Monday, November 7, 2016
Dr. Stacy Spencer's Blog Postings
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Thursday, August 22, 2013
How to Love Hateful People
I John 3:18-20
Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue but withactions and truth
Love is not a noun it’s a verb. It only works when we put it into action and most times it's needed when we don’t feel like giving it.
During the fight for Civil Rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and so many courageous people marched against the evils of racism and faced so many hateful people. Dr. King reminded the people marching with him that, “We must overcome their capacity for evil with our capacity to do good.” That capacity was filled and fueled by Love.
There are times when your heart doesn’t want to cooperate with the action of love because we go into protection mode. When you feel attacked the heart’s natural reaction is to fight or take flight but God’s solution is to Love. How do you love hateful people?
1. With actions and truth. Our practice of love is different than our proclamation of love. You can say you love people all day but it doesn’t mean anything until you put it into practice. Love is not always some warm and fuzzy feeling but it’s the hard work of doing right by people when they are doing wrong by you.
2. Our hearts must rest in God’s presence. When our hearts condemn us, that is they will not cooperate with what we know is right, we must bring our hateful hearts and let them rest in the presence of God. Many times we have to love hateful people with God’s love not ours. We can only get that transference by being in his presence through prayer and worship.
3. God is greater than our hearts. His will overrides our need to hold onto hate. Love will not allow you to keep records of wrongdoing.
Dear God,
Give me the strength to Love even when it’s difficult to do so. Take my heart and repair it and use it to Love the unlovable. I thank you that you loved me so much that you sent Jesus after me when I was a hateful mess. Now my heart is filled with gratitude knowing you didn’t have to let Jesus die for me but I’m so glad He loved me first.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue but withactions and truth
Love is not a noun it’s a verb. It only works when we put it into action and most times it's needed when we don’t feel like giving it.
During the fight for Civil Rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and so many courageous people marched against the evils of racism and faced so many hateful people. Dr. King reminded the people marching with him that, “We must overcome their capacity for evil with our capacity to do good.” That capacity was filled and fueled by Love.
There are times when your heart doesn’t want to cooperate with the action of love because we go into protection mode. When you feel attacked the heart’s natural reaction is to fight or take flight but God’s solution is to Love. How do you love hateful people?
1. With actions and truth. Our practice of love is different than our proclamation of love. You can say you love people all day but it doesn’t mean anything until you put it into practice. Love is not always some warm and fuzzy feeling but it’s the hard work of doing right by people when they are doing wrong by you.
2. Our hearts must rest in God’s presence. When our hearts condemn us, that is they will not cooperate with what we know is right, we must bring our hateful hearts and let them rest in the presence of God. Many times we have to love hateful people with God’s love not ours. We can only get that transference by being in his presence through prayer and worship.
3. God is greater than our hearts. His will overrides our need to hold onto hate. Love will not allow you to keep records of wrongdoing.
Dear God,
Give me the strength to Love even when it’s difficult to do so. Take my heart and repair it and use it to Love the unlovable. I thank you that you loved me so much that you sent Jesus after me when I was a hateful mess. Now my heart is filled with gratitude knowing you didn’t have to let Jesus die for me but I’m so glad He loved me first.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
It's Not Time for You to Die!
Psalm 118:17
I will not die but live and will proclaim what the Lord has done
People are under an extreme amount of pressure these days. More and more young people are turning to suicide as an option to their stress. Just the other day, Lee Thompson Young, lead actor of Disney’s “Jett Jackson” took his own life at the tender age of 29. On the verge of coming into his 30’s, he hadn’t really lived his best life yet. What would make such a promising young man give up on life?
What makes us feel like life is over? What could cause us to think that God is finished with us? Jesus said, “I have come to give you Life and Life more abundantly.” There is nothing so devastating that God can’t see us through.
Under siege, despised for telling the truth, uncertain about the future of his country, Jeremiah the prophet writes a bold declaration in the middle of devastation; I will live and not die! When we are plagued with uncertainty and we feel like we are under siege with negativity, we cannot give into negative thoughts. We must fight back with the confidence that God is not finished with us.
It’s not time to die but it’s time to:
1. Take Captive every negative thought. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
2. Count it all Joy! Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
3. Tell everybody how we made it over. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Revelation 12:11 NLT
Dear God,
Thank you for sparing my life and giving me something to live for. Although there were times that I was chastened severely you did not give up on me or give me over to death. I will not give up on you or life because you did not give on me.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
I will not die but live and will proclaim what the Lord has done
People are under an extreme amount of pressure these days. More and more young people are turning to suicide as an option to their stress. Just the other day, Lee Thompson Young, lead actor of Disney’s “Jett Jackson” took his own life at the tender age of 29. On the verge of coming into his 30’s, he hadn’t really lived his best life yet. What would make such a promising young man give up on life?
What makes us feel like life is over? What could cause us to think that God is finished with us? Jesus said, “I have come to give you Life and Life more abundantly.” There is nothing so devastating that God can’t see us through.
Under siege, despised for telling the truth, uncertain about the future of his country, Jeremiah the prophet writes a bold declaration in the middle of devastation; I will live and not die! When we are plagued with uncertainty and we feel like we are under siege with negativity, we cannot give into negative thoughts. We must fight back with the confidence that God is not finished with us.
It’s not time to die but it’s time to:
1. Take Captive every negative thought. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
2. Count it all Joy! Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
3. Tell everybody how we made it over. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Revelation 12:11 NLT
Dear God,
Thank you for sparing my life and giving me something to live for. Although there were times that I was chastened severely you did not give up on me or give me over to death. I will not give up on you or life because you did not give on me.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Have You Claimed Your Baggage?
Claim Check
I John 1:6
If we claim to have fellowship with Jesus yet, walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by truth.
Claim Check is a numbered receipt given to a passenger for claiming his or her baggage at the destination.
As we travel through life, we must choose our mode of transportation. Some choose to fly; others take the highway, others use the train. Regardless of what you choose, you must make a decision of how you get to where you are trying to go and at your destination you are allowed to get your bags and your bags only. When you travel out of the country it becomes even more challenging to retrieve your bags from customs because the agent will make sure your claim check matches your bags before you exit to your final destination.
For those of us who claim to have been traveling with Jesus on this “tedious journey,” our receipt must match our baggage. What we claim must match what we have in our possession.
There are three things that we might need to claim
1. If we claim to have relationship with Jesus but we have no evidence of walking with him….we lie. John said, “If we walk in darkness but have a claim check that says we rode in with Jesus we lie. Walking implies lifestyle. If your lifestyle is not in alignment with God’s word we will not be able to claim anything at the end of our journey. Jesus will be the customs agent in heaven and if what we have received doesn’t match what we gave him then he will say, "Depart from me, I don’t know you."
2. If we claim to be without sin we deceive ourselves,and the truth is not in us. “but if we sin doesn’t that disqualify us anyway?” There is a difference between missing the mark and not trying to hit it at all. We all fall short, we sin by accident and on purpose but if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
3. If we claim we have not sinned ever we make him out to be a liar, and his word has no place in our lives. In other words, we deny that sin even exists then it is evident we have not experienced God at all because his light would have exposed our condition. God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.
Dear God,
Check my baggage, please inspect what I’m carrying so that it will not stop me from making my connection nor delay my destiny. If you find anything not like you please take it out. Forgive me of my sins and help me to consistently walk in the light.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
I John 1:6
If we claim to have fellowship with Jesus yet, walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by truth.
Claim Check is a numbered receipt given to a passenger for claiming his or her baggage at the destination.
As we travel through life, we must choose our mode of transportation. Some choose to fly; others take the highway, others use the train. Regardless of what you choose, you must make a decision of how you get to where you are trying to go and at your destination you are allowed to get your bags and your bags only. When you travel out of the country it becomes even more challenging to retrieve your bags from customs because the agent will make sure your claim check matches your bags before you exit to your final destination.
For those of us who claim to have been traveling with Jesus on this “tedious journey,” our receipt must match our baggage. What we claim must match what we have in our possession.
There are three things that we might need to claim
1. If we claim to have relationship with Jesus but we have no evidence of walking with him….we lie. John said, “If we walk in darkness but have a claim check that says we rode in with Jesus we lie. Walking implies lifestyle. If your lifestyle is not in alignment with God’s word we will not be able to claim anything at the end of our journey. Jesus will be the customs agent in heaven and if what we have received doesn’t match what we gave him then he will say, "Depart from me, I don’t know you."
2. If we claim to be without sin we deceive ourselves,and the truth is not in us. “but if we sin doesn’t that disqualify us anyway?” There is a difference between missing the mark and not trying to hit it at all. We all fall short, we sin by accident and on purpose but if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
3. If we claim we have not sinned ever we make him out to be a liar, and his word has no place in our lives. In other words, we deny that sin even exists then it is evident we have not experienced God at all because his light would have exposed our condition. God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.
Dear God,
Check my baggage, please inspect what I’m carrying so that it will not stop me from making my connection nor delay my destiny. If you find anything not like you please take it out. Forgive me of my sins and help me to consistently walk in the light.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Monday, August 12, 2013
How Do I Build Endurance
Jeremiah 12:5
If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?
My son Jordan wants to try out for the wrestling team and decided he would run the neighborhood to get into shape. I told him that running the neighborhood twice would be equivalent to 3 miles. He put on his sneakers, ear plugs, iPod and set out for his run. I looked out the window 15 minutes later and he was sitting at the end of our driveway. 5 minutes later he came in the house. He smiled and said, ‘How do you build up endurance?” I said, “By continuing to run even when you are hurting or don’t feel like it.”
My son thought he was just going to go out and run 3 miles the first time out. I admire his ambition but like many of us he wanted to run with the horses but had not mastered running with men.
The race is not given to the swift or to the strong but to those who endure to the end.
How do you build up our endurance?
Dear God,
Help me to finish the race and fight the good fight of faith. Give me the ability to endure suffering like a good soldier so that I can compete at a high level and give you Glory in the way that I live my life. All I want to do is hear you say well done.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?
My son Jordan wants to try out for the wrestling team and decided he would run the neighborhood to get into shape. I told him that running the neighborhood twice would be equivalent to 3 miles. He put on his sneakers, ear plugs, iPod and set out for his run. I looked out the window 15 minutes later and he was sitting at the end of our driveway. 5 minutes later he came in the house. He smiled and said, ‘How do you build up endurance?” I said, “By continuing to run even when you are hurting or don’t feel like it.”
My son thought he was just going to go out and run 3 miles the first time out. I admire his ambition but like many of us he wanted to run with the horses but had not mastered running with men.
The race is not given to the swift or to the strong but to those who endure to the end.
How do you build up our endurance?
- Learn how to suffer. Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. If we learn how to make it through our sufferings then we can move to the next step of spiritual growth and conditioning of the soul. Often times in conditioning there is a saying, “No pain no gain,” meaning that pain is part of the process of getting stronger.
- Lay aside every weight we have to get rid of everything that will get in the way of us getting stronger. Hebrews 12:. 1Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God...
- 3. Disciplining my body to make it obedient to my goals. When you are training it is often times a battle of your mind over your body. You have got to win that fight.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Dear God,
Help me to finish the race and fight the good fight of faith. Give me the ability to endure suffering like a good soldier so that I can compete at a high level and give you Glory in the way that I live my life. All I want to do is hear you say well done.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Monday, August 5, 2013
The Right Time
John 7:6
The right time for me has not yet come, for you any time isright
Don’t let anybody rush you into anything that is not ready for you. Notice that I didn’t say,“That you are ready for.” It’s not about what we are ready for but its moreabout what God has ready for us. We must be in tune with God to know what time it is.
Jesus’ brothers were trying to push him into a public popularity contest but Jesus was like Sweet Brown, “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” Jesus was on God’s time. He told his brothers, who didn’t really believe in him anyway, “It's not the right time for me, but anytime is right for you.” It’s amazing how people who have their own agenda for your life want to rush you into something that God has put on your schedule. If you are not careful other people will push you into something that God hasn’t allotted your time for.
Jesus’ brothers were not sensitive to the will of God for his life so therefore it didn’t matter to them when the right time for promotion was. Jesus knew that promotion doesn’t come from the east or he west but from God, therefore you have to wait on God’s timing for your life not what other people think about your time. In order to do that you must:
1. Discern the time. There were some men from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do I Chronicle 12:32 we need to pray to God that he would give us the gift of discernment so that we can interpret the times in which we live.
2. Don’t let people rush you. Only you and God know the exact time in which you should act. At best people can confirm what you already know from being in relationship with God. Be careful in letting other people set your watch.
3. Take your time to make sure you’re ready. Success comes when preparation meets opportunity.
4. Use your time to prepare for your time. When God puts you on stage make sure you’ve prepared yourself ahead of time.
5. Don’t waste your time. When it’s your time make sure you utilize every moment that God gives you.
I have only just a minute, only 60 seconds in it Forced upon me,can’t refuse it
Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it
But it’s up to me to use it
I must suffer if I loose it
Give account if I abuse it
Just a tiny little minute
But an eternity lives in it
- Willie Jolley
Dear God,
Thank you for taking the time to prepare me for my season. Thank you for letting me have my turn when it was my time. Keep me in tune with your time so I will not miss my turn.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
The right time for me has not yet come, for you any time isright
Don’t let anybody rush you into anything that is not ready for you. Notice that I didn’t say,“That you are ready for.” It’s not about what we are ready for but its moreabout what God has ready for us. We must be in tune with God to know what time it is.
Jesus’ brothers were trying to push him into a public popularity contest but Jesus was like Sweet Brown, “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” Jesus was on God’s time. He told his brothers, who didn’t really believe in him anyway, “It's not the right time for me, but anytime is right for you.” It’s amazing how people who have their own agenda for your life want to rush you into something that God has put on your schedule. If you are not careful other people will push you into something that God hasn’t allotted your time for.
Jesus’ brothers were not sensitive to the will of God for his life so therefore it didn’t matter to them when the right time for promotion was. Jesus knew that promotion doesn’t come from the east or he west but from God, therefore you have to wait on God’s timing for your life not what other people think about your time. In order to do that you must:
1. Discern the time. There were some men from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do I Chronicle 12:32 we need to pray to God that he would give us the gift of discernment so that we can interpret the times in which we live.
2. Don’t let people rush you. Only you and God know the exact time in which you should act. At best people can confirm what you already know from being in relationship with God. Be careful in letting other people set your watch.
3. Take your time to make sure you’re ready. Success comes when preparation meets opportunity.
4. Use your time to prepare for your time. When God puts you on stage make sure you’ve prepared yourself ahead of time.
5. Don’t waste your time. When it’s your time make sure you utilize every moment that God gives you.
I have only just a minute, only 60 seconds in it Forced upon me,can’t refuse it
Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it
But it’s up to me to use it
I must suffer if I loose it
Give account if I abuse it
Just a tiny little minute
But an eternity lives in it
- Willie Jolley
Dear God,
Thank you for taking the time to prepare me for my season. Thank you for letting me have my turn when it was my time. Keep me in tune with your time so I will not miss my turn.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
How to Win By Losing
Philippians 2:3-4
New International Version (NIV)
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Coach Phil Jackson, one of the successful coaches of all times, details in his book “Eleven Rings", how he was able to take two different teams of ego driven young men and turn them into back to back champions. It was all about the triangle system offense that required everyone to work together and specifically challenge the superstars to take on a diminished role to empower the other players.
Kobe Bryant battled with this more than Michael Jordan because in Kobe’s younger days he was a lot more selfish. He was more concerned about being the greatest player than he was being a part of the greatest team. Fortunately, Kobe grew as a leader by decreasing his ambition to be the greatest player ever and helped to increase the value of his other teammates involvement through the triangle.
After a humiliating loss with the Lakers, Rick Fox once said, “A team always beats a group of individuals.”
It’s only when we lose our selfish ambition that we can win. We must:
1. Check our motives. Do nothing out of selfish motives or vain conceit. All the players on Phil’s Championship teams had to learn how to think about team over their selfish pursuits of Vain Glory.
2. Humble yourselves—in order to win championships these players had to get up under the tutelage of Phil Jackson. If they were not coachable there was nothing Phil could teach them. At one point Kobe was instrumental in getting Phil Jackson fired only to have to humble himself when they asked him to come back.
3. Look out for others. Phil Jackson told Michael Jordan that he would not be able to win another scoring title if he wanted to win the championship. MJ who was averaging 38 points a game told Phil, “I guess I could score 32 a game.”
Dear God,
Help me to make other people better. Teach me how to serve others so I can be great like Jesus who humbled himself as a servant even to the point of dying on the cross. Help me to win like Jesus won…by serving others.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
New International Version (NIV)
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Coach Phil Jackson, one of the successful coaches of all times, details in his book “Eleven Rings", how he was able to take two different teams of ego driven young men and turn them into back to back champions. It was all about the triangle system offense that required everyone to work together and specifically challenge the superstars to take on a diminished role to empower the other players.
Kobe Bryant battled with this more than Michael Jordan because in Kobe’s younger days he was a lot more selfish. He was more concerned about being the greatest player than he was being a part of the greatest team. Fortunately, Kobe grew as a leader by decreasing his ambition to be the greatest player ever and helped to increase the value of his other teammates involvement through the triangle.
After a humiliating loss with the Lakers, Rick Fox once said, “A team always beats a group of individuals.”
It’s only when we lose our selfish ambition that we can win. We must:
1. Check our motives. Do nothing out of selfish motives or vain conceit. All the players on Phil’s Championship teams had to learn how to think about team over their selfish pursuits of Vain Glory.
2. Humble yourselves—in order to win championships these players had to get up under the tutelage of Phil Jackson. If they were not coachable there was nothing Phil could teach them. At one point Kobe was instrumental in getting Phil Jackson fired only to have to humble himself when they asked him to come back.
3. Look out for others. Phil Jackson told Michael Jordan that he would not be able to win another scoring title if he wanted to win the championship. MJ who was averaging 38 points a game told Phil, “I guess I could score 32 a game.”
Dear God,
Help me to make other people better. Teach me how to serve others so I can be great like Jesus who humbled himself as a servant even to the point of dying on the cross. Help me to win like Jesus won…by serving others.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Just Enough
Proverbs 30:8-9
New International Version (NIV)
8
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
9
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
In his book Future cast, what today’s trends mean for tomorrow's world, George Barna has noticed a trend in how people deal with their money. People tend to save more money after they come out of a recession vs. saving less when the economy is strong. Based on an analysis of surveys among 450,000 adults, Angus Deaton and Daniel Kalmon concluded that the more money people earn the more contentment they experience in the moment—until income reaches $75,000. After that point the additional toys and comforts afforded by increased income add nothing to improve their current mood.
Many of us are thinking if I had $75,000 I’d be straight! Whether the magic number is $75,000 or not the point is there is a point where we should have enough. What is your enough?
The writer of Proverbs prayed an awesome prayer that is a good formula for a balanced life:
Help me to appreciate all you’ve given me and to bless others with my extra. Help me to be a good steward and be content with just enough.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
New International Version (NIV)
8
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
9
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
In his book Future cast, what today’s trends mean for tomorrow's world, George Barna has noticed a trend in how people deal with their money. People tend to save more money after they come out of a recession vs. saving less when the economy is strong. Based on an analysis of surveys among 450,000 adults, Angus Deaton and Daniel Kalmon concluded that the more money people earn the more contentment they experience in the moment—until income reaches $75,000. After that point the additional toys and comforts afforded by increased income add nothing to improve their current mood.
Many of us are thinking if I had $75,000 I’d be straight! Whether the magic number is $75,000 or not the point is there is a point where we should have enough. What is your enough?
The writer of Proverbs prayed an awesome prayer that is a good formula for a balanced life:
- Don’t give me too much lest I forget you God. When God gives us more than enough, we have to remember who it was that blessed us. We can’t worship our provision and ignore our provider.
- Don’t give me too little, lest I have to resort to illegal activity. When we come up short we have to trust God to make up the difference.
- Give us this day our daily bread. God’s obligation to his children is to give us daily bread, anything beyond that is prosperity. When we pray for daily bread it is not just for us but that God would supply all with daily bread. It is our Christian responsibility to make sure that those around us have daily bread. When we have more than enough God expects us to share.
Help me to appreciate all you’ve given me and to bless others with my extra. Help me to be a good steward and be content with just enough.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Monday, June 3, 2013
Don't Be A Copy Cat
Romans 15:20
New International Version (NIV)
20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.
Every successful brand stands for something fundamental—an underlying bedrock idea or principle that at every turn supports a company or product. This foundational platform is called positioning, and without it a brand can have no traction.
Successful positioning rejects conformity. At its best, positioning elevates a brand above the fray so that people can't help but take notice. The human brain instinctively looks for things that are different and unexpected. So a brand that stands in stark contrast to its competition will attract people's attention and have a distinct advantage in the marketplace. ---Marty Neumeier
In his book Zag, Marty Neumeier says that in order to set yourself apart from everybody else in a cluttered Marketplace, you must run to where there is white noise. In other words go to where nobody else is. In a world of conformity, it’s easy to do what everybody else is doing but it takes radical differentiation to be what nobody else is.
The Apostle Paul said that it was always his ambition to preach Jesus where he was not known. The New Living Translation said, “I’ve always wanted to start a church where nobody else had.”Living in the south it’s almost impossible to start a church where there already isn’t one but it is possible to start a New Direction.
There is something different about you that God intended for the world to see. You have to go out into the world and be who God called you to be instead of getting lost in the noise of conformity.
1. Embrace your differentness. Nobody can beat you being you. There is something distinctive that God has created you for. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
2. Give people something that they need but haven’t seen before. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known. There are so many people who are not in anybody’s church and they need to hear the good news in the way only you can present it. Can’t nobody tell your story the way you can.
3. Don’t build on somebody else’s foundation. Every Tub has to sit on its own bottom. Don’t be afraid to do the work of laying a foundation by going where nobody has gone before.
Dear God,
Give me the courage to go out today and find a place where nobody has thought of going. Help me to preach Jesus through my own unique way to reach people who have not been reached. Today, I’m going to set a foundation where no one has dared to go before.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
New International Version (NIV)
20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.
Every successful brand stands for something fundamental—an underlying bedrock idea or principle that at every turn supports a company or product. This foundational platform is called positioning, and without it a brand can have no traction.
Successful positioning rejects conformity. At its best, positioning elevates a brand above the fray so that people can't help but take notice. The human brain instinctively looks for things that are different and unexpected. So a brand that stands in stark contrast to its competition will attract people's attention and have a distinct advantage in the marketplace. ---Marty Neumeier
In his book Zag, Marty Neumeier says that in order to set yourself apart from everybody else in a cluttered Marketplace, you must run to where there is white noise. In other words go to where nobody else is. In a world of conformity, it’s easy to do what everybody else is doing but it takes radical differentiation to be what nobody else is.
The Apostle Paul said that it was always his ambition to preach Jesus where he was not known. The New Living Translation said, “I’ve always wanted to start a church where nobody else had.”Living in the south it’s almost impossible to start a church where there already isn’t one but it is possible to start a New Direction.
There is something different about you that God intended for the world to see. You have to go out into the world and be who God called you to be instead of getting lost in the noise of conformity.
1. Embrace your differentness. Nobody can beat you being you. There is something distinctive that God has created you for. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
2. Give people something that they need but haven’t seen before. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known. There are so many people who are not in anybody’s church and they need to hear the good news in the way only you can present it. Can’t nobody tell your story the way you can.
3. Don’t build on somebody else’s foundation. Every Tub has to sit on its own bottom. Don’t be afraid to do the work of laying a foundation by going where nobody has gone before.
Dear God,
Give me the courage to go out today and find a place where nobody has thought of going. Help me to preach Jesus through my own unique way to reach people who have not been reached. Today, I’m going to set a foundation where no one has dared to go before.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Thursday, May 30, 2013
No New Friends
Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Now New friends, man we don’t need that, forget fake friends where my real friends at?—Drake
There is great comfort in knowing that the people around you are authentic and have your best interest at heart. The people you choose to be your friends will determine how far you go in life.
When you have wise and righteous friends in your inner circle, its true you don’t need new friends. There is always room for new associates and business liaisons but friends are those who know the real you and push you to be a better you. However, if you have a bunch of people who are undisciplined, belligerent, unlearned and unwise, you need some new friends.
Wise companions help you to grow wiser. You know you have the right friends when their counsel helps you to succeed and not fail.
You know you have the wrong friends when they keep putting you in harm’s way. Wisdom is the litmus test for whether you have friends or fools as companions. You might need some new friends if:
Help me to discern who’s in my circle. Surround me with authentic people who have my best interest at heart. Thank you most of all for Jesus, for being that friend that sticks closer than any brother and for giving his life for mine. Show me how to be the friend that I want in my life.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Now New friends, man we don’t need that, forget fake friends where my real friends at?—Drake
There is great comfort in knowing that the people around you are authentic and have your best interest at heart. The people you choose to be your friends will determine how far you go in life.
When you have wise and righteous friends in your inner circle, its true you don’t need new friends. There is always room for new associates and business liaisons but friends are those who know the real you and push you to be a better you. However, if you have a bunch of people who are undisciplined, belligerent, unlearned and unwise, you need some new friends.
Wise companions help you to grow wiser. You know you have the right friends when their counsel helps you to succeed and not fail.
You know you have the wrong friends when they keep putting you in harm’s way. Wisdom is the litmus test for whether you have friends or fools as companions. You might need some new friends if:
- You are growing but they are not
- You are pushing but they are pulling
- You headed in a new direction and they are still doing the same old destructive stuff
- You are trying to live for God and they no longer believe
- If they can’t handle your success
Help me to discern who’s in my circle. Surround me with authentic people who have my best interest at heart. Thank you most of all for Jesus, for being that friend that sticks closer than any brother and for giving his life for mine. Show me how to be the friend that I want in my life.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Better to Be a Nobody
Proverbs 12:9
Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
Being under the radar is a good thing; you can get more accomplished when the spotlight is not on you. Many people desire to be in the limelight before their work is done and their lack of development is exposed.
The writer of Proverbs said, “It’s better to be an ordinary person and work for a living than act important and starve in the process.” Some people are so busy posing that they never become productive or reach their purpose.
Some of the most famous people in the world have lamented their loss of obscurity. Elvis Presley once said, “I wish I could just walk down the street and get a cheeseburger.”
It’s better to be an ordinary person who has contentment than to be a person seeking attention but starving.
Why is it better to be ordinary?
hands, just as we instructed you before. (NLT)
2. You have a Balanced life.
Proverbs 30:8-9
O God, I beg two favors from you;
let me have them before I die.
First, help me never to tell a lie.
Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”
And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
3. You have a real life
John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and
satisfying life.
Dear God,
Thank you for my ordinary life. I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody about somebody who can save anybody.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
Being under the radar is a good thing; you can get more accomplished when the spotlight is not on you. Many people desire to be in the limelight before their work is done and their lack of development is exposed.
The writer of Proverbs said, “It’s better to be an ordinary person and work for a living than act important and starve in the process.” Some people are so busy posing that they never become productive or reach their purpose.
Some of the most famous people in the world have lamented their loss of obscurity. Elvis Presley once said, “I wish I could just walk down the street and get a cheeseburger.”
It’s better to be an ordinary person who has contentment than to be a person seeking attention but starving.
Why is it better to be ordinary?
- You have peace of mind when you live a quiet life. 1 Thessalonians 4:11
hands, just as we instructed you before. (NLT)
2. You have a Balanced life.
Proverbs 30:8-9
O God, I beg two favors from you;
let me have them before I die.
First, help me never to tell a lie.
Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”
And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
3. You have a real life
John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and
satisfying life.
Dear God,
Thank you for my ordinary life. I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody about somebody who can save anybody.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
You Can't Help A Hater
Proverbs 9:8-9
It’s a waste of time to try to help people that don’t want to be helped.
I believe it was Jesus who said, “Don’t cast your pearls amongst swine.” Your pearls represent the wisdom of God and there are people whom God wants us to share our wisdom with and there are those that God says we shouldn’t waste our time on.
I was fishing with a young man yesterday who was 23 years old but he had wisdom way beyond his years. He had been through so much early in his life: a mother addicted to drugs, left alone to fending for himself, eating out of garbage cans, left homeless due to Hurricane Katrina, got a scholarship to college, learned many trades to survive. He told my son Jordan who is 13, “Listen to everything your daddy tells you, that’s how you learn.”
I think a precondition to gaining wisdom is brokenness and humility. This young started with nothing but had gained much more than silver and gold, he had wisdom.
The writer of Proverbs warns his son to not give instruction or warning to a mocker. A mocker is a person who causes repeated emotional pain, distress, or annoyance to another. In other words they are foolish! When you try to instruct them they will hate you.
Instead of wasting your time on them look for people who are already open to receive. Look for:
Show me today who I should invest my time into and who I should stop wasting my time with. Time is precious and I want to invest it in someone who is hungry for wisdom and knowledge. Don’t let me cast my pearls amongst fools.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
It’s a waste of time to try to help people that don’t want to be helped.
I believe it was Jesus who said, “Don’t cast your pearls amongst swine.” Your pearls represent the wisdom of God and there are people whom God wants us to share our wisdom with and there are those that God says we shouldn’t waste our time on.
I was fishing with a young man yesterday who was 23 years old but he had wisdom way beyond his years. He had been through so much early in his life: a mother addicted to drugs, left alone to fending for himself, eating out of garbage cans, left homeless due to Hurricane Katrina, got a scholarship to college, learned many trades to survive. He told my son Jordan who is 13, “Listen to everything your daddy tells you, that’s how you learn.”
I think a precondition to gaining wisdom is brokenness and humility. This young started with nothing but had gained much more than silver and gold, he had wisdom.
The writer of Proverbs warns his son to not give instruction or warning to a mocker. A mocker is a person who causes repeated emotional pain, distress, or annoyance to another. In other words they are foolish! When you try to instruct them they will hate you.
Instead of wasting your time on them look for people who are already open to receive. Look for:
- A wise person. A wise man who’s rebuked will love you. They must have a healthy fear of the Lord before they can receive instruction.
- They grow from the Instruction you give them. If there is no return from your instruction then stop instructing.
- Teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The little you give them will be built on by what they go out to get themselves.
Show me today who I should invest my time into and who I should stop wasting my time with. Time is precious and I want to invest it in someone who is hungry for wisdom and knowledge. Don’t let me cast my pearls amongst fools.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Did You Make the Cut?
Romans 2:29
New Living Translation (NLT)
29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise[a] from God, not from people.
There are so many competitive shows on TV now; so much so that I can’t keep up with all of them: American’s Next Top Model, the Next Top Chef, American Idol, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars…every week we are watching to see who made the cut based upon their performance.
In life, we too are trying to make the cut through our performances; whether it’s making the team, meeting a deadline, trying to get the job or keep the job, we are all trying to make the cut. Many times we are judged by what we can produce and sometimes if we receive grace we are judged on our potential to produce.
But when it comes to God he judges a little more different than we do. He’s kind of like the judges on the “Voice” where they turn their chairs around to hear the voice before they see the person. God looks at our hearts before he judges our appearance. God told the prophet Samuel when he was looking for the next top King, “Where you mess up is that man looks at the outer appearance and God looks at the heart first.” That’s why lady justice has a blindfold on, because Justice is supposed to be blind, that is we are supposed to look a person’s motives, extenuating circumstances, and the evidence before we come to a verdict and make the cut.
The early Jewish Christians were all about appearances or having a form of godliness which included circumcision. There was a group of them who felt like you were not a legitimate believer if you hadn’t made the cut of circumcision. Some of them had made the physical cut but their hearts were far from being change.
In order to make the cut or to be an authentic believer of Jesus Christ means that:
You have my permission to work on my heart. Don’t let me waste energy cutting on my outside when it’s my insides that need attention. Change me from the inside out.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
New Living Translation (NLT)
29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise[a] from God, not from people.
There are so many competitive shows on TV now; so much so that I can’t keep up with all of them: American’s Next Top Model, the Next Top Chef, American Idol, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars…every week we are watching to see who made the cut based upon their performance.
In life, we too are trying to make the cut through our performances; whether it’s making the team, meeting a deadline, trying to get the job or keep the job, we are all trying to make the cut. Many times we are judged by what we can produce and sometimes if we receive grace we are judged on our potential to produce.
But when it comes to God he judges a little more different than we do. He’s kind of like the judges on the “Voice” where they turn their chairs around to hear the voice before they see the person. God looks at our hearts before he judges our appearance. God told the prophet Samuel when he was looking for the next top King, “Where you mess up is that man looks at the outer appearance and God looks at the heart first.” That’s why lady justice has a blindfold on, because Justice is supposed to be blind, that is we are supposed to look a person’s motives, extenuating circumstances, and the evidence before we come to a verdict and make the cut.
The early Jewish Christians were all about appearances or having a form of godliness which included circumcision. There was a group of them who felt like you were not a legitimate believer if you hadn’t made the cut of circumcision. Some of them had made the physical cut but their hearts were far from being change.
In order to make the cut or to be an authentic believer of Jesus Christ means that:
- Your heart has to be right with God. Jesus said, “Many of you say you love God but your heart is far from him.” Jesus also said that it is not what goes in a man that defiles him but what comes out of his heart.
- Your heart has to be changed. The Holy Spirit begins to transform your character after you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
- You start seeking approval from God instead of looking for people to accept you.
You have my permission to work on my heart. Don’t let me waste energy cutting on my outside when it’s my insides that need attention. Change me from the inside out.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Money, Power & Respect
Money, Power, & Respect
See I believe in money, power, & respect
First you get the money
Then you get the power
And after you get the Power
You get people to respect you
--Lil Kim
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
New Living Translation (NLT)
11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
There was a catchy Hip Hop anthem back in the 90’s that seemed to summarize the mindset of many Gen Xers in how to earn respect of their peers. This song, Money, Power, Respect was the mantra of the “Bling Bling” generation; the only problem was that it was out of order in terms of having a fulfilled life. Instead of seeking God first many of this generation made money God. The love of money is the root of all evil and our pursuit of it as our primary means of fulfillment always leads us to a vapor like subsistence with nothing to show for our efforts.
Money, power, and respect are derivatives of a life lived after God’s pattern not our own self-seeking pleasure laden lives that we pursue in vain. We are to be God chasers and not many chasers.
The Apostle Paul told the young Christians in Thessolnica how to get the Money, Power and Respect the right way.
Jesus said it another way. Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.
Dear God,
Thank you for giving me Power from your Holy Spirit through Righteous living, the respect from those around me who see your Power at work in my life, and for the money that you provide to take care of my needs, some of my wants and to bless others with.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
See I believe in money, power, & respect
First you get the money
Then you get the power
And after you get the Power
You get people to respect you
--Lil Kim
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
New Living Translation (NLT)
11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
There was a catchy Hip Hop anthem back in the 90’s that seemed to summarize the mindset of many Gen Xers in how to earn respect of their peers. This song, Money, Power, Respect was the mantra of the “Bling Bling” generation; the only problem was that it was out of order in terms of having a fulfilled life. Instead of seeking God first many of this generation made money God. The love of money is the root of all evil and our pursuit of it as our primary means of fulfillment always leads us to a vapor like subsistence with nothing to show for our efforts.
Money, power, and respect are derivatives of a life lived after God’s pattern not our own self-seeking pleasure laden lives that we pursue in vain. We are to be God chasers and not many chasers.
The Apostle Paul told the young Christians in Thessolnica how to get the Money, Power and Respect the right way.
- Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. There is nothing wrong with ambition, (A strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically, requiring determination and hard work.) but our ambition should not lead to selfish pursuits but to a life that is centered in pleasing God. God is not the author of confusion but his way leads to peace. The Bling Bling generation was all about flossing and being seen, when you are truly prosperous it is subtle and quiet. You don’t have to bring a lot of attention to yourself to be successful.
- Mind your own business. If we spent more time minding our business instead of gossiping about everybody else we would get a lot more accomplished. Mind our business is about being productive and making sure our house is in order. We have to put in the time with our own endeavors before we can experience the fruit of success.
- Work with your hands. We must be artists and producers. We must create something that adds value to the world. If we want to become indispensible we must create something that the world needs and values. Those who used to steal must steal no more. If a man doesn’t work than a man doesn’t eat. A little sleep, a little folding of the hands and scarcity will come upon you like a bandit.
Jesus said it another way. Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.
Dear God,
Thank you for giving me Power from your Holy Spirit through Righteous living, the respect from those around me who see your Power at work in my life, and for the money that you provide to take care of my needs, some of my wants and to bless others with.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Something's Missing
I Thessalonians 3:10
Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life, your relationship, or your faith? You can be fully functioning while at the same time partially undeveloped. We can be the proverbial “Iron Man or Woman” who goes out to save the world with a cast iron outer self while underneath we are a vulnerable man with a heart surrounded by shrapnel. The Shrapnel is residue from a past traumatic experience that helped shape your destiny but threatens you present. That little light that Iron Man has in the middle of his chest is a magnetic device that prevents the shrapnel from traveling toward his heart. The only thing that keeps us from being destroyed by our shrapnel is our light.
It’s interesting that in Iron man 3, (the holy trinity) that Tony Starks finally consents to surgery to remove the shrapnel so that he can move on to a whole life. What Shrapnel do you need to remove from your life so you can finally see what’s missing?
The Apostle Paul had been checking on his young church in Thessalonica and discovered that they were doing better then he thought. It’s important that we check in on those that are still in development; whether it’s a new church or a budding relationship. Chances are you will discover that something is missing even as something is growing. This young church in Thessalonica was standing strong but Paul longed to see them so he could supply what they lacked, which goes to show that no matter how successful we think we are, we still may lack something.
The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing, and when you stop growing you die.
What’s missing? Noticed what Paul prayed in verse 11, Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. Remove the Shrapnel. You must be open to find out what’s missing. Here’s three possible things:
Help me to be complete in my maturity. Search me and if you find anything missing or threatening, please remove, restore, and Revive.
In the Name of Jesus,
Amen
Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life, your relationship, or your faith? You can be fully functioning while at the same time partially undeveloped. We can be the proverbial “Iron Man or Woman” who goes out to save the world with a cast iron outer self while underneath we are a vulnerable man with a heart surrounded by shrapnel. The Shrapnel is residue from a past traumatic experience that helped shape your destiny but threatens you present. That little light that Iron Man has in the middle of his chest is a magnetic device that prevents the shrapnel from traveling toward his heart. The only thing that keeps us from being destroyed by our shrapnel is our light.
It’s interesting that in Iron man 3, (the holy trinity) that Tony Starks finally consents to surgery to remove the shrapnel so that he can move on to a whole life. What Shrapnel do you need to remove from your life so you can finally see what’s missing?
The Apostle Paul had been checking on his young church in Thessalonica and discovered that they were doing better then he thought. It’s important that we check in on those that are still in development; whether it’s a new church or a budding relationship. Chances are you will discover that something is missing even as something is growing. This young church in Thessalonica was standing strong but Paul longed to see them so he could supply what they lacked, which goes to show that no matter how successful we think we are, we still may lack something.
The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing, and when you stop growing you die.
What’s missing? Noticed what Paul prayed in verse 11, Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. Remove the Shrapnel. You must be open to find out what’s missing. Here’s three possible things:
- Relational Maturity. Verse 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. Two things that Larry Osborne said are necessary for winning teams. A) The ability to adjust B) the ability to be relational. This can apply to anyone. We must grow up in how we relate to other people.
- Emotional immaturity. Verse 13 May he strengthen your hearts… Many sincere followers of Christ, followers who are really passionate for God, join a church, participate weekly in a small group, serve with their gifts, and who are considered "mature," remain stuck at a level of spiritual immaturity—especially when faced with interpersonal conflicts and crises.
- Spiritual Maturity. Verse 13. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and Holy in the presence of God.
Help me to be complete in my maturity. Search me and if you find anything missing or threatening, please remove, restore, and Revive.
In the Name of Jesus,
Amen
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
What Are You Hiding?
Matthew 25:25
So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See here is what I started with.
In the book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell said researchers discovered that the magic number for mastering a talent was 10,000 hours. Ten thousand hours of practice is required to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world class expert in anything.
If we want to be great at anything we must invest time into it. Many of us desire to be great but we don’t want to invest the time to be great. We are sitting on greatness. We are hiding our talents. If you want what other people don’t have you have to do what other people don’t do.
Why are we hiding our talent?
Jesus told a story of three men who were entrusted with talents. One man had 10, another 5, and the third man was given one. One thing is sure, we each have at least one thing we can be great at. The first two men invested their talent and gave the master double of what he had given them when he returned. The third man, however, hid his talent in the ground and gave back what he had received in the beginning. It’s a sad commentary when we give God back the same thing he gave us when we were born, an undeveloped talent.
The man hid his talent because of:
Help me to grow in my area of talent. Double my potential through my investment of time in what you’ve gifted me to do. There is more in me and I refuse to hide it. Use me and the gifts you’ve entrusted to me.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See here is what I started with.
In the book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell said researchers discovered that the magic number for mastering a talent was 10,000 hours. Ten thousand hours of practice is required to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world class expert in anything.
If we want to be great at anything we must invest time into it. Many of us desire to be great but we don’t want to invest the time to be great. We are sitting on greatness. We are hiding our talents. If you want what other people don’t have you have to do what other people don’t do.
Why are we hiding our talent?
Jesus told a story of three men who were entrusted with talents. One man had 10, another 5, and the third man was given one. One thing is sure, we each have at least one thing we can be great at. The first two men invested their talent and gave the master double of what he had given them when he returned. The third man, however, hid his talent in the ground and gave back what he had received in the beginning. It’s a sad commentary when we give God back the same thing he gave us when we were born, an undeveloped talent.
The man hid his talent because of:
- Fear of expectation. The man knew that the master didn’t play around with what he had invested in someone. We have to raise our expectations for ourselves as high as God’s expectations for us. While we were in our Mother’s womb God set expectations for us, plans for us to succeed not to hide.
- Afraid to take a risk. The man thought he was doing the master a favor by giving him the same amount he started out with. He didn’t want to risk losing it so he hid it in the ground. The greatest risk in life is to risk nothing. Millionaires don’t cry over the money they lost investing they simply make up their minds to make it back.
- Laziness. The man was just trifling. He didn’t even try to increase what the master had given him. We must have a work ethic that is beyond average. We have to push ourselves to new limits to gain mastery. “A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there,
sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next?
Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life,
with poverty as your permanent houseguest!” Proverbs 24:34
Help me to grow in my area of talent. Double my potential through my investment of time in what you’ve gifted me to do. There is more in me and I refuse to hide it. Use me and the gifts you’ve entrusted to me.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Monday, May 6, 2013
Spiritual Negligence
Matthew 23: 23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
We give the most to what matters the most to us. If you love your child you will make sure that child is loved and provided for, anything less than that would be called neglect. If you love your spouse you will emotionally support financially provide for, and physically satisfy, anything less would be neglect.
When it comes to God there is no difference. We bring our tithes, talents and time to God to show that we love him and we are committed. Jesus talks about how even the Pharisees give their tithe, that is 10% of their income to God. These hardened religious leaders have enough sense to give God a tenth but they are still guilty of Spiritual neglect. Many of us think that tithing is the most important litmus test to spiritual maturity. It’s important but there is something even more important.
Help me to no neglect you by neglecting the least of these. Show me where there is a need to speak up for the poor, stand up for Justice, and help me remain faithful over a few things.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
We give the most to what matters the most to us. If you love your child you will make sure that child is loved and provided for, anything less than that would be called neglect. If you love your spouse you will emotionally support financially provide for, and physically satisfy, anything less would be neglect.
When it comes to God there is no difference. We bring our tithes, talents and time to God to show that we love him and we are committed. Jesus talks about how even the Pharisees give their tithe, that is 10% of their income to God. These hardened religious leaders have enough sense to give God a tenth but they are still guilty of Spiritual neglect. Many of us think that tithing is the most important litmus test to spiritual maturity. It’s important but there is something even more important.
- Justice—Social justice focuses on basic causes of oppression, inequity, and disenfranchisement. Charity or giving is essential but in itself is not adequate for meeting the persons need or needs of the group that person represented. (To serve this present age by Danielle L. Ayers and Reginald W. Williams Jr.)
- Mercy—Compassionate treatment of those in distress, works of mercy among the poor. 10-11 Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors. Deuteronomy 15:10-11
- Faithfulness. Staying committed to Christ. Your tithe is not something you can pick up and put down. We have to consistently live out our faith in Christ.
Help me to no neglect you by neglecting the least of these. Show me where there is a need to speak up for the poor, stand up for Justice, and help me remain faithful over a few things.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Let It Go!
Let it Go!
Matthew 18:27 The servant’smaster took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
It’s so easy to hold a grudge against someone especially when you feel they owe you something. It’s something that can eat away at your peace and rob you of your joy if you continue to harbor that resentment. But at some point if you want your peace of mind you are going to have to let go by forgiving them. We always think that we are letting people off the hook by forgiving them but really it’s releasing you.
Jesus tells his disciples a story after Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother. Jesus tells Peter he should forgive his brother seventy times seven then he tells him a story about a man that owed a million dollars he couldn’t pay back. They had foreclosed his home and were about to make slaves out of his wife and children. The man begged the master not to do this and the master not only let him go but erased all his debt; a million dollars worth of debt.
On the way out of the courthouse he saw this dude that owed him $100. He walked up to him and started choking him. He told the man to pay him back but the man said he couldn’t so he had him thrown in prison. When the master got wind of how hypocritical this man was, he had him arrested and tortured until he could pay back the million dollars. Jesus said, “this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
We have got to let it Go! There are some things that we just have to let go and count our losses because in the great scheme of things we really have been forgiven more than what we are trying to get over from what others have done to us.
Let Go of:
1. Petty differences. If somebody has done something to you forgive them and move on with your life.
2. Debt owed. Whenever you loan money to friends or relatives never loan them anything that you will not miss if they don’t pay you back. Chances are they are not going to pay you back. If you’ve already made this mistake of loaning money do yourself a favor and forget about it. Forgive them so you can save the relationship.
3. A sense of superiority. When you look at all that God has forgiven you for, you will realize that what you need to forgive others for doesn’t compare to all that God has forgiven you for. Let go and don’t choke your blessing.
Dear God,
Today, I am forgiving from my heart those who owe me money, apologies, and retribution. I know you see everything and you will handle my debt, my pain, and my regret. Thank you for erasing my mistakes and for restoring my future.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Matthew 18:27 The servant’smaster took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
It’s so easy to hold a grudge against someone especially when you feel they owe you something. It’s something that can eat away at your peace and rob you of your joy if you continue to harbor that resentment. But at some point if you want your peace of mind you are going to have to let go by forgiving them. We always think that we are letting people off the hook by forgiving them but really it’s releasing you.
Jesus tells his disciples a story after Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother. Jesus tells Peter he should forgive his brother seventy times seven then he tells him a story about a man that owed a million dollars he couldn’t pay back. They had foreclosed his home and were about to make slaves out of his wife and children. The man begged the master not to do this and the master not only let him go but erased all his debt; a million dollars worth of debt.
On the way out of the courthouse he saw this dude that owed him $100. He walked up to him and started choking him. He told the man to pay him back but the man said he couldn’t so he had him thrown in prison. When the master got wind of how hypocritical this man was, he had him arrested and tortured until he could pay back the million dollars. Jesus said, “this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
We have got to let it Go! There are some things that we just have to let go and count our losses because in the great scheme of things we really have been forgiven more than what we are trying to get over from what others have done to us.
Let Go of:
1. Petty differences. If somebody has done something to you forgive them and move on with your life.
2. Debt owed. Whenever you loan money to friends or relatives never loan them anything that you will not miss if they don’t pay you back. Chances are they are not going to pay you back. If you’ve already made this mistake of loaning money do yourself a favor and forget about it. Forgive them so you can save the relationship.
3. A sense of superiority. When you look at all that God has forgiven you for, you will realize that what you need to forgive others for doesn’t compare to all that God has forgiven you for. Let go and don’t choke your blessing.
Dear God,
Today, I am forgiving from my heart those who owe me money, apologies, and retribution. I know you see everything and you will handle my debt, my pain, and my regret. Thank you for erasing my mistakes and for restoring my future.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
It's Time to Move Mountains!
Matthew17:20
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth,if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.[a]”
Footnotes:
17:20 Some manuscripts add verse 21, But this kind of demon won’t leave except by prayer and fasting.
There are so many mountains that we have to conquer on our way to what God has promised us. The temptation is to give up because of the mountain but we must remember that every mountain doesn’t have to be climbed but it can be moved.
There are some difficult situations you are facing but Jesus wants you to know that you have the power to handle them.
When the Disciples were faced with a demon possessed boy they were not successful in exercising the demon from the boy. Jesus was able to speak to it and the boy was relieved of the evil spirit. They asked Jesus why they were not successful, he told them, “It’s because your faith was too little.”
Jesus went on to tell them that if they…
1. Had faith the size of a mustard seed they could move any mountain. A mustard seed is the smallest seed there is a size of a piece of lint but when it is planted in the ground it grows bigger than most plants. When faith is planted in our hearts it grows to the proportion of our problems. There is no problem bigger than our faith can handle.
2. You must speak to your mountain. Jesus didn’t tell them to blow up, digup, climb up….he told them to speak up. Nothing happens until we speak to it. Today, speak to your mountain and tell it to move.
3. Jesus said, “These kind only come out through fasting and prayer. Our power doesn’t come from us but from God and the way to tap into that power is through prayer and fasting. If you want tomove mountains you have to spend time in God’s presence on top of the mountain.
Dear God,
Help me today to move mountains by speaking in faith to whatever is standing in my way. Consecrate me so that I can tap into the power that is available only through you. Today, my mountains have to move!
In Jesus Name,
Amen
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth,if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.[a]”
Footnotes:
17:20 Some manuscripts add verse 21, But this kind of demon won’t leave except by prayer and fasting.
There are so many mountains that we have to conquer on our way to what God has promised us. The temptation is to give up because of the mountain but we must remember that every mountain doesn’t have to be climbed but it can be moved.
There are some difficult situations you are facing but Jesus wants you to know that you have the power to handle them.
When the Disciples were faced with a demon possessed boy they were not successful in exercising the demon from the boy. Jesus was able to speak to it and the boy was relieved of the evil spirit. They asked Jesus why they were not successful, he told them, “It’s because your faith was too little.”
Jesus went on to tell them that if they…
1. Had faith the size of a mustard seed they could move any mountain. A mustard seed is the smallest seed there is a size of a piece of lint but when it is planted in the ground it grows bigger than most plants. When faith is planted in our hearts it grows to the proportion of our problems. There is no problem bigger than our faith can handle.
2. You must speak to your mountain. Jesus didn’t tell them to blow up, digup, climb up….he told them to speak up. Nothing happens until we speak to it. Today, speak to your mountain and tell it to move.
3. Jesus said, “These kind only come out through fasting and prayer. Our power doesn’t come from us but from God and the way to tap into that power is through prayer and fasting. If you want tomove mountains you have to spend time in God’s presence on top of the mountain.
Dear God,
Help me today to move mountains by speaking in faith to whatever is standing in my way. Consecrate me so that I can tap into the power that is available only through you. Today, my mountains have to move!
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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