34:18). God draws near to you during a hardship unlike at any other time in your life. Maybe this is why the desperate need comes. Maybe this is the very moment God is seeking to engineer—the moment of your turning as never before to Him.
If this is your moment and you don’t know how to pray, God even knows that. Romans 8:26 tells us God’s Spirit prays for us when we don’t have words. Just start praying and sharing your heart. Thank God that He knows the way you take.
Journal
• What difference does it make for me to know God has already reviewed everything that will occur in my life?
• Read Job 23:10 again. What does it mean for me to “come out as gold”?
Prayer
Almighty God, help me remember Job’s testimony and David’s prayer in Psalm 139:3, “You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” Thank You for the comfort of knowing that no obstacle enters my life that You have not seen and approved for its usefulness for me. Now guide me as I live out that trust this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Way Your Story Ends
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:16, NLT)
Did you know that God has already recorded every part of your life from the beginning to the end? He knows every disappointment, every loss, every challenge; and the good news is that with Christ, your story ends in victory! God has written out a plan to bless and prosper you. When you choose His plan, your final chapter concludes with you fulfilling your God-given destiny. Here’s the key: when you go through a disappointment, when you go through a loss, don’t stop on that page in your life. You’ve got to decide to keep moving forward. There’s another chapter in front of you, but you’ve got to be willing to take the next step.
Sometimes, we get so focused on what didn’t work out that we stay stuck, reliving the disappointment. If that’s you, recognize that you’ve been on that page long enough. It’s time to let it go and turn the page to the new chapter God has in store. You may not understand, it may not have been fair, but remember, the next chapter is full of blessing, full of favor, and full of victory! Make the decision to let go of the old so you can move forward into the abundant life God has in store for you!
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for the good plan You have for me. Today, I lay aside the disappointments of the past knowing that You have blessing in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Remind me Lord...
You Are Loved!
February 12th, 2013 Gail Rodgers
You are precious in His sight. Today… yes, right now!
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)
Father in Heaven,
What wonderful understanding Your word gives me. Today I ask that You would give me strength in my inner being. Thank you that You reach out to strengthen me from Your vast store of riches. Help me to remember that today I have the living Christ dwelling within me. Remind me that this is my Source today in all I need to do or face.
Lord God, help me today to grasp how very much You love me. Help me to see in fresh ways how I am grounded by that love and rooted in it as a sure anchor for my life. Help me to believe it! What a heritage I share with other believers… this wonder of Your equipping love in my life. How we need to remind each other of this strengthening power that we have access to through Your Spirit.
Today when I am tempted to fall into thinking thoughts that drag me down, remind me of this rich love that You pour over me and into my life. Remind me, by Your Spirit, that this love is wider and longer and higher and deeper than I can ever imagine. Let me feel wrapped and encased in that love today. Help me to grasp this truth when I am tempted to feel less because of my own limited abilities or resources or circumstances.
Monday, February 11, 2013
The motivation for God’s action in allowing your life to become so hard is love.
Why Does God Discipline His Children?
Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. —Hebrews 12:9-11
A trial is like a bounced check. You feel stuck with a problem that you don’t have the resources to solve. The temptation is to rant to God, “Do you see me over here, God? Do you see that I don’t have what it takes to get through this? Are You paying attention? I’m about to bounce a lot of checks here. I don’t have the resources. I don’t have it emotionally. You’re rattling my faith, God. Don’t leave me in this mess.”
Those expressions of desperation you feel so awful about are in fact the exact truth God has been trying to bring to your attention: You flat out don’t have the resources. He wants you to come to realize what He’s known to be true all along: you are in way over your head. God is taking you to a new level of dependence and He knows what He’s doing.
Why does the Lord discipline me? Hebrews 12:6a says, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.” Well, there you go. He disciplines you because He loves you.
You might be tempted to think, “Well, if You loved me, God, You wouldn’t leave me over here with empty pockets and bounced checks.”
But far from abandoning us when we’re going through difficult trials, God moves toward us. Far from folding His arms; God is rolling up His sleeves. He’s getting ready to do something in your life that you haven’t previously been willing to let Him do. And He moves toward you. Isn’t that good news? God moves toward you. In fact, trials are proof of love.
Never forget this: The motivation for God’s action in allowing your life to become so hard is love. He loves you. His eyes are upon you. His attention is toward you. All of His thoughts are about you. The goal of all your pain is your restoration to a deeper sense of His love. But keep in mind that this is biblical love—a love that is willing to take you through a valley to get you to a hilltop. No pseudo-solutions or quick-fixes with God. He is going for change in you at the deepest and most lasting level.
Journal
• When have I recently been reminded of the scarcity of personal resources for overcoming significant challenges in my life?
• What steps have I taken to exercise greater dependence on God during difficulties?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful to Your Son for directing me to present my needs and life to You under the authority of His name. And thank You for treating me as a father would, including the times of discipline You have not hesitated to apply to my life. Honestly, I don’t look forward to the pain and discomfort, but I do anticipate the gain You will bring about in my life through them, so I’m trusting You as I step forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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