Search my heart and my mind, oh Lord. Purify and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Help me to be a good steward of all that You give me, that You will see fit to expand my territory as You have done for Jabez. Lord, that when You look at me, You would see someone who is honorable, responsible, and worthy of such trust. May You receive all the praise, the honor, and the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Enlarging Your Territory - ..."Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory!...." - 1 Chronicles 4:10

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May we be the remnant that will be saved…

if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."

Check Under the Hood

By Os Hillman, November 24, 2009

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But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. - Colossians 3:8
"The root issue you are dealing with is fear. The physical symptom is control, and when you cannot control, you get angry because of unmet expectations." These were the words I spoke during a conversation in a restaurant to my friend who was separated from his wife. He described his anger and how he never saw some of these characteristics in his life until he entered this marriage.
A friend once said to me, "Anger is like the lights on a dashboard. They tell you something is going on under the hood. You must find out the source of the problem." Whenever we have expectations of another person and those expectations do not materialize, our tendency is to get angry. The source of the anger is often the fear that the unmet expectation will negatively impact us. We fear that our finances, our well-being, our image, or any number of things may be impacted by the unmet expectation. My friend's wife had not met his expectations in many areas of his life, so then, many times it resulted in harsh words that damaged his wife's self-esteem. Now, it was leading to a marriage crisis.
Jesus often spoke of living as though we were dead. How can you live as though you are dead? "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 6:11). It is a choice each of us must make. Once you become dead to that which stirs an emotion in you, God is free to change that situation. Until then, you can expect God to allow that situation to remain until you reckon yourself dead to the effects of the issue that causes you to struggle.
Is there something that causes anger within you? Ask God what the source of that anger is. You might be surprised at what you find. Then ask God to give you the grace to reckon yourself dead to that issue. You will find new freedom in your relationships and your own peace of mind.

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this day and for how You have come into my life and help me to be transformed. Lord, there are so many things that I am thankful for, but most of all is that You intersected my life and brought me through a spiritual rebirth that I will always remember and ask that You help me never forget or stop pursuing after the things of God. Help me to be a Romans 8:14 man all the time. Help me to remain in Your presence all the days of my life that I may not wander off nor lollygag behind, but stay in the midst of Your presence and be led by Your Spirit.  Help me in making right decisions, not good decisions, not great decisions, but God decisions. As I look at where I am now and as I consider what’s next for me, I pray Lord for wisdom and discernment as I know that by coming to You and asking for wisdom, You will grant me wisdom without find fault. Lord, give me visions and dreams for the next three to five year or more if it be Your will, that I may feel a passion for Your next set of visions and dreams and that You may receive even more praise and glory. God, I have lived a life which brought me success and wealth, I have lived a life that seemed to have it all, but I still got to a point where I felt empty.  You came into my life those nine years ago, found me a new place, a new job, and a church to call my home. You have trained me up, filled me up, and guided my steps and fulfilled dreams, even the dream of an little eight year old boy that I now get to live where I am. Lord, I dedicate my home, my family, my life to You, I consecrate it to You and give it into Your hands, knowing that I am just a steward of the gifts You have given me. Help me Lord as I take the next steps to be sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit. Lord, You have helped me to become a leader in areas and I pray that You will help me to lead people in a way that directs them to You and also glorifies You. I lift up this day to You and ask that You will make it clear to me when to move and when to stay still, when to speak and when to listen, where to go and when to wait. And Lord, I give You all the praise, the honor, and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Lord, I praise You for Your provision too, with all the things decided to act up this season, You have enable for them to be fixed or restored with minimal burden on my family or I. Praise be to God.

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Today’s Reading:
Jesus Sets Us Free
Romans 6:15-7:25; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 23:24-25

Today’s Devotional:
Good Things Versus God-Things
Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. - Romans 8:14

Can people tell your a Christian from the way you behave? When they compare what they have heard about what a Christian is supposed to look like and be, do they see that in you? What must we change to bring transformation and hope to the world, a living relationship with Jesus where the Holy Spirit guides every step and God shines, flows through us. Let’s remember we are stewards and not owners.

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for today’s devotional and for Your Word. God, You have been so good to me and have continued to help me to grow in my knowledge and wisdom as they relate to You and to others. Today’s reading hits home and I need You to search me and help me to realize areas where I am trying to be an owner instead of a steward, where I am trying to work from a high position instead of a humble position, where I am not in alignment with You and Your plan for my life. Lord, I give all that I have to You – my family, my home, my land, my work, my service. Help me Lord, to be a good example to my children of what a father and a husband should be. Help me Lord to be a good example to my co-workers of how one can live in relation with You and that our ways aren’t always Your ways but that Your ways are better and higher than our ways. Help me Lord to be a good example in my service not only to those I serve with, those I serve, but also those who are watching. Help me Lord, to be a reflection of You. Help me to point them all to You. Help me to be a reflection of You love into the world around me. Lord, when I look at what is going on around me, I also remember that You had called me to stand in the Gap. Lord, here I am. As I heard it said recently in one of my pastor’s sermons, when we are a bridge we are bound to get walked on or over. Help me Lord to be humble with those around me and to speak to them in love and hope instead of anger and frustration. Lord, the work You have done in me has been transformation and the work You continue to do is refining. I thank You Lord for this day and for the incredible message that You are able to deliver to me right when I need them. May You receive all the praise and the honor and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s Devotional:
A Question of Ownership
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. - Matthew 10:39

Today’s Reading:
Justification By Faith Deals a Blow to the Sin Problem
Romans 5:1-6:14; Psalm 126:1-3; Proverbs 23:23

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And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

WISDOM

Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.
Proverbs 23:23

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Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. How about you? Do you believe that Jesus is Lord? Are you following after His example? Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul. Love others as you love yourself? Have you received Jesus as your Lord and savior?

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Heavenly Father,
I pray for all my friends, family, and people who I am yet to know who will read this posting today. Lord, I know that Your desire is that none would perish, but that all would spend eternity with You. So today, I lift up all those who will read this, all those who I know and am yet to know to You that You will intersect their lives and that they will be transformed by the love and power of the Holy Spirit with the realization and truth of who Jesus is and that they will come into relationship with You. Lord, I know You are working a great work in their lives and I lift them up to You now give You all the praise and the honor and the glory in advance, trusting and believing in You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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God's ways are not our ways. God's ways are higher than our ways. God can use circumstances in your work life or life in general to reveal your calling. God still sets up divine appointments in order to orchestrate His will. Praise be to God.

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Today’s Reading:
Justification By Faith Explained and Illustrated
Romans 3:21-4:25; Psalm 125:1-3; Proverbs 23:17-18

Today’s Devotional:
A Business Problem Leads to a Call
Now the donkeys belonging to Saul's father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, "Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys." - 1 Samuel 9:3

Do not be dismayed, humble circumstances are a high place from God's perspective. He doesn't plan to leave us there, but to do a work that can only take place there. Run after God, seek Him, spend time with Him, and trust Him with the and for the outcome of your circumstances.

Where are you at today?

What are you going through?

What is driving or controlling where you are and where you are going?

Are you on a downward spiral or are you starting to look up to God?

God doesn’t want anyone to be condemn, but we have the freewill to choose. God sent Jesus to save not condemn. God doesn’t want to limit what we have but wants to bless us. God is more interested in our character than our comfort though. Let’s turn back to God. Let’s look up to God as our source and strength, our courage and wisdom. Let’s work at becoming more like God.

Today’s Devotional: 
Starting Over - The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. - James 1:9

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that is within it. I thank You for my family and friends and for all those I will work with today. You are so awesome and the plans You have setup will be incredible for me to be a part of. Help me today I pray to have the wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen, what to do and not do, how to shine for You in every circumstance that comes my way. Forgive me Lord, for the things I have said that didn’t honor You, for the things I did that didn’t honor You, and even the things I should have done that were left incomplete. Lord, help me to accomplish all that You have planned for me today that You may receive all the praise and the honor and the glory. I forgive all those who trespassed against me. Guide me today Lord according to Your plans and Your will and Lord, I will give You all the praise and the honor and the glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Romans 2:12-3:20; Psalm 124:6-8; Proverbs 23:15-16

For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.

For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

"That You may be justified in Your words,
And may overcome when You are judged."
But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?

For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"?-as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.

As it is written:
"There is none righteous, no, not one;
There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one."
"Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit";
"The poison of asps is under their lips";
"Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."
"Their feet are swift to shed blood;
Destruction and misery are in their ways;
And the way of peace they have not known."
"There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 2:12-3:20

WORSHIP

Blessed be the LORD,
Who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:6-8

WISDOM

My son, if your heart is wise,
My heart will rejoice-indeed, I myself;
Yes, my inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak right things.
Proverbs 23:15-16

If we make a vow, God wants us to keep it. Heavenly Father, are there any vows that still need to be met in my life? Is there a vow that is holding me back or hindering me from what You have planned for me? Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, and provide in me a heart of obedience to complete the work so that I may be successful in all that I do.

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WISDOM

Do not overwork to be rich;
Because of your own understanding, cease!
Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.
Proverbs 23:4-5

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

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Do you see a man who excels in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before unknown men.
Proverbs 22:29

Are you a hilarious giver? Do you give?

Why? Is it out of love? Is it out of duty?

Do you give joyfully or do you give begrudgingly?

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So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

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When we are tested, we are able to see how well we have been trained and how we will respond under the pressure.

Will we be able to stay focused?

Will we be able to make the right decisions regardless of outside influences?

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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

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that is within it. I apologize for not having posted here the past few day as I am called to share my testimony and revelations with everyone. Lord, as I start this joy, I am at peace with all that is taking place around me. I know Lord that You have plans for me and I pray that You will make the door I am to walk through next be so large that I can’t miss it, I pray that it will be my only option so that I don’t walk down a hall way to a door, but think it is a dead-end and just turnaround and try to find another hallway. Lord, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, grant me wisdom Lord. Your Word says in James 1:5-8

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

So Lord, I come to you with all my heart, all my mind, all my strength, and all my soul looking to You for wisdom and direction. As the current transition is underway, I lift it up to you and give You all the praise and the honor and the glory, for I know that the plans You have for me are good. Help me Lord to hear “Well done my good and faithful servant”, help me to stay focused and make the right decisions no matter the pressures. For all good things come from my Father in Heaven and You are my rock and my fortress. My stronger tower and my refuge. My Hope in times of need. Today I lift all of this up to You, giving You all the praise and honor and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Devotional:

Product Testing
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

Today’s Reading:

Principles of Giving and Warnings of False Prophets
2Corinthians 8:10-15; 9:6-11:4,12-15; Psalm 120:5-7; Proverbs 22:29

Are there things that take place in your life that can only be explained as miracles of God?

Sometimes people will say to me "Good Luck", but my usual response is luck, I don't need luck, I need a miracle. God is still in the miracle business, so let's bring the church to the people.

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Real Customer Service - While they were going out a man, who was demon-possessed and could not talk, was brought to Jesus. - Matthew 9:32

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Distinguish the Temporary from the Timeless - 2Corinthians 4-5; Psalm 119:174-176; Proverbs 22:24-25

WORSHIP

I long for Your salvation, O LORD,
And Your law is my delight.
Let my soul live, and it shall praise You;
And let Your judgments help me.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
Seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.
Psalm 119:174-176

WISDOM

Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,
Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.
Proverbs 22:24-25

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Yesterday as I got the news, I kept hearing in my head “lean not on your own understanding, but put your trust in God”, “God ways are higher than your ways and better than your ways”, “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, to give you a hope and a future”. Lord, I praise You that You have written Your Word into my heart and my mind for it has the ability to bring a peace into my life, a peace that goes beyond understanding. May what I do and what I say bring You praise and glory. May you use me to bring more praise and glory to You. May others see you when they look at me, may I be like the moon that has no light of its own, but shines because it is reflecting the light of the son – likewise, may I reflect the light of the Son into the lives of those around me. I will wait Lord for You, and pray that You will put a check in my spirit, give me eyes to see and ears to hear what I should do. I give You all the praise and all the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Devotional:

Created for His Good Pleasure

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10

Today’s Reading:

The Certainty of the Resurrection

1Corinthians 14:1-33,39-40; 15:1-11; Psalm 119:145-148; Proverbs 22:11

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First all those who gave their lives in love and honor that we can live the lives we live today.

Jesus who loved us before we loved Him.

The people who went to fight battles around the world to keep us safe (Remembrance Day, Veteran’s Day)

Second, all those who continue to fight the good fight, sacrificing their lives for you and me.

And finally and most important – love one another as Christ loves us.

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Today’s Devotional:
Receiving Only From God - I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me-to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share. - Genesis 14:24

Today’s Reading:
The More Excellent Way of Love - 1Corinthians 12-13; Psalm 119:137-138,144; Proverbs 22:6

I am filling in my answers, take some time and consider where God has taken you from and where you are today – until we are called home to be with the Lord, we aren’t done yet and may have some more work in these stages. God Bless.

Do you remember the preparation stage? What experiences did you have?

• I remember growing up and my parents and grandparents bringing me to church.
• I remember public school where I wasn’t one of the cool kids or one of the in crowd.
• I remember being the big kid and being a target
• I remember high school dressing preppy, but being more of a techie inside.
• I remember winning Mr. Congeniality during the Mr. High School competition.
• I remember playing hockey through it all and getting to hangout with people who had various ideas and ambitions
• I remember University where I was able to connect with people in residence as a leader (floor rep, house rep)
• I remember University where I was able to have great friends and experiences through school and co-op.
• I remember getting what resembled a warranty card that said they would keep my resume on file for 6 months and then received a job offer
• I remember getting married to and incredible girl I had met in university.
• I remember the relationships I made at work and the growth I was able to experience in the various roles.
• I remember becoming a dad.
• I remember the leadership team around me leaving and feeling awkward – feeling I was going to need to look for alternatives.
• I remember asking my parents and my in-laws to pick my next step in my career.
• I remember the decision to move away from family based on their recommendations

Do you remember the crisis stage? When were you called into relationship with Jesus? When was the turning point?

• I remember making a plan on where to live, what jobs to apply for, what car to buy
• God had another plan and by getting “lost” in the hallways, I ran into someone I had worked with before and that lead to me taking a different job
• God had another plan and by getting a “randomly” assigned real estate agent by the company, we went house hunting and she showed us a house in a different area than our plan where we ended up moving
• God let me get the car (1 for 3 isn’t bad)
• Our new house happened to be near a church that God invited us to through their Christmas production and we haven’t stopped going since
• God put us on a fast track: Spiritual Emphasis week – Baptism in the Holy Spirit, We became members, We were baptized in water, We got involved in worship and arts, I go into Men’s ministry, I went on Men’s retreats where God spoke to me about getting involved in the community and later about moving into a more leadership role
• Leadership role in men’s ministry
• Leadership role in worship and arts
• Leadership role in the home owners association board
• Leadership role at work (within the team and around the company)
• Focus on doing ministry as a team with my wife so we stepped into worship and arts and left men’s and women’s ministry so we could spend time together serving God.

How are you bearing fruit? Do people see fruit from your life?

• Worship & Arts – in the tech area and encouraging the people on stage, and welcoming people into the presence of God
• Work – company wide impact and influence – getting to know and work with great people and sharing the love of God with them
• Most of all – with my wife and children
• The dream of an 8 year old boy leading me to my home
• Great friends and relationships at work, at church, and everywhere in between
• But the story isn’t over yet

God has an incredible plan for your life, so incredible you cannot comprehend it. Will you love and follow Jesus? That’s all it takes and then we can become fishers of men like the world has never known.

 

Remember why we are doing this – it is to bring glory to God.

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How God Makes Fishermen - "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." - Matthew 4:19

Do All Things to the Glory of God - 1Corinthians 10:1-13,23-33; 11:1-2,23-34; Psalm 119:129-131; Proverbs 22:4

If You Lack Wisdom

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for the vacation trip away with my wife. I thank You for the renewing and rejuvenation that both of us had. I lift up my family now and ask Lord that You would put and keep a healing hand over it, that my children would get better today in Jesus' name. I ask in the name of Jesus that any spirits of sickness would be rebuked and renounced and casted from my house. I pray that they would flee as Your Light shines in today. Lord, My hope and trust is in You. Lord, I lift up my day to You as I head back to work. You know the plans for this week and what will take place. I walk in peace, hope, trust, and faith, knowing that You know the beginning from the end and that the heart of the king is in Your hands. Lord, I pray for those around me, that You will help me to shine for You. I pray that You will grant me wisdom beyond my years, You will grant me discernment behind questions asked as well as things being said, and I will keep all my hope and trust in You as I continue to wait upon You. Lord, Your Word says - I know the plans I have for You, to give me a hope and a future and I hold onto that today as I return to work and prepare for a great week in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Today's Devotional:
God's Proving Ground for Faith - He did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience. - Judges 3:2

Today's Reading:
How Love Limits Liberty - 1Corinthians 8-9; Psalm 119:123-125; Proverbs 22:3

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But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

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Today's Devotional: Hindrances to Christ's Rule 
---------------------- The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. - 2 Corinthians 10:4

Today's Reading: Principles of Morality and Marriage - 1Corinthians 6:12-7:16,25-35,39-40; Psalm 119:114-116; Proverbs 22:2

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November 8

Principles of Morality and Marriage

1Corinthians 6:12-7:16,25-35,39-40; Psalm 119:114-116; Proverbs 22:2

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh." But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me:
It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?

Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His merczy has made trustworthy. I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress-that it is good for a man to remain as he is: Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.

But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.

But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord-how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world-how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world-how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment-and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 6:12-7:16, 25-35, 39-40

WORSHIP

You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.
Depart from me, you evildoers,
For I will keep the commandments of my God!
Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
Psalm 119:114-116

WISDOM

The rich and the poor have this in common,
The LORD is the maker of them all.
Proverbs 22:2

We aren't to compare ourselves to others. We are to focus on what God has called us to do. We are each different and have a unique purpose for the kingdom of God. Just because someone went to the same school or the same birthday, or the same age, or work at the same job or the same company as you, doesn't mean that you have the same purpose. Don't let envy get in the way of God's blessings in your life. Don't forget God's Word: I know the plans I have for You says the Lord, plans to give you a hope and a future. His Word also says: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added onto you. You are in my prayers today as my family and friends. I pray the You will be encouraged and turn to God our true source of life. It is not by strength or by might, but by my faith in Jesus Christ that I am where I am and I am who I am. God has great plans for You, spend some time with Him and hear what's next and stick close to Him as He is our audience of one and we want to make sure we stick close. I pray this in Jesus' name and want to give God all the praise and all the glory. Amen.

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Today’s Devotional: An Audience of One - Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me." - John 21:22

Today’s Reading: Excel Still More in Obedience and Love - 1Thessalonians 4-5; Psalm 119:69-72; Proverbs 21:21

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November 2

Excel Still More in Obedience and Love

1Thessalonians 4-5; Psalm 119:69-72; Proverbs 21:21

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

Brethren, pray for us.
Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
1 Thessalonians 4-5

WORSHIP

The proud have forged a lie against me,
But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
Their heart is as fat as grease,
But I delight in Your law.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.
Psalm 119:69-72

WISDOM

He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness and honor.
Proverbs 21:21

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Recent Devotions

• WOW - The Big Picture 11/2

Do you hope luck is on your side or look to God’s hand to perform miracles?

-  My Trust is in God  -

so I go for miracles.

 

Do you take time with God to think through it? Or do you do it in your own way?

-- My Trust is in God ––

so I try to work through it with Him, since He knows the full picture (being omnipresent).

 

Do you make time to spend with God?

Do you pray?

Do you fast?

How far are you willing to go to make sure you are on the right track and will make the right decision?

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that will be in it. I thank You Lord for the great celebration and fellowship yesterday. I was blessed beyond measure and I praise You for friendships and relationships. Lord, may You continue to bless each of them and help me to be a light that will shine and allow others to come into relationship with You. Lord, in my devotions and reading, I turn to You and ask that You help me, You encourage me, Your correct me, You direct me that I may live a life that is worthy of You, who has called me into Your kingdom and Your glory. Lord, help me first to be a great man of God. Next to be a great husband. Next to be a great father. Lord, please then help me to be a great son and brother, a great friend and mentor. Help me Lord to become more and more like You and allow people to be directed back towards You. for You are the truth, the way , and the life. Lord, I thank You for having directed my life, for having made divine appointments that have changed not only what I do, where I am, but also how I respond and how I am able to relate to You. Lord, You are awesome and I give You all the praise and the honor and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Devotional: Worldly Planning - Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"? - 2 Corinthians 1:17

Today’s Reading: Walk Worthy of God's Calling - 1Thessalonians 1-3; Psalm 119:57-60; Proverbs 21:19

Oaths:

completed or not?

broken or kept?

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Will you press in to what God has for you and has planned for you?

Will you pursue Him and look to be above average as Jesus spoke?

Are you shining for God so much that it is turning the world upside down?

Are you finding resistance for people who are hearing about the love of God?

Fear Not, Just Believe

Jesus has called us to a higher calling, we are to be over comers through Christ, we are Love others as Christ loved us.

Make sure the priorities are right: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.

How much time are you spending with God?

How much time are you spending reading God’s Word?

How much time are you spending praying?

How much of your time are you spending serving and loving others?

These questions aren’t to condemn, but to encourage you to spend more time with God and just watch how life changes.

Make more time to spend with God.

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Today’s Devotional: Keeping Oaths - This is what we will do to them: We will let them live, so that wrath will not fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to them. - Joshua 9:20

Today’s Reading: Turning the World Upside Down  - Acts 17:1-18:11; Psalm 119:53-55; Proverbs 21:17

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day, a day of celebration and a day of love. May Your life and Your love shine in and through me today. May people who come feel Your love while in my house. May people feel drawn to You. May the convictions that You put in their hearts be realized so that they may turn to wards You and pursue after You with all of their hearts, all of their minds, all of their souls, and all of their strength. God I couldn’t ask for a better gift than if people would come to know You today. May the door be opened and the courage and strength to execute and accomplish Your will take place. Lord, You are awesome. Lord, I know You have great plans for today and I pray that You will provide for every need and remove any stress or anxiety in this day, for it is the day that You have made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. I thank You and praise You and pray that You will receive all the praise and the honor and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s Devotional: Fear Not! - For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

Today’s Reading: Paul and Companions Head for Greece - Acts 16; Psalm 119:44-47; Proverbs 21:16

Today’s Status Posting:

Fear Not -- For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7 Fear paralyzes and torments. We can overcome/displace fear through faith - putting complete trust in God.Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come.

Are we moving forward for the kingdom of God? Are we growing in numbers? Are we sharing the Good News of Jesus with those around us?

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So shall I keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.
Psalm 119:44-47

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and all that is within it. I thank You for speaking works of encouragement and truth to me today and for reminding me what You had told me so long ago – Fear Not, Just Believe. Lord, this is the day that You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Lord, You know the plans You have for me, plans to give me a hope and a future, a plan not to harm me but to prosper me. Lord, help my spirit to be in alignment with Your Spirit today. Help me to be and to do all that You have planned for this day. Help me to be filled to overflowing with trust in You, that fear will have no place within me. Let today be a day where people see You as I reflect the love of Jesus to them. And Lord, I will give You the praise and the honor and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen

WOW - The Big Picture 10/29

October 29

Follow the Spirit to Freedom

Galatians 5-6; Psalm 119:33-35,37; Proverbs 21:13

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.

And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

>From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Galatians 5-6

WORSHIP

Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your way.
Psalm 119:33-35, 37

WISDOM

Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be heard.
Proverbs 21:13

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• WOW - The Big Picture 10/28
• WOW - The Big Picture 10/29
• WOW - The Big Picture 10/27
• WOW - The Big Picture 10/26
• WOW - The Big Picture 10/25
• Archives

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Today’s Devotional: Seeing What Others Cannot See - And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. - 2 Kings 6:17

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Heavenly Father,
Over the years You have given me visions of what You would like me to do. I pray Lord, that You will give me visions and ideas that I can and should do in order to show Your LOVE and Your Power and Your promises to those around me. I pray Lord that You will open my eyes to see the next big thing that I may fulfill Your plans for me and that I may pray as Elisha did that others will have their eyes opened to see You and Your work all around us. Lord, it is by Your grace and Your power that my team has received the recognition that they have. Lord, it by Your hand, that I have been blessed with the recognition and blessings I have. It is all through Your hand. I don’t have the power to accomplish all that You have, but my hope and my trust are in You for without You, I am nothing.

Lord, give me eyes to see and ears to hear. Help me to be sensitive to the Spirit and obedient to His direction. Lord, I thank You for this new day and look to what You have for me. Bless my friends, family, and all those who will read this posting. May they turn to You and seek You today for all things are known by You. And may our lives be in alignment with Your plans. And Lord, we will give You all the praise, the honor, and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Reading: Justification Comes By Faith - Galatians 3:1-14,21-29; 4:1-20; Psalm 119:25-27; Proverbs 21:6

It is by faith that we are saved, not by works, so that no one can boast.

It was Abraham believing God that was accounted to him as righteousness.

We are to live by faith and not by sight.

God wants us to be above average – so let’s step up and follow after Jesus and His plans for our lives.

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Today’s Devotional: Going Without Jesus - ...they were unaware of it. - Luke 2:43

Today’s Reading: Beware a Different Gospel! - Galatians 1-2; Psalm 119:17-18,24; Proverbs 21:5

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It is by faith and not by works that we are saved, that we are transformed, that we are reborn, so that no one can boast. Let your faith in Jesus Christ shine today. Let the love that is so large, that is proactive, that is so pure flow into and through you today.

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"But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this new day and for all that is in it. I thank You that You sent Your Son to sacrifice Himself and reconcile me to You. I thank You that I am a new creation, the old is gone and the new has come. I thank You Lord for having sent Your Spirit to draw me near to You that I may hear the truth and believe. I thank You Lord that You also allowed Your Spirit to baptize me and allow me to draw even closer to You. Help me Lord to not walk outside of Your will for my life. Help me Lord to not walk away from Jesus, but to stay in relationship today and always. And Lord, I give You all the praise and all the glory and all the honor, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Heavenly Father,
You know just the right thing to say each day. When I go to read Your Word or I go to read a devotional, it always points me back to You. It always speaks to me right where I am at. I praise You Lord and thank You for this new day. I lift it up to You and ask that You bless it and are blessed by it, that all that I do and all that I say will bring You praise and glory and honor. Lord, I am waiting – for You. I will wait for You. You answered my prayer with “wait”, so I will wait, I will be still and know that You are God and that You are working through this situation in order to prepare me, to train me, to prepare the right situations. Lord, Your Word says, I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to give me a hope and a future. So I won’t worry, but through prayer and supplication, I will give it all up to You. I thank You and praise You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Today’s Reading: The Council at Jerusalem Makes a Decree  - Acts 15; Psalm 119:9-11; Proverbs 21:3

Today’s Devotional: The Isolation Chamber - Be still and know that I am God.... - Psalm 46:10

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God wants us to be above average.

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Today’s Devotional: How and Where God Speaks - The hand of the Lord was upon me there, and He said to me, "Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you." - Ezekiel 3:22

Today’s Reading: A Door Is Opened to the Gentiles - Acts 13:44-14:28; Psalm 119:1-3; Proverbs 21:2

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Heavenly Father,
I thank You for this day and for all that is within it. I thank You for Your Word that speaks hope and encouragement, wisdom and direction into my life. May You receive all the praise and the honor and the glory today. Lord, help me to have ears to hear. Help me to have a seeking heart for Your ways and Your plans. Allow me Lord to shine for You and point people to You. Help me Lord to let them know it is all about You. Help me to be like Paul and Barnabas when they were telling the Greeks that they were mere men, and redirecting the praise and glory to You. Help me to not let it become a pride thing, but that I would have a servant attitude as I server You and those around me. And Lord, i will give You the praise, the honor, and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.