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8/31/2009 WORSHIP Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for all that You have planned for it. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom, and Lord, so I ask that You come with me today every step I make. Lord, I thank You for being the God who is righteous and that through Jesus’ righteousness, I am seen as righteous “In Christ”. Lord, today I will put on the full armor of God, and ensure that I don’t remove the breastplate of righteousness so that I may keep my core protected from the fiery darts that the enemy will through at me today. Grant me courage as they come. Grant me wisdom as they come. Grant me strength as they come. Lord, that as this day proceeds, I will praise You through my words and my actions. And Lord, as I go to bed, may You receive all the praise and all the glory and all the honor, in Jesus’ name. And Lord, I long to hear the words “Well done my good and faithful servant”. Help me Lord to be Your good and faithful servant. Help me to received the righteousness that You have imparted in me and make my life shine for You by being more and more like Jesus. I thank You and praise You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Today’s Reading: 
Malachi's Ministry in Nehemiah's Absence Malachi 1:1-11; 2:10-16; 3:1,6; 4:4-6; Nehemiah 13:4-9,30-31; Psalm 100:4-5; Proverbs 17:20 8/29/2009 Heavenly Father,
Help this week I pray to accomplish all that I have on my plate that is yet to be completed. Lord, I will need Your help as I have many things that will keep me busy during the week. Lord, without You it will be impossible to accomplish, however, I know that with You all things are possible. Lord, I lift up this day to You as I will come to Your house to serve You and those in the body of Christ. Grant me wisdom and peace that I may bring wisdom and grace to each member of my team. God, You are so incredible and when I look at the miracles and blessings that You have brought into my life, it continues to make me thing and say WOW. I know that You love us more than we could ever understand, so much so that You gave Your only Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish, but would have everlasting life. He gave His life so that we could be reconciled back to You. I thank You and praise You for this day and lift it up to You as my worship, giving you the praise, the honor, and glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
WOW - The Big Picture 8/29 8/22/2009 Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that it will entail. This is the day that You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank You Lord for this past week and for being with me and helping me each day. Lord, as I turn to Your Word and Your devotional today, I pray You will draw near to me as I draw near to You. I pray Lord that as I ready Your Word that You will customize it and speak directly to me. Help me Lord as we reset over the weekend and allow me to be prepare for what is yet to come. Lord, help me to let Your priorities to be my priorities. Lord, help my schedule to be in alignment with what You have planned for me. As I look to Your Word, I pray that You will grant me wisdom, strength, and courage. Wisdom to know what steps to take, strength to be able to take the step. And courage to take it knowing that it is from You and that it is part of Your plan. I thank You and pray as I give You the praise, the honor, and the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.
A Problem of Priorities - Haggai 1-2; Psalm 94:17-19; Proverbs 17:7
Drawing Near to Darkness The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. - Exodus 20:21
"You have sown much, and bring in little;
You eat, but do not have enough;
You drink, but you are not filled with drink;
You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;
And he who earns wages,
Earns wages to put into a bag with holes." Does this sound familiar? Does this resonate with you? What you up to these days? Where are you spending your time, money and efforts? Where is your focus? What is your focus? Who is your focus? If we make God's priorities our priorities, He will stir up your spirit, He will give you the strength and the courage you need to complete the tasks that He has called you to accomplish. When God is on your side - who can come against you? When God is by your side - although you may think you are weak or have little to give - He will be your strength, your rock, your shield - allowing you to accomplish all that He has asked. Do Not Fear, God will keep His promises.
WORSHIP Unless the LORD had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
If I say, "My foot slips,"
Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.
In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
Psalm 94:17-19 WISDOM Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool,
Much less lying lips to a prince.
Proverbs 17:7 8/18/2009
How are you looking at the situation today?
Are you looking at in your own eyes or through the filter of faith?
Nothing is too big for God.
Nothing surprises God.
God is never early and never late.
Be anxious for nothing, but through prayer and supplication, bring your needs before God.
Look at this day through God's eyes and how can God get glory through it.
Do you see a wrong? Do you see an injustice? Do you see something that shouldn't be tolerated? Do you see a pattern that needs to be broken? Do you hear things that are happening that are wrong or improper? Will you step up? Will you step out? Will you speak out? Know this, ever we remain silent, God will call out someone else. Know this, even if you think it won't effect you (but it probably will), if you don't step up and speak out, God will raise up someone else in your place and you will miss out on the plans and the blessings God has for you. Are you supposed to be a hand of blessing into someone's life? Are you supposed to be a leader for those needing direction? It is up to you to decide. It is up to you to choose. Pray and fast about it, to receive clarity on is the right thing to do. As others around you to join you in your prayer and fasting.
Faith has a purpose Faith means you believe in it Faith requires risk Faith requires obedience So what are you going to do?
Today's Devotional: The Response of Faith Today's Reading: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotions/bigpicture/545466/ 8/17/2009 Faith has a definite purpose Faith requires that you believes it Faith requires risk Faith requires obedience 8/16/2009 Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for all that will be in it. Lord, I thank You for Sam Johnson and his words of truth and encouragement last night. I pray Lord, that You will bless the work of his hands and his ministry of raising up others to know and teach about Jesus. Lord, there is no one like You and Your Word is clear, You will setup Your church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Lord, help us as believers to find our purpose for this faith You have birthed in us. Lord, help us to step out in faith and take that risk You have put before us in order to encourage and bless us. Lord, help us to be obedient to You because of the faith that is within us. Lord, grant me wisdom to complete the work You have put before me. Lord, grant me the focus to move forward. Help me Lord with my TODO list that it wouldn’t just be my TODO list, but it would be Your list for me to accomplish. Thank You Lord for allowing me this quiet time to read Your Word and to hear from You. Forgive me Lord for all that I haven’t said or done and grant me the courage to step out going forward. I thank You and praise You and will honor, praise, and glorify You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Today’s Devotion from Os Hillman – www.TodayGodIsFirst.com - Rejected for Christ - And they took offense at Him.... - Matthew 13:57 Today’s Reading from the Bible - Ezekiel 47:1-23; 48:30-35; Psalm 91:11-13; Proverbs 17:1 - Blessings from a Deep River
8/15/2009 
Blameless By Os Hillman, August 15, 2009 Powered By Marketplace Leaders For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. - Psalm 84:11
If you were running for political office, what approach would your opponent take against you? If he wanted to launch a smear campaign, would there be any ammunition for him to use? Think how you would feel if the director of the opposing campaign came to you afterwards and said, "Sir, we tried to find something negative to play up in our campaign against you, but we couldn't."
What does it really mean to be a person who is blameless before God? Being blameless before God does not mean we are perfect. No human being is perfect. It means that we so fully trust in God that we are willing to make things right when we fail. We are willing to humble ourselves continually before the throne of God. "...Blessed is the man who trusts in You" (Psalm 84:12). God has a specific plan for the people who fully trust in Him. He promises to be their shield, to bestow honor on them. He will not withhold any good thing from them. What a promise! What motivation to be all that we can be in God.
Imagine living a life that God views as blameless, which allows Him to withhold no good thing. Pray that God would make you and me that kind of person. You can receive the TGIF Daily Devotional FREE by email each day - start today!
Copyright 2000. Used by permission from Os Hillman and MarketplaceLeaders.org | Bookstore TGIF Reprint Policy | TGIF Archives | TGIF Monthly NewsletterTGIF Bookmarks | Os Hillman Speaking Inquiries 
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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for all that is in it. I know that You have great plans for today and that all your thoughts towards me are good. Lord, earlier this week as I met with a friend and we spoke, You put a question in my head to ask and it was “What would God do, if you did what He is asking you to do?” He asked me what and at the time I didn’t know the answer – I knew that when we were obedient that You will bless what we do. I didn’t know all that You wanted him to do. Lord, for You to provide me with insight and wisdom like this today is incredible. Your Word never returns void. You will never leave us nor forsake us. And God I praise You for being closer to me than a brother. Help me Lord as I start my reading of Your Word to receive what You have for me today. Lord, I thank You and praise You and honor You and worship You and glorify You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 44:1-31; 46:1-3; Psalm 91:1-4; Proverbs 16:32 Worship in God’s Kingdom… 8/12/2009 When people look at you, are you shining God's love? When people listen to you, are you shining God's love? When people talk to you, are you shining God's love? Will you let the love of God, the Spirit of God, the truth of God, the hope of God, not only touch your life, work in your life, but also work through your life? This is the day that the Lord has made, let's rejoice and be glad in it. Let's shine for Jesus and let the world know about the hope that is within us. Are you up for it? I am. Who is with me? 8/11/2009 Heavenly Father,
Your Word is so powerful, Your Spirit is so strong, Your Love is beyond measure. I thank You for this new day and ask Lord, that You help me to focus and accomplish all You have for me today. Help me to be obedient. Help me to listen. Help me to speak the words You give me that will bring hope, truth, love and wisdom to those around me. Lord, You are the ultimate provide and know our every need even before we ask. Help us to humble ourselves to ask for what we have need of and to break the pride that is keeping us back from being able to accomplish all that You have planned for us. Lord, let Your Spirit bring JOY into my life and all those I encounter – help me to be ready to give the answer that my joy and my energy comes from Jesus. Lord, help me to change from giving subtle hints like the music playing in my head – which happens to be worship music which not only keeps me dancing all day, but is the source of my smile. God, having Your Spirit with me is the reason even when I feel weak that I am able to make it through, since when I am at the end of my rope, that is when it can only be through You that things will work out. And Lord, I thank You and praise You for so many times when I have heard from You to turn my sorrow into gladness, when I heard from You and my tears were turned into Joy, when I see what You have done and I am humbled my your mercy. Lord, stay near me and near my friends today. Lord, that those who can hear Your still quiet voice will receive what You have for them today, the words You give them to share with someone else, let them speak them without fear or worry. Lord, that still small voice will speak hope, truth, and direction to them and that they will hold onto it and step out in faith knowing that because You gave them the message that they can trust You. Help Lord them not be distracted or misdirected by the tricks of the enemy who loves to imitate and lie and get us off track. Help me too Lord. God, I pray for those needing jobs. I pray for those needing a healing touch in their bodies, their lives, their relationships. I pray for those needing something new because they are feeling cornered in or without hope or without an opportunity. Lord, we have been hearing and learning about Your names in recent studies and when I reflect it amazes me (even though it shouldn’t with the incredible miracles You have and continue to perform) that You so want us to understand and know You more that You have shown us who You are through the love letter of the Bible and through the names You have revealed Yourself through. - Jehovah Jireh – my all sufficient God
- El Shaddai – my almighty God
- Jehovah Rapha – my healer and restorer
- Elohim – my creator and the creator of all things – my God who took nothing and made this incredible universe
As we get to more of Your names and get more intimate with You, God I know that it will change us on the inside and that it will help us to change how we respond, how we speak, and how we listen to those around us. Help us to be ready in and out of season to express where our strength comes from, where our joy comes from, where our hope comes from, because Lord, it is hard to give a short answer with no meaning, but consider each door that opens and every question that is asked, for what I say and what You say can make a difference for all of eternity. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Thank You Lord for this time and we will give You all the praise, all the honor, and all the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Today’s Devotional from TGIF: Reflecting His Glory Today’s Reading from BigPicture on www.Crosswalk.com: Ezekiel 37; Psalm 89:49-51; Proverbs 16:25 – The Spirit Works on Dry Bones 8/10/2009
I. What the name Elohim reveals about God
· Genesis 1:1 introduces the first reference to Elohim.
· Elohim means “creator” or “supreme.”
· Elohim as a noun is plural, verb usage is singular.
· The use of Elohim (Genesis 1:26) gives us a window into the triune God.
· John 1:1 speaks of Jesus being active in creation.
· Colossians 1:15-20 Jesus is shown as creative God.
· God’s creative powers testify of who He is and His supremacy.
· Romans 1:18-20 teaches God has revealed Himself through His creation.
II. What Elohim reveals about you
· Genesis 1:26 teaches that God created you in His image.
· Elohim as creator has made you both spiritual and eternal (Genesis 2:7).
· God created you with great purpose and care (Psalm 139:7-16, Jeremiah. 1:5, Isaiah 43:1-7).
· Ephesians 2:10 speaks that we are God’s workmanship or “masterpiece.”
· God’s work in our lives shows His vast power (Psalm 19:1).
· He is our almighty creator, yet knows us in an intimate and loving way.
· God desires that we would know Him as our creator and sustainer. That we would be transformed by Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for all that is within it. I thank You for this weekend and getting to learn more about Your names. I thank You for Your Word that never returns void, but speaks truth to those who seek You. Lord, You are awesome. Lord, as I have received blessings in my life and as I look forward, I praise that You will be by my side, that You will go before me, that You will guard behind me, that You will never leave me nor forsake me and I pray that You will help me to keep my eyes on the goal. Lord, when I see and hear what some are thinking, what some are doing, and what some are believing, it resonates with the readings I do in Your Word and what happened over and over again through history. The people want something even though they are warned, and then they get it and are surprised of the ill effects. They eventually come to their senses and turn to You, they call out to You to save them. Lord, as I stand in the gap, I pray that You will help those willing to stand up and be heard like a voice in the wilderness and those who hear it to receive TRUTH and turn back to You and Your ways and Your plans. The heart of the king is in Your hands, so I pray for all those in authority over me. Lord, that You would grant them wisdom and vision that they will receive and pursue after You. For God, without You there is no hope, but with You all things are possible. I thank You that You are with me and that You will comfort me, I thank You that You go before me to prepare a way and that Your Word will guide me. Help me Lord to be more like You today. Help me Lord to speak words that will encourage and direct. Help me Lord with wisdom and vision I pray that will help others to receive it and draw us all closer to You. And Lord, I will give You all the praise, al the honor, and all the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 WOW - The Big Picture 8/10 8/8/2009 Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day. I thank You for allowing Your Word to be available for people to see and read and study. Lord, I lift up those who haven’t had the chance to hear about or read Your Word and ask that You continue to help us to get the Word into the different parts of the world in order that they may hear of the love and the truth that comes from it. Lord, when I look at what is happening in this world, I see that You have called some people to be watchman and to get them to shout when things that are unjust, unrighteous, untrue, or immoral are being done. Lord, I lift up the watchman and pray Lord that they will not step back or be quiet as they will be rewarded and not be held accountable for those who do nothing. I also lift up those who are hearing the warnings and the messages, but are doing nothing. Lord, help them to have ears to hear, and eyes to see. God, as in the past, people cried out for what they thought they wanted to then realize when they got it that it wasn’t what they wanted. Lord, I pray that people will turn to You, that they will stop, and pray, that they will evaluate their lives, ask for forgiveness, and pray. God You hold the hearts of the leaders in Your hand and as such I know that when there is trouble, You are able to turn it around. Lord, I pray for revival. I pray Lord, that there will be such a revival that the destruction that is marching along will be turned back and that Your grace and mercy will be shed over Your people. I thank You Lord for Your Word today and for the devotional time You provided me. May You receive all the praise and all the honor and all the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 33; Psalm 89:20,28-29; Proverbs 16:22 Today’s Devotional: The Causes of Failure 8/5/2009 Two by Two By Os Hillman, August 5, 2009 Powered By Marketplace Leaders Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. - Ecclesiastes 4:9
Have you discovered yet that you are incomplete by yourself? During my "warrior" stage of life you would have been hard-pressed to convince me that I needed you or anyone else. I know few people willing to admit their need for others, but many who live according to this principle. However, sooner or later we discover God's truth regarding our need for others.
God made us to need others. We may not discover this until we fail -- fail in a business, a marriage, a close friendship, or in a client relationship. We are incomplete without the ongoing input from others into our lives. An independent spirit is one of the most detestable sins from God's viewpoint. It is the highest form of pride. "Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice" (Prov. 13:10).
God has made each of us so that we have only so many gifts. He did not give any of us all the available gifts. Hence, we learn to depend on others and to humbly trust others to complete us where we are deficient.
David had Jonathan. Paul had Silas. John Wesley had George Whitefield. Martin Luther had Philip Melanchthon, who was 14 years younger. Martin Luther learned that he needed someone in his life to complete the work God called him to do. Luther had the greatest respect for this friend who helped him reform the Church of their day, and the Church as we know it at present. Luther learned a great deal from Melanchthon, who was a great scholar at a young age. He could speak several languages, and he became Professor of Greek at the new University of Wittenberg at 21 years of age. This was ten months after Luther posted his famous theses on the church door in Wittenberg. Melanchthon helped shape the Protestant movement of the sixteenth century through his research, writings, moral purpose, and religious conscience. Luther and Melanchthon became inseparable, and when they died, they were buried next to each other.
Who has God placed in your life to complete you? Perhaps it is a mate. Perhaps it is a close friend. Perhaps it is a business partner. If you lack this in your life, I encourage you to seek someone out who can speak into your life. If you have someone like this, tell him or her how much you appreciate the role he or she plays in your life. You can receive the TGIF Daily Devotional FREE by email each day - start today!
Copyright 2000. Used by permission from Os Hillman and MarketplaceLeaders.org | Bookstore TGIF Reprint Policy | TGIF Archives | TGIF Monthly NewsletterTGIF Bookmarks | Os Hillman Speaking Inquiries Signup for Free Email 8/3/2009 Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that is within it. I thank You for having the past month of vacation to spend with my family. I thank You for Your Word that has allowed me to learn more about Your name. Jehovah Jireh, El Sheddai, and Jehova Rapha. Lord, I thank You for the recognition even while on vacation. Lord, I pray that as I head back to work today that You will be glorified in all I say and do. I Pray Lord, that my focus will stay on You allow me to shine Your Love to all those I encounter – Love is patient, Love is kind, Love does not envy, Love does not boast, Love is not proud, Love is not rude, Love is not self seeking, Love is not easily angered, Love keeps no record of wrongs, Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth, Love always protects, Love always trusts, Love always hopes, Love always perseveres, and Love never fails. Lord, You are all sufficient – more than enough. Lord, You will provide for my every need. Lord, You will not only heal, but also restore me. I praise You Lord for who You are. Help me today to make Your priorities my priorities. Lord, search my heart that if there is anything that needs to be pruned or purged that You will will show me and help me to remove it. If there is anything that is not pleasing to You, reveal it to me and remove it. For Lord, I want to be more like You and want to shine for You. Help me to be a conduit for You. Help me to be a messenger for You. Help me to be Your ambassador. Lord, as I prepare for this day I want to give You the praise and the honor and the glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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