Luke 4

2For (during) forty days in the wilderness (desert), where He was tempted (^[a]tried, tested exceedingly) by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they were completed, He was hungry.^(A)

3Then the devil said to Him, If You are the Son of God, order this stone to turn into a loaf [of bread].

4And Jesus replied to him, It is written, Man shall not live and be sustained by (on) bread alone ^[b]but by every word and expression of God.^(B)

5Then the devil took Him up to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the habitable world in a moment of time [^[c]in the twinkling of an eye].

6And he said to Him, To You I will give all this power and authority and their glory (all their magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, and grace), for it has been turned over to me, and I give it to whomever I will.

7Therefore if You will do homage to and worship me [^[d]just once], it shall all be Yours.

8And Jesus replied to him, ^[e]Get behind Me, Satan! It is written, You shall do homage to and worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.^(C)

9Then he took Him to Jerusalem and set Him on ^[f]a gable of the temple, and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down from here;

10For it is written, He will give His angels charge over you to guard and watch over you closely and carefully;

11And on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.^(D)

12And Jesus replied to him, [The Scripture] says, You shall not tempt (try, ^[g]test exceedingly) the Lord your God.^(E)

13And when the devil had ended every [the complete cycle of] temptation, he [temporarily] left Him [that is, ^[h]stood off from Him] until another more opportune and favorable time.

14Then Jesus went back full of and under the power of the [Holy] Spirit into Galilee, and the fame of Him spread through the whole region round about.

15And He Himself conducted [^[i]a course of] teaching in their synagogues, being ^[j]recognized and honored and praised by all.

16So He came to Nazareth, [^[k]that Nazareth] where He had been brought up, and He entered the synagogue, as was His custom on the Sabbath day. And He stood up to read.

17And there was handed to Him [the roll of] the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened (unrolled) the book and found the place where it was written,^(F)

18The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

19To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day ^[l]when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound.^(G)

20Then He rolled up the book and gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were gazing [attentively] at Him.

21And He began to speak to them: Today this Scripture has been fulfilled ^[m]while you are present and hearing.

22And all spoke well of Him and marveled at the words of grace that came forth from His mouth; and they said, Is not this Joseph's ^[n]Son?

23So He said to them, You will doubtless quote to Me this proverb: Physician, heal Yourself! What we have learned by hearsay that You did in Capernaum, do here also in Your [own] town.

24Then He said, Solemnly I say to you, no prophet is acceptable and welcome in his [own] town (country).

25But in truth I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were closed up for three years and six months, so that there came a great famine over all the land;

26And yet Elijah was not sent to a single one of them, but only to Zarephath in the country of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. [I Kings 17:1, 8-16; 18:1.]

27And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and yet not one of them was cleansed [by being healed]--but only Naaman the Syrian. [II Kings 5:1-14.]

28When they heard these things, all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage.

29And rising up, they pushed and drove Him out of the town, and [laying hold of Him] they led Him to the [projecting] upper part of the hill on which their town was built, that they might hurl Him headlong down [over the cliff].

30But passing through their midst, He went on His way.

31And He descended to Capernaum, a town of Galilee, and there He continued to teach the people on the Sabbath days.

32And they were amazed at His teaching, for His word was with authority and ability and weight and power.

33Now in the synagogue there was a man who was possessed by the foul spirit of a demon; and he cried out with a loud (deep, terrible) cry,

34Ah, ^[o]let us alone! What have You to do with us [What have ^[p]we in common], Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know Who You are--the Holy One of God!

35But Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent (muzzled, gagged), and come out of him! And when the demon had thrown the man down in their midst, he came out of him without injuring him in any ^[q]possible way.

36And they were all amazed and said to one another, What kind of talk is this? For with authority and power He commands the foul spirits and they come out!

37And a rumor about Him spread into every place in the surrounding country.

38Then He arose and left the synagogue and went into Simon's (Peter's) house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering in the grip of a burning fever, and they pleaded with Him for her.

39And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she got up and began waiting on them.

40Now at the setting of the sun [indicating the end of the Sabbath], all those who had any [who were] sick with various diseases brought them to Him, and He laid His hands upon every one of them and cured them.

41And demons even came out of many people, screaming and crying out, You are the Son of God! But He rebuked them and would not permit them to speak, because they knew that He was the Christ (the Messiah).

42And when daybreak came, He left [Peter's house] and went into an isolated [desert] place. And the people looked for Him until they came up to Him and tried to prevent Him from leaving them.

43But He said to them, I must preach the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God to the other cities [and towns] also, for I was sent for this [purpose].

44And He continued to preach in the synagogues of Galilee.

Footnotes:

1. Luke 4:2 Robert Young, Analytical Concordance to the Bible.
2. Luke 4:4 Some manuscripts add this phrase.
3. Luke 4:5 William Tyndale, The Tyndale Bible.
4. Luke 4:7 Charles B. Williams, The New Testament: A Translation in the Language of the People: "expressed by the Greek aorist tense."
5. Luke 4:8 Some manuscripts add this phrase.
6. Luke 4:9 James Moulton and George Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament.
7. Luke 4:12 Robert Young, Analytical Concordance.
8. Luke 4:13 Kenneth Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament.
9. Luke 4:15 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies: in Greek imperfect tense.
10. Luke 4:15 Hermann Cremer, Biblico-Theological Lexicon of New Testament Greek.
11. Luke 4:16 James Moulton and George Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament.
12. Luke 4:19 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
13. Luke 4:21 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
14. Luke 4:22 Capitalized because of what He is, the spotless Son of God, not what the speakers may have thought He was.
15. Luke 4:34 Some manuscripts so read.
16. Luke 4:34 John Wycliffe, The Wycliffe Bible.
17. Luke 4:35 Literal translation.

1. Luke 4:2 : Deut 9:9; I Kings 19:8
2. Luke 4:4 : Deut 8:3
3. Luke 4:8 : Deut 6:13; 10:20
4. Luke 4:11 : Ps 91:11, 12
5. Luke 4:12 : Deut 6:16
6. Luke 4:17 : Isa 61:1, 2
7. Luke 4:19 : Isa 61:1, 2

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A Heavenly Strategic Planning Session

by Os Hillman

And the Lord said, "Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?" One suggested this, and another that. - 1 Kings 22:20

There are few times we get a glimpse of what goes on in Heaven. Here is one instance when the angels were conferring with the Lord about the judgment of King Ahab for his sin and who was going to set up Ahab for this judgment.

If God wanted to use you to impact your world for Jesus Christ, what circumstances would have to be created in order for you to respond to His call? Would prospering you materially encourage you to this end? Would a major change in what you are presently doing be necessary? What would your response be should God and the angels conclude that the only way to move you into a position of fulfilling God's purposes was to remove some things that might be very dear to you? Would you agree with their plan if you knew this would be the only way you would achieve the purposes for which God made you? Hard questions, aren't they?

This is the very thing God does in many who have been called for a special mission. Moses had to be stripped of his royal position in the family of Egypt and sit in the desert for 40 years. The apostle Paul had to be knocked to the ground, blinded, and receive a personal visitation from Jesus. The 12 disciples had to leave their jobs for three years to follow Christ. Imagine what kind of disruption this had on their lives. There are many examples of God bringing major upheaval in the lives of those He called for His purposes. Why?

The reason is that we do not seek God with a whole heart in times of prosperity and comfort. Prosperity and comfort tend to breed complacency and satisfaction. It is rare to find the man or woman who seeks God with a whole heart who does so simply from a grateful heart. We often must have pain or crisis to motivate us. Eventually, that crisis bridges us to a new calling, and we embrace that calling if we are open to the Holy Spirit's work in us. We can actually thank God for the change that was required to get us to this place, but it is not without anguish of heart.

Would you be willing to sit in the strategic planning session for your life and agree with the plans God has for your life? Could you give God complete freedom to implement that plan, no matter the cost? Ask God to give you the grace and trust in His love for you to say "yes."

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How does God call leaders in the workplace? We might be surprised to learn that it is often not a pleasant experience, but it is God's way of calling a true leader. In this audio teaching, Os Hillman shares personal testimony along with valuable Biblical teaching on how God reveals his purposes and raises up leaders in the workplace. Order

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Luke 3

2In the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God [^[a]concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] came to John son of Zachariah in the wilderness (desert).

3And he went into all the country round about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance (^[b]of hearty amending of their ways, with abhorrence of past wrongdoing) unto the forgiveness of sin.

4As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness [shouting in the desert]: Prepare the way of the Lord, make His beaten paths straight.

5Every valley and ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be leveled; and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough roads shall be made smooth;

6And all mankind shall see (behold and ^[c]understand and at last acknowledge) the salvation of God (the deliverance from eternal death ^[d]decreed by God).^(A)

7So he said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, You offspring of vipers! Who ^[e]secretly warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

8Bear fruits that are deserving and consistent with [your] repentance [that is, ^[f]conduct worthy of a heart changed, a heart abhorring sin]. And do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father; for I tell you that God is able from these stones to raise up descendants for Abraham.

9Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees, so that every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.

10And the multitudes asked him, Then what shall we do?

11And he replied to them, He who has two tunics (undergarments), let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do it the same way.

12Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they said to him, Teacher, what shall we do?

13And he said to them, Exact and collect no more than the fixed amount appointed you.

14Those serving as soldiers also asked him, And we, what shall we do? And he replied to them, Never demand or enforce ^[g]by terrifying people or by accusing wrongfully, and always be satisfied with your rations (supplies) and with your allowance (wages).

15As the people were in suspense and waiting expectantly, and everybody reasoned and questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether he perhaps might be the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

16John answered them all by saying, I baptize you with water; but He Who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of Whose sandals I am not fit to unfasten. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

17His winnowing shovel (fork) is in His hand to thoroughly clear and cleanse His [threshing] floor and to gather the wheat and store it in His granary, but the chaff He will burn with fire that cannot be extinguished.

18So with many other [various] appeals and admonitions he preached the good news (the Gospel) to the people.

19But Herod the tetrarch, who had been [repeatedly] told about his fault and reproved with rebuke ^[h]producing conviction by [John] for [having] Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the wicked things that Herod had done,

20Added this to them all--that he shut up John in prison.

21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized, and [while He was still] praying, the [visible] heaven was opened

22And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, saying, You are My Son, My Beloved! In You I am well pleased and find delight!^(B)

23Jesus Himself, when He began [His ministry], was about thirty years of age, being the Son, as was supposed, of Joseph, the son of Heli,

24The son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

25The son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,

26The son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,

27The son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,

28The son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

29The son of Jesus, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,

30The son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,

31The son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,

32The son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon (Sala), the son of Nahshon,

33The son of Aminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,

34The son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,

35The son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,

36The son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,

37The son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,

38The son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.^(C)

Footnotes:

1. Luke 3:2 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
2. Luke 3:3 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
3. Luke 3:6 James Gray and George Adams, Bible Commentary.
4. Luke 3:6 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
5. Luke 3:7 Literal translation.
6. Luke 3:8 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
7. Luke 3:14 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
8. Luke 3:19 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

1. Luke 3:6 : Isa 40:3-5
2. Luke 3:22 : Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1
3. Luke 3:38 : Gen 5:3-32; 11:10-26; Ruth 4:18-22; I Chron 1:1-4, 24-28; 2:1-15

 Conference taking place Jan 24-26

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for the incredible blessings and plans You have for me. I know Lord that whenever You do something of great stature and amazement the devil will try to take it away from us through fear. Lord, he tries to deceive us through intimidation and doubt in order that we would not take hold of what You have shown us, what You have told us, what You have given us, what You have provided for us. Help us Lord to be walk in Your Spirit of trust, peace, power, authority and not in fear. Help us to receive Your Words of encouragement. Help us to receive Your Words of provision. Help us to receive Your Words of great love. We are not to have a spirit of fear, remember from Romans 8:15 - "For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!" Lord, today I take the promises You have given me and look to You in faith believing that if You put me in a situation it will be for Your glory and to help build my character. Help me to respond correctly and to shine as an ambassador for You today, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Luke 2

2This was the first enrollment, and it was made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3And all the people were going to be registered, each to his own city or town.

4And Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,

5To be enrolled with Mary, his espoused (^[b]married) wife, who was about to become a mother.^(A)

6And while they were there, the time came for her delivery,

7And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.

8And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night.

9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened.

10But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.

11For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!^(B)

12And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [^[c]after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. [I Sam. 2:34; II Kings 19:29; Isa. 7:14.]

13Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (^[d]a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [^[e]men of goodwill, of His favor].

15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing (^[f]saying) that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.

16So they went with haste and [^[g]by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger.

17And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child,

18And all who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them.

19But Mary was keeping ^[h]within herself all these things (^[i]sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart.

20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

21And at the end of eight days, when [the Baby] was to be circumcised, He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

22And when the time for their purification [the mother's purification and the Baby's dedication] came according to the Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord--^(C)

23As it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every [firstborn] male that opens the womb shall be set apart and dedicated and called holy to the Lord--^(D)

24And [they came also] to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.^(E)

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout [cautiously and carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

27And prompted by the [Holy] Spirit, he came into the temple [^[j]enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus to do for Him what was customary according to the Law,

28[Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said,

29And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word.

30For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation,^(F)

31Which You have ordained and prepared before (in the presence of) all peoples,

32A Light for ^[k]revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was before unknown] and [to bring] praise and honor and glory to Your people Israel.^(G)

33And His [legal] father and [His] mother were marveling at what was said about Him.

34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against--^(H)

35And a sword will pierce through your own soul also--that the secret thoughts and purposes of many hearts may be brought out and disclosed.

36And there was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood,^(I)

37And as a widow even for eighty-four years. She did not go out from the temple ^[l]enclosure, but was worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer.

38And she too came up at that same hour, and she returned thanks to God and talked of [Jesus] to all who were looking for the redemption (deliverance) of Jerusalem.

39And when they had done everything according to the Law of the Lord, they went back into Galilee to their own town, Nazareth.

40And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him.^(J)

41Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year to the Passover Feast.^(K)

42And when He was twelve years [old], they went up, as was their custom.

43And when the Feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. Now His parents did not know this,

44But, supposing Him to be in the caravan, they traveled on a day's journey; and [then] they sought Him [diligently, looking up and down for Him] among their kinsfolk and acquaintances.

45And when they failed to find Him, they went back to Jerusalem, looking for Him [up and down] all the way.

46After three days they found Him [came upon Him] in the ^[m][court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

47And all who heard Him were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His intelligence and understanding and His replies.

48And when they [Joseph and Mary] saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, Child, why have You treated us like this? Here Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You [distressed and tormented].

49And He said to them, How is it that you had to look for Me? Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me ^[n]to be in My Father's house and [occupied] about My Father's business?

50But they did not comprehend what He was saying to them.

51And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was [habitually] obedient to them; and his mother kept and closely and persistently guarded all these things in her heart.

52And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man.

Footnotes:

1. Luke 2:1 George R. Berry, Greek-English New Testament Lexicon.
2. Luke 2:5 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
3. Luke 2:12 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
4. Luke 2:13 John Wycliffe, The Wycliffe Bible.
5. Luke 2:14 John Wycliffe, The Wycliffe Bible.
6. Luke 2:15 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
7. Luke 2:16 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
8. Luke 2:19 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
9. Luke 2:19 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
10. Luke 2:27 Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament.
11. Luke 2:32 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
12. Luke 2:37 Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament.
13. Luke 2:46 Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament.
14. Luke 2:49 Literally, "in the things of My Father."

1. Luke 2:5 : Matt 1:18-25
2. Luke 2:11 : Mic 5:2
3. Luke 2:22 : Lev 12:1-4
4. Luke 2:23 : Exod 13:1, 2, 12; Num 8:17
5. Luke 2:24 : Lev 12:6-8
6. Luke 2:30 : Isa 52:10
7. Luke 2:32 : Isa 42:6; 49:6
8. Luke 2:34 : Isa 8:14, 15
9. Luke 2:36 : Josh 19:24
10. Luke 2:40 : Judg 13:24; I Sam 2:26
11. Luke 2:41 : Deut 16:1-8; Exod 23:15

Luke 1

2Exactly as they were handed down to us by those who from the [^[d]official] beginning [of Jesus' ministry] were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word [that is, of ^[e]the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God],

3It seemed good and desirable to me, [and so I have determined] also after ^[f]having searched out diligently and followed all things closely and traced accurately the course from the highest to the minutest detail from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,^(A)

4[My purpose is] that you may know the full truth and understand with certainty and security against error the accounts (histories) and doctrines of the faith of which you have been informed and in which you have been ^[g]orally instructed.

5In the days when Herod was king of Judea there was a certain priest whose name was Zachariah, ^[h]of the daily service (the division) of Abia; and his wife was also a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6And they both were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.

7But they had no child, for Elizabeth was barren; and both were ^[i]far advanced in years.

8Now while on duty, serving as priest before God in the order of his division,

9As was the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter [the ^[j]sanctuary of] the temple of the Lord and burn incense.^(B)

10And all the throng of people were praying outside [in the court] at the hour of incense [burning].

11And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

12And when Zachariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear took possession of him.

13But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zachariah, because your petition ^[k]was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you must call his name John [God is favorable].

14And you shall have joy and exultant delight, and many will rejoice over his birth,

15For he will be great and distinguished in the sight of the Lord. And he must drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit even ^[l]in and from his mother's womb.^(C)

16And he will turn back and cause to return many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God,

17And he will [himself] go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn back the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient and incredulous and unpersuadable to the wisdom of the upright [which is ^[m]the knowledge and holy love of the will of God]--in order to make ready for the Lord a people [perfectly] prepared [in spirit, ^[n]adjusted and disposed and placed in the right moral state].^(D)

18And Zachariah said to the angel, By what shall I know and be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.

19And the angel replied to him, I am Gabriel. I stand in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent to talk to you and to bring you this good news.^(E)

20Now behold, you will be and ^[o]will continue to be silent and not able to speak till the day when these things take place, because you have not believed what I told you; but my words are ^[p]of a kind which will be fulfilled in the appointed and proper time.

21Now the people kept waiting for Zachariah, and they wondered at his delaying [so long] in the ^[q]sanctuary.

22But when he did come out, he was unable to speak to them; and they [^[r]clearly] perceived that he had seen a vision in the ^[s]sanctuary; and he kept making signs to them, still he remained dumb.

23And when his time of performing priestly functions was ended, he returned to his [own] house.

24Now after this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she secluded herself ^[t]entirely, saying, [I have hid myself]

25^[u]Because thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He deigned to look on me to take away my reproach among men.^(F)

26Now in the sixth month [after that], the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth,

27To a girl never having been married and a ^[v]virgin engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28And he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one [^[w]endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! ^[x]Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women!

29But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled and disturbed and confused at what he said and kept revolving in her mind what such a greeting might mean.

30And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace (^[y]free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God.

31And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.

32He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David,

33And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end.^(G)

34And Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no [intimacy with any man as a] husband?

35Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God.^(H)

36And listen! Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is now the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

38Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her.

39And at that time Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country to a town of Judah,

40And she went to the house of Zachariah and, entering it, saluted Elizabeth.

41And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit.

42And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb!

43And how [have I deserved that this honor should] be granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44For behold, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45And blessed (happy, ^[z]to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord.

46And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord,

47And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48For He has looked upon the low station and humiliation of His handmaiden. For behold, from now on all generations [of all ages] will call me blessed and declare me happy and ^[aa]to be envied!

49For He Who is almighty has done great things for me--and holy is His name [to be venerated in His purity, majesty and glory]!

50And His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation and age to age.^(I)

51He has shown strength and ^[ab]made might with His arm; He has scattered the proud and haughty in and by the imagination and purpose and designs of their hearts.

52He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree.

53He has filled and satisfied the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty-handed [without a gift].

54He has laid hold on His servant Israel [to help him, to espouse his cause], in remembrance of His mercy,

55Even as He promised to our forefathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.^(J)

56And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] for about three months and [then] returned to her [own] home.

57Now the time that Elizabeth should be delivered came, and she gave birth to a son.

58And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy on her, and they rejoiced with her.

59And it occurred that on the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were intending to call him Zachariah after his father,^(K)

60But his mother answered, Not so! But he shall be called John.

61And they said to her, None of your relatives is called by that name.

62And they inquired with signs to his father [as to] what he wanted to have him called.

63Then Zachariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote, His name is John. And they were all astonished.

64And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak, blessing and praising and thanking God.

65And awe and reverential fear came on all their neighbors; and all these things were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea.

66And all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, Whatever will this little boy be then? For the hand of the Lord was [^[ac]so evidently] with him [protecting and aiding him].

67Now Zachariah his father was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

68Blessed (praised and extolled and thanked) be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and brought deliverance and redemption to His people!

69And He has raised up a Horn of salvation [a mighty and valiant Helper, the Author of salvation] for us in the house of David His servant--

70This is as He promised by the mouth of His holy prophets from the most ancient times [in the memory of man]--

71That we should have deliverance and be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who detest and pursue us with hatred;

72To make true and show the mercy and compassion and kindness [promised] to our forefathers and to remember and carry out His holy covenant [to bless, which is ^[ad]all the more sacred because it is made by God Himself],

73That covenant He sealed by oath to our forefather Abraham:

74To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our foes, might serve Him fearlessly

75In holiness (divine consecration) and righteousness [in accordance with the everlasting principles of right] within His presence all the days of our lives.

76And you, little one, shall be called a prophet of the Most High; for you shall go on before the face of the Lord to make ready His ways,^(L)

77To bring and give the knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness and remission of their sins.

78Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us]^(M)

79To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace.^(N)

80And the little boy grew and became strong in spirit; and he was in the deserts (wilderness) until the day of his appearing to Israel [the commencement of his public ministry].

Footnotes:

1. Luke 1:1 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.
2. Luke 1:1 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.
3. Luke 1:1 John Wycliffe, The Wycliffe Bible.
4. Luke 1:2 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.
5. Luke 1:2 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.
6. Luke 1:3 William Tyndale, The Tyndale Bible.
7. Luke 1:4 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.
8. Luke 1:5 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.
9. Luke 1:7 John Wycliffe, The Wycliffe Bible.
10. Luke 1:9 Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament.
11. Luke 1:13 William Tyndale, The Tyndale Bible.
12. Luke 1:15 William Tyndale, The Tyndale Bible.
13. Luke 1:17 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
14. Luke 1:17 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
15. Luke 1:20 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
16. Luke 1:20 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
17. Luke 1:21 Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament.
18. Luke 1:22 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
19. Luke 1:22 Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament.
20. Luke 1:24 Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament.
21. Luke 1:25 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
22. Luke 1:27 This Greek word parthenos (virgin) is used in Isa. 7:14 in The Septuagint, the Greek Old Testament translation which Jesus read and quoted.
23. Luke 1:28 Literal translation.
24. Luke 1:28 Some manuscripts do not contain this phrase.
25. Luke 1:30 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
26. Luke 1:45 Alexander Souter, Pocket Lexicon of the Greek New Testament.
27. Luke 1:48 Alexander Souter, Pocket Lexicon.
28. Luke 1:51 John Wycliffe, The Wycliffe Bible.
29. Luke 1:66 Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament.
30. Luke 1:72 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.

Cross references:

1. Luke 1:3 : Acts 1:1
2. Luke 1:9 : Exod 30:7
3. Luke 1:15 : Num 6:3
4. Luke 1:17 : Isa 40:3; Mal 4:5, 6
5. Luke 1:19 : Dan 8:16; 9:21
6. Luke 1:25 : Gen 30:23; Isa 4:1
7. Luke 1:33 : Isa 9:6, 7; Dan 2:44
8. Luke 1:35 : Exod 40:34; Isa 7:14
9. Luke 1:50 : Ps 103:17
10. Luke 1:55 : Gen 17:7; 18:18; 22:17; I Sam 2:1-10; Mic 7:20
11. Luke 1:59 : Gen 17:12; Lev 12:3
12. Luke 1:76 : Isa 40:3; Mal 4:5
13. Luke 1:78 : Mal 4:2
14. Luke 1:79 : Isa 9:2

by Pastor Andy Rosas

1. Remember what hope is.

Hope is the assurance we need when we are waiting for God’s perfect timing — before the miracle comes.

(Mark 5:24-27 / Mark 5:35-36 / Romans 15:4 / Romans 15:13 / Hebrews 10:23)

2. Remember what hope does.

Hope gives us strength, assurance, and peace while we grow in trusting God’s promises and plans for us.

(James 1:2-4)

3. Remember what hope did for you.

Hope held me when I was sick and needed a miracle of healing.

Hope comforted me when I needed God to restore my relationship.

Hope encouraged me when I was seeking God’s direction.

Hope strengthened me when my son needed a miracle.

Hope assured me when I needed a new job.

Hope invited me to trust in God, when I needed forgiveness.

Hope told me, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and you will receive!”

What’s your story?

(Hebrews 6:18-20 / Ephesians 2:12-13)

4. Remind our world.

Don’t be afraid; just believe. God still can!

(Luke 4:18-19 / Isaiah 52:7)

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day. I thank You for the revelation of what I should do today, to let go of the pain, let go of the fear, let go of the offenses, and turn back to You. Lord, as I look to You, I pray that You will give me the strength and the health to be able to pursue each directive You send my way. I pray that as Your Word spoke to me today in Mark 16.

15And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole ^[e]human race]. 16He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [^[f]from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned. 17And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 18They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well. 19So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God.^(C) 20And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it).

That I may walk in the power and the authority that You have given me. That I may walk in good health and not be afflicted by the things of this world because of Your protection and Your strength. Lord, I love You and thank You for speaking hope into my life. I thank You for not giving up on me but for being the God of second changes. Help me to walk to in power and promise, as a servant to others, not demanding of others as some leaders of the world do, but by serving my team, serving those You bring into my life, serving my family as You so greatly exemplified. I give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for being the Lord of all my life, over all I am, over all I will be, over all I have, over all I have not, for You are the giver all of the great things and blessings that are a part of my life. Lord, I thank You for Your provision - of family, of friends, of church, of work, of finances, of home, of health and of life. You have done more for me than I could have ever asked or imagined. I have learned and started to trust You more since I moved away from being "busy in my old life" to being much more active now and knowing that I couldn't and don't want to miss out in being a part of the works You are doing in and through the lives of Your people. I wasn't busy before, too busy to go to church and be a part of a bible believing, bible preaching, spirit filled church, that was just an excuse, a poor and lame excuse. I have seen how You can multiply my time and provide time for the many things You have brought into my life. Lord, it is by the power and the authority given to me in Christ Jesus that I have been able to rise up to where I am today and be a humble servant of those around me while at the same time be able to serve my Lord my God in every job, every task, every request that comes to me. Lord, guide my steps today. Lord, give me wisdom I pray, for I need to make decisions and I need to be able to speak out in hope, love, truth to those around me in order to shine Your light over them and remove the fears, remove the darkness, remove the hesitation, in order for You to be able to move us ahead and to become the team that You so desire us to be. And Lord, we will give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Devotional: A Business Problem Leads to a Call by Os Hillman on http://www.TodayGodIsFirst.com

Heavenly Father,
I thank You Lord for this new day and for the truth and hope that You speak into my life. Thank You Lord, for the revelation and reaffirmation that we need to stop ourselves from picking up offenses that will prevent us from walking in Your presence and allowing Your blessings to fully bear fruit in our lives. Lord, keep my eyes open to Your will and not my will so that what is to be will not be something that I will. Help me to be light for my team, my neighborhood, my family, and friends. And Lord, we will give You the praise and the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.

22And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly].

23Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.

24For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].

25And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and ^[g]let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.

26^[h]But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.

My Prayer:

Today's Reading from the Word of God:

Mark 10

1AND [Jesus] left there [Capernaum] and went to the region of Judea and beyond [east of] the Jordan; and crowds [constantly] gathered around Him again, and as was His custom, He began to teach them again.

2And some Pharisees came up, and, in order to test Him and try to find a weakness in Him, asked, Is it lawful for a man to ^[a]dismiss and repudiate and divorce his wife?

3He answered them, What did Moses command you?

4They replied, Moses allowed a man to write a bill of divorce and to put her away.^(A)

5But Jesus said to them, Because of your hardness of heart [^[b]your condition of insensibility to the call of God] he wrote you this ^[c]precept in your Law.

6But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female.^(B)

7For this reason a man shall leave [behind] his father and his mother ^[d]and be ^[e]joined to his wife and cleave closely to her permanently,

8And the two shall become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh.^(C)

9What therefore God has united (joined together), let not man separate or divide.

10And indoors the disciples questioned Him again about this subject.

11And He said to them, Whoever ^[f]dismisses (repudiates and divorces) his wife and marries another commits adultery against her;

12And if a woman dismisses (repudiates and divorces) her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.

13And they kept bringing young children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples were reproving them [for it].

14But when Jesus saw [it], He was indignant and ^[g]pained and said to them, Allow the children to come to Me--do not forbid or prevent or hinder them--for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

15Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive and accept and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall not enter it at all.

16And He took them [the children up ^[h]one by one] in His arms and [^[i]fervently invoked a] blessing, placing His hands upon them.

17And as He was setting out on His journey, a man ran up and knelt before Him and asked Him, Teacher, [You are ^[j]essentially and perfectly ^[k]morally] good, what must I do to inherit eternal life [that is, ^[l]to partake of eternal salvation in the Messiah's kingdom]?

18And Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me [^[m]essentially and perfectly ^[n]morally] good? There is no one [^[o]essentially and perfectly ^[p]morally] good--except God alone.

19You know the commandments: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.^(D)

20And he replied to Him, Teacher, I have carefully guarded and observed all these and taken care not to violate them from my boyhood.

21And Jesus, looking upon him, loved him, and He said to him, You lack one thing; go and sell all you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come [and] accompany Me [^[q]walking the same road that I walk].

22At that saying the man's countenance fell and was gloomy, and he went away grieved and sorrowing, for he was holding great possessions.

23And Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, With what difficulty will those who possess wealth and ^[r]keep on holding it enter the kingdom of God!

24And the disciples were amazed and bewildered and perplexed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how hard it is ^[s]for those who trust (place their confidence, their sense of safety) in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

26And they were shocked and exceedingly astonished, and said to Him and ^[t]to one another, Then who can be saved?

27Jesus glanced around at them and said, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.

28Peter started to say to Him, Behold, we have ^[u]yielded up and abandoned everything [once and for all and ^[v]joined You as Your disciples, siding with Your party] and accompanied You [^[w]walking the same road that You walk].

29Jesus said, Truly I tell you, there is no one who has given up and left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for My sake and for the Gospel's

30Who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life.

31But many [who are now] first will be last [then], and many [who are now] last will be first [then].

32They were on the way going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on in front of them; and they were bewildered and perplexed and greatly astonished, and those [who were still] following were seized with alarm and were afraid. And He took the Twelve [apostles] again and began to tell them what was about to happen to Him,

33[Saying], Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be turned over to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn and sentence Him to death and turn Him over to the Gentiles.

34And they will mock Him and spit on Him, and whip Him and put Him to death; but after three days He will rise again [^[x]from death].

35And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Him and said to Him, Teacher, we desire You to do for us whatever we ask of You.

36And He replied to them, What do you desire Me to do for you?

37And they said to Him, Grant that we may sit, one at Your right hand and one at [Your] left hand, in Your glory (Your majesty and splendor).

38But Jesus said to them, You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism [of affliction] with which I am baptized?

39And they replied to Him, We are able. And Jesus told them, The cup that I drink you will drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized,

40But to sit at My right hand or at My left hand is not Mine to give; but [it will be given to those] for whom it is ordained and prepared.

41And when the other ten [apostles] heard it, they began to be indignant with James and John.

42But Jesus called them to [Him] and said to them, You know that those who are recognized as governing and are supposed to rule the Gentiles (the nations) lord it over them [ruling with absolute power, holding them in subjection], and their great men exercise authority and dominion over them.

43But this is not to be so among you; instead, whoever desires to be great among you must be your servant,

44And whoever wishes to be most important and first in rank among you must be slave of all.

45For even the Son of Man came not to have service rendered to Him, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for (^[y]instead of) many.

46Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, a son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.

47And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have pity and mercy on me [^[z]now]!

48And many ^[aa]severely censured and reproved him, telling him to keep still, but he kept on shouting out all the more, You Son of David, have pity and mercy on me [now]!

49And Jesus stopped and said, Call him. And they called the blind man, telling him, Take courage! Get up! He is calling you.

50And throwing off his outer garment, he leaped up and came to Jesus.

51And Jesus said to him, What do you want Me to do for you? And the blind man said to Him, Master, let me receive my sight.

52And Jesus said to him, Go your way; your faith has healed you. And at once he received his sight and accompanied Jesus on the road.^(E)

Today's Devotional from Today God Is First by Os Hillman:

Are You a Romans 8:14 Christian?

by Os Hillman

For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. - Romans 8:13-14

Joshua and Caleb are described in Scripture as men who had a different spirit. They were two of the 12 spies sent into the Promised Land to determine if it could be taken, as God had promised it to them. The other ten gave a bad report that instilled fear in the people, which ultimately caused a rebellion. This resulted in an entire generation dying in the desert. Joshua and Caleb were the only two who were led by the Spirit of God, versus the spirit of fear. They were the only ones to enter the Promised Land from their generation.

Are you a person led by the Spirit? The verse above tells us that those who are led by the Spirit are sons of God. "But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it" (Num. 14:24). Caleb was a Romans 8:14 man! The Spirit led him. He was not led by fear.

Many of us have failed to enter into our own Promised Land because we have failed to be led by the Spirit rather than by fear. Fear prevents us from entering into what God has promised for each of us. God has reserved an inheritance for us that is exceedingly good. God described the Promised Land as a land of milk and honey. Our own Promised Land is the same. But you must be led by the Spirit to enter in. You cannot be led by fear, reason and analysis, or even skill. The Spirit must lead you.

Commit yourself to being a Romans 8:14 man or woman. Then you will enter into the land God has promised for you.

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My prayer after my readings:

Help me Lord to be one who instills courage through the truth of who You are. Let me not be controlled by fear, but to walk in the power and the authority given to me through and in the name of Jesus. Let me be a man who stands firm on the rock of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Let me be a man who is not swayed by popular opinion or temptation or greed or pride, but by the purposes and plans of God for me. I thank You again for this day Lord, for Your Word for such a day and such a time as this. I thank You for Your healing touch that has miraculously healed and restored by body, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this incredible new day - the life You have given me to live, the opportunities You have give me to experience, the challenges You have given me to achieve, the testing You have put before me to help me become more like You. Lord, You are so awesome - may others get the opportunity to realize that it isn't just words on a page, but to truly experience a relationship with You - a God who loves us and cares for us, a God who wants us to realize that You want us to have a hope and a future, a God who works in and through us for the greater good and to help develop a godly character in our lives. You are awesome Lord, and I lift up the pastors to You, help them to be strong and fall into the temptation of the enemy and need to step down from the positions You have given them. I lift up the elders who have lived a life that is honorable in Your eyes, please oh Lord give them wisdom, given them visions to help direct Your church as we draw nearer to You and to Your return. I lift up the board, the deacons, and their families who have been called into a role and responsibility to help in the directing and guiding and supporting of Your church. Help them and their families be strong in You. Help them to hold on tighter to You now than before they stepped up, for to whom much is given, much is required. Lord, I lift up the leaders in the church who help to lead others in the various ministries of the church. Help them Lord, to know and keep Your priorities. Help them to shine for You in such a way that others will want to follow them and for Your ministries to grow and to flourish and be able to reach out and shine for many more people. I lift up the workers, all those who give and sacrifice of their time to be a part of Your ministries. I pray Lord, that You will bless their hands and their feet, their words and their works, that others may see and hear them glorify You in heaven. We love You Lord and we praise You Lord and we ask that You be with us and strengthen us, and heal us in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's reading from the Word of God: Mark 9

...

23And Jesus said, [You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!

24At once the father of the boy gave [an ^[k]eager, ^[l]piercing, inarticulate] cry with tears, and he said, Lord, I believe! [Constantly] help my ^[m]weakness of faith!

...

35And He sat down and called the Twelve [apostles], and He said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all.

36And He took a little child and put him in the center of their group; and taking him in [His] arms, He said to them,

37Whoever in My name and for My sake accepts and receives and welcomes one such child also accepts and receives and welcomes Me; and whoever so receives Me receives not only Me but Him Who sent Me.

...

40For he who is not against us is for us.^(C)

...

49For everyone shall be salted with fire.

50Salt is good (beneficial), but if salt has lost its saltness, how will you restore [the saltness to] it? Have salt within yourselves, and be at peace and live in harmony with one another.

Today's devotion from Today God Is First by Os Hillman

Fulfilling Vows

by Os Hillman

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. - Ecclesiastes 5:4

Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement.”? Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.

God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following:

It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).

God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives

Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects? Vows show up in many areas of our lives - marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered.

Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.

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Just Business

Ethics At Work
If you desire to run your business or work life with integrity and a Christian work ethic, this is a good resource. The author carefullly explores God's character qualities of holiness, justice, and love, which are the keys to Christian business ethics. Specific topics are also included such as employee-employer relations, discrimination, affirmative action, and environmental damage. This book is clear, concise, and draws from numerous well-regarded sources. The examples are enjoyable and the discussion questions are thought provoking.
Order or Learn More

© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First ^TM is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
For personal prayer and counsel click here.

Send postal mail to:
Marketplace Leaders, 475 Tribble Gap Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA USA 30040

Signup to Receive TGIF via Email

©2004 - 2007 Marketplace Leaders - All Rights Reserved.

Heavenly Father,
You amaze me with how You gave me the strength, the courage, and the ability to be able to take on so many incredible opportunities and challenges at the same time. When I think back over time of the transitions in my life I see they seemed to be pooled together.

In 1994: Graduated from University, Started my 1st job, Bought first new car

In 1997: Married my wife, Started my 2nd job, purchased our first house

In 2000: First child was born, Started my 3rd job, purchased our second house

In 2004: Second child was born, Started my 4th job, purchased our third house

In 2007: Third child was born, Started my 5th job, but no new house.

God, each of these years you brought such incredible blessings into my life that to many people in this world would have thought they would have been stressing out. I found that Lord, You were building me and preparing me for even greater things. Lord, Your Word says that to whom much is given, much is required. Your Word says that we are to take the talents you have given us and to multiply them. Your Word says that we are to put our trust in You, and all the other desires of our hearts will be given unto us. Lord, Your Word says that if we ask for wisdom that You will give it to us abundantly.

I thank You for the incredible things You have brought into my life to develop and grow me. Help me I pray to take the next steps and grow and develop into the man of God You have called me to be and I will give You all the praise and the glory and the honor in Jesus' name. Amen.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Your people are calling upon You in the name of Jesus knowing that You are the God who can make a difference and can help those in need and save those who are lost. Lord, help us to pray in accordance with Your will and to believe and trust that what we bind on earth in the name of Jesus will be bound in heaven and that what we loose on earth in the name of Jesus will be loosed in heaven. Help us Lord to build our faith through the testimonies of others, through remembering our own testimonies of what You have done in our lives, and through Your Word written and preserved for us in Jesus' name. Lord, the pain of the shingles has started to depart from my body by the power and the authority of Jesus. I now rebuke these cold symptoms that I am feeling know that nothing is impossible nor to challenging for You and I ask all this in the name of Jesus. Lord, I thank You for this new day and for the new opportunities You are sending my way. Help my immune system to be strengthened and to be able to fight off whatever sickness that the devil would try to send my way, for I want nothing to do with him and want to be able to complete and accomplish all that You have for me, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Excerpts from my reading of God's Word: Mark 8

God can take what little we have, multiply it, and provide for the many needs around us:

1IN THOSE days when [again] an immense crowd had gathered and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and told them,

2I have pity and sympathy for the people and My heart goes out to them, for they have been with Me now three days and have nothing [left] to eat;

3And if I send them away to their homes hungry, they will be feeble through exhaustion and faint along the road; and some of them have come a long way.

4And His disciples replied to Him, How can anyone fill and satisfy [these people] with loaves of bread here in [this] desolate and uninhabited region?

5And He asked them, How many loaves have you? They said, Seven.

6And He commanded the multitude to recline upon the ground, and He [then] took the seven loaves [of bread] and, having given thanks, He broke them and kept on giving them to His disciples to put before [the people], and they placed them before the crowd.

7And they had a few small fish; and when He had ^[a]praised God and given thanks and asked Him to bless them [to their use], He ordered that these also should be set before [them].

8And they ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven [^[b]large provision] baskets full of the broken pieces left over.

9And there were about 4,000 people. And He dismissed them,

...

God will openly and freely speak to us through His Word if we will look to it with all our hearts and minds trust Him for all our needs:

27And Jesus went on with His disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He asked His disciples, Who do people say that I am?

28And they answered [Him], John the Baptist; and others [say], Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.

29And He asked them, But who do you yourselves say that I am? Peter replied to Him, You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

30And He charged them sharply to tell no one about Him.

31And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must of necessity suffer many things and be tested and disapproved and rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be put to death, and after three days rise again [^[l]from death].

32And He said this freely (frankly, plainly, and explicitly, making it unmistakable).

...

Let us all chase after God with all our hearts, and all our minds, and all our souls

36For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life [^[w]in the eternal kingdom of God]?

37For what can a man give as an exchange (^[x]a compensation, a ransom, in return) for his [blessed] life [^[y]in the eternal kingdom of God]?

38For whoever ^[z]is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous (unfaithful) and [preeminently] sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory (splendor and majesty) of His Father with the holy angels.

My devotional reading from Today God Is First by Os Hillman:

Product Testing

by Os Hillman

His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" - Matthew 25:21

Testing allows one to discover how well a product is made when placed under extreme stress. Increasing the pulling pressure between two objects reveals the amount of tension that can be withstood in a chain link. Eventually, the "choking" point occurs. In sports, we ascertain the "choking" point for athletes by putting them into a pressure situation. At what point will the athlete lose concentration and collapse under the pressure? It is under these stressful times that we discover how well we have been trained to withstand the pressure and make right decisions regardless of outside influences.

In my younger days I played sports. I came to observe that we fail under pressure usually because we reach a point where our ability to focus on execution yields to concern about outcome. This worry about outcome forces us to lose our concentration. The fear of failure begins to rule our emotions and actions, which ultimately results in our failure. What we fear has come upon us. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

In life, we see giving in to pressure in the form of compulsive behavior, withdrawal, anger, abuse, moral failure, and dishonesty, to name just a few manifestations.

Jesus never yielded to pressure. He never made decisions based on outcome. He always made the right decision. He always performed the same no matter what the circumstance. He lived a life based on absolutes, not circumstances. He never gave in to "situational ethics."

As God entrusts us with more and more responsibility, He brings more and more pressures into our lives to "test the product," to make sure that He can give even more responsibility to us. This process helps us see where we are in our maturity and determines our level of future responsibility.

Are you a product that can withstand the product test? Will you perform as the Maker designed no matter what outside pressures come? Know that you cannot perform well unless you are continually in relationship with and obedient to the one who made you. Trust the product developer today. He has made you to perform well under pressure.

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Just Business

Ethics At Work
If you desire to run your business or work life with integrity and a Christian work ethic, this is a good resource. The author carefullly explores God's character qualities of holiness, justice, and love, which are the keys to Christian business ethics. Specific topics are also included such as employee-employer relations, discrimination, affirmative action, and environmental damage. This book is clear, concise, and draws from numerous well-regarded sources. The examples are enjoyable and the discussion questions are thought provoking.
Order or Learn More

© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First ^TM is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
For personal prayer and counsel click here.

Send postal mail to:
Marketplace Leaders, 475 Tribble Gap Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA USA 30040

Signup to Receive TGIF via Email

©2004 - 2007 Marketplace Leaders - All Rights Reserved.

An atheist was walking through the woods.
'What majestic trees'!
'What powerful rivers'!
'What beautiful animals'!
He said to himself.
As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him.
He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out, 'Oh my God!'
Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.
As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. 'You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident.' 'Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer'?
The atheist looked directly into the light, 'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian'?
'Very Well,' said the voice.
The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:

'Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.'

ECA Men's Retreat

It's time to Climb

why do we climb mountains?

some say because it's there.

God says it's because he invited us.

seven steps to Climb your mountains .

1. hear the call
2. Get dressed
3. test your gear
4. get on the right line
5. reach
6. enjoy the view
7. do it again
8. take someone with you

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and this new opportunity to focus and lean on You. Lord, my body will be healed by Your stripes. Lord, my mind and heart will be cleansed by Your blood. Help me Lord to have a clean heart, a clean mind, and a obedient spirit today. Let me speak hope and blessings, encouragement and strength to those I meet or talk to. Let me be a light shining in such a dark world where there are so many things trying to rip at the fabric of society and trying to rip God, rip You out of the picture. Lord, I thank You and praise You and hope that people will look inward and allow You to do a work in them and their lives. I will praise You and worship You, honor You and love You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Lord,
I pray for business people who would have bad decisions or try to remove You from their lives and the lives of their customers. I pray for those in authority who can make decisions about what stays and what goes. I pray for those in authority who can make decisions about doing something based on values vs. potential short term gains in finances.

I ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Reading from God's Word: Mark 7

Today's Devotional from Today God Is First by Os Hillman

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for not keeping my eyes on You. Forgive me for not realizing You are here with me. Forgive me for not realizing it is You who have come near to heal me of my sickness. Forgive me for not letting my mind and heart receive the encouragement and prayers You have already provided. Forgive me for not realizing that You will provide for my every need and for every need of my family. Forgive me for not realizing that You have a purpose for all the things that happen around me to teach me and lead me. Forgive me for not letting my character being developed and receiving or accepting the trials and challenges that are put before me to help build character and faith in my life.

I turn to You realizing that today's Word spoke to me to not only receive and realize what You have done, but also to press in and onward to grow into the man and pillar of God that You so called me to be. I praise You, worship You, honor You, love You, and obey You and Your Word, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Help me today to do and become the man you so desire for me. I receive the healing touch for by the Your stripes I am healed and I know that the pain and spots will diminish and be completely gone quickly, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Reading from the Word of God: Mark 6

1JESUS WENT away from there and came to His [own] country and hometown [Nazareth], and His disciples followed [with] Him.

2And on the Sabbath He began to teach in the synagogue; and many who listened to Him were utterly astonished, saying, Where did this ^[a]Man acquire all this? What is the wisdom [the broad and full intelligence which has been] given to Him? What mighty works and exhibitions of power are wrought by His hands!

3Is not this the Carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not His sisters here among us? And they took offense at Him and ^[b]were hurt [that is, they ^[c]disapproved of Him, and it hindered them from acknowledging His authority] and they were caused to stumble and fall.

4But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor (deference, reverence) except in his [own] country and among [his] relatives and in his [own] house.

5And He was not able to do ^[d]even one work of power there, except that He laid His hands on a few sickly people [and] cured them.

6And He marveled because of their unbelief (their lack of faith in Him). And He went about among the surrounding villages and continued teaching.

7And He called to Him the Twelve [apostles] and began to send them out [as His ambassadors] two by two and gave them authority and power over the unclean spirits.

8He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick--no bread, ^[e]no wallet for a collection bag, no money in their belts (girdles, purses)--

9But to go with sandals on their feet and not to put on two tunics (undergarments).

10And He told them, Wherever you go into a house, stay there until you leave that place.

11And if any community will not receive and accept and welcome you, and they refuse to listen to you, when you depart, shake off the dust that is on your feet, for a testimony against them. ^[f]Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the judgment day than for that town.

12So they went out and preached that men should repent [^[g]that they should change their minds for the better and heartily amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins].

13And they drove out many unclean spirits and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

14King Herod heard of it, for [Jesus'] name had become well known. ^[h]He and they [of his court] said, John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why these mighty powers [^[i]of performing miracles] are at work in Him.

15[But] others kept saying, It is Elijah! And others said, It is a prophet, like one of the prophets [of old].

16But when Herod heard [of it], he said, [^[j]This very] John, whom I beheaded, has been raised [from the dead].

17For [this] Herod himself had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he [Herod] had married her.

18For John had told Herod, It is not lawful and you have no right to have your brother's wife.

19And Herodias was angry (enraged) with him and held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him; but she could not,

20For Herod had [^[k]a reverential] fear of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and [continually] kept him safe [^[l]under guard]. When he heard [John speak], he was much perplexed; and [yet] he heard him gladly.

21But an opportune time came [for Herodias] when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and the high military commanders and chief men of Galilee.

22For when the daughter ^[m]of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased and ^[n]fascinated Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, Ask me for whatever you desire, and I will give it to you.

23And he put himself under oath to her, Whatever you ask me, I will give it to you, even to the half of my kingdom.^(A)

24Then she left the room and said to her mother, What shall I ask for [myself]? And she replied, The head of John the Baptist!

25And she rushed back instantly to the king and requested, saying, I wish you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

26And the king was deeply pained and grieved and exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to slight her [by breaking faith with her].

27And immediately the king sent off one [of the soldiers] of his bodyguard and gave him orders to bring [John's] head. He went and beheaded him in the prison

28And brought his head on a platter and handed it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.

29When his disciples learned of it, they came and took [John's] body and laid it in a tomb.

30The apostles [sent out as missionaries] came back and gathered together to Jesus, and told Him all that they had done and taught.

31And He said to them, [^[o]As for you] come away by yourselves to a deserted place, and rest a while--for many were [continually] coming and going, and they had not even leisure enough to eat.

32And they went away in a boat to a solitary place by themselves.

33Now many [people] saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the surrounding towns, and they got there ahead [of those in the boat].

34As Jesus landed, He saw a great crowd waiting, and He was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.

35And when ^[p]the day was already far gone, His disciples came to Him and said, This is a desolate and isolated place, and the hour is now late.

36Send the crowds away to go into the country and villages round about and buy themselves something to eat.

37But He replied to them, Give them something to eat yourselves. And they said to Him, Shall we go and buy 200 ^[q]denarii [about forty dollars] worth of bread and give it to them to eat? [II Kings 4:42-44.]

38And He said to them, How many loaves do you have? Go and see. And when they [had looked and] knew, they said, Five [loaves] and two fish.

39Then He commanded the people all to recline on the green grass by companies.

40So they threw themselves down in ranks of hundreds and fifties [with the ^[r]regularity of an arrangement of beds of herbs, looking ^[s]like so many garden plots].

41And taking the five loaves and two fish, He looked up to heaven and, praising God, gave thanks and broke the loaves and kept on giving them to the disciples to set before the people; and He [also] divided the two fish among [them] all.

42And they all ate and were satisfied.

43And they took up twelve [^[t]small hand] baskets full of broken pieces [from the loaves] and of the fish.

44And those who ate the loaves were 5,000 men.

45And at once He insisted that the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He was sending the throng away.

46And after He had taken leave of them, He went off into the hills to pray.

47Now when evening had come, the boat was out in the middle of the lake, and He was by Himself on the land.

48And having seen that they were troubled and tormented in [their] rowing, for the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night [between 3:00-6:00 a.m.] He came to them, walking [directly] on the sea. And He acted as if He meant to pass by them,

49But when they saw Him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and ^[u]raised a [deep, throaty] shriek of terror.

50For they all saw Him and were agitated (troubled and filled with fear and dread). But immediately He talked with them and said, Take heart! I AM! Stop being alarmed and afraid.^(B)

51And He went up into the boat with them, and the wind ceased (^[v]sank to rest as if exhausted by its own beating). And they were astonished exceedingly [beyond measure],

52For they failed to consider or understand [the teaching and meaning of the miracle of] the loaves; [in fact] their hearts had ^[w]grown callous [had become dull and had ^[x]lost the power of understanding].

53And when they had crossed over, they reached the land of Gennesaret and ^[y]came to [anchor at] the shore.

54As soon as they got out of the boat, [the people] recognized Him,

55And they ran about the whole countryside, and began to carry around sick people on their sleeping pads or mats to any place where they heard that He was.

56And wherever He came into villages or cities or the country, they would lay the sick in the marketplaces and beg Him that they might touch even the fringe of His outer garment, and as many as touched Him were restored to health.

My Devotional from Today God Is First by Os Hillman

Sold Out

by Os Hillman

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. - Philippians 3:7

George Mueller was a man known for building orphanages by faith in the mid-1800s. He raised literally millions of dollars for his orphanages, yet died with little in his own bank account. When asked about his conversion experience he commented,

“I was converted in November of 1825, but I only came into the full surrender of the heart four years later, in July 1829. The love of money was gone, the love of place was gone, the love of position was gone, and the love of worldly pleasures and engagements was gone. God, God alone became my portion. I found my all in Him; I wanted nothing else. And by the grace of God this has remained, and has made me a happy man, an exceedingly happy man, and it led me to care only about the things of God. I ask affectionately, my beloved brethren, have you fully surrendered the heart to God, or is there this thing or that thing with which you have taken up irrespective of God? I read a little of the scriptures before, but preferred other books; but since that time the revelation He has made of Himself has become unspeakably blessed to me, and I can say from my heart, God is an infinitely lovely Being. Oh, be not satisfied until in your own inmost soul you can say, God is an infinitely lovely Being!” [Basil Miller, Man of Faith and Miracles (Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bethany House Publishers, n.d.)]

Many will never get to the place where George Mueller was in his spiritual life, because we are unwilling to release control of these areas of which he speaks. If we do release control, it usually is due to a process that God brings us through. Paul got knocked to the ground and was spoken to personally before he was willing to listen and follow completely. Peter had to live with Jesus three years and he still denied Him. It was only later, after he denied Jesus and realized how weak he was in his own faith, that he became fully committed to the Savior.

What will it take for you to fully surrender? You will know that you have given full surrender when power, money, and position no longer have meaning in your life. Paul said he came to a place where his life was the life of Christ only. It is a sacrificial life, but it is also a life of freedom, purpose, and meaning. Let God take full control and see His life lived fully through you.

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Living On The Third River

Living On The Third River
This unique "quick-read" book will quite likely create a major paradigm shift in your thinking about money, convict you about your current financial outlook, and free you to live in God's abundant provision.  It begins as a story of three people living along three rivers who make very different choices about the water they each manage. The water represents their money and possessions, and the meaning of the story is unmistakably clear and powerfully effective, told in a way that even a child could understand. This is an ideal resource to purchase multiple copies and share with friends, co-workers, and family. Learn More or Order

© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First ^TM is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
For personal prayer and counsel click here.

Send postal mail to:
Marketplace Leaders, 475 Tribble Gap Rd, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA USA 30040

Signup to Receive TGIF via Email

©2004 - 2007 Marketplace Leaders - All Rights Reserved.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
This world tries to bring us down and speak discouragement to us. This world tries to discredit and downplay the purpose and the role You have to play in each of our lives. Lord, Your Word says that we will never face more than we can handle. Lord, Your Word says that You will always provide a way out from the distractions and temptations of this world. Lord, You know the past we have come from and still desire so much more for us. Lord, You know the baggage that we are carrying from all the experiences and heritage we have. Lord, with all this knowledge, You still love us, You still desire to help us, You have given so much of Yourself that we can be restored and freed from the chains and bondage of our past. Lord, I thank You for the LOVE You so freely gave to us. Lord, I thank You for the incredible SACRIFICE You made for us. Lord, today I look to You in hope and trust knowing that no matter the trials and the pain we feel that You will help us to work it all for our GOOD. The devil wants to destroy, divide, discredit, and diminish all that can and do for You and for those around us. Help us to grab on to Your coat that we may be filled with the hope, the promise, the strength, the power and the character to overcome the devil's traps and tricks and that we may shine for You. Lord, we thank You, we praise You, we honor You, we worship You, in Jesus' name I pray and give this day and my mind, body, and soul to You for Your purposes today. Amen.

My reading from the WORD of GOD:

1THEY CAME to the other side of the sea to the region of the Gerasenes.

2And as soon as He got out of the boat, there met Him out of the tombs a man [under the power] of an unclean spirit.

3This man ^[a]continually lived among the tombs, and no one could subdue him any more, even with a chain;

4For he had been bound often with shackles for the feet and ^[b]handcuffs, but the handcuffs of [light] chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he rubbed and ground together and broke in pieces; and no one had strength enough to restrain or tame him.

5Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always ^[c]shrieking and screaming and ^[d]beating and bruising and ^[e]cutting himself with stones.

6And when from a distance he saw Jesus, he ran and fell on his knees before Him in homage,

7And crying out with a loud voice, he said, What have You to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? [What is there in common between us?] I ^[f]solemnly implore you by God, do not begin to torment me!

8For Jesus was commanding, Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!

9And He asked him, What is your name? He replied, My name is Legion, for we are many.

10And he kept begging Him urgently not to send them [himself and the other demons] away out of that region.

11Now a great herd of hogs was grazing there on the hillside.

12And the demons begged Him, saying, Send us to the hogs, that we may go into them!

13So He gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out [of the man] and entered into the hogs; and the herd, numbering about 2,000, rushed headlong down the steep slope into the sea and were drowned in the sea.

14The hog feeders ran away, and told [it] in the town and in the country. And [the people] came to see what it was that had taken place.

15And they came to Jesus and looked intently and searchingly at the man who had been a demoniac, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, [the same man] who had had the legion [of demons]; and they were ^[g]seized with alarm and struck with fear.

16And those who had seen it related in full what had happened to the man possessed by demons and to the hogs.

17And they began to beg [Jesus] to leave their neighborhood.

18And when He had stepped into the boat, the man who had been controlled by the unclean spirits kept begging Him that he might be with Him.

19But Jesus refused to permit him, but said to him, Go home to your own [family and relatives and friends] and bring back word to them of how much the Lord has done for you, and [how He has] had sympathy for you and mercy on you.

20And he departed and began to publicly proclaim in Decapolis [the region of the ten cities] how much Jesus had done for him, and all the people were astonished and marveled.^(A)

21And when Jesus had recrossed in the boat to the other side, a great throng gathered about Him, and He was at the lakeshore.

22Then one of the rulers of the synagogue came up, Jairus by name; and seeing Him, he prostrated himself at His feet

23And begged Him earnestly, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, so that she may be healed and live.

24And Jesus went with him; and a great crowd kept following Him and pressed Him ^[h]from all sides [so as almost to suffocate Him].

25And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years,

26And who had endured much ^[i]suffering under [the hands of] many physicians and had spent all that she had, and was no better but instead grew worse.

27She had heard the reports concerning Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment,

28For she kept saying, If I only touch His garments, I shall be restored to health.

29And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [^[j]suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [^[k]distressing] ailment.

30And Jesus, recognizing in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around immediately in the crowd and said, Who touched My clothes?

31And the disciples kept saying to Him, You see the crowd pressing hard around You ^[l]from all sides, and You ask, Who touched Me?

32Still He kept looking around to see her who had done it.

33But the woman, knowing what had been done for her, though alarmed and frightened and trembling, fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.

34And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your ^[m]trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in ^[n](into) peace and be continually healed and freed from your [^[o]distressing bodily] disease.

35While He was still speaking, there came some from the ruler's house, who said [to Jairus], Your daughter has died. Why bother and distress the Teacher any further?

36^[p]Overhearing but ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; only keep on believing.

37And He permitted no one to accompany Him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.

38When they arrived at the house of the ruler of the synagogue, He ^[q]looked [carefully and with understanding] at [the] tumult and the people weeping and wailing loudly.

39And when He had gone in, He said to them, Why do you make an uproar and weep? The little girl is not dead but is sleeping.

40And they laughed and ^[r]jeered at Him. But He put them all out, and, taking the child's father and mother and those who were with Him, He went in where the little girl was lying.

41Gripping her [firmly] by the hand, He said to her, Talitha cumi--which translated is, Little girl, I say to you, arise [^[s]from the sleep of death]!

42And instantly the girl got up and started walking around--for she was twelve years old. And they were utterly astonished and overcome with amazement.

43And He strictly commanded and warned them that no one should know this, and He [^[t]expressly] told them to give her [something] to eat.

My devotional Reading from TGIF by Os Hillman

Prosperity in Afflictions

by Os Hillman

The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." - Genesis 41:52

When Joseph was elevated to rule over the Egyptian kingdom, he revealed some profound truths gained from the experiences of his years of adversity. He named his first son, Manasseh for, he said, "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household" (Gen. 41:51b). His second son was named Ephraim because, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

Whenever God takes us through the land of affliction, He will do two things through that affliction: 1) He will bring such healing that we will be able to forget the pain, and 2) He will make us fruitful from the painful experiences.

God does not waste our afflictions if we allow Him the freedom to complete the work in us. His desire is to create virtue that remains during the times of testing so that He can bring us into the place of fruitfulness in the very area of our testing. He has never promised to keep us from entering the valleys of testing, but He has promised to make us fruitful in them. He is the God who turns the Valley of Achor (trouble) into a door of hope (see Hos. 2:15).

If you are in the valley of affliction, now is the time to press into Him. When the time comes to bring you out of this valley, He will heal your memories and bring fruit from this very time.

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The Joseph-Daniel Calling

The Joseph-Daniel Calling
Like Joseph and Daniel in the Bible, God is calling men and women to serve in strategic positions of influence and power in the workplace for His purposes. This book addresses the dynamics of this calling, God’s economy, and the challenges of these uniquely called Josephs and Daniels. Among other agendas, they will be facilitators of the release of the wealth of the wicked into Kingdom initiatives.
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