Mt 6:24 NIV

Let's be honest. For most of us, materialism is God's main rival. But it's possible to get increasingly free of it. Author John Ortberg writes: 'Sometimes when I'm speaking, I try a little exercise in dethroning the idol. I ask people to take out their wallet... It looks like a piece of leather. But it's really the temple of...]]> I go to prepare a place for you.Jn 14:2 NKJV

When it comes to heaven, the Bible gives us just enough information to whet our appetite but not satisfy our curiosity. Here are three hints about heaven: (1) 'There shall be no more curse' (Rev 22:3 NKJV). Unlike Eden, Satan won't be there to tempt us so we won't stumble. We'll be at our best - forever. Every good New Year's...]]> The fruit of the Spirit.Gal 5:22-23 NKJV

Notice three things about fruit: First, fruit is visible. Remember the 'show and tell' method of learning in school? James writes: 'Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works' (Jas 2:18 NKJV). It's not enough to 'talk a good game,' you must 'live it' before others every day. Second, fruit reflects...]]> For who hath despised the day of small things?Zec 4:10

D. L. Moody became a spokesman for God and a changer of nations. But if you'd met him early in life you wouldn't have thought it was possible. Although he was raised in church, he was spiritually ignorant. When he moved to Boston he began attending a Bible-preaching church. In April of 1855, a Sunday school teacher came to...]]> Be filled with the Spirit.Eph 5:18 NKJV

The new birth doesn't automatically eliminate the old nature. We live in bodies that are susceptible to sin, so we must stay filled with God's Spirit. Paul says: 'Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh' (Gal 5:16 NAS). Then he gives us a familiar illustration: 'Do not be drunk with wine... but be filled...]]> I am the way.Jn 14:6 RSV

Judaism sees salvation as a judgment day decision based on morality. Hindus anticipate multiple reincarnations in the soul's journey through the cosmos. Buddhism guides your life according to the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eight-fold Path. Muslims earn their way to Allah through the Five Pillars of Faith. Many philosophers deem life after death as...]]> Who are you, O great mountain?Zec 4:7 NKJV

When the Israelites were building the temple, their enemies became like a mountain standing in their way. If that's your situation today, read these words carefully: 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts. 'Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you...]]> A man shall... be joined to his wife.Ge 2:24 NKJV

God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper' (Ge 2:18 NKJV). God gave Eve one basic responsibility - to help Adam. As a husband, you bear the primary responsibility for the home. When Eve ate the forbidden fruit, God said, 'Adam, where are you?' Adam was held responsible for the breakdown. ...]]> The greatest of these is love.1Co 13:13 NKJV

Stephen Sample says, 'The average person suffers from three delusions: that he's a good driver, that he has a good sense of humor, and that he's a good listener. You may succeed in life without the first two, but you won't without the third.' Are you a good listener? Do you think what you have to say is more important than what's...]]> This is the way; walk in it.Isa 30:21 NIV

James Michener said he had a neighbor whose tree stopped producing apples, so he hammered rusty nails around the trunk. That year he got his greatest crop of apples. He said, 'Hammering those nails in was a shock to remind the tree that its job is to grow apples.' Unscientific, maybe - but it worked! Michener explained how heart bypass...]]> And Elisha... saw him no more.2Ki 2:12 NKJV

Elijah and Elisha were out walking together when 'a chariot of fire... separated the two... Elijah went... into heaven. And Elisha... saw him no more' (vs.11-12 NKJV). Oswald Chambers writes: 'It's not wrong to depend on your 'Elijah' as long as God gives him to you. But God doesn't intend him to stay, and although the thought...]]> I will arise and go to my father.Lk 15:18 NKJV

Nothing changed for the Prodigal Son until he said, 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say... 'I have sinned.'' His story ends well; yours can too, but you must: (1) Decide to take control of your life before circumstances or other people do. The solution begins with you. A new partner, a new job or a new house won't...]]> Submit to God. Resist the devil.Jas 4:7 NKJV

When it comes to temptation, remember these seven things: (1) Never say 'never.' You never become so spiritual that you're immune. 'No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of...]]> God has made me forget.Ge 41:51 NKJV

Joseph was thirty when he became governor of Egypt. He was seventeen when he was sold into slavery. For thirteen years he dealt with pain and confusion, maintained his character and his commitment to God, and allowed his trials to make him triumphant. So you can't just throw in the towel, have a pity party, or sit around doing nothing....]]> I press on toward the goal.Php 3:14 NIV

Paul writes: 'I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But... I press on toward the goal' (vs.13-14). It's inspiring when a leader shares with us his successes. But sometimes we're helped more when he shares with us his struggles. In his book Leadership Gold, Dr. John Maxwell talks frankly about things he's had to work on...]]> Be dressed ready for service.Lk 12:35 NIV

God can move so quickly that one day it feels like all hell has broken loose in your life, and the next, like you're seated in heavenly places. And in both instances: 'It is God which worketh in you' (Php 2:13). The Bible uses words like straightway, immediately, and suddenly to remind us that when God moves we must be ready to move...]]> The inward man is being renewed day by day.2Co 4:16 NKJV

Be grateful for the outer you. Make peace with it. Rejoice in its strengths. Accept its limitations. Let it work hard. Be happy when it gets promoted. But remember, it's wasting away. The inner you, on the other hand, is capable of a glory you can't even imagine. 'Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet...]]> The inward man is being renewed day by day.2Co 4:16 NKJV

One day God sent the prophet Samuel to find someone to be Israel's next king. Samuel saw a very impressive-looking guy and thought, 'This must be the one.' But God, who measures with a different yardstick, said, 'Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart' (1Sa 16:7 NKJV). One of the criticisms...]]> The inward man is being renewed day by day.2Co 4:16 NKJV

Paul writes: 'Though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.' There's an outer you - your body, reputation and persona. And there is an inner you - your character, spirit and soul. The outer you is what everybody sees, the inner you is invisible. The outer you can be coerced by other...]]> My people have... dug... cisterns... that cannot hold water.Jer 2:13 NIV

Do you feel like there's something missing in your life? Are you running from place to place and person to person trying to find it? Until you put God at the center of your life, you'll keep digging 'cisterns... that cannot hold water.' We all want to be loved and feel successful, so we look to our jobs...]]> So we built the wall.Ne 4:6 NKJV

Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in less than two months. How did he do it? Passion! He gave up a high-profile job, overcame relentless opposition, and worked passionately. 'So we built the wall... for the people had a mind to work.' But first we read: 'They said to me... 'The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are...]]> They came and saw... and remained with Him.Jn 1:39 NKJV

For John and Andrew, it wasn't enough to listen to John the Baptist. Most of us would have been content to be around the nation's most famous evangelist. Could there be a better teacher? Yes. And when John and Andrew met Jesus, the One John the Baptist spoke about, they left John and followed Him. Notice the request they...]]> He who lacks these things is shortsighted.2Pe 1:9 NKJV

Brian Dyson, former Vice Chairman of Coca Cola, delivered the commencement address at Georgia Tech in 1996. In it he said, 'Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. You name them - work, family, health, friends and spirit. You will soon understand that one is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it...]]> Be not afraid of their faces.Jer 1:8

Another sub-personality type contributing to our fear of people is called 'The Critic.' It's that part of you which constantly judges your own behavior, compares you unfavorably with others, points out your flaws and reminds you you're a failure. Its favorite self-talk expressions are, 'You're stupid; can't you ever get it right? Look how...]]> Be not afraid of their faces.Jer 1:8

Do you avoid certain activities and social occasions because of insecurity? If so, you might have 'social phobia,' the fear of being inadequate, embarrassed or negatively evaluated. Some of us even experience panic attacks that leave us immobilized to the point of dysfunction. Yet it's avoiding such situations rather than facing them, that...]]> Can anything... separate us from Christ's love?Ro 8:35 NLT

Our limited minds can't comprehend God's love because it comes with no strings attached. He doesn't love us 'if,' but 'in spite of.' As a parent you may not approve of your child's behavior, but you always love and accept them. Paul asks, 'Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?' Then he answers, 'No,...]]> “I cannot come down.”    Ne 6:3 NKJV

Nehemiah teaches us three important truths about handling criticism:

(1) Expect it. When spectators watch a race, where do they focus their attention? On the front runners! Someone said, “Criticism is something you can avoid easily – by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being...]]> I cannot come down.Ne 6:3 NKJV

Nehemiah teaches us three important truths about handling criticism: (1) Expect it. When spectators watch a race, where do they focus their attention? On the front runners! Someone said, 'Criticism is something you can avoid easily - by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.' But those three options don't work. So Nehemiah answered his...]]> “Having believed, you were marked…with a seal.”    Eph 1:13 NIV

Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it” (Jn 10:28 AMP). As parents we understand this. When our children fall we pick them up. We correct them, but we don’t disown them. They were born with our DNA and will die with it. And...]]> Having believed, you were marked... with a seal.Eph 1:13 NIV

Jesus said, 'I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it' (Jn 10:28 AMP). As parents we understand this. When our children fall we pick them up. We correct them, but we don't disown them. They were born with our DNA and will die with it. And God has the same relationship with us. When we believe and become...]]> “We have…believed the love that God has for us.”    1 Jn 4:16 NKJV

“I knew you before time began. I know how many hairs are on your head. Like parent, like child, you’re created in My image. I have plans for you. I’ve also given you the ‘gifts’ needed to fulfill them; and what I give, nobody can take...]]> We have... believed the love that God has for us.1 Jn 4:16 NKJV

I knew you before time began. I know how many hairs are on your head. Like parent, like child, you're created in My image. I have plans for you. I've also given you the 'gifts' needed to fulfill them; and what I give, nobody can take away. But don't neglect them; exercise them, and stir them up daily. Rest...]]> “Everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”    Jn 3:15 NLT

When Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again,” this Jewish scholar didn’t get it. So Jesus explains that in the birthing process, the infant allows the parent to do the work.

“There must be more,” thinks Nicodemus. Using this...]]> Everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.Jn 3:15 NLT

When Jesus told Nicodemus, 'You must be born again,' this Jewish scholar didn't get it. So Jesus explains that in the birthing process, the infant allows the parent to do the work. 'There must be more,' thinks Nicodemus. Using this visiting professor's favorite book, the Torah, Jesus says, 'As Moses lifted up the...]]> “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”    2Th 3:10 NKJV

The story’s told of a guy who came to church looking very sad. “What’s up?” his pastor asked. “Well, two weeks ago my uncle died and left me $75,000. Then a week ago my aunt died and left me $50,000.” His pastor asked, “Then why are...]]> Pour out your heart before Him.Ps 62:8 NKJV

Here are five keys to recovering from loss: (1) Process your grief. Emotions like fear, anger, worry, depression, resentment, helplessness and grief are normal. It's no good to stuff them or deny they exist. God created us to feel; He doesn't expect us to act happy when we're grieving. 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be...]]> “Well done, good and faithful servant.”    Mt 25:21 NKJV

In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the first two stewards were rewarded for multiplying what was entrusted to them. The first steward said, “I have gained” (v.20 NKJV). Now, when God entrusts something to us He doesn’t sit up in heaven pulling all the strings,...]]> If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.2Th 3:10 NKJV

The story's told of a guy who came to church looking very sad. 'What's up?' his pastor asked. 'Well, two weeks ago my uncle died and left me $75,000. Then a week ago my aunt died and left me $50,000.' His pastor asked, 'Then why are you so sad?' The guy answered, 'Because nobody died this week.' Cute story; only one...]]> “The lord of those servants…settled accounts.”    Mt 25:19 NKJV

In His famous parable of the talents, Jesus points out two things about our stewardship to God:

(1) “He gave…to each according to his own ability” (Mt 25:15 NKJV). God knows what you can handle and He won’t give you more, so...]]> Well done, good and faithful servant.Matthew 25:21 NKJV

In Jesus' parable of the talents, the first two stewards were rewarded for multiplying what was entrusted to them. The first steward said, 'I have gained' (v.20 NKJV). Now, when God entrusts something to us He doesn't sit up in heaven pulling all the strings, controlling how we handle our stewardship. We have a choice....]]> Give and account of your stewardship.Luke 16:2 NKJV

The issue of 'ownership' is a key point in understanding biblical stewardship. A steward doesn’t own the property he manages, so he needs to handle things with an eye to pleasing his boss, the owner. Today that rubs us the wrong way. We think, 'My time is my own. My abilities are mine to use in the advancement of my...]]> “Do not withhold good.”    Pr 3:27 NKJV

Dan Clark recalls when he was a teenager, he and his father once stood in line to buy tickets for the circus. They noticed a poor family immediately in front of them.

The parents were holding hands. They had eight children, all probably under the age of twelve. He could tell that the circus was going to be a...]]> “These all died in faith.”    Heb 11:13 NKJV

The Bible says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them.” People of faith anticipate what God promised, whether they ever experience its fulfillment or not. “How can I believe in a promise I don’t see fulfilled?”...]]> “I must turn aside and look.”    Ex 3:3 NRS

Moses was working his regular job as a shepherd when he walked past a burning bush, just like the ones he’d seen a hundred times before.

Only this time the bush was on fire with God’s presence. Moses said, “I must turn aside and look.” In that moment everything depended on his...]]> “Not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”    Eph 2:8 NKJV

When a lifeguard is trying to save you, it’s a mistake to try and assist him. At first this might not seem like a problem; after all, we usually encourage people to help themselves. But when you’re flailing around in deep water you tire easily and sink faster; you also drag others down...]]> “Be steadfast.”    1Co 15:58 NKJV

George Frideric Handel was a musical prodigy. At twenty-one he was a keyboard virtuoso. When he turned to composing he gained immediate fame and soon was appointed Kapellmeister to the Elector of Hanover (later King George I of England). When Handel moved to England his renown grew. By the time he was forty he was world...]]> “Train up a child in the way he should go.”    Pr 22:6

The words “the way he should go” mean: “The way best suited to your child’s unique make-up, abilities, and God-given personality.” Perfectionism violates these characteristics, encouraging your child to be something they weren’t intended to be in...]]> “Train up a child in the way he should go.”    Pr 22:6

Do you have a child who has to do everything perfectly? They’re only happy in school when they get an “A.” A “B” depresses them. Driven by their own impossible standards they never feel “good enough.” Parent, here are ten traits to help you...]]> Train up a child in the way he should go.Pr 22:6

Do you have a child who has to do everything perfectly? They're only happy in school when they get an A. A or B depresses them. Driven by their own impossible standards they never feel 'good enough.' Parent, here are ten traits to help you identify and deal with the perfectionist child: (1) They may over-function in pursuit of...]]> I have seen [the] son of Jesse...who is skillful.1Sa 16:18 NKJV

David didn't suddenly become an expert marksman with a slingshot when Goliath showed up, or a master harpist when King Saul invited him to the palace. He took the long, slow, disciplined route. David had no idea what his future held, he simply found joy and fulfillment in discovering and developing his gifts. Your...]]> Get understanding.Pr 4:7 NKJV

Incorporate these six principles into your life: (1) Don't worry, when you're doing your best. God accepts no less, but He demands no more. 'Trust in the Lord, and do good...and He shall give you the desires of your heart!' (Ps 37:3-4 NKJV). (2) Don't hurry, when success depends on accuracy. 'Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but...]]> Can you discover the depths of God?Job 11:7 NAS

You're on the adventure of a lifetime when you pursue a greater knowledge of God. What you've learned about God so far should give you a hunger to know Him even more. You must never be satisfied with what you know about Him already. Here are four practical benefits of knowing God: (1) Blessing. The more you know God and obey His...]]> I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.Php 1:3 NKJV

Paul knew that he couldn't do the job alone, so he didn't even bother to try. In his writings he acknowledged those who worked alongside him: 'I thank my God upon every remembrance of you...for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.' Andrew Carnegie said, 'It marks a big step in your development,...]]> I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.Mt 20:14 NKJV

Jesus told the story of a farmer who hired day laborers: Some at 6 a.m., some at 9 a.m., some at 12 noon, some at 3 p.m. and some at 5 p.m., one hour before quitting time. Amazingly, he paid them all the same wage. When the complaints started flying, the farmer said, 'I wish to give to this last man the same as...]]> Save me, O Lord, from lying lips.Ps 120:2 NIV

Armand Hammer died at ninety-two. USA Today once called him 'a giant of capitalism and confidant of world leaders.' That was his reputation, but not his character. It wasn't until after his death that the truth became known. Harvard-educated political scientist Edward Epstein wrote Dossier: The Secret History of Armand Hammer, in...]]> “Then it happened.”    2Sa 11:2 NKJV

David’s “Bathsheba-gate” began when he let down his guard. The Bible says, “Then it happened.” What an opening line! David was fifty-two. Like a lot of us in middle age, maybe he wondered, “Do I still have it?” Whatever he thought, he wasn’t on guard...]]> Then it happened.2Sa 11:2 NKJV

David's 'Bathsheba-gate' began when he let down his guard. The Bible says, 'Then it happened.' What an opening line! David was fifty-two. Like a lot of us in middle age, maybe he wondered, 'Do I still have it?' Whatever he thought, he wasn't on guard â€" and the devil knew it. David had lived victoriously for twenty years, 'Then it...]]> “Husbands, love your wives.”    Eph 5:25 NAS

When you care more about pleasing yourself than pleasing your mate, your marriage is in trouble. Most marriages fail for one reason – selfishness. “Just give me a few more months. I’ll have this project at work behind me and things will get back to normal.” How many wives...]]> Husbands, love your wives.Eph 5:25 NAS

When you care more about pleasing yourself than pleasing your mate, your marriage is in trouble. Most marriages fail for one reason â€" selfishness. 'Just give me a few more months. I'll have this project at work behind me and things will get back to normal.' How many wives have heard this from their husband when they try to let him...]]>  “Rich towards God.”    Lk 12:21

We’re supposed to offer God our acts of service, but the gift He desires most is us. Think of Jesus’ last conversation with His friend Peter. Peter was so human: he followed Jesus, learned from Him, served Him, doubted Him, misunderstood Him, praised Him, and denied Him. Yet Jesus’...]]> Rich towards God.Lk 12:21

We're supposed to offer God our acts of service, but the gift He desires most is us. Think of Jesus' last conversation with His friend Peter. Peter was so human: he followed Jesus, learned from Him, served Him, doubted Him, misunderstood Him, praised Him, and denied Him. Yet Jesus' final question to His friend was relational: 'Peter, do you love Me?'...]]> “Your word is settled in heaven.”    Ps 119:89 NKJV

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones writes: “It is the spirit and the word, the spirit upon the word, and the spirit in us as we read the word.”
You say, “It’s impossible.” God says, “With me all things are possible” (See Lk 18:27). You say,...]]> Your word is settled in heaven.Ps 119:89 NKJV

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones writes: 'It is the spirit and the word, the spirit upon the word, and the spirit in us as we read the word.' You say, 'It's impossible.' God says, 'With me all things are possible' (See Lk 18:27). You say, 'I'm exhausted.' He says, 'Wait on me, I will renew your strength' (See Isa 40:31). You say, 'Nobody...]]> “God made him…to be sin for us.”    2Co 5:21 NIV

The Bible says: (1) “You must not steal” (Ex 20:15 TLB). Ever stolen anything? A paper clip, a parking space, the credit for someone else’s idea? (2) “You must not lie” (Ex 20:16 TLB). You say you haven’t – you just did. (3) “You must...]]> God made him...to be sin for us.2Co 5:21 NIV

The Bible says: (1) 'You must not steal' (Ex 20:15 TLB). Ever stolen anything? A paper clip, a parking space, the credit for someone else's idea? (2) 'You must not lie' (Ex 20:16 TLB). You say you haven't â€" you just did. (3) 'You must not commit adultery' (Ex 20:14 TLB). Jesus said if you look at someone with lust, you've...]]> “God will help her at break of day.”    Ps 46:5 NIV

When your world is suddenly turned upside down, remember, God’s plans for your life haven’t been cancelled! When you feel trapped with no way out, here are some things to remember:
(1) Look for the river. “There is a river whose streams make glad” (Ps 46:4...]]> God will help her at break of day.Pr 46:5 NIV

When your world is suddenly turned upside down, remember, God's plans for your life haven't been cancelled! When you feel trapped with no way out, here are some things to remember: (1) Look for the river. 'There is a river whose streams make glad' (Ps 46:4 NIV). In Old Testament symbolism, rivers represent God's supply for your...]]> “Pleasant words are…health to the bones.”   

Pr 16:24 NKJV

Goethe said, “Treat a man as he appears to be, and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already were what he potentially could be, and you make him what he should be.”
One day a principal called in three teachers and said, “You three...]]> Pleasant words are...health to the bones.Pr 16:24 NKJV

The power of encouragement (2) Goethe said, 'Treat a man as he appears to be, and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already were what he potentially could be, and you make him what he should be.' One day a principal called in three teachers and said, 'You three are the finest in the system, so we're giving you...]]> Pleasant words are...health to the bones.

Pr 16:24 NKJV

Everybody needs encouragement. None of us achieves anything without help. The great achievers in history became all that they were because of the people in their lives. We’ve seen The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. But did you know that their authors, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, were professors...]]> “Those whom the Lord loves He disciplines.”   

Heb 12:6 NAS

The Bible asks: “What kind of father is it who doesn’t correct his son?” Answer: “Not much of a father!”
We don’t know if that’s how Eli, the High Priest, got started with Hophni and Phinehas, his two sons. We simply read,...]]> Tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.Joshua 3:5 NAS

Your yesterdays have made you what you are today, but your tomorrows can make you what God always intended you to become. Joshua was talking to a nation whose yesterdays were a long list of repeated failures and rebellion against God. They had been convicted, judged, punished and reinstated frequently by the God they'd...]]> Oh, that they were wise...that they would consider their latter end!Deuteronomy 32:29 NKJV

In a survey, people over ninety were asked, 'If you had your life to live over what would you do differently?' Three answers constantly reemerged: (a) I'd spend more time with my family and friends. (b) I'd take more risks. (c) I'd do things that would live on after I'm gone. Wisdom is...]]> Oh, that they were wise...that they would consider their latter end!Deuteronomy 32:29 NKJV

The Bible says: 'Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!' One of life's greatest challenges is thinking and doing the things that ultimately matter and bring success. A life in which anything goes, is a life in which nothing goes....]]> The beauty of old men [and women] is...[wisdom and experience].Proverbs 20:29 AMP

The Bible says: 'The beauty of old men [and women] is...wisdom and experience,' so listen up! An elderly man gives us words to live by: 'Time has a way of catching you unawares. It seems like yesterday I was young, just married and embarking on my new life. Where did the years go? I know I've...]]> The integrity of the upright will guide them.Proverbs 11:3 NKJV

We all suffer from something psychologists call 'fundamental attribution error.' It works like this: if something good happens in my life I tend to explain it by taking credit for it. But if I fail, I explain it by blaming my circumstances. If I do well on a test I think it's because I'm smart; if I do poorly,...]]> The integrity of the upright will guide them.Proverbs 11:3 NKJV

Psychologists speak of an integrity blind spot in each of us which is called 'the self-serving bias.' Here are some examples of it: 800,000 high school students were asked whether they were above or below average. Now if they were accurate they'd have split 50-50. Guess what percentage rated themselves below...]]> Another Jesus...a different spirit...a different gospel.2 Corinthians 11:4 NKJV

In an old Peanuts cartoon strip, on the first day of the new school year students are told to write an essay about returning to class. Lucy wrote, 'Vacations are nice, but it's good to get back to school. There's nothing more satisfying or challenging than education, and I look forward to a year of...]]> This is the victory that has overcome the world â€" our faith.1 John 5:4 NKJV

The Bible is a 'David and Goliath' book. It's filled with stories of ordinary people whose faith overcame great obstacles and impacted the world around them. That's why John the Apostle writes: 'Whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world...]]> Now we are children of God, and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future.1 John 3:2 NCV

The surest way to get discouraged is to compare yourself with others. The Bible says, 'Don't compare yourself' (Gal 6:4 CEV), because some people will look like they're doing a better job and you'll get disheartened, while others won't be as effective and you'll become...]]> We are hard pressed.2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV

Two other traits resilient people share are: (1) They allow pain to spur growth: At the peak of her career when photographer Linda Joy Montgomery learned she was going blind, an inner voice said, 'This isn't the end; it's the beginning.' She began writing poetry, discovered her calling as a motivational speaker and created the True...]]> We are hard pressed.2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV

When a back injury paralyzed Angela Madsen from the waist down, she vowed to do whatever it took to get back up. As a result she started training to be the first woman with a disability to row across the Atlantic. Journalist Denise Foley writes: 'Madsen is what researchers call 'resilient â€" able to rebound from whatever life...]]> Put off falsehood and speak truthfully.Ephesians 4:25 NIV

Jude Werra documents résumé fraud for a living. His 'Liar's Index' just hit a 5-year high. It includes the dean of a prestigious college who failed to graduate from any of the three institutions where she claimed to have earned degrees. Solomon said, 'Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth...]]> Reach out...Stop doubting and believe.John 20:25-27 NIV

New Christians aren't the only ones who struggle with doubt; sometimes seasoned believers do too. One Christian author calls them 'doubt-storms...turbulent days when the enemy's too big, the task too great, the future too bleak...and the answers too few. Thomas said, 'Unless I... put my finger where the nails were...I...]]> If you...believe in your heart...you will be saved.Romans 10:9 NIV

A new Christian writes, 'I've accepted Jesus as my Savior. But then I slip, and end up wondering if my faith is strong enough. If I'm really saved why doesn't God talk to me like He talks to other people?' You'd be surprised how many of us walk around harboring doubts that steal our peace and assurance. The...]]> Is there not a cause.1 Samuel 17:29

How could David stand up to a giant everybody else was running from? Because God's people were being threatened, and everybody around him was afraid to tackle the problem. When you're confronted with a situation that needs to be changed, what is it that makes you rise up and say, 'I'm going to do something about this'? Having a cause greater...]]> I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.Philippians 3:14 NKJV

You're not making the most of your potential when the standards set for you by others are higher than the ones you set for yourself. Former basketball star Bill Bradley attended a summer basketball camp when he was fifteen. While there, basketball star 'Easy' Ed Macauley told him, 'If you're...]]> Do not be anxious about anything.Philippians 4:6 NIV

Are you feeling anxious today? Program your mind with these promises. Better yet, carry them with you and read them regularly: (1) Be strong and courageous. Be not afraid or dismayed ...for there is...with us...our God to help us' (2Ch 32:7-8 AMP). (2) 'I will rescue you... declares the Lord; you will not be handed over to...]]> Do not be anxious about anything.Philippians 4:6 NIV

John writes: 'I pray that...you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers' (3Jn 2 NAS). Why would he say that? Because your physical body thrives in relationship to how well you're doing spiritually. Doctors say anxiety suppresses your immune system, elevates your blood pressure and creates cholesterol...]]> Do not be anxious about anything.Philippians 4:6 NIV

We all face times when we must choose between faith and anxiety. A woman trapped in an abusive relationship must choose between getting help, getting out or staying stuck. A young person being pressured to do drugs can choose to give in, or say, 'no' and walk away. A person anxious about death can read God's Word, talk to a...]]> Do not be anxious about anything.Philippians 4:6 NIV

Anxiety starts as a trickle, then creates a channel in our mind through which all our thoughts begin to flow. Most of our anxieties fall into three categories: (1) Anxiety about things we all face: like aging, disability, retirement, loneliness, financial uncertainty, accidents, illness, losing a loved one, and death. (2)...]]> Where there is no vision, the people perish.Proverbs 29:18

When problems arise, our vision is often the first thing to hit the chopping block. That's because we don't see life the way it is, we see life the way we are. The Bible says: 'Where there is no vision the people perish' [live unharnessed and undirected]. When God gives you a vision for your life, you begin to see...]]> Live a life of love.Ephesians 5:2 NIV

There's a condition called 'Active Inertia.' It happens when we stick to old commitments that no longer make sense. In some cases, they are actually detrimental to our health, our family and our spiritual well-being. This goes on until we hit a crisis. For example: A busy father whose neglected daughter runs away from home and gets sucked...]]> Live a life of love.Ephesians 5:2 NIV

When we take stock of our day-to-day actions there's often a big gap between what we say we value, and how we spend our time, money and energy. Couples spend four times as much time watching television as they do talking to each other. Parents spend an average of four hours a day watching TV, one hour shopping, and six minutes playing with...]]> Pray for them which despitefully use you.Luke 6:28

Don Shula, head coach of the Miami Dolphins football team, always held his players to 'the 24-hour rule.' He gave them 24 hours to celebrate victory or sulk over defeat, then put it behind them. What a great rule to live by! When you're criticized it's human to want to retaliate, but when you take the time to try and...]]> She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.Mark 14:3 NIV

Luke records: 'A woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume...She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold...and the money given to the poor.' And they rebuked her harshly....]]> A champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath.1 Samuel 17:4 NKJV

When it comes to giant-problems: (1) Their size can intimidate you. And it doesn't help when everybody around you, including your leader, is running for cover. This is when you need to recall the victories of your past: Red Sea-sized ones, Jericho Wall-sized ones. How big is your God? ...]]> He has made everything appropriate in its time.Ecclesiastes 3:11 NAS

Giving up in mid-ride isn't an option â€" it's foolish! A depressed church member told his pastor, 'I'm tired of trying. I've been down so long, I can't muster up the faith to believe God for deliverance anymore.' The pastor said, 'First, you can never justify quitting, because you have the Lord on your...]]> He has made everything appropriate in its time.Ecclesiastes 3:11 NAS

The roller coaster of life runs both day and night. Some trips take place in the dark, where things are difficult to distinguish. 'Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God' (Isa...]]> He has made everything appropriate in its time.Ecclesiastes 3:11 NAS

Life on the peaks is a picnic, but what about life in the pits? In times of turmoil, struggle, heaviness, doubt, loneliness and failure, where do we go? In his classic, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis's senior devil talks to his nephew Wormwood about their mutual enemy, the Lord. 'Do not be deceived,...]]> He has made everything appropriate in its time.Ecclesiastes 3:11 NAS

The song says: 'I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden.' Neither did God, so beware of 'rose garden' theology. The Christian life is not an either/or experience, where either you're a believer and life is problem-free, or an unbeliever and life is tough. It's a both/and experience, bringing...]]> He has made everything appropriate in its time.Ecclesiastes 3:11 NAS

One preacher said, 'Friends, if I were God your body would always be 18, you could eat anything and maintain perfect weight; your middle-aged wife would have the face and figure of an angel; your mid-life husband, thick hair and washboard abs; your youngsters as intelligent as Einstein; your teens...]]> Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.

Matthew 6:21 NIV

William Randolph Hearst lived in Hearst Castle. It was 90,000 square feet sitting on 265,000 acres. At one time he owned 50 miles of California coastline. And he collected stuff for 88 years. He had 3500-year-old Egyptian statues, medieval Flemish tapestries, centuries-old hand-carved ceilings, and some of...]]> Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

Luke 23:34 NIV

One author points out that Satan is the enemy, not the person you're dealing with! The real battle is against the forces of wickedness (See Eph 6:12). Satan wants you to think it's your battle alone, and act like you're separate from God. No, ‘The battle is the Lord's' (1Sa 17:47)....]]> I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.

Psalm 32:8 NKJV

Jon Walker writes: ‘What about forgiving within a...relationship...that's toxic and dysfunctional? Should you [stay]...when the person keeps doing the same thing?...Loving your enemy doesn't mean excusing his behavior...In any toxic relationship we strive to resist the abuse...]]> Let us...go on to maturity.

Hebrews 6:1 NIV

When Jamie's 13-year-old brother died in a skating accident, his mother locked herself in her bedroom for days on end. That's when 6-year-old Jamie decided he'd have to replace his brother, and the threads of an intricate fantasy were woven. He became obsessed with imitating his brother's personal characteristics; he wore the...]]> These are the Scriptures that testify about me.

John 5:39 NIV

Here are two compelling reasons for saturating your mind in the Scriptures:

(1) To know who God is. One day in school, a little girl was asked by her art teacher what she was drawing. ‘A picture of God,' she replied. The teacher said, ‘But nobody's ever seen...]]> Let him...take up his cross daily.

Luke 9:23 NKJV

Here are three questions that will help you to identify your cross:

(1) What direction is God leading me? If you think your background doesn't matter, think again. It can be a roadmap to your future. Consider the experiences and the kind of lifestyle you've been exposed to. Growing up in Egypt prepared Moses to...]]> Let him...take up his cross daily.

Luke 9:23 NKJV

We tend to equate our cross with things like a difficult mate, a headstrong teen, a bedridden loved one, or too much month left at the end of the money. One author writes: ‘We think God passes out crosses like a warden handing shovels to a chain gang. No one wants one. Each one gets one...[But] the cross...]]> Good works... God prepared in advance for us.

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Any time you ask, ‘What on earth am I here for?' the Bible answers ‘to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' God created you for a prearranged mission. You're a conscript, not a volunteer. You don't get to decide your calling. And it's a mistake to...]]> I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.

Philippians 1:3

Author Barbara Glanz tells about a successful business man who remembered his 8th grade literature teacher. He wrote to her and received this reply: ‘You'll never know how much your letter meant. I'm 83 and living alone. My friends and family are all gone. I taught school for fifty years and...]]> Contend earnestly for the faith.

Jude 3 NKJV

The Bible says: ‘We must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away' (Heb 2:1 NKJV). The word ‘drift' should set off alarm bells. Jesus pointed out that while the harvesters slept an enemy sowed weeds among the wheat. When they finally wakened they said,...]]> Contend earnestly for the faith.

Jude 3 NKJV

Before leaving the leaders of the church in Ephesus for the last time, Paul said, ˜After my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three...]]> Don't be greedy, for...the things of this world.

Colossians 3:5 NLT

A big credit card company has a TV commercial with the slogan, ˜You can have it all now!' Sound familiar? Not much has changed. Satan said to Adam and Eve, ˜If you want that apple, take it.' Leave payday till ˜some day.' Go ahead; put it on your credit card. Better yet, get this new,...]]> Parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6 NIV

Parent, your integrity, or the lack of it, will have consequences not only in your own life but also in the lives of your children.

Years ago a young Jewish boy grew up in Germany. He had great admiration for his father who made sure their family life revolved around their religion. Every week he took...]]> Parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6 NIV

The famous biographer Boswell tells of a day when his busy father took him fishing. Later when he read what his dad wrote in his journal, he was devastated: ‘Went fishing with my son; a day wasted!' If you want your children to be proud of you:

(1) Protect them. Guard them physically...]]> You are like whitewashed tombs.

Matthew 23:27 NKJV

Marybeth Whalen writes: ‘The painters painted the wall leading downstairs...A week later I discovered while the wall had been repainted, the habits hadn't changed. The kids were still ...dragging their dirty hands behind them, making what was white and clean, gray and dirty... Like that wall, if I'm not...]]> Count it all joy.

James 1:2 NKJV

Max Lucado writes: ‘When a potter bakes a pot he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the [furnace] and thumping it. If it ‘sings,' it's ready. If it ‘thuds,' it's put back in. Character is also checked by thumping...Late night phone calls...grouchy teachers...burnt meals...flat...]]> Taking the shield of faith.

Ephesians 6:16 NKJV

A Roman soldier's shield protected him from head to toe. It was made of iron, upholstered in thick layers of fabric, and saturated in water when going to battle. Consequently the flaming arrows of the enemy fizzled on contact. Getting the idea? Paul writes, ‘Take up the shield of faith, with which you can...]]> We have this treasure in earthen vessels.

2 Corinthians 4:7

When God calls you to do something, it means you're called to a higher level of accountability. Jesus said, ‘Unto whom much is given, of him shall much be required' (See Lk 12:48). But this is where we get it wrong. We think those who are called, are not cut from the same bolt of cloth as...]]> You have left your first love.

Revelation 2:4 NKJV

The second ˜R' for renewing your first love is repent; change your mind, direction, and actions. You can't solve a problem with the same thinking and behaviors that created it; new thinking and actions are required. If your relationship once sizzled, you still have what's needed to make it sizzle again. You've been...]]> You have left your first love.

Revelation 2:4 NKJV

Here are three "R's' that work in our walk with God" and in our marriage. First: Remember. ˜Remember the height from which you have fallen!' (NIV). Not the depth, but the height. Not how bad it's become, but how great it once was. Not the worst of times, but the best. Recall when just being together was the highlight...]]> You have left your first love.

Revelation 2:4 NKJV

Nobody plans it, it just seems to happen. Romance runs headlong into reality, something gives, and it's usually romance. At first it's just two love-birds with no higher earthly priority than each other's happiness. Then comes the patter of tiny feet, and our well-ordered world gets turned upside down. Children don't fit...]]> He gives His beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:2 NKJV

Illness, stress, family problems, job demands, etc., rob us of sleep. And when we constantly run on low battery power it shows up in our attitudes, our relationships and our performance. The Bible says: (1) “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His...]]> He gives His beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:2 NKJV

Illness, stress, family problems, job demands, etc., rob us of sleep. And when we constantly run on low battery power it shows up in our attitudes, our relationships and our performance. The Bible says:

(1) ‘It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He...]]> The tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

Careless words can hurt people. Not only can they influence a person’s self-worth, they can actually shape that person’s destiny. If you doubt that, consider these two stories: (1) One day in a small country church an altar boy accidentally dropped the communion wine. The officiating...]]> The tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

Careless words can hurt people. Not only can they influence a person's self-worth, they can actually shape that person's destiny. If you doubt that, consider these two stories:

(1) One day in a small country church an altar boy accidentally dropped the communion wine. The officiating priest slapped him...]]> They were longing for a better country – a heavenly one.

Hebrews 11:16 NIV

A Christian art form that flourished in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries featured paintings of common objects of beauty – a vase of flowers, a mandolin, a sideboard with fruit. Tucked somewhere in the paintings would be the two reminders of the passing nature of...]]> They were longing for a better country â€" a heavenly one.

Hebrews 11:16 NIV

A Christian art form that flourished in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries featured paintings of common objects of beauty â€" a vase of flowers, a mandolin, a sideboard with fruit. Tucked somewhere in the paintings would be the two reminders of the passing nature of...]]> They were longing for a better country – a heavenly one.

Hebrews 11:16 NIV

Mel Blanc was the voice behind the Warner Brothers cartoon characters in Looney Tunes. At the end of every movie Porky Pig pops up with the same send-off: “That’s all, folks!” Mel Blanc died a few years ago. Know what his family put on his tombstone?...]]> They were longing for a better country â€" a heavenly one.

Hebrews 11:16 NIV

Mel Blanc was the voice behind the Warner Brothers cartoon characters in Looney Tunes. At the end of every movie Porky Pig pops up with the same send-off: ‘That's all, folks!' Mel Blanc died a few years ago. Know what his family put on his tombstone?...]]> Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that…you may grow.

1 Peter 2:2 NAS

When it comes to Bible-reading, Dr. Howard Hendricks points out three things we must constantly be aware of:
    (1) Our attitude. Just as a baby grabs for the bottle, we should reach for our Bible. A baby needs milk to sustain its life...]]> Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that...you may grow.

1 Peter 2:2 NAS

When it comes to Bible-reading, Dr. Howard Hendricks points out three things we must constantly be aware of:

(1) Our attitude. Just as a baby grabs for the bottle, we should reach for our Bible. A baby needs milk to sustain its life physically, and we need the...]]> Those who sow in tears will reap with…joy.”

Psalm 126:5 NIV

Friends can hold your hand and cheer you along, but shepherding a God-given dream to fulfillment always involves watering it with your own tears. Neither fellowship nor friendship can lower the price of personal sacrifice required. That’s the not-so-good news. However, the...]]> Those who sow in tears will reap with...joy.

Psalm 126:5 NIV

Friends can hold your hand and cheer you along, but shepherding a God-given dream to fulfillment always involves watering it with your own tears. Neither fellowship nor friendship can lower the price of personal sacrifice required. That's the not-so-good news. However, the better-than-great news is â€"...]]> Keep your mind on Jesus [and]…you won’t get discouraged and give up.

Hebrews 12:3 CEV

It’s difficult to endure hardship at the best of times, but when you don’t know why, it can be frustrating. God doesn’t give us lengthy explanations on how He works; He’s used to creating worlds with a single sentence. So when you...]]> Keep your mind on Jesus [and]...you won't get discouraged and give up.

Hebrews 12:3 CEV

It's difficult to endure hardship at the best of times, but when you don't know why, it can be frustrating. God doesn't give us lengthy explanations on how He works; He's used to creating worlds with a single sentence. So when you don't find an immediate answer in His Word or through...]]> The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

There are two kinds of people: the controller and the self-controlled. Which one are you? Let’s find out: The controller believes that “the Devil does it to them,” or people, or circumstances, so they respond by blaming, resenting, or projecting frustration. They keep...]]> The fruit of the Spirit is...self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

There are two kinds of people: the controller and the self-controlled. Which one are you? Let's find out: The controller believes that ‘the Devil does it to them,' or people, or circumstances, so they respond by blaming, resenting, or projecting frustration. They keep trying to manipulate...]]> There met Him ten men who were lepers.

Luke 17:12 NKJV

Luke records: “There met Him ten…lepers…they lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’…He said to them, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And…as they went, they were cleansed” (Lk 17:12-14...]]> There met Him ten men who were lepers.

Luke 17:12 NKJV

Luke records: ‘There met Him ten...lepers...they lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!'...He said to them, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And...as they went, they were cleansed' (Lk 17:12-14 NKJV). Leprosy was a slow, painful...]]> Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Colossians 3:17 NIV

John Ortberg writes: “We all work. We all create value – that’s what work is. But what would it look like for you to work in Jesus’ name? Well, first, work would become something you do together with Him. You were...]]> Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Colossians 3:17 NIV

John Ortberg writes: ‘We all work. We all create value â€" that's what work is. But what would it look like for you to work in Jesus' name? Well, first, work would become something you do together with Him. You were not meant to work on your...]]> That the Son of God may be glorified through it.

John 11:4 NKJV

Here are three more lessons from Lazarus:
    (1) God has a bigger and better plan in mind. Lazarus was four days dead when Jesus arrived. When the Lord waits, it’s for two reasons: (a) That He may be glorified. The Pharisees believed that your spirit left your corpse...]]> But even now I know.

John 11:22 NKJV

Lesson one: Jesus knows how you feel. At Lazarus’ funeral, “Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how He loved him!’” (Jn 11:35-36 NKJV). This story proves we serve a God who can not only raise the dead, but can “sympathize with us” (See Heb 4:15 NKJV). So if you’re grieving...]]> I said, ‘Here am I; send me.

Isaiah 6:8

To lead and succeed in any area of life you must have:
(1) Commitment. Real leaders don’t quit; they couldn’t even if they wanted to. One guy said to his pastor, “It must be hard leading an exemplary life, handling all those pressures, people waiting for one sign of...]]> He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Hebrews 10:14 NIV

When you disregard your positive qualities by telling yourself, “I’m too fat, I’m no good, I never do anything right,” you’ll always find verification of what you’re looking for. Dr. Richard Carlson says: “Putting yourself down reinforces...]]> Don’t sin by letting anger control you.

Ephesians 4:26 NLT

A guy’s car stalled at an intersection causing a chorus of honking horns from behind. He got out, walked calmly to the next car in line and said, “Sorry, I can’t get my car started. If you’d like to give it a shot I’ll sit here and honk your horn!” When you...]]> The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it.

Isaiah 35:2 NKJV

Towering above the other cedars that grew on the mountains of Lebanon was the tall cedar. However, its strength was not in its height but in the depth of its root system. It’s said that the tall cedar could bend almost to the ground without breaking, and come back stronger. Today God uses tall...]]> The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it.

Isaiah 35:2 NKJV

Picture the wind blowing through the cedars of Lebanon and some of them “humming” in response. And the greater the storm, the sweeter their song. These were called humming cedars. And God uses humming cedars to build strong churches. In Acts, a couple of humming cedars were incarcerated...]]> The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it.

Isaiah 35:2 NKJV

Another cedar Solomon used to build the temple was called the fire cedar. It’s said that shepherds used it to make fires at night because it was saturated in oil, would ignite easily, and burn a long time. What a picture.
    God gathered 120 fire cedars in the upper room,...]]> The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it.

Isaiah 35:2 NKJV

Solomon used the cedars of Lebanon to build the temple. When it was complete, the glory of God filled it. Let’s look at four different types of cedars God still uses to build His church.
    Little cedars. They were used to make fence posts for sheep pens. A guide tells of...]]> Tell the next generation.

Psalm 78:4 NIV

What a father says to his children in the privacy of home isn’t heard by the world, but it’s clearly heard by posterity. A mega-church pastor writes: “Years ago I was invited to the White House to meet the President and a few key religious leaders. It was the first such invitation this country boy...]]> They…went through the towns, preaching.

Luke 9:6 NKJV

One night a man walking to church saw four boys hanging out on a street corner, so he invited them to go with him. They did, and they went back again the following Sunday. Actually, these four boys became the nucleus of the Sunday school class he began to teach. Years later his...]]> Male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27 NIV

Is Professor Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady right? Are men by nature more rational and forgiving than women? No, but there’s a difference. Let’s say a problem arises before work. After work he’s forgotten it; he’s compartmentalized it to focus on work. For him...]]> My peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and…afraid.

John 14:27 NIV

The peace Jesus gives brings a sense of assurance that no matter what happens, you know “it is well with my soul.” He says to us: “My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled...]]> The servant is not greater than his lord.

John 13:16

When you’re constantly multi-tasking, important things can fall between the cracks. A lawyer who negotiated an unbelievable deal in favor of his client was asked how he did it. He replied, “I was the only person at the meeting that day who didn’t spend the whole time text...]]> Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.

Daniel 12:4 NKJV

Technology lets us do things we’ve never been able to do, but it can be addictive. You can become tied to it in ways that are exhausting. One expert notes: “There’s a strong tendency for humans to do everything they’re able to. Combine that...]]> Take in…the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love.

Ephesians 3:18 TM

George Matheson was told by his doctor that he was going blind. Not to be denied, he pursued his studies, graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1861 at the age of nineteen. By the time he finished graduate seminary studies, he’d lost his sight. To make matters...]]> The wisdom that is from above is…

James 3:17

As you go through life you discover there are many ways to gain wisdom, such as: (1) Writing down and reflecting on what you’ve learned through experience. (2) Gleaning from the collective knowledge of others. “By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom” (Pr...]]> Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Proverbs 12:25 NKJV

Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were friends; they met at a convention sponsored by Edison’s company where Ford worked as an engineer. Someone introduced Ford to Edison as “a young man who has made a gas car.” Ford and Edison talked a while about...]]> Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Proverbs 12:25 NKJV

The nineteenth-century writer Walt Whitman struggled for years to get anyone interested in his poetry. In the midst of his discouragement he received a life-changing note from an admirer of his work. The note read, “Dear Sir, I am not blind to the worth...]]> Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong.

Proverbs 24:3 TLB

What happens when you’re not well-prepared? Things you hope won’t happen, do, and they occur with greater frequency than the things you hope will happen. The dividing line between winning and losing – is preparation! Tennis champion Arthur Ashe said, “The key...]]> Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.James 1:19 NIV

Someone quipped, 'God gave us two ears and one mouth because we need to listen twice as much as we talk.' Learning that means being 'quick to listen, slow to speak.' Good listening builds relationships. But good listeners aren’t born, they’re bred! So here are a few suggestions to improve your...]]> The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.Psalm 51:17 NIV

We don’t always know the reason for our trials, but God revealed to Paul the reason for his 'thorn in the flesh.' It was to keep him from being 'exalted' (See 2Co 12:7). Success can be intoxicating, and intoxicated people aren’t known for being too bright or trustworthy! What happens when you get a thorn...]]> The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.Psalm 51:17 NIV

Sometimes God allows us to hit the bottom in order to discover that He’s the rock at the bottom. Gideon faced an army of 135,000 troops with just 32,000 men. And 22,000 of them left the battlefield and went home when he offered them the chance. Do the math. Gideon’s thinking, 'There’s no way we can...]]> The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.Psalm 51:17 NIV

Paul writes: 'Now may...God...sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord' (1Th 5:23 NAS). This word 'sanctify' means to be 'set apart,' to be used exclusively for God’s purposes. Paul describes it as "the high calling of...]]> The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.Psalm 51:17 NIV

A world that celebrates success doesn’t see value in broken things. But God brings beauty out of brokenness. For a plant to rise from the soil the seed must be broken. For a baby chick to experience larger life the shell must be broken. Even a thoroughbred horse must be broken; it must learn to respond to the tug...]]> With God all things are possible.Matthew 19:26

The poet wrote, 'Beware of those who stand aloof, and greet each venture with reproof. The world would stop if things were run, by those who say, â€�It can’t be done.’' Refuse to let the word 'impossible" stop you. Jesus said, 'With God all things are possible.' If those who’ve changed the world had...]]> Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.Proverbs 12:25 NKJV

Few things are as powerful as the right words spoken at the right time. By the same token, words withheld when their season of opportunity is gone, are a heavy burden to live with. Looking back, one relationship expert offers these moving words: 'I remember when I took your new...]]> The battle is the Lord’s.1 Samuel 17:47 NKJV

One day a soldier, charged with fleeing from the enemy was brought before Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great asked him, 'What’s your name?' Dropping his head, he replied, 'Alexander.' Alexander the Great grabbed him by the shoulders and said, 'Soldier, change your conduct or change your name!' You have been called...]]> It is I; be not afraid.Mark 6:50

Are you in a storm today? Then read these words: 'The boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they...]]> It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.Psalm 118:8

Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119 is the longest. Psalm 118 is at the center of the Bible. There are 594 chapters in the Bible before Psalm 118, and 594 chapters after Psalm 118 â€" 1,188 chapters. This number can be split 118-8, or Psalm 118:8. Now we know that the...]]> “You ask but do not receive.” James 4:3 NKJV

Pastor Jerry Sittser writes: “What would happen if all our prayers were answered? I thought about my early years when I was ready to conquer the world, with or without Christ. The group I led grew, I was riding a wave of success, everything I touched turned to gold. Eventually the ministry leveled off and lost momentum....]]> “Set an example…in life.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

In 1994 golfer Davis Love III called a one-stroke penalty on himself during the second round of the Western Open. He moved his marker to get it out of another player’s putting line and later he couldn’t remember if he’d moved his ball back to its original spot. Since he wasn’t certain he gave...]]> “Set an example…in life.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

Writer Kathryn Lay learned about honesty when she was vacationing in Texas. She and her husband were having lunch at a little restaurant when a lady walked in, handed her a dollar bill and said, “I’m sorry, but I short-changed you earlier.” Recognizing her as a sales assistant from a store she’d...]]> “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

One of the greatest promises in the Bible is, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Who are you trusting to solve the problem, God or yourself? You need to live by the principle “Do your best, then let God do the...]]> Grow in grace.” 2 Peter 3:18

Winning gracefully can be harder than losing gracefully. When we win we’re tempted by arrogance, power, insensitivity, gloating, and wanting to relive our success long after everyone else is bored by it. Gracious winners always remember what it feels like to lose. They are caught up in something bigger than their own wins and losses. “Grow in grace.” 2 Peter 3:18

Samuel and Susanna Wesley (John Wesley’s parents) were at evening prayer one night when Susanna didn’t say “amen” to her husband’s prayer for William of Orange, then King of England. When he asked her why, she explained that her sympathy lay with the deposed James the Second. It turned into a game of “you...]]> “Grow in grace.” 2 Peter 3:18

Psychologist Henry Cloud does a lot of corporate consulting. Sometimes he asks executives this question: “When in your business training or education, did you ever take a course on how to lose well?” Losing is an inevitable part of life. It gives us an invaluable window into the development of our character. How do we do when...]]> “Let patience have its perfect work.” James 1:3 NKJV

A letter was returned to the Post Office. Handwritten on the envelope were the words, “He’s dead.” Through an oversight the letter was inadvertently sent to the same address again. Again it was returned to the Post Office with yet another message: “He’s still dead!” Let’s be...]]> “The God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV

God can bring you through situations you think you won’t survive, or feel you’ll be stuck in forever. He can make you comfortable in the most uncomfortable places, and give you peace in the midst of trauma. Before your life is over you’ll live, love, and experience loss. Losing some things will actually...]]> “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” Romans 14:4 NIV

Our brain doesn’t like blank spaces, so when it encounters questions without answers it searches for something to put in the blank spaces. And because we’re driven by our own perceptions, needs and prejudices, we’re not always objective. We’re blind to our blind spots and think...]]> “Through faith…we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12 NIV

One Bible teacher writes: “I read an interesting book by an unbeliever who attempted to ‘do in’ the Christian faith. Despite his lack of belief, I found insightful something he said regarding prayer. He called it ‘the most incredible conceit in the history...]]> “She could stand straight.” Luke 13:13 NLT

The ability to stand up straight and hold your head high has less to do with the color of your skin and more to do with the contents of your heart. “But my ancestors came to America on the Mayflower,” you say. That’s impressive, but “there is neither slave nor free…you are all one in Christ.”...]]> “Be clear minded and self-controlled.” 1 Peter 4:7 NIV

Teenagers can test your sanity. They’re neither adult nor child, and can become either without notice. Flooding hormones and exploding neurons spark biochemical reactions in their heads and bodies. Words like, “What in the world were you thinking?” form involuntarily on your lips. In response come...]]> “Until Christ is formed in you.” Galatians 4:19 NKJV

There are three stages to spiritual growth: (1) Conception: It results from intimacy between two people. God’s love for you is clear and compelling; the question is, how much do you love Him? (See Jn 21:15). (2) Forming: Paul writes: “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is...]]> “Daniel purposed in his heart.” Daniel 1:8 NKJV

Daniel was a victim of circumstances far beyond his control. King Nebuchadnezzar had conquered his homeland and carried him off into exile in Babylon. He lost his freedom, his home, his culture, his friendships and his status as one of Israel’s nobility. He had to learn to speak a foreign language and live in a place...]]> “Let nothing be done through strife.” Philippians 2:3

Strife is defined as “conflict…struggle…rivalry,” and God’s Word says to avoid it at all cost: “Let nothing be done through strife…but in lowliness of mind let each esteem [the] other better than themselves.” Strife is custom-designed to play havoc in marriages,...]]> “Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Marriage myth 4: The myth of the “marriage-go-round,” says you can hop on and off marriages when you’re bored, discontented, stressed out, or get a better offer. Today we’re conditioned to instant gratification. If we don’t like the rules we’ll take our ball to another...]]> “Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Marriage myth 3: The myth of “the full box,” suggests that when we marry we inherit a big box filled with self-replacing good things, guaranteeing effortless unending marital bliss. This box is supposed to contain romance, physical fulfillment, generosity, true love, and being served “in the...]]> “Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Marriage myth 2: The myth of the “right person,” suggests happiness in marriage depends entirely on finding the right person. It’s said to be a matter of luck, Cupid, the alignment of the stars, the moon hitting your eye like a big pizza pie, etc., occasionally even God. Just find the right...]]> “Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

A lot of us are “myth-informed” about love and marriage. The myth of “a perfect marriage” is widespread and dangerous among us. By setting up unrealistic expectations, impossible dreams and magic thinking, it misinforms, misleads and disillusions us, preparing us to walk away the...]]> “He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.” Psalm 106:15 NKJV

When you insist on wanting something that God in His wisdom is withholding, sometimes He steps back and says, “Okay, have it your way.” After God brought His people through the Red Sea and delivered them from the hand of Pharaoh, we read, “They believed His words; they...]]> “Children…learn…from their parents.” Ephesians 5:1 TM

A mathematics teacher who agreed to baby-sit while her friend went shopping, left her this note: “Dried tears 11 times…tied shoelaces 15 times…blew up balloons, 5 per child… warned kids not to cross the street 26 times…kids insisted on crossing the street 26 times....]]> “These things ought not to be so.” James 3:10 NKJV

The Bible says: “With [our tongue] we bless our God…and with it we curse men…these things are not to be so” (Jas 3:8-10 NKJV). It displeases God when we praise Him in church on Sunday then tear someone down at work on Monday. “But what I’m saying is true,” you say. “All a...]]> “Run in such a way that you…win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 NRS

Have you ever moved into a new house and made a list of all the little jobs you wanted to do, like touching up the paintwork or planting a garden? Chances are, six months later they’re still not done and you are okay with it. Complacency is part of the human psyche. Incredible as it may sound, the...]]> “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Mark 14:34 NIV

Ever hear the words: “You shouldn’t feel that way. If you trusted God more you wouldn’t be emotionally down and feel like quitting. A good dose of faith and prayer is what you need!” When the bottom falls out of your world well-meaning friends think such words ought to pick...]]> “In everything, by prayer…present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV

One Christian author writes: “Often when I pray, I don’t talk to God about things that I’m really thinking about because they just don’t sound very spiritual. So I’ll pray about world peace, or the missionaries, or something like that. But my mind keeps...]]> “Jesus…laid aside His garments.” John 13:3-4 NKJV

John records that: “Jesus…rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself…poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe   them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him,...]]> “I will make up to you for the years that the…locust has eaten.” Joel 2:25 NAS

Fourth, let go of what you failed to do! “If I could just go back, I’d…” The poet said, “The saddest words of tongue or pen, are these, we hear, ‘It might have been.’” Not one of us escapes the long shadow of “opportunity...]]> “I persecuted the church.” Galatians 1:13 NIV

Third, let go of what you have done to others! The wounds we’ve inflicted on others can weigh us down like a ton. The drunk-driving accident. The family shattered by divorce. The child abused in anger. The abortion following an affair. The faithful partner infected by HIV. We can’t wound others and remain whole...]]> “God has made me forget all my trouble.” Genesis 41:51 NIV

Second, let go of what others have done to you! Thorns come with roses, and hurts come with human relationships. And few hurts go as deeply as those inflicted by friends and family. Ask Joseph, who was sold out by his brothers and locked up in a foreign prison for a crime he never committed. It’s the stuff...]]> “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18 NIV

What do you do when your memory drags the “there and then” into the “here and now,” immersing you in the same old pain? The Bible answers, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”...]]> “None of these things move me.” Acts 20:24

We don’t hear much about Abraham Lincoln’s defeats because his victories were so notable. But for much of his life the odds were against him. His mother died when he was nine. In 1832 he lost an election to the Illinois State Legislature. In 1849 he was rejected as Commissioner of the General Land Office. He lost...]]> “We are more than conquerors.” Romans 8:37 NKJV

How would you describe somebody who was an accomplished pianist at ten, a professional organist at eleven, had compositions published at thirteen, and was a member of the royal court musical staff at fourteen? Privileged? Born with a silver spoon in his mouth? Hardly! Ludwig van Beethoven was a black-haired,...]]> “God bought you with a high price. So…honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 NLT

Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s name is synonymous with fitness, but his commitment to health goes beyond simply looking good. Cooper believes your body is a temple and you owe it to God to keep it in shape. Now in his seventies, his physical condition is that of a 49-year-old. How...]]> “God bought you with a high price. So…honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 NLT

At the resurrection, “Our earthly bodies…will be raised to live forever” (1Co 15:42 NLT), but in the meantime you must “honor God with your body” by observing a few basic principles like: (1) Exercising regularly: Half of us who start exercise...]]> “Let us not become weary in doing good…we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV

The name Corrie ten Boom is widely recognized in Christian circles, but few people know about her nephew Peter who was also instrumental in saving Jews from Nazi persecution. When Dutch patriots heard SS troops were sending Jewish orphans to concentration camps,...]]> “Blessed are those who have learned to…walk in the light of your presence.” Psalm 89:15 NIV

In ancient European monasteries monks walked dark corridors with candles on the toes of their shoes, giving them just enough light to see the next step. That’s how God leads us.
    Educator Verdell Davis’s faith was challenged when a plane...]]> “Do all things without complaining.” Philippians 2:14 NKJV

If somebody gave you a dollar every time you complained and collected one every time you showed gratitude, would you be rich or poor? You say, “If you had my problems you’d complain too.” The Bible says: “Do all things without complaining,” because the more you complain the worse...]]> “Say unto this mountain, Be thou removed.” Mark 11:23

How can you move the mountain in your life? By:
    (1) Using God’s Word: In the wilderness Satan tempted Jesus in three ways: (a) Put your temporal needs ahead of your spiritual ones: “Turn these stones into bread.” (b) Use your power for the wrong reasons: “Throw yourself...]]> “We who teach will be judged more strictly.” James 3:1 NIV

If you’re a leader in God’s work you must constantly ask yourself three questions:
    (1) Am I accountable to anybody? If not, you’re on dangerous ground. Only God can handle unquestioned authority. Who knows you well enough to pray with you, advise you and strengthen you in...]]> “The glory of the Lord appeared…before all the children of Israel.” Numbers 14:10 NKJV

People once thought the world was flat and that you would sail off the edge. They thought man would never walk on the moon. In 1899 the U.S. patent office almost closed because the CEO said, “Everything that can be invented already has been.” In retrospect his...]]> The secret things belong to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV

Life’s losses leave us hurting and wondering. Cancer takes a young mother or father. Divorce strikes your happy home. Financial ruin devastates your retirement plans. A child goes to jail, is killed or commits suicide. Such times raise questions which are difficult, if not impossible to answer. We examine the...]]> Let each one of you speak truth.

Ephesians 4:25 NKJV

Rule 5: Keep it in the laundry room. “Don’t treat each other with malice” [ill will, spite] (See Eph 4: 31 NIV). When you’re angry, spreading gossip is hard to resist. But malicious talk is like wildfire; it consumes those who spread it and those who listen to it. Don’t display your dirty...]]> Let each one of you speak truth.

Ephesians 4:25 NKJV

Rule 4: Keep it solution-focused. Someone has said that fellowship is like two fellows in a ship: one can’t sink the other without sinking himself. By seeking to gain the upper hand you both lose. By seeking to save and strengthen the relationship you both win. So when you speak, be sure it’s “helpful for...]]> Let each one of you speak truth.

Ephesians 4:25 NKJV

Rule 3: Keep it current. Storing anger in your hard drive only hurts you. When you download old resentments you start to rehearse them and grow bitter. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the...]]> Let each one of you speak truth.

Ephesians 4:25 NKJV

Rule 2: Keep it non-lethal. Paul writes: “In your anger do not sin” (Eph 4:26 NIV). What do Paul’s words mean? Don’t let your anger escalate to the point of doing damage. Don’t use your words as a weapon or a control mechanism. It’s okay to express your emotions in a healthy way, but...]]> Let each one of you speak truth.

Ephesians 4:25 NKJV

Two forceful personalities in a relationship are like two rivers flowing into one; there’s going to be a strong current. Anger can be instant like a flash of lightning, or prolonged like the rumble of thunder. Sometimes we clash painfully, other times we distance and silently abandon the relationship. But anger...]]> Happy is he…whose hope is in the Lord.

Psalm 146:5 NKJV

F.B. Meyer says: “The education of our faith is incomplete [till] we learn that God’s providence works through loss…that there’s a ministry to us through the failure and fading of things. The dwindling brook where Elijah sat is a picture of our lives! ‘Some time later the brook...]]> I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.

Ephesians 1:18 NIV

When you are in a crisis it’s easy to lose perspective. It happened to Jesus’ disciples on the Emmaus Road. Discouraged about His death, they were “going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their…questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them....]]> He has given us…a living hope.

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

Mount Auburn, America’s first cemetery, was so beautiful it became the number one tourist attraction in Boston. When they created Central Park in New York they modeled it after Mount Auburn. The rallying cry was, “Why not have it all, but without the graves?” We keep trying to have it all, but without...]]> He has given us…a living hope.

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

Ernest Becker wrote a book called The Denial of Death. In it he said we live our lives ignoring, avoiding and repressing the truth that we are mortal, and sooner or later we are all going to die. He pointed out that it’s the reason for our workaholism, approval addictions and obsession with money and security....]]> God…reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:18 NKJV

Tim Miller writes: “My nine-year-old daughter Jennifer was looking forward to our family vacation. But she became ill, and a long-anticipated day at Sea World was replaced by an all-night series of CT scans, X-rays and blood work at the hospital. As morning approached the doctor told my...]]> Those who turn many to righteousness [shall shine] like the stars forever.

Daniel 12:3 NKJV

An unsavory character passed away and a eulogy was delivered by a pastor who’d never met him. Hoping to comfort the family the reverend got carried away, describing the departed as a caring son, a dedicated father and a loving husband. After the service the widow nudged their...]]> And having done all…stand.

Ephesians 6:13 NKJV

Don’t allow the conflict-free seasons of your life to lull you into a false sense of security: “Be vigilant…the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1Pe 5:8 NKJV).
    What should we do when the Devil comes along? “And...]]> If anyone wants to be first.

Mark 9:35 NIV

As Dan Mazur led his team of climbers up Mount Everest the conditions were ideal for reaching the summit. Then two hours from the top they came across Lincoln Hall, a climber who’d collapsed the day before on his way down. Alone and hallucinating, he had no equipment and was suffering from frostbite and...]]> If anyone wants to be first.Mark 9:35 NIV

As Dan Mazur led his team of climbers up Mount Everest the conditions were ideal for reaching the summit. Then two hours from the top they came across Lincoln Hall, a climber who’d collapsed the day before on his way down. Alone and hallucinating, he had no equipment and was suffering from frostbite and dehydration. (They later...]]> When I kept silent about my sin…Your hand was heavy upon me.

Psalm 32:3-4 NAS

A therapist who graduated 34 years earlier called the University of Oregon and admitted she’d cheated on a final exam. Instead of revoking her degree the University asked her to write an article on integrity. A woman who completed a walk around the world confessed she...]]> When I kept silent about my sin...Your hand was heavy upon me.Psalm 32:3-4 NAS

A therapist who graduated 34 years earlier called the University of Oregon and admitted she’d cheated on a final exam. Instead of revoking her degree the University asked her to write an article on integrity. A woman who completed a walk around the world confessed she traveled part-way in a...]]> I have stilled and quieted my soul.

Psalm 131:2 NIV

One of the greatest stress inducers we face daily is noise. We live in a noisy world. To enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere – we must create one! So find a place where you won’t be interrupted and learn to enjoy simply being quiet for a while. If you’re a high-energy, time-conscious, results-oriented...]]> I have stilled and quieted my soul.Psalm 131:2 NIV

One of the greatest stress inducers we face daily is noise. We live in a noisy world. To enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere â€" we must create one! So find a place where you won’t be interrupted and learn to enjoy simply being quiet for a while. If you’re a high-energy, time-conscious, results-oriented...]]> If there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

General Robbie Risner described the seven years he spent as a prisoner of war as “the essence of despair.” He said, “If you could have squeezed the feeling out of the word despair, it would have come out lead-colored, dingy and dirty.” What’s...]]> If there is anything praiseworthyâ€"meditate on these things.Philippians 4:8 NKJV

General Robbie Risner described the seven years he spent as a prisoner of war as the essence of despair. He said, If you could have squeezed the feeling out of the word despair, it would have come out lead-colored, dingy and dirty. What’s amazing is how he survived. He pried the...]]> Through wisdom a house is built.

Proverbs 24:3 NKJV

Building a good relationship at home is like building a wall: It’s done brick by brick. And the mortar that holds it together is unconditional, un-condemning, unselfish love. The only way you’ll know how good a job you’ve done is when it’s tested by the storms of life. One of the...]]> Through wisdom a house is built.Proverbs 24:3 NKJV

Building a good relationship at home is like building a wall: It’s done brick by brick. And the mortar that holds it together is unconditional, un-condemning, unselfish love. The only way you’ll know how good a job you’ve done is when it’s tested by the storms of life. One of the most important keys to...]]> If someone forces you to go one mile, go...two.Matthew 5:41 NIV

In Roman times soldiers could make Jewish citizens carry their gear for a mile. But Jesus says: If someone forces you to go one mile, go...two. Max Lucado writes: We’ve a second-mile servant in our church. By profession he’s an architect; by passion, a servant. Prior to each worship service he does his...]]> Let us lay aside every weight, and…run with endurance.

Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

The Bible says, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1Co 9:24 NKJV). In life you only get to run once, so run to win. To avoid stumbling or losing your place, don’t look back....]]> Let us lay aside every weight, and...run with endurance.Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

The Bible says, Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it (1Co 9:24 NKJV). In life you only get to run once, so run to win. To avoid stumbling or losing your place, don’t look back. You can’t change the past, but...]]> Good planning and insight... bring... you honor and respect.Proverbs 3:21-22 NLT

People who set goals accomplish much more than people of equal education and ability who don’t. With that in mind, build these eight principles into your life.

(1) Decide what you want. But first consult God. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s...]]> He saved others; himself he cannot save.Matthew 27:42

When the pastor introduced the visiting speaker, an elderly preacher walked to the pulpit and told this story: A father, his son, and his son’s friend were sailing off the Pacific coast when a storm overturned their boat sweeping all of them into the ocean. Grabbing a rescue line, in a split second the father had to...]]> Jesus answered... It is also written.Matthew 4:7 NIV

After the blessing comes the battle! And Jesus was no exception. Following His baptism the Spirit sent him out into the desert (Mk 1:12 NIV), and after fasting forty days He was hungry. That’s when Satan showed up and said, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread (Mt 4:3 NIV). You can count on the...]]> You are the salt of the earth.Matthew 5:13 NIV

Observe:

(1) Your calling is often connected to what troubles you deeply. For Moses it was the oppression of his people. So God used that, and called Moses to lead his people to freedom. For William Wilberforce it was slavery. He devoted his entire life to seeing it eradicated in England, which it finally was shortly...]]> You are the salt of the earth.Matthew 5:13 NIV

When God called Moses, one of the questions He asked him was, What is that in your hand? (Ex 4:2 NIV). Moses held his shepherd’s staff. It represented his livelihood; it’s what he was good at. It represented his income; his flock was his wealth and his family’s security. God asked him to be willing to lay it...]]> You are the salt of the earth.Matthew 5:13 NIV

Sometimes what a person contributes doesn’t get noticed until they’re no longer around to do it. The story’s told of the husband who came home from work to find his house in a complete mess. The baby was crying, there were dishes piled up in the sink and dirty laundry on the floor. The TV was blaring, beds...]]> A married man...has to.1 Corinthians 7:33 NLT

Paul writes: An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. But a married man can’t do that so well. He has to think about...how to please his wife. Gayle Urban tells of browsing in a bookstore and discovering a shelf with reduced-price items. Among the gifts was a little...]]> Take Mark...he is profitable...for the ministry.2 Timothy 4:11

When John Mark decided to take time off to visit his family, it didn’t sit too well with Paul. Later when Barnabas wanted to take John Mark on their next mission’s trip, Paul exploded! The contention became so sharp...they parted from one another...Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose...]]> Joseph and His mother did not know it.Luke 2:43 NKJV

Jesus parents got so busy with other things, they didn’t notice they’d lost Him: The Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know...supposing Him to have been in the company (Lk 2:43-44 NKJV). Fortunately for them they found Him again. But it doesn’t always work that...]]> If a man’s gift is...leadership, let him govern diligently.Romans 12:6-8 NIV

Good leaders have intuition. They see it when others don’t; they get it. We all fall into three intuition levels:

(1) Those who will never see it. Putting these people into a leadership role is like putting a square peg in a round hole; you can keep hammering and driving it, but...]]> He permitted no man to do them wrong.1 Chronicles 16:21 NKJV

What would you be willing to do to protect your child from harm? Multiply that by infinity and you’ll understand how much God cares for you.

Nebuchadnezzar took the sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem and placed them in a pagan temple in Shinar (See Da 1:1-2 NKJV). After his son Belshazzar...]]> Fear not, for I am with you.Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

To be successful in anything God calls you to do, you must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit within you and learn to recognize when He speaks to you through the Scriptures.

When the pressure is on and you’re tempted to move too quickly you’ll hear His voice saying: You shall not go out with haste...for the Lord...]]> Your ears will hear a voice...saying, This is the way.Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Any time you step out in faith and try something, a voice within you will whisper, You must be out of your mind. You’re not capable of this. Those little accomplishments you had before were pure luck; you just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Now you’re in over your head....]]> Each according to its kind.Genesis 1:24 NKJV

In the book of Genesis (beginnings), God shows us how He intends things to work in life: Let the earth bring forth the living creature...each according to its kind. Each one of us is a product of our DNA and our environment. Now, fast forward. How many giant killers were in Saul’s army? Not one. When Goliath challenged Israel...]]> Why are you so fearful?Mark 4:40 NKJV

In the Gospel of Mark we read: He said to them, â€�Let us cross over to the other side’...And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, â€�Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’...]]> “Above all…guard your heart.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Jesus said, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Mt 5:28 NIV). Why did Jesus say this? Because every lustful glance damages your marriage bond. The less you desire your mate, the more you’ll look for things in them to justify your fantasies....]]> Above all...guard your heart.Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Jesus said, Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Mt 5:28 NIV). Why did Jesus say this? Because every lustful glance damages your marriage bond. The less you desire your mate, the more you’ll look for things in them to justify your fantasies. And the saddest part is,...]]> “Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea.” John 21:1 NKJV

The disciples, experienced fishermen, fished all night and caught nothing. We all know what that feels like, right? Next morning Jesus appeared on the shore and said, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat” (Jn 21:6 NKJV). When they did they caught so many fish their net broke. This...]]> Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea.John 21:1 NKJV

The disciples, experienced fishermen, fished all night and caught nothing. We all know what that feels like, right? Next morning Jesus appeared on the shore and said, Cast the net on the right side of the boat (Jn 21:6 NKJV). When they did they caught so many fish their net broke. This story teaches us three...]]> “I have found David…a man after My own heart.” Acts 13:22 NKJV

The life of David could be captioned in these words: “I love God supremely, and there’s nothing He asks of me that I won’t do.” Can you say that?
    Everybody dies, but not everybody fully lives. The Bible says, “These are the last words of...]]> I have found David...a man after my own heart.Acts 13:22 NKJV

The life of David could be captioned in these words: I love God supremely, and there’s nothing He asks of me that I won’t do. Can you say that?

Everybody dies, but not everybody fully lives. The Bible says, These are the last words of David (2Sa 23:1 NLT). A man’s last words are considered...]]> “I have found David…a man after My own heart.” Acts 13:22 NKJV

The Bible says: “And David said with longing, ‘Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem’…So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well…took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he...]]> I have found David...a man after my own heart.Acts 13:22 NKJV

The Bible says: And David said with longing, â€�Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem’...So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well...took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it (2Sa 23:15-16...]]> “I have found David…a man after My own heart.” Acts 13:22 NKJV

Some of God’s promises are fulfilled quickly. But others, like the one God gave to David telling him he’d be king, have to be fought for. The Jebusites controlled Jerusalem; they taunted David saying, “You will not get in here” (2Sa 5:6 NIV). And to make matters worse, Jerusalem...]]> I have found David...a man after my own heart.Acts 13:22 NKJV

Some of God’s promises are fulfilled quickly. But others, like the one God gave to David telling him he’d be king, have to be fought for. The Jebusites controlled Jerusalem; they taunted David saying, You will not get in here (2Sa 5:6 NIV). And to make matters worse, Jerusalem was on an elevation...]]> “I have found David…a man after My own heart.” Acts 13:22 NKJV

David knew Samuel was coming to his house looking for a king, and that he wasn’t invited. That hurt. So how did he respond? By asking somebody to put his name in the hat? No! “Promotion comes from God” (See Ps 75:6-7). David knew that nobody could keep God from blessing him. Listen:...]]> I have found David...a man after my own heart.Acts 13:22 NKJV

David knew Samuel was coming to his house looking for a king, and that he wasn’t invited. That hurt. So how did he respond? By asking somebody to put his name in the hat? No! Promotion comes from God (See Ps 75:6-7). David knew that nobody could keep God from blessing him. Listen: Then Samuel...anointed him in...]]> “I have found David…a man after My own heart.” Acts 13:22 NKJV

David was anointed to be king in his teens, but he only ascended the throne at thirty.
There’s a pattern here:
     (1) God calls the man. In spite of being unappreciated by his family and overlooked by the prophet Samuel, God picked David. He also picked Deborah to...]]> I have found David...a man after my own heart.Acts 13:22 NKJV

David was anointed to be king in his teens, but he only ascended the throne at thirty. There’s a pattern here:

(1) God calls the man. In spite of being unappreciated by his family and overlooked by the prophet Samuel, God picked David. He also picked Deborah to lead the nation in a male-dominated...]]> “I have found David…a man after My own heart.” Acts 13:22 NKJV

Anytime God describes someone as “a man after my own heart,” study them carefully. Let’s look at the life of David.
    He had a humble start but a great finish. David began as a shepherd and ended up as a king. The chances of that happening were slim to none. In...]]> I have found David...a man after my own heart.Acts 13:22 NKJV

Anytime God describes someone as a man after my own heart, study them carefully. Let’s look at the life of David. He had a humble start but a great finish. David began as a shepherd and ended up as a king. The chances of that happening were slim to none. In those days shepherds were so low on the totem pole...]]> “Study to [show yourself] approved unto God, a workman.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Our bodies don’t work too well without adequate exercise; neither do our minds! Ever go back upstairs to remind yourself of why you originally went downstairs? Are names, numbers and appointments you remembered effortlessly in the past becoming increasingly elusive? Do you sometimes wonder if...]]> Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman.2 Timothy 2:15

Our bodies don’t work too well without adequate exercise; neither do our minds! Ever go back upstairs to remind yourself of why you originally went downstairs? Are names, numbers and appointments you remembered effortlessly in the past becoming increasingly elusive? Do you sometimes wonder if you’re...]]> “You have heard of the perseverance of Job.” James 5:11 NKJV

There are four faces of the man of God in the book of Ezekiel: a lion, an eagle, a man, and an ox. The last face, the ox, speaks of perseverance. The ox is a plodder. He will plow from sunup till sundown. Put him in a stall, feed him, and next day he’ll plow and plod until the task is complete. He refuses...]]> You have heard of the perseverance of Job.James 5:11 NKJV

There are four faces of the man of God in the book of Ezekiel: a lion, an eagle, a man, and an ox. The last face, the ox, speaks of perseverance. The ox is a plodder. He will plow from sunup till sundown. Put him in a stall, feed him, and next day he’ll plow and plod until the task is complete. He refuses to quit....]]> “A woman of Samaria came to draw water.”    John 4:7 NKJV

John records, “A woman of Samaria came to draw water.” After five failed marriages her trust levels are demolished and her self-worth is zero, so she approaches Jesus cautiously. Brick by    brick He takes down the wall she’s hiding behind. When He gets through, she...]]> A woman of Samaria came to draw water.John 4:7 NKJV

John records, A woman of Samaria came to draw water. After five failed marriages her trust levels are demolished and her self-worth is zero, so she approaches Jesus cautiously. Brick by brick He takes down the wall she’s hiding behind. When He gets through, she leaves transformed. What a contrast: one chapter...]]> “Take up the whole armor of God.” Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

In spite of a great spiritual awakening in Samaria, Simon the Sorcerer was still in business. The people “heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time” (Ac 8:9-11 NKJV). So, how do the apostles handle this situation? Sidestep it? Coexist peacefully with evil? No, they...]]> Take up the whole armor of God.Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

In spite of a great spiritual awakening in Samaria, Simon the Sorcerer was still in business. The people heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time (Ac 8:9-11 NKJV). So, how do the apostles handle this situation? Sidestep it? Coexist peacefully with evil? No, they confronted him with the...]]> “Let your light shine before men.” Matthew 5:16 NIV

A man is being tailgated by a woman who’s in a hurry. He comes to an intersection and when the light turns yellow he hits the brakes. The woman behind him goes ballistic. She honks her horn, yells profanities and gestures with her finger. As she’s ranting and raving someone taps on her window. To her horror...]]> Let your light shine before men.Matthew 5:16 NIV

A man is being tailgated by a woman who’s in a hurry. He comes to an intersection and when the light turns yellow he hits the brakes. The woman behind him goes ballistic. She honks her horn, yells profanities and gestures with her finger. As she’s ranting and raving someone taps on her window. To her horror she looks...]]> “When they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.”    Mark 4:34 NKJV
One-on-one time with God
A recent survey confirms what most of us suspect: stress is increasing as work encroaches more and more on our personal time. The electronic age hasn’t slowed the onslaught of mail, memos, books and periodicals we must read just to keep up. A...]]> When they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.Mark 4:34 NKJV

A recent survey confirms what most of us suspect: stress is increasing as work encroaches more and more on our personal time. The electronic age hasn’t slowed the onslaught of mail, memos, books and periodicals we must read just to keep up. A PR consultant who fields 400 emails, 100 phone calls...]]> “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?” Galatians 1:10 NIV

Too many of us have made it our life’s work to change somebody else’s opinion of us. We’re determined to prove to them that we’re valuable. Now, you can’t be like the guy who quipped, “I like talking to myself, because I like dealing with a better class of...]]> Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?Galatians 1:10 NIV

Too many of us have made it our life’s work to change somebody else’s opinion of us. We’re determined to prove to them that we’re valuable. Now, you can’t be like the guy who quipped, I like talking to myself, because I like dealing with a better class of people. But neither...]]> If someone forces you to go one mile, go…two.

Matthew 5:41 NIV

In Roman times soldiers could make Jewish citizens carry their gear for a mile. But Jesus says: “If someone forces you to go one mile, go…two.” Max Lucado writes: “We’ve a second-mile servant in our church. By profession he’s an architect; by passion,...]]> “The Lord has taken away your sin.” 2 Samuel 12:13 NIV

There’s no point asking God for other things when you haven’t made things right with those you need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from. Jesus said, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the...]]> The Lord has taken away your sin.2 Samuel 12:13 NIV

There’s no point asking God for other things when you haven’t made things right with those you need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from. Jesus said, If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and...]]> Encourage and strengthen him.Deuteronomy 3:28 NIV

During the 1920’s, the Chisholms were the epitome of American high society. Everlina, their housekeeper, had been with them for 45 years, and when her niece came over to play they took the little girl under their wing. She sang beautifully and Mrs. Chisholm, a trained musician, asked if she’d like to become a...]]> Do good to people who need help.Proverbs 3:27 NCV

During the 1920’s, the Chisholms were the epitome of American high society. Everlina, their housekeeper, had been with them for 45 years, and when her niece came over to play they took the little girl under their wing. She sang beautifully and Mrs. Chisholm, a trained musician, asked if she’d like to become a...]]> The Lord detests lying lips.Proverbs 12:22 NIV

The most famous story about lying in American history is the one about George Washington chopping down a cherry tree. When his father asked him who did it, George supposedly said, "I cannot tell a lie; I did it with my little hatchet." That was in a biography written by Parson Weems in the nineteenth century...]]> God planned good to come out of it.Genesis 50:20 GWT

Before World War II Josefina Guerrero was the toast of Manila, young, vivacious and married to a wealthy medical student. Then in 1941 she discovered she had leprosy. Immediately she began treatment, but when Japan invaded the Philippines all the leprosariums were abandoned. Despite her disease Joey joined the underground,...]]> Their cry for help...went up to God.Exodus 2:23 NIV

Just when the Israelites thought life couldn’t get worse, it did! Pharaoh withheld their straw and ordered them to produce the same daily quota of bricks. At that point three things happened: (1) "The Israelites groaned in their slavery" (v. 23). It’s what we do when we feel so bad that words...]]> On the seventh day he rested from all his work.Genesis 2:2 NIV

Are you tired all the time? Even after sleeping? Do you keep going to the doctor but he can’t find anything wrong with you? You may be experiencing the symptoms of burnout. Long periods of overexertion can cause fatigue, sleeplessness and stress. Some other signals of burnout are crying for no reason, being...]]> All your sons [and daughters] will be taught by the Lord.Isaiah 54:13 NIV

In the early 1800’s, the Swiss educator Johann Pestalozzi wrote, "The best way for a child to learn about God, is to know a real Christian. The best way for them to discover the power of prayer, is to live with parents who pray." Did you know that statistically, 85% of all children raised...]]> Give thanks in all circumstances.1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

In order to have a grateful heart you must learn to be grateful for flawed people and imperfect gifts. Be grateful when your child attempts to make the bed, even though they make it imperfectly. Be grateful when your spouse expresses affection, even if they do it awkwardly. Be grateful that your body still moves around,...]]> Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings.Proverbs 22:29 NIV

Nothing contributes more to job success than skillfulness. Skilled workers excel by study, practice and hard work. Second best is unacceptable. Such people are "always in demand... they don’t take a back seat to anyone" (Pr 22:29 TM). Skillfulness isn’t genetic; you...]]> He who looks after his master will be honored.Proverbs 27:18 NIV

Another Bible characteristic to acquire for job success is thoughtfulness. That’s so, whether you’re a general in the army or a "GI Joe," the company president or the nightshift janitor. Character is not class-conscious. You don’t demand respect, you earn it every day. If you’re...]]> The hand of the diligent makes rich.Proverbs 10:4 NRS

If you want to succeed on the job here’s a character quality you need to develop: diligence. When asked, "What’s your biggest challenge?" employers usually say, "Finding and keeping good people." It makes or breaks any business. "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent...]]> The wicked...earns deceptive wages.Proverbs 11:18 NIV

If you want to succeed in life practice honesty! One poll cited by Paul Harvey stated that 40% of American workers admitted stealing on the job, and 20% felt justified! Their rationalizing includes: "Everybody’s doing it, why shouldn’t I?" "The boss can afford it, he won’t miss it."...]]> Go to the ant...consider its ways and be wise.Proverbs 6:6 NIV

When it comes to having a work ethic, "Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise." These tiny giants of industry teach us valuable principles for living. Observe three things about them: (1) The ant "has no commander, no overseer or ruler" (Pr 6:7 NIV). Nobody has to get it out of bed in...]]> He who is slothful in his work, is a brother to...a great destroyerProverbs 18:9 NKJV

God’s interested in what you do for work; He’s also interested in how you do it. The truth is, your prospects for the future are determined by your work ethic. For the next few days let’s look at some work habits from the book of Proverbs to avoid or acquire if you want...]]> I must leave everything I gain to people who haven't worked to earn it.Ecclesiastes 2:21 NLT

In business we talk about the "take away." It’s your net profit, your bottom line reward. Here’s a truth you need to know before they tag your toe, arrange your funeral service and lay flowers on your grave: when you live for yourself and fail to fulfill...]]> Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold.Genesis 26:12 NKJV

Where money is concerned, the Bible teaches us that we are to: (1) Save for a rainy day. "There is...treasure...in the dwelling of the wise. But a foolish man squanders it" (Pr 21:20 NKJV). Learn to live within your means and teach your children to do the same. Instead of...]]> Your Father who sees in secret will...reward you openly.Matthew 6:4 NKJV

Dr. Tony Campolo writes: "I know a man who loves to use his money to help people who will never know it was him. When I told him about a student who was hoping to become a minister but was going to have to drop out of school for financial reasons, he contacted the college and arranged to have the...]]> Learn from me...and you will find rest for your souls.Matthew 11:29 NIV

You’ll notice that unlike us, Jesus didn’t suffer from the fear of failure. That’s because He never entertained the thought that He couldn’t do something His Father had already assured Him He could. And He didn’t suffer from a fear of lack either. Even though He lived a simple...]]> Train up a child in the way he should go.Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

You say, "She’s such an obedient child, but her brother breaks every rule!" Or, "Our first child’s so organized; our second’s a disaster area!" Children are created unique. Dealing with that reality is a parent’s great challenge. Look at God’s directives in Proverbs...]]> "Peter heard him say, It is the Lord’...and jumped into the water."

John 21:7 NIV

After the disciples had fished all night, catching nothing, Jesus said to them, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat" and they caught 153 fish. That’s how it works; one word from Him, and suddenly everything changes for the better. Then we read, "The disciple whom Jesus...]]> "Do not be like the hypocrites."Matthew 6:5 NIV

Jesus is the only person in the New Testament who used the word "hypocrite." And there may be a reason why. Archeologists have discovered a city named Sepphoris, built by Herod the Great when Jesus was a boy. You could see it from a hillside on which His hometown of Nazareth was located. It housed a giant...]]> "Having done all...stand."Ephesians 6:13 NKJV

The size of the prize determines the severity of the fight. The enemy knows your vulnerabilities and he’ll push you to your limits. When he does, remember: "Blessed is the man who endures...when he has been approved, he will receive the crown" (Jas 1:12 NKJV). "Approved" means victory qualifies...]]> "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."

Isaiah 40:31

God usually doesn’t tell us how He will answer our prayers, or even when. But He does promise those who wait on Him one thing strength. The word "wait" in this Scripture pictures a Hebrew word used in the making of rope. Every rope starts out as a thread, and every strand added just increases its...]]> "Blessed...are those who hear the word...and obey."Luke 11:28 NIV

Jesus said, "[Real] life is not measured by how much you own" (Lk 12:15 NLT) but by how you live. That’s why it’s always wise to: Challenge yourself. Examine how you spend your leisure time. After a long day it’s easy to "vege out" in front of the TV, but...]]> "If you know these things."John 13:17 AMP

If you want God’s best, don’t just think about how to invest your money, think about how to invest your life. Jesus said, "If you know these things...happy...are you if you...[do them]." Living this way means:

(1) Making time for friends and loved ones. "Let no one seek his own, but...]]> "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother."

Genesis 2:24

God said, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." God said that to Adam and Eve, the first two people on earth, who had neither father nor mother to leave, nor children, yet, to leave them.

Have your children left...]]> "He did what was right."2 Kings 22:2 NIV

Josiah’s grandfather, Manasseh, was a violent king who filled "Jerusalem from one end to the other with [the people’s] blood" (2Ki 21:16 NLT). His father, King Amon, died at the hands of his own officers. "He did what God said was wrong," reads his epitaph. Josiah was only eight when he ascended...]]>

Well, Well, Well……Looky Here!!!  IT’S DAY 21!!!  We’ve made it.  Let me tell you how awesome it has been to walk through this journey with you all.  I know the Lord is pleased with each and every one of us for setting out in our hearts and minds to...]]> "I will give it into your hand."Joshua 8:18 NKJV

Before going into battle God said to Joshua: "Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand." It’s amazing how courageous you become when you know God’s got you covered. When you know He’s behind you, you can say, "No weapon formed against me...]]>

Hello my Blogging friends! Here we are….day 20. Just one more day to go. Can somebody say Praise the Lord! This has really been a journey. I will have to admit that I have had some really good days and I have had some days where I just didn’t think I was going to make it. But God has truly been faithful to give me the strength to...]]> "Keep your tongue from evil."Psalm 34:13 NIV

When Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He just stood there, even though He could have called twelve legions of angels to His defense. Then the mob came, laid hands on Him and arrested Him. Peter, ready to defend Jesus, drew his sword and cut off the High Priest’s servant’s ear. Impulsive, quick-on-the-draw Peter was...]]>

Old Habits

Well the fast is over in just 3 ½ days, 12 hours, 45 minutes, and 32 seconds.  It’s been a long journey, but very rewarding in various areas of my life...]]> "Simon Peter said to them, â€�I am going fishing."John 21:3 NKJV

When Peter decided to go fishing that night, he may have been making a decision to get away from everything and go back to where he first met the Lord. That’s a good move! When you get discouraged you’ll either go back to the One who can save, keep and satisfy, or you’ll go back...]]>

Hello Blogger Nation!! The end is near.

By now you are nearing the end of your journey with this fast. Be encouraged my friend...it will NOT be in vain. Isn't it crazy that even this close to the end...you can come just inches from getting in your car, driving to a local burger joint, and getting a double-double with cheese, fries...lots of...]]> "Happy is the man who...gains understanding."Proverbs 3:13 NKJV

An important key to building a strong team is being open to new and different ideas. One of your greatest dangers as you become older (or more successful) is that your thinking can become institutionalized â€" which is just another word for "fossilized." To remain successful you must...]]>

Fasting Movement,

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
Well, for many the finish line is coming into...]]> "They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, (and)...life together."Acts 2:42 TM

The success of the New Testament church was driven by two things: (1) A sound scriptural foundation. (2) A sense of belonging. On good teams, players extend trust to one another. Initially it’s a risk because your trust can be violated and you can get hurt. At the...]]>

PERSEVERE!!!!

 

Once again, HELLO, to all you crazy Christians…you JESUS FREAKS!!!  Anyone who is willing to fast for 21 days for more of Jesus is a JESUS FREAK, and I am honored to be one with...]]> "Love cares more for others than for self."1 Corinthians 13:7 TM

Many of us would rather settle for achieving less, than put up with "people-problems." But fulfilling a great dream usually means having a great team. And great teams are made up of people with strengths â€" and weaknesses. God seldom calls us to do the job alone; He calls others to...]]>

As I was reading many of your comments from the day 10 blog, my heart was truly touched to hear the numerous testimonies of the cries of peoples heart on this fast to decrease in themselves and allowing God to increase in their lives. I truly believe that these cries that are coming up before our Father in Heaven will not go unanswered. As we...]]> "Pray for those who mistreat you."Luke 6:28 NIV

There’s no way to go through life without being hurt. But if you think what the person who hurt you did was bad â€" wait till you see what bitterness will do. It will extend your pain, infect your attitude, control your moods and cause you to lose friends. Few things are worse than a person who only...]]>  

Hello my precious BLOGGER friends!!!

 

Wow…nearly two weeks in and...]]> "The gift of God is eternal life."Romans 6:23

Does your life feel empty? Do you long for peace, the knowledge that your sins are forgiven and the assurance of a home in heaven? Today place your trust in Christ and make Him Lord of your life. "How?" you ask. Take the Roman road to salvation. (Found in the Book of Romans.)

Step 1: "We’ve...]]>

Fasting & Action

 

I’ve always tended to think of fasting as a willful decision to give something up for the purpose of drawing closer to God, but recently I sense that it’s more than that. Fasting develops in us a greater awareness to the...]]> "He opened not his mouth."Isaiah 53:7 NKJV

Sometimes it’s wise to wait, to say, "I don’t have the answer right now but I’ll think about it, pray, and get back to you." Your need to rescue someone, or impress them and make points, will come back to bite you. The Bible says, "A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart...]]>

We are moving forward!  We have passed the half way point and we are going to make it.
 
I was reading a passage from the Sermon on the Mount recently and had some interesting insights.  I wasn’t sure when I was supposed to share them therefore; when you don’t know what to do - you wait. However, then...]]> "To me...grace was given, to preach...the unfathomable riches of Christ."Ephesians 3:8 NAS

When John was eleven his father, a master seaman, groomed him for the British Navy. But John lacked discipline. Arrested for desertion, demoted and flogged, he scoffed at authority and mocked Christian crew members. One night he awoke and found his cabin filling with water; the...]]>

Committed for the Promise!

 

Hello my Family of Fasters!! DAY 11, Halfway there!!! Let me just tell you, I have been so blessed and floored to read everything that God is doing in you, to you and through you!!!  I know for me, I feel closer to the Lord.  ...]]> "All that the Lord has said will we do."Exodus 24:7 NKJV

How can you make God’s Word more personal and effective in your life? By receiving it as a practical, not a theoretical Word. The Bible is not God’s attempt to offer illuminating insights, interesting theories or good advice for our consideration. No, it’s an authoritative, indisputable...]]> Hello my blogging friends! Here we are day 10. I hope all of you are hanging in there and being steadfast. I am just amazed already of the different testimonies that people are sharing that have taken place already in the first week of the fast. What about you? What are some things that you have experienced thus far in the fast? Have you sensed his presence in a stronger and greater way? In...]]> As the first week concluded Kaitlyn's commitment to fast breakfast and lunch at school remained strong. I expressed how proud I was of her, but wanted to get a better handle on the motivation behind her abstinence from food. I sat on the edge of her bed on a Sunday evening, in the midst of all her Hannah Montana apparel, and asked a very simple question, "Baby, why are you fasting?"  Her...]]> "My words will by no means pass away."

[Mark 13:31 NKJV]

How can you get the maximum benefit out of God’s Word? Receive it as a permanent Word, not a temporary Word. Given our culture’s "disposable" mentality we don’t expect to hold onto things too long. We’re constantly replacing them with more up to date technologies. But not God’s Word!...]]> Hello BLOGGER FAMILY!!!

 

Your posts to my blog on Monday brought tears to my eyes and strengthened me...not because of anything you said about me, but because so many of you identified with my struggles. You made me stronger for the journey.

 

Only YOU understand!!! OK, it hasn't been easy but by God's grace I am still...]]> "Open your ears to the words of his mouth."

[Jeremiah 9:20 NIV]

What attitude brings the greatest benefit when hearing or reading God’s Word? Receive it as God’s Word - not man’s! It’s propagated by us, but originated by Him. "When you received the word of God...from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is...the word of God" (1...]]> Well, go ahead and praise Him!

 

Today is a major milestone in the fast. It is one-third of the total 21 days. Also, it is the next length of time in the Bible associated with fasting. After a 3 day fast, the next length of fast mentioned is a 7 day fast (1 Samuel 31:13). This means this day is the next special day of breakthrough after day three. That is a reason...]]> "Give, and it will be given to you."

Luke 6:38 NIV

When it comes to giving, the Bible clearly teaches us two things:

 

(1) We should give, expecting to receive! You say, "If I get more, I’ll give more." No, you’ve got it back to front. Jesus said, "Give and it will be given to you...the measure you use...will be measured to...]]> "He canceled the record...against us...by nailing it to (Christ’s) cross."

[Colossians 2:14 NLT]

How would you like to have a list of all your sins and shortcomings made public? Not a pleasant thought, eh? Does such a list even exist? It does, and it’s a lengthy one. It details all the bad decisions you’ve made, the hateful acts, the unforgiving...]]> Delay is not denial!!!

 

So how ya feelin'??? Still hungry for the things of God??? I know I am!!! I can say that for me, this fast has become a mission. I'm not out to prove to anyone that I was able to endure a 21 day fast - that's not my focus. My focus is to simply get closer to the Lord, and with that, everything that I need will be added unto me....]]> "In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

[Psalm 5:3 NIV]

We think everything rests on our shoulders, but it doesn’t! It’s God’s world, not ours. At the beginning of each day God reminds us that He has His way, that He controls outcomes, and that He cares about every detail of our lives.

The way we get up in the...]]> Good morning! Day five and still going strong!

 

One of the greatest rewards that I've always experienced during my times of fasting is the reward of His presence. Not that I don't experience God's presence on other occasions, outside of fasting, but there is a spiritual sensitivity that fasting brings that is just amazing!

 

How long has it been...]]> "The wisdom that is from above is...peaceable."

[James 3:17 NKJV]

Have you ever gotten into an argument before church and felt like a hypocrite during the entire service? Understand this: the Devil knows that God’s Word can only be "sown in peace" (James 3:18), so he will do everything he can to keep you from receiving it and being blessed by it. That’s why you...]]> John chapter four begins with Jesus taking a journey along with His disciples from Judea to and back once more to Galilee. Along the way, they traveled through a town in Samaria called Sychar. Jesus found rest there at Jacob's well, an ancient landmark that served as a watering hole from generation to generation.

 

The disciples went in to town to get some...]]> "Whoever sows generously will also reap generously."

[2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV]

Have you ever gone to a restaurant with somebody whose meal cost $8, and watched them struggle over the tip? They have $2 in change, and they know that leaving just $1 might be thought of as stingy. Yet do they leave $2? Not on your life! That would be too much. Instead they’ll waste ten...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

 

Well, if you're reading this (and we both know you ARE) then you are in it, no turning back!! I am so excited for you! But I think it's only right to make a few confessions here at the outset.

 

Confession number 1: I am not your typical...]]> "We will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

[Galatians 6:9 NIV]

Here are three more enemies of perseverance you’ll have to defeat each day of this year:

 

(1) Lack of resiliency. Harvard professor George Vaillant identifies resiliency as a significant characteristic of people who navigate the different seasons of life from...]]> HELLO BLOGGER NATION!!

 

My name is Pastor Adam Ranney, aka, "P.A." I am the Music Director/Youth Pastor at Free Chapel in Orange County, CA (FCOC). It is such an honor to be able to partner with all of you on this second day of the 21-day fast. As Dr. Rich stated earlier, this is my first time being a part of the fast connected to Free Chapel. So for all of us that are...]]> The act of fasting retrains us away from dependence upon the satisfaction of our desires and makes the Kingdom of God our primary focus in our daily life.

 

Fasting is an application of the cross, that in simple terms means not doing or getting what I want. If undertaken with the proper motivation, which is the desire to be open to God's will, it can create a void within...]]> "We will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

[Galatians 6:9 NIV]

Perseverance is a trait that can be cultivated, and the initial step to cultivating it is to eliminate two of its greatest enemies. These are:

 

(1) A lifestyle of giving up. A little boy was promised an ice cream cone if he was good while accompanying his grandfather...]]> "We will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

[Galatians 6:9 NIV]

Observe two more things about perseverance:

 

(a) Perseverance means stopping not because you’re tired, but because the task is done. Diplomat Robert Strauss quipped, "Success is like wrestling a 1,000-pound gorilla. You don’t quit when you are tired, you...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

 

[Galatians 6:9 NIV]

It’s said that Walt Disney’s request for a loan was rejected by 301 banks before he finally got a "yes." Yet he built the world’s most famous theme park. So, this year remember:

 

(1) Perseverance is needed to win the prize. At a sales convention the...]]> Fasting Movement,

 

Well PRAISE GOD and a special welcome for those of you who are new to the movement this year. I pray that what has recently taken hold of me, will also take hold of you. "What is it," you ask? It is a readiness, a hunger, and an excitement...]]> Happy New Year!

 

Hello Fasting community and welcome to all of you who may be joining us for the first time! We are only...]]> "We will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

[Galatians 6:9 NIV]

Perseverance means:

 

(1) Succeeding because you’re determined to, not because you’re entitled to. Achievers don’t sit back and wait for success because they think the world "owes them." No, if you’re wise you’ll ask God for direction,...]]> "The righteous keep moving forward."

[Job 17:9 NLT]

Whoever said, "Procrastination is the thief of time," was right. We keep postponing, promising ourselves we’ll do better. Be honest, how many of last year’s resolutions did you keep? This year do things differently. Make your goals S.M.A.R.T. In other words, make...]]> "Be ready in season and out of season."

[2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV]

We live our lives in seasons, and seasons have beginnings and endings. So, diversity is the key to longevity. If you don’t understand that you can lose your sense of purpose, because when one season is over you’ve nothing left to carry with you into the next. That’s why successful farmers keep...]]> "You who live in your own light...will soon fall down in great torment."

[Isaiah 50:11 NLT]

When the darkness you’re experiencing is God-ordained, don’t try to create your own light; "You who live in your own light...will soon fall down in great torment." Abraham decided to kindle his own fire when God’s promise of an heir didn’t materialize quickly...]]> "I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness."

[Isaiah 45:3 NLT]

Sometimes God doesn’t tell us why because He wants us to know who. In Psalm 23, David goes from talking about God, "The Lord is my Shepherd," to talking with Him, "Thou art with me." What happened in between? David learned that no matter how dark the way is, the Lord is there to guide us. He...]]> "Who is among you who...fears the Lord...yet...walks in darkness?"

[Isaiah 50:10 AMP]

God promises us peace, but not smooth sailing or immunity from life’s problems. The Bible says you can "fear the Lord...yet...walk in darkness and...trouble." Check your Bible:

(a) Job lived an exemplary life yet he lost everything. Troubled and...]]> "Joseph...went...to...Bethlehem...because he was of the house...of David."

[Luke 2:4 AMP]

Face it, there are times in life when we wish we’d been born into a different family. George Burns quipped, "Happiness is having a large, caring, close-knit family - in another city!" All joking aside, the family you’re in is no accident. God told Jeremiah, "Before I...]]> "The time came for the baby to be born."

[Luke 2:6 NIV]

Jon Walker writes, "We manage, waste, spend and save time. We wish it would come...we wish it would pass...we see it fly and we feel it drag. We watch clocks and carry calendars, creating the illusion that somehow we control it. God controls time.... Do you think He was surprised that 'while they were there, the time...]]> "I am...old...and my wife is (too)."

[Luke 1:18 NKJV]

When an angel told Mary she’d conceive, although it wasn’t something she’d been praying for, she said, "Let it be...according to your word" (Luke 1:38 NKJV). However, when an angel appeared to Zechariah, "he...was gripped with fear." When the angel told him, "Your prayer has been heard...Elizabeth will...]]> "Work hard and become a leader."

[Proverbs 12:24 NLT]

If you are a leader, try to avoid these pitfalls:

 

(1) Micromanaging vs. leading. Managing people requires an eye for detail, whereas leading involves vision-sharing, goal-setting and motivating and you must know the difference. When you micromanage rather than lead, morale plummets because people...]]> "And in Lystra."

Acts 14:8 NKJV

The Bible says, "In Lystra a...man...who had never walked...heard Paul speaking... Paul...observing...that he had faith to be healed, said...'Stand up straight on your feet!’ And he leaped and walked" (v. 8-10 NKJV). That’s extraordinary. Without months of therapy to get his brain’s neurological system functioning and his...]]> "With the ability...God supplies."

[1 Peter 4:11 NKJV]

Peter says, "If anyone ministers...do it...with the ability...God supplies." When God gives you an assignment, He gives you all that’s needed to fulfill it. In fact, by studying your core competencies you can actually discern your calling. Winston Churchill said, "To each there comes in his or her lifetime a...]]> "There was...honey...And he took thereof."

[Judges 14:8-9]

In their book, The Laws of Lifetime Growth, authors Dan Sullivan and Catherine Nomura explain, "Continual learning is essential for lifetime growth. You can have a great deal of experience and be no smarter for all the things you’ve done, seen, and heard. Experience alone is no guarantee of lifetime...]]> "Increase...and possess the land."

[Deuteronomy 8:1 NIV]

After 400 years of slavery God handed the Israelites the deed to a lush, plentiful land they could finally call home. Up until now everything they owned had been provided for them by their Egyptian captors. Slavery had crushed their will and destroyed their initiative. Consequently God had to break them of their...]]> "You are...fellow citizens...members of God’s household... a holy temple."

[Ephesians 2:19-21 NIV]

If your children stood outside your house pleading to get in, what would you think? Wouldn’t you say, "Come in, you’re my flesh and blood, I love you, you don’t need to beg?" Well, we can come into God’s presence at any time. We are "No longer...]]> "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels."

[2 Corinthians 4:7]

(continuing from Part 2)

 

Finally there’s:

 

(3) Disappointment in ourselves. It’s potentially the most debilitating kind of disappointment because it can throw you into a downward spiral that’s hard to stop or...]]> "Now go, lead the people."

[Exodus 32:34 NIV]

Here are two more types of disappointment you’ll deal with in life:

(1) Disappointment in those you work with and depend on. To succeed, you need people; you can’t make it without them. And when those people fail you it’s painful. Imagine Moses’ disappointment. He leaves his...]]> "Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him."

[1 Samuel 3:19]

Welcome to life; disappointment guaranteed! Webster defines disappointment as, "When expectations fail to be met, producing anger, frustration, sadness and discouragement." Here are some examples to help you when:

(1) You’re disappointed with those you look up to. Think of Samuel...]]> "If My people."

[2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV]

Not so long ago we were all celebrating a great economy. Wow, can’t times change? Skyrocketing fuel prices have us carpooling, parking our gas-guzzlers and riding the bus. We’d never heard of a "sub-prime mortgage crisis;" now the equity in some of our homes is evaporating like steam, or they’re being auctioned off...]]> "I die of thirst."

[Judges 15:18 NKJV]

The Bible says, "The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him; and...his bonds broke loose...He found a fresh jawbone...took it, and killed a thousand men...Then he...cried out to the Lord and said, ˜You have given this great deliverance...now shall I die of thirst?’" (v. 14-18 NKJV). Notice three things in this...]]> "Bring them down to the water, and I will test them."

[Judges 7:4 NKJV]

If somebody keeps refusing to support you, let them go or you’ll wish you had. This is especially hard to accept if you’re a nurturer by nature, somebody who’s invested in making relationships work, come what may. You can’t convert the fearful into the faithful. That’s...]]> "Let each of you look out...for the interests of others."

[Philippians 2:4 NKJV]

The Bible says, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." In other words, give up "center stage." Now that’s easier said than done because we tend to be preoccupied with one person - me!

You ask someone, "How’s...]]> "Be courteous...that you may inherit a blessing."

[1 Peter 3:9 NKJV]

Common courtesy is becoming less common every day and that’s not good, because the Bible says, "Be courteous...that you may inherit a blessing." Sometimes we’re not sure how to go about pleasing God. Preachers have made it complicated; a series of long-drawn-out, deeply painful acts designed...]]> "Live a life of love."

[Ephesians 5:2 NIV]

The great Scottish essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle married his secretary, Jane Welsh. She continued to work for him but when she got ill. Carlyle, who was deeply devoted to his work, didn’t seem to notice, so he allowed her to keep working. But she had cancer and eventually she was confined to bed. Although Carlyle...]]> "Love the Lord your God with all your heart."

[Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV]

There’s an interesting sequence of events leading up to Peter’s denial of Christ. First, Jesus warned Peter that he was a target, "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy...]]> "Do not worry."

[Matthew 6:31 NIV]

The Psalmist said, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread" (Psalms 37:25 NIV). Has God ever failed you? No, and He won’t now; "You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you" (Joel...]]> "Take captive every thought."

[2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV]

Nineteen-year-old Liu Shih-Kun was an esteemed concert pianist in China until the Cultural Revolution banned all things of Western influence. Refusing to renounce his beloved music, Liu was deemed an enemy of the people, beaten and imprisoned. There he languished in a tiny cell with no books, no paper, and even...]]> "Throw your net on the right side."

[John 21:6 NIV]

When you make decisions based on doubt and unbelief, they never turn out right. After hearing Jesus promise to rise from the dead, and actually seeing Him alive, the disciples went back to what they were doing before they met Him: fishing. Now God will use our past experiences to teach us, but He always leads us forward...]]> "If you have faith."

[Matthew 17:20 NIV]

 

When Christ's disciples came down from the Mount of Transfiguration, they were faced with an epileptic boy who kept falling into fire and water. His heartbroken father told Christ, "I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him" (v. 16 NIV). Immediately, "Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of...]]> "Jesus took...Peter, James and John...up a high mountain."

[Matthew 17:1 NIV]

 

Notice three things:

 

(1) Not everybody gets to go up the mountain. Jesus picked the three who went. He didn't take everybody so nobody would feel slighted and He didn't explain or apologize to the other disciples who stayed at ground level. God...]]> "Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word."

[Acts 8:4 NKJV]

 

The Bible says, "As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word" (v. 3-4). How did the New Testament church grow? Through persecution!...]]> "You will forget the shame of your youth."

[Isaiah 54:4 NKJV]

 

When Eve first opened her eyes on planet earth, she was already married. She never got to grow up. She just stepped into being a wife, then a mother. Did that happen to you? You were a parent before you had a chance to be a child, or know what it means to be innocent and grow up with your trust...]]> "After the fire came a gentle whisper."

[1 Kings 19:12 NIV]

A respected author writes, "I was driving a safe distance behind the car in front when the driver slammed on his brakes. I stopped short, but the car behind was too close and rammed into my Jeep. There was no real damage, but as I drove off something about the incident nagged at me. Weeks later I was on a...]]> "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce... kindness, goodness...gentleness."

[Galatians 5:22-23 ]

Approachable people exhibit the following characteristics:

 

(1) Personal warmth-they truly like people. In an old Peanuts cartoon Charlie Brown says, "I love mankind, it's just people I can't stand." Hello! It's not...]]> "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce... kindness, goodness...gentleness."

[Galatians 5:22-23 TLB]

Dr. John Maxwell writes, "Sooner or later, a man, if he is wise, discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take. He learns that it doesn't pay to be a too-sensitive soul, that he should let some things go over his...]]> "I will bless the Lord at all times."

[Psalm 34:1]

David said, "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." A thankful heart should be a way of life for us. But did you know that it can save your life? When Jonah disobeyed God and ended up inside the whale, he told the Lord, "I will sacrifice to You with...thanksgiving" (Jonah 2:9...]]> "God is our refuge and strength."

[Psalm 46:1]

We live in a troubled world. 9/11; natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, tsunamis, wars, the sub-prime mortgage crisis and soaring gas prices have tapped the roots of our anxiety. Every night the media invades our homes bringing it all to us in real time, exposing us to a new phenomenon called "compassion fatigue."...]]> "In every thing give thanks."

[1 Thessalonians 5:18]

It's too easy to complain about your present position, whether it be as a nightshift cashier in a supermarket or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, without appreciating how you got there. Where would we be without mothers taking in laundry so that their children could take piano lessons, or fathers working second jobs so...]]> "Let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her."

[Ruth 2:16 NKJV]

Can you imagine how Ruth felt? She was bereaved by loss, penniless, worried about the future, coming out of famine, then suddenly having more than she needed dropped into her lap. She didn't deserve it, didn't earn it, and couldn't even understand it. That's how God works. 

Let me...]]> "She found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz."

[Ruth 2:3 NIV]

Ruth's life was spiraling downward. Her husband died. She'd left her old home in Moab and wasn't accepted in her new one in Bethlehem. She was in survival mode, making the best of a bad deal by gleaning just enough to stay alive. Then God turned things around. The reapers began deliberately dropping...]]> "Where you go I will go."

[Ruth 1:16 NIV]

Ruth told Naomi, "Where you go I will go." You can spend your life anywhere with anybody doing anything, then suddenly meet someone and sense that there is a connection between you. It's what made Elisha quit farming and follow Elijah, an eccentric prophet; it's why Timothy hung out with Paul, an old man soon to be executed. You...]]> "Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband."

[Ruth 1:5 NIV]

When their husbands died, Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah experienced a unique bonding process. Unless you've been through it, it's hard to understand. It's a fellowship not born of age, race, background or status, and it brings together the oddest people. When you're hurting, don't look for understanding and...]]> "I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty."

[Ruth 1:21 NIV]

When it comes to valuable life-lessons, the book of Ruth tops the best-seller list. (Have you read it yet?) For the next few days let's look at some of them.

When famine came to Bethlehem, Naomi, her husband and two sons moved to Moab where the economy was thriving. What they hoped...]]> "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."

[John 10:10 TLB]

Living your fullest life requires three things:

 

(1) A good mentor. Paul writes, "Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine" (Philippians 3:17 NLT). Good mentors lead by example; they know that in order to be followed they must first be respected. They...]]> "I saw...the spoils...I coveted them and took them."

[Joshua 7:21 NKJV]

Have you ever looked at a glossy home-decorating magazine and found that the home you were thankful for an hour ago, now seems junky? Or have you ever watched a slick TV ad for a new automobile and suddenly the car in your driveway seems like a jalopy? God expects you to have goals and to provide for...]]> "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath."

[Psalm 37:8 NIV]

A bad temper is not something to be proud of, but prayed over. When you blow your top, you just reveal your contents. And which of us hasn't done that, and regretted it? The Bible says losing your temper "leads to harm" (NLT), because God knew we'd be dealing with:

(1) "In your anger do not sin."

[Ephesians 4:26 NIV]

In the era when commuters routinely traveled by train, a businessman en route to an important meeting asked a porter to make sure he got off the train at 5:00 a.m. Imagine how he felt when he woke at 9:00 the next morning, miles past his destination. Furiously he ripped into the porter, and he didn't mince words! "That's one...]]> "To depart and be with Christ...is far better."

[Philippians 1:23 NKJV]

Things we've never experienced before tend to frighten us. A little boy wrote a letter to God, addressed it to heaven and mailed it. Letters like that usually end up in the dead letter office, but somehow this one was opened. It read, "Dear God, what's it like to die? I don't want to do it, I just want...]]> "God chose the weak things."

[1 Corinthians 1:27 NIV]

The story's told of Elzeard Bouffier, a 55-year-old widower who lived in a French village in 1910, surrounded by poverty and despair. So he did something; he collected thousands of acorns and planted them throughout the area. When they took root, he cultivated beeches. When they become saplings, he planted...]]> "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."

[1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV]

As citizens of God's kingdom, we live by a different value system. "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." Now let's be honest; that's hard to do and easy to forget, because selfishness is a battle we fight daily.

When Jesus was hanging on the cross in...]]> "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest...shall not cease."

[Genesis 8:22]

 

To succeed in life you must seek God’s direction, prepare yourself, work hard, and invest in the right things. The Bible says God gives us the ability to make money (See Deuteronomy 8:18). So never apologize for that ability! However,...]]> "Each according to his ability."

[Matthew 25:15 NIV]

In His famous parable of the talents, Jesus said three people were given something to invest, “each according to his ability.” Note, God will give you only what you have the ability to handle. If you didn’t get the same talents as your neighbor, don’t worry, just...]]> "That I may know Him."

[Philippians 3:10 NKJV]

Paul writes, "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings." Now, we know about resurrection power. It's the power that raised Jesus from the dead. Think; what problem or need do you have that resurrection power can't handle? What's dead in your life that needs to be raised, or...]]> "We were...chosen."

[Ephesians 1:11 NIV]

Before you were born, God already had a plan for your life. "We were...chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with...His will." The Living Bible puts it this way, "All things happen just as He decided long ago." Notice, it says "all things." That includes the things you...]]> "If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."

[1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV]

We keep saying that relationships are more important to us than anything else, but our actions don't show it. We constantly shortchange our friends and loved ones for the sake of money, or "getting ahead." Relationships are like flowers; if you don't nurture and protect...]]> "Receive...the engrafted word."

[James 1:21]

When God gives you an "engrafted Word," it will make you hunger for more of the same. Be careful; don't go "cherry-picking" the Bible for feel-good Scriptures. To grow in your faith you must discipline yourself to spend time each day in God's Word. You don't discover an engrafted Word all by yourself, or decide that one...]]> "Receive...the engrafted word."

[James 1:21]

The "engrafted Word" is self-sustaining. It doesn't require the accolades of men or the support of others to validate it. As Jesus was walking on the water towards His disciples in the boat, Peter said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come" (Matthew 14:28 NIV). Jesus gave him one Word, "Come," and Peter started walking. Was he...]]> "Receive...the engrafted word."

[James 1:21]

The word "engrafted" means "to attach to, and become part of." Picture a gardener grafting a branch into a tree and that branch coming to life and bearing fruit. Now picture yourself reading God's Word and a Scripture attaching itself to you, growing in you and producing change in your life. That's how God's Word works and...]]> "In the fourth watch...He came to them."

[Matthew 14:25 NAS]

The "fourth watch" lasts from 3:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. Nighttime is when God does some of His best work! When the Israelites faced the Red Sea, we read, "All that night the Lord drove back the sea" (Exodus 14:21 NCV). During "the middle watch" of the night, Gideon defeated the Midianites (See Judges 7:19-24)....]]> "Not that we are adequate in ourselves."

[2 Corinthians 3:5 NAS]

Have you ever watched someone walking a dog on a leash, when the dog doesn't want to go where its owner is going? The owner is constantly tugging on the leash, pulling the dog from here and there, telling it to "stop that" and "come back here." That's the way a lot of us live. We are on a "law leash." Our...]]> "Every man shall give as he is able."

[Deuteronomy 16:17]

The academy award-winning movie Shindler's List, is the story of one man's efforts to make the most of a desperate opportunity. As the director of a munitions factory in Germany, Schindler decides to use his position to save lives. By employing them in his factory, Schindler is able to rescue condemned Jews from the...]]> "Every man shall give as he is able."

[Deuteronomy 16:17]

There are over 2,000 Scriptures in the Bible on money and giving. Here are two:

 

(a) "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee."

 

(b) "Let each one give as he purposes in...]]> "The strong spirit of a man will sustain him in bodily pain or trouble."

[Proverbs 18:14 AMP]

David Rabin was a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University. When he was forty-six he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease. He knew what would happen; stiffness in the legs, then weakness, paralysis of the lower limbs and then the upper extremities. Eventually, his body...]]> "Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego."

[Daniel 3:30 NIV]

The story of the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace makes us realize four things:

 

(1) Obeying God doesn't exempt you from trouble. Don't expect the world to always understand or appreciate you. Look at Christ: "In him was life, and that life was the...]]> "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

[Proverbs 10:4 NIV]

When questioned about his incredible success, Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, offered these ten insights to anyone starting out. They are worth considering:

 

(1) Life isn't fair - get used to it.

 

(2) The world...]]> "That in the coming ages he might show...his grace, expressed...to us."

[Ephesians 2:7 NIV]

What you're going through right now is important, because God is weighing it in the light of your future. God doesn't measure us in terms of our present condition or comfort level. No, He has a far greater plan in mind. "God knew [us] before He made the world, and He chose [us] to...]]> "Do all things without complaining."

[Philippians 2:14 NKJV]

He comes home flustered. "Honey, I'm late for a meeting and all my shirts are dirty!" Now, he believes he asked reasonably for a clean shirt but she, hearing herself criticized, fires back, "If you'd fixed the washing machine like you promised, you'd have a closet full of clean shirts!" "I only asked for a...]]> "Speaking the truth in love, we will...grow up."

[Ephesians 4:15 NIV]

There are two ways to tell the truth. The "give them a piece of your mind" style, which only drives the wedge deeper. Or the Bible way: "Speaking the truth in love," which resolves conflict and strengthens relationships. Suppose a couple is fighting because he's habitually late. How can she speak "the...]]> "Watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."

[Galatians 5:15 NIV]

Healthy relationships aren't conflict free; they're conflict resolving. The problem is, we fight for victories instead of fighting for solutions. The result is, one wins, one loses, and the relationship suffers! Here are some practical insights for fighting so that the relationship wins:
"How many times shall I forgive?"

[Matthew 18:21 NIV]

Lamech was a descendent of Cain, one of Adam's sons. Now when Cain killed his brother Abel, God put a mark on him, saying that if anyone killed Cain they'd pay for it seven times over. One day somebody hurt Lamech, so he gave in to resentment, killed the offender, and said, "I have killed a man for wounding me...If Cain...]]> "Those who are careful about what they say protect their lives."

[Proverbs 13:3 NCV]

After failing in business, Paul Gavin attended an auction of his own company. He was "down" but he wasn't "out!" With his last $750 he bought back the department which later became Motorola! How's that for a comeback story? The Bible says, "In...prosperity be joyful, but in... adversity...]]> "He who invokes a blessing on himself...shall do so by saying, May the God of truth...bless me."

[Isaiah 65:16 AMP]

Did you know you can bless yourself by what you say? The Bible says, "He who invokes a blessing on himself...shall do so by saying, May the God of truth...bless me...because the former troubles are forgotten." Two important truths are taught in this...]]> "Love others as much as you love yourself."

[Matthew 22:39 CEV]

Only by loving yourself in a healthy way, can you love others the way God intended. When you don't love yourself you live with insecurity, and you keep looking to others for approval. When you don't get it, your self-worth shrivels. As a result, you live far beneath your potential. You are the only person you...]]> "You have taken off your old self...and have put on the new self."

[Colossians 3:9-10 NIV]

Some of us are perfectionists when it comes to our physical appearance, yet we think nothing of running around spiritually threadbare. We're more concerned with how we look to others, than how we look to God. What's the answer? Spend more time in front of the mirror! James writes,...]]> "Bring...(the whole tenth of your income)."

[Malachi 3:10 AMP]

Whether you believe tithing to be an Old Testament law or a New Testament truth, one thing is certain; giving God the first tenth of your income demonstrates that He's first in your life. To those who practice tithing, God promises two things:

(1) His blessing. God said He will...]]> "Love the Lord your God with all your heart."

[Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV]

Modern life is custom made for role playing. We live in a neighborhood all our lives yet we hardly know the family next door. We commute to a church miles away, walking in and out, never getting known, never getting involved or serving. We work with one crowd and play with another. The opportunities for...]]> "Grace was given me."

[Ephesians 3:8 NIV]

The word "grace," is so important that Paul mentions it three times more than any other writer. Remembering the violent life he lived, he writes, "Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach...the unsearchable riches of Christ." The word grace comes from the Greek word charis, meaning...]]> "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned."

]Isaiah 43:2 NIV]

Divorce is like amputation; you survive, but it feels like there's less of you. It's even worse if you didn't want the divorce, or have felt abandoned by a church that does nothing to help. So, how can you "walk through this fire" without being burned? By doing four things:
"Do you want to be made well?"

[John 5:6 NKJV]

He can't walk; the pool isn't easily accessible, and there are no motorized lifts. Then Jesus comes along and asks this man who'd been incapacitated for 38 years, "Do you want to be made well?" What a question! Now, Jesus didn't ask it because He didn't know the answer; He did it to direct his (and our) thinking along the...]]> "No one pours new wine into old wineskins."

[Mark 2:22 NIV]

Jon Walker writes, "A few miles from my house there's a convenience store that went through a make-over. However, I think the employees may have missed the make-over memo. The kid behind the counter wore a new uniform but he also wore the same sullen look I'd seen before. It made me think about how we try to put...]]> "Another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord."

[Judges 2:10 NKJV]

Approaching the end of his life, Joshua calls the nation's leaders together and says, "You yourselves have seen everything the Lord your God has done" (Joshua 23:3 NIV). His listeners could remember being supernaturally fed for forty years, seeing the Red Sea divide and the walls of Jericho...]]> "The memory of the righteous is blessed."

[Proverbs 10:7 NKJV]

The Bible calls Barnabas "a good man...full of...faith" (Acts 11:24) although, unlike Paul, he never did the kinds of things that made him stand out. He's mentioned only three times in the book of Acts:

 

(1) Selling his land to help finance God's...]]> "Without faith it is impossible to please God."

[Hebrews 11:6 NIV]

God longs to be believed! The Bible says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he...rewards those who earnestly seek him." Faith is a powerful spiritual force. It's the thing God responds to. 

Still,  we must expect our faith...]]> "You do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives."

[James 4:3 NIV]

The fifth hindrance to answered prayer is wrong motives! At a birthday party, it came time to serve the cake. A little boy named Brian blurted out, "I want the biggest piece! His mother scolded him, "Brian, it's not right to ask for the biggest piece." The little guy looked at her in confusion and...]]> "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."

[1 John 5:14 NKJV]

The fourth hindrance to answered prayer is praying outside of God's will. The Bible says, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us and...we know...that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." One of the best ways to make...]]> "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."

[Psalm 66:18]

The third hindrance to answered prayer is sin! Lillian Pearsall says, "When I was a telephone operator, a customer talked overtime on a long-distance call from a pay phone. Even with my friendly reminders, he refused to deposit his overtime coins. Instead he slammed down the phone, irate and...]]> "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence."

[Hebrews 4:16 NIV]

The second hindrance to answered prayer is lack of confidence! When we understand that as God's redeemed children we have the right to approach Him at any time, we are able to overcome the Enemy's attempts to make us feel condemned. As a result, we become confident in approaching Him and we no...]]> "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer."

[Psalm 91:15 NKJV]

When a nightclub opened on Main Street, a church which was only a few blocks away organized a 24-hour prayer vigil. They asked God to burn the club down. Within a week lightning struck and it burned to the ground. The owner sued the church, which denied responsibility. After hearing arguments from both sides...]]> "A wise man listens to advice."

[Proverbs 12:15 NIV]

Everything we know we learned from someone else, including the stuff we claim credit for! It may be new to us, but it's not new.

The Governor of North Carolina once complimented Thomas Edison on his creative genius. "I am not a great inventor," countered Edison. "But you have over 1,000 patents to...]]> "Trust in the Lord...lean not on your own understanding."

[Proverbs 3:5 NIV]

Have you ever watched someone learning to get around on crutches? What a struggle! Sometimes you find them trying to balance on one leg, or resting a hundred feet down the street, their hands raw and sore. Leaning on crutches can be exhausting. So can leaning on your own understanding.
If...]]> "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for."

[Hebrews 11:1 NKJV]

Notice the words, "Now faith." Thank God for the faith of our fathers, and the faith experiences of our own past. To do what God's calling you to do for Him today, you need "now faith." Jesus said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move'...and it will move" (Matthew...]]> "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for."

[Hebrews 11:1 NKJV]

Before Israel went into battle, the prophets would ask God if He had given them the city. God honors faith when it's connected to what He's promised. What you should fight for is what God has promised. Don't say God failed you, if He didn't promise it to you in the first place! Don't get angry either,...]]> "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for."

[Hebrews 11:1 NKJV]

Notice two important things about faith:

 

(1) Faith is a substance. In the U.S., people trade in dollars; in Europe they trade in Euros. In God's Kingdom, faith is "the coin of the realm!" It's what's required to do business with God (See Hebrews 11:6) and it grows...]]> “We make plans…but the Lord decides.” 

[Proverbs 16:9 CEV]

“Your faith has healed you.” 

[Luke 8:48 NIV]

“If two of you…agree about anything.”       

[Matthew 18:19 NIV]

“I am crucified with Christ.”  

[Galatians 2:20]

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.”  

[1 Peter 4:10 NIV]

[Proverbs 9:12 NIV]

 

To display the kind of responsibility that makes you successful in life you must: 

 

(1) Recognize that gaining success means practicing self-discipline. Every time you stop...]]>

“He went a little farther…and prayed.”       

“The rod of Aaron…sprouted and…produced blossoms.”

[Numbers 17:8 NKJV]

 

"Perfect love casts out fear."

[1 John 4:18 NKJV]

Since God's love is the only "perfect" love, it removes our fears. What are you afraid of? Do you think you won't get something you need, or that you'll lose something you've got? "His perfect love for us eliminates all dread...If we are afraid, it...shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us"...]]> "Let us go into the house of the Lord."

[Psalm 122:1]

What's your reason for not going to church? Before you answer, read Ten Reasons Why I Never Wash:

(1) I was forced to wash as a child.

(2) People who wash are all hypocrites; they think they are cleaner than everyone else.

(3) There are so...]]> "I will...heal your wounds."

[Jeremiah 30:17 NIV]

Addressing the student body at Virginia Tech after a shooting rampage that left thirty of them dead and dozens more wounded, Philip Yancey said, "Peter said to Jesus...'Lord, to whom can we go' You have the words of eternal life.' You've heard, 'Things will get better, you'll get past this.' Those who offer such comfort...]]> "You...are a letter from Christ."

[2 Corinthians 3:3 NIV]

Once you know a letter is addressed to you, the question becomes, "What does it say?" Certain key words in 2 Corinthians stand out like "transformed," "renounced," and "made new!" "We...are being transformed into His likeness" (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV). "We have renounced secret and shameful ways" (2 Corinthians...]]> "You...are a letter from Christ."

[2 Corinthians 3:3 NIV]

The Bible says your life is a love letter from Jesus, "known and read by everybody" but a letter is only effective if it is easily read and understood. An older friend said of his deteriorating handwriting, "I can still read writin', but I can't write readin'!" Incomprehensible writing distorts the message and...]]> Hello believers around the world!

 

I pray you are...]]> "You...are a letter from Christ."

[2 Corinthians 3:3 NIV]

John 3:16 is the greatest message ever sent to man. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." God sent Jesus to demonstrate His love and He sends us to declare it! "You...are a letter from Christ...written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God," to a lost, stressed-out world...]]> “We do not know what we should pray for…but the spirit …makes intercession for us.”        

[Romans 8:26...]]> “We are the clay, and You our potter.”       

[Isaiah 64:8 NKJV]

“When my spirit was overwhelmed.”                      

“Bear one another’s burdens.”        

[Galatians 6:2 NKJV]

[Psalm 111:9 NIV]

Have you ever been to a pawn shop? You can find them in most major cities. The idea is simple; if you need money, you take a valuable item likea piece of jewelry or a musical instrument to the shop where the pawn broker appraises it and gives you cash. However, if you don't return to the pawn...]]> “Think on these things.”       

[Philippians 4:8]

“Jesus…made Himself of no reputation.”  

[Philippians 2:5-7 NKJV]

“The blood…cleanses us from all sin.”      

[1 John 1:7 NKJV]

[John 5:30 NKJV]

Ever wonder why Jesus never made a single misstep? He tells us, "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does...I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is...]]> "For though a righteous man falls...he rises again."

[Proverbs 24:16 NIV]

Carole Mayhall writes: "The other night Jack and I watched a television drama called 'See How She Runs.' In it a 40-year-old, divorced schoolteacher decided to become a jogger and eventually entered the 26-mile Boston Marathon. It's a grueling test of heart, mind and body. To finish the race became...]]> "A prudent man gives thought to his steps."

[Proverbs 14:15 NIV]

If you're still making the same mistakes at fifty that you were at twenty, you need to ask God for wisdom. "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out" (Proverbs 18:15 NIV). What you are in the present, was determined by the decisions you made in the past. If you want to...]]> "God planted a garden...there He put the man whom He had formed."

[Genesis 2:8 NKJV]

The Bible says, "God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15 NIV). Today God may be saying to you, "I've prepared you, placed you where you need to be, and planted blessings in your life that are scheduled to come up at different...]]> "God planted a garden...there He put the man whom He had formed."

[Genesis 2:8 NKJV]

Notice, God placed the man in the garden, "eastward in Eden? (Genesis 2:8 NKJV). It's not enough to be in the garden, you've got to be in the right location. You must pray, "Lord, place me in my garden." You learn a lot by raising children. You're older and wiser, saying, "Don't do that....]]> "God planted a garden...there He put the man whom He had formed."

[Genesis 2:8 NKJV]

What does it mean to plant? It is to bury seeds beyond human view so that they germinate and eventually produce fruit. In God's plan for your life, He's planted blessings for you to experience over time. Just because you walk out into a field and don't see a crop, doesn't mean the seeds...]]> “God planted a garden…there He put the man whom He had formed.”

[Genesis 2:8 NKJV]

“For I am the Lord. I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass.”    

[Ezekiel 12:25 NKJV]

“Because of this I rejoice.”

[Philippians 1:18 NIV]

 

“Be careful what you think.”

[Proverbs 4:23 NCV]

 

"This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it."

[Psalm 118:24 NKJV]

 

[Mark 1:37 NIV]

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger once quipped, "There can't be another crisis. My schedule's already full!" That can happen when other people determine your agenda. Jesus refused to live that way. During His early ministry when word spread about His miracles, "The whole town gathered...and Jesus healed many"...]]> "Blessed is the man who perseveres."

[James 1:12 NIV]

Have you ever seen one of those inflatable clowns with a round base? When you knock him down he bounces back up wearing a big, cheesy grin! Perseverance: it's a powerful tool! The Bible says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres." Paul was flogged, shipwrecked, persecuted, and imprisoned in establishments without weight...]]> "God has put your enemy in your grasp."

[1 Samuel 26:8 TM]

When David had a chance for revenge after Saul tried to kill him, all he did was cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Later while Saul slept, one of David's men said, "God has put your enemy in your grasp." Again David refused. Later he told Saul, "God put your life in my hands today, but I wasn't willing to lift a...]]> "Streams of living water will flow from within him."

[John 7:38 NIV]

One of the dangers in seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, is that we can reduce it to an "experience" rather than releasing it to accomplish great things for God. If there's an infilling, there must be an outflowing! Every time someone in the New Testament was filled with the Holy Spirit, things...]]> "A cheerful disposition is good for your health."

[Proverbs 17:22 TM]

Born before the telephone or the Eiffel Tower, Jeanne Calmont died at 122 after outliving 27 French presidents, and entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest woman. Asked the secret of her longevity she replied, "Laughter!" Medical science proves that laughter strengthens your...]]> "Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"

[Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV]

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln lost several elections before finally becoming one of America's greatest presidents? In fact, he failed so often it was amazing he kept trying. Did you know that the material used to make Kleenex tissues was invented as a gas mask filter during World War I, and...]]> "Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"

[Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV]

When God determines your future, He doesn't consult your past. Mary Magdalene was a known prostitute. But after Christ redeemed her she became one of the last people to leave the cross (See Matthew 27:55-61) and one of the first to discover and announce His resurrection (See Matthew 28:7)....]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

 

Here we are starting another school...]]> "We are pressed...but not...broken."

[2 Corinthians 4:8 TLB]

Do you feel like you're in a tunnel with no way out? Rejoice, you're positioned for a miracle! Paul said, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed...but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again...]]> "You must not give sin a vote."

[Romans 6:12 TM]

When it comes to dealing with sin in our lives, the Bible doesn't mince words: "Our old way of life was nailed to the Cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life - no longer at sin's every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death, we also get included in his...]]> "Adullam...where...all who were down on their luck came."

[1 Samuel 22:1-2 TM]

Although he was raised in a good home, Whit Criswell got hooked on gambling and ended up embezzling from the bank where he worked. When the auditors found out, he decided to end his life. He wrote a suicide note, drove to the outskirts of town, parked his car and put a gun to his head, saying,...]]> "Adullam...where...all who were down on their luck came."

[1 Samuel 22:1-2 TM]

David didn't choose wilderness living, he had nowhere else to go when Saul isolated him from his family, ended his military career and banned him from the palace. The wilderness experience starts out with feelings of disconnection and isolation, and usually gets worse before it gets better....]]> "He who abides in Me...bears much fruit."

[John 15:5 NAS]

Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me...bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." As branches we bear fruit, but the life-giving substance required to do it, flows to us from the vine. Any time we try to produce our own fruit, it's going to be wax fruit. When someone...]]> "The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

[Proverbs 30:28]

We learn from the spider that: (a) Your size doesn't determine your potential, your spirit does. (b) No matter where you start, you can end up in the king's palace. What's the message of the spider? As long as you live, keep producing! You might not produce as much as somebody else, but...]]> "The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

[Proverbs 30:28]

Some spiders have so much venom in them that they can kill anything they come in contact with, simply by releasing what's in their mouth. What's the message of the spider? Check what's coming out of your mouth! Paul writes, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans...]]> "The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

[Proverbs 30:28]

How come a spider can walk across the sticky threads of its web and not get stuck, yet those same threads will trap every predator that enters? The secret is - oil! Its tiny suction cup shaped feet exude fresh oil with every step, so it glides through stuff others can't survive, or get...]]> "The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

[Proverbs 30:28]

The spider has eight eyes, yet it can barely see. What makes it an avid hunter is that the hair follicles on its legs are full of sensitivity and it can discern everything that's going on around it. What's the message of the spider? Use your God-given sense of discernment! You can discern...]]> "The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

[Proverbs 30:28]

When it's time to lay eggs the spider produces a particular type of silk thread and spins it into a protective sac, then deposits them. When an enemy comes to steal the spider's offspring, it gets trapped on the sticky fluids that line the silk. Then the spider wraps the enemy in another...]]> "The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

[Proverbs 30:28]

Everything a spider needs to survive and succeed in life, God put within it. Swipe it with a broom and before it hits the ground, its fall is broken. It just reaches inside, releases another protein-filled silk-like thread, slides down, finds a safe place, then comes back stronger than ever...]]> "The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands."

[Proverbs 30:27]

In Bible days people feared a cloud of locusts more than all the armies of their enemies combined. They could literally black out the light of the sun, devour everything in sight, and bring down a kingdom. They were unstoppable! What's the message of the locust?

 

(1)...]]> "The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks."

[Proverbs 30:26]

A coney looks like a rabbit but he can't run like one. He resembles a mole but he can't dig deep like one. So he moves to higher ground and positions himself in rocks, in a place of strength. What's the message of the coney? Reposition yourself! How? (1) By realizing who you are...]]> "The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in summer."

[Proverbs 30:25]

The message of the ant is "prepare yourself!" He prepares for winter while he is still in summer. That's because:

(1) His eyes are on the future. You can't undo the past, but if you let it, it can undo you. The summer of your opportunities is passing quickly....]]> "Shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation."

[1 Peter 1:5 NIV]

In World War II, if you'd asked the brave souls in the French Resistance how they ever hoped to prevail against the forces of evil when they were ill-equipped and outnumbered, they'd have told you: "While we're struggling on this side of the Channel, an invasion force is assembling on the other...]]> "In the night his song shall be with me."

[Psalm 42:8]

Nothing fuels prayer like real need. In a crisis, even those who say they don't believe in God, pray secretly. It's an admission that there are certain things we can't resolve. David said, "In the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." Some prayers are midnight cries for help, intended...]]> "Don't let the world...squeeze you into its own mold."

[Romans 12:2 PHP]

Do you feel like you no longer control your own life? Like life's running you instead of you running it? That's because you're in the passenger's seat, conforming to people, events and circumstances. They're in the driver's seat, not you. No wonder your frustration level is high and your contentment...]]> "Don't get worked up about...tomorrow."

[Matthew 6:34 TM]

Max Lucado says, "Worry is to joy, what a vacuum cleaner is to dirt; you might as well attach your heart to a happiness-sucker and flip the switch." Jesus said, "Don't get worked up about...tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." When it looks like things are falling...]]> "You did it to Me."

[Matthew 25:40 NAS]

A minister on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia noticed a homeless man coming towards him. He was filthy and his beard was caked with rotten food. He was holding a cup of coffee and the lip of the cup was dirty. Staggering up to him the hobo exclaimed, "Hey, mister. You want some of my coffee?" The pastor really didn\'t, but he thought...]]> "Consider him who endured such opposition...so that you will not...lose heart."

[Hebrews 12:3 NIV]

Are you feeling misunderstood? You're not alone! The most misunderstood individual who ever lived was Jesus. Critics joked about His birth, disputed His divine origin, scorned His purposes, reviled His teachings, were suspicious of His motives, critical of His methods, and...]]> "My...peace I...bequeath to you."

[John 14:27 AMP]

Paul said, "Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15 NLT). Peace is your birthright. Jesus said, "My...peace I...bequeath to you." The word bequeath is used in the execution of a will. When somebody dies they bequeath their most valuable possessions to the people they love; they don\'t...]]> "Marriage isn't for everyone."Matthew 19:11 TM

A third-grade teacher received this hilarious essay on Ben Franklin: "Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, but he didn't like it there so he traveled to Philadelphia. When he got off the boat he walked up the street and bought a loaf of bread. Then he met a lady, and discovered electricity!" We smile, but as one marriage...]]> "I have chosen you."Haggai 2:23 NIV

Over the years leadership coach Angie Ward has enlisted dozens of ministry volunteers. She says that most of the time she hears the same excuses: "I'm not a leader...I don't know anything about teens...I'm not an extrovert" (or as Moses told God, "Send Aaron"). Instead of trying to convince them otherwise, Ward tells them they have only two...]]> "If a man is overtaken in any trespass...restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness."Galatians 6:1 NKJV

The word trespass comes from the word "misstep," which means to take a step in the wrong direction or to make an error in judgment or conduct. When you lose your footing or you slip on an icy sidewalk, you didn't intend to fall, but now it's happened and you need help to...]]> "If a man is overtaken in any trespass...restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness."Galatians 6:1 NKJV

When somebody messes up, God says; "Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness." But what if they've disgraced themselves and provided fodder for the skeptics who already think all Christians are hypocrites? Why bother with somebody like that? First: Because the Bible...]]> Bloggers!!!

Happy Friday once again!!! You did it! You sailed through another week!! I’m just happy to share this time with you once again. It truly is an honor to get to come into your home, or your job, or wherever it is you read this blog every week. This week, on Kingdom...]]> "Blessed is the man who..."Psalm 112:1 NIV

Psalm 112 is a description of what it means to live in God's blessings. The first verse is the door through which you must walk in order to receive them. "Blessed is the man who fears [trusts in, honors and obeys] the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands [takes pleasure in what God says, then does it]." Now, when you see what...]]> "The just shall live by faith."Hebrews 10:38

Walking by faith is not easy. When you make up your mind to trust God the odds are usually stacked against you. Remember Noah? When he built the ark there had never been rain! And the outcome isn't always what you expect. Walking by faith doesn't mean your problems suddenly evaporate. Sometimes faith doesn't change your...]]> "Act with courage."2 Chronicles 19:11 NIV

Paul writes, "Every detail works to your advantage...So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace" (2Co 4:15-17 TM). Note the words, "we're not giving up." Any time we want...]]> "Act with courage."2 Chronicles 19:11 NIV

When it comes to acting with courage you'll notice: (1) Courage usually involves getting it wrong before you get it right. It's easy to be brave where you're strong; it's much more difficult where you're weak. That's when you need courage most. General Omar Bradley remarked, "Bravery is the capacity to perform properly, even when...]]> "Act with courage."2 Chronicles 19:11 NIV

The English word for courage comes from the French word coeur, which means "heart." That's why we say, "Don't lose heart." The truth is: (1) It takes courage to face the truth about yourself. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jn 8:32 NKJV). But before the truth sets us free it usually puts us...]]> "You will find rest for your souls."Matthew 11:29 NIV

One of the greatest promises Jesus ever gave us was, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Mt 11:28-29 NIV). How could Jesus talk about being yoked in a harness, which...]]> "Fervent in spirit."Romans 12:11

When a motivational products company interviewed Tim Dumler by phone for a sales job, he told them his goal was to become their number one employee. After meeting him in person they were shocked to discover he was legally blind. But he promised he'd buy a machine that magnifies letters. So despite serious misgivings, they hired him. And it's a...]]> Happy Friday, Bloggers!!!

Well, we just came out of our Forward Student Conference last weekend. I wonder if any of you knew someone that attended the conference. It was incredible. My girls were there and they loved the entire event! If you know someone that went to Forward,...]]> "The gospel...is the power of God unto salvation."Romans 1:16

A pastor tells about standing at King's Cross in Sydney, Australia, when a shabby-looking man tugged his sleeve and asked him, "If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?" The question haunted him until he finally surrendered his life to Christ. Later a lady from his church testified to a similar...]]> "The prayer of faith shall save the sick."James 5:15

When a pastor visited a lady in a nursing home, she asked him to pray for her healing. So he did. Then she said, "Would you help me out of this wheelchair?" Startled, he complied. She took a few steps then started running and jumping till the whole building heard her. Later in his car the pastor looked up and said, "Lord,...]]> "Your young men will see visions."Joel 2:28 CEV

There's a scene in Man of La Mancha where Don Quixote and his servant are standing gazing at a dilapidated inn. When Quixote describes his vision of turrets and magnificent gates, comparing the building to the Alcazar, the royal palace in Seville, the servant tries hard to see his master's vision. However, all he can see are...]]> "Forgive...because the Lord forgave you"

Colossians 3:13 NCV

In a comedy routine Joe complains to Jerry about the irritating habit of a mutual friend who pokes his finger into people's chests when he talks to them. Then Joe shows Jerry a little vial of highly-explosive nitroglycerin attached to a string and explains, "This is going around my neck, hanging over the spot...]]> "If any of you lacks wisdom...ask God."James 1:5 NIV

Large tasks tend to overwhelm us. And overwhelmed people seldom get things done. So ask God to help you, then apply these principles: (1) Focus on the task. The secret of success is making every action count â€" being intentional. That kind of focus helps you live without regrets because it directs you and makes the most of...]]> "Let every living, breathing creature praise God!"Psalm 150:6 TM

In pre-Emancipation days it was common practice for white people to occupy the main floor of a church while African-Americans were assigned to the balcony. Every Sunday a black man called Frank would interrupt the sermon by praising God out loud from the balcony. Irritated, Frank's boss promised him a pair of new...]]> "Beauty, the...kind...God delights in."1 Peter 3:4 TM

A lady was applying face cream when her little girl asked, "What's that you're putting on, Mom?" "Moisturizer," she replied. "The saleslady said it would make me beautiful." With an honesty only children have, she replied, "Mom, I don't think it's working." There's nothing wrong with looking good, but there's much more to...]]> "Put God first, and he will...crown your efforts with success."Proverbs 3:6 TLB

When you experience rejection early in life, you feel like you constantly have to "prove" yourself, so you become a workaholic in order to gain people's acceptance. One woman writes, "I can still hear my father yelling, telling me I'd never be any good, never amount to anything. The more he yelled,...]]> Hey Bloggers!!!!

The incredible Forward Student Conference begins tonight at the Gwinnett Arena in Duluth, GA!!! Tonight, Delirious? will be leading everyone into the presence of God and Pastor Jentezen Franklin will bring the Word. Please keep this conference lifted up in prayer....]]> "Let us continually...praise...God...giving thanks."Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

At a Women of Faith conference they were short of space for 150 people, so the staff brought in narrower chairs. Everyone had a seat, but conditions in the auditorium were cramped and nobody was happy. The director asked the guest speaker, Joni Eareckson Tada, to help calm the crowd. A childhood diving...]]> "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."Proverbs 3:6

One of the most important questions you must ask yourself is, "What am I supposed to prepare for?" You don't want to be like the Miss America contestant who recently told a late-night TV talk show host, "My goal is to bring world peace â€" and get my own apartment." Ask God what you're supposed to...]]> "Hold on to instruction...guard it well, for it is your life."Proverbs 4:13 NIV

It's not enough to get prepared, you must stay prepared. We're being told that knowledge is doubling every five years. So if you don't keep growing, you'll end up with coping skills that no longer match the challenge you face in the world you live in. It's estimated that many doctors are so busy...]]> "Work hard so you can...receive his approval."2 Timothy 2:15 NLT

Moses spent 80 years preparing for a job that would last 40. That's a two-to-one ratio of preparation to execution. The greater the goal, the greater the preparation! Much of your life can be spent getting ready for what seems like a brief season and assignment. But to be able to say at the end, "I have finished...]]> "Hold them in highest regard."1 Thessalonians 5:13 NIV

Phil Hines tells a humorous imaginary story about Jesus walking along the road one day and seeing a man crying. When He asked what was wrong, the man replied, "I'm blind," so Jesus healed him. Further along He met another man in tears and asked him the same question. He replied, "I'm lame," so Jesus healed him. Then He...]]> "Forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against."Mark 11:25 NLT

A lady was upset because her mother-in-law forgot to ask her to a family picnic. So when her son called on the morning of the event to invite her, she replied angrily, "It's too late â€" I've already prayed for rain!" When we're hurting we want someone to pay, so we lash out at the wrong people. One lady writes,...]]> "There were no blacksmiths in the land."

1 Samuel 13:19 NLT

The Bible says, "There were no blacksmiths in the land of Israel in those days. The Philistines wouldn\'t allow them for fear they would make swords and spears for the Hebrews...none of the people of Israel had a sword or spear, except for Saul and Jonathan" (1Sa 13:19-22 NLT).

To keep the Israelites...]]> Hello community of believers!

I hope that God’s peace, grace, and favor finds you wherever you may be. Before I started to gather my thoughts on what to share today, I listened to this week’s message called “How to Maintain the...]]> "Elijah was...just like us."James 5:17 NIV

What was God's prescription for getting Elijah back on his feet? A lecture on the prophet's faltering faith? No, just rest and nourishment! God recognizes our limitations, even when we don't. "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out" (Is 42:3 NIV). When we neglect our own legitimate needs, it...]]> "Elijah was...just like us."James 5:17 NIV

There are times in life when we all feel down. But God's Word shows us the way to get back up. Look at Elijah, who "was just like us." How come he got so far down?

(a) It happened on the heels of a great victory. He didn't start out in the doldrums, and he didn't fall into sin. No, he'd just called down fire from heaven and...]]> "But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord."2 Samuel 11:27 NKJV

When David committed adultery with Bathsheba and she became pregnant, he tried to cover his tracks by having her husband Uriah killed, then marrying her before the baby was born. It looked like David was home free, except for one important detail. "The thing that David had done displeased the Lord."...]]> "You will be missed, because your seat will be empty."1 Samuel 20:18 NIV

When you lose a loved one, you realize that relationships are much more important than possessions. But we forget that in our scramble to the top of the heap. Being told you've only a short time to live puts you into shock, then re-orders your priorities. It makes you want to fill each precious moment...]]> "Desires for...things...choke the word."Mark 4:19 NIV

In the parable of the sower Jesus said, "Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful" (Mk 4:18-19 NIV). Notice, the problem is not the sower or the seed, it's the soil....]]> "Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you."Colossians 3:13 TM

Jimmy drank too much at the party and embarrassed his wife Lisa. Next morning he felt bad and asked her to forgive him. She said she would, yet she kept bringing it up. One day in discouragement he said, "I thought you were going to forgive and forget." She said, "I have, I just don't want you to...]]> "Peter replied, �tell me to come to you on the water."Matthew 14:28 NIV

Peter didn't walk on the water all by himself, he did it with Jesus. Today Christ invites you to walk with Him and experience His miracles. Why don't we see more of them in our lives? Because:

(1) We don't pray and believe God for them. Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you,...]]>  Hello everyone!

 

I hope all of you are having a blessed and wonderful day. First, I would like to say thank you to all of you who are joining in on this blog. It is truly an honor to share some thoughts with you from our Kingdom...]]> "Then Peter got...out of the boat, walked on the water... toward Jesus."Matthew 14:29 NIV

Peter proved that as long as you keep your eyes on Jesus and stick to the plan, you won't go under. Notice:

(1) Before you get into something, make sure it's God's will for you! Peter said, "Lord, if it's you, bid me to come to you on the water" and Jesus said, "Come." Before...]]> "My God, why have you forsaken me?"Matthew 27:46 NIV

Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him, yet He didn't stop him. He could have summoned twelve legions of angels to help Him, yet He didn't call on them. Under the weight of our sins He cried from the cross, "My God, why have you forsaken me?" That's because He understood it was all part of God's plan for Him. His words,...]]> "I know the plans I have for you."Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Today God is saying to you, "While in process, stick to the plan!" Nothing takes God by surprise. He's a master planner. Joseph discovered that when your family turns against you, your friends let you down and you finish up in trouble, God still has a plan. Looking back Joseph could say, "You intended to harm me, but God...]]> "I am going...to prepare a place for you."John 14:2 NIV

All that stuff you see in the movies, like fog banks and disembodied spirits floating around in some nether world to the eerie sounds of Celtic music â€" forget it! Heaven will be:

(1) A home built just for you. Are you worried about where you go when you die, or where your loved ones have gone? Don't be! Jesus...]]> "Therefore...in view of God's mercy."Romans 12:1 NIV

There are two sides to God's sovereignty: on one side is God's initiative, on the other side is our response. Paul writes in Romans 12:1, "Therefore...in view of God's mercy" we are responsible to: (a) Resist the pressures of a world system that pulls us in the wrong direction. (b) Renew our minds each day through prayer and...]]> "From him...are all things."Romans 11:36 NIV

Acknowledging God's sovereign control in all things doesn't make us helpless pawns, or free us from responsibility. No: (1) It takes away our anxiety. When you rest in the loving character of God you can say, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (Ps 23:6). That's a "surely" you can't get from your...]]> Greetings to everyone!!!

I hope this blog finds each of you doing great! Bless God, we all made it through to get to enjoy another glorious weekend. Free Chapel OC is still growing like crazy! You’ve just GOT to come see it! This week, we aired the message “What Genes Are...]]> "Come, see a man."

John 4:29 NIV

When the woman at the well met Jesus, unlike all the other men she'd met, He addressed her real need. "[He said,] ˜Go...get your husband'... ˜I don't have a husband,' the woman replied. Jesus said... ˜you have had five husbands, and you aren't...married to the man you're living with'" (Jn 4:16-18 NLT). Because we're weak,...]]> "And their net brake."Luke 5:6

It's wise to have "safety nets" such as savings, insurance and investments. Rainy days come unexpectedly. But â€" what are you doing to prepare for success? God says He can "Open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings so great, you won't have enough room to take them in" (See Mal 3:10). If God pours out His blessings on you, will you be...]]> "Thy faith hath made thee whole."Luke 17:19

Luke writes, "There met him ten...lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said...Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And...as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them...turned back, and...glorified God...Jesus...said, Were there not ten...]]> "Underneath are the everlasting arms."Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV

During World War II, when Jill Briscoe was six, her family was evacuated to the English Lake District. Recalling a particularly scary night, she writes, "A storm had broken over our heads. Rain, like giant tears, slashed against the window and thunder grumbled. I didn't like storms, and I was old enough to understand...]]> "The joy of the Lord is your strength."Nehemiah 8:10

Lenny was desperate to lose weight, so his doctor told him, "Eat normally for two days, then skip a day. Repeat this pattern for six weeks and you'll lose 10 pounds. Amazingly, after two weeks he dropped 20! "How'd you do it?" the doctor asked. "Honestly, Doc, I thought I'd die!" he replied. "Were you that hungry?" the...]]> “And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs. They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, that they do not incur...]]> Hey everybody!!!

We are getting very close to our 4^th annual Forward Student Conference at the Gwinnett Arena in Duluth, GA. If you haven’t gotten tickets already, you need to go to www.forwardconference.com and sign-up right away. Young people, youth...]]> Good evening once again, from the state of California!!!

I hope each of you has had a great week! The weekend is here!! This week, on Kingdom Connection, we aired another one of Pastor Franklin’s outstanding messages called “Recognizing the Right People.” We...]]> Good afternoon Bloggers!!

 

 

This week, on Kingdom...]]> Today, I just want to share with you a few things the Lord has laid on my heart recently...

My experience is going to the Secret Place and talking to the Father and telling Him about anything I need help with or anytime I'm in need of direction. Whether it’s with a husband or with children, or...]]> This month on television Jentezen is talking to you about our children and asking you to link your faith with his and fast and pray for the kids in your life.

I have been in ministry for over 50 years and there are always situations that arise either personal, or in your home, or in your church…situations that require faith. To me fasting and praying and reading the Word...]]>  

Hello people of God.

The great thing about this season is that it provides newness of life. The barren trees begin to blossom. The dead grass begins to flourish. The colors in nature that seemed to vanish reappear with...]]> Hello Blogger Friends,

I hope this blog post finds you blessed and highly favored of the Lord!! Sometimes, when a fast is over, there is almost a let down it seems. I mean, you think about eating and what you are going to eat when the fast is over, and then you get there, you eat anything you want, but come to find that it just doesn't satisfy, not like you thought it would. Then, you...]]> Dear Blogger Friends!!

Its sunny and 70 degrees, here in the OC!!! Are you sure the Lord isnt calling you to load up the truck and move to Beverly; OC that is, black gold, ocean tea? this week, we are in the process of decompressing from our Sunday service where we saw over 1350 attend and over 100 give their lives to Christ. Now, we turn our focus to Super Bowl Sunday! Super Bowl...]]> Hello Blogger friends!!!

Well, the fast is over and already life has rushed in all full of activity, ministry, family, a dog, and my faithful friends in the Blogger Nation!! I pray that you are experiencing the fullness of all the Lord has for you today. Here in the OC, the end of the fast has been bitter sweet. The sweet part was the combo meal I had today at Carls Jr., but the bitter...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

The testimonies are still rolling in about all the Lord has done during this fast. I am really excited to see some of your testimonies over the next several days. I so believe that 2008 is going to be the best year ever. If you are ever in the southern California area you simply MUST stop by and see us.

I also have to tell you that the HISTORY MAKERS...]]> Amazing, simply AMAZING!!! Thats what we witnessed last night, here at Free Chapel Orange County (California). As the first ever Free Chapel OC fast ended, the Holy Spirit descended and filled our upper room with His presence and we flat out had church. All of our attendance records were shattered. With over 1,350 people present, our parking lots overflowed, and our seating capacity reached...]]> Fasting Community,

Did I hear someone say praise the Lord? That is right! You made it! God is so good and faithful! I want to thank each of you for being a part of this community during this 21 day journey of fasting. I have thoroughly enjoyed our time together, here on the blog. I want to inform you that though this season of fasting has been completed, the community still continues...]]> Hello Fasting Friends!

Well my fasting friends, we are one day away from completing our 21 day journey. This has been an awesome experience. I have really been truly blessed by all of the feedback and input that each of you has given. I am confident that the many comments that were made had some sort of impact on all of us that have shared this time of blogging. I want to encourage...]]> To those who are hungry for Him,

The finish line is in sight. Does it seem like Day 19? I want to encourage you to diligently pray and spend time with the Lord these last few days. These final days are the last chances during this season of fasting to add the humility of fasting to your prayers and to your time with the Lord. In a couple of days you will still be praying and spending...]]> Hello my Fasting Team!

Well this is Day 18 and we are on the last stretch of our 21 day journey. For me, this last week is a little difficult, in a way. The reason I say that is because I know that in a short time I will be able to eat again. So I find myself constantly thinking about where I am going to eat and what I am going to eat once I get there. The next thing you know, my...]]> Fasting Movement,

First of all, I just want to thank you each for your patience over these last few days. Due to such an overwhelming response to this blog, we overloaded our website and made it freeze-up, in a way. Our web team worked feverishly to get things back up and running, so we could keep this community going and be here for each of you. Praise the Lord!! We are back!! Thank...]]> Fasting Movement,
Day by day we are getting closer to the end of our fasting journey. Be encouraged that you serve the God "Who Sees." This past Sunday was wonderful as the believers here at Free Chapel assembled together to worship the Lord corporately. Worshiping and fellowshipping with believers in your local congregation is so important during this time of fasting. As we gather to...]]> Good morning to everyone!!

Praise God! We have reached day 15 of this 21 day journey. Be encouraged! You are on your final week. You have completed two out of the three weeks. Don't let up this final week, but rather set aside as much time as possible to spend with the Lord.

In this community there are so many different needs represented. Regardless of what you are believing God...]]> Hello Fasting Movement!

Here we are at Day 14! Two weeks down and one more week to go. It is awesome to read how God is moving in many of your lives. I just want to take this time and congratulate those that have stayed on the journey. I know that there were many of you, that when you first started out didn't think you were going to make it this far, but to your surprise you have! I...]]> Hello my fasting friends!

Well here we are at Day 13. It has been such a blessing to read the testimonies and the responses to the blog. Many of you have already experienced breakthroughs, had answers to prayers, and have encountered a closer walk and more intimate fellowship with the Lord.

As I was reading some of the comments on the blogs, I noticed that several of you have...]]> People of consecration,

The Lord is so good. I am so proud of all of you who are participating in this fast. The Lord loves His people. The Lord loves you. Let me share briefly about a way God manifests His love in our lives that we often overlook. In the book of Hebrews we read, "My son, do not despise the chastening (disciplining) of the Lord, nor be discourage when you are rebuked by...]]> Fasting Community,

 

We have passed through the halfway point! How great is that! You certainly can do again what you just did. You made it through the first half and I believe you can make it through the last half. Now is the time to increase your time spent seeking God through prayer, reading the Word, and worship. Don't draw...]]> Good morning, Fasters!!

 

Well we are here at Day 10 and almost half way through our journey. It is so awesome to read and see what God is doing in lives of his people. I want to congratulate you on staying with it these ten days. I bet many of you are surprised, and even shocked that you have made it this far. You were probably...]]> People of Revival,

What can I say? You have arrived at Day 9 and are approaching the halfway point of this journey! Thank you all for continuing to uplift each other in prayer, giving encouragement, and dialoguing on the blog. We have heard so many testimonies of how the reply comments have helped people each day. Praise God for all of you who...]]> Hello my fasting friends!

 

It was exciting to read the testimonies that have come forth already during this first week of the fast. It has truly blessed me to hear how many of you are drawing closer to God, becoming more spiritually sensitive, and seeing changes in your relationship with Him. Today, you should be settling in a...]]> Blessings Movement People!

 

To God be all the glory and honor! It is another day of breakthrough on our journey of fasting. Day 7, here we are. For some you, you're already a third of the way through! The good news is that for many of you, this 7th day should be free from hunger pains as you have now...]]> Hello My Fasting Friends,

 

Here we are at Day 6. I am curious to know how you are doing on this sixth day. Have you had any breakthroughs so far? What has God revealed to you since you started the fast? How has this private discipline of fasting brought you closer to God? I am...]]> People of Faith,

Well praise God for what He has already done in the lives of His people! I must say how blessed I was to see people posting responses to other participants, in the Fasting Movement's, blogs. I thank God for those who are dialoging with others who need a breakthrough in a similar situation. Continue to...]]> Hello Fasting Community!

 

First, I would like to begin today by apologizing for any technical difficulties you may have experienced with the site/blog over the last few days. We unfortunately encountered some challenges due to the high traffic volume on the site recently but praise God, our web team has gotten everything taken...]]> Good morning!!

 

It is exciting to see the great responses we are having to the "Fasting Blog." I thank all of you who have responded and are dialoging with other members of the Fasting Movement. Know and proclaim that today is a day of breakthrough! The Bible speaks of a one day fast and also a three day...]]> Hello again!

 

Well we have one day down and twenty more to go. How was your first day? How was your first Sunday service in 2008? Here, at Free Chapel, we experienced two powerful services where many gave their hearts to the Lord and were touched mightily by the power of His presence. During this time of...]]> Community of Fasters,

 

The beginning of our journey is here! I praise God for each of you and your desire during this season to draw near to God. God has, in Christ, "blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:3) However, each day we have the choice through our own self will whether we will...]]> Hello fasters!

We are only two days away from beginning our annual fast, here at Free Chapel. Our 21 day journey will begin Sunday, January 6, 2008. This is a time that not only our congregation at Free Chapel fasts, but hundreds of thousands of others from around the world join in with us also. This time of fasting has always marked the...]]> Movers within the Movement,

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 we read, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." This season in our life we are setting ourselves apart to seek the face and heart of God through fasting and prayer. As you draw near to God, He promises to draw near to you (James 4:8). That is a clear picture of what this movement is...]]> Discover the keys to experiencing transformation as you learn:

•The types of fasts described in the Bible and how to choose which is right for you
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my fellow BLOGGERS!!!

What an incredible time of year this is! While I can't say that it will be a white Christmas, or even a cool Christmas, it will certainly be a sunny, beautiful, warm, light breeze flowing off the ocean kind of Christmas. Palm trees everywhere are adorned with Christmas lights and the annual Boat Parade in the harbor will...]]> Hello Blogger Friends!!!!

Wow!!! Can you believe that we have been here in the OC for 19 weeks now and counting? It's amazing, at all the Lord has done in such a short amount of time! Did you know that over 200 people have given their life to the Lord since we began and that hundreds more have committed their lives to making Free Chapel OC the fastest growing church in Southern...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

Thanks to Eric for his comments and blog last week. It's truly amazing, all that the Lord is doing out here!!! Each week we see dozens of people come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. This week, we saw over 30 people give their heart to Christ. First, there were 15 who accepted Christ on Sunday night, followed by at least 15 more the next night at our first...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!

We had another big weekend here in the OC. First, the winds changed, the fires were brought under control, and then life began to settle back down to normal. This past week was jam-packed with all the activity that surrounds the end of October including fall festivals and Halloween activities for our youth. Fall is a great time of year in Southern California. More...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

Autumn is in the air, even in sunny Southern California!! What a night we had last night! We are pushing to break the 700 barrier before the end of October and we are almost there. Yesterday was another first for the OC pastors and the traveling group from Georgia as we are in the throws of what are called the Santa Ana's. The Santa Ana's happen about three weeks...]]> Hello Bloggers!!!

It's time for Chapter Two of the OC Story!!! Isn't Eric awesome? I know he dresses funny, but when it comes to loving on people, no one compares to Eric. Did you know that he knows the name of just about everyone that attends church at Free Chapel in California? That's amazing, funny clothes or not! Orange County is unlike any other place on earth....]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!! It is so great to be back!!! What an awesome month it was with Ricardo talking about worship! Free Chapel Orange County is here. It is a reality, and I know that because I am living it every day. What an amazing seven weeks this has been! We have seen over 1,000 different people come through these doors in the past seven weeks; each of them with a story about the...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

The long awaited CD is here and itr is awesome!!! Moving Forward, Ricardo Sanchez and the Free Chapel Choir!!! What an awsesome night that was when we did the live taping. Do you have it yet? Have you at least heard it? Were you at the FORWARD conference to hear the new songs? I want to hear what you think!!! Ricardo will be here in person BLOGGING the whole...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

What a powerful message this was. Get it today by clicking on the link below!!! We're in the Transfer Zone!!! Our time is at hand. Can you feel it? Read through each key point below and then give me your thoughts and share your experiences. I look forward to reading your posts!!!

Dr. Rich

FLOW 7/1/07

Title: We're in the Transfer Zone Hello Blogger Friends- The Right People, the Right Place, and the Right Plan!!! These are the keys to the next great thing the Lord wants to do in your and through you. Are you ready for this? This is YOUR season!!! Believe it!!! Jump in, look at the key points and statements below, and then post some comments!!!

Dr. Rich

BLOG FLOW 7/23/07

Title: Recognizing the Right...]]> Hello Fellow Bloggers!!!

What an awesome message this was and I believe that as you read each key point, consider the questions you will find something the Lord has to say to you about YOU. Blessings on you and yours as you read and I look forward to seeing your posts.

Dr. Rich

FLOW 6/24/07

Title: The Fifth Sparrow

Text: Matthew 10; Luke...]]> Hello Blogger Friends,

I hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day and that you are off to the start of a great week. I would love to see your Blogs about your dad over the next several days. I know that for many, the memories of those years and that relationship are not so good, and I want to hear about that as well. But for many, your dad was an amazing man. Either way, let's Blog...]]> Hello Bloogers!!! What a week it has been here. Summer is in the air and God is on the move. When God is moving, it is critical that you are able to hear the voice of God speak into your situation. This week's message on all of our television programs is called "Discerning the Voice of God"ť.
I pray that as you read through each of the key points in the message that something will speak...]]> Hello Bloggers!!!

What an awesome time of year as spring is in the air, and God's handiwork is everywhere. And all it takes to mess it all up is a negative spirit. Today's message outline/BLOG is about just that, a Spirit of Negativism. Jump in. Read the key points and respond to the questions. Hey!!! Even give it a go by writing a post. I'd love to hear from you.You can even Hello my BLOGGER friends!!!

Hope you had a great week. Seems it was storming everywhere over the weekend. I truly hope you are safe.

Please join Pastor Franklin and all of us here in Gainesville, Georgia as we lift up the Virginia Tech University and the families of those who were slain on Monday morning, April 16th. What an awful day for that prestigious university and its...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

Week II of a powerful Easter sermon. Did you know that more than 16,000 of you logged on to our Blog in the month of March? That's awesome!!! Each week I am giving you the outline of Pastor Franklin's message that is shown world-wide that week. I also give a few probing questions that I would love for you to post answers to. You can either just read along and...]]> Hello Blogger Nation!!!

Did you know that more than 16,000 of you logged on to our Blog in the month of March? That's awesome!!! Each week I am giving you the outline of Pastor Franklin's message that is shown world-wide that week. I also give a few probing questions that I would love for you to post answers to. You can either just read along and post, or print it out and use it as a...]]> Hello Blogger Nation,

Well, you all will be happy to know that we will now be blogging the weekly message that is showing on television. So wherever you are in the world, the show is the same for all of you that week…and this BLOG is going to emphasize the key points…with a few thought provoking questions built in. Please feel free to jump in and BLOG to any question related to the...]]> Wow!!!! What a powerful day at Free Chapel yesterday!!! Pastor Franklin spoke on a very controversial subject, alcohol in the Body of Christ. He hit it head on and pulled NO punches. I have done my best to give you his key points and his key statements, but this is one you HAVE to get the CD…it...]]> Hello Blogger nation!!! Sunday was an awesome service here at Free Chapel and I hope you were able to see it online. All of our services are streamed live online now!!! What an incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit Sunday morning in both services!!! If you did not see it, then you need to order it and there is a link at the end of this Blog that you can click on that will enable you to get...]]> Summary of Jentezen Franklin's live sermon broadcast on 3/4/07

Scripture: John 20:24

Hello Bloggers!!! This week's message was by guest speaker Bryan Woodson. Pastor Franklin is in South Africa teaching and motivating over 8000 pastors in that nation. Read through the key points and key statements and then look at the questions under each. Feel free to BLOG on any of the...]]> Dear Bloggers!!!

Welcome back to all of you. We actually never went away, but I know it was hard to find the BLOG since the fast. Well, it is now back on the front page as a main link so hopefully that will make it easier to navigate.

Wow, so much has happened since the courageous days of the fast. We are now streaming live with all of our services so if you want to watch,...]]> Summary of Jentezen Franklin's live sermon broadcast on 2/11/07

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31, focus on verse 28

Key Opening Statements: What an incredible time with our youth this morning. We need to purpose as a Small Group ministry to continually lift up the youth in our church as well as the men and women who work every week along side them. Worth it All!!! That was the message...]]> Summary of Jentezen Franklin's sermon on 1/28/07

Text: Psalms 126:1-3; Genesis 37:12-27 (emphasis v. 26-27)

Key Opening Statements: Those that dream…there is a level of life that you can reach where it feels like a dream…this is so good…so wonderful…there is a place like that. What comes after the fast is what matters most.

Summary of Jentezen...]]> Summary of Jentezen Franklin's sermon on 1/21/07

Text: Acts 10:1-15

Key Opening Statements: Take some time this week to pull yourself aside…seek Him…only seven days to go. The end is in sight and you can get there from here.

Summary of Jentezen Franklin's sermon on 1/21/07

Text: Acts 10:1-15

Key Opening Statements: Take some time...]]> Hello blogger friends. I hope your post-fast life is everything you hoped it would be and more. I also want to really encourage those of you who are still fasting to keep the faith and stay the course. Your 2007 will be forever changed if you do.

I wanted to let you know what we are going to be doing with the blog. In the very near future, the weekly blog topics...]]> I hope you were either able to watch last night's service streaming live, OR you can get a copy of the DVD because Pastor Franklin pronounced a blessing that you need to get in on. It was incredible. It was a message on adversity and he really pronounced an incredible blessing on our finances in 2007.

There is always such an incredible spirit after the fast and I hope you...]]> Hello Blogger Friends!!! It is Tuesday and we are now three days into all that God has for us in 2007. Whew!!! It is good to eat again, and it almost feels like for every new food item I eat this week, like it is an old friend I am becoming acquainted with again...:) :) :) I know this sounds crazy...but that is what it feels like. BUT I am learning that there are some friends that I...]]>

MISSION MADE POSSIBLE BY GOD!!! We did it…with His help and His strengthening hand…we did it!! And now we will begin to see the fruit. I don't know how many of you were able to see the service in person or by streaming live last night but we experienced an incredible move of God at Free Chapel last night. I sincerely hope that those of you that fasted with us as a church...]]> MISSION POSSIBLE COMPLETE!!! Congrats!!! The day of celebration is here and at Free Chapel today…we are going to celebrate. This is my third time going through the fast with Free Chapel and let me tell you, the Sunday services at the end of Fasts were incredible!!! Words cannot describe it and I know today will be no exception. I want to invite you to join us on the web as we will be streaming...]]> Saturday…Day LAST!!! Amazing…and am so incredibly proud of all those who have participated at any level. God is going to do great things as a result of our faithfulness and our perseverance. I know not everyone has been perfect and that many of you have slipped here and there…but what is most important is that you got back up…you did not stay down, and that is HUGE. I am...]]> Hello my Blogging friends!!!

WOW!!! Two days to go. I just can't believe it is almost over. But I do have good news…when the Fast ends, the Blog will still continue on. We will be continuing the Blog Mondays through Fridays (you can respond even on the weekends, but I will only be posting on Monday-Friday.) What an incredible time this has been. I feel like I know many of you and that...]]> Hello my precious Blogger friends!!! You all are soooo awesome and I am so proud of you. WOW!!! Three days to go can you believe it? We had a worship concert at church tonight with our own Ricardo and then with guest Israel Houghton and a slew of other musicians from all over the world. What an incredible night, even though Pastor Franklin was not there. He is away seeking a word from God for...]]> Bloggers...Press In!!!

Hello Blogger nation. Wow...time is moving at a really fast pace right now as we near the end of the 21-day fast. I just got through watching Pastor Franklin on TBN where he was a guest host tonight. It was a great program...my favorite was Mark Harris, especially when he sang "Wings". I hope you were able to see it and if you were, then I know you were...]]> Hello Blogger Brothers and Sisters in Christ!!!

Excited to tell you that this is the week...this is the week that you press in more than ever...the week of breakthroughs. God is doing so many incredible things all around me...like no other fast before. Perhaps because of our time Blogging. I have been so proud of so many of the things you all are saying.

One...]]> Hello Blogger Nation...and welcome to week three!!! One more week...not even that. I know we can make it from here as the finish line is in view. What a great weekend I had getting to be with Dr. Mark Rutland at the Georgia Men's Advance in Madison, Georgia this weekend. In fact, for all of you men out there, or wives of men who could use a great Men's Retreat, they are doing it all again this...]]> Fasting brings one into a deeper, more intimate, and powerful relationship with the LORD. When you eliminate food from your diet for a number of days, your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to things of God and HIS kingdom.

"As the deer pants for the water brooks
So my soul pants for you,...]]> Sunday!!! I love Sundays. There is something about being in God's house that gives strength, conviction, and the courage to go one more week. Do you feel it? One more week...we can get there from here. This is the week to really press in...don't just look His way...look into His wonderful face...and look Him in the eye. Go deep...say everything...surrender everything...and then just worship...]]> "As David stated in Psalm 42, 'Deep calls unto deep.' Week 1 is that first step down the path to your breakthrough. The first step is many times the hardest step, but as you walk through this journey, you will find that God is there to meet you at every critical point along the way."

Jentezen Franklin

On your second day of fasting,...]]> Retreat Saturday for me...Mark Rutland speaks today and I am looking for a Now Word...a Rhema word. There is something about getting away...for a purposeful time...away from the house and the trappings of daily life to set yourself aside for a season. Even a few days will do wonders. In the fast, we can get so "set in" to our surroundings and even feel like we are in a rut...and loneliness and...]]> Friday morning…January 19th. Wow!!! What a journey. I love waking up and reading your posts. It is like I am getting to see God in action right before my very eyes…and you are all so precious. I hear how hard you are trying and I hear all the ways you are being tempted…and I think, wow…if only in this limited, brief moment in time…we have what scripture refers to as "fellowship with His...]]> Are you ready for a breakthrough unlike anything you've ever experienced before? Remember to continually pray because only God can provide you with the strength, both physically and emotionally, that you will need during these 21 days.

On your third day of fasting, remember:
1. Drink lots of water
2. Chew on some sugar free breath mints or gum Hello all...Day 12, and we are all officially past the half-way point of the 21 day fast. I know some of you started earlier than that and you are heading down the home stretch and to you I say...press in...these last few days, really press in. During the announcements for church last night I told the Free Chapel folks about some of your testimonies and they were so moved to hear your stories...]]> The disciples cannot cast the demon out of the boy, and Jesus has to do it. Some only come out through prayer and fasting.
Matthew 10

On your fourth day of fasting, remember:
1. Drink lots of water
2. Get support from your accountability partner or...]]> Hello Blogger nation,

What an awesome God we serve!!! I am sorry to report that there was a problem with the server and about 75 of your responses from yesterday were lost altogether...but I do want you to know they were lost AFTER I had read them and submitted them, so please know they were read and they were prayed for. I have sooooo enjoyed reading each of your responses and praying...]]> Solomon speaks about the three-fold cord and how it cannot be broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

On your fifth day of fasting, remember:
1. Utilize your Prayer Journal
2. Concentrate on your own personal prayer time and prayer place
3. Keep...]]> Hello friends,

It is the morning of Day 10 and wow!!! I hope many of you can identify with that wow!!! because God is up to some incredible stuff. I am on the Daniel now...but seriously contemplating going back to the water and juice only for a while. For some reason, the Daniel fast does not feel like much of a fast...but that is just me and my body. Wonder if any of you are feeling...]]> Sometimes we need renewal in our spiritual lives. Fasting is one of the ways that you can cleanse your body and aid the process of communicating with the Father.

On your sixth day of fasting, remember:
1. Drink lots of water
2. Rest to conserve energy
3. Utilize your personal prayer time and prayer place
4. Journal your experience Well my blogger friends...we are all heading around the first bend and into week 2 and I am so proud of all of you. I love reading your stories and now I can't wait to hear your testimonies. I am beginning the Daniel Fast and am finding that, with the exception of that first taste of food and that first full tummy...it was kind of an empty feeling. I have never done the Daniel thing and have...]]> "I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than necessary food."

Job 23:12 (NKJV)

On your seventh day of fasting, remember:
1. Water needs to be with you at all times
2. Rest and relax as much as possible
3. Remember your prayer time and prayer place OK, so days off from work are harder than days when you are working...I get it...and Saturday was one of those days. I must continuously learn the discipline of drawing near, leaning on Him, seeking Him when I am at my lowest point physically. Last year, I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer and then one month later (May) I was in surgery having my left kidney removed. So I understand what it...]]> "Therefore go" Jesus says. "God is with you and so am I."

On your eighth day of fasting, remember:
1. Water needs to be with you at all times
2. Rest and relax as much as possible
3. Remember your prayer time and prayer place
4. Write your thoughts in your prayer journal
5. Continue to meditate and listen
6. Sugar free...]]> Whew...day six, what a doozy!! Tougher just going on liquids these past few days but God is good!!! Still loving this and loving hearing from all of you. It has been so neat hearing my girls (four daughters 2,8,10,12) as the older three are all doing some kind of fast...all on their own. I am very proud of them. At first I wasn't so sure...but THEY WERE, and the

Holy Spirit just prompted...]]> Remember, Paul was fasting when God called him and shared the assignment for his life, and Peter was fasting on the rooftop when God gave him a new revelation and called him to take the gospel to the Gentiles. What will God reveal to you during your Fast?

On your ninth day of fasting, remember:
1. Water needs to be with you at all times
2. Rest and relax...]]> Hello my Blogger Friends,

Well, day five ended last night and I was feeling great... so much energy and such a positive feeling. I have had a few breakthroughs this year, even in the first week. I have been working on a book contract for two or three months and it just wasn't coming together, in fact, three days ago we walked away from the table and it was done... very sad... then God...]]> Are you listening? Every assignment God gives you has a birthplace. What is He saying to you today?

On your tenth day of fasting, remember:
1. Water needs to be with you at all times
2. Rest and relax as much as possible
3. Remember your prayer time and prayer place
4. Write your thoughts in your prayer journal
5. Continue to ...]]> Blogger nation!!! Mission on track and moving forward!!!

Hello my fellow Bloggers. It is the end of day four for me, and most of you it looks like. Definitely different than the first three days. This is the best I have ever felt on a fast. I can only attribute that to an entirely different approach this year. I have to keep reminding myself that this is NOT a physical challenge...it...]]> Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God. King David said, "I humble myself through fasting."

, Ezra 8:21

On your eleventh day of...]]> Mission Possible Lives On!! End of Day 3. Can't explain it really, but today was a very good day physically. Remember, typically, the first three days are the hardest. I even took an exercise class this morning. As I mentioned yesterday, I had nothing the first 24 hours, water only the second, but then had some juice right before bed last night...I was feeling very weak and just weird late...]]> The Holy Spirit is using your fast to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance and a transformed life.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, Neither shall any man pluck them out of your hand."

II Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

On your fourteenth day of fasting, remember:
1. Drink water or juice
2. Go to your prayer time and...]]> What was your reason for starting this fast? Have you had a spiritual awakening? God is rejoicing in your dedication "– thank Him for His strength.

On your fifteenth day of fasting, remember:
1. Keep hydrated
2. Pray to God at your personal time and in your personal place
3. Listen to music as a motivational tool
4. Keep up with your prayer...]]> As you continue on this journey, keep your focus…on God. He will guide you and direct you so that your life will honor Him.

On your sixteenth day of fasting, remember:
1. Drink water and juice throughout the day
2. Observe your prayer time and prayer place
3. Listen to worship music for inspiration and support
4. Write in your prayer...]]> "'Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."

Exodus 19:5-6

On your seventeenth day of...]]> God doesn't want you to worry. He wants to be in control of your life and guide you through your daily challenges. As you are fasting, and giving God your body, give Him your spirit, too.

On your eighteenth day of fasting, remember:
1. Lean on your group and your partner for support
2. Keep water and juice with you
3. Use your prayer time and...]]> "Now, therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is mine."

Exodus 19:5

On your nineteenth day of fasting, remember:
1. Continue to speak regularly with an accountability partner from your group "– you will need this more than ever...]]> "'And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."

Exodus 19:6

On your twentieth day of fasting, remember:
1. Continue to speak regularly with an accountability partner from your group "– you will need this more than ever these last few days
2. Continue...]]> "Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all men of war draw near, Let them come up…Multitudes…multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision."

Joel 3:9-14

On your twenty-first day of fasting, remember:
1. Find someone and share your experience with...]]>

Fasting Movement,
 
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
Well, for many the finish line is coming into view.
 
I want to remind you how much encouragement each of you are to the movement as...]]> Take in…the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love.

Ephesians 3:18 TM

George Matheson was told by his doctor that he was going blind. Not to be denied, he pursued his studies, graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1861 at the age of nineteen. By the time he finished graduate seminary studies, he’d lost his sight. To make matters...]]>