It's July 29, Happy Anniversary!!!!

     You read it right folks! It's anniversary...MY anniversary, not with a partner, but here in my work....yipeee!!!

     It seems like yesterday, when my hopes were almost gone, I didn't have work yet...then came the interview in the morning...I found out the result in the afternoon...and YES!Thank You Lord! I have  my work!

     Honestly, I wasn't comfortable with my work back then. It's quite far from my course I took in college which is BS in Psychology. I had to start all over again, learning things that I didn't even encounter from my previous job. And take note, I still had to adopt the new environment...from being with almost 30 people in the office down to a very few workmates; from food industry company going to law firm...not to mention my new bosses. That was me when I was just starting...

    But thank God for letting me surpass those challenges! Indeed, for one year, He never failed to let me see the brighter side of life. I don't have the perfect work, though; but sure enough, God has been giving me the reasons to be grateful for in all He has done. In one year, I have known God better. For me, I've learned and experienced that He's a Father who gives generously to those who seek Him; He's awesome; He works in mysterious yet amazing ways; He is the source of all my hopes and dreams; He is the God of surprises; His works are amazing; He never let His children down nor puts them to shame; He is the God of endless mercy, grace, and love! Whew! I'm running out of words! But He definitely knows my heart right now, words can't express it...words are not enough to give Him my deepest thanks....

    Father, thank You so much for my work. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to work and be a channel of Your blessings. Thank You so much for my very good, generous, kind, sweet bosses...they are indeed one of a kind employers! Thank You for our talented cook...Thank You for providing us everyday delicious meals on our table. Thank You for my workmates. Thank You for our clients. Thank You for the success of our cases. Thank You for the outpouring blessings You are constantly giving us and will continue  for a lifetime. Thank You in advance for what You will still be doing in our company and in me. Thank You for my prayer partners. Thank you for my family and friends. Thank You for all the favor....oh Lord, Thank You!

    I don't know how long will I stay in this company, but so long as I'm here, let Your will be done and help me fulfill Your purpose in me the way it should be. Super Love ♥

How Sharp Is Your Ax? By Os Hillman

"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success" (Eccl 10:10). 

Manufacturing companies live and die by the ability of its designers, engineers, and staff to bring new products to market quickly. Yet for many organizations, a team's capacity to turn promising ideas into new revenue is diminished because of fragmented business processes, a geographically dispersed workforce, and a lack of standards across the supply chain according to an industry expert on innovation in technology.

We live in an information age where the level of knowledge is increasing at warp speed. The way you did things two years ago may not be the same way you do it today. The knowledge you have two years ago may not be adequate to compete in the global marketplace today. Businesses have gone bankrupt because they were not willing to change with the times. Have you seen a Polaroid camera lately? Do you know someone over sixty years old who chose not to learn about computers? The world passes by such people because they are unwilling to "sharpen their ax."

God calls every workplace believer to model four key attributes: 1) Excellence, 2) Ethics and Integrity, 3) Extravagant Love and Service, and 4) Signs and Wonders.

The first quality of a Christian worker should be excellence. Excellence does not just mean the way we do our jobs, but it also means staying abreast of how we do our jobs. God desires to reveal His innovations in His creation. You will not compete in the marketplace today unless you make a commitment to stay abreast of innovation. This too is good stewardship.

How is your "workplace ax"? Does it need sharpening? What are the areas in your working life that need to be sharpened? What innovation is needed to insure that you will be the "head, not the tail" in your workplace calling? Begin today to evaluate action steps you may need to take to have a very sharp "ax".

Source:  How Sharp Is Your Ax?

Little by Little By Os Hillman

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty" (Prov 14:23).

Is there something you would like to accomplish in life but simply cannot find the hours in the day to get started? Many of us suffer from procrastination. We justify putting our dreams aside because we don't believe we have the time or resources to accomplish the task.

Many times people tell me they believe they are called to write a book. I tell them, "Great, if God has called you to write a book, begin to write it." Sometimes the response is: "But I don't have a publisher." "That has nothing to do with it," I say. "That is not your problem. If God calls you to write a book, you are to begin to write. You may not be writing to get published. You may be writing for other purposes."

"The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little" (Deut 7:22). If God has given you a vision to do something, begin by taking baby steps toward that project. Begin to focus on the vision and take action steps toward it. Many times people ask me, "How in the world do you have time to write? You travel so much and seem to have such a full schedule." My answer to them is that I have a specific time of day in which I commit to writing. It is usually between 5 AM and 8 AM. I have found this to be my most creative and productive time. Very little can get in the way of this time if I believe God has given me a project to do.

You will be amazed at what God can do with a little each day. Do not let procrastination prevent you from accomplishing what God may want to do through your life. Make plans today to take baby steps toward the vision that is in your heart.

Source:  Little by little

Faith Believes God

Faith Believes God 

Part 1 

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth Isaiah 7:9 (NCV) "If your faith is not strong, you will not have strength enough to last." 

Friend To Friend Our life may be deemed successful and powerful by man's standards, but when it comes to faith, only an eternal perspective and a holy standard will do.  Authentic faith produces authentic power.  Faith is active - never idle.  We talk a lot about faith, but the real question is - do we live it?  

In his book, "Holy Sweat," Tim Hansel shares the following story of faith.  "One day, while my son Zac and I were out in the country, climbing around in some cliffs, I heard a voice from above me yell, "Hey Dad!  Catch me!"  I turned around to see Zac joyfully jumping off of a rock straight at me.  He had jumped and then yelled, "Hey Dad!"  I became an instant circus act, catching him.  We both fell to the ground.  For a moment after I caught him, I could hardly talk.  When I found my voice again, I gasped in exasperation: "Zac!  Can you give me one good reason why you did that?"  He responded with remarkable calmness: "Sure - because you're my Dad."  His whole assurance was based on the fact that his father was trustworthy.  He could live life to the hilt because I could be trusted." 

The kingdom of God is not just a topic for discussion.  The faith through which we live should be undeniable proof that God is alive and well.  Faith believes God. 

Faith believes God is who He says He is.
Matthew 14:18-21 (NCV) "Jesus said, "Bring the bread and the fish to me."  He then told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish and, looking to heaven, He thanked God for the food.  Jesus divided the bread and gave it to His followers, who gave it to the people.  All the people ate and were satisfied.  Then the followers filled twelve baskets with the leftover pieces of food.  There were about five thousand men there who ate, not counting women and children."  

Weak faith is not quite sure that God really is God.  Did Peter believe that Jesus was who He said He was?  It is interesting to notice where Peter was before he stepped into that boat.  He was with Jesus, in the middle of a miracle.  Jesus had just learned that His disciple and friend, John the Baptist, had been murdered by King Herod.  Needing time alone, Jesus "left in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself" but when He arrived, crowds of people had gathered to meet Him.  Setting aside his own needs, Jesus had compassion on the people and healed those who were sick. 

When evening came, the disciples, realizing they were out in the middle of nowhere, with no restaurants, no homes and no food, urged Jesus to send the people home to eat.  Jesus had another plan in mind.  He told the disciples to feed the people.  Their response was faithless.  "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish."  

At this point, it is important to realize that these very same men had personally witnessed Jesus perform miracle after miracle.  He had healed the sick, made the blind to see, and the lame to walk.  He had calmed a storm, raised a young girl from the dead, convinced demon-possessed pigs they could fly and then empowered the disciples to perform the same kind of miracles He had performed before their very eyes.  Jesus had healed Peter's mother-in-law, and still, the disciples didn't fully believe that God really was God.  

Jesus took the five loaves of bread and two fish, blessed them and turned the meager snack into a feast for thousands - with baskets of food left over.  Scripture tells us that Jesus then told the disciples to get in the boat while He dismissed the lingering crowd and went to the mountainside to pray.  I believe He prayed, not only in response to John's death, but for His disciples. 

When the boat was about four miles from shore, a storm sprang up.  Even though these men were experienced fishermen and no strangers to storms, a small boat on stormy seas is terrifying and dangerous.  I imagine the disciples were more afraid of the unknown than they were of the storm.  Yes, Jesus sent them into the storm.  Why?  Perhaps He was setting the stage for another faith-building miracle, proving once again, that God really is who He says He is.  Don't miss tomorrow's devotion! 

Let's Pray Father, forgive me when I doubt You.  I pray Your peace will replace fear in my heart.  I do not want to believe the lies of the enemy.  Please guard my mind and help me to grow in faith so that others will see You and Your power at work in my life.
In Jesus' name,
Amen. 

Now It's Your Turn As our faith grows stronger, we begin to see God at work every day.  Think back over the week.  List three circumstances in which you saw God's hand.  
Read and memorize the following verses:  

• 1 Thessalonians 5:24 "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."   

• Hebrews 11:6 "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."

Peace: Our Weapon Against Fear By Os Hillman

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7). 

Fear is the enemy of faith. Fear is bondage. Satan wants us to live in bondage to the past and even the future, but God wants us to live in the freedom of His love and power in the present. As Paul wrote, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father'" (Rom. 8:15).

In order to be the leaders God calls us to be, we must conquer our fear and put it to death. This is a spiritual battle, and it can only be won with spiritual weapons. We must replace our fear with the peace that surpasses understanding. As Jesus told His followers, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

As the apostle Paul told the persecuted Christians in Rome, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Rom. 16:20). The God of peace is our conquering King; the peace of God is our weapon against fear and Satan. Before going to the cross, Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

Fear is a natural response to obstacles, adversity and failure, but peace is the supernatural response that God gives us by His grace. Just as Jesus had authority over the wind and waves, He has authority over the storms in our lives. He has authority over our doubts, fears and shame.

Doubts, fear and shame are the weapons of Satan, but Jesus stands against Satan's fury and says with authority, "Peace, be still." The peace of God shatters the weapons of Satan and sends our enemy fleeing.
Appropriate the peace God has already provided for you today.

Source:  Peace: Our Weapon Against Fear

Behind the Shower Curtain by Max Lucado

I'm going to have to install a computer in my shower. That's where I have my best thoughts.

I had a great one today.

I was mulling over a recent conversation I had with a disenchanted Christian brother. He was upset with me. So upset that he was considering rescinding his invitation for me to speak to his group. Seems he'd heard I was pretty open about who I have fellowship with. He'd read the words I wrote: "If God calls a person his child, shouldn't I call him my brother?" And, "If God accepts others with their errors and misinterpretations, shouldn't we?"

He didn't like that. "Carrying it a bit too far," he told me. "Fences are necessary," he explained. "Scriptures are clear on such matters." He read me a few and then urged me to be careful to whom I give grace.

"I don't give it," I assured. "I only spotlight where God already has."

Didn't seem to satisfy him. I offered to bow out of the engagement (the break would be nice), but he softened and told me to come after all.

That's where I'm going today. That's why I was thinking about him in the shower. And that's why I need a waterproof computer. I had a great thought. A why-didn't-I-think-to-say-that? insight.

I hope to see him today. If the subject resurfaces, I'll say it. But in case it doesn't, I'll say it to you. (It's too good to waste.) Just one sentence:

I've never been surprised by God's judgment, but I'm still stunned by his grace.

God's judgment has never been a problem for me. In fact, it always seemed right. Lightning bolts on Sodom. Fire on Gomorrah. Good job, God. Egyptians swallowed in the Red Sea. They had it coming. Forty years of wandering to loosen the stiff necks of the Israelites? Would've done it myself. Ananias and Sapphira? You bet.

Discipline is easy for me to swallow. Logical to assimilate. Manageable and appropriate.

But God's grace? Anything but.

Examples? How much time do you have?David the psalmist becomes David the voyeur, but by God's grace becomes David the psalmist again.Peter denied Christ before he preached Christ.Zacchaeus, the crook. The cleanest part of his life was the money he'd laundered. But Jesus still had time for him.The thief on the cross: hellbent and hung-out-to-die one minute, heaven-bound and smiling the next.

Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise.

Seems that God is looking more for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it. Search the pages. Read the stories. Envision the encounters. Find one person who came seeking a second chance and left with a stern lecture. I dare you. Search.

You won't find it.

You will find a strayed sheep on the other side of the creek. He's lost. He knows it. He's stuck and embarrassed. What will the other sheep say? What will the shepherd say?

You will find a shepherd who finds him. (Luke 15:3-7)

Oh boy. Duck down. Put hooves over the eyes. The belt is about to fly. But the belt is never felt. Just hands. Large, open hands reaching under his body and lifting the sheep up, up, up until he's placed upon the shepherd's shoulders. He's carried back to the flock and given a party! "Cut the grass and comb the wool," he announces. "We are going to have a celebration!"

The other sheep shake their heads in disbelief. Just like we will. At our party. When we get home. When we watch the Shepherd shoulder into our midst one unlikely soul after another.

Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we'd ever imagine.We could do the same.

I'm not for watering down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God Father, can't I call that same man Brother? If God doesn't make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I?

And if we never agree, can't we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God can overlook my errors, can't I overlook the errors of others? If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shouldn't I extend the same grace to others?

One thing's for sure. When we get to heaven, we'll be surprised at some of the folks we see. And some of them will be surprised to see us.

From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1999) Max Lucado

Gaining Direction Through a Lack of Provision By Os Hillman

"You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there" (1 Kings 17:4).
 
The prophet Elijah pronounced a drought upon the land because of the sin of Ahab and the nation of Israel. There was only one problem. Elijah had to live in the same land as Ahab.

"Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.' Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: 'Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there'" (1 Kings 17:1-4).

God provided for Elijah in a supernatural way. The ravens brought bread in the morning and meat in the evening. His water came from the brook.

God often uses money to confirm direction for our lives. Many times God uses a lack of provision to move us into new directions. It is a catalyst to encourage new ideas and strategies. Many times a loss of job becomes the greatest blessing to our lives because it provides the catalyst to do things we simply would never do without taking the step to get out of our comfort zone.

Friend, if you are fully following the Lord in your life and seeking direction from Him and you have no un-confessed sin in your life, there is no way He will allow you to miss His provision for you. He has a thousand ways to get the provision you need at the time you need it. Provision follows obedience.

Source:  Gaining Direction Through a Lack of Provision

Just What You've Always Wanted Sharon Jaynes

Just What You've Always Wanted 

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth Jesus said: "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of," (John 10:10b The Message). 

Friend To Friend Yard sales.  I've never really liked them.  But when we were preparing to move from our home of twenty years, we decided it was a must.  It was a way to clean out the clutter, make a little money, and not haul out yesterday's treasures to today's trash. 

We displayed our lovely attic décor on makeshift plywood tables and waited for the bargain babes to descend.  We were not disappointed.  Two hours before the advertised opening time, treasure hunters began congregating outside the closed garage doors.  Then, upon the unveiling, the swarm attacked. 

Among the valuables from my past sat an electric, ceramic 12" Christmas tree with various colored lights ... no doubt a gift from the eighties. One particular woman perused the lovely display and came upon this "magnificent work of art." 

"I've always wanted one of these!" she declared with excitement in her voice.  "How much is it?"
"Three dollars," my husband, Steve, answered.
"Humph," she grunted and walked on. 

Steve and I just looked at each other and stifled our laughter.  

Let's rewind the scene for a moment.  This woman said she had always wanted a ceramic Christmas tree just like that one. (I'm not here to judge another person's dreams.  That's just what she said.)  Always.  Her whole life.  And here it was!  For a mere $3, her dream could have come true!  The search over!  Most likely we would have sacrificed this masterpiece for $2, but she didn't even ask.  She just shrugged and walked away. 

Then my mind began to wander through a rummage sale of its own.  As I watched the woman walk away, I thought about the Pharisees in the Bible.  For years they waited for the coming of the promised Messiah.  Prayed about it.  Preached about it.  Prepared for it.  Then when Jesus showed up, they turned their backs and walked away.  "Humph," they said with a shrug.  "No thanks."
How many times do we long for a particular dream to come true in our lives?  Long for it.  Search for it.  Obsess over it.  A husband.  A child.  A job.  A home.  Then one day, there it is!  It can be ours!  The search is over.  We say our "I do's," bring home the bundle of joy, log in our first eight hours, hang the last curtain.  But then, a little time passes.  The husband is not as romantic as we had hoped, the kids are not as obedient and loving as we had imagined, the job isn't as rewarding as we had envisioned, and the house is a never ending maze of maintenance. "Humph," we grumble.  We think we want something, and then when we get it, we decide we really don't want it after all. 

Let me take it one step further.  How many times do we long for love, joy, and peace in our lives?  We search for it, long for it, and pray about it.  Then someone points us to the cross and says, "There is it.  It can be yours for the asking.  It's not even $3, $2 or $1.  It's free!" 
"Humph," we shrug.  "No thanks."  And we walk away to rummage through the yard sales of life looking for treasure among other people's clutter. 

Dear friend, God is holding out His Holy hand with the most magnificent Gift of all time.  Love, joy, and peace personified in His Son, Jesus Christ.  He is what you have always been longing for, searching for, watching for.  Jesus said, "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full" (NIV).  Will we take him up on the offer, or say, "Humph, no thanks," and walk away? 

Let's Pray Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making all of my dreams come true.  You have given me everything I have ever longed for in the person of Jesus Christ.  Please forgive me for turning my back on Your amazing Gift and trying to fill my longings with people and possessions.  I know that nothing will ever satisfy my desire for peace, love, and joy except Jesus.  And Lord, I also know that when I am filled with the peace, love, and joy of Jesus, I will spill that love onto those around me.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen. 

Now It's Your Turn Have you ever searched and searched for something in particular, and then when you found it, you realized it wasn't so great after all?  Make a list.  If you're like me, it is probably long ... if you're honest. 

Now let's look inward.  Are there longings in your life that you are expecting other people to fill, but in reality, you know in your "knower" that only Jesus can really fill?
If so, what do you need to do about it? 

God Delays By Os Hillman

"Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days" (John 11:6).

"Why doesn't God heal me? I have prayed and prayed and I am still sick. Do I not have enough faith? I am so tired of this," said my wife who had gone more than three years battling her illness.

Mary and Martha were very close to Jesus. The Bible says Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Mary was the woman who came and poured expensive perfume on Jesus and the disciples rebuked her. Lazarus, Mary and Martha's brother, had become terminally ill. Jesus was two miles away in Jerusalem during the time of Lazarus' illness.

After Jesus heard the news that Lazarus was ill, instead of running to the aid of Mary and Martha, Jesus waited several days. Lazarus died and was placed in a tomb. His response to the news was: "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). Jesus had to look beyond Mary and Martha's current grief in order to fulfill God's purpose for this sickness.

"When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home" (John 11:20-22). Mary was in deep mourning over the death of her brother. When she finally went to see Jesus, she immediately cried out to Him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." But there was a pre-ordained plan for the purpose of Lazarus' death. But only Jesus knew this. Jesus healed Lazarus that day.

When we experience sickness and do not see a breakthrough, we can only seek Jesus for our healing and leave the outcome to Him. We must trust that He knows the answer to our need and the timing for its solution.

There are times when we experience supernatural healing and other times that we simply do not know why Jesus chooses not to heal. In either case, our devotion to Jesus must not change. God-delays are always pre-ordained for a greater purpose. If you find yourself in this place, bring your concerns to Jesus and leave them there. A day will come when Jesus will reveal His purposes in your situation.

Source:  God Delays

Crying Out to the Lord By Os Hillman

"But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer. . ." (Judg 3:8-9).
 
I often receive requests to help someone whose life is in a difficult place. After a few questions I am able to discern if the Lord has called me to get involved. More often than not, I am not to be involved. Many times I find this person has not experienced enough pain to want to do anything about their situation. Until they are really ready to cry out to the Lord for a solution to their situation, they will simply talk about desiring change but never take the necessary steps needed for change."

If you invest time into someone who has not yet come to the place of wanting a spiritual solution to their problem, you will become emotionally exhausted. The apostle Paul understood this principle when he actually turned such people over to Satan for the destruction of their flesh (I Cor. 5:5).

The people of Israel were finally in enough pain to cry out to God for relief from their oppression. Like so many times throughout the scriptures, God answered by raising up a deliverer. "But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, so that he became Israel's judge and went to war. The LORD gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died (Judg 3:8-11)."

Are you in a difficult place in your life? Are you only talking about changing or are you really ready to cry out to the Lord for a solution? Start now the process of changing your situation for the better and asking for help if needed.

Source:  Crying Out to the Lord

Obedience Tests By Os Hillman

"They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord's commands, which He had given their forefathers through Moses" (Judg. 3:4).
 
There is a spiritual truth God revealed in the conquest of the Promised Land recorded in Judges chapter 3: "These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan" (Judg 3:1-3).

They didn't pass the test. "The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs" ( Judg 3:7-8).

Martin Luther said there are three things necessary to create a successful minister of God: prayer, meditation, and temptation. You'll really never know the strength and reality of your faith until you experience difficulty in life. You'll never know for sure whether God can be trusted or if you'll fall to temptation.

The apostle Peter thought his faith in Christ was solid until the temptation came to deny Him. Jesus knew Peter was not mature yet and that he would deny Jesus three times in one day. Peter didn't believe it. Sure enough, Peter denied Jesus three times. Peter could not believe he could do such a terrible thing. In order to discover this about himself, he needed to be placed in a situation to reveal his true condition.

God allows circumstances to develop around your life to give your faith opportunity to be proven. It is only when we are tested in battle that we become skilled warriors. You can be confident God will allow trials to come your way through situations like an unreasonable boss, a client who refuses to pay, a false assault on your character, or a difficult relationship that requires unconditional love. These battles are sent your way to test what you know in the mind in order that they might become part of your heart.

If you fail the test, do not be overly concerned. Learn from it and grow through the experience just as Peter did.

Source:  Obedience Tests

Higher Education By Os Hillman

"To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit" (1 Cor 12:8). 

I walked out of the church parking lot after participating in a training class on hearing the voice of God. As I was talking to a friend I looked over at a woman who was talking to her friend. The words "higher education" popped into my mind.

We had just learned that whenever something pops into our minds that seem foreign to our normal thinking, it is often the Holy Spirit speaking to us. We must connect the thought to an action the Holy Spirit may be desiring us to take.

I decided to be bold and walked over to the woman. "Pardon me, can I ask you if you have, by chance, had a good bit of education in your life?"

"The woman responded immediately, "Why, yes. I have two MBAs." I was encouraged to proceed.
"I believe the Lord wants to encourage you that He has directed you in your education and although you cannot see the results of that investment in time and money, He is going to use it for His purposes. He wants you to be encouraged to know this."

The woman was very encouraged by the words I spoke to her. I walked away feeling good about being obedient to His prompting.

Every believer has been wired to hear the Holy Spirit's promptings in our lives. One of the primary ways He encourages believers is through other believers. However, many of us have been duped into thinking we cannot hear God's voice. Today, be especially sensitive to that still small voice inside of you. Whenever a thought pops into your mind that seems out of character for you, consider that it might be the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

Source:  Higher Education

From Adversity to Destiny By Os Hillman

"The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position" (James 1:9).
Most of us avoid pain. We keep our medicine cabinets loaded with pain relievers. We couldn't imagine major surgery without an anesthetic. We are so averse to pain that we think God must desire that we will experience pain-free lives. After all, a loving God surely wouldn't want us to suffer pain, would He? Although God takes no pleasure in our pain, we have to acknowledge that He sometimes allows painful circumstances to occur in our lives in order to shape us and make us more like Christ. Sometimes our times of despair turn out to be a much needed light into our soul.
I once came across the following poem written by an anonymous Confederate soldier, a devout young man who fought in the American Civil War. The lines of this poem express the soul of a man who has learned to view his times of adversity from a different perspective:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.*

Do we trust God to lead us even though we can't see the pathway in front of us? Do we trust Him to be all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful? Do we believe He does all things well? As Paul wrote, "Everything that does not come from faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23). That's why God leads us through the dark places.
Only in the darkness do we learn to walk by faith.

Source:  From Adversity to Destiny

Who Should Be In Charge? By Os Hillman

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan" (Prov 29:2, NKJV).

We hear a lot these days about being "politically correct." It seems we must be sensitive to every group, no matter how that group might negatively impact our lives or violate ethical or moral laws. When God created the earth, he did not care what people thought of his policies. His policy was THE way!

But his primary motive was not to control but to bless mankind, His creation. His nature was only good. In Jeremiah 9:24 we find God's nature described: "I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.

He laid down rules in the Garden of Eden for Adam and Eve to follow. As long as they followed the rules, they would reign over every living creature. They were representing the Creator in all aspects. God's government was being expressed through his creation in humans, nature and animals. He was and is the ultimate righteous ruler.

God's desire was to extend this mandate across the earth through godly leaders who could represent and legislate his Kingdom in all spheres of life. This is why He said in Deuteronomy 28:13,14: "The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom."

God desires to raise up godly leaders who can represent His interest on the earth. He has called you and me to be one of His representatives.

Source:  http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/marketplace/547188/

Teaching Versus Imparting By Os Hillman

"The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law" (Mark 1:22-23).

"It is not enough to simply teach; you must also impart to others," said my mentor one day. One of the spiritual gifts God has given to me is the gift of teaching (Rom. 12:7). However, the Lord does not desire that teachers only impart knowledge to others. Knowledge alone will not empower others to be mature disciples of Christ.

The people recognized there was something different about Jesus. He was a teacher of the law as a Rabbi. However, whenever He taught there was an authority that went beyond the conveying of information. He was imparting Truth through the authority of His life. His words impacted others profoundly.

A Bible teacher who wants to have the greatest impact on those they teach should teach transferable life application from the scriptures that they have lived out personally. This is what gives you your authority to teach. I rarely teach a concept that I have not personally lived out and have an accompanying testimony. Paul believed and lived this principle as well: "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God" (1 Cor 2:1).

Each of us has been given an authority to impart the message of the Kingdom to others. Some of us have a particular anointing that God uses in the lives of others. Ask God to reveal your anointing so you can impart it to others. When you study under a teacher make sure your teacher not only teaches, but also imparts the life-giving power of the anointing in their life!

Source:  Teaching Versus Imparting

He Had Such Great Potential By Os Hillman

"Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright" (Gen 25:34). 

Have you ever heard someone say, "Oh, he had such great potential? He never lived up to it though."
Esau was the brother of Jacob. He was a man who had great potential. He was skilled in almost everything he did. He was a hunter. He was a leader. He came from a Godly patriarch family. He could do just about anything he put his mind to. The problem was, he put his energies in all the wrong places. The Bible says he was a lady's man too. He was promiscuous and married outside the tribe. His parents were greatly saddened by the direction his life was taking.

During a moment of weakness, Esau made the greatest mistake of his life when he traded away his birthright for a simple meal. He had just returned from a time of hunting and he was hungry. His brother was making stew but would not give him any. Esau was angered by this and negotiated for what he wanted by agreeing to give Jacob his family inheritance. It seems almost unbelievable that Esau would do such a thing.

Esau had not understood the value of his birthright or his future in God. He could only see the immediate pleasures available to him. His appetites were driven by his flesh. And his choices led to a life that even God said He despised in Esau. Everyday there are Esaus living out their calling in the same way. They see the fruits that their professional life can give them. They make choices based on what seems right at the moment for immediate gratification. The Bible says there is a way that seems right but only leads to death.

God has a future and a plan for every person. But not every person will choose to follow this plan. Pray for those you encounter today that are still living as Esaus and ask God to move on their behalf in order that they fulfill their Godly heritage.

Source:  He Had Such Great Potential

The Lord Is Not In It By Os Hillman

"The LORD said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by'" (1 Kings 19:11). 

 

"I don't believe that God is in it," I said to Angie. A situation had arisen in which a friend was about to engage in something they felt God was leading them into. Later, the truth of the situation was revealed and our friend made a bad mistake. God was not in it. 

 

Elijah was in a crisis in his ministry. God had just corrected him about his perspective of his situation. If any man needed a touch from God, it was Elijah because he was in such distress he wanted to die. 

 

The Lord intervened and told Elijah that He was coming to talk to him. However, God did not tell Elijah how He was going to reveal Himself. It was up to Elijah to tell whether God was in the situations about to take place. 

 

"Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave (1 Kings 19:11-13).

 

We often think God is in our grand projects only to discover that He is not. We may also assume because of the success or visibility of a situation that God is in it. He may, in fact, be in the project. However, God's ways are not always highly visible. Sometimes He chooses to come in the soft, gentle whisper. It is sometimes difficult to recognize it as the Lord because He shows Himself in such subtle ways.

We need to be able to discern when God is actually part of our situation. Only then can we avoid being deceived in thinking God is not behind our projects. Ask God for wisdom in knowing when He is involved in it. 

Source:  The Lord Is Not In It 

I Am More than Able to Be Your Burden-Bearer

"As You Plant in Worship, You Will Reap In Answers"

I heard the Lord say, "As you pour out to Me, I pour into you." He said, "Have I not said in My Word, 'Seek first the Kingdom of God and My righteousness'? When you worship Me, you are allowing Me to fill you with My righteousness. And when I fill you with My righteousness, I am making 'right' that which has been 'wronged.'

"For I would say learn the secret of the inner chamber; learn that it is about Me. Learn that I have said build the ark; know that I have said I will dwell within My people; do not run to and fro, but enter in. For I want to train you up and raise you to where you will become worshipers in Spirit and in Truth—in Spirit of My Word, in Spirit of My power, in Spirit of all that I have called and commanded you to do, to become abiders in My Word that My Word may abide in you—to where you will be 'blended' with My Spirit and My Word. For I have said, 'Worship Me in Spirit and in Truth.'

"I know the pain you are going through, I know the stress, the worry, the sicknesses, the disease; the burdens, the doubts, the unbelief, and I am more than able to be your Burden-Bearer. But how can I bear your burdens if you do not come unto Me? Have I not said in My Word, 'Cast your cares upon Me'? Cast your cares from a place of worship, draw from My presence, pour out into My presence; for as you plant in worship, you will reap in answers.

"You Do Not Stand Alone in the Battle, But I Am Raising You and Training You to Stand in Me"

"Look at My Word, did I not command the people of old to come forth with rejoicing and singing in their hearts? Even though they did not receive the answers, I required obedience better than sacrifice. Have I not commanded you to come into My presence with praise and thanksgiving? That means in every moment; that means when you are alone; that means when you come together; that means when I've called you to assemble, that I might pour out My Spirit upon you. For I am looking for a thirsty people who will come and drink of My presence, so that they may be the carriers of My presence.

"So, tonight I have come to be the lifter of your head... Thank you, thank you, for as you worshiped Me the angels danced. For I tell you this night, you will start to reap answers, for you chose to leave heartache, disappointment, fear, unbelief, pain...and have focused upon Me. I am raising up a military army who will be militant with My Word and will have the sound of worship upon their lips. When the trumpet will sound, they will not hear it as a strange sound, but they will recognize the breath of an angel, and they will know My Bride is about to see answered prayers. For I am not a God who sleeps, though I am a God who stands, and I am requesting this night that you stand.

"As you have stood, I want you to realize Christ Jesus in you is standing up, also. You do not stand alone in the battle, but I am raising you and training you to stand in Me. When the enemy comes he will not find you standing, but he will have found that I have stood, and he will tremble and leave. Worship defeats warfare, worship declares and establishes, worship is the cloud of glory that you create with your very breath and lips and walk under. Learn to flow with the cloud of glory, for in there lay your answers. For I am Thee Glorified, the King of Glory," says the Lord your God.

Eileen Fisher

Is Perception Reality? By Os Hillman

"The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too" (1 Kings 19:14). 

The CEO walked into his manufacturing plant only to observe an employee standing by idly not working. Angrily, he walked over to him, peeled off a $100 bill and gave it to him: "Here, go spend your time elsewhere!" The man looked at the CEO somewhat puzzled, but left with the $100. "How long has that man worked for us?" said the CEO to the employee standing nearby. "Well sir, that man does not work for us; he is only the delivery man."

Perception is not always reality. Elijah was in a crisis. Jezebel wanted to kill him. The nation was falling to Baal worship. From his vantage point - it was all over. He was the only prophet remaining in all the land who had not bent his knee to the idol of Baal. He wanted to die.

Then, the Lord sent His angel to correct Elijah's perception: "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him" (1 Kings 19:18). There were seven thousand Elijah knew nothing about! Elijah's perception was not reality.

Whenever things are going poorly, there is a temptation to believe God is not working in the situation. We may even believe our life is over. Everything from our vantage point is dark. We see no future. However, even in these times, God's plan is being orchestrated behind the scenes. He is accomplishing His purposes. But we need a fresh perspective on our situation.

Do you need a reality check on your situation? Ask God to show you the truth. It may be very different than your perception.

Source:  Is Perception Reality?

One Body By Os Hillman

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ" (1 Cor 12:12-13).

Imagine with me for a moment that you have won a very expensive car. However, in order to receive your prize, you must agree to an unusual requirement. You must agree to remove one major component in that car in order to receive the gift.

Which component will you remove?

Will it be the steering wheel? Perhaps it will be the left front tire or the front seat or the two headlights. My illustration may seem ridiculous, but you get the point. Unless you have the complete car and have the ability to use all of its components, your ability to benefit from that car is going to be severely limited. The Bible says you and I are part of a larger Body - the Body of Christ. We each have our own body, but we are also made up of a larger Body that has a unique function to play. When you are not functioning as God intended, the entire Body suffers because you are not fulfilling your prescribed function.

When you function in a way that is not directly connected to the larger Body, you are only fulfilling a small portion of why the Manufacturer made you. There is a greater mission that you must fulfill. Today, the Body of Christ is fragmented and seeks to do things separated from one another. Our individual church "silos" stand alone - often as monuments to man instead of the greater mission of reaching the city.

Jesus knew the key to fulfilling His mission was getting His larger Body to work as one. "I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:20-21). What is your part in the overall mission? Are you fulfilling your prescribed function as designed by the Manufacturer?

Servant Leadership By Os Hillman

"Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt 20:26-28).

A rider on horseback, many years ago, came upon a squad of soldiers who were trying to move a heavy piece of timber. A corporal stood by, giving lordly orders to "heave." But the piece of timber was a trifle too heavy for the squad.

"Why don't you help them?" asked the quiet man on the horse, addressing the important corporal.

"Me? Why, I'm a corporal sir!" Dismounting, the stranger carefully took his place with the soldiers.

"Now, all together boys - heave!" he said. And the big piece of timber slid into place. The stranger mounted his horse and addressed the corporal.

"The next time you have a piece of timber for your men to handle, corporal, send for the commander-in-chief."

The horseman was George Washington, the first American president.

Whenever someone mentions your name does the word "servant" come to their mind? Jesus modeled servant-hood to twelve young men and changed the world. If you want to see others become servants you must model it yourself. George Washington was a great example of a Christian leader who was a great soldier and servant to those he led. No wonder God used this great servant to establish a new nation.

Moses was also a great leader of men. The Bible says that Moses was the most humble man on earth. That is why God could use him to lead hundreds of thousands out of slavery into the Promised Land.

Pray that God makes you a great humble servant leader of others.

The Choice by Max Lucado

IT'S QUIET. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.

In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love . . .

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy . . .

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace . . .

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience . . .

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness . . .

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness . . .

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness . . .

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose gentleness . . .

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control . . .

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1999) Max Lucado

Desert Training By Os Hillman

"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water" (Ps. 63:1). 

The desert holds a special place in God's Word. The Scriptures portray the desert as a place of inspiration and exaltation - a place where people met God in a powerful new way. King David wrote the 63rd Psalm while in exile in the Desert of Judah. He was hiding from his son Absalom, who wanted to replace him as king of Israel.

For Joseph, a deep pit in the desert was the first stop on a 13-year journey through desolation and despair. That 13-year desert experience served to break Joseph's self-will and self-confidence. It taught him that he could not control anything and that he needed to rely on God to manage the events in his life. Joseph's desert trial prepared him by scorching the youthful pride and arrogance out of his young life so that when he was 30 years old he could rule Egypt at Pharaoh's side in a spirit of humility and servant-hood.

Before becoming king of Israel, David was a shepherd. Part of his training for leadership involved hand-to-claw combat with the beasts of the wilderness, including the lion and the bear. Elijah learned the principles of spiritual leadership while in the wilderness of Gilead. And Jesus was tempted and tested for 40 days in the desert before He began to preach.

Perhaps God has given you a dream, but now it seems that your dream has withered and died under the scorching desert sun. It seems that God has gone away and is not listening to your prayers. But I want you to know that that your dream still lives. God is with you, even if you can't see Him, hear Him or sense His presence. He is preparing you in the desert.

Source:  Desert Training