Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
ur live can come change in just 5 minute a day ( by Joel Oesteen)
It only takes 5 minutes to change everything!
There are 1440 minutes in a day — that’s 288 “chunks” of 5 minutes.
With just one of those 5-minute periods, you can experience incredible, transforming life-change.
You’re probably thinking: It can’t be that simple. There’s no way my life can turn around in 5 minutes. But it really can be that simple when you speak God’s promises and truly believe His Word.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (NIV). Your words have incredible power, and you’re the one who decides whether or not they are filled with life or death.
So think before you speak! Negative, fearful, bitter words are like a rotten piece of fruit, while positive, faith-filled words are the path to new and wonderful seasons of life.
I want to encourage you to request our new 31-day audio devotional that I’ve developed called I Declare: Proclaiming the Promises of God Over Your Life. If you’ll spend 5 minutes, every day, practicing words of life, I promise you’ll see a change. It’s not complicated. You can do it, but you have to do it on purpose.
Imagine how your heart, your circumstances, your faith and your life would be different if you started or even ended each day with simple statements like:
“God your Word says that you’re for me, and because YOU are for me, no one can stand against me.”
“Father, YOU promised to never leave me or forsake me. Even when I can’t feel it, even when it feels like the world’s against me, YOU are WITH ME!”
This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a lifestyle. Five minutes every day declaring God’s promises over your life can redirect your life on a totally new path.
Victoria and I appreciate you so much, and we’re speaking God’s promises over your life every day. We’re praying that you will receive everything that God has in store for you this year.
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
There are 1440 minutes in a day — that’s 288 “chunks” of 5 minutes.
With just one of those 5-minute periods, you can experience incredible, transforming life-change.
You’re probably thinking: It can’t be that simple. There’s no way my life can turn around in 5 minutes. But it really can be that simple when you speak God’s promises and truly believe His Word.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (NIV). Your words have incredible power, and you’re the one who decides whether or not they are filled with life or death.
So think before you speak! Negative, fearful, bitter words are like a rotten piece of fruit, while positive, faith-filled words are the path to new and wonderful seasons of life.
I want to encourage you to request our new 31-day audio devotional that I’ve developed called I Declare: Proclaiming the Promises of God Over Your Life. If you’ll spend 5 minutes, every day, practicing words of life, I promise you’ll see a change. It’s not complicated. You can do it, but you have to do it on purpose.
Imagine how your heart, your circumstances, your faith and your life would be different if you started or even ended each day with simple statements like:
“God your Word says that you’re for me, and because YOU are for me, no one can stand against me.”
“Father, YOU promised to never leave me or forsake me. Even when I can’t feel it, even when it feels like the world’s against me, YOU are WITH ME!”
This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a lifestyle. Five minutes every day declaring God’s promises over your life can redirect your life on a totally new path.
Victoria and I appreciate you so much, and we’re speaking God’s promises over your life every day. We’re praying that you will receive everything that God has in store for you this year.
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Mother
Saat kau berumur 1 tahun, dia menyuapi dan memandikanmu. Sebagai balasannya, kau menangis sepanjang malam.
Saat kau berumur 3 tahun, memasakkan semua makananmu dengan kasih sayang. Sebagai balasannya, kau buang piring berisi makanan ke lantai.
Saat kau berumur 4 tahun, dia memberimu pensil berwarna. Sebagai balasannya, kau coret-coret dinding rumah dan meja makan.
Saat kau berumur 5 tahun, dia membelikanmu pakaian-pakaian yang mahal dan indah. Sebagai balasannya, kau memakainya untuk bermain di kubangan lumpur dekat rumah.
Saat kau berumur 6 tahun, dia mengantarmu pergi ke sekolah. Sebagai balasannya, kau berteriak "NGGAK MAU!!"
Saat kau berumur 7 tahun, dia membelikanmu bola. Sebagai balasannya, kau lemparkan bola ke jendela tetangga.
Saat kau berumur 8 tahun, dia memberimu es krim. Sebagai balasannya, kau tumpahkan hingga mengotori seluruh bajumu.
Saat kau berumur 9 tahun, dia membayar mahal untuk kursus pianomu. Sebagai balasannya, kau sering bolos dan sama sekali tidak pernah berlatih.
Saat kau berumur 10 tahun, dia mengantarmu ke mana saja, dari kolam renang hingga pesta ulang tahun. Sebagai balasannya, kau melompat keluar mobil tanpa memberi salam.
Saat kau berumur 13 tahun, dia menyarankanmu untuk memotong rambut, karena sudah waktunya. Sebagai balasannya, kau katakan dia tidak tahu mode.
Saat kau berumur 16 tahun, dia ajari kau mengemudi mobilnya. Sebagai balasannya, kau pakai mobilnya setiap ada kesempatan tanpa peduli kepentingannya.
Saat kau berumur 17 tahun, dia sedang menunggu telepon yang penting Sebagai balasannya, kau pakai telepon nonstop semalaman.
Saat kau berumur 18 tahun, dia menangis terharu ketika kau lulus SMA Sebagai balasannya, kau berpesta dengan temanmu hingga pagi.
Saat kau berumur 19 tahun, dia membayar biaya kuliahmu dan mengantarmu ke kampus pada hari pertama. Sebagai balasannya, kau minta diturunkan jauh dari pintu gerbang agar kau tidak malu di depan teman-temanmu.
Saat kau berumur 20 tahun, dia bertanya, "Dari mana saja seharian ini?" Sebagai balasannya, kau jawab,"Ah Ibu cerewet amat sih, ingin tahu urusan orang!"
Saat kau berumur 21 tahun, dia menyarankan satu pekerjaan yang bagus untuk karirmu di masa depan. Sebagai balasannya, kau katakan,"Aku tidak ingin seperti Ibu!"
Saat kau berumur 22 tahun, dia memelukmu dengan haru saat kau lulus perguruan tinggi. Sebagai balasannya, kau tanya dia kapan kau bisa ke Bali.
Saat kau berumur 23 tahun, dia membelikanmu 1 set furnitur untuk rumah barumu. Sebagai balasannya, kau ceritakan pada temanmu betapa jeleknya furnitur itu.
Saat kau berumur 24 tahun, dia bertemu dengan tunanganmu dan sertanya tentang rencananya di masa depan. Sebagai balasannya, kau mengeluh,"Aduuh, bagaimana Ibu ini, kok bertanya seperti itu?"
Saat kau berumur 25 tahun, dia membantumu membiayai penikahanmu Sebagai balasannya, kau pindah ke kota lain yang jaraknya lebih dari 500 km.
Saat kau berumur 30 tahun, dia memberikan beberapa nasehat bagaimana merawat bayimu. Sebagai balasannya, kau katakan padanya,"Bu,sekarang jamannya sudah berbeda!"
Saat kau berumur 40 tahun, dia menelepon untuk memberitahukan pesta ulang tahun salah seorang kerabat. Sebagai balasannya, kau jawab,"Bu, saya sibuk sekali, nggak ada waktu.".
Saat kau berumur 50 tahun, dia sakit-sakitan sehingga memerlukan perawatanmu.
Sebagai balasannya, kau baca tentang pengaruh negatif orang tua yang menumpang tinggal di rumah anak-anaknya. Dan hingga suatu hari, dia meninggal dengan tenang. Dan tiba-tiba kau teringat semua yang belum pernah kau lakukan, karena mereka datang menghantam HATI mu bagaikan palu godam.
JIKA BELIAU MASIH ADA, JANGAN LUPA MEMBERIKAN KASIH SAYANGMU LEBIH DARI YANG PERNAH KAU BERIKAN SELAMA INI !!!
Saat kau berumur 3 tahun, memasakkan semua makananmu dengan kasih sayang. Sebagai balasannya, kau buang piring berisi makanan ke lantai.
Saat kau berumur 4 tahun, dia memberimu pensil berwarna. Sebagai balasannya, kau coret-coret dinding rumah dan meja makan.
Saat kau berumur 5 tahun, dia membelikanmu pakaian-pakaian yang mahal dan indah. Sebagai balasannya, kau memakainya untuk bermain di kubangan lumpur dekat rumah.
Saat kau berumur 6 tahun, dia mengantarmu pergi ke sekolah. Sebagai balasannya, kau berteriak "NGGAK MAU!!"
Saat kau berumur 7 tahun, dia membelikanmu bola. Sebagai balasannya, kau lemparkan bola ke jendela tetangga.
Saat kau berumur 8 tahun, dia memberimu es krim. Sebagai balasannya, kau tumpahkan hingga mengotori seluruh bajumu.
Saat kau berumur 9 tahun, dia membayar mahal untuk kursus pianomu. Sebagai balasannya, kau sering bolos dan sama sekali tidak pernah berlatih.
Saat kau berumur 10 tahun, dia mengantarmu ke mana saja, dari kolam renang hingga pesta ulang tahun. Sebagai balasannya, kau melompat keluar mobil tanpa memberi salam.
Saat kau berumur 13 tahun, dia menyarankanmu untuk memotong rambut, karena sudah waktunya. Sebagai balasannya, kau katakan dia tidak tahu mode.
Saat kau berumur 16 tahun, dia ajari kau mengemudi mobilnya. Sebagai balasannya, kau pakai mobilnya setiap ada kesempatan tanpa peduli kepentingannya.
Saat kau berumur 17 tahun, dia sedang menunggu telepon yang penting Sebagai balasannya, kau pakai telepon nonstop semalaman.
Saat kau berumur 18 tahun, dia menangis terharu ketika kau lulus SMA Sebagai balasannya, kau berpesta dengan temanmu hingga pagi.
Saat kau berumur 19 tahun, dia membayar biaya kuliahmu dan mengantarmu ke kampus pada hari pertama. Sebagai balasannya, kau minta diturunkan jauh dari pintu gerbang agar kau tidak malu di depan teman-temanmu.
Saat kau berumur 20 tahun, dia bertanya, "Dari mana saja seharian ini?" Sebagai balasannya, kau jawab,"Ah Ibu cerewet amat sih, ingin tahu urusan orang!"
Saat kau berumur 21 tahun, dia menyarankan satu pekerjaan yang bagus untuk karirmu di masa depan. Sebagai balasannya, kau katakan,"Aku tidak ingin seperti Ibu!"
Saat kau berumur 22 tahun, dia memelukmu dengan haru saat kau lulus perguruan tinggi. Sebagai balasannya, kau tanya dia kapan kau bisa ke Bali.
Saat kau berumur 23 tahun, dia membelikanmu 1 set furnitur untuk rumah barumu. Sebagai balasannya, kau ceritakan pada temanmu betapa jeleknya furnitur itu.
Saat kau berumur 24 tahun, dia bertemu dengan tunanganmu dan sertanya tentang rencananya di masa depan. Sebagai balasannya, kau mengeluh,"Aduuh, bagaimana Ibu ini, kok bertanya seperti itu?"
Saat kau berumur 25 tahun, dia membantumu membiayai penikahanmu Sebagai balasannya, kau pindah ke kota lain yang jaraknya lebih dari 500 km.
Saat kau berumur 30 tahun, dia memberikan beberapa nasehat bagaimana merawat bayimu. Sebagai balasannya, kau katakan padanya,"Bu,sekarang jamannya sudah berbeda!"
Saat kau berumur 40 tahun, dia menelepon untuk memberitahukan pesta ulang tahun salah seorang kerabat. Sebagai balasannya, kau jawab,"Bu, saya sibuk sekali, nggak ada waktu.".
Saat kau berumur 50 tahun, dia sakit-sakitan sehingga memerlukan perawatanmu.
Sebagai balasannya, kau baca tentang pengaruh negatif orang tua yang menumpang tinggal di rumah anak-anaknya. Dan hingga suatu hari, dia meninggal dengan tenang. Dan tiba-tiba kau teringat semua yang belum pernah kau lakukan, karena mereka datang menghantam HATI mu bagaikan palu godam.
JIKA BELIAU MASIH ADA, JANGAN LUPA MEMBERIKAN KASIH SAYANGMU LEBIH DARI YANG PERNAH KAU BERIKAN SELAMA INI !!!
Katak dalam tong
Dua ekor katak tak sengaja terjatuh ke dalam sebuah tong yang penuh dengan krim.Mereka berenang kesana kemari dengan panik dan berusaha melompat keluar dari tong itu.
Akhirnya, ada seekor katak yang kelelahan dan menyerah. Dia mengeluh, "Tidak ada gunanya berenang kesana kemari! Lebih baik aku mati saja... "Dia mengayunkan kakinya untuk terakhir kalinya, lalu tenggelam dalam keputusasaan. Dia gagal.
Tinggal sang katak yang lainnya. Dia benar-benar berbeda. Dia tidak mau menyerah. Selalu ada jalan keluar, pikirnya. Dia terus berenang, mempertahankan hidupnya. Dan suatu kejutan baginya. Krim itu perlahan tapi pasti mulai berubah. Ya, berubah mengeras dan menjadi mentega. Akhirnya, dia mendapat pijakan yang kuat dan melompat keluar dari tong itu.
Demikian juga dalam hidup kita, seringkali kita berada dalam posisi seperti katak yang terjebak dalam 'tong' itu, yaitu masalah-masalah yang kita hadapi...entah itu masalah dengan teman/sahabat, atau masalah dengan orang tua, atau masalah dengan pacar, atau masalah-masalah yang lainnya. Dalam hal ini hanya ada 2 jalan keluar yaitu, Anda putus asa,depresi,stress dan akhirnya mati bunuh diri atau Anda tetap berjuang terus menghadapi masalah itu.
Mungkin kita pernah berpikir ...
Ah, saya memang tidak berguna di dunia ini, untuk apa saya hidup? lebih baik saya mati !!
TAPI ....
JANGAN PERNAH MEMILIKI PEMIKIRAN SEPERTI ITU !!!
BUANG JAUH-JAUH PEMIKIRAN ITU !!!
Jika kamu dimarahi oleh orang tua mu, jangan berpikir kalau kamu adalah anak yang tidak berguna. Kita dimarahi karena orang tua kita menginginkan kita menjadi BAIK !!!
Jika kamu diputus pacarmu, jangan berpikir kalau kamu itu jelek/payah & jangan pernah berpikir untuk BUNUH DIRI !!! INI ADALAH HAL TERBODOH YANG DIPIKIRKAN OLEH MANUSIA SEPANDAI KAMU !!
Masih banyak masalah-masalah lain yang kamu hadapi yang tidak dapat aku sebutkan satu persatu. Namun intinya hanya 1 !!
JANGAN PERNAH MENYERAH ! SELALU ADA JALAN KELUAR !
"Kalau kamu tidak menyerah dan terus berusaha, kamu pasti bisa menendang masalah itu keluar dari kehidupanmu !!!"
Akhirnya, ada seekor katak yang kelelahan dan menyerah. Dia mengeluh, "Tidak ada gunanya berenang kesana kemari! Lebih baik aku mati saja... "Dia mengayunkan kakinya untuk terakhir kalinya, lalu tenggelam dalam keputusasaan. Dia gagal.
Tinggal sang katak yang lainnya. Dia benar-benar berbeda. Dia tidak mau menyerah. Selalu ada jalan keluar, pikirnya. Dia terus berenang, mempertahankan hidupnya. Dan suatu kejutan baginya. Krim itu perlahan tapi pasti mulai berubah. Ya, berubah mengeras dan menjadi mentega. Akhirnya, dia mendapat pijakan yang kuat dan melompat keluar dari tong itu.
Demikian juga dalam hidup kita, seringkali kita berada dalam posisi seperti katak yang terjebak dalam 'tong' itu, yaitu masalah-masalah yang kita hadapi...entah itu masalah dengan teman/sahabat, atau masalah dengan orang tua, atau masalah dengan pacar, atau masalah-masalah yang lainnya. Dalam hal ini hanya ada 2 jalan keluar yaitu, Anda putus asa,depresi,stress dan akhirnya mati bunuh diri atau Anda tetap berjuang terus menghadapi masalah itu.
Mungkin kita pernah berpikir ...
Ah, saya memang tidak berguna di dunia ini, untuk apa saya hidup? lebih baik saya mati !!
TAPI ....
JANGAN PERNAH MEMILIKI PEMIKIRAN SEPERTI ITU !!!
BUANG JAUH-JAUH PEMIKIRAN ITU !!!
Jika kamu dimarahi oleh orang tua mu, jangan berpikir kalau kamu adalah anak yang tidak berguna. Kita dimarahi karena orang tua kita menginginkan kita menjadi BAIK !!!
Jika kamu diputus pacarmu, jangan berpikir kalau kamu itu jelek/payah & jangan pernah berpikir untuk BUNUH DIRI !!! INI ADALAH HAL TERBODOH YANG DIPIKIRKAN OLEH MANUSIA SEPANDAI KAMU !!
Masih banyak masalah-masalah lain yang kamu hadapi yang tidak dapat aku sebutkan satu persatu. Namun intinya hanya 1 !!
JANGAN PERNAH MENYERAH ! SELALU ADA JALAN KELUAR !
"Kalau kamu tidak menyerah dan terus berusaha, kamu pasti bisa menendang masalah itu keluar dari kehidupanmu !!!"
Thursday, August 4, 2011
New Levels
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline”
(2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)
God’s desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher heights and go to new levels. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He’ll bring thoughts like, “What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are.
The Bible says that fear is a spirit. It plays on our emotions and holds us back. But the good news is that we have power over fear! The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. When we receive God’s perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. I’ve heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Understand that fear is a lie. Today, choose to believe God’s Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the good life He has prepared for you!
The Power of Integrity
“The Lord judges the people; judge me, O Lord, and do me justice according to my righteousness [my rightness, justice, and right standing with You] and according to the integrity that is in me”
(Psalm 7:8, AMP)
Integrity is a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. Integrity means that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You’re consistent and honest.
You might say, “Oh, I’m a pretty good person. I do the right thing most of the time.” But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. You can veer off course just a little bit, and before you know it, you’re miles away from your destination. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity — even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or, you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity!
Remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessing and honor all the days of your life!
(Psalm 7:8, AMP)
Integrity is a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. Integrity means that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You’re consistent and honest.
You might say, “Oh, I’m a pretty good person. I do the right thing most of the time.” But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. You can veer off course just a little bit, and before you know it, you’re miles away from your destination. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity — even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or, you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity!
Remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessing and honor all the days of your life!
Get Ready for More
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back...”
(Isaiah 54:2, NIV)
God has greater blessings in store for you! He has favor in your future like you’ve never imagined. He wants to take you places that you’ve never dreamed. But in order for us to partake of all these blessings, we have to increase our capacity to receive.
Think about this: if you have a one-gallon bucket, and someone has fifty gallons to give you, the problem is not with the supply. The problem is that you don’t have the capacity to receive the fifty gallons. But if you get rid of that small container and get something larger, then you will be able to receive more. It’s the same way with God. If we think we’ve reached our limits, the problem isn’t that God doesn’t have the resources or the ability. The problem is that our container is too small. We have to enlarge our vision and make room for the new things God has for us. Our attitude should be, “Even though the economy is down, I know God is still on the throne. I know wherever I go His goodness and mercy follow me.” When you have that kind of attitude, you’re increasing your capacity to receive so that you can live the abundant life He has in store for you.
(Isaiah 54:2, NIV)
God has greater blessings in store for you! He has favor in your future like you’ve never imagined. He wants to take you places that you’ve never dreamed. But in order for us to partake of all these blessings, we have to increase our capacity to receive.
Think about this: if you have a one-gallon bucket, and someone has fifty gallons to give you, the problem is not with the supply. The problem is that you don’t have the capacity to receive the fifty gallons. But if you get rid of that small container and get something larger, then you will be able to receive more. It’s the same way with God. If we think we’ve reached our limits, the problem isn’t that God doesn’t have the resources or the ability. The problem is that our container is too small. We have to enlarge our vision and make room for the new things God has for us. Our attitude should be, “Even though the economy is down, I know God is still on the throne. I know wherever I go His goodness and mercy follow me.” When you have that kind of attitude, you’re increasing your capacity to receive so that you can live the abundant life He has in store for you.
What Pleases God
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him”
(Hebrews 11:6, NIV)
Do you know what pleases God? He’s not impressed by how much knowledge we have. He isn’t influenced by how many possessions we have. He’s not moved by our accomplishments, He is moved simply by our faith in Him.
What’s interesting is that faith is a gift. It’s not something we have to contrive or work up. The scripture tells us that everyone has been given a measure of faith and that faith grows as we hear the Word of God. That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to a Bible-based church where you can hear the Word of God taught. That’s why we have to make time every day to read and study His Word because you’re feeding your faith. The more you feed your faith, the more you know Him and understand His goodness.
Today, take time to feed your faith. Meditate on His Word and ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that He is good and has good things in store for your future because that is faith that pleases God.
(Hebrews 11:6, NIV)
Do you know what pleases God? He’s not impressed by how much knowledge we have. He isn’t influenced by how many possessions we have. He’s not moved by our accomplishments, He is moved simply by our faith in Him.
What’s interesting is that faith is a gift. It’s not something we have to contrive or work up. The scripture tells us that everyone has been given a measure of faith and that faith grows as we hear the Word of God. That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to a Bible-based church where you can hear the Word of God taught. That’s why we have to make time every day to read and study His Word because you’re feeding your faith. The more you feed your faith, the more you know Him and understand His goodness.
Today, take time to feed your faith. Meditate on His Word and ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that He is good and has good things in store for your future because that is faith that pleases God.
Put it into Action
“And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ”
(Philemon 1:6, NLT)
The Bible tells us that faith without works is dead. If we don’t put our faith into action, it’s not really faith; it’s just nice ideas. You see, when God truly does a work in our lives, it affects everything about us. It affects our words, our thoughts and our actions. How do you know someone is generous? By their generous actions. How do you know someone is kind? By their kind actions. How do you know someone is gentle? By their gentle actions. How do you know someone is a follower of Christ? By their Christ-like actions.
Can people tell by your actions that you belong to God? We all have areas where we can come up higher, but as believers in Jesus, we can be confident that God is at work in us. He is faithful and will complete what He started. As we invite Him to search our hearts and minds, as we surrender every area of our heart to Him and put our faith into action, He will finish His perfect work in us!
(Philemon 1:6, NLT)
The Bible tells us that faith without works is dead. If we don’t put our faith into action, it’s not really faith; it’s just nice ideas. You see, when God truly does a work in our lives, it affects everything about us. It affects our words, our thoughts and our actions. How do you know someone is generous? By their generous actions. How do you know someone is kind? By their kind actions. How do you know someone is gentle? By their gentle actions. How do you know someone is a follower of Christ? By their Christ-like actions.
Can people tell by your actions that you belong to God? We all have areas where we can come up higher, but as believers in Jesus, we can be confident that God is at work in us. He is faithful and will complete what He started. As we invite Him to search our hearts and minds, as we surrender every area of our heart to Him and put our faith into action, He will finish His perfect work in us!
Abide in Him
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who abides in Me while I abide in him produces much fruit...”
(John 15:5)
Did you know that God wants you to live in Him? He wants to be your source of life. He wants you to abide in Him and rely on Him for everything. He wants to be your source for strength, provision, hope and joy. Like the air you breathe, He wants you to rely on Him for your very existence.
Abiding in God begins by meditating on Him, His Word and His goodness. You stop and think about Him when you go to sleep at night. You think about Him when you first wake up. You think about His promises all throughout the day and continually fellowship with Him in prayer. You make Him your number one priority and stay connected with other believers at church. Notice what this verse says will happen when you abide in Him — you will produce much fruit! When you are connected to God, everything you set your hand to will be fruitful and blessed. Just like a branch thrives when it is connected to the vine, you’re going to thrive and be prosperous when you are connected to Almighty God.
Depend on Him today and make Him your number one priority. Abide in Him and let Him pour out His abundant favor and blessing on you all the days of your life.
(John 15:5)
Did you know that God wants you to live in Him? He wants to be your source of life. He wants you to abide in Him and rely on Him for everything. He wants to be your source for strength, provision, hope and joy. Like the air you breathe, He wants you to rely on Him for your very existence.
Abiding in God begins by meditating on Him, His Word and His goodness. You stop and think about Him when you go to sleep at night. You think about Him when you first wake up. You think about His promises all throughout the day and continually fellowship with Him in prayer. You make Him your number one priority and stay connected with other believers at church. Notice what this verse says will happen when you abide in Him — you will produce much fruit! When you are connected to God, everything you set your hand to will be fruitful and blessed. Just like a branch thrives when it is connected to the vine, you’re going to thrive and be prosperous when you are connected to Almighty God.
Depend on Him today and make Him your number one priority. Abide in Him and let Him pour out His abundant favor and blessing on you all the days of your life.
Value Every Moment
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”
(Psalm 90:12, NIV)
Sometimes, our days can be so full and busy that we forget how precious and fragile life here on earth really is. It can be so easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn’t go our way, or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to get our focus off if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer.
I encourage you today; don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “Teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “Teach us to value every moment we’ve been given.” As you keep a proper perspective, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom. You’ll draw closer to God and experience the full blessing that He has for you!
(Psalm 90:12, NIV)
Sometimes, our days can be so full and busy that we forget how precious and fragile life here on earth really is. It can be so easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn’t go our way, or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to get our focus off if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer.
I encourage you today; don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “Teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “Teach us to value every moment we’ve been given.” As you keep a proper perspective, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom. You’ll draw closer to God and experience the full blessing that He has for you!
Consider Your God!
“...with God all things are possible”
(Matthew 19:26, NIV)
I had a gentleman tell me not long ago that his business was very, very slow. It looked like he would go under. He owned a small manufacturing company with one main competitor in town, a national company that was bigger with more resources. With the economy down, it made it harder and harder for him to stay open. This man was flexible about what he should do next, but he really believed he was in the business God wanted him to be in. So, he kept praying, believing and hoping; and instead of considering his circumstances, he considered his God. And just when he thought he was going to have to close down, his main competitor had a change in leadership and direction and decided to pull out of this market. Now he’s breaking all kinds of records.
Friend, today I want to encourage you. If there’s something coming against you, consider your God. He has a way to meet every one of your needs. You may not be able to beat the competition in the natural, but God can simply remove the competition. He wants to give you His favor. He wants to give you the advantage for success. Trust Him and believe because with God, all things are possible.
(Matthew 19:26, NIV)
I had a gentleman tell me not long ago that his business was very, very slow. It looked like he would go under. He owned a small manufacturing company with one main competitor in town, a national company that was bigger with more resources. With the economy down, it made it harder and harder for him to stay open. This man was flexible about what he should do next, but he really believed he was in the business God wanted him to be in. So, he kept praying, believing and hoping; and instead of considering his circumstances, he considered his God. And just when he thought he was going to have to close down, his main competitor had a change in leadership and direction and decided to pull out of this market. Now he’s breaking all kinds of records.
Friend, today I want to encourage you. If there’s something coming against you, consider your God. He has a way to meet every one of your needs. You may not be able to beat the competition in the natural, but God can simply remove the competition. He wants to give you His favor. He wants to give you the advantage for success. Trust Him and believe because with God, all things are possible.
Believe and Receive
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”
(Mark 11:24, NIV)
Has God spoken things to your heart that haven’t come to pass yet? Sometimes when we are believing for things, it’s easy to let circumstances and the pressures of life drag us down. But when you make the choice to receive your promise and start to picture it in your mind’s eye and declare it by faith, then you start to become stronger. You begin to feel more confident. You begin to feel more settled on the inside. You begin to have joy and peace because you know God is working behind the scenes on your behalf.
What are you believing for God to do in your life today? Can you see it in your mind’s eye? Can you see yourself healed? Can you see yourself paying off that last debt? Can you see yourself at your ideal weight? Can you see yourself sharing the gospel with a family member or coworker? Ask the Lord to give you a picture of what He sees when He looks at you. As you open your heart and allow God’s thoughts to become your thoughts and receive His promises by faith, just like it says in the above verse — whatever you ask for in prayer will be yours!
(Mark 11:24, NIV)
Has God spoken things to your heart that haven’t come to pass yet? Sometimes when we are believing for things, it’s easy to let circumstances and the pressures of life drag us down. But when you make the choice to receive your promise and start to picture it in your mind’s eye and declare it by faith, then you start to become stronger. You begin to feel more confident. You begin to feel more settled on the inside. You begin to have joy and peace because you know God is working behind the scenes on your behalf.
What are you believing for God to do in your life today? Can you see it in your mind’s eye? Can you see yourself healed? Can you see yourself paying off that last debt? Can you see yourself at your ideal weight? Can you see yourself sharing the gospel with a family member or coworker? Ask the Lord to give you a picture of what He sees when He looks at you. As you open your heart and allow God’s thoughts to become your thoughts and receive His promises by faith, just like it says in the above verse — whatever you ask for in prayer will be yours!
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