Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for all the plans You have for it. I consider what it can be and knowing that You made it, brings joy to my heart. Help me I pray to keep my focus on You. Help me I pray to keep first things first and realize where my priorities are to be. Help me I pray to manage my time in a way that is in alignment with these priorities. God, I thank You for Your Word, that it can get straight to my heart and speak to me daily. That Your Word is more than something I read and go on with my day, but that it is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. That You use it to guide me and protect me. As I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil, for thy rod and thy staff they guide me and comfort me. God, let all that I do today bring joy to Your heart. Help my actions, my words, my thoughts all be glorifying to You. Help me to receive and respond appropriately. And Lord, I will give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Devotional:

Seekers of God

God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. - Psalm 53:2

Reading:

The Lesson of the Ruined Waistband

Jeremiah 13; Psalm 76:1-3; Proverbs 15:12

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Heavenly Father,
Your Word continues to bring ideas and concepts to me. Your Word is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, yet it brings wisdom and direction daily. I thank You for the time You allow me to read and focus on Your Word. I thank You for the Holy Spirit that prompts me and speaks to my heart. Lord, as I look at my next 2 days before taking some time off, I pray that You will help me to use the time to its fullest potential to bring You the most praise and glory. I also pray for my friends and family that they will all be blessed today by considering what You have in store for them and the plans and ideas You have set in motion for them today. Lord, I thank You and praise You and give You all the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen

http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=4968&columnid=744 – consider how a dispute may be easily settled

Consider what you are measuring your life against – What is your Standard?

Consider what God’s standard is for your life – measured up against the plumb line of the Bible – What is God’s Standard?

Finally – How do they line up?

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotions/bigpicture/545366/

 

Imagine after praying that in your reading you receive/read:

“So do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble.”

What would you think? What would you say?

Imagine just a few days earlier when you posted a prayer on your blog and someone posting a comment on your site that says:

“The prayers of this country will not be heard. That is why they have been given Obama, a narcissistic, power hungry black man. The downfall of this country is already taking place. Look at today....while the Ark of the covenant is (supposedly)being unveiled today, the manipulated world is looking into why MICHAEL JACKSON died!!! Talk about worshipping idols and 'other gods'!”
This world is in a pitiful shape...and now is the time for judgement, against those who knew the truth but would not DO IT.

Imagine they were just a few days apart…

How are we lined up? - What standard are we measuring ourselves against? What is God's standard? How are we lined up?

Consider life as a football field - the lines are to let us know where to play.
Consider life against the Bible - the rules are to let us know where life is to take place.

In both cases, it isn't to limit us, but to show us how to win.

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Heavenly Father,
There are so many people who are looking for answers and trying to win, but they are looking in all the wrong place and finding more heart ache and pain. Lord, You are the way the truth and the life. Lord, You have provided the Bible as a guide book on how to live to be able to receive the incredible blessings that You had planned and desired for our lives. Today I pray that people will give Your Word a chance. I pray that people will seek the truth – that never changes, that like You is the same Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. God, help to look to You as our eternal source and guide in this life. Help us to be sensitive to Your Spirit who will bring Your Word to our minds in each situation in order to help direct our every step.

Lord, I heard in the news that the Ark of the Covenant may have been found. I pray to hear of the great blessings that have taken place to the people who have watched over it, as is described in the Old Testament. I pray that people will turn back to You and not fall into the trap of old as the people of Israel did when they started to worship the poll that had the snake on it which had kept them from dying, but instead would put their hope and trust and focus on You. I pray that this will be another opportunity for all those who are called by Your Name to receive the truth and be able to turn back to You. That we would focus on You more and work to fix or realign our lives, our culture, our views to be in alignment with Your plans and purposes for each of us and them.

I know Lord that You hear my prayers. I know Lord that You speak to me through Your Word and Your Spirit and praise You Lord. I pray that all those who attend a church service today will get an opportunity to hear the unabridged TRUTH, that people wouldn’t hold back from preaching the full truth and robbing people of the blessings You have for them. And Lord, we will give you the praise and the honor and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is there anyone who executes judgment who seeks the truth?

Will anyone stand in the gap for your country?

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

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Heavenly Father,
I life up this country to You. I look worship and honor You through my words and actions. Lord, help me I pray to be an example, to be an ambassador for You. Lord, as I go out into the world today, I pray that Your light shine on me. I pray that as I prepare to go, I will not be just getting dressed physically, but that I will put on the full armor of God. Lord, you have prophesied over me that I am one who will stand in the gap, that You sent me here for such a day and such a time as that and I do stand here asking that You hold back destruction on this land, that Your grace be visible and that the people who are called by Your name will all turn back to You, will repent – asking for forgiveness – not just for themselves, but for the generational sins of the land, for the leaders, for those who haven’t heard or have fallen away from You, so that Lord, the World will see that You are who You said You are – that they would not just hear, but be able to see the incredible healing that can come over a land when the Lord is put back where You belong – at the head of our lives. God my hope and trust are in You. I know Lord that You brought me here for such a day and such a time as this. I know Lord, that You didn’t bring some people into my life by accident, but have purposed for their to be more. Lord, may we glorify You and may Your Word be seen and read, listened to and obeyed, and may You receive all the praise and all the glory and all the honor, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/bigpicture/545360/

Remaining Vertical With God

Divine Appointments

By Os Hillman, June 23, 2009
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I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. - Matthew 10:16

"Os is now taking over this division. He will be managing all of these activities from now on. You should know that he has a different management philosophy than what you may have experienced before. He has a biblical management philosophy. Os, would you like to explain what they could expect from you in this regard?"
These were the words spoken to me by a non-Christian CEO recently when he decided to increase my responsibilities in the company. We had never spoken of spiritual issues before.

Each business day, you and I will have the opportunity to stand before presidents, marketing directors, secretaries or other coworkers to create a defining moment. When that happens, there is a good chance you will be thought of as someone to avoid. You might be considered "religious" or "fanatic." If so, consider this a great compliment because it says you are standing apart from the crowd.

Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you (Matthew 10:17-20).

You may never be flogged for your faith. However, you may very well be brought before others to give account for what you believe. It may be at a water cooler, or it could be during lunch with a coworker. In whatever situation you find yourself, the Holy Spirit awaits the opportunity to speak through your life to that person who needs to hear. Ask the Lord whom He wants to speak to today through your life.

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Imagine receiving this call:

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying:
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
Then said I:
"Ah, Lord GOD!
Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth."
But the LORD said to me:
"Do not say, 'I am a youth,'
For you shall go to all to whom I send you,
And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of their faces,
For I am with you to deliver you," says the LORD.

 

And then to get a word of confidence like this:

They will fight against you,
But they shall not prevail against you.
For I am with you," says the LORD, "to deliver you."

 

Jeremiah's Call and Commissioning
Jeremiah 1:1-19; 16:1-9; Psalm 73:12-14; Proverbs 15:5

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that is coming within it. I know and trust in You for the provision and direction of this day. There is nothing too big for You and nothing that can catch You by surprise. Lord, as people look around today, help them to see believers in a different light. Lord, as people I encounter today meet and talk with me, help me to shine Your Love and Your Light into the world. Help me to be an ambassador for You. God, allow people to want to know more about how You have transformed me. Lord, draw people to me that I may point them to You. God, it is only by Your strength that I am able to make it through the day. It is only by Your mercy that I can be filled with joy. Lord, give me eyes to see what is truly going on in situations and people’s lives and grant me wisdom and discernment and the courage to speak into the lives of those around me that You give me a word to speak. God, it’s not about me. God, in my weakness, Your Strength is revealed. In my weakness, Your courage and conviction shine through. God, I lean on You today. I know there will be challenges that will come my way as You continue to work on me and I pray that You will help me to keep my eyes off the circumstances, off the “me” part, but to shine and be encouraged by keeping my eyes on You and Your great and mighty plan for each event, each meeting, each situation that I face today. I will remember what took place last week and not let the enemy’s lies pull me off course. God, the markers You put in my life will help me to stay grounded. The markets You put around me will help me to right the ship of my life if I get tipped over. Help me Lord to keep first things first and to help me to not be swayed from the left or the right, but to stay on the narrow path that leads to eternal life. May my words and my actions bring hope and love and truth and clarity to those around me that they may not allow fear to keep them from asking me the hard questions, that they would not allow fear to keep them from the truth of a living relationship with the Most High God. Lord, this is the day that You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Use my hands to reach out. Use my arms to embrace. Use my words to encourage. Use my feet to go. Use my legs to run after the things, the people, the opportunities that You put before me today. And Lord, I will give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Devotional: When Fear Keeps Others From Their Destiny
No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. - Acts 5:13

Today’s Reading: Habakkuk, the Perplexed Prophet
Habakkuk 1:1-2:4; 3:1-7,16-19; Psalm 73:1-3; Proverbs 15:4

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Consider a prayer Pattern:

Have you ever wondered how to start praying? Know how sometime when you first meet someone you aren’t sure what to say or how to start the conversation? Prayer is just a conversation between you and God. There isn’t any formal words you need to use or any special formula, but I know that some days when I need to get started, I take a look at this format and then insert my own words about what I am going through to help me in each of these areas.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

First I start by praising God for all that He has already done in my life, for how incredible He is and for all that He has brought into creation.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Next, I ask God for His will to be done today. I pray that His great plans for today would materialize and that He would find a way to use me in it.

Give us this day our daily bread

Next, I ask for provision – some days it is wisdom that I need, some days it is patience, some days it is finances, some days it is love, some days I just don’t know what I need and I pray for wisdom to know what I need.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us

Next, I ask for forgiveness, forgiveness for things I know I missed the mark on, forgiveness for things I am not even aware of.

Then I think of people who may have impacted my day in some way where it made me feel wrong, bad, sad, mad, etc and I ask God to help me to forgive them, or I lift them up and say Lord, I forgive them for this action and pray that You will help me in my response next time so that I can be a better example if something like this happens again either with that same person or someone else.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

Then I pray for protection, over me, over my family, over my friends, over my work, that I would keep my eyes on Jesus and not be swayed.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.

Then I praise Him again and lift up the rest of the day to God.

 

As I said, there isn’t some magic formula, but this helps me get started on those days when I am struggling to get going and don’t know what to do or say.

In this world, we hear so much about what people want to choose. We all have a freewill and are able to choose, but when given the options, will we choose wisely? Can you think of examples where people choose?

• Direction to go.
• Things to say.
• When to speak.
• What to believe.
• Life to the full.
• Life in bondage to something or someone.
• How to respond to a question.
• How to respond to an accusation.
• Do I stand up for something.
• Will I fall for anything.
• Who will I follow.
• Who will I lead.
• How strong is my conviction.
• Friends.
• How much to share.
• Trust.
• Hope.
• Love.
• Be obedient.
• Be righteous.
• Help the helpless.
• Standby and do nothing.
• Stand against injustice.
• Stand up for good.

What choices are you facing today?

What helps you in making your choices?

Where do you turn when you aren’t sure?

Who do you turn to?

How long are you willing to wait to make your choice?

Consider these question – here are some choice questions for you…

• Will you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
• Will you ask the Holy Spirit for help in making your decisions?
• Will you wait to hear or just do something?

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that is within it. Happy Father’s day Lord to the ultimate example of a Father. Bless my dad today Lord and help all of us who have or who are fathers so that we may show our children and our family that we have all our hope and trust in you. There are so many things going on in this world Lord that are in need of help. We need Your hand to come and help right the ship, correct the course, and return to being the head or our society. I pray Lord that today as we celebrate Fathers’ Day that You will will be exalted, You will be place where you belong in all our lives and that Your people will pray, pray for wisdom, pray to hear from the Holy Spirit, to hear from Your Heart, and that we would right the ship and bring You back into our lives, over the years people have tried to pull You out of so much of society – schools, courts, politics, and more – but Lord, if You aren’t in them, the devil comes to rob, lie, and destroy, if you aren’t there to protect them, the people will stumble and scatter, if You are the center and we take our focus off of You, then we get distracted, we lose hope, we allow fear to come when the devil comes like a roaring like to bring fear. God, I pray for this world Lord. I pray for the United States, I pray for Canada, I pray for all of North America, I pray for all of South America, I pray for Europe, I pray for Asia, I pray for Australia, I pray for Africa, I pray for those on earth, I pray for those in the space station, I pray for those in planes, I pray for those in hospitals, I pray for those in cars, in trucks, in vans, on bicycles, on motorcycles, on scooters, walking, running, crawling, skipping. God, I receive peace and comfort in knowing that this is the day that You have made, so I will rejoice and be glad in it. I hold on tight to knowing and having faith to believe that Your Word will never return void. If it is in Your Word, I want it. If it isn’t I am not interested. I will walk by faith and not by sight. For then I can walk in confidence of You and say “Fear Not, Just Believe”.

Lord I thank You and praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Testimony:

Last week on Monday I prayed for God to give a chance to step out of the boat (a Peter moment) and that I would keep my eyes on Jesus and not be distracted by the waves or the storms.

On Tuesday, after putting some effort into pulling together some work I went to a meeting where I learned that the work I had done wasn’t going to be used based on a meeting that happened over the weekend that I was unaware of. In the meeting internally I felt torn, but kept my focus on Jesus and worked with the team to help get our presentation move forward in preparation for the following week.

Looking back I feel that challenge 1 went ok, I didn’t melt down and get distracted by the storm or the waves, but was able to press through it and stay up.

Wednesday, I had an appointment to decide which insulin pump I would choose as the one I currently have’s warranty is about to expire. That meeting went well and then we had lunch with our VP where we were lifted up for some awards we had won and received congratulations and encouraging words.

Thursday I had a meeting in my office where I learned that many key components to a project I was planning for weren’t going to be provided in the solution I was planning to use. I was saddened, to the point where my lunch appointment that happened after that meeting my friend told me there seemed to be something wrong. After lunch walking down the hall someone said I looked funny – he went one to express how I wasn’t dancing or bouncing. The rest of the day I felt down, I was feeling a bit defeated.

Friday Morning, I had my devotional time, my time with God. During this time, God opened my eyes about my past, when something looks impossible, what happens? When something looks impossible, what should I expect? The answer was if it was too big for me, then I needed to get ready, because that meant God was going to have to step in, just like he has done so many other times in the past. The words jumped right off the page, they were just in time and helped me to “Turn that frown upside down” as I would say to my kids. The messages for Friday came from:

The Strength of Brokenness
The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. - 1 Samuel 2:4

Triumph of God's Grace
Micah 4:1-8; 5:1-6:8; 7:18; Psalm 72:1-4; Proverbs 15:1

God, my eyes came off of you in the second one, but thanks for coming up beside me and lifting me up gently that I was able to come into work on Friday a changed man, a man with a testimony on my lips of the joy of knowing that a miracle was on the way. I was bouncing and skipping and sharing the love and the hope and the joy that was in my heart all through the day, even past the end of the normal work day as my last meeting went a bit longer, but God was there, He provides for our every need and answers our every prayer.

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So how will we respond? How will we choose? Will we keep our eyes on Jesus or get distracted by the noise, the wind, the waves, the background? I know what I chose, and I praise God that even when we miss the mark that he will step in to help us right the ship, he will help us to come back and try again, with the right heart.

My posting from Friday when the light bulb turned on

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Being Fully Persuaded

By Os Hillman, June 20, 2009

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Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. - Romans 4:21

Why did God consider Abraham a righteous man? It was because Abraham looked beyond his own limitations of age and strength and considered God as the one who could accomplish His own goals. Abraham came to a place in his life where he realized it had little to do with him and all to do with God. His part was initiating the faith within himself.

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred years old-and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God (Romans 4:18-20).

What are the things in your life that are mere impossibilities? What are the mountains in your life? Are these there in order to build your faith in the one who can enable you to ascend to the peak? Once you know that it is His will for you to pursue, do it with faith. Faith requires action when we know it is He who is leading. It may require risk. Faith is sometimes spelled R-I-S-K. Abraham did not limit God. It is this confidence in God that God honored and rewarded. He wants to do the same with you and me.

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Heavenly Father,
As I look at my condition – the fact that yesterday people were noticing that something was missing – the JOY that usually surrounds me – that I smile, that I dance, that I bounce. Lord as I look at what lead up to my state, I realize that it was disappointment. I was working so hard to try and make it happen (in what I see now was my own power). I was striving to make something happen, but missing out the miraculous that You can do. Lord, I should have remembered my prayer from the other day when I asked for faith to step out and do the impossible, the courage to step out and do the impossible, and the wisdom to keep my eyes on You. As I put my eyes back on You, I realize that I looked at the storm and big waves. There were two big things that happened over two days. I felt like I kept my eyes on You for one and didn’t over react; however, yesterday I lost focus and started to focus on me and my striving to accomplish something instead of abiding in the promises and directions that You had given me and remembering that if I keep my eye on You, if I abide in You then nothing is impossible. As big as the challenge may look as big as the obstacle may appear, nothing is too big for You. Forgive me Lord. Give me strength and courage today to walk in Your ways. Give me wisdom and discernment to speak in LOVE and HOPE, TRUTH and WISDOM. Help me Lord to remember it isn’t all about me, but about You working in and through me. Thank You Lord that Your Word never returns void. Thank You Lord that You always send me a message that meets me right where I am. And Lord I will give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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The Messages from today:

The Strength of Brokenness
The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. - 1 Samuel 2:4

Triumph of God's Grace
Micah 4:1-8; 5:1-6:8; 7:18; Psalm 72:1-4; Proverbs 15:1

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Do Justly

Love Mercy

Walk Humbly with your God

 

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WISDOM

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1

Consider this challenges:

• You are running for your life, a group of people are coming after you with weapons and the like and God says, stop, stand still and wait.
• A new problem comes up at work and that still quiet voice says to wait
• Someone calls you and asks for you to do something huge while at the same time that still quiet voice says wait

Consider now when Israel was released after years of slavery in Egypt. They made it all the way to the Red Sea and Pharaoh changed his mind. God said to wait as the people we call on Moses to do something. Imagine if they had a run towards the soldiers or try to find another way what might have happened. But as they waited God was able to bring them through a life changing experience, show them His love through a great and incredible miracle, and give them a testimony that exists to this day as the Red Sea parted and they walked across on dry ground and then closed back up on those who were coming to get them.

So will we be obedient next time we get that check in our spirit – we hear that still quiet voice say – wait – and allow God to perform a miracle in our lives?

Or will we do the easy thing and try to fix it or do it ourselves?

It will be in your hands… What will you do?

Will you pray and be obedient to what God tells you to do?

Learning To Stand

..."Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...." - Exodus 14:13

 

WOW - The Big Picture 6/17 – The New Heaven and the new earth

Isaiah 65:17-66:24; Psalm 71:14-16; Proverbs 14:31

Have you ever considered what God's inheritance to you is? God promised Abraham the "Promised Land". Do you realize the enemy of our souls, the devil will do everything in his power to try to rob us of that inheritance? It will take work. It took Israel 39 battles before they were able to receive the promised land. What is your inheritance? How many battles will it take? DON'T GIVE UP!!!

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that will be accomplished in it and through it. Help me Lord to be a light for You. Help me Lord to speak hope and truth in LOVE to all those I work with today. When I keep my eyes on You, nothing is too big for us (You and I) – really it is nothing is too be for You, and I get to benefit. As I step out today give me the faith of a Peter to stepped out of the boat and was the only one who got to walk on water. Lord, give me the courage to not look back or look away from You, but to walk out all that You have for me today. May the lives of all those You bring into my life and my day see and know that the presence of God is around us and that they would see that it is an incredible blessing from God and that each miracle has come from Your hand. I give to You in advance all the praise and all the honor and all the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Devotional:  Receiving Your Inheritance

But the Danites had difficulty taking possession of their territory, so they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it.... - Joshua 19:47

Today’s Reading: Jerusalem's Future Blessing
Isaiah 61-62; Psalm 71:9-11; Proverbs 14:30

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Heavenly Father,
I lift up this day to You as I can’t do this alone and without You and knowing what You have done in the past, I would not even have the hope to believe that You will help me get through this. I know Your Word says that You will take what the devil has planned for evil and turn it around for God – that You use all things for good. Today as I look at my vehicles and seeing one by one they run into significant issues, I look to You for wisdom and strength. I know there are some finances coming in, once the IRS sends the “I’m clear” letter and we then submitted my return since we asked for an extension so they wouldn’t hold back any of the return, but that won’t cover the new vehicle issues. I know Lord, that You are the ultimate provider and that You have met my every need. God, You have provided me with many faith building moments since 2000 and as such I put my hope and trust in You. God grant me wisdom to do what is right and what is prudent. Help me to make the right plans and the right decisions. Lord as I look to my summer vacation and will no longer be able to do all that I was planning for my children, it breaks my heart as I know that when Your gifts for Your children aren’t received, it grieves You. Make a way where doesn’t seem to be a way I pray. Give me eyes to see new opportunities. Give me ears to hear Your direction, Your wisdom, Your comfort. And Lord through all of this, please be glorified with all the praise and all the honor, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Devotional:  Are You a Threat?
One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" - Acts 19:15

Today’s Reading: Babylon's Imminent Fall
Isaiah 46-47; Psalm 69:13-15; Proverbs 14:22

Power of the Tongue

By Os Hillman, June 9, 2009

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The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. - Proverbs 18:21
Words have the power to motivate or destroy, energize or deflate, inspire or create despair. Many successful executives can remember the time their father failed to give affirmation to them as a child. The result was either overachievement to prove their worth, or underachievement to prove he was right.
Many a wife has lost her ability to love because of a critical husband. Many a husband has left a marriage because of words of disrespect and ungratefulness. Stories abound regarding the power of words. There are just as many stories of those who have been encouraged, challenged, and comforted with words that made a difference in their lives.
Jesus knew the power of words. He used parables to convey His principles of the Kingdom of God. He used words of forgiveness and mercy. He used words to challenge. He used words to inspire His disciples to miraculous faith.
Do your words give life? Do they inspire and challenge others to greatness? Who does God want you to encourage through your words today? Affirm someone close to you today.

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for all that will be in it. Today is the day that You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. As I look at the reading today it makes me wonder, how much do we trust You. When we look at the way we respond to the material things we have, to the things we get to do, to what we consider our priorities, and to whom we trust and put our hope in, it makes me stop.

Lord, Your Word is true and You are LOVE. Help us to trust in You and to be obedient to the direction and commands You give us as they are for our benefit. We will give You the praise, the glory, and the honor, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the blessings of talents that You have given me and I pray Lord as I work to grow and develop my talents that they will multiply and be honorable to You. Lord, as I look to improve my talents and develop myself, I pray Lord, that when You return, that I will receive the blessings of hearing You say, well done, my good and faithful servant. Lord, help me today to be a better husband. Lord, help me today to be a better dad. Lord, help me today to be a better friend. Lord, help me today to be a better employee. Lord, I will stretch to meet the goals that You have for me and as I pray Lord for You to expand my territory and over all my relationships, I look to You for wisdom, for courage, for strength, and for protection Lord, for I don’t want to do or go anywhere that You aren’t for I want to be sure to remain under the cover of Your wing so that I may be able to hear that still quiet voice speak to me and be able to know when to speak and when t remain quiet. Lord, I lift this day and the rest of this week up to You, seeing “busy”, but knowing that You never give me more than I can handle, seeing “uncertainty”, but knowing that You will bring clarity and purpose to each day. So I put all my trust and hope in You and give You all the praise and honor and glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Devotional: Performing Miracles With Your Staff
But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it. - Exodus

Today’s Reading: Don't Look to Egypt for Help
Isaiah 30:1-5,12-26; 31:1-9; Psalm 66:16-17,20; Proverbs 14:14

Today’s Devotional: Those in Whom God Delights
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.
- Psalm 147:10

Today’s Reading: Don't Look to Egypt for Help
Isaiah 30:1-5,12-26; 31:1-9; Psalm 66:16-17,20; Proverbs 14:14

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WORSHIP

Come and hear, all you who fear God,
And I will declare what He has done for my soul.
I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.
Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer,
Nor His mercy from me!
Psalm 66:16-17, 20

Heavenly Father,
I pray for me and those around me and those who read this that they would not walk in a spirit of fear or timidity, but would receive Your Spirit and walk with strength, courage, and power. Give us eyes to see Lord what we can do today to impact this world and this generation for the glory of Your kingdom. Lord, as I server, I help me to be humble and to glorify You. God the road may not be smooth sailing, but Lord, I am glad that You are with me as my captain and my friend. Be glorified today Lord in all I say and all I do and I will give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Today's Reading: WOW - The Big Picture 6/1

Today's Devotional: Preparation for Greatness