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"WHERE PRAYER AND PRAISE TAKE YOU INTO HIS PRESENCE"

Friday, July 29, 2011

The Father’s Restoration

Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. (KJV)


One of the devil’s biggest tricks is to bring condemnation (guilt) on God’s people because of our mistakes. I submit that some of our greatest warfare occurs in our minds after we’ve “sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” (Romans 3:23) During periods of testing and trials, Satan reminds us of our shortcomings and tries to convince us that God has forfeited His Plans concerning us. But I want to inform some and remind others that regardless of your failure, God has not forfeited His Promises concerning you.



A vivid example of this involves Peter, one of the twelve men who walked with Jesus. In Mathew 16, Peter’s revelation of Jesus unlocked the door for him to preach the sermon that launched the church of The Living God (Acts 2). Unfortunately, between Matthew 16 and Acts 2, Peter committed one of the most horrific sins a person could commit—he denied Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75)! But God’s Covenant with him was stronger and more binding than his mistake. When the angel appeared to the women, they were instructed to go and let the disciples know that Jesus had risen from the grave (Mark 16:7). Amazingly, the angel requested Peter by name! And on the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached the inaugural sermon that began the church. Three thousand souls came to Christ after he preached and the church has been growing every since (Acts 2:41).



There could be someone reading this devotional that’s bound by the mistakes of your past. Be restored today by understanding that God hasn’t changed His Mind concerning your destiny.



Let’s Pray: “Father, thank You for Your Unfailing Love. Thank You for never giving up on us, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”



Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10



Daily Confession
:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.





Questions to Ponder



1. Name at least five names for Jesus in The Word of God.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Praise Him in Advance

Hebrews 11:1 (TLB) What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen…



Yesterday, I saw faith in action as I watched the game show, “The Price Is Right.” When the announcer would call someone’s name as the next contestant, the person called would begin to celebrate. The individual called on stage whose bid was closest to the actual retail price didn’t just “stroll” to the platform, but they celebrated as they went up to stand beside Drew Carey. When the announcer showed this lady a new car that she’d be playing to win, she screamed and shouted as if she’d already won it! The contestants on, “The Price is Right” praised in advance as if what they wanted was already theirs.


Those contestants gave me a benchmark to where my faith needs to ascend. The Living Bible’s translation of Hebrews 11:1 asks the question and then answers it with this rendering, “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen…” (Hebrews 11:1) My prayer for all believers today is that our faith will mature to the point that we can, “Praise God in advance” for what we’re believing Him to do.

Let’s Pray: “Father, help us to praise You in advance for what we believe You’re about to do, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”
The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10



Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.



Questions of the Day


Bible Trivia

1. Who are the two men in the Bible who didn’t die?
2. What happened to each of them?
3. Who buried Moses?
4. Where did He bury him?
5. Who were the three disciples who went up with Jesus to the Mount of
Transfiguration in Matthew 17?
6. What two prophets appeared on the mountain to talk with Jesus?

Monday, July 25, 2011

Wisdom to Discern

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:


In June 2008, Bishop Paul S. Morton and the leadership of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship consecrated me along with eight other candidates into the office of Bishop. The nine of us made memories and established a bond that we’ll always remember. The process leading up to our consecration was one of the most trying periods of my life. We received lectures and were responsible for regurgitating six years of information in about six months. Needless to say, we had to depend upon one another to complete our assignment. Although we interacted with one another quite often during that period, I haven’t had the privilege of spending much time with either one of them since then—not because we don’t love or respect one another—but because God orchestrated our paths to be close for that particular season.

There are people, places, and professions that we’re called to for a lifetime. But there are other things that God only intended to occupy our time, “for a season.” A mistake that many believers make is to put a lifetime tag on relationships that God only designed to be seasonal. And in the words of my covenant brother Bishop Michael Priester, “If you leave spoiled milk in the refrigerator too long, it will start affecting the other items inside it.” The Bible declares that, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

During this season, ask The Lord for wisdom to discern which things (and people) are in your life for a season verses those that you’re connected to for life.

Let’s Pray: “Father, give us the wisdom and the courage to discern those things that are seasonal and those things that are to be for a lifetime, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.



Questions of the Day

Scripture Knowledge

1. What city was Jesus born?



2. What kind of building was He born in?



3. What kind of crib was He laid in at birth?



4. Where did He die?



5. Whose tomb did He borrow after He died?



6. Why did He borrow a tomb verses purchase one for Himself?

Friday, July 22, 2011

Through God’s Eyes

Proverbs 21:2: Every way of a man is right in his own eyes…



Conflict is often a part of our lives. Even in the body of Christ, believers will sometimes disagree with one another. While some people find it relatively easy to say “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong,” it almost takes an act of congress for others to do the same! Have you ever met someone who was “always right?” Are there those that you’ve gone to before with conflict and found it difficult to find resolve?



More often than not, whenever there’s a dispute amongst two or more parties, we want others to see matters from our individual perspective(s). But what gauges whether or not our way is right? The common ground that believers must meet when they don’t see “eye to eye” is The Word of God. Proverbs 21:2 says that, “every way of a man is right in his own eyes…;” therefore, unless our feelings and opinions have been gauged by The Word of God, we could very well be wrong! Whenever Christians are at odds with one another, we must be open and receptive to God’s Word in bringing resolve to any disputes.



The exhortation today is to see life through The Eyes of God.



Let’ Pray: “Father, help us to always see life through Your Eyes, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”



Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”
The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10



Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that I will not be distracted, disorganized, or in disarray,

but I will be diligent to what God has called me to do



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.



Questions of The Day

Genesis 25:11-19

What happened after Abraham died?

How many sons did Abraham have?

What did the Bible call them?

How old was Ishmael when he died?

How old was Isaac when he married Rebekah?

Whose daughter and sibling was Rebekah?

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Our Priority

Matthew 6:33 (KJV): “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

One of the greatest challenges for most people is juggling our busy schedules. The testimony of many is that the appointments and task lists on your schedules are perpetually increasing which challenges your ability to get things done. Many people (saved and un-saved alike) go to bed thinking about what needs to get done tomorrow and wake up working on getting those things done. Meetings, deadlines, programs, and after-action reports (review of the event) can cause our stress levels to escalate to the point that it literally affects our health.

But amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, believers must learn to make spending time with The Lord our priority. All Christians—more especially those who are busy—must remember to put spending time with God at the top of the day’s agenda. And during those times when you may not be able to give The Lord as much quantity as you’d like, ask The Lord to make the time you spend with Him “quality.” Matthew 6:33 gives this great promise to those who make God our priority: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33, KJV)

The exhortation today is to make spending time with God our priority.

Let’s Pray: “Father, we pray that spending time with You will be the priority on our day’s agenda, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed,

and enlarge my territory,

that Your hand would be with me,

and that You would keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain!” The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10


Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered





I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.



Questions-of-the Day

Judges 3:15-25



1. What present did Ehud make for the king?



2. What was the physique of the king of Moab (verse 17)?



3. What did Ehud do after he’d given the king the gift (verse 18)?



4. How did Ehud kill the king?



5. What did he do after he’d killed him?



6. Why did it take so long for the servants to find the king?

A Season of Restoration

Joel 2:25 (CEV): “I, the LORD your God, will make up for the losses caused by those swarms and swarms of locusts I sent to attack you.”

His brothers were jealous of him because he was a dreamer and his father favored him. When he wouldn’t sleep with his boss’ wife, she lied on him resulting in his unjust incarceration. A gentleman in prison that he ministered to failed to keep his promise to him after he was released. The aforementioned sentences are scenes from the life of Joseph. Although he was the poster child of faithfulness, for a good part of his life it appeared as if his service and dedication to God would go unrewarded. But in a single day, God brought restoration to Joseph by bringing to pass promises that had been delayed for years.

Like Joseph, there are many individuals in the body of Christ who may feel as if their faithfulness is going unrewarded. But The God we serve has The Power to erase in one season years of pain that we experienced while waiting on Him to move. Regardless to how things look or how we feel, we must always know that, “…God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints…” (Hebrews 6:10, ESV) The Lord’s Promise to the saints in Joel’s day was this: “I, the LORD your God, will make up for the losses caused by those swarms and swarms of locusts I sent to attack you.” Joel 2:25 (CEV)

I encourage you, beloved, to expect and believe God for supernatural restoration during this season.

Let’ Pray: “Father, thank You for Your Supernatural Restoration, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed,

and enlarge my territory,

that Your hand would be with me,

and that You would keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain!” The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen

Friday, July 15, 2011

Guilty of The Same Thing?

John 8:7 “… ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’”


Earlier this week, the media bashed 1st Lady Michelle Obama for something they’re guilty of themselves. Mrs. Obama is one of our nation’s leading advocates for exercise and healthy eating, particularly in the area of childhood obesity. When she was found consuming a hamburger, fries, and a shake a couple days ago, the media badgered her unmercifully. But the individuals criticizing her weren’t doctors, dieticians, or nutritionists, but people who looked as if they’ve eaten their fair share of burgers, shakes, and fries (super-sized) themselves. Amazingly, the people condemning her were guilty of the same thing!

In John chapter 8, the religious leaders of Jesus’ Day caught a woman in the act of adultery. When they brought her to Jesus, He exposed their evil by saying, “… ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’” (John 8:7) Some theologians interpret the word, “sin,” as, “the same sin.” After Jesus exposed their transgressions, each of them—from the oldest to the youngest—had to “drop their rocks” and exit The Presence of God.”

Romans 2:1 reads, “ Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” The next time you feel the urge to point your finger at someone else, be careful that you don’t have three fingers pointing back at you.

Let’s Pray: “Father, help us to not be judgmental of condemning of others. Teach us how to pray for others and not judge them, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Destination Excellence

Praise

All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy them, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.

Challenge

Remember all WORLDLY things are temporary. Focus on an eternal life with Christ and let that be our guide here on earth.

Reference

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." John 6:27

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee



I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

A Backseat Perspective

(ESV) 1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

My daughter Carah is an amazing young lady. Along with being energetic and outgoing, she’s tremendously smart (much smarter than I was when I was her age). But my baby is learning that things in life aren’t always as easy as they appear to be. In the past, Carah has been a “back-seat driver.” Whenever her mom and I were driving, she’d comment on how she felt we needed to negotiate traffic. Now that I’m teaching her to drive, she’s realizing that driving a vehicle isn’t always as easy as it appears to be.

Like Carah, there are many people who are “back-seat drivers” in regards to others who are sitting in positions of leadership. I’ve heard more than a few people comment on what should and shouldn’t be done by others who were doing their best to lead in their particular assignments. The media makes a fortune on criticizing the decisions and opinions of the president (as well as other world leaders), government officials, supervisors, and even leaders in the church. Instead of being overly critical, Christians have the responsibility to pray for those in authority. Paul instructed his son in the ministry, Timothy, to offer “…supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings…for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (I Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)

The next time you feel the need to criticize the leadership and/or decisions of someone else, please remember two quick pieces of advice: 1) Just because a position of leadership may look easy doesn’t mean that it is; 2) You don’t know how you’d respond if you were in the leader’s shoes.

Let’s Pray: “Father, help us to pray for those in leadership positions and not criticize them, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee

I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen

Monday, July 11, 2011

YOURS FOR THE ASKING

"You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:2, ESV)

A visit to Sonics’ yesterday afternoon reminded my family that sometimes things are simply “ours” for the asking. Because I try to practice good stewardship, Happy Hour (the half-price special) is the time that my family purchases our summer-time beverages. I officiated a wedding ceremony yesterday afternoon which caused us to miss the special by six minutes. After explaining to the cashier the reason we were late, I asked if I could still get the special and she replied, “Sure.” We received our heart’s desire by simply asking.

We must always remember that we serve A Supernatural God Who will sometimes override policies and procedures that have been established by man. Begin this week with newfound confidence in God’s Ability to grant you favor that supersedes man’s laws. Many times, “we (you) do not have, because we (you) do not ask.” (James 4:2, ESV)

Let’s Pray: “Father, give us confidence in Your Ability to turn things around in our favor. Let us not be afraid to ask You for those things that our hearts desire, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10



Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered



I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee

I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Our Mutual Ministry Of Exhortation

Hebrews 3:13

If you want to fulfill God's plan for your life, there's one thing you must not do: Don't forsake the daily fellowship and encouragement of other believers! Hebrews 3:13 tells us that we need to "... exhort one another daily..."

But what does it mean to "exhort"?

The word for "exhort" that is used in this verse comes from the Greek word

parakaleo. It is a compound of the words para and kaleo. The word para means alongside, and the word kaleo means to call, to invite, to speak, or to beckon. When these two words are compounded into one, it gives the picture of someone who has come closely alongside of another person for the sake of speaking to him, consoling him, comforting him, or assisting him with instruction, counsel, or advice.

Because it is so helpful when someone comes alongside to support you in this manner, this word is often translated in the New Testament as the word encouragement. Jesus used the word paraklete, a derivative of parakaleo, to describe the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" in John 14:16.

These verses make it abundantly clear that we need to both give and receive encouragement from other believers on a daily basis. This is such a vital principle that the tense used in the Greek language calls for continual action. In other words, we are not to just encourage one another once a week; we are to make this a matter of lifestyle. We must get into the habit of encouraging one another, doing it so often that it becomes a daily practice!

Think how encouraging it is when someone cares enough to take you to lunch, call you on the telephone, write you a note, or go out of his way at the office or church to come to you and ask how you are doing. It is especially very strengthening to know that someone really cares about you if you're going through challenging times!

But rather than fixate only on your need to be encouraged, try taking your eyes off yourself to see those around you who are also in need of strength. Think of someone you know whom you can strengthen by coming alongside him to speak words of comfort, consolation, or bravery. Maybe you can take that person to lunch; call him on the telephone; drop him a note; or go out of your way to see how he is doing. Remember, you're not the only one who needs encouragement!

We all need encouragement from brothers and sisters in the Lord who will lovingly attach themselves to us—watching us, making observations about us, and finding ways to provoke us unto love and good deeds. But we must also turn around and do the same for other believers. That's what the Body of Christ is all about!

So recognize that when you're feeling down and left out, you need fellowship with people of faith more than ever. Jesus understood this principle. When He went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray the night before His crucifixion, He asked Peter, James, and John to come pray with Him. Jesus needed their fellowship and strength that night, or He wouldn't have requested it.

Recognize your need for others—and acknowledge that others need you as well. The daily exhortation and encouragement of other believers will help you stir up your faith to hold fast to your confession until it becomes a reality. And as an added side benefit, you will experience more deeply the Presence of the Lord in your life through the joy of knowing and loving other people of like faith!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I want to be a major source of blessing to people in my life! Help me to quit being so fixated on myself and to see how I can become a strength and encouragement to others who are around me. Your Word commands me to be involved in giving daily encouragement. And since I am seriously committed to obeying Your Word, I intend to find a way to encourage someone who needs strength today!

I pray this in Jesus' name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I need to be encouraged! God's Word commands me to be encouraged daily, so I choose to believe that encouragement is what I need. I recognize my need for others, and I acknowledge that others need my encouragement as well. The daily exhortation and encouragement of other believers will stir up my faith and help me hold fast to my confession of faith!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Mind-Boggling

Psalm 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4a What is man, that thou art mindful of him?

While the earth’s twenty-five thousand-mile circumference seems large to us, our planet is merely a microcosm in comparison to the rest of the universe. The following data proves this point:

-The earth is 93,000,000 miles from our sun.

-Our solar system is a small part of one galaxy called the Milky Way.

-The sun is a main star that contains 99.8 percent of all the mass in our solar system.

-The combined mass of Jupiter and Saturn make up 90 percent of all the remaining mass.

-Our galaxy is one of at least one hundred billion galaxies, but the closest star to our solar

system is approximately 4.2 light-years away.

I’m not sure that David really knew the full impact of the words that he recorded in Psalm 8:3-4: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” I was amazed when I meditated on the vastness of the universe created by our Heavenly Father. I was even more amazed that God would make us (human beings) the focal point of all His awesome creation. Today’s exhortation is to thank God for being “the apple of His Eye.”

Let’s Pray: “Father, we thank You for Your Great Love for all mankind, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer:
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10



Daily Confession:

Father, I thank You for making me the head and not the tail

Above only and not beneath

The lender and not the borrower

The conqueror and not the conquered

I thank You for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness

And for delivering my life from death and destruction

So that I shall live and not die to declare your works



I thank You that no sickness shall live in my body today

For by Your Stripes I'm healed

I confess that I will not be stressed, oppressed, or depressed

Because You're keeping me in perfect peace as my mind is stayed on Thee

I confess that there shall not be any lack in my life today

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus

Thank You that all things are working together for my good

And that You always cause me to triumph



This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

In Jesus, Name, amen.