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1/31/2009
Will you give of your time? Will you give of your money? Will you give of your expertise? Is there anything that you will give?
Have you given sacrificially? Consider
how important it was to give
and
why you felt you should.
Today's Devotional: Sacrificing at What Cost By Os Hillman When was the last time you sacrificed for another with no expectation of getting anything in return? We can all give something to others, such as our time, our money, or our expertise. This is real Christianity that models the Spirit of Christ. The next time you meet with someone, why not consider how you might be a blessing to that person. Why not ask, "How can I help you?"
Today's Reading: WOW - The Big Picture - Job 38; Psalm 18:1-3; Proverbs 4:26-27 http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/bigpicture WORSHIP I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:1-3 WISDOM Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:26-27 1/30/2009 It's hard to lead when people have lost hope ...but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage. - Exodus 6:9 hope deferred makes the heart sick - Proverbs 13:12a
A Call to Worship By Os Hillman, January 30, 2009 Powered By Marketplace Leaders ...but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage. - Exodus 6:9
It is very difficult to lead when those you are leading believe they have been mistreated and have lost all hope. Such was the case when God called Moses to bring the people of Israel out of Egypt. They had lived under many years of oppression and slavery. Yet God heard their cry. He sent someone to bring them out of slavery "so that they might worship God" (see Ex. 8:1). Interesting that God didn't say, "to serve Him." Above all else, God desires our worship. A person cannot enter into true worship of God while still in slavery and bondage.
In Proverbs, the writer tells us "hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prov. 13:12a). There is a place in life where life becomes so discouraging and hopeless that we lose all hope, and it can actually make us sick. I have been at this place; it is a scary condition. It brings you to the edge of despair.
The people would not listen to Moses. Yet God did not deliver immediately. In fact, it would be many plagues later before ultimate deliverance would take place. Why does God withhold deliverance at times? It is in order to bring greater glory from the situation. It isn't because He doesn't care. It is because His plan for mankind is resting in these events. It is a finely tuned plan that involves many people and situations—all operating at the same time. It can seem cruel at times. But God knows that His children cannot worship Him if they are in bondage and lose all hope. He won't allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, so He has a plan of deliverance for each of us. This plan is not always the kind of deliverance we might think is best. It sometimes has pain surrounding the deliverance. When a mother gives birth, that child is delivered into this world through much pain. But with that pain comes great joy on the other side. Every mother will say the pain was worth it because of the exceeding joy that child brought in the midst of the pain.
What are you in bondage to today? What keeps you from entering true worship? Work can keep us in bondage if we fail to enter into freedom in Christ during our workday. Today, ask God to show you the areas of bondage that you are living in so that you may worship Him. You can receive the TGIF Daily Devotional FREE by email each day - start today! 
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WORSHIP Arise, O LORD,
Confront him, cast him down;
Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,
With Your hand from men, O LORD,
>From men of the world who have their portion in this life,
And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure.
They are satisfied with children,
And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.
As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.
Psalm 17:13-15 WISDOM Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23 1/29/2009 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. - Joshua 1:7 Do you know what the law of Moses is? It's the 10 commandments. Consider how around the US people are trying to get rid of the 10 commandments - schools, court houses, and other places where there would/could be a monument. Do people realize what they are doing? They are removing the link to success. They are removing the key to what the US's laws were based upon. Jesus came and said He didn't come to abolish the Law, but fulfill the law. In many cases, He call Christians to an even higher bar. He wants us to be better than average. He also summarized the 10 into 2 - first, is to Love God with all our hearts, mind, and soul - to keep God first and up front in our lives and second, to Love our neighbors as ourselves - which is a great summary of the rest of the laws. Do you know what the 10 commandments are? Exodus 20 1 Then God instructed the people as follows: 2 "I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in Egypt. 3 "Do not worship any other gods besides me. 4 "Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. 5 You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations. 6 But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations. 7 "Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. 8 "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, 10 but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then he rested on the seventh day. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. 12 "Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you. 13 "Do not murder. 14 "Do not commit adultery. 15 "Do not steal. 16 "Do not testify falsely against your neighbor. 17 "Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns." To Review: - Do not worship any other gods but the LORD your God
- Do not make idols of any kind.
- Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God
- Remember to keep the Sabbath day by keeping it holy
- Honor your father and mother. (comes with a promise of long life)
- Do not commit murder
- Do not commit adultery
- Do not steal
- Do not testify falsely against your neighbor
- Do not covet your neighbor's house or anything in it.
My prayer for me and for you... Let's reset where we are and work on these, not only for our own benefit, but for the benefit of the world. Let's make this a checklist for everyday, something we focus on through each day. Let's testify of God's greatness. Let's testify of all He does in and through us. Let's trust and obey God's Word, and leave the outcome to God. Let's give Him the praise and honor that He is due. And let's do it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Checklist: car Do not worship any other gods but the LORD your God car Do not make idols of any kind. car Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God car Remember to keep the Sabbath day by keeping it holy car Honor your father and mother. car Do not commit murder car Do not commit adultery car Do not steal car Do not testify falsely against your neighbor car Do not covet your neighbor's house or anything in it.
Check out Today's Devotional: In the Zone by Os Hillman 1/28/2009 Remember always give God the credit for what He has done. Learn daily to completely depend on God. Be lead by the Holy Spirit in how you use your gifts and abilities Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all the day to day needs will be added to you. Ask God daily for direction and wisdom God's ways are higher than our ways. God's ways are better than our ways. Lean not on our own understanding, but put our trust in God. His ways won't always line up with conventional wisdom. Remember that ever good and perfect gift comes from God.
Today's Devotional from www.TodayGodIsFirst.com:
Placing Trust in Our own Strength
By Os Hillman Today's Reading from WOW - The Big Picture - www.Crosswalk.com/devotionals/bigpicture:
Job 11:1-12:12; 13:15-18; Psalm 17:1-3; Proverbs 4:14-15
WORSHIP Hear a just cause, O LORD,
Attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
Let my vindication come from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.
You have tested my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and have found nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Psalm 17:1-3 WISDOM Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
Proverbs 4:14-15 1/27/2009 Has anyone ever asked you that? Has anyone seen you and said what are you so happy about? How do you answer? What is your reason for the hope that is in you? What is your reason for the joy in your heart in the middle of these challenging times?
I wish I could say that I always answer: "Jesus", but unfortunately I haven't. I wish I could say that I always answer: "Today is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it", but unfortunately I haven't. My answer has been something like: Aren't I always happy? Would I be me if I wasn't? Last night as I had my daughter read to me Matthew 7, God confronted me and I realized what I had been doing and immediately put my head down and asked Him for forgiveness. God has put us were we are today, for such a day and such a time as this. He has put in places where we can testify of the hope that is within us. We are to shine the love and light of Jesus to those we encounter. We are to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us. Lord, You have performed so many miracles in my life and I pray that You will forgive me for not having spoken out more boldly as You are my strength, You are my hope, and it is because of You that I walk with joy, not allowing my circumstances to control how I respond. I publically ask for forgiveness of You today my Lord. I pray others will visit today in order to read this and pray, for if Your people who are called by Your name, will humble themselves and pray, You forgive their sins and heal their land. Lord, I have so many testimonies and reasons for the joy that is within me. But the key to each of the testimonies has been an encounter with You. The key to each of the reasons for the joy that is within me is You. Help me to bold and courageous enough today to be able to give the answer for why am I so happy. And Lord, I praise You, I worship You, I honor You, and I glorify You today, in Jesus' name. Amen.
WORSHIP For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:10-11 WISDOM Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.
Proverbs 4:13 1/26/2009 Passing the Tests By Os Hillman, January 26, 2009 Powered By Marketplace Leaders The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. - 1 Samuel 28:17b When God anoints a person, a pattern of testing appears to take place at specific times in the leader's life. God often takes each leader through four major tests to determine if that person will achieve God's ultimate call on his or her life. The person's response to these tests is the deciding factor in whether they can advance to the next level of responsibility in God's Kingdom.
Control—Control is one of the first tests. Saul spent most of his time as king trying to prevent others from getting what he had. Saul never got to the place with God in which he was a grateful recipient of God's goodness to him. Saul was a religious controller. This control led to disobedience and ultimately being rejected by God because Saul no longer was a vessel God could use. Bitterness—Every major character in the Bible was hurt by another person at one time or another. Jesus was hurt deeply when Judas, a trusted follower, betrayed Him. Despite knowing this was going to happen, Jesus responded by washing Judas' feet. Every anointed leader will have a Judas experience at one time or another. God watches us to see how we will respond to this test. Will we take up an offense? Will we retaliate? It is one of the most difficult tests to pass. Power—Power is the opposite of servanthood. Jesus had all authority in Heaven and earth, so satan tempted Jesus at the top of the mountain to use His power to remove Himself from a difficult circumstance. How will we use the power and influence God has entrusted to us? Do we seek to gain more power? There is a common phrase in the investment community, "He who has the gold rules." Jesus modeled the opposite. He was the ultimate servant leader. Greed—This is a difficult one. Money has the ability to have great influence for either good or bad. When it is a focus in our life, it becomes a tool of destruction. When it is a by-product, it can become a great blessing. Many leaders started out well—only to be derailed once prosperity became a part of their life. There are thousands who can blossom spiritually in adversity; only a few can thrive spiritually under prosperity. As leaders, we must be aware when we are being tested. You can be confident that each one of these tests will be thrown your way if God calls you for His purposes. Will you pass these tests? Ask for God's grace today to walk through these tests victoriously. You can receive the TGIF Daily Devotional FREE by email each day - start today! NEW TGIF Vol.2 Copyright 2000. Used by permission from Os Hillman and MarketplaceLeaders.org | Bookstore TGIF Reprint Policy | TGIF Archives | TGIF Monthly NewsletterTGIF Bookmarks | Os Hillman Speaking Inquiries Signup for Free Email 1/25/2009 Horizontal Versus Vertical By Os Hillman, January 25, 2009 Powered By Marketplace Leaders Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. - Exodus 2:12
Moses saw the pain of his people. He saw the bondage and the injustice. His heart was enraged, and he decided he would do something. He would take matters into his own hands. The result was murder. The motive was right, but the action was wrong. He went horizontal instead of vertical with God. Moses fled to the desert, where God prepared the man who would ultimately be the deliverer of a nation. But it took 40 years of preparation before God determined Moses was ready. He was a professional businessman—a sheepherder. It was during the mundane activity of work that God called on him to be a deliverer.
Moses was like a lot of enthusiastic Christian workplace believers who seek to solve a spiritual problem with a fleshly answer. The greatest danger to the Christian workplace believer is his greatest strength—his business acumen and expertise to get things done. This self-reliance can become our greatest weakness when it comes to moving in the spiritual realm. We're taught to be problem solvers. But, like Moses, if our enthusiasm and passion are not harnessed by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will fail miserably. Peter had to learn this lesson too. His enthusiasm got him into a lot of trouble. But God was patient, just as He is patient with each of us. Sometimes He must put us in the desert for a time in order to season us so that Christ is allowed to reign supreme in the process.
Before you act, pray and seek the mind of Christ until you know it is God behind the action. Check it out with others. You may save yourself a trip to the desert. You can receive the TGIF Daily Devotional FREE by email each day - start today! NEW TGIF Vol.2 Copyright 2000. Used by permission from Os Hillman and MarketplaceLeaders.org | Bookstore TGIF Reprint Policy | TGIF Archives | TGIF Monthly NewsletterTGIF Bookmarks | Os Hillman Speaking Inquiries Signup for Free Email Make sure that your actions are based on the direction of the Holy Spirit, not your passion and enthusiasm to get things done. Before you act, pray and seek the mind of Christ until you know it is God behind the action. Check it out with others. You may save yourself a trip to the desert.
What will you endure for God?
He works all things for good
to those who love and obey Him WOW - The Big Picture
Job 1-2; Psalm 15:1-2,5; Proverbs 4:7 "Naked I came from my mother's womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD."
In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong Will we withstand even statements from those we love to stick to what God says? But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. WORSHIP LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart;
He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.
Psalm 15:1-2, 5 WISDOM Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7 1/24/2009 all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purposes - Romans 8:28
Help me Lord through all the challenges to see Your purposes and plan for me through this.
In today's reading from WOW- The Big Picture,
Genesis 49:1-33; 50:15-26; Psalm 14:1-3; Proverbs 3:35
I see that Jacob prophecies about Jesus: Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise;
Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;
Your father's children shall bow down before you.
Judah is a lion's whelp;
>From the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He bows down, he lies down as a lion;
And as a lion, who shall rouse him?
The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
Nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
Until Shiloh comes;
And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
Binding his donkey to the vine,
And his donkey's colt to the choice vine,
He washed his garments in wine,
And his clothes in the blood of grapes.
His eyes are darker than wine,
And his teeth whiter than milk.
Joseph as we saw in Romans realized that God works all things for good:
Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
WORSHIP The fool has said in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt,
They have done abominable works,
There is none who does good.
The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.
They have all turned aside,
They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does good,
No, not one.
Psalm 14:1-3 WISDOM The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
Proverbs 3:35 1/23/2009
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
Proverbs 3:33
Heavenly Father,
I pray for all those who work at companies with layoffs or threats of layoffs. I pray that people will start to turn to You as You are our rock and our fortress. Lord, when we put our trust in You, we can find a peace, a peace that goes beyond understanding. Lord, we are able to know that You are in control and that whatever will happen is a part of Your larger plan. Help people to find a church home where they can be comforted. Help my brothers and sisters in Christ as well as myself to come around those we work with to help encourage them that there is a way and His name is Jesus. Lord, I thank You for this new day - for this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. I will give You the praise and the honor and the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen. 1/21/2009
Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.
- Proverbs 22:29
Then the Lord said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship".
-Exodus 31:1-5
He was a widow's son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze; and he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill for doing any work in bronze. So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work.
-1 King 7:14
Other examples: - Joseph
- Daniel
- David
- Nehemiah
- Acquilla
- Priscilla
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
-Colossians 3:23-24
Today's Devotional: The Skillful Worker by Os Hillman Today's Reading: Genesis 42:1-30,35-38; 43:1-14; Psalm 11:4-5,7; Proverbs 3:30
WORSHIP The LORD is in His holy temple,
The LORD's throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
The LORD tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
For the LORD is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright.
Psalm 11:4-5, 7 WISDOM Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
Proverbs 3:30
1/20/2009
Are you prepared to meet the king? - If you were called to meet with the king, what would you or they need to do or change?
- What if it was your bosses boss?
- What if it was the president or CEO of the company you work for?
- What if it was the head of your state or province?
- What if it was the president or prime minister of your Country?
- What if it was Jesus coming back on a white horse to collect His people?
Are you prepared? - We are to be prepared in and out of season.
- Do you have extra oil in case he comes late?
- Have you been in His Word so that you he is coming?
WOW - The Big Picture
Genesis 41:1-41,45,50-52; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 3:29 - Do you point people to God?
- Do you give God credit for your abilities, gifts, and talents?
- Do you tell others that it is because of God?
- Who gets the glory? Who get the credit?
- Do you realize that every good and perfect gift comes from your Father in heaven?
- Do you realize that the only reason you can do what you do is because that is the way God made you?
- We need to work hard as unto the Lord.
- Do you realize that God plans to use you to help your leaders?
- Do you realize that God wants you to be a leader?
- Do people see that you are filled with the Spirit of God?
WORSHIP The LORD is King forever and ever;
The nations have perished out of His land.
LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will prepare their heart;
You will cause Your ear to hear,
To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
That the man of the earth may oppress no more.
Psalm 10:16-18 WISDOM Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety's sake.
Proverbs 3:29 1/19/2009 Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.
—Psalm 25:5 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
—Proverbs 17:3 God will never leave you nor forsake you. He will stay closer than a brother. No matter where you are, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and God will take care of the rest because He know what you have need of. WORSHIP Arise, O LORD!
O God, lift up Your hand!
Do not forget the humble.
Why do the wicked renounce God?
He has said in his heart,
"You will not require an account."
But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief,
To repay it by Your hand.
The helpless commits himself to You;
You are the helper of the fatherless.
—Psalm 10:12-14 WISDOM Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
Do not say to your neighbor,
"Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,"
When you have it with you.
—Proverbs 3:27-28 1/18/2009 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...
—Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.
—Ezekiel 22:30
We are going through interesting times.
Will you step up?
Will you stand up?
Will you stand out?
What are you going to do?
Do you remember what is important?
Do you see people worshipping things
instead of God Almighty?
Will you be a Moses, an Ezekiel, a Judah and be "willing to stand in the gap, sacrificially, for those who were not deserving of such sacrifice. This sacrificial love by Moses is called for among His people today." from www.TodayGodIsFirst.com
------ Standing in the Gap ------
by Os Hillman Will you let Jesus shine through You and stand in the Gap like Jesus did for all of us? It is a proactive sacrificial position.
"Who is God calling you to stand in the gap for? Perhaps it is a mate; perhaps it is a coworker who has not come to know the Savior; perhaps it is a wayward child. Are you willing to become the sacrificial offering to God to change His plans of judgment because of your willingness to stand in their place? This is a hard teaching. This is what Jesus did for each of us. When we stand in the place of another, God moves because of our willingness to stand on their behalf. If we don't, His plans will go forward because He is a righteous and holy God who will honor His own word, even if it means destruction. Are you willing to stand in the breach of the wall for someone today? Perhaps you are the only person who will stand on someone's behalf." from www.TodayGodIsFirst.com
------ Standing in the Gap ------
by Os Hillman
WOW - The Big Picture Genesis 37; Psalm 10:3-4; Proverbs 3:25-26 WORSHIP For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire;
He blesses the greedy and renounces the LORD.
The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
God is in none of his thoughts.
Psalm 10:3-4 WISDOM Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
Proverbs 3:25-26 1/17/2009 Remember godly leaders: Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
—Hebrews 13:7 Remember that God is your source: But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
—Deuteronomy 8:18a Don't forget, Remember: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God
—Deuteronomy 8:17,19-20 Remember: It is God who gives us the skill, the mind, the resources, the energy, the drive, and the opportunities in life to accomplish anything. Remember to Worship the one true God: Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion!
Declare His deeds among the people.
Have mercy on me, O LORD!
Consider my trouble from those who hate me,
You who lift me up from the gates of death,
That I may tell of all Your praise
In the gates of the daughter of Zion.
I will rejoice in Your salvation.
—Psalm 9:11, 13-14 Remember the Wisdom of the Word of God: My son, let them not depart from your eyes-
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
—Proverbs 3:21-22 1/16/2009 WOW - The Big Picture Genesis 32:1-28; 33:1-20; Psalm 9:7-9; Proverbs 3:19-20 Jacob turns to God as he fears for his life because he is about to meet up with his brother Then Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the LORD who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you': I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children. For You said, 'I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.'" Will you wrestle with God for His blessings? Will you keep pressing on and not give up? Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!"
So He said to him, "What is your name?"
He said, "Jacob."
And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed." What will happen when you persevere and don't give up, putting all your trust and hope in God? Victory. Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, "Who are these with you?" So he said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant." Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and bowed down. And Leah also came near with her children, and they bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed down. Then Esau said, "What do you mean by all this company which I met?"
And he said, "These are to find favor in the sight of my lord."
But Esau said, "I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself."
And Jacob said, "No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough." So he urged him, and he took it. Then Esau said, "Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you." But Jacob said to him, "My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir." And Esau said, "Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me."
But he said, "What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord." So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city. And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred pieces of money. Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.
WORSHIP But the LORD shall endure forever;
He has prepared His throne for judgment.
He shall judge the world in righteousness,
And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:7-9 WISDOM The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.
Proverbs 3:19-20 The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of Your hands.
—Psalm 138:8
God's Tests by Os Hillman through www.TodayGodIsFirst.com ..."What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to take my life?"
—1 Samuel 20:1 The cost of being one of God's anointed can be great. Those whom God has anointed for service and influence in His Kingdom go through a special preparation. David was anointed to be the next king over Israel. Shortly after this, while still a young boy, he was brought into King Saul's service to play music in Saul's court. While there, the opportunity to stand up against Goliath elevated David for his next stage of development as future king. As his popularity grew so did Saul's jealousy. However, even Saul's jealousy was God's instrument for molding and shaping David. Saul finally decided he could no longer tolerate David's success and popularity among the people, so he tried to kill David. The confused young shepherd boy spent many years hiding in wilderness caves before he was able to see the hand of God in all of this. No doubt David thought that when Samuel anointed him he would be conveniently raised up to be king with all the accompanying benefits of kingship. Not so. God's preparation of David involved much persecution, disloyalty, and hardship. These were the lessons necessary to be a godly king. God brought many tests in David's life, just as He did with Saul. David passed these tests. Saul did not. When God anoints us, it often is accompanied by some severe tests. These tests are designed to prepare us for the calling God has on our life. Should we fail these tests God cannot elevate us to the next level. For a workplace believer, these tests often involve money, relationships, and other issues of the heart. What if God has chosen you for a specific purpose in His Kingdom? Are you passing the tests He is bringing about in your life? These tests are designed to bring about greater obedience. In most instances, it will involve great adversity. The Bible tells us that the King of kings learned obedience through the things that He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). If this is true, why would it be any different for His children? Be aware of the tests God may be bringing before you in order to prepare you for His service. You can receive the TGIF Daily Devotional FREE by email each day - start today!
1/15/2009 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...
—Galatians 5:22 How do you make decisions? Out of obedience to God or based on your own skills and ability? Obedience-Based Decisions Versus Skill and Ability By Os Hillman, January 15, 2009 Powered By Marketplace Leaders As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle. - 1 Chronicles 14:15a
The Philistines were attacking. David wanted to know how to respond. His first inquiry of God revealed that he was to attack the Philistines straightaway and God would give him victory. David followed God's instruction and gained victory. Shortly after, the Philistines mounted another attack. "So David inquired of God again, and God answered him, 'Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees' " (1 Chron. 14:14).
David was a well-trained warrior, a strategist. Yet, we find that David's dependence on God to direct his efforts was very great. In fact, after he won the first battle, he went right back to inquire again. This is the most important lesson we can learn from this story. God told David to attack, but only after he heard the marching in the balsam trees.
How many times have you or I operated in the workplace based only on our skill and ability, without seeking to know the details of God's will in the matter? David could have simply assumed that since he had won the last battle, surely God would give him victory the same way. No. David had learned that communicating with the living God is the only sure way of victory. His skill was not enough. He had to have God's blessing.
How many times have we worked in our work life the same way each time only because it was the way we did it last time? What if God has a better way? What if God has a different plan than ours? "So David inquired of God..." These are the important words that we are to learn from. We must be in such relationship with God that we are constantly inquiring of His mind on every matter. When we do this, we can expect the same results that David achieved-success in our endeavor and recognition by God.
"So David's fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him" (1 Chron. 14:17). This is the reward of obedience to God. We don't have to build a name for ourselves. God will see to it that we are honored for our obedience. He wants to make known those servants who are willing to obey Him at all costs. 1/14/2009 Genesis 28:1-6,10-22; 29:1-21,26-30; Psalm 8:1-2,9; Proverbs 3:11-12 - Be blessed
- Only go after the things of God, not of this land
- God has a big plan for me
- God will give me visions and dreams.
- What will I do with them?
- Be blessing to others
- God is with me, He will never leave me nor forsake me.
- Put up a reminder of this vision
- Put up a reminder of the work that God has done
- Put up a reminder of the miracle
- It's not just for me, but others to be built up by the reminder
- Tithe, remember to give back 10% to God, as He allows me to keep 90%
Read "me", "I" as something that is being said not only about me, but you too - for God wanted you to receive this message too, or you wouldn't be reading it right now.
WORSHIP O LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
O LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8:1-2, 9 WISDOM My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:11-12 If You make the Most High Your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard You in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
—Psalm 91:9-12 ..."Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on."
—Exodus 14:15
"Move On!" by Os Hillman from www.TodayGodIsFirst.com
http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=4802&columnid=744 ..."Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on."
—Exodus 14:15 Moses had brought the whole nation of Israel, approximately 600,000, to a dead end in the desert. The only thing between Israel and Pharaoh's pursuing army was the Red Sea. This was after nine plagues God had inflicted on Pharaoh to motivate him to free the Israelites. Finally, Pharaoh had freed Moses and the people, and they left Egypt. They thought they were home free. "Freedom at last," they said. But God did a strange thing. He directed Moses to take a route that led to the Red Sea, instead of the northern route around the Red Sea. God explained that He didn't want them fighting the enemies they would have encountered on this route. But still, there was the issue of the Red Sea. They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?...It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Ex. 14:11b-12) God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life. It may be a work problem that can't be solved. It may be a marriage that seems to be failing. It may be a debilitating disease. Whatever your Red Sea, God tells us one thing: "Keep moving." The Red Sea was before them, yet God was angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving." "But Lord, the Red Sea is before me." "Keep moving." When we live by sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion. God is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here. That is just the way He wants it. No one will get glory except God. A friend once admonished me when I was in the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life, "You must not withdraw from being proactive in your faith just because of this trial that you are in. God's hand is on your life. There are too many who are depending on you to fulfill the purposes God has in your life. Keep moving! Keep investing yourself in others." I didn't feel like it. I was in too much pain. But I did it anyway. God met me at the point of my greatest need once I decided simply to be obedient. Getting past myself by investing myself in others helped heal the pain. There is great healing when we look past our own problems and seek to invest ourselves in others for the sake of Christ. This is when our own Red Seas become parted. We begin to walk to freedom. But we will never experience the miracle of the Red Sea in our lives if we don't first "Keep moving."
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this reminder today. I recall the times in my life when I was ready to fall back, to hold back, not wanting to step up because I didn't feel I could do it, I didn't feel I had the knowledge or the experience. I remember how You used these times to help me lead a community through challenges and transformation. I remember how You used these times to move me from being one who thinks to one who does. I remember how You moved me from one who thought about my dreams to one who lives out my dreams. I remember thinking back about the dream of having horses and saying in my prayer, "God, if You put this crazy idea in my head to have horses, could you put them within 20 minutes of the church". Lord, I recall the next thought that came to my mind was a sermon where our pastor preached about how it was easier to steer a car that was moving. This matches today's message - Keep moving. So I started to look, first online and saw 2 places in the area, both of which were millions of dollars over my budget, I then found a real estate agent and now great friend from our church who helped us look at 21 houses and we found it. God You opened the door and showing that You have a sense of humor, found us a home 19 minutes from the church. :-) Lord, be it stepping up into leadership (President of a homeowners association of more than 10,000 people), stepping into leadership (Media at church), stepping into leadership (Build discipline at work), it isn't about me, it is about Your calling on my life. Lord, thank You for the reminder to Keep moving. Lord, thank You for this day when I turn to You and You speak to me and my heart the message I need to hear. You are awesome and I praise and worship and honor You, in Jesus' name. Amen.
1/13/2009 WOW – The Big Picture
Genesis 27:1-43; Psalm 7:10-11,17; Proverbs 3:9-10 Isaac gave the following prayer of blessing over Jacob, believing that he was Esau. "Surely, the smell of my son
Is like the smell of a field
Which the LORD has blessed.
Therefore may God give you
Of the dew of heaven,
Of the fatness of the earth,
And plenty of grain and wine.
Let peoples serve you,
And nations bow down to you.
Be master over your brethren,
And let your mother's sons bow down to you.
Cursed be everyone who curses you,
And blessed be those who bless you!" How do you plan to give a blessing
to your child/children? WORSHIP My defense is of God,
Who saves the upright in heart.
God is a just judge,
And God is angry with the wicked every day.
I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
Psalm 7:10-11, 17 WISDOM Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10
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