Simply Obey
By Os Hillman  
"But Naaman went away angry and said, 'I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy'" (2 Kings 5:11-12).
Naaman was an army general who needed healing from Leprosy. A young servant girl of the king's house suggested that the prophet Elisha could heal him. He followed her advice and Elisha sent a message to him to do the following: "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed" (2 Kings 5:10). However, when the instruction came as to what he was to do, it seemed ridiculous to him.
Like many of us, Naaman expected God to perform his miracle through Elisha in a dramatic and "religious" way. Sometimes we fail to recognize that God can work through a simple act of obedience that seems unrelated to the problem. God told Joshua to walk around Jericho seven times to win the battle. He told a man to put mud on his eyes to be healed. He told Peter to catch a fish to get a coin to pay his taxes.
There are other times God calls us to use the natural to receive a breakthrough. Sometimes we simply need to change our diet or go see a doctor to see a breakthrough in our health. Sometimes we need to change the way we are doing our work to get a breakthrough in our careers.
Samuel the prophet told King Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice. Learning to listen to the Lord and following His instruction is the key to success in God. Sometimes God chooses the dramatic and sometimes He chooses the ordinary. In either case, both are miracles because God is the God over all creation.

Ask Him what steps you are to take for your breakthrough.

 

My Life is too Small

Dan Miller

This week a 36-year-old MBA in an executive position in an exciting industry shared this concern in her coaching profile: "I have a vague sense that my life is too small."

Living large does not necessarily mean a bigger salary, house, cars or retirement fund. It has nothing to do with fancy vacations or the latest fashions. Rather, it means having a life that is full of meaning and purpose. And that can occur -- or be absent -- at any place on the continuum of the traditional parameters of "success." I've seen millionaires who are living life "small" and those with scarce financial resources who are living "large."

Let me ask you this: What is your life saying to the world? Are you living your life too small? Is it so full of meaningless tasks that there's no room left for the things that make your heart sing? Are you pushing so hard in doing more that you've lost the sense of being more? Does more activity really equal greater accomplishment, or does it at some point tip the scale and begin to diminish the meaning of your life? Are you creating the legacy you want to leave for your loved ones?

Reflect back on last month -- yes, just this last month. What did you do to keep your life from being too small?

Can you identify:

• 4-5 ideas you had for a better job or starting your own business?
• 3 things that you did just to help someone out with no expectation of payback?
• The books you read or listened to that enlightened your spirit, confidence, knowledge and wisdom?
• The number of hours you spent in quiet contemplation?
• The 2 or 3 things you did that you had never done before?
• The concerts, art shows, seminars, workshops or other enriching experiences you had?
• 2 or 3 specific things you did to strengthen the relationships that mean the most to you?
• If you have no responses to these seven questions, chances are strong that you are living your life too small.

Make it a regular practice to embrace living large times in your life. Wisdom, peace, contentment, and insight about investing your life in fulfilling work will grow in those times. Take a walk, give thanks for simple things, take a bath with music playing and candles burning, turn off the telephones, TV, and computer. Carve out those times for restoration and spiritual breathing. Don't confuse activity with accomplishment. Even Jesus got away from the crowds periodically. Don't let your life be too small.

Shamgar's Secret

...Shamgar...killed six hundred...Philistines with an ox goad... Judges 3:31

Shamgar lived in dangerous times. Philistine gangs roamed the countryside, robbing people: 'In the days of Shamgar... people avoided the main roads; and travellers stayed on...pathroads' (Judges 5:6 NLT). Shamgar's only weapon was an ox goad, a long wooden staff with a steel tip used to prod oxen. But it wasn't until he came under attack that he discovered its full potential. Understand this: God has given you an 'ox goad', something you can use to win in the situation you're facing. If you seek Him, He'll show you what it is. Like the boy with the five loaves and two fishes, God will take something small, bless it, then multiply it to bless others. The Bible says we are to '...be instant in season, out of season...' (2 Timothy 4:2KJV). The Greek words for 'be instant' could be translated 'be prepared'. The Greek word for 'season' means 'opportunity'. You need to be preparing yourself now, when it looks like nothing is happening, because your season will change and the opportunity to act will suddenly present itself. When it does, you must be ready. In life, opportunities are either coming towards you, or passing you by. In college, a professor told Dr Martin Luther King Jr that if he kept using such lofty words, he would never be a very effective public speaker. You have to wonder what that professor thought as he listened to Dr King's 'I have a dream' speech, and watched him go on to champion civil rights. What's your ox goad? Use it, and God will bless it!

Walking in Purity

...he will purify... and refine them like gold... Malachi 3:3

When gold is refined over extreme heat the first thing to come to the surface is dross. The next thing to be separated from it is silver, a less precious metal that blends with the raw gold ore. There's an important lesson here. Most of us are unable to separate the good from the best, so Malachi writes, 'He will purify... and refine them like gold'. God does it, because we don't know how! After committing adultery with Bathsheba, David writes, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me' (Psalm 51:10 NKJV). David prays for two things: a clean heart and a steadfast desire to walk in purity. Personal failure is usually the result of a slow, steady build-up, rather than a single act of disobedience. It happens when we focus on the wrong things and neglect our spiritual life. So God calls us to the place of solitude, a place with no distractions, in order to probe our deepest thoughts and open our eyes to certain issues that need attention. It is here He makes us aware of what we excuse, or try to hide from others. It's here the junk we've collected during the busy hours of our day gets filtered out. With the debris out of the way, we're able to see things more clearly and respond to God's nudgings. There's no way to have a deeper, more intimate relationship with God without the discipline James talks about: 'Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands... and purify your hearts...' (James 4:8 NKJV).

Marriage Rights

Live joyfully with the wife whom you love... Ecclesiastes 9:9

What if you're single, looking for a mate and haven't found one yet? God created Eve specifically for Adam. 'Then...He brought her to the man. And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh..."' (Genesis 2:22-23 NKJV). When God brings you the right person, a spiritual and emotional bonding will take place. When you try to get ahead of Him you end up with regrets and recriminations. Peter de Vries explains it this way, 'The difficulty with marriage is that we fall in love with a personality, but must live with a character.' So, wait on God! When God looked across eternity He saw you. He gave you certain traits and abilities that make you unique. He knew exactly who you would need to help fulfil His purposes and develop the gifts He's given you. Until that happens, remember, He is your spiritual partner! He's been caring for you all along: protecting you, providing for you and directing your steps, right? So be careful how you treat Him. If you can't keep your vow to the Lord, it's doubtful you'll keep it to anybody else. Speaking to those who are single, Paul writes, 'Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called...Do not be concerned about it...rather use it' (1 Corinthians 7:20-21 NKJV). Stop wrestling with your singleness and use this time to develop your relationship with God. Never forget that one of the greatest visitations of the Holy Spirit happened to a single, small-town girl named Mary, proving that when you trust God's timing He always sends you the best!

Keep the Torch Burning!

...The race is not to the swift... Ecclesiastes 9:11

In Ancient Greek marathons a torch was handed to each runner at the starting line. To win, they had to cross the finishing line with their torch still burning. What a picture! '...unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required...' (Luke 12:48 KJV). In God's kingdom you are called to run your best race and cross the finishing line with the fire in your heart still burning. The torch race was a tough one that led through mountains and valleys. Doubtless there were times when others would pass you by, when your strength would fail, when you lost your way and had to get back on track, or stumbled and had to get back up. What counted in this race was not style, but staying power! The Bible says, 'Run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus... lest you become weary and discouraged...' (Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV). How did Jesus run His race? As a boy of 12 He told His parents, '...I must be about my Father's business"' (Luke 2:49NKJV). Later, when the crowd tried to take Him in a different direction and impose their agenda on Him, He said, 'I must work the works of Him that sent Me...' (John 9:4 NKJV). Facing the cross, He announced, '...For this cause I was born...' (John 18:37 NKJV). On the cross, He announced, '..."It is finished!"...' (John 19:30NKJV). In Revelation we see one of our last recorded glimpses of Christ, and '...His eyes [are] like a flame of fire' (Revelation 1:14 NKJV). He crossed the finishing line with the torch still burning. And He is your example!

Strive for Integrity, Not Popularity

The integrity of the honest keeps them on track... Proverbs 11:3

Joseph refused the advances of Potiphar's wife, not because he thought he couldn't get away with it, but because he knew he couldn't live with himself if he accepted them. Ted Engstrom writes, 'The world needs people who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who don't hesitate to take chances; who won't lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small things as they are in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it"; who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning and hard-heartedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not afraid to stand for the truth even when it's unpopular; who say "no" with emphasis, even though the rest of the world says "'yes".' In what he calls a compromise of integrity, psychiatrist Leo Randall analyses the relationship between former President Nixon and some of his closest confidants in the Watergate scandal. He records a conversation between Senator Howard Baker and Nixon aide Herbert Porter. Baker: 'Did you ever have qualms about what you were doing?' Porter: 'No!' Baker: 'Why?' Porter: 'Group pressure. I was afraid of not being considered a team player.' So strive for integrity, not popularity!

Your Child's Love

..."These are the children God has given me..." Genesis 33:5

It's easy to complain about the things you don't have, and overlook or take for granted the things you do - simple things that enrich your life! Maybe this story by Dr James Dobson will help change your perspective. 'Some time ago a friend of mine punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became upset when she tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." He was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction. But his anger flared again when he opened the box and found it empty. He shouted at her, "Don't you know that when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside?" The little girl looked up at him in tears and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it. I filled it with my love and I wrapped it up just for you." He was crushed. Quickly he put his arms around her, hugged her and asked for her forgiveness. My friend told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years, and whenever he got discouraged he'd take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it in there. In a very real sense, each of us parents has been given a gold container filled with the unconditional love of our children. There's not a more precious possession anyone could hold.'

Secrets

...I'll make a clean breast of my failures to God... Psalm 32:5

Hidden among the sand dunes on Bird Island, North Carolina, is a postbox marked 'Kindred Spirits'. Inside are notebooks and pencils visitors can use to record their thoughts and prayers in anonymity. Author Zo? Elmore says, 'I'm amazed what people have written... heart wrenching confessions... their deepest and darkest secrets... prayers of desperation... People... willing to put down... things they'd never share with family or friends... and place them in a mailbox on a secluded island. These writings are an indication of everyone's need to be heard in a safe environment... to get things off our chest without interruption or condemnation. As a child of God we have a true Kindred Spirit to whom we can pour out our hearts... His name is Jesus and you just have to call on Him... He's waiting to listen to your innermost fears and private thoughts. Perhaps you have things you're longing to share; secrets you've kept far too long... I have great news... it's possible to experience freedom - without visiting Bird Island! Call on the Name of Jesus... pour out your heart with confident abandon... He's present and He's listening.' When you do that, David said, 'You get a fresh start, your slate's wiped clean... God holds nothing against you and you're holding nothing back from him. When I kept it all inside... The pressure never let up... Then I let it all out... said, "I'll make a clean breast of my failures to God." Suddenly the pressure was gone - my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared' (Psalm 32:1-5 TM). What a great feeling!

Time Out

Cast your burden on the Lord... Psalm 55:22

A hiker with two heavy holdalls was walking down a road in 90-degree heat. A truck driver stopped and told him to hop on. Later when the driver looked in his rearview mirror, the hiker was standing in the truck-bed still holding his bags! We smile, but as Jon Walker points out, many of us 'stand in the truck of faith carrying our burdens, thinking they're independent of the ride we're taking. We think God can carry us but not our burdens... The Psalmist said, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you." Rest in His power and grace... confident He's looking out for your best interests. Rest requires dependence, and one sign that you're not resting in God... is worry... the need to control... Next time you feel overwhelmed... settle into a chair, "Be still, and know that [He is] God..." (Psalm 46:10).' In this instance, the command to 'be still' here comes from the word 'rapha', which means...'to let go... release... and give up'. You've struggled long enough; give your burden to the Burden Bearer. Set it down! In order to do that you must do two things. First, : practise saying no. If you're constantly available you'll end up stretched so thin you'll be no good to anybody. Jesus didn't try to please everybody. He prayed, got God's agenda and stuck to it. God will give you the grace to do only what He has commanded, not what you think or what others would like. Second, value solitude. Turn off your pager and mobile phone. The sign of a well-ordered mind is the ability to sit quietly in one place and linger in your own company.

 

May you have peace of mind today.May you be sure that God put you exactly where you had to be.May you not forget the infinite possibilities that come from faith.May you use those gifts you've received and pass on the love that you've been given.May you be happy to know that you are a child of God ..Let that sink to the bottom of presence you, makes your soul sing.Dance, glorify, love.It's there for everyone.

Deliverance from the Black Hole
By Os Hillman 
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5b).
A black hole is a place of total nothingness. It's a time in our life when God removes the resources and supports that we normally rely on to feel secure - our careers, finances, friends, family, health and so forth. It is a preparation time.
When you find yourself in a black hole experience, don't just sit and brood. Take stock of your life. Take a look at your relationship with God.
First, ask God if there are any sins, habits, or attitudes that He might be judging in your life. It's important to discern whether the trial we face is the result of God's discipline for our sin?or if it is preparing us for a future leadership role.
Second, when you enter a black hole, don't trust your feelings. Trust God. Your feelings will tell you, "God has rejected you. Abandon hope. He has left you utterly alone." Feelings change; God never changes. Feelings come and go; God is always with us.
Third, remember that your black hole experience is not only intended to refine and define you; it's also intended to influence and change the lives of hundreds or even thousands of other people. Our adversity is not just for us, but others in our sphere of influence.
Fourth, don't try to hurry the black hole process along. Remember, when Joseph was in the depths of the pit, there was nothing he could do about it. He couldn't climb out, jump out, levitate out, or talk his way out. All he could do was pray and wait upon the Lord.
Fifth, lean on God. Even when you don't feel like praying, pray. Even when you don't feel like reading His Word, read. Even when you don't feel like singing songs of faith, sing. When you pray, don't just talk; listen. Be silent before Him and listen for His still, quiet voice.
Sixth, be alert to new truths and new perspectives. During a black hole experience, God often leads us to amazing new discoveries. A black hole can be a storehouse of unexpected riches for the soul.

God Leads Us into the Desert
By Os Hillman 
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil" (Matt 4:1).
There is a common teaching going around today that says if you do all the right things in your Christian life, you will be blessed and never experience problems in your life. This teaching is heresy. The Bible says that we will encounter many problems during this lifetime. Just read Peter's epistle.
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Why would God lead His Son into the desert to be tempted? Why would God lead you and me into the desert?
The desert is a place to learn something about ourselves. It is the place where we determine if we will truly live by every Word of God, not by bread alone. When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, Jesus responded to every temptation by citing what the Word of God said about that temptation.
This is also the way you and I must respond to the temptations that are brought our way. We must have the Word of God written into our hearts in order to know how to respond to given situations. The Bible says, "the truth shall make you free." It is knowing and doing the will of God that allows us to live free from the temptation of evil.
The desert is often the place of silence. However, it is also a place where the devil will speak loudest because you are in a place of weakness and the comforts of your normal life are not to be found. It is a place where God is often silent but can also be a place where God speaks loudest. The word desert comes from the Hebrew word "dahbaar" which means "to speak."

If God has placed you in the desert, meditate on the Word of God so that you will withstand the temptation that comes in the desert place.

AN ANXIOUS HEART WEIGHS A MAN DOWN, BUT A KIND

    WORD CHEERS HIM UP.

                        ( PROVERBS 12:25 *NIV )

 

  

       It is important for a Child of God to be very careful

   of the words we speak!   For our Savior Jesus Christ said;

   "NOTHING OUTSIDE A MAN CAN MAKE HIM UNCLEAN BY

   GOING INTO HIM, RATHER IT IS WHAT COMES OUT OF A

   MAN THAT MAKES HIM UNCLEAN."  ( MARK 7:15 )

 

       It is also written; WITH THE TONGUE WE PRAISE OUR

   LORD AND FATHER, AND WITH IT WE CURSE MEN, WHO

   HAVE BEEN MADE IN GOD'S LIKENESS.  OUT OF THE

   SAME MOUTH COME PRAISE AND CURSING.  MY

   BROTHERS, THIS SHOULD NOT BE.  ( JAMES 3:9-10 )

 

       So, choose your words carefully and remember

   that positive words bring positive results, while negative words

   always bring negative results!  After all, PLEASANT WORDS

   ARE LIKE A HONEYCOMB, SWEETNESS TO THE SOUL

   AND HEALTH TO THE BONES.   ( PROVERBS 16:24 )

 

       These verses bring to mind a sign posted on the wall of a

   Professor of mine, many years ago.  I will never forget it, for it

   so perfectly described him.  It read as follows:

 

                  Be careful of the words you speak,

                  And keep them soft and sweet!

                  For you never know from day to day,

                  Which words you'll have to eat!

NO ONE EVER HAS SEEN GOD; BUT IF WE LOVE

  ONE ANOTHER, GOD LIVES IN US, AND HIS LOVE IS

  MADE COMPLETE IN US. WE KNOW THAT WE LIVE IN

  HIM, AND HE IN US, BECAUSE HE HAS GIVEN US OF

  HIS SPIRIT.

                       ( 1 JOHN 4:12-13 *NIV )

 

 

     When we open our hearts and invite God into our lives,  a wonderful thing begins to  happen!  The Apostle Paul  stated it this way: THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST,  HE IS A NEW CREATION; THE OLD HAS GONE, THE

 NEW HAS COME!    ( 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 )

 

     As many of you know, this is when we become the  person that God intended us to be.  It is also when we  become filled with: THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH  TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING.

 ( PHILIPPIANS 4:7 )

 

     So, JUST AS YOU RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS AS  LORD, CONTINUE TO LIVE IN HIM, ROOTED AND BUILT  UP IN HIM, STRENGTHENED IN THE FAITH AS YOU  WERE TAUGHT, AND OVERFLOWING IN THANKFULNESS.

 ( COLOSSIANS 2:6 )

 

     Now my friend, may: THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS

 CHRIST BE WITH YOUR SPIRIT.   Amen.

Do Others See Jesus in You?

...He chose them to become like his Son... Romans 8:29

Bill was a drunk, converted in a Skid Row mission. Before his conversion he had gained a reputation as a tramp and an alcoholic for whom there was no hope. But when he gave his life to Christ everything changed. He became the most caring person at the mission. He spent his days there doing whatever needed to be done. There was never anything he was asked to do that he considered beneath him. Whether it was cleaning up vomit left by some sick alcoholic or scrubbing toilets used by men who had left them filthy, Bill did it all with a heart of gratitude. He could be counted on to feed any man who wandered in off the streets, undress him and tuck him into bed when he was incapable of taking care of himself. One evening after the mission director delivered his evangelistic message to the usual crowd of solemn men with drooped heads, one of them came down to the altar and kneeled to pray, crying out for God to help him change. The repentant drunk kept shouting, 'O God, make me like Bill! Make me like Bill! Make me like Bill!' The director of the mission leaned over and said, 'Wouldn't it be better if you prayed, "Make me like Jesus"?' After thinking about it for a few seconds, the man looked up and asked, 'Is He like Bill?' Live, so that others see Jesus in you!

Innovation
By Os Hillman 
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen 1:1). 

"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible."
Those were the words of a Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp. which is the number one overnight delivery service in the world with 260,000 employees. Founder, Fred Smith, is synonymous with the word "innovation."
There have been many great innovators who have turned concepts into successful companies. Walt Disney said, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."
God is the source of all creativity and innovation. He created the world in seven days. He has made you to create. If God has placed an idea in your heart to do, ask the Lord for His help in bringing it to reality. He desires to see His people create new things that can serve mankind and bring glory to God. Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right."
Faith plays an important role when considering stepping out to launch a new endeavor. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for" (Heb 11:1-2).
Perhaps you've failed in the past and you're afraid to step out again. Most successful entrepreneurs failed several times before they were successful. Don't let fear of failure keep you from success.

You were made to create. You were made to succeed.

BELOVED, IF OUR HEART DOES NOT CONDEMN US, WE

  HAVE CONFIDENCE TOWARD GOD.  AND WHATEVER WE

  ASK WE RECEIVE FROM HIM, BECAUSE WE KEEP HIS

  COMMANDMENTS AND DO THOSE THINGS THAT ARE

  PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT.

  ( 1 JOHN 3:21-22 *NKJV )

 

   My Dear,

 

   Now would you change the way that you live if you

   knew that God knew all of your thoughts, heard all of

   your words, and knew all the desires of your heart?  Well

   Guss, He does for it is written: THE LORD KNOWS THE

   THOUGHTS OF MAN, THAT THEY ARE FUTILE. For He

   even; KNOWS THE SECRETS OF THE HEART.

   ( PSALM 94:11 ) & ( PSALM 44:21 )

 

   Now when we try our best to have pure thoughts and

   desires and follow the Commandments put forth by

   God, we often get our prayers answered.  For it is

   written: THE EFFECTIVE FERVENT PRAYER OF

   A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILS MUCH. ( JAMES 5:16 )

 

   So, when you speak be careful of the words you

   use, and keep them soft and sweet.  For we are to always:  

   ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH

   OTHER UP.  Most of all, always think before you speak so

   that: THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH AND THE MEDITATION

   OF MY HEART BE ACCEPTABLE IN YOUR SIGHT, O

   LORD, MY STRENGTH AND MY REDEEMER.  Amen!

   ( 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11 )  ( PSALM 19:14 ) 

 

   Now, have a great day and may it be filled with

   blessings indeed!

GIVE TO THE LORD THE GLORY DUE HIS NAME; AND

   COME BEFORE HIM.  OH, WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE

   BEAUTY OF HOLINESS!

                         ( 1 CHRONICLES 16:29 )

 

          If you haven't gone lately, why not attend the Church of

   your choice today, and join with others as they worship our

   Heavenly Father!   For it is only right that we worship and

   sing to Him as well!  After all it is written that we should;

   SING TO THE LORD, ALL THE EARTH; PROCLAIM

   HIS SALVATION DAY AFTER DAY. ( 1 CHRONICLES 16:23 )

 

         So, COME, LET US WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN; LET

   US KNEEL BEFORE THE LORD OUR MAKER.  FOR HE IS

   OUR GOD, AND WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF HIS PASTURE,

   AND THE SHEEP OF HIS HAND.     ( PSALM 95:6-7 )

 

       Therefore: let us also; PRAISE GOD IN HIS

   SANCTUARY; PRAISE HIM WITH THE SOUND OF THE

   TRUMPET; PRAISE HIM WITH THE LUTE AND HARP!

   PRAISE HIM WITH THE TIMBREL AND DANCE; PRAISE

   HIM WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS AND FLUTES!

   PRAISE HIM WITH CLASHING CYMBALS!   LET EVERY-

   THING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD.

   (PSALM 150:1, 3-6 )

 

       So again I say, why not attend your Church today, and;

   COME LET US SING TO THE LORD!  LET US SHOUT

   JOYFULLY TO THE ROCK OUR SALVATION.   Amen!

   ( PSALM 95:1 )

Promotion? No Thanks

Dan Miller

The popular little book titled The Peter Principle was written in 1969. After studying hundreds of organizations, the author, Laurence Peter, concluded that "in a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his/her level of incompetence." We've all seen it happen: the great bank teller who gets moved up to branch manager only to leave in disgrace for not being able to sell new business or to manage employees. The sales rep that gets promoted to territory manager but cannot discipline his former buddies. The best construction worker who is asked to be project overseer but leaves in anger because he could not understand the budget forecasts.

The author thus proposed that the best "work is accomplished by those employees who have not yet reached their level of incompetence." But isn't this just a matter of learning new skills and growing in responsibilities? Perhaps - but frequently it is simply taking someone out of what he/she does well and putting them into an area that does not match their strongest abilities at all.

As a business owner I recognize my areas of incompetence quickly - managing people or budgets are not things I do well. I love to think, write and be the visionary but I'm fooling myself if I think I can perform all the functions in our business better than anyone else. I bring in others whose skills clearly exceed mine in many areas.

---

"Comrades, you have lost a good captain to make him an ill general." - Michel de Montaigne (1533 - 1592)

---

One of the keys to living out our calling is to be doing work that blends our (1) Skills & Abilities, (2) Personality Traits, and (3) our Values, Dreams & Passions. Think how frequently we see this violated when someone is "promoted:" The quiet introvert who is thrust into the middle of office interaction; the analytical person who is forced to represent the company in a sales and marketing role. The best nursery teacher in the school is not necessarily the best candidate for school principal. A great youth pastor may be miserable as a senior pastor. This isn't a matter of unwillingness - we have to realize that even "open doors" and "opportunities" can lead us away from God's ideal path. The key is to know ourselves and see confirmation of God's preparation in other ways as well.

In today's volatile workplace people are often forced to move from organization to organization. In many ways, this is a positive occurrence. Rather than being expected to move vertically up the ranks to a position of incompetence, you can address your strongest areas of competence and again apply them in a new organization or opportunity.

Do you know your strongest "areas of competence?" Are you using those effectively each day?

Letting Go of the Past
The Apostle Paul said, "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

At some time every one of us will experience painful circumstances of one kind or another. The important issue is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens. Painful experiences can make us bitter or better. The choice is up to each one of us. Like the Apostle Paul we need to learn how to let go of what lies behind so we, too, can "press on" to achieve God's goal for our life.

To do this requires the following steps on our part:

Quit playing the blame-game. One lady I was working with in a group setting complained bitterly saying, "I can't understand why God gave me such a terrible husband." "Who chose him?" I asked. "God did," she replied. She had deceived herself into believing that fantasy. God will guide us if we genuinely seek his direction, but he won't make our decisions for us. As adults we are totally responsible for every decision and choice we make. As long as we play the blame-game, we can never get on with our life. We stay stuck where we are and can do so for years.

Overcome denial. Fred (not his real name), has been divorced for close to twenty years. His former wife re-married soon after their divorce. But Fred is still living in the delusion that his former wife will return to him. He is refusing to let go of the past, and is stuck there. Denial is deadly if we ever hope to fully live and fully love.

Forgive to be free. No matter how badly we feel we have been hurt, failing to forgive keeps us bound by the past as we are unconsciously allowing bitter memories of past hurts to control our present life. As another has said, "Failing to forgive is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

Resolve supercharged negative emotions. Regardless of the reason, whenever we feel let down, rejected, or even abused, we have hurt and angry feelings. This is normal. To nurse these negative emotions is damaging to all present and future close relationships and meaningful living. Until we resolve these negative emotions, it is impossible to forgive.

Denying, suppressing, and/or repressing supercharged negative emotions is also destructive of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. No wonder God's Word advises: "So get rid of your feelings of hatred [unresolved anger]. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with dishonesty … deception, envy and fraud." Stuffing negative emotions is not getting rid of them.

As we follow these steps for letting go, we are freed to forget what lies behind and move onward and upward to achieve our God-given goals and life-purpose.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your Word with practical advice for healthy relationships and meaningful living. Help me to take responsibility for my responses to all situations, never play the blame-game, be free from denial and forgive everyone who has every hurt me so that I can let go of and put behind me all hurts and failures from the past, and 'press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

MY LITTLE CHILDREN, THESE THINGS I WRITE TO YOU, SO

   THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN.  AND IF ANYONE SINS, WE HAVE

   AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE

   RIGHTEOUS.

                               ( 1 JOHN 2:1 *NKJV )

 

       Now if you are feeling low because of something that

   you have done wrong, or a sin that you have committed in

   the past, know that you have forgiveness through our Savior

   Jesus Christ.  For when you repent it is written: "COME NOW,

   AND LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAYS THE LORD,

   THOUGH YOUR SINS ARE LIKE SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE

   WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY ARE RED LIKE CRIMSON,

   THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL."   ( ISAIAH 1:18 )

 

       Our sins then are not only forgiven, but they are also forgotten

   by our Heavenly Father as well!   For it is written: "FOR I WILL BE

   MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS

   AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE."

   ( HEBREWS 8:12 )

 

       So don't beat yourself up, or hold those things back when you

   talk with God.  Instead, always speak to Him as you would a

   loving, caring, understanding Father.  After all, that's

   what He is!   Also remember that: BLESSED IS HE WHOSE

   TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN, WHOSE SIN IS COVERED.

   BLESSED IS THE MAN TO WHOM THE LORD DOES NOT

   IMPUTE INIQUITY. ( PSALM 32:1-2 )  For Then: WHEN YOU LIE

   DOWN, YOU WILL NOT BE AFRAID; WHEN YOU LIE DOWN

   YOUR SLEEP WILL BE SWEET!   ( PROVERBS 3:24 )

 

       Now have a Wonderful Day, and tonight may your

   dreams be sweet indeed!   Amen.

Performance-Based or Grace-Based?

..."Those... hired last... you paid... the same as... us. Matthew 20:12

In Christ's parable five different groups of workers are hired. The first group complained when those who worked only the last hour got paid the same wages as those who worked all day. They are typical of performance-based Christians. They think that because they avoid certain sins, God's getting a good deal. Instead of rejoicing with those who come late to the kingdom, they're resentful. They're easy to spot because they've three characteristics. They show a complaining spirit. They overlook the good, home in on the negative, and seek out people who agree with them. What's the cure? A good memory! Recalling what God has done for you, and all the grace-based benefits of His love you enjoy each day. Performance-based Christians have also got a resentful spirit. Instead of resting in God's grace they act like duty-bound soldiers - conscripts, not volunteers. They struggle constantly for God's approval, never feel like they measure up, and their hostility prevents them from experiencing joy. But the moment they begin to reflect on God's goodness to them, their resentment begins to lessen. Finally, they show a judgmental spirit. 'It's not fair,' they think. 'I did the work and they get the credit.' They forget that God dispenses gifts, - not wages. 'he does not... repay us according to our iniquities' (Psalm 103:10 NIV), but lavishes us with grace and mercy. So who are these grace-based Christians? Latecomers with no contracts or merits; their relationship with God is based solely on grace. They're happy with whatever He's offering, humbled by His goodness, and motivated to work by overwhelming gratitude.

The providence of God
... But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
--Isaiah 40:31
Have you ever felt like God had you in "wait" training? Well, God puts a premium on patience and perseverance where you and I are concerned.
We can't rush God's providential choices, but we can trust the One who sees all of history... the days leading up to our lives as well as those that follow after us. John the Beloved understood this principle well.
Perhaps you remember that John was the apostle of Jesus who was sentenced to live out his life on a veritable devil's island, a place called Patmos. But while he was there, God gave him a vision of the future... a powerful message of encouragement and hope for the church. That message became known as the book of Revelation!
How could John write such a powerful message on such a wretched island amidst personal suffering and loneliness? It's because John looked beyond his suffering and embraced the future that God showed him, the promise of heaven. God's light shines brightest in the darkest of times!
When you find yourself alone in pain and suffering, don't hasten God's providential timeline, but trust the One who makes all things work together for your good and his glory. He will renew your strength!
GOD'S LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST IN THE DARKEST OF TIMES!

Are You a Threat?
By Os Hillman 
"But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries" (1 Cor 16:8-10).
Angie and I entered the airport when suddenly she began to feel sick. "Honey, I don't think I can go. I feel awful. I was fine driving down here," she said. We stopped and prayed. She didn't feel any better. She decided she would not go. Sadly we said goodbye to one another.
About thirty minutes later I was sitting at the gate when Angie comes running up to me. "I am coming with you," she said. "What happened?" I responded. "I asked the Lord if I was to go and He said 'Yes.' So, I am coming, despite the way I feel."
We got onto the airplane and it was only a few minutes into the flight when she turned to me and said, "I feel fine now. I can't believe how much better I feel." Angie and I began to recognize a consistent pattern of this happening whenever we would go on our ministry trips. We have become increasingly aware of Paul's admonition in Ephesians 6:12,13: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
How big of a threat are you to the kingdom of darkness? If you are pushing back the kingdom of darkness, then chances are you will have opposition in your life. The apostle Paul realized that as doors became open to him, so too were the adversaries in the spiritual realm to his activities.

Today, realize you are in a physical and spiritual battle and put on the armor of God.

Our responsibility to our children
His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
--Psalm 112:2
One of the great problems in our country is the breakdown of the family. And the chief contributing factor to families breaking down is the absence of fathers as a result of divorce or disengagement. 
It's essential that fathers wake up from their complacency and embrace their God-given roles. There's a spiritual battle raging around us and our kids and grandkids are targets of the enemy! 
So it's your responsibility and mine to faithfully teach children to stand firm in Christ Jesus. We can't just tell children how to live a life of faith, we have to show them.
Let me give you a poignant illustration.
A man and his young son were rock climbing and they came to a dangerous part of the trek. The dad paused for just a few moments to consider the path choices before them. And the little boy looked up to his father and said, "Dad, choose the right path because I'm following after you."
You see, your choices don't just affect you... they impact the lives of all who follow after you!
Your children are watching you to learn how to successfully navigate the dangers of this world... and how to be prepared for eternity. There's no greater responsibility apart from following Christ.

WE CAN'T JUST TELL CHILDREN HOW TO LIVE A LIFE
OF FAITH, WE HAVE TO SHOW THEM.

How Solid is Your Foundation?
By Os Hillman 
"At the king's command they removed from the quarry large blocks of quality stone to provide a foundation of dressed stone for the temple" (1 Kings 5:16-17). 
Several years ago I visited Jerusalem, the ancient city in Israel where Jesus walked. It was an incredible experience. One of the most memorable things I saw was the actual stones used to build the foundation of the temple. These stones lay beneath the ground and can be accessed only by going into an underground tunnel. 
The stones are massive and they are perfectly rectangle in shape. The Bible says the stones were moved to the temple area in a quiet manner in respect of the Holy site. It says the foundation was of a "quality stone." 
All these structures, from the outside to the great courtyard and from foundation to eaves, were made of blocks of high-grade stone cut to size and trimmed with a saw on their inner and outer faces. The foundations were laid with large stones of good quality, some measuring ten cubits and some eight. Above were high-grade stones, cut to size, and cedar beams. The great courtyard was surrounded by a wall of three courses of dressed stone and one course of trimmed cedar beams, as was the inner courtyard of the temple of the LORD with its portico (1 Kings 7:9-12).
Do you see the effort put into the type and quality of stone that would be used to build the temple of God?
In order to achieve anything worthwhile in life you must lay a quality foundation. Everything else is going to be impacted if that foundation is not laid with the best materials and the finest craftsmanship. The Bible says that Jesus must be the foundation from which we build everything in our lives ( I Cor. 3:11). Anything else will result in a weak foundation.

Are you building on a solid foundation that will last? If not, begin today to shore up your foundation.

Make Me Strong in Spirit

Make me strong in spirit,
Courageous in action,
Gentle of heart,

Let me act in wisdom,
Conquer my fear and doubt,
Discover my own hidden gifts,

Meet others with compassion,
Be a source of healing energies,
And face each day with hope and joy.

A MAN'S WISDOM GIVES HIM PATIENCE; IT IS TO HIS

    GLORY TO OVERLOOK AN OFFENCE.

                         ( PROVERBS 19:11 * NIV )

 

         Sometimes we may let the actions of another cause

   us to lose control of our temper.  Before we do, it is

   important to remember that; AN ANGRY MAN STIRS UP

   DISSENSION, AND A HOT-TEMPERED ONE

   COMMITS MANY SINS. ( PROVERBS 29:22 )  FOR AS

   CHURNING THE MILK PRODUCES BUTTER, AND AS

   TWISTING THE NOSE PRODUCES BLOOD, SO

   STIRRING UP ANGER PRODUCES STRIFE.

   ( PROVERBS 30:33 )

 

       After all, MY DEAR BROTHERS, TAKE NOTE OF THIS:

   EVERYONE SHOULD BE QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO

   SPEAK AND SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY, FOR MAN'S

   ANGER DOES NOT BRING ABOUT THE RIGHTEOUS

   LIFE THAT GOD DESIRES.  ( JAMES 1:19-20 )

 

       So the next time that someone treats you wrongly turn it

   over to God to handle, and do not lose your temper or try

   to get even with them.  FOR WE KNOW HIM WHO SAID, "IT

   IS MINE TO AVENGE; I WILL REPAY," AND AGAIN, "THE

   LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE." ( HEBREWS 10:30 )

 

       Therefore, try your best to keep your words soft

   and sweet.  For we never know from day to day which words

   we'll have to eat!  Also remember; ABOVE ALL, LOVE EACH

   OTHER DEEPLY, BECAUSE LOVE COVERS OVER A

   MULTITUDE OF SINS.  Amen

WHEN YOU PASS THROUGH THE WATERS, I WILL BE WITH YOU; AND THROUGH THE RIVERS, THEY SHALL NOT OVERFLOW YOU.

WHEN YOU WALK THROUGH THE FIRE, YOU SHALL NOT BE BURNED, NOR SHALL THE FLAME SCORCH YOU.

(ISAIAH 43:2 *NKJV )

 

There are times in our life when we find ourselves in difficult situations.  Times when our faith is put to the test. We may even feel that God has abandoned us, and that we are all alone.

 

When you feel that way remember that it is written; "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU."  So we may boldly say: "THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT FEAR. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?" (HEBREWS 13:5-6)

 

Therefore, when you pass through the waters of difficulty, and the flames of distress, know that God is always there with you.  For, THE LORD IS GOOD, A STRONGHOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE; AND HE KNOWS THOSE WHO TRUST IN HIM. ( NAHUM 1:7 )

 

So, always remember that you are walking, hand in hand, with your Heavenly Father when those difficult times arrive, and that He Loves You very much because you are one of His beloved children!

 

 Now, have a Great Week! Amen.

'Very Present'

God is... a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Randy Reid, a 34-year-old construction worker, was welding on top of a nearly completed water tower outside Chicago. According to writer Melissa Ramsdell, Reid unhooked his safety gear to reach for some pipes when a metal cage slipped and bumped the scaffolding on which he stood. It tipped, and Reid lost his balance. He fell 110 feet, landing face down on a pile of dirt, just missing rocks and construction debris. A fellow worker called the emergency services. When paramedics arrived, they found Reid conscious, moving, and complaining of a sore back. Apparently the fall didn't cost Reid his sense of humour! As paramedics carried him on a backboard to the ambulance, Reid had one request: 'Don't drop me.' Doctors later said Reid came away from the accident with just a bruised leg. Sometimes we resemble Randy Reid. God protects us from harm in a 110-foot fall, yet we are not willing to trust Him to get us over the next two-foot hurdle. Being sinful, we fail. Being prone to sickness, we hurt. Being mortal, we die. Pressure wears on us. Anxiety gives us ulcers. People intimidate us. Criticism offends us. Disease scares us. Death haunts us. What's the answer? 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.' Note the words 'very present'. When we hit life's rough spots our tendency is to feel abandoned, yet the opposite is true. At that very moment we are more than ever the object of His love and concern. Yes, even when our vision is blurred, our thinking foggy, our faith fleeting, and we look up and can't see Him clearly - He is 'very present'.

Our Staff as Our Protector
By Os Hillman 
"The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands'" (Ex 17:9).
Moses' staff represented his vocation as a shepherd. When God first met Moses' in the desert at the burning bush, he told him that he was going to use his staff to perform miracles and bring a people out of slavery. God related to Moses through his vocation as a shepherd.
Moses later faced one of his enemies in the new land, the Amalekites. God told him to go to the top of the mountain and hold his staff up to heaven. As long as his staff was outstretched to heaven, Israel would win the battle. But if it was not uplifted, they would suffer defeat.
"So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning." (Ex 17:10-11).
Isn't this an interesting picture? When we raise our "staffs" up to the Lord, He becomes our protector. He is our defender. As long we offer up our staffs before the Lord, He can work through it. He works on our behalf. When we lower it, we lose the blessing of God.
When God told Moses He was going to use his staff to bring a people out of bondage, he first had to lay his staff down on the ground. God changed it into a snake and then God told Moses to pick it up by the tail. God was telling Moses to take authority over the serpent in this prophetic act. When Moses picked up the staff, the scripture tells us it is no longer Moses' staff, but it is now the staff of God.
Friend, the lesson for us is to continually offer up our work lives to the Lord and see His protection and blessing upon us as we continually raise our work to the Lord for His use.

Jesus said: "COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY

   AND BURDENED, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.  TAKE MY

   YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN FROM ME, FOR I AM GENTLE

   AND HUMBLE IN HEART, AND YOU WILL FIND REST FOR

   YOUR SOULS.  FOR MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN IS

   LIGHT."

                         ( MATTHEW 11:28-30 *NIV )

 

  

   As you already know, it is hard to find any rest with so many

   trials, tribulations, conflicts, and burdens in our lives today.

   However when we follow Jesus, He will provide us with rest and

   make our burdens lighter.  For, THE LORD UPHOLDS ALL

   THOSE WHO FALL AND LIFTS UP ALL WHO ARE BOWED

   DOWN.  ( PSALM 145:14 )

 

   So when you feel stressed; CAST YOUR CARES ON THE

   LORD AND HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU; HE WILL NEVER LET

   THE RIGHTEOUS FALL. ( PSALM 55:22 )  After all; GOD IS

   OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, AN EVER-PRESENT

   HELP IN TROUBLE.   ( PSALM 46:1 )

 

   Also remember that; BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO

   PERSEVERES UNDER TRIAL, BECAUSE WHEN HE HAS

   STOOD THE TEST, HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF

   LIFE THAT GOD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO LOVE

   HIM.  ( JAMES 1:12 )

 

   Therefore, PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF

   OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE FATHER OF COMPASSION

   AND THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT, WHO COMFORTS US IN

   ALL OUR TROUBLES, SO THAT WE CAN COMFORT

   THOSE IN ANY TROUBLE WITH THE COMFORT WE

   OURSELVES HAVE RECEIVED FROM GOD.    Amen.  

   ( 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 )

 

    Now, have a Wonderful Week that is filled with

   "Peace," and SMILE for after all God Loves You!

To Be Free From Worry

Father, I'm praying that (name one or more) and others in my circle of family and friends will be free from worry...

Help them not worry when things don't go the way they expect. Jesus said we're not to fret, not to worry, not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. He said we're to trust in You— and also in Him. May it be so in their lives and ministry, no matter how impossible things seem. (John 14:1, 27b)

Keep them from worrying about tomorrow, for each day has enough trouble of its own. When such trouble comes, help them to cast all their anxiety on Christ because He cares for them. (Matthew 6:34; 1 Peter 5:7)

Help them not to be anxious about anything but to pray about everything with thanksgiving—for when they do, You'll give them Your peace that surpasses their understanding, and such peace guards their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)

Keep their minds steadfast in trusting You, and give them Your perfect peace. May they turn to the Lord of Peace who will give them peace at all times, in every way. (Isaiah 26:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Help them leave every worry at Your feet where it belongs.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

WHY ARE YOU TROUBLED, AND WHY DO DOUBTS RISE IN YOUR MINDS? 

     ( LUKE 24:38 *NIV )

 

  

       We are all Architects of our own future!  The thoughts

   we have today dictate what our future holds for us tomorrow.

   Therefore a person who has positive thoughts shall have

   positive results, just as a person who has negative thoughts

   shall attract negative results in their life.

 

       Therefore if we start our day by counting all of our

   blessings, and then try our best to have positive thoughts

   all day, our hearts will be merry!   After all: BLESSINGS

   CROWN THE HEAD OF THE RIGHTEOUS, because:

   FROM THE FULLNESS OF HIS GRACE WE HAVE ALL

   RECEIVED ONE BLESSING AFTER ANOTHER.

                 ( PROVERBS 10:6 )  &  ( JOHN 1:16 )

 

       After all; EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT IS FROM

   ABOVE, COMING DOWN FROM THE FATHER OF THE

   HEAVENLY LIGHTS, WHO DOES NOT CHANGE LIKE

   SHIFTING SHADOWS.  ( JAMES 1:17 )

 

       So, SING AND MAKE MUSIC IN YOUR HEART TO THE

   LORD, ALWAYS GIVING THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER

   FOR EVERYTHING, IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS

   CHRIST.  ( EPHESIANS 5:19-20 )

 

       Have a Wonderful Day feeling blessed, and may

   God's Grace be with you!