Monday
Reverence
Read Proverbs 22:4; 15:32, Isaiah 11:2-3
Seed Thought: The Bible tells us that the fear of the Lord brings honor. One of the Spiritual attributes of Jesus was the fear of the Lord. This is not being afraid of God but a living in awe of whom and what He is. If we don’t’ have a reverence for something we cannot honor it in our life. A Reverence of God should mark our life. If we don’t have reverence for God and His law then it is useless to us. We cannot benefit from it and they do not have a positive effect in our lives. If we don’t honor the awesomeness of God then everything becomes common and valueless to us. We need to honor God by being in awe of whom and what He is in our world and our life. It is the foundation of our walk with Him and the cornerstone of a society. We have lost our foundation in this nation. We need to come back to an awe of the creator of the universe. The Creator of the Universe is Almighty and awesome. Scripture says that Our Lord's blessings, goodness and even forgiveness are also reasons to "fear" Him! God's wonderful love and goodness should inspire awe and worship in our hearts. Such reverence does not conflict with an intimate communion with God, but it does conflict with flippancy, which is disrespectful. God is exalted above creation, yet "in Him we live and move and have our being". He knows us completely, loves us infinitely and is with us always. God's Majesty does not keep us from Him because He willingly humbles Himself to fellowship with us. His holiness does not bar us from His Presence because we have become the righteousness of God in Jesus. His attributes such as Power, Majesty, Justice, and Holiness should inspire awe and reverence in His creatures.
Action Plan: Ask yourself what type of fear do you have when you view God, is reverential fear, which acknowledges all of the awesome attributes of God or is it a fear of a frightful mean God, which is not Gods nature? If it is the latter ask the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your heart to the loving, gentle, merciful God that He is. Spend time today in worship.
Declaration: My God is a loving and gentle God, He wants the best for me.
Tuesday
Righteousness
Read Proverbs 21:21; Romans 12:9-10
Righteous is what God is, and all of His acts are righteous because they have their source in His continuous righteous character. That God is immutably holy is what assures us that His actions are always absolutely correct and upright. If God acts in a certain way, then we can know with certainty that this particular action is a righteous one simply because it is what God did, for any thought or action that come from our God comes from the one-and-only morally perfect being, which exists Himself as the perfect standard of righteousness. Honor comes when we have and live up to the standards of God in our life. If we have no code of honor then we can’t measure honor. We are considered honorable when we have a God standard and we walk in such a way so others recognize that standard in our life. Right living brings honor to God, honor to the church and honor to us.
Action Plan: Do you live by a code of honor? List the ways or things you do that exemplify honor and righteousness that is considered God Standard.
Declaration: With Jesus as my example I will live an honorable life that is pleasing to my Heavenly Father.
Wednesday
Respect
Read 1 Peter 2:17
Respect denotes both a positive feeling of esteem for a person or other entity (such as a nation or a religion), and also specific actions and conduct representative of that esteem. Respect can be a specific feeling of regard for the actual qualities of the one respected.
One of the foundational things missing in our society is respect. People don’t give it, receive it or value it but it is the one of the things we need most in our homes, churches, schools and government. If we don’t have respect for people or boundaries then we live in the mist of chaos. It used to be that respect is one of the things we believed in and taught but it has gone by the wayside of individual rights but without respect we lose our rights. Without respect we have no honor and without honor we can have no self-respect and without self-respect we have no honor or respect for others.
Action Plan: What does respect mean to you? How do you show respect to others? Remind someone that you esteem and respect today what they have meant to you.
Declaration: I will treat everyone I meet with dignity and respect, I will love my spiritual family, revere God, and pray for my country.
Thursday
Responsibility
Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Without being and expecting responsibility we have no measuring line for honor. When we take responsibility for our relationship with God and what is required of us in life we have no honor. We are called to give honor by being and taking responsibility. If you want to be honored then take responsibility. Responsibility starts with being responsible for us. Many times we want to do what we do with no concern for others or the effect that it has on our family, our friends, neighbors, even in our government our leaders are concerned for themselves. It is time that we realize that if we want things to change, the change begins with us! It begins with a heart change; it begins with our accepting responsibility for who we are and what we have done. We cannot expect others to be responsible when we are being irresponsible. Our country is plagued with children and teens that have no reverence, no respect, no righteousness, few healthy relationships and no responsibility, but the problem is not with them, but with adults. How do they know what each of these are if they are taught? In many, many regards the adults around children and teens show no reverence, no respect, no righteousness, no healthy relationships and no responsibilities. As parents, teachers, leaders, government leaders it is our responsibility to teach our children and teen’s responsibility. When we are responsible our children learn to be responsible.
Action Plan: Do you take responsibility for your actions? Are there some things you have hidden or even covered up that you need to take responsibility for? Ask God to show and to show you how to resolve the issue.
Declaration: Through God I have strength to be responsible for my actions and live an honorable life.
Friday
Relationship
Read 1 Corinthians 16:15-18; 1Timothy 5:17-19; John 5:41-44
We honor God with our living, giving and serving. We honor God by honoring those who serve God and by giving them proper recognition. One of the key ways God has shown me to look for those who are to be our leaders is by judging people in the light of (1 Corinthians 16:15-18) Paul says men like this deserve honor and to be recognized as our leaders. One of the things I see in the lives of people in the church when it comes to honoring Godly leaders is that they judge them by their own standards, knowledge, and expectations for those leaders. What happens is you are judging them from your test paper, but, it is not your test they are taking it is God’s. They have not been called to do what you want but what He wants. We have to realize we don’t know everything, it is not our requirements they are trying to meet and that they are not called to live up to our expectations but to His. We need to give honor to the men and women of God who serve God and us. If we do not honor them we can’t benefit from them. Some of the greatest men and women of God I have known have been misunderstood by those they have tried to serve. They did not receive honor from many that they served but they sought the honor of the one who really counts. Remember this when you are serving people and they don’t appreciate it. It’s God’s honor and the relationship that they have with Him that counts.
Action Plan: Are you living, giving and serving in the Kingdom? List some the ways that you are doing this. What are other ways that you can do this? Do you honor the men and women who serve God?
Declaration: I will honor the men and women of God and God will honor me!
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
September 12, 2011
The Daily Compass August 29- September 3, 2011
Monday
What Is Honor?
Read Isaiah 3:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians 2:3
Seed Thought: According to the thesaurus, honor has these synonyms: "esteem, respect, pay homage to, assigning value to." The Greek word translated "honor" in our English Bibles, timao, means "to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere" (Strong's Concordance). Showing honor means treating another respectfully because we value them highly.
We live in a culture and age of dishonor. This is a time when political cartoons and editorials routinely lampoon our leaders. Turn on the radio, T.V., Internet—or maybe we should not!—and we find them filled with talk shows from all political stripes. Their theme seems to be discussing whose reputation they wish to destroy today. Their cruelty and bitterness soon infects even our attitude. Even conservative talk-show hosts are not God's messengers, but reflect the thinking of a segment of this world. Even children's cartoons often reflect Satan's anger, his fighting, and his insulting of any and all around. If we are not careful, we can begin to think and talk the same dishonoring way. Nobody is safe from attack or being dishonored. Not the presidency, not members of congress, not school teachers or law enforcement officers. This is an irreverent and disrespectful age. It is time to see what God says about honoring others—something very different from what the world teaches us.
So is honor due anyone? Should we put value on any man or woman, or should we honor God alone? What does the Bible say? A study with a concordance reveals just how much God has to say about honoring others. He does not limit it to honoring our parents. There are scriptures after scriptures that speak of honoring each other. To honor others we must have an attitude of meekness. Truthfully without it we will never sincerely, respect, prize, value and honor anyone until we do.
Action Plan: Define the word meekness, think about it and then ask yourself this, Does your attitude reflect meekness? If your attitude doesn’t; then ask the Holy Spirit to show you, how to change that aspect about yourself.
Tuesday
Honoring God
Read Luke 6:45, 46; Matthew 15:7-9
Seed Thought: God desires far more than lip service. He wants a relationship with us that stems from the heart. Jesus tells us, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil, For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks"[Luke 6:45]. In the end, it is not enough just to avoid misusing God's name. God wants us to love and respect Him. Honoring Him begins in our thoughts. We must know who and what He is. We must know what He requires of us and why. We should admire His wisdom, love, fairness and justice. We need to stand in awe of His power and recognize that our existence depends on His goodness. Then we should talk to Him in prayer- every day. He wants to hear from us. We should follow the admonitions in the Psalms to give Him thanks and praise Him. Openly expressing our appreciation for all that He gives us. We should acknowledge His greatness. We should ask Him to create in us His way of thinking and character. We should request the power of His Spirit to enable us to wholeheartedly obey and serve Him. We honor God most of all by loving Him so much that we desire above all things to be like Him and to accurately represent Him to everyone who sees or knows us.
Action Plan: What flows from your heart? Listen to the words that flow from inside you if they are not wholesome and uplifting ask God to give you the mind of Christ.
Wednesday
How Do We Honor God?
Read each scripture with each step for honoring God
Seed Thought:
1. Honor God in church.
We value honoring God even above our relationships.
2. Honor God in the Family. Ephesians 5:25-26.
3. Honor God in work. Colossians 3:23.
4. Honor God in our finances/wealth. Proverbs 3:9.
We honor God with our wealth through giving and in stewardship. Proverbs 13:22.
5. Honor God by honoring our parents. Exodus 20:12.
WE HONOR GOD IN EVERYTHING WE DO.
We are all called by God to honor him. He is pleased when our only desire is to honor Him.
Action Plan: You just finished reading ways that we honor God “Were there some ways mentioned that you do not honor God? List other ways besides the list above that you can honor God!
Thursday
Do You Make God Smile?
Read Matthew 22:37-40; Psalm 145:3; Psalm 99:5; Matthew 15:8; Malachi 2:2
Seed Thought: Values dictate our behavior. Every family has a set of values they live by. Every church has their own set of values. Where do we get these values? Why do we honor God? We honor God because He is worthy! What does it mean to honor God? God first loved us, we should practice love and tolerance to one another, when we do this it reflects God’s love for us. To honor God is more than just a lip service; it is more than just coming to church and doing religious routines. Honoring God is a heart issue in other words it is out of a deep reverence and love for God. It is when you serve with a sincere heart, that it honors God. When we honor God it makes Him smile. Why do you want to make God smile? It’s the same way you want to make your Dad smile. You want to make him smile because he loves you and cares for you, so you want to reciprocate that love in some way. When that reciprocation is successfully carried out, a smile is usually the easiest, most recognizable way to know that it is a success. To make God smile, it is the same. We want to honor God because God loves us, and we want to reciprocate that love in a way that we are good at, and in a way that will make God smile.
Action Plan: As you go about your day today, stop and think. Did what I say to my classmate/friend/neighbor just now please God, or not? Did it put a smile on His face? What can I do today to make God smile?
Friday
Honoring Our Brothers And Sisters
Read Malachi 1:6; Mark 6:4-6; Matthew 15:4-9; 1Timothy 5:17-18; Ephesians 6:3
Seed Thought: There may be as many reasons to honor special people, as there are people to honor. Yet, have you ever wondered why we honor people in the first place? Why do we pause every so often to acknowledge and honor special efforts by special people with an appreciation award or milestones in people's lives? After all, life would go on without special occasions. We'd still get up in the morning, go to work, care for our kids; they’d go to school, grow up, get their own jobs and maybe have a family of their own. Life does its thing. Perhaps we honor people with recognition programs because, sooner or later, we realize that we don't know how much time we've got here and every day becomes a little more precious. So too, the people we admire become a more appreciated. We honor those we respect, those that have been a huge presence in our lives. We honor those that have spoken words of encouragement, instruction and correction. We honor an individual for sacrificing the time and personal glory for the good of others. Romans 12:10 (The Message) says “Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle”. Here is a competition where we can rightly fight for first place in line: in honoring one another. Not just tolerating one another, but honoring one another.
Action Plan: Spend time today reflecting on your life and those who have made a difference in your life, if you can make an effort to call or see them to tell them how they impacted your life and honor them.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
What Is Honor?
Read Isaiah 3:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians 2:3
Seed Thought: According to the thesaurus, honor has these synonyms: "esteem, respect, pay homage to, assigning value to." The Greek word translated "honor" in our English Bibles, timao, means "to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere" (Strong's Concordance). Showing honor means treating another respectfully because we value them highly.
We live in a culture and age of dishonor. This is a time when political cartoons and editorials routinely lampoon our leaders. Turn on the radio, T.V., Internet—or maybe we should not!—and we find them filled with talk shows from all political stripes. Their theme seems to be discussing whose reputation they wish to destroy today. Their cruelty and bitterness soon infects even our attitude. Even conservative talk-show hosts are not God's messengers, but reflect the thinking of a segment of this world. Even children's cartoons often reflect Satan's anger, his fighting, and his insulting of any and all around. If we are not careful, we can begin to think and talk the same dishonoring way. Nobody is safe from attack or being dishonored. Not the presidency, not members of congress, not school teachers or law enforcement officers. This is an irreverent and disrespectful age. It is time to see what God says about honoring others—something very different from what the world teaches us.
So is honor due anyone? Should we put value on any man or woman, or should we honor God alone? What does the Bible say? A study with a concordance reveals just how much God has to say about honoring others. He does not limit it to honoring our parents. There are scriptures after scriptures that speak of honoring each other. To honor others we must have an attitude of meekness. Truthfully without it we will never sincerely, respect, prize, value and honor anyone until we do.
Action Plan: Define the word meekness, think about it and then ask yourself this, Does your attitude reflect meekness? If your attitude doesn’t; then ask the Holy Spirit to show you, how to change that aspect about yourself.
Tuesday
Honoring God
Read Luke 6:45, 46; Matthew 15:7-9
Seed Thought: God desires far more than lip service. He wants a relationship with us that stems from the heart. Jesus tells us, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil, For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks"[Luke 6:45]. In the end, it is not enough just to avoid misusing God's name. God wants us to love and respect Him. Honoring Him begins in our thoughts. We must know who and what He is. We must know what He requires of us and why. We should admire His wisdom, love, fairness and justice. We need to stand in awe of His power and recognize that our existence depends on His goodness. Then we should talk to Him in prayer- every day. He wants to hear from us. We should follow the admonitions in the Psalms to give Him thanks and praise Him. Openly expressing our appreciation for all that He gives us. We should acknowledge His greatness. We should ask Him to create in us His way of thinking and character. We should request the power of His Spirit to enable us to wholeheartedly obey and serve Him. We honor God most of all by loving Him so much that we desire above all things to be like Him and to accurately represent Him to everyone who sees or knows us.
Action Plan: What flows from your heart? Listen to the words that flow from inside you if they are not wholesome and uplifting ask God to give you the mind of Christ.
Wednesday
How Do We Honor God?
Read each scripture with each step for honoring God
Seed Thought:
1. Honor God in church.
We value honoring God even above our relationships.
2. Honor God in the Family. Ephesians 5:25-26.
3. Honor God in work. Colossians 3:23.
4. Honor God in our finances/wealth. Proverbs 3:9.
We honor God with our wealth through giving and in stewardship. Proverbs 13:22.
5. Honor God by honoring our parents. Exodus 20:12.
WE HONOR GOD IN EVERYTHING WE DO.
We are all called by God to honor him. He is pleased when our only desire is to honor Him.
Action Plan: You just finished reading ways that we honor God “Were there some ways mentioned that you do not honor God? List other ways besides the list above that you can honor God!
Thursday
Do You Make God Smile?
Read Matthew 22:37-40; Psalm 145:3; Psalm 99:5; Matthew 15:8; Malachi 2:2
Seed Thought: Values dictate our behavior. Every family has a set of values they live by. Every church has their own set of values. Where do we get these values? Why do we honor God? We honor God because He is worthy! What does it mean to honor God? God first loved us, we should practice love and tolerance to one another, when we do this it reflects God’s love for us. To honor God is more than just a lip service; it is more than just coming to church and doing religious routines. Honoring God is a heart issue in other words it is out of a deep reverence and love for God. It is when you serve with a sincere heart, that it honors God. When we honor God it makes Him smile. Why do you want to make God smile? It’s the same way you want to make your Dad smile. You want to make him smile because he loves you and cares for you, so you want to reciprocate that love in some way. When that reciprocation is successfully carried out, a smile is usually the easiest, most recognizable way to know that it is a success. To make God smile, it is the same. We want to honor God because God loves us, and we want to reciprocate that love in a way that we are good at, and in a way that will make God smile.
Action Plan: As you go about your day today, stop and think. Did what I say to my classmate/friend/neighbor just now please God, or not? Did it put a smile on His face? What can I do today to make God smile?
Friday
Honoring Our Brothers And Sisters
Read Malachi 1:6; Mark 6:4-6; Matthew 15:4-9; 1Timothy 5:17-18; Ephesians 6:3
Seed Thought: There may be as many reasons to honor special people, as there are people to honor. Yet, have you ever wondered why we honor people in the first place? Why do we pause every so often to acknowledge and honor special efforts by special people with an appreciation award or milestones in people's lives? After all, life would go on without special occasions. We'd still get up in the morning, go to work, care for our kids; they’d go to school, grow up, get their own jobs and maybe have a family of their own. Life does its thing. Perhaps we honor people with recognition programs because, sooner or later, we realize that we don't know how much time we've got here and every day becomes a little more precious. So too, the people we admire become a more appreciated. We honor those we respect, those that have been a huge presence in our lives. We honor those that have spoken words of encouragement, instruction and correction. We honor an individual for sacrificing the time and personal glory for the good of others. Romans 12:10 (The Message) says “Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle”. Here is a competition where we can rightly fight for first place in line: in honoring one another. Not just tolerating one another, but honoring one another.
Action Plan: Spend time today reflecting on your life and those who have made a difference in your life, if you can make an effort to call or see them to tell them how they impacted your life and honor them.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
August 20, 2011
The Daily Compass August 22-27, 2011
Monday
Belonging
Read 2 Corinthians 5:20; Mark 10:41-45
Seed Thought: If I belong to something not only do I belong to it but it belongs to me. If something belongs to me then I value it, care for it, and I do everything I can to make it work properly. God did not say we are like a body. God says we are the Body of Christ. We are not made up of one member but many. As in the physical body it takes parts and counterparts to make the body function. We are like that from the minute we are born, and when we are born again connections are made that make us who we are.
If I belong to something then what ever happens to it affects me. When I belong, I no longer long for something else, but, I now belong and my need for belonging is satisfied. Do I have a vested interest in Open Door church and if I do what am I doing to be a part of it’s success? Do I pray for it? Do I Labor in it? Do I Speak for it? People say I belong to Christ and I don’t’ need to be a part of the Body. Without a body a head has no way to function. We are the Body are the Body of Christ. What are we doing with our part of the Body?
The definition of the word church in the Greek is to be a citizen who is called out and called together to do the work of government. We are called out of the world into the church to do the business of the Kingdom of God. The church is to be God’s governing body in the world to bring about the Kingdom of God. God’s governmental representatives are not like this world’s,
but they are called to serve mankind demonstrating God’s love, care and provision of its King.
Action Plan: Reflect on belonging today, Ask yourself, where does my piece in this puzzle fit? If you are not sure as The Helper, He will show you.
Tuesday
Connecting With God And His People
Read Psalms 19:7-11
Seed Thought: We are all on a journey and each of us are at different places in our relationship with God. Some are just exploring who God is and how He can fit into their lives. Some have just begun a relationship with God, while others have been walking with God for a long time. Wherever you are on your journey, God is close by. He longs to have a relationship with you, but won't force you to spend time with Him. As Christians we are connected with God. The greater the connection the stronger the bond is with Him. There are times in our life that we feel distant, lost and lonely, this is not because he has left us, but, many times it because we are busy and we become influenced by the culture we live in. We need direction we need relationship
Connecting with God is not about religion, empty ritual, or mindless ceremony. Connecting with God is all about a relationship -- walking and talking with the God who created you! Spend time in worship and adoration of Him. We connect with God through fellowship with other believers. Fellowship with God and other believers is vital to our existence. We need each other in times of testing and trials; we need each other times of happiness and rejoicing. Connecting with God and other believers is as easy as saying good morning!
Action Plan: Think about this question – When do you feel closest to God? After you have done this list ways that you feel closer to God.
Wednesday
We Are Connected
Read Mark 10:42-45; Ephesians 4:12; 1 Peter 4:8-11
The Body of Christ is exactly like the human body. And as members of that Body, we are all joined together in God-ordained relationships. There are no unnecessary parts. The Bible says the Lord has set every member in the Body as it has pleased Him. We are connected to each other through service Every Christian is called to serve. We are called to work together and people who work together build strong bonds with one another. We don't choose which parts of the Body we have direct relationships with and which ones we have only indirect relationships with. God has made those decisions. But when the Body is working properly, all parts work together, help each other and minister to each other so there is an increase or a building up of the whole Body. We are all servants of God using our gifts to build up the rest of His Body to do the work of the Kingdom. The most important thing in your life is your relationship with God. After that is your relationship with people—your family, your friends and loved ones—and beyond them, your relationships with other members of the Body of Christ.
We must understand the proper ordering and working of our relationships within the Body of Christ because of the effect relationship has on our prosperity. That's right. Relationship is inseparable from prosperity. Remember, the Bible says that proper functioning in each individual part "causes the growth (or increase) of the body for the building up of itself in love" (Eph. 4:16).
Action Plan: Are you connected? What ways are you connected? What are ways that you can get connected? Make a list and get connected.
Thursday
Staying Connected
Read John 15:1-17
Seed Thought: In our world, “staying connected” has perhaps never been easier. TV, Internet, Cell Phones, iPods, Laptops, Blackberrys, Webcams…and the list goes on. Amazingly, though, amidst all of this “connection” we continue to see more and more loneliness and isolation. The question is, “Who and what are we connected to?” Jesus’ words are clear – if we’re not connected to Him, the branch withers and dies. Christ is the connection we all desperately need. Christ’s death and resurrection connects us to God and it connects us to each other. We are friends of God. We make friends in the Body as we relate and give our self to each other. Friends are our equals that encourage us, challenge us and comfort us.
The cross has long been used as a symbol of that connection – the vertical beam of the cross representing our restored connection to the Father through Jesus’ death and the horizontal beam representing our restored connection to each other. The cross keeps you connected to the vine, Jesus Christ. And in Him, you bear fruit and await His coming with confidence, living in faith to God and love toward your neighbors.
Action Plan: Are you connected to the vine? If not ask the Jesus to make the connection. If you are connected ask God to strengthen the connection. Ask God to what do I need to do to stay connected.
Friday
Am I Connected?
Read John 1:35-44
Take today and reflected on the word connection and how it relates to you, God and the body of Christ. Ask yourself Do I belong to something? Am I satisfied? Do I truly belong to the local body and do I have an impact on or within my local church? Do I have a vested interest in Open Door church and if I do what am I doing to be a part of it’s success? Do I pray for it? Do I Labor in it? Do I Speak for it? Am I doing my part?
There are ways you can connect with others. Make a list of those you feel God has been calling you to become connected with. Pray for them. Visit them. Invite them. Help them connect. Partner with them to do the work of the Kingdom. Let’s search for those he is looking for. His Heart Is Our Mission!
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
Belonging
Read 2 Corinthians 5:20; Mark 10:41-45
Seed Thought: If I belong to something not only do I belong to it but it belongs to me. If something belongs to me then I value it, care for it, and I do everything I can to make it work properly. God did not say we are like a body. God says we are the Body of Christ. We are not made up of one member but many. As in the physical body it takes parts and counterparts to make the body function. We are like that from the minute we are born, and when we are born again connections are made that make us who we are.
If I belong to something then what ever happens to it affects me. When I belong, I no longer long for something else, but, I now belong and my need for belonging is satisfied. Do I have a vested interest in Open Door church and if I do what am I doing to be a part of it’s success? Do I pray for it? Do I Labor in it? Do I Speak for it? People say I belong to Christ and I don’t’ need to be a part of the Body. Without a body a head has no way to function. We are the Body are the Body of Christ. What are we doing with our part of the Body?
The definition of the word church in the Greek is to be a citizen who is called out and called together to do the work of government. We are called out of the world into the church to do the business of the Kingdom of God. The church is to be God’s governing body in the world to bring about the Kingdom of God. God’s governmental representatives are not like this world’s,
but they are called to serve mankind demonstrating God’s love, care and provision of its King.
Action Plan: Reflect on belonging today, Ask yourself, where does my piece in this puzzle fit? If you are not sure as The Helper, He will show you.
Tuesday
Connecting With God And His People
Read Psalms 19:7-11
Seed Thought: We are all on a journey and each of us are at different places in our relationship with God. Some are just exploring who God is and how He can fit into their lives. Some have just begun a relationship with God, while others have been walking with God for a long time. Wherever you are on your journey, God is close by. He longs to have a relationship with you, but won't force you to spend time with Him. As Christians we are connected with God. The greater the connection the stronger the bond is with Him. There are times in our life that we feel distant, lost and lonely, this is not because he has left us, but, many times it because we are busy and we become influenced by the culture we live in. We need direction we need relationship
Connecting with God is not about religion, empty ritual, or mindless ceremony. Connecting with God is all about a relationship -- walking and talking with the God who created you! Spend time in worship and adoration of Him. We connect with God through fellowship with other believers. Fellowship with God and other believers is vital to our existence. We need each other in times of testing and trials; we need each other times of happiness and rejoicing. Connecting with God and other believers is as easy as saying good morning!
Action Plan: Think about this question – When do you feel closest to God? After you have done this list ways that you feel closer to God.
Wednesday
We Are Connected
Read Mark 10:42-45; Ephesians 4:12; 1 Peter 4:8-11
The Body of Christ is exactly like the human body. And as members of that Body, we are all joined together in God-ordained relationships. There are no unnecessary parts. The Bible says the Lord has set every member in the Body as it has pleased Him. We are connected to each other through service Every Christian is called to serve. We are called to work together and people who work together build strong bonds with one another. We don't choose which parts of the Body we have direct relationships with and which ones we have only indirect relationships with. God has made those decisions. But when the Body is working properly, all parts work together, help each other and minister to each other so there is an increase or a building up of the whole Body. We are all servants of God using our gifts to build up the rest of His Body to do the work of the Kingdom. The most important thing in your life is your relationship with God. After that is your relationship with people—your family, your friends and loved ones—and beyond them, your relationships with other members of the Body of Christ.
We must understand the proper ordering and working of our relationships within the Body of Christ because of the effect relationship has on our prosperity. That's right. Relationship is inseparable from prosperity. Remember, the Bible says that proper functioning in each individual part "causes the growth (or increase) of the body for the building up of itself in love" (Eph. 4:16).
Action Plan: Are you connected? What ways are you connected? What are ways that you can get connected? Make a list and get connected.
Thursday
Staying Connected
Read John 15:1-17
Seed Thought: In our world, “staying connected” has perhaps never been easier. TV, Internet, Cell Phones, iPods, Laptops, Blackberrys, Webcams…and the list goes on. Amazingly, though, amidst all of this “connection” we continue to see more and more loneliness and isolation. The question is, “Who and what are we connected to?” Jesus’ words are clear – if we’re not connected to Him, the branch withers and dies. Christ is the connection we all desperately need. Christ’s death and resurrection connects us to God and it connects us to each other. We are friends of God. We make friends in the Body as we relate and give our self to each other. Friends are our equals that encourage us, challenge us and comfort us.
The cross has long been used as a symbol of that connection – the vertical beam of the cross representing our restored connection to the Father through Jesus’ death and the horizontal beam representing our restored connection to each other. The cross keeps you connected to the vine, Jesus Christ. And in Him, you bear fruit and await His coming with confidence, living in faith to God and love toward your neighbors.
Action Plan: Are you connected to the vine? If not ask the Jesus to make the connection. If you are connected ask God to strengthen the connection. Ask God to what do I need to do to stay connected.
Friday
Am I Connected?
Read John 1:35-44
Take today and reflected on the word connection and how it relates to you, God and the body of Christ. Ask yourself Do I belong to something? Am I satisfied? Do I truly belong to the local body and do I have an impact on or within my local church? Do I have a vested interest in Open Door church and if I do what am I doing to be a part of it’s success? Do I pray for it? Do I Labor in it? Do I Speak for it? Am I doing my part?
There are ways you can connect with others. Make a list of those you feel God has been calling you to become connected with. Pray for them. Visit them. Invite them. Help them connect. Partner with them to do the work of the Kingdom. Let’s search for those he is looking for. His Heart Is Our Mission!
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
The Daily Compass August 15-20, 2011
Monday
Called To The Fields
Read John 4:29-37
Seed Thought: The field is the people and the work that God has called us to serve in. God has created us with gifts, talents, abilities and resources. God has given us a place, but many times we choose to wander and be away from His presence. We can be much like Cain, we allow jealousy to consume us because see what others may or may not be doing. Jealousy blinds us therefore we do not realize our unique place with God. Cain lost his unique place because of his jealousy. Where Cain murdered his brother physically, we often murder our brother with our words. We must purposely move toward and into the presence of God. We have work to do, important work. We have been called by God to serve in the fields for the harvest.
In the world we might ask a person what is the field of work they are in. What we are asking is what line of work they are in. We must remember that our line of work is the Kingdom of God. It does not matter what job we have we are working for the king. We are laboring in the field of the service which He has called and placed us in. He has called us to fulfill His will. When God calls us and saves us, He gives us His Glory, His Presence, He gives us a place in His Presence so we can manifest His Glory. We are given purpose and called to work with God in a a field of labor. Where is your field or your place? Many do not realize that we have been sent here with a purpose and a call, a call to be world changers.
Declaration: I am world changer; God has called me to the harvest.
Action Plan: Look around where you are and ask “Father where are you working today?” “How can I be of service to your Kingdom today?”
Tuesday
The Field
Read Matthew 13:33; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 17:26-28; Matthew 13:31-32
Seed Thought: Fields are a place of Planting, laboring and harvest. They are a place of production. They are the places the Lord of the Harvest has sent us to work. Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for us. We all have a place. We must look up from where we stand and see the fields that are white for harvest. The field we are called to is the place of our influence, the place of our labor and the place of our harvest. We are standing in the field of our labor. Who and what is before us that God has called us to serve. God sets us apart and calls us to a field of service. The field of our service is the place we have influence. The field is a place we are called too. The field is the place that God has set us in that we find our being in. Who and what we have been created to be. The fields are a people we have been called to serve. Our field is the place where we are fruitful. The field is the place where we sow the seed of the Word that God has given us. The field is where we get our inheritance. We work in the field because we are married to the one who owns the field. The field is where we are assigned by the Lord of the Harvest. We have to know and stay in our field. Jesus sent to the lost sheep of Israel, Paul to the gentiles and Peter to the Jews. We need to be focused on our assignment. Our field of work is one that is given by the Holy Spirit and sanctioned by the church.
Declaration: I have influence where ever I go; the Holy Spirit empowers me to be a positive witness.
Action Plan: Do you have a powerful influence with those you come in contact with? Are your words effective? Do you boldly witness or do you shy away? If you need more power in your life, spend time in prayer, seek Gods face, He is willing.
Wednesday
Planting In The Fields
Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
Seed Thought: Fields are a place of planting; fields are a place of production. Planting a seed is not the only job of a farmer. He also tends to the field (watering, fertilizing, etc). Paul told the gospel to the Corinthians (he planted), and then Apollos labored for their spiritual maturity - he watered. Paul brought them into the flock of the Lord Jesus, and Apollos fed them. If a man plants a tree and that tree is not watered, it will die. If another waters some dirt but there was no seed ever planted there, what good is that?
There aren’t many people actively involved in ministry. God’s field is a BIG field and there is a major lack of people laboring for Jesus. Churches are like a football games - the stands are filled with thousands of people doing nothing but watching two dozen people on the field doing all of the work! Those ones in the field sweat, get beat, practice hours on end, fight hard and prepare. They care about their job on the field, and they work at it. But the ones in the stands are only there for entertainment. They don’t care about anybody else because they just want to relax and be comfortable. If you attend a church, chances are that you will find most of the people in that church sitting in the stands. Don’t let yourself be one of those lazy ones in the stands. Get out there and labor in God’s field. It doesn’t matter whether your ministry is one of planting or one of watering, to those in the church, or to those in the world, whether it is evangelism or building people up in the image of Christ.
Declaration: God’s field is a Big field and I will do my part.
Action Plan: Examine yourself with the Holy Spirit leading; are you like those fans in the stand? Ask yourself and the Holy Spirit what you can do participate and not be a spectator?
Thursday
The Field Needs Laborers
Read Romans 10:13-15; 1 Peter 3:15
Seed Thought: Just as the people of Samaria needed a willing teacher, people today need willing teachers as well. After telling the Romans that “whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13), Paul went on to discuss the importance of those who preach the gospel. The lost need to be taught; it is important to have men who have dedicated their lives to this work to do it. Many people feel that this is a job just for the preacher and that is not the case. It is not only the responsibility of the preacher to teach others. All Christians must be ready to teach when opportunities arise. And just as God shows no partiality we must not either. We should be willing to teach others regardless of their race, gender, class, background, or any other factor. Not only is it important to have willing teachers, but those teachers must have the right message. Just as Jesus did, we must simply preach the gospel. This is the message that people need to hear. We have the message that the world needs to hear and that is the Good News. Laborers it is time to get busy and share the Good News”
Declaration: I will use my voice to spread the Good News
Action Plan: will you say yes to Him and allow Him to use you to spread the Good News, to give others the same opportunity afforded you, the Good News of eternal life. Will you stand up and be a witness? Labors are needed in the fields.
Friday
You Ask Why I Follow This Jesus
You ask why I follow this Jesus. Why I love Him the way I do? When the world’s turned away from his teachings and the people who serve Him are few. It’s not the rewards I’m after or gifts that I hope to receive. It’s the presence that calls for commitment. It’s the Spirit I trust and believe. The Lord doesn’t shelter His faithful or spare them all suffering and pain. Like everyone else I have burdens, and walk through my share of rain. Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose and that joy only Christians have known. I never know what comes tomorrow, but I do know I’m never alone. It’s the love always there when you need it; It’s the words that redeem and inspire. It’s the longing to ever be with Him that burns in my heart like a fire. So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus? Well, friend, that’s so easy to see. But the one thing that fills me with wonder is why Jesus loves someone like me.
Author Unknown.
Write down three things you find as the most valuable to you
and put them in order; one being the most important of the
three.
1.
2.
3.
Write down
Called To The Fields
Read John 4:29-37
Seed Thought: The field is the people and the work that God has called us to serve in. God has created us with gifts, talents, abilities and resources. God has given us a place, but many times we choose to wander and be away from His presence. We can be much like Cain, we allow jealousy to consume us because see what others may or may not be doing. Jealousy blinds us therefore we do not realize our unique place with God. Cain lost his unique place because of his jealousy. Where Cain murdered his brother physically, we often murder our brother with our words. We must purposely move toward and into the presence of God. We have work to do, important work. We have been called by God to serve in the fields for the harvest.
In the world we might ask a person what is the field of work they are in. What we are asking is what line of work they are in. We must remember that our line of work is the Kingdom of God. It does not matter what job we have we are working for the king. We are laboring in the field of the service which He has called and placed us in. He has called us to fulfill His will. When God calls us and saves us, He gives us His Glory, His Presence, He gives us a place in His Presence so we can manifest His Glory. We are given purpose and called to work with God in a a field of labor. Where is your field or your place? Many do not realize that we have been sent here with a purpose and a call, a call to be world changers.
Declaration: I am world changer; God has called me to the harvest.
Action Plan: Look around where you are and ask “Father where are you working today?” “How can I be of service to your Kingdom today?”
Tuesday
The Field
Read Matthew 13:33; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 17:26-28; Matthew 13:31-32
Seed Thought: Fields are a place of Planting, laboring and harvest. They are a place of production. They are the places the Lord of the Harvest has sent us to work. Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for us. We all have a place. We must look up from where we stand and see the fields that are white for harvest. The field we are called to is the place of our influence, the place of our labor and the place of our harvest. We are standing in the field of our labor. Who and what is before us that God has called us to serve. God sets us apart and calls us to a field of service. The field of our service is the place we have influence. The field is a place we are called too. The field is the place that God has set us in that we find our being in. Who and what we have been created to be. The fields are a people we have been called to serve. Our field is the place where we are fruitful. The field is the place where we sow the seed of the Word that God has given us. The field is where we get our inheritance. We work in the field because we are married to the one who owns the field. The field is where we are assigned by the Lord of the Harvest. We have to know and stay in our field. Jesus sent to the lost sheep of Israel, Paul to the gentiles and Peter to the Jews. We need to be focused on our assignment. Our field of work is one that is given by the Holy Spirit and sanctioned by the church.
Declaration: I have influence where ever I go; the Holy Spirit empowers me to be a positive witness.
Action Plan: Do you have a powerful influence with those you come in contact with? Are your words effective? Do you boldly witness or do you shy away? If you need more power in your life, spend time in prayer, seek Gods face, He is willing.
Wednesday
Planting In The Fields
Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
Seed Thought: Fields are a place of planting; fields are a place of production. Planting a seed is not the only job of a farmer. He also tends to the field (watering, fertilizing, etc). Paul told the gospel to the Corinthians (he planted), and then Apollos labored for their spiritual maturity - he watered. Paul brought them into the flock of the Lord Jesus, and Apollos fed them. If a man plants a tree and that tree is not watered, it will die. If another waters some dirt but there was no seed ever planted there, what good is that?
There aren’t many people actively involved in ministry. God’s field is a BIG field and there is a major lack of people laboring for Jesus. Churches are like a football games - the stands are filled with thousands of people doing nothing but watching two dozen people on the field doing all of the work! Those ones in the field sweat, get beat, practice hours on end, fight hard and prepare. They care about their job on the field, and they work at it. But the ones in the stands are only there for entertainment. They don’t care about anybody else because they just want to relax and be comfortable. If you attend a church, chances are that you will find most of the people in that church sitting in the stands. Don’t let yourself be one of those lazy ones in the stands. Get out there and labor in God’s field. It doesn’t matter whether your ministry is one of planting or one of watering, to those in the church, or to those in the world, whether it is evangelism or building people up in the image of Christ.
Declaration: God’s field is a Big field and I will do my part.
Action Plan: Examine yourself with the Holy Spirit leading; are you like those fans in the stand? Ask yourself and the Holy Spirit what you can do participate and not be a spectator?
Thursday
The Field Needs Laborers
Read Romans 10:13-15; 1 Peter 3:15
Seed Thought: Just as the people of Samaria needed a willing teacher, people today need willing teachers as well. After telling the Romans that “whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13), Paul went on to discuss the importance of those who preach the gospel. The lost need to be taught; it is important to have men who have dedicated their lives to this work to do it. Many people feel that this is a job just for the preacher and that is not the case. It is not only the responsibility of the preacher to teach others. All Christians must be ready to teach when opportunities arise. And just as God shows no partiality we must not either. We should be willing to teach others regardless of their race, gender, class, background, or any other factor. Not only is it important to have willing teachers, but those teachers must have the right message. Just as Jesus did, we must simply preach the gospel. This is the message that people need to hear. We have the message that the world needs to hear and that is the Good News. Laborers it is time to get busy and share the Good News”
Declaration: I will use my voice to spread the Good News
Action Plan: will you say yes to Him and allow Him to use you to spread the Good News, to give others the same opportunity afforded you, the Good News of eternal life. Will you stand up and be a witness? Labors are needed in the fields.
Friday
You Ask Why I Follow This Jesus
You ask why I follow this Jesus. Why I love Him the way I do? When the world’s turned away from his teachings and the people who serve Him are few. It’s not the rewards I’m after or gifts that I hope to receive. It’s the presence that calls for commitment. It’s the Spirit I trust and believe. The Lord doesn’t shelter His faithful or spare them all suffering and pain. Like everyone else I have burdens, and walk through my share of rain. Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose and that joy only Christians have known. I never know what comes tomorrow, but I do know I’m never alone. It’s the love always there when you need it; It’s the words that redeem and inspire. It’s the longing to ever be with Him that burns in my heart like a fire. So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus? Well, friend, that’s so easy to see. But the one thing that fills me with wonder is why Jesus loves someone like me.
Author Unknown.
Write down three things you find as the most valuable to you
and put them in order; one being the most important of the
three.
1.
2.
3.
Write down
August 10, 2011
The Daily Compass August 8-13,2011
Monday
Who Is Called By God?
Read Exodus 3:1-15
Seed Thought: From the very beginning of mankind God placed purpose in us and then called us to that purpose. Adam came into the world with a call from God on his life a call to fulfill the purpose of God around him. Even when man had sinned in Genesis 3 God was still calling for Adam. Who is called by God? Mankind is called by God. All humanity has a call from God to fulfill His Purpose. God was still looking for a man to fulfill His purpose even after man sinned because even in sin man still had his purpose. The people around us in the world still have the purpose of God in them. God spoke to Adam in his sin and said that one day there would come a man from his linage that would bring mankind into the purpose of God again and that new man is Christ Jesus and those that are called to be in Him. We have been created to fulfill the purpose of God in the earth. We are his ambassadors to the earth.
Our call is by Him and to Him and for Him. Moses in the Old Testament is the picture of God’s calling. He created Moses with a purpose to deliver His people from bondage and then called Moses to the thing he had been created to do. Moses heard the call of God at the burning bush but had to move toward the one calling to get to a place to hear his call. Our call is to be his representative on the earth. We are His ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. He is calling are we listening? When we hear the call it means He has chosen us.
Declaration: I am an ambassador for the Kingdom of God.
Action Plan: Confused or don’t know what your calling is take deep look at your life, what makes you happy, what is your passion? Don’t know how that fits in to God’s plan for you spend time in prayer with God and let Him put the puzzle pieces together. He just waiting for you to let Him.
Tuesday
Called Because Of His Love
Read exodus 3:7; Jeremiah 3:15; Ephesians 2:4-6
Seed Thought: It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.(The Message)
We are called because God is concerned with the earth and its’ people. God’s call is always a call of love to a labor of love. God is love and everything He does is out of love. God raises up men who have His heart to do who His Work. When you came to Christ; God called to your heart because it is the place of the image of God in you. We are called by his immense mercy and incredible love for us. We are called because we are like Him we are made in that image of love.
Declaration: God picked me up and set me in the company of The Messiah. I have been called to a labor of love because He loves me so incredibly.
Action Plan: Loving others is not always easy, loving yourself is not easy, but before you can you must understand His love for you. Ask Him to show you. Spend time in worship today basking in His love for you. Then ask Him to show you how to love yourself and others.
Wednesday
Availability Not Ability
Read 1 Corinthians 1:24-31; 3:5-9; Romans 8:30
Seed Thought: We are not called and chosen because of ability but availability. God looked to see if Moses would respond to His call. Many are called but few are chosen. God says. Well who are the chosen? They are the ones who respond to God’s call. God’s not calling us according to our great ability but our availability. God equips the called. God chooses the weak and makes them strong. Some people do not consider themselves worthy to do God’s work because they made bad decisions in the past. But God calls all sorts of people, even from the most unlikely backgrounds. Moses was a murderer and had a stutter. Paul, a tentmaker, went around persecuting Christians zealously before his conversion. Mary was not even married. Jonah had no desire to preach the word of God and ran away. For many, the call of God brings also a great reluctance. The attempt to run away from God’s call does not find us peace; but the search and discovery of God’s will for you is a deep and fascinating endeavor. Every job, every path to which Christ calls us, ultimately leads to fulfillment and happiness, because it leads to God, to sharing in God’s own life. Be available there will be no regrets.
Declaration: I once was weak, but through Christ Jesus I am STRONG!
Action Plan: Do you see yourself unworthy of His call. Through Christ Jesus He makes us worthy, He gives us ability. It is through our inability to do, that His ability and strength shine through. Reflect on the ways that He has shown you that you can trust Him. Make a list, then thank Him.
Thursday
Called By Name
Read Ephesians 5:28-29
Seed Thought: Do you know my name?" There are plenty of people, some of whom may be reading this today, who have never heard God call their name. You may doubt whether or not God even knows your name. God sees no crowds and knows no strangers. To God every face is a special with a special name. The creator of the universe, the sustainer of life, the architect of history has your name inscribed in the heavens? "I have inscribed your name on the palms of my hands." (Isaiah 49:16). It's an amazing thought, when you get up close. The God of heaven and earth has inscribed your name on his hands. You may have seen your name inscribed on a trophy, a diploma, or a certificate. You may have heard your name spoken by a spouse, a child, a teacher, or a friend. It feels good to be chosen. I know, as one who was usually chosen last, how good it sounds to finally hear your name. But being found worthy by your peers does not compare to being tapped by God to play on God's team. God calls us by name. Everyone God called He calls by name. Since the beginning of time, God has been calling. Adam, where are you? Moses, who are you? Saul, why are you? Listen to the questions of your life. You are not just another birth in the ever flowing stream of time; you are a child of God with a special story and a special calling and a special name. You matter to God. God knows who you are, where you've been, and where you're going.
Declaration: I have been called by God; He knows MY name!
Action Plan: Spend time with God today. Ask Him to tell you what He thinks of you, how He sees you, and what He desires for you. Take time and write down what He shows you.
Friday
Fulfilling God’s Call
Read Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:9
Seed Thought: We are called because God purposed for a man to fulfill His will on the earth. God is always looking for a man. That should be what we are looking for, men to fulfill the purpose of God.
Our call is to God
Our call is from God
Our call is for God
How many calls or invitations do we have to have to join Him? Are we joining in? Are we hearing or ignoring the call? Are we beating or killing the messenger? How do we respond to the invitation that God has given us? Fulfilling God’s call starts with one simple word: YES
Declaration: Yes Lord!!!
Action Plan: Yes Lord here I am.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
Who Is Called By God?
Read Exodus 3:1-15
Seed Thought: From the very beginning of mankind God placed purpose in us and then called us to that purpose. Adam came into the world with a call from God on his life a call to fulfill the purpose of God around him. Even when man had sinned in Genesis 3 God was still calling for Adam. Who is called by God? Mankind is called by God. All humanity has a call from God to fulfill His Purpose. God was still looking for a man to fulfill His purpose even after man sinned because even in sin man still had his purpose. The people around us in the world still have the purpose of God in them. God spoke to Adam in his sin and said that one day there would come a man from his linage that would bring mankind into the purpose of God again and that new man is Christ Jesus and those that are called to be in Him. We have been created to fulfill the purpose of God in the earth. We are his ambassadors to the earth.
Our call is by Him and to Him and for Him. Moses in the Old Testament is the picture of God’s calling. He created Moses with a purpose to deliver His people from bondage and then called Moses to the thing he had been created to do. Moses heard the call of God at the burning bush but had to move toward the one calling to get to a place to hear his call. Our call is to be his representative on the earth. We are His ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. He is calling are we listening? When we hear the call it means He has chosen us.
Declaration: I am an ambassador for the Kingdom of God.
Action Plan: Confused or don’t know what your calling is take deep look at your life, what makes you happy, what is your passion? Don’t know how that fits in to God’s plan for you spend time in prayer with God and let Him put the puzzle pieces together. He just waiting for you to let Him.
Tuesday
Called Because Of His Love
Read exodus 3:7; Jeremiah 3:15; Ephesians 2:4-6
Seed Thought: It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.(The Message)
We are called because God is concerned with the earth and its’ people. God’s call is always a call of love to a labor of love. God is love and everything He does is out of love. God raises up men who have His heart to do who His Work. When you came to Christ; God called to your heart because it is the place of the image of God in you. We are called by his immense mercy and incredible love for us. We are called because we are like Him we are made in that image of love.
Declaration: God picked me up and set me in the company of The Messiah. I have been called to a labor of love because He loves me so incredibly.
Action Plan: Loving others is not always easy, loving yourself is not easy, but before you can you must understand His love for you. Ask Him to show you. Spend time in worship today basking in His love for you. Then ask Him to show you how to love yourself and others.
Wednesday
Availability Not Ability
Read 1 Corinthians 1:24-31; 3:5-9; Romans 8:30
Seed Thought: We are not called and chosen because of ability but availability. God looked to see if Moses would respond to His call. Many are called but few are chosen. God says. Well who are the chosen? They are the ones who respond to God’s call. God’s not calling us according to our great ability but our availability. God equips the called. God chooses the weak and makes them strong. Some people do not consider themselves worthy to do God’s work because they made bad decisions in the past. But God calls all sorts of people, even from the most unlikely backgrounds. Moses was a murderer and had a stutter. Paul, a tentmaker, went around persecuting Christians zealously before his conversion. Mary was not even married. Jonah had no desire to preach the word of God and ran away. For many, the call of God brings also a great reluctance. The attempt to run away from God’s call does not find us peace; but the search and discovery of God’s will for you is a deep and fascinating endeavor. Every job, every path to which Christ calls us, ultimately leads to fulfillment and happiness, because it leads to God, to sharing in God’s own life. Be available there will be no regrets.
Declaration: I once was weak, but through Christ Jesus I am STRONG!
Action Plan: Do you see yourself unworthy of His call. Through Christ Jesus He makes us worthy, He gives us ability. It is through our inability to do, that His ability and strength shine through. Reflect on the ways that He has shown you that you can trust Him. Make a list, then thank Him.
Thursday
Called By Name
Read Ephesians 5:28-29
Seed Thought: Do you know my name?" There are plenty of people, some of whom may be reading this today, who have never heard God call their name. You may doubt whether or not God even knows your name. God sees no crowds and knows no strangers. To God every face is a special with a special name. The creator of the universe, the sustainer of life, the architect of history has your name inscribed in the heavens? "I have inscribed your name on the palms of my hands." (Isaiah 49:16). It's an amazing thought, when you get up close. The God of heaven and earth has inscribed your name on his hands. You may have seen your name inscribed on a trophy, a diploma, or a certificate. You may have heard your name spoken by a spouse, a child, a teacher, or a friend. It feels good to be chosen. I know, as one who was usually chosen last, how good it sounds to finally hear your name. But being found worthy by your peers does not compare to being tapped by God to play on God's team. God calls us by name. Everyone God called He calls by name. Since the beginning of time, God has been calling. Adam, where are you? Moses, who are you? Saul, why are you? Listen to the questions of your life. You are not just another birth in the ever flowing stream of time; you are a child of God with a special story and a special calling and a special name. You matter to God. God knows who you are, where you've been, and where you're going.
Declaration: I have been called by God; He knows MY name!
Action Plan: Spend time with God today. Ask Him to tell you what He thinks of you, how He sees you, and what He desires for you. Take time and write down what He shows you.
Friday
Fulfilling God’s Call
Read Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:9
Seed Thought: We are called because God purposed for a man to fulfill His will on the earth. God is always looking for a man. That should be what we are looking for, men to fulfill the purpose of God.
Our call is to God
Our call is from God
Our call is for God
How many calls or invitations do we have to have to join Him? Are we joining in? Are we hearing or ignoring the call? Are we beating or killing the messenger? How do we respond to the invitation that God has given us? Fulfilling God’s call starts with one simple word: YES
Declaration: Yes Lord!!!
Action Plan: Yes Lord here I am.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
August 6, 2011
The Daily Compass August 1-6, 2011(Purpose)
Monday
What Is Our Purpose?
Read Hebrews 10:5-10; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Acts 11:23; Luke 14:33
Seed Thought: Our purpose is to glorify God. You are here to make a mark on the world that glorifies God. Our purpose is to fulfill God’s purpose. We are called to do his will His will is His Purpose. Jesus said here I am I have come to do your will oh God. Paul's purpose and mission in life was to live according to the will of God. Everything in Paul's life was surrounded around achieving his goal (purpose). Later Paul says: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. As Christians, we must be aware that we are created for purpose. We all have purpose – We are created for purpose, many times in our journey we are going after our own purpose and goals but find God’s. Woven into the fiber of every man’s being is the purpose of God. It is the will of God to fulfill the higher goal of God. It is the very heart of who we are because it was created in us to fulfill the purpose of God.
In Acts 11 we read that Barnabas encouraged Christians in Antioch "that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord." If we desire to continue with the Lord, we must make this our goal in life. Everything else must come second to our relationship with the Lord. Jesus teaches this lesson saying: “Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple." Our purpose is far bigger than our needs and our desires.
Declaration: I will glorify God in everything that I do!
Action Plan: What is your purpose in life? What have you set forth to accomplish above all else in life? If your purpose in life is to serve God, stop and think about the types of decisions you will make in life. Now think about this: Do my decisions demonstrate that my purpose in life is to serve God?
Tuesday
God Is Hiring
Read Matthew 20:1-16
Seed Thought: Is the church of this day like people waiting on their plane to leave at the airport or are we labors in God’s field to be world changers. Are we saved to sit or called to walk with God. Our purpose is bigger than sitting in a pew waiting to check out and go to heaven. Our purpose is to bring heaven to earth. Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God. Is the present rule and reign of God our message? The world is looking for something to belong too. We should showing and sharing the Kingdom of God with the world. We should be inviting them to become a part of the business of God. God is hiring labors so let’s invite people to take their place in the work of the Kingdom of God. There was a time in my life that I thought that I had wasted so much of my life and that it was too late for me to be effective in the Kingdom of God, but I have found my purpose and I have a lot to do and so do you. God’s hiring no matter what time of your life you are called to come in – God’s looking for labors.
Declaration: I am a world changer, God is hiring, so I am advertising!
Action Plan: What is the field God has given you? Moses was also a man looking for his purpose in his own way. He wanted to deliver one man and God wanted him to deliver a whole nation. God’s plan is bigger than ours. If you know what field your piece of the puzzle fits in take this time to ask the Helper, He is waiting to show you.
Wednesday
Finding Your Purpose
Read Habakkuk 2:1-3
Seed Thought: To ask any man or woman, including your parents, to tell you what your God-given purpose is, is like asking the Ford Motor Company, "What is the purpose and capabilities of a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber?" The folks at Ford have some sharp minds, but they cannot answer that question for one reason. They did not design or manufacture that aircraft. If you want to know your God-given purpose, you must go to your manufacturer, When the God created us; He gave each of us an operator's manual. It is called the Bible - the Written Word of God. Our operator's manual tells us which counselor to inquire of concerning this critical issue. Our counselor is none other than the Holy Spirit! He is the only one who can reveal to us our God-given purpose. When you seek His counsel, there is no possibility of you failing in life because His counsel is excellent in working, the prophet Habakkuk sought out the Wonderful Counselor, became a man of understanding and got clear on his God-given vision.
Finding your purpose takes action on your part, it is not going to come to you, you have to get up and do something. Following Habakkuk’s example is a good place to start.
Declaration: I will seek the counsel of the Helper and I will find my purpose and I will work within my Purpose to bring Glory to God.
Action Plan: Following Habakkuk’s example engage in earnest prayer, get quiet before the Lord, He will speak to you, When He speaks, write the vision down, Be ready to convey your God-given vision to others, and rejoice, because God's vision for your life is coming to pass. Earnestly pray, "Lord, what is my purpose and what did you put in me?" When you ask the Lord those questions, He will always answer you.
Thursday
Your Gifts, Talents and Abilities Defines Your Purpose
Read Romans 11:29
Seed Thought: Prior to your birth, God installed in you all of the necessary gifts, talents and abilities you would need to fulfill his purpose for your life. Those gifts, talents and abilities help define your purpose. The wings of the eagle reveal that the eagle was made to fly. The eyes of the owl reveal that it is more suited to hunt at night. The anatomy of the fish - the scales, slime coat, gills, ventral, pectoral and dorsal fins, and fact that they have no arms, legs or wings, reveals that they were designed for the water. What do you like to do? Solve mathematical problems? Play chess? Sing? Create music? Write? Build things? Invent things? Do you like to paint? Design things? Are you artistically inclined? Do you have a love for biology, nature or medicine? Do you have an analytical mind? Are you mechanically inclined?
You can be so busy fulfilling your vision for your life and not your God-given purpose! The Lord put within each of us the gifts, talents and abilities to hone, find and fulfill their God-given purpose. Once we learn our God-given purpose, our life will completely change. It will become fulfilling and satisfying! There is no greater joy than being able to help God's people walk in the Truth and fulfill His purpose for their lives!
Declaration: I will fulfill His purpose for my life.
Action Plan: Take an inventory of your giftings, talents and abilities, are you using them for God’s purpose? If not ask God to show you how.
Friday
Purpose Found
Read Acts 9:1-19
Seed Thought: Paul's conversion to Christ is one of the greatest transformational encounters in all of Scripture. Do you remember the story? Paul was traveling down the Damascus road, when he was suddenly knocked to the ground and blinded by a brilliant light. Paul immediately knew this was a supernatural encounter. And he asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The Lord replied, "I am Jesus whom you persecute." Now, Paul had just met Christ Jesus, the one whom he had been persecuting. No doubt overcome by the powerful encounter, Paul asked another question. He asked, "Lord, what will you have me to do?" When you really meet Jesus, you will find the purpose of your life! Paul discovered his mission in that moment and he never turned back. If you have met the Lord, then you have a mission, too.
Whether you're a butcher, a baker, a preacher or a plumber, God has a plan for you to glorify him and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all your being. And he wants you to take this calling seriously. You cannot negotiate with God about your mission. And never compromise with the world. Give God your best each day. Embrace your assignment. Fight the good fight and fulfill your purpose in Christ Jesus. When you do this your purpose is found.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
What Is Our Purpose?
Read Hebrews 10:5-10; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Acts 11:23; Luke 14:33
Seed Thought: Our purpose is to glorify God. You are here to make a mark on the world that glorifies God. Our purpose is to fulfill God’s purpose. We are called to do his will His will is His Purpose. Jesus said here I am I have come to do your will oh God. Paul's purpose and mission in life was to live according to the will of God. Everything in Paul's life was surrounded around achieving his goal (purpose). Later Paul says: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. As Christians, we must be aware that we are created for purpose. We all have purpose – We are created for purpose, many times in our journey we are going after our own purpose and goals but find God’s. Woven into the fiber of every man’s being is the purpose of God. It is the will of God to fulfill the higher goal of God. It is the very heart of who we are because it was created in us to fulfill the purpose of God.
In Acts 11 we read that Barnabas encouraged Christians in Antioch "that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord." If we desire to continue with the Lord, we must make this our goal in life. Everything else must come second to our relationship with the Lord. Jesus teaches this lesson saying: “Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple." Our purpose is far bigger than our needs and our desires.
Declaration: I will glorify God in everything that I do!
Action Plan: What is your purpose in life? What have you set forth to accomplish above all else in life? If your purpose in life is to serve God, stop and think about the types of decisions you will make in life. Now think about this: Do my decisions demonstrate that my purpose in life is to serve God?
Tuesday
God Is Hiring
Read Matthew 20:1-16
Seed Thought: Is the church of this day like people waiting on their plane to leave at the airport or are we labors in God’s field to be world changers. Are we saved to sit or called to walk with God. Our purpose is bigger than sitting in a pew waiting to check out and go to heaven. Our purpose is to bring heaven to earth. Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God. Is the present rule and reign of God our message? The world is looking for something to belong too. We should showing and sharing the Kingdom of God with the world. We should be inviting them to become a part of the business of God. God is hiring labors so let’s invite people to take their place in the work of the Kingdom of God. There was a time in my life that I thought that I had wasted so much of my life and that it was too late for me to be effective in the Kingdom of God, but I have found my purpose and I have a lot to do and so do you. God’s hiring no matter what time of your life you are called to come in – God’s looking for labors.
Declaration: I am a world changer, God is hiring, so I am advertising!
Action Plan: What is the field God has given you? Moses was also a man looking for his purpose in his own way. He wanted to deliver one man and God wanted him to deliver a whole nation. God’s plan is bigger than ours. If you know what field your piece of the puzzle fits in take this time to ask the Helper, He is waiting to show you.
Wednesday
Finding Your Purpose
Read Habakkuk 2:1-3
Seed Thought: To ask any man or woman, including your parents, to tell you what your God-given purpose is, is like asking the Ford Motor Company, "What is the purpose and capabilities of a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber?" The folks at Ford have some sharp minds, but they cannot answer that question for one reason. They did not design or manufacture that aircraft. If you want to know your God-given purpose, you must go to your manufacturer, When the God created us; He gave each of us an operator's manual. It is called the Bible - the Written Word of God. Our operator's manual tells us which counselor to inquire of concerning this critical issue. Our counselor is none other than the Holy Spirit! He is the only one who can reveal to us our God-given purpose. When you seek His counsel, there is no possibility of you failing in life because His counsel is excellent in working, the prophet Habakkuk sought out the Wonderful Counselor, became a man of understanding and got clear on his God-given vision.
Finding your purpose takes action on your part, it is not going to come to you, you have to get up and do something. Following Habakkuk’s example is a good place to start.
Declaration: I will seek the counsel of the Helper and I will find my purpose and I will work within my Purpose to bring Glory to God.
Action Plan: Following Habakkuk’s example engage in earnest prayer, get quiet before the Lord, He will speak to you, When He speaks, write the vision down, Be ready to convey your God-given vision to others, and rejoice, because God's vision for your life is coming to pass. Earnestly pray, "Lord, what is my purpose and what did you put in me?" When you ask the Lord those questions, He will always answer you.
Thursday
Your Gifts, Talents and Abilities Defines Your Purpose
Read Romans 11:29
Seed Thought: Prior to your birth, God installed in you all of the necessary gifts, talents and abilities you would need to fulfill his purpose for your life. Those gifts, talents and abilities help define your purpose. The wings of the eagle reveal that the eagle was made to fly. The eyes of the owl reveal that it is more suited to hunt at night. The anatomy of the fish - the scales, slime coat, gills, ventral, pectoral and dorsal fins, and fact that they have no arms, legs or wings, reveals that they were designed for the water. What do you like to do? Solve mathematical problems? Play chess? Sing? Create music? Write? Build things? Invent things? Do you like to paint? Design things? Are you artistically inclined? Do you have a love for biology, nature or medicine? Do you have an analytical mind? Are you mechanically inclined?
You can be so busy fulfilling your vision for your life and not your God-given purpose! The Lord put within each of us the gifts, talents and abilities to hone, find and fulfill their God-given purpose. Once we learn our God-given purpose, our life will completely change. It will become fulfilling and satisfying! There is no greater joy than being able to help God's people walk in the Truth and fulfill His purpose for their lives!
Declaration: I will fulfill His purpose for my life.
Action Plan: Take an inventory of your giftings, talents and abilities, are you using them for God’s purpose? If not ask God to show you how.
Friday
Purpose Found
Read Acts 9:1-19
Seed Thought: Paul's conversion to Christ is one of the greatest transformational encounters in all of Scripture. Do you remember the story? Paul was traveling down the Damascus road, when he was suddenly knocked to the ground and blinded by a brilliant light. Paul immediately knew this was a supernatural encounter. And he asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The Lord replied, "I am Jesus whom you persecute." Now, Paul had just met Christ Jesus, the one whom he had been persecuting. No doubt overcome by the powerful encounter, Paul asked another question. He asked, "Lord, what will you have me to do?" When you really meet Jesus, you will find the purpose of your life! Paul discovered his mission in that moment and he never turned back. If you have met the Lord, then you have a mission, too.
Whether you're a butcher, a baker, a preacher or a plumber, God has a plan for you to glorify him and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all your being. And he wants you to take this calling seriously. You cannot negotiate with God about your mission. And never compromise with the world. Give God your best each day. Embrace your assignment. Fight the good fight and fulfill your purpose in Christ Jesus. When you do this your purpose is found.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
July 23, 2011
The Daily Compass July 25-30, 2011
Monday
Where The Helper Leads I Must Follow
Read 1 Corinthians 3:8-9; John 4:29-37; 16:12-16
Seed Thought: Everyone has a deep hunger they just don’t know what they are hungry for. We hunger to know our purpose call, and our field. The message that will bring harvest in this hour is not to tell people what they lack but what they have been created to be. Like the woman at the well who was called to be an evangelist. She had a hunger to draw men into relationship but when she met the man Christ Jesus. She was given a hunger to introduce all men to her savior. Peter had a hunger to fish but his real call was to be a fisherman for God so he could catch men. Where is the need? Where is the hunger? How are we fulfilling the hunger? Are we giving people the person who will really satisfy? Answering the deep questions: What is your purpose? What is your Call? And what is the field God has given you?
Action Step: Ask the Lord to confirm your call to you, clarify your purpose in the Kingdom of God and to show you your field of ministry. Look and listen for His answer.
Declaration: I am called of God with a purpose to fulfill and a field to work in.
Tuesday
The Helper; Helps Me Find Purpose
Read Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 12:2 Psalms 119:105; John 16:3
Seed Thought: What is God's will for your life? Many Christian’s desire to do God's will, but struggle because they don't know what God's will is. God's Word will help you to discern what God's will is for you. God does have great plans for your life! We were created by God, in His image, for a purpose. Just as God set apart from birth Isaiah, Jeremiah and Paul for a specific purpose, he also has a specific plan for your life. “‘I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. (Jeremiah 29:11 The Message). We have been given the Helper to lead and guide us. The Helper teaches us and leads us into understanding our purpose in this life. The Father's will, first and foremost, is that we have a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. In addition to the Helper, the Bible will help us to know the Father's will. God promises to give us wisdom if we just ask Him in prayer, believing that He will give it. Sometimes we need to just ask the Father to give us wisdom to discern His will. God has given each of us gifts and abilities to use in His service. The Helper reveals to us what our gifts and abilities are. God always equips us to do what He calls us to do, and we must trust God that He will accomplish His will in our lives.
Action Plan: Do you know God’s plan for your life? Reflect on your life what are things that you are good at (or gifted in), If you are not sure ask the Helper to show you, Journal what he shares with you.
Declaration: The Father has a plan for my life, He will reveal His plan through the Helper and I will be ALL He has planned for me.
Wednesday
The Helper; Calls Me
Read Acts 20:22-24
Seed Thought: What we do matters. We can ask ourselves what we would do with our time if we had no particular constraints. The pursuit of pleasures in a self-indulgent lifestyle would soon leave us empty and dissatisfied. We would start looking for a productive way to be of service to others, to society. We would seek a way of serving that corresponds to our own unique talents and propensities, a way that engages the whole of ourselves, a way that calls to us.
So what is your mission in life? Just like Paul, we have the same connection inside of us “The Holy Spirit”. Paul did not know every detail of his journey, but he did have some insight! He followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. Just as Paul knew his obedience to the Helper’s leading would enable him to finish his course with joy, we to can do just that! We can tap into the resources of the Helper. Wanna know what your calling is? Wanna what race you should be running? ASK, ask the Helper He is waiting for you to just that! He is waiting to shed light on our gifts and talents.
Action Plan: Your action plan is simple ASK! Spend sometime today asking the Father, Am I running the race you have planned for me? Am I doing what you want me to do? If the answer is no then ask the Helper to show you the path you should be on.
Declaration: I will follow The Helper’s leading! He is here on by behalf; He will guide me to peace, comfort, He is my advocate and will lead me into all truth.
Thursday
The Helper Helps Us Serve
Read Romans 12:3-16; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10
Seed Thought: Having made a personal commitment to follow Christ, each believer is prepared for His purposes with spiritual gifts that equip them to serve Christ. Exercising those gifts benefits the entire family of God and brings personal blessing. Are you aware of the many existing opportunities to exercise your unique combination of spiritual gifts, natural abilities, and learned skills in His service. We have all been given gifts; we have all been called to serve in a particular field. The Helper has been given to each of us to guide us in learning to use our individual Gifts. There are two different uses for the word gift one is used as to show that a gift has been presented to one another, to the poor, freely given. The other is a supernatural ability given by God’s grace to each believer to employ in building up the body of Jesus Christ to the glory of God. Believers are exhorted not to neglect their spiritual gift and to rekindle afresh their spiritual gift by taking advantage of opportunities available to serve the body of Christ. Use your spiritual gift to serve one another!
Action Plan: Reflect on your day to day actions do you recognize and use your gifts? If you don’t know what your gifts or particular field you have been called to serve ask the Helper.
Declaration: The Helper lives in me and He teaches me to use my gifts as I allow. I surrender to the Helper full use of my gifts and talents.
Friday
Hunger And Thirst For More
Read Luke 11:13
The greatest gift we could have is the Gift of the Spirit. We are to seek this gift and not half heartedly. Without the Spirit we don’t have an awareness of God’s presence, His love, the fruits of the Spirit, a message to others, real joy, words of wisdom at the right time, guidance from God, the mind and thoughts of God, healing, help in our weaknesses, the ability to set our mind on the things of God, freedom from slavery physical, emotional and spiritual, the pledge of eternal life. Without these how can we live the God life that He wants us to? Jesus gives the living water to the thirsty. He gives to those who are seeking with their whole heart. His promise. (1 John 5:14-15)
Action Plan: Are you living the Life He wants you to live? What are things you can do to live the life he wants you to live? Do you have obstacles that need moving?
Declaration: Take from me my lukewarmness, and give me Your on Holy Passion.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
Where The Helper Leads I Must Follow
Read 1 Corinthians 3:8-9; John 4:29-37; 16:12-16
Seed Thought: Everyone has a deep hunger they just don’t know what they are hungry for. We hunger to know our purpose call, and our field. The message that will bring harvest in this hour is not to tell people what they lack but what they have been created to be. Like the woman at the well who was called to be an evangelist. She had a hunger to draw men into relationship but when she met the man Christ Jesus. She was given a hunger to introduce all men to her savior. Peter had a hunger to fish but his real call was to be a fisherman for God so he could catch men. Where is the need? Where is the hunger? How are we fulfilling the hunger? Are we giving people the person who will really satisfy? Answering the deep questions: What is your purpose? What is your Call? And what is the field God has given you?
Action Step: Ask the Lord to confirm your call to you, clarify your purpose in the Kingdom of God and to show you your field of ministry. Look and listen for His answer.
Declaration: I am called of God with a purpose to fulfill and a field to work in.
Tuesday
The Helper; Helps Me Find Purpose
Read Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 12:2 Psalms 119:105; John 16:3
Seed Thought: What is God's will for your life? Many Christian’s desire to do God's will, but struggle because they don't know what God's will is. God's Word will help you to discern what God's will is for you. God does have great plans for your life! We were created by God, in His image, for a purpose. Just as God set apart from birth Isaiah, Jeremiah and Paul for a specific purpose, he also has a specific plan for your life. “‘I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. (Jeremiah 29:11 The Message). We have been given the Helper to lead and guide us. The Helper teaches us and leads us into understanding our purpose in this life. The Father's will, first and foremost, is that we have a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. In addition to the Helper, the Bible will help us to know the Father's will. God promises to give us wisdom if we just ask Him in prayer, believing that He will give it. Sometimes we need to just ask the Father to give us wisdom to discern His will. God has given each of us gifts and abilities to use in His service. The Helper reveals to us what our gifts and abilities are. God always equips us to do what He calls us to do, and we must trust God that He will accomplish His will in our lives.
Action Plan: Do you know God’s plan for your life? Reflect on your life what are things that you are good at (or gifted in), If you are not sure ask the Helper to show you, Journal what he shares with you.
Declaration: The Father has a plan for my life, He will reveal His plan through the Helper and I will be ALL He has planned for me.
Wednesday
The Helper; Calls Me
Read Acts 20:22-24
Seed Thought: What we do matters. We can ask ourselves what we would do with our time if we had no particular constraints. The pursuit of pleasures in a self-indulgent lifestyle would soon leave us empty and dissatisfied. We would start looking for a productive way to be of service to others, to society. We would seek a way of serving that corresponds to our own unique talents and propensities, a way that engages the whole of ourselves, a way that calls to us.
So what is your mission in life? Just like Paul, we have the same connection inside of us “The Holy Spirit”. Paul did not know every detail of his journey, but he did have some insight! He followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. Just as Paul knew his obedience to the Helper’s leading would enable him to finish his course with joy, we to can do just that! We can tap into the resources of the Helper. Wanna know what your calling is? Wanna what race you should be running? ASK, ask the Helper He is waiting for you to just that! He is waiting to shed light on our gifts and talents.
Action Plan: Your action plan is simple ASK! Spend sometime today asking the Father, Am I running the race you have planned for me? Am I doing what you want me to do? If the answer is no then ask the Helper to show you the path you should be on.
Declaration: I will follow The Helper’s leading! He is here on by behalf; He will guide me to peace, comfort, He is my advocate and will lead me into all truth.
Thursday
The Helper Helps Us Serve
Read Romans 12:3-16; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10
Seed Thought: Having made a personal commitment to follow Christ, each believer is prepared for His purposes with spiritual gifts that equip them to serve Christ. Exercising those gifts benefits the entire family of God and brings personal blessing. Are you aware of the many existing opportunities to exercise your unique combination of spiritual gifts, natural abilities, and learned skills in His service. We have all been given gifts; we have all been called to serve in a particular field. The Helper has been given to each of us to guide us in learning to use our individual Gifts. There are two different uses for the word gift one is used as to show that a gift has been presented to one another, to the poor, freely given. The other is a supernatural ability given by God’s grace to each believer to employ in building up the body of Jesus Christ to the glory of God. Believers are exhorted not to neglect their spiritual gift and to rekindle afresh their spiritual gift by taking advantage of opportunities available to serve the body of Christ. Use your spiritual gift to serve one another!
Action Plan: Reflect on your day to day actions do you recognize and use your gifts? If you don’t know what your gifts or particular field you have been called to serve ask the Helper.
Declaration: The Helper lives in me and He teaches me to use my gifts as I allow. I surrender to the Helper full use of my gifts and talents.
Friday
Hunger And Thirst For More
Read Luke 11:13
The greatest gift we could have is the Gift of the Spirit. We are to seek this gift and not half heartedly. Without the Spirit we don’t have an awareness of God’s presence, His love, the fruits of the Spirit, a message to others, real joy, words of wisdom at the right time, guidance from God, the mind and thoughts of God, healing, help in our weaknesses, the ability to set our mind on the things of God, freedom from slavery physical, emotional and spiritual, the pledge of eternal life. Without these how can we live the God life that He wants us to? Jesus gives the living water to the thirsty. He gives to those who are seeking with their whole heart. His promise. (1 John 5:14-15)
Action Plan: Are you living the Life He wants you to live? What are things you can do to live the life he wants you to live? Do you have obstacles that need moving?
Declaration: Take from me my lukewarmness, and give me Your on Holy Passion.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
July 16, 2011
The Daily Compass July 18-23, 2011
Monday
Are We Aware Of His Presence?
Read Acts 17:28
Seed Thought: Jesus said the world would not see Him but that we would see Him. We would experience Him in the person of the Holy Spirit He was with them but would soon be in them and then they would know God would never leave them alone. God is active in our lives and every detail of our lives. The Old saying is not true “the devil is in the details” it is not the devil but God that is in every detail of our lives. He even cares when people run out of wine at a wedding. (John 3) As Peter reminds us we can cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)
Paul reminds people in Athens that what we seek we actually live and move in and have our being from. Like Jacob many people in the family of God do not realize how close God is and how much he loves and cares about each one of us. Have you ever had those nagging thoughts: Is God here? Will He hear me? Does He care? The Holy Spirit is around us, with us, and can be in us. Let’s not be like the world and not see Him but let’s believe God and look and see Him in every detail of our lives. We don’t have to be alone any more. Are you aware of His presence in you and around you?
Action Step: Look around you today and look for areas that God is working. It may be a small thing. God usually starts with the little and creates the full. Somebody needs to touch the Holy Spirit today. You be willing to be the contact.
Declaration: I know that God is working in the world around me because His Spirit is working in me.
Tuesday
He Saves Me Time
Read Acts 10:17-24
Seed Thought: Have you ever been doing something or visiting someone that you felt you needed to change directions or do something different or even speak to some when it is totally out of character for you. Have you ever taken the stance no I can’t do that or surely that is not meant for me. All of us experience hearing God speak through the inner voice, but sometimes we don’t recognize what it is or we are in such a rush with the everyday things of life that we brush it off. Don’t you think it would be much easier for all of us if God just spoke to us through our natural hearing all of the time? God is after intimacy with His people. Lovers share their most endearing moments together in whispers. When we first start our life with the Lord, He usually makes sure the inner voice is fairly firm and insistent. He wants to help us gradually become confident in recognizing His voice. But the closer we get in our relationship with Him, the more likely it will be that He will speak in a whisper.
So the next time you feel should change direction or have the urge to do something out of the norm remember God will never ask you to do anything that is against His nature, He will only ask those things that are pure, holy, honest and loving.
Action Plan: When you sense a need to change in direction or to do something that changes the everydayness of life. Get still focus on God, ask Him and listen. He wants to answer you.
Declaration: I will trust in God, I know he will make a way in every situation and circumstance. He cares about my everyday needs.
Wednesday
He Guides My Actions
Read Acts 13:2-4; Acts 8:26-40
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit guides us. The emphasis is on the word guide. Jesus doesn't promise that the Holy Spirit will control us. He says He will guide us. Granted, there are times when I wish the Holy Spirit would control me, for instance, when I am tempted. Or when I become so task oriented that I become insensitive. But He is our guide, not our controller. We never lose our ability to choose to follow Him. Consequently, we are always responsible for our words and actions. The Holy Spirit is a trustworthy guide. The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth. He guides believers into truth and according to what is true. That makes Him a trustworthy guide. The Holy Spirit helps believers discern between what is true and what is not; what is wise and what is foolish; what is best and what is simply OK. Each day is full of decisions. Most of our decisions concern issues not clearly spelled out in the Bible, for example: where to attend school, whether to hire a particular applicant, how much to budget for vacation – on and on it goes. As you are bombarded with the details of everyday life, the Holy Spirit guides you. He gives you that extra on-the-spot sense of discernment you need to make both big and small decisions. As you develop a greater sensitivity to His guidance, you will worry much less about the decisions you make. Why? The Holy Spirit is a trustworthy guide.
Action Plan: Got big decisions you need to make? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in the decisions of your life.
Declaration: The Holy Spirit is a trustworthy guide and I choose to trust him.
Thursday
He Protects Me
Read Proverbs 1:33; Psalms 23; Psalms 68: 20
Seed Thought: Can you imagine a life free from harm and or fear? Many people live most of their life out of fear. Where is the life in that? Living in fear is not a life that God has in mind for us. He wants us to enjoy life. We have a safeguard the Holy Spirit, He is here to help us. All we have to do is listen to His voice. If we would listen to His voice many of the difficulties and circumstances we end up in would be thwarted. In the light of the recent devastating tornado many have asked this question “How could a loving God allow such death and destruction to happen? If you look at this question from another angle yes there was loss of life and destruction, but when you look at the number of homes in the areas that were affected you know that God protected many more people from death. When people in the affected area begins to think about where they were during this time they will realize that it was that they had experienced the voice of the Holy Spirit keeping them where they were or directing them in a different direction for no apparent reason at the time. Many will testify that were in the path of destruction and that the very hand of God kept them safe and saw them through the storm. At the moment of being born again each of us is given the ears in our spirit to enable us to hear His voice. We need to practice listening and obeying God’s Spirit when He speaks to us.
Action Plan: Reflect on the circumstances that have occurred in your life and see where God was in them. Did you listen to His voice or did you do your own thing? How did the outcome compare.
Declaration: I will trust in the Lord, He helps and delivers me in my time of need.
Friday
The Helper Is With Me In Everyday Situations
Read Romans 8:26; Matthew 10:29-31
Seed Thought: Jesus’ succinct statement of our human plight tells us clearly why we need the Helper in everyday life: Apart from Me; you can do nothing. We often feel that we can handle life on our own, but when we get to this point it is most likely that this is when we need Jesus the most. We need the help of the Holy Spirit not just in the spiritual realm, but we need Him in the physical realm as well. Have you ever been trying to complete a task and no matter how hard you try you can’t seem to get it all to come together. For me I usually end up frustrated so I have to leave it alone and when I am not thinking about it all of a sudden I have an idea to pop in my head that I had not thought of or would not have thought of. In the book “How To Hear God’s Voice” the writer tells us that these illumined thoughts and ideas come from the Holy Spirit. The Helper is with us in ALL situations, but we do not always acknowledge Him. He wants to be a part of our everyday life, a life we often call mundane, but if we allow Him to participate in every aspect of our life, we might find that life it’s self could be our most thrilling experience.
Action Plan: Invite the helper into your everyday life. When you are struggling with everyday situations turn to Him and allow Him to guide the way.
Declaration: I accept Your word that the fabric of daily life is woven in such detail that how I handle them is important to you. I will call on you for help in every situation in my life.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
Are We Aware Of His Presence?
Read Acts 17:28
Seed Thought: Jesus said the world would not see Him but that we would see Him. We would experience Him in the person of the Holy Spirit He was with them but would soon be in them and then they would know God would never leave them alone. God is active in our lives and every detail of our lives. The Old saying is not true “the devil is in the details” it is not the devil but God that is in every detail of our lives. He even cares when people run out of wine at a wedding. (John 3) As Peter reminds us we can cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)
Paul reminds people in Athens that what we seek we actually live and move in and have our being from. Like Jacob many people in the family of God do not realize how close God is and how much he loves and cares about each one of us. Have you ever had those nagging thoughts: Is God here? Will He hear me? Does He care? The Holy Spirit is around us, with us, and can be in us. Let’s not be like the world and not see Him but let’s believe God and look and see Him in every detail of our lives. We don’t have to be alone any more. Are you aware of His presence in you and around you?
Action Step: Look around you today and look for areas that God is working. It may be a small thing. God usually starts with the little and creates the full. Somebody needs to touch the Holy Spirit today. You be willing to be the contact.
Declaration: I know that God is working in the world around me because His Spirit is working in me.
Tuesday
He Saves Me Time
Read Acts 10:17-24
Seed Thought: Have you ever been doing something or visiting someone that you felt you needed to change directions or do something different or even speak to some when it is totally out of character for you. Have you ever taken the stance no I can’t do that or surely that is not meant for me. All of us experience hearing God speak through the inner voice, but sometimes we don’t recognize what it is or we are in such a rush with the everyday things of life that we brush it off. Don’t you think it would be much easier for all of us if God just spoke to us through our natural hearing all of the time? God is after intimacy with His people. Lovers share their most endearing moments together in whispers. When we first start our life with the Lord, He usually makes sure the inner voice is fairly firm and insistent. He wants to help us gradually become confident in recognizing His voice. But the closer we get in our relationship with Him, the more likely it will be that He will speak in a whisper.
So the next time you feel should change direction or have the urge to do something out of the norm remember God will never ask you to do anything that is against His nature, He will only ask those things that are pure, holy, honest and loving.
Action Plan: When you sense a need to change in direction or to do something that changes the everydayness of life. Get still focus on God, ask Him and listen. He wants to answer you.
Declaration: I will trust in God, I know he will make a way in every situation and circumstance. He cares about my everyday needs.
Wednesday
He Guides My Actions
Read Acts 13:2-4; Acts 8:26-40
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit guides us. The emphasis is on the word guide. Jesus doesn't promise that the Holy Spirit will control us. He says He will guide us. Granted, there are times when I wish the Holy Spirit would control me, for instance, when I am tempted. Or when I become so task oriented that I become insensitive. But He is our guide, not our controller. We never lose our ability to choose to follow Him. Consequently, we are always responsible for our words and actions. The Holy Spirit is a trustworthy guide. The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth. He guides believers into truth and according to what is true. That makes Him a trustworthy guide. The Holy Spirit helps believers discern between what is true and what is not; what is wise and what is foolish; what is best and what is simply OK. Each day is full of decisions. Most of our decisions concern issues not clearly spelled out in the Bible, for example: where to attend school, whether to hire a particular applicant, how much to budget for vacation – on and on it goes. As you are bombarded with the details of everyday life, the Holy Spirit guides you. He gives you that extra on-the-spot sense of discernment you need to make both big and small decisions. As you develop a greater sensitivity to His guidance, you will worry much less about the decisions you make. Why? The Holy Spirit is a trustworthy guide.
Action Plan: Got big decisions you need to make? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in the decisions of your life.
Declaration: The Holy Spirit is a trustworthy guide and I choose to trust him.
Thursday
He Protects Me
Read Proverbs 1:33; Psalms 23; Psalms 68: 20
Seed Thought: Can you imagine a life free from harm and or fear? Many people live most of their life out of fear. Where is the life in that? Living in fear is not a life that God has in mind for us. He wants us to enjoy life. We have a safeguard the Holy Spirit, He is here to help us. All we have to do is listen to His voice. If we would listen to His voice many of the difficulties and circumstances we end up in would be thwarted. In the light of the recent devastating tornado many have asked this question “How could a loving God allow such death and destruction to happen? If you look at this question from another angle yes there was loss of life and destruction, but when you look at the number of homes in the areas that were affected you know that God protected many more people from death. When people in the affected area begins to think about where they were during this time they will realize that it was that they had experienced the voice of the Holy Spirit keeping them where they were or directing them in a different direction for no apparent reason at the time. Many will testify that were in the path of destruction and that the very hand of God kept them safe and saw them through the storm. At the moment of being born again each of us is given the ears in our spirit to enable us to hear His voice. We need to practice listening and obeying God’s Spirit when He speaks to us.
Action Plan: Reflect on the circumstances that have occurred in your life and see where God was in them. Did you listen to His voice or did you do your own thing? How did the outcome compare.
Declaration: I will trust in the Lord, He helps and delivers me in my time of need.
Friday
The Helper Is With Me In Everyday Situations
Read Romans 8:26; Matthew 10:29-31
Seed Thought: Jesus’ succinct statement of our human plight tells us clearly why we need the Helper in everyday life: Apart from Me; you can do nothing. We often feel that we can handle life on our own, but when we get to this point it is most likely that this is when we need Jesus the most. We need the help of the Holy Spirit not just in the spiritual realm, but we need Him in the physical realm as well. Have you ever been trying to complete a task and no matter how hard you try you can’t seem to get it all to come together. For me I usually end up frustrated so I have to leave it alone and when I am not thinking about it all of a sudden I have an idea to pop in my head that I had not thought of or would not have thought of. In the book “How To Hear God’s Voice” the writer tells us that these illumined thoughts and ideas come from the Holy Spirit. The Helper is with us in ALL situations, but we do not always acknowledge Him. He wants to be a part of our everyday life, a life we often call mundane, but if we allow Him to participate in every aspect of our life, we might find that life it’s self could be our most thrilling experience.
Action Plan: Invite the helper into your everyday life. When you are struggling with everyday situations turn to Him and allow Him to guide the way.
Declaration: I accept Your word that the fabric of daily life is woven in such detail that how I handle them is important to you. I will call on you for help in every situation in my life.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
July 9, 2011
The Daily Compass July 11-16, 2011
Monday
The Holy Spirit Helps Us To Learn And Remember
Read John 14:25-26; Hebrews 8:10-12
Seed Thought: We need reminders in our life to help us bring things to our memory that we do not want to forget. One of the most important things not to forget is our relationship with God. When we go to the store and forget something we went after it is an inconvenience but not a tragedy but when we forget God and the things of God it is life threatening. The children of Israel where given feasts, Sabbaths and a Tabernacle to help them remember and worship God but Jesus said he would give us the Holy Spirit to remind us of what he has said and taught us. Do you ever take time to remember where God has brought you from and where you are today? Do you remember the things He has taught you in your relationship with Him? It’s time to allow the Holy Spirit to bring those things to your remembrance. Lessons we learn have to be brought to our memory to help us hold them fresh in our minds. The more we rehearse the less chance there is that we will forget them. Let’s remember the Lord and keep Him fresh in our hearts and minds. Remembering brings us memories and memories are to be shared with others so they can join in our relationship with God. (1 John 1:1-3)
God wants to teach us so we can teach and remind others. The Holy Spirit’s teaching and reminding are parts of the same work in our life of renewing our minds and lives. If you learn something but forget it then it does you no good. The Holy Spirit wants to teach us and then refresh our memory.
Declaration: I have the mind of Christ so I can learn and remember all the things the Holy Spirit is teaching me. I have a great mind because I have His Mind.
Action Step: Are you putting into practice the things you have learned from the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to remind you this week of things He has taught you and ask Him to do them again in your life.
Tuesday
He Shows Us Our Sin
Read John 16:7-9
Seed Thought: One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of sin; we need to see our bankrupt condition. However, why does God want to redeem us? What is God’s incentive? God is defined by His nature, which includes mercy, love and justice. God’s love, mercy and justice is the reason for our redemption. Our helpless condition caused God to extend His mercy and love. God reached down into humanity and became our intercessor, because no man could ever accomplish what God required. God love for man is so great; He was willing to take upon Himself the sins, of all humanity. He was willing to be humiliated and abused by His own creation, taking the taunts and insults because He loved humanity who was created in His image. How great is the love God has? When we least deserved His mercy we received it. Imagine a parent willing to sacrifice a child. Allowing the child to suffer and be humiliated, so those committing the act could be saved. Jesus came into the world, not only to die for our sins, but to also set a model for us how we are to act in a fallen world. From womb to death the Holy Spirit was involved in the life of Christ, on the earth. The Spirit formed the body of Jesus in the womb (Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:35). Jesus through the Spirit offered Himself as our sacrifice.
Declaration: I am dead to sin, I am alive in Christ.
Action Plan: Reflect on the cost of your redemption and journal your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any uncovered sin you maybe harboring, ask God for forgiveness.
Wednesday
The Holy Spirit Values My Individuality
Read 2 Corinthians 3:17
Seed Thought: Satan hates our individuality and tries in every way possible to suck all freedom of will from us. Satan wants us as his slaves. Several weeks back in one of our lessons there was a statement that Jesus did not want us to be an employee but He wanted a relationship with us. The Helper in the same regards wants us to have freedom. He does not want us in any type of bondage. God made us in His own image. Jesus suffered the greatest humility when He took on our sin and stepped into the lowest places. God give us freedom of choice, Jesus suffered humility for our freedom, but He, the Helper nor is the Father going to push themselves on us. The Helper insists on being a welcome guest, He will never trespass. He is waiting on our decision.
Declaration: I invite you Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart.
Action Plan: Ask yourself, how much do I want Him? How much of Him am I willing to receive? What limitations am I putting on Him?
Thursday
The Helper Teaches Me
Read John 14:26, 15:26
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit is a wonderful person, friend, guide, counselor and teacher. He was with God the Father and Jesus at Creation, and it was through His power that the commands of God the Father was manifested. God said let there be light and the Holy Spirit brought the light and all the creation into being. The Holy Spirit was with Jesus in full measure while He was on this earth. He guided Jesus under God the Fathers direction in His everyday life. It was through the power of the Holy Spirit and the strong desire and determination and love of Jesus that He did not sin while on earth. Jesus hated sin! We, as Christians need to learn about the Holy Spirit and let him move with power in our lives. He will bring us joy as we never knew it before. The Holy Spirit lives in us and when we come to him and ask him he will teach us about God and Jesus and himself. The Holy Spirit has a personality and will not force anything on us, but as we open ourselves up to him he will teach us so we can get to know God and what his will for us is. We learn the will of God by reading his word, the Bible and through the guidance of the Helper.
Declaration: I will have a teachable and willing spirit.
Action Plan: I will open myself up to learn more about Jesus and the model He was. I will make spending time with the Helper and reading The Word a priority in my life. Father help me to put aside those distractions that prevent me from learning more about you.
Friday
The Helper Helps Us Learn Who Jesus Is
Read Ephesians 3:17-19
Seed Thought: It is through the Holy Spirit that we are taught about Jesus -- as God, the Son of God, the Son of Man, of His personality, ministry and love. It is through the Holy Spirit that we develop our relationship with Jesus to the fullest. He teaches us that Jesus is our Savior, our King of Kings, The One who has redeemed our lives from the curse, the One who freely gives us salvation. Jesus himself said before he ascended to heaven that the Father would send another comforter to teach us so we would not be left alone and He would remind us of what Jesus taught. The Holy Spirit does not replace Jesus but gives us a hunger for us to want Jesus as the center of our lives. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the reason we can rejoice in all that Jesus has done for us, so we want to continually give Jesus praise and honor. The Holy Spirit teaches us as we begin to learn just how much we are loved of Jesus, to know His love which surpasses all knowledge, so that we may be filled with the fullness of God.
Declaration: I will rejoice in all that Jesus has done for me.
Action Plan: Take time an reflect on what you have learned about Jesus, journal one thing that stands out the most to you.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
The Holy Spirit Helps Us To Learn And Remember
Read John 14:25-26; Hebrews 8:10-12
Seed Thought: We need reminders in our life to help us bring things to our memory that we do not want to forget. One of the most important things not to forget is our relationship with God. When we go to the store and forget something we went after it is an inconvenience but not a tragedy but when we forget God and the things of God it is life threatening. The children of Israel where given feasts, Sabbaths and a Tabernacle to help them remember and worship God but Jesus said he would give us the Holy Spirit to remind us of what he has said and taught us. Do you ever take time to remember where God has brought you from and where you are today? Do you remember the things He has taught you in your relationship with Him? It’s time to allow the Holy Spirit to bring those things to your remembrance. Lessons we learn have to be brought to our memory to help us hold them fresh in our minds. The more we rehearse the less chance there is that we will forget them. Let’s remember the Lord and keep Him fresh in our hearts and minds. Remembering brings us memories and memories are to be shared with others so they can join in our relationship with God. (1 John 1:1-3)
God wants to teach us so we can teach and remind others. The Holy Spirit’s teaching and reminding are parts of the same work in our life of renewing our minds and lives. If you learn something but forget it then it does you no good. The Holy Spirit wants to teach us and then refresh our memory.
Declaration: I have the mind of Christ so I can learn and remember all the things the Holy Spirit is teaching me. I have a great mind because I have His Mind.
Action Step: Are you putting into practice the things you have learned from the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to remind you this week of things He has taught you and ask Him to do them again in your life.
Tuesday
He Shows Us Our Sin
Read John 16:7-9
Seed Thought: One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of sin; we need to see our bankrupt condition. However, why does God want to redeem us? What is God’s incentive? God is defined by His nature, which includes mercy, love and justice. God’s love, mercy and justice is the reason for our redemption. Our helpless condition caused God to extend His mercy and love. God reached down into humanity and became our intercessor, because no man could ever accomplish what God required. God love for man is so great; He was willing to take upon Himself the sins, of all humanity. He was willing to be humiliated and abused by His own creation, taking the taunts and insults because He loved humanity who was created in His image. How great is the love God has? When we least deserved His mercy we received it. Imagine a parent willing to sacrifice a child. Allowing the child to suffer and be humiliated, so those committing the act could be saved. Jesus came into the world, not only to die for our sins, but to also set a model for us how we are to act in a fallen world. From womb to death the Holy Spirit was involved in the life of Christ, on the earth. The Spirit formed the body of Jesus in the womb (Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:35). Jesus through the Spirit offered Himself as our sacrifice.
Declaration: I am dead to sin, I am alive in Christ.
Action Plan: Reflect on the cost of your redemption and journal your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any uncovered sin you maybe harboring, ask God for forgiveness.
Wednesday
The Holy Spirit Values My Individuality
Read 2 Corinthians 3:17
Seed Thought: Satan hates our individuality and tries in every way possible to suck all freedom of will from us. Satan wants us as his slaves. Several weeks back in one of our lessons there was a statement that Jesus did not want us to be an employee but He wanted a relationship with us. The Helper in the same regards wants us to have freedom. He does not want us in any type of bondage. God made us in His own image. Jesus suffered the greatest humility when He took on our sin and stepped into the lowest places. God give us freedom of choice, Jesus suffered humility for our freedom, but He, the Helper nor is the Father going to push themselves on us. The Helper insists on being a welcome guest, He will never trespass. He is waiting on our decision.
Declaration: I invite you Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart.
Action Plan: Ask yourself, how much do I want Him? How much of Him am I willing to receive? What limitations am I putting on Him?
Thursday
The Helper Teaches Me
Read John 14:26, 15:26
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit is a wonderful person, friend, guide, counselor and teacher. He was with God the Father and Jesus at Creation, and it was through His power that the commands of God the Father was manifested. God said let there be light and the Holy Spirit brought the light and all the creation into being. The Holy Spirit was with Jesus in full measure while He was on this earth. He guided Jesus under God the Fathers direction in His everyday life. It was through the power of the Holy Spirit and the strong desire and determination and love of Jesus that He did not sin while on earth. Jesus hated sin! We, as Christians need to learn about the Holy Spirit and let him move with power in our lives. He will bring us joy as we never knew it before. The Holy Spirit lives in us and when we come to him and ask him he will teach us about God and Jesus and himself. The Holy Spirit has a personality and will not force anything on us, but as we open ourselves up to him he will teach us so we can get to know God and what his will for us is. We learn the will of God by reading his word, the Bible and through the guidance of the Helper.
Declaration: I will have a teachable and willing spirit.
Action Plan: I will open myself up to learn more about Jesus and the model He was. I will make spending time with the Helper and reading The Word a priority in my life. Father help me to put aside those distractions that prevent me from learning more about you.
Friday
The Helper Helps Us Learn Who Jesus Is
Read Ephesians 3:17-19
Seed Thought: It is through the Holy Spirit that we are taught about Jesus -- as God, the Son of God, the Son of Man, of His personality, ministry and love. It is through the Holy Spirit that we develop our relationship with Jesus to the fullest. He teaches us that Jesus is our Savior, our King of Kings, The One who has redeemed our lives from the curse, the One who freely gives us salvation. Jesus himself said before he ascended to heaven that the Father would send another comforter to teach us so we would not be left alone and He would remind us of what Jesus taught. The Holy Spirit does not replace Jesus but gives us a hunger for us to want Jesus as the center of our lives. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the reason we can rejoice in all that Jesus has done for us, so we want to continually give Jesus praise and honor. The Holy Spirit teaches us as we begin to learn just how much we are loved of Jesus, to know His love which surpasses all knowledge, so that we may be filled with the fullness of God.
Declaration: I will rejoice in all that Jesus has done for me.
Action Plan: Take time an reflect on what you have learned about Jesus, journal one thing that stands out the most to you.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
June 21, 2011
The Daily Compass June 20-25, 2011
Monday
Finding God’s Presence
Read John 14:15-30
Have you ever had people tell you that they loved you but you where not sure because they didn’t even know you? Has someone said they loved you but never asked what they could do for you or demonstrated that love? These people had no part in your heart, hurts, dreams, desires or life. They said it but they did not demonstrate it with their lives. Jesus said that there would be many who would call Him Lord, Lord but they did not know Him. Why because they did not know Him in an intimate way. They were trying to work for Him without working with Him. God does not want employees but intimate partners. Jesus tells his disciples in these verses that those who really love Him would obey him. He talks about love that is demonstrated through three ways of obedience. Obeying His command, has His commands, and His teachings.
His command is to love and believe in Him. His commands are the obedience to the daily promptings of the Holy Spirit. His teachings are the things he taught and are brought to our remembrance by the Holy Spirit. Jesus closes by saying that the world must learn that I love the Father and obey what He commands. If you love him show it. We can only know His Presence and see him working when we obey what He says to us.
Scripture For Thought: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (NLT)
Action Plan: When you are alone, in the car, in your room or where ever you are; be quiet and listen to what God is saying to you and then obey.
Declaration: The Helper helps me obey what God commands.
Tuesday
Jesus The Baptizer
Read John 7:34-39
Seed Thought: Being born again is the first step to committing to Jesus. This must be done before we can completely receive His Spirit fully. Scripture makes it clear that Jesus Himself is the only one who can baptize us in the Spirit. We cannot receive the Spirit in any other way, except by Jesus the Baptizer….
Scripture For Thought: Even I didn’t recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit coming down and resting is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. John 1:33. (Common English Bible)
Action Plan: Spend time reflecting on your life. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? Do you believe what you say you do? Ask God to show you anything in your life that may keep you from fully receiving His Spirit and Life. Ask God to cleanse your heart and prepare it to be a dwelling place for Him.
Declaration: With joyous anticipation I receive all that God has for my life.
Wednesday
Reaching For The Towel And Basin Of Water
Read John 13:3-17
Seed Thought: People line up to do the tasks that are considered important, glamorous, or respected. But Jesus showed humility by doing the task that no one wanted to do. He washed the disciples' feet -- a dirty job usually performed by the lowest ranking person in the room. Was Jesus the lowest ranking person? No. He was Lord and Teacher. He knew he would soon be at the Father's side in heaven. Did he think it was too lowly a task for him to do? No. Are there tasks that we won't do because they are lowly? Because they are dirty? Because they are unpleasant or hard? But aren't those the jobs that most need to be done? And won't God reward those who do His work? We need to be willing to do whatever is needed. Jesus was not only willing, he prepared himself to do this service. Have we made plans to serve others?
“The Holy Spirit will not come to us in His fullness until we see and agree to His priority……His passion for ministry. He will accept no excuses about our inadequacy in anyway. Giving adequacy is His business.”(The Helper)
Scripture For Thought: Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen the weak hands, and support the unsteady knees. Say to those who are panicking: “Be strong! Don’t fear! Here’s your God, coming with vengeance; with divine retribution God will come to save you.” (Common English Bible)
Action Plan: As He plunges us in over our heads ask: Are we ready to give ourselves to others? What can I do to prepare to serve others? What talents, resources, and services can I provide? What role does love play in my service to others?
Declaration: Holy Spirit plunge me over my head, I know you will give me more than enough!
Thursday
Rising To New Life
Read Acts 8:25-40
Seed Thought: Everywhere you look these days someone is writing and publishing a self help book “How to Beat Anger” “Kick Your Smoking Habit” “Lose Ten Pounds In 10 Days” the list just goes on. Many of us have even been so arrogant to think that we can work ourselves out the sin we have in our lives, many times we have bargained, set up impossible standards for ourselves, It is useless for us to try and rid ourselves of our bad habits.
We must come to the realization that we must embrace the Cross. With the Cross, God wiped out the old creation that was flawed in Eden. The Good News is that not only Jesus died on that Cross, but we and our imperfect despicable nature also died with Him.
Scripture For Thought: With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. Romans 8:1(The Message)
Action Plan: The Helper has revealed what it means to baptized into Jesus’ death. Now it is time to let go of our old tired efforts at self improvement. It is now time to experience leaving old self and bask in the joy of rising to a new life in the Spirit.
Declaration: Today I claim a new life in You Lord!
Friday
Accept God’s Grace
Read John 3:1-21
Seed Thought: Ask and receive by accepting the grace of God, we accept God's plan for us in our lives. We now can wake up every morning in gracious uncertainty knowing that we are in God's plan and looking forward to His plan unfolding in our lives each day. 1 John 3:2 advises us on how we are sons of God living in God's grace. Our acceptance of God's grace is not a one-time event for us. God's plan for His grace and our acceptance of His grace is for us to dwell in love continually.
Scripture For Thought: “Which father among you would give a snake to your child if the child asked for a fish? If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” Luke 11: 11,13(Common English Bible)
Action Plan: Have you accepted God’s great promise? Have you allowed God to do His work through you? Ask Father God what changes you need to make to be His vessel.
Declaration: Lord I accept your Grace, I welcome the Helper fully and completely in my life. I am at Your service.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
Finding God’s Presence
Read John 14:15-30
Have you ever had people tell you that they loved you but you where not sure because they didn’t even know you? Has someone said they loved you but never asked what they could do for you or demonstrated that love? These people had no part in your heart, hurts, dreams, desires or life. They said it but they did not demonstrate it with their lives. Jesus said that there would be many who would call Him Lord, Lord but they did not know Him. Why because they did not know Him in an intimate way. They were trying to work for Him without working with Him. God does not want employees but intimate partners. Jesus tells his disciples in these verses that those who really love Him would obey him. He talks about love that is demonstrated through three ways of obedience. Obeying His command, has His commands, and His teachings.
His command is to love and believe in Him. His commands are the obedience to the daily promptings of the Holy Spirit. His teachings are the things he taught and are brought to our remembrance by the Holy Spirit. Jesus closes by saying that the world must learn that I love the Father and obey what He commands. If you love him show it. We can only know His Presence and see him working when we obey what He says to us.
Scripture For Thought: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (NLT)
Action Plan: When you are alone, in the car, in your room or where ever you are; be quiet and listen to what God is saying to you and then obey.
Declaration: The Helper helps me obey what God commands.
Tuesday
Jesus The Baptizer
Read John 7:34-39
Seed Thought: Being born again is the first step to committing to Jesus. This must be done before we can completely receive His Spirit fully. Scripture makes it clear that Jesus Himself is the only one who can baptize us in the Spirit. We cannot receive the Spirit in any other way, except by Jesus the Baptizer….
Scripture For Thought: Even I didn’t recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit coming down and resting is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. John 1:33. (Common English Bible)
Action Plan: Spend time reflecting on your life. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? Do you believe what you say you do? Ask God to show you anything in your life that may keep you from fully receiving His Spirit and Life. Ask God to cleanse your heart and prepare it to be a dwelling place for Him.
Declaration: With joyous anticipation I receive all that God has for my life.
Wednesday
Reaching For The Towel And Basin Of Water
Read John 13:3-17
Seed Thought: People line up to do the tasks that are considered important, glamorous, or respected. But Jesus showed humility by doing the task that no one wanted to do. He washed the disciples' feet -- a dirty job usually performed by the lowest ranking person in the room. Was Jesus the lowest ranking person? No. He was Lord and Teacher. He knew he would soon be at the Father's side in heaven. Did he think it was too lowly a task for him to do? No. Are there tasks that we won't do because they are lowly? Because they are dirty? Because they are unpleasant or hard? But aren't those the jobs that most need to be done? And won't God reward those who do His work? We need to be willing to do whatever is needed. Jesus was not only willing, he prepared himself to do this service. Have we made plans to serve others?
“The Holy Spirit will not come to us in His fullness until we see and agree to His priority……His passion for ministry. He will accept no excuses about our inadequacy in anyway. Giving adequacy is His business.”(The Helper)
Scripture For Thought: Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen the weak hands, and support the unsteady knees. Say to those who are panicking: “Be strong! Don’t fear! Here’s your God, coming with vengeance; with divine retribution God will come to save you.” (Common English Bible)
Action Plan: As He plunges us in over our heads ask: Are we ready to give ourselves to others? What can I do to prepare to serve others? What talents, resources, and services can I provide? What role does love play in my service to others?
Declaration: Holy Spirit plunge me over my head, I know you will give me more than enough!
Thursday
Rising To New Life
Read Acts 8:25-40
Seed Thought: Everywhere you look these days someone is writing and publishing a self help book “How to Beat Anger” “Kick Your Smoking Habit” “Lose Ten Pounds In 10 Days” the list just goes on. Many of us have even been so arrogant to think that we can work ourselves out the sin we have in our lives, many times we have bargained, set up impossible standards for ourselves, It is useless for us to try and rid ourselves of our bad habits.
We must come to the realization that we must embrace the Cross. With the Cross, God wiped out the old creation that was flawed in Eden. The Good News is that not only Jesus died on that Cross, but we and our imperfect despicable nature also died with Him.
Scripture For Thought: With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. Romans 8:1(The Message)
Action Plan: The Helper has revealed what it means to baptized into Jesus’ death. Now it is time to let go of our old tired efforts at self improvement. It is now time to experience leaving old self and bask in the joy of rising to a new life in the Spirit.
Declaration: Today I claim a new life in You Lord!
Friday
Accept God’s Grace
Read John 3:1-21
Seed Thought: Ask and receive by accepting the grace of God, we accept God's plan for us in our lives. We now can wake up every morning in gracious uncertainty knowing that we are in God's plan and looking forward to His plan unfolding in our lives each day. 1 John 3:2 advises us on how we are sons of God living in God's grace. Our acceptance of God's grace is not a one-time event for us. God's plan for His grace and our acceptance of His grace is for us to dwell in love continually.
Scripture For Thought: “Which father among you would give a snake to your child if the child asked for a fish? If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” Luke 11: 11,13(Common English Bible)
Action Plan: Have you accepted God’s great promise? Have you allowed God to do His work through you? Ask Father God what changes you need to make to be His vessel.
Declaration: Lord I accept your Grace, I welcome the Helper fully and completely in my life. I am at Your service.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
June 13, 2011
The Daily Compass June 13-18, 2011
Monday
The Helper Goes For The Heart
Read Ezekiel 36:26-27
Ezekiel and Philip remind us that the Helper comes to do a work in our heart. Much of our church work today deals with people’s minds but intellect will not change you but only a renewed heart can. I wonder how many people have tried to have a change in their thinking without having a change in their heart. The Helper wants to not only convert our thinking but convert our heart. True heart repentance does not just come by thinking different but the Helper turning our heart to God so we can think different. The new birth is not just knowing about God but knowing Him.
Wayne Cordeiro, in his book – The Irresistible Church says; “Change must be empowered by the Holy Spirit, because true transformation is not manmade. It’s Spirit-led and Spirit-empowered. Yet we also must commit ourselves in such a way that the Holy Spirit is delighted to work through us. We must lean in the direction we’re praying toward.”
Only when we are lead by a new heart do we have the passion it takes to desire a new life. The Holy Spirit comes to give us a new love for God, His Word, and His life. The Holy Spirit draws our heart to God. Jesus said you can’t come to me unless the father draws you. The Holy Spirit awakens our dead heart to new life. He comes to bring the resurrection power of Jesus into our inner being. The Holy Spirit comes to empower our heart. Jesus ministry was and is moved by compassion. When I received the Baptism of the Spirit the first signs were a new love for Jesus, the reality of His Presence, a new love for His Word and a greater love for His people. The Helper comes to help our hearts to love again.
Scripture Thought: Acts 8:37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." (NKJV)
Declaration: The Helper gives me a new heart that loves and pursues God.
Action Plan: Ask yourself if you are trying to have an intellectual knowledge without a heart conversion? Have you allowed the Helper to Change your heart? Ask the Helper to let people see God’s heart in you today!
Tuesday
In His Presence
Read John 16:7
How many times have we wished we could have been there when Jesus walked the earth and we could see the miracles but Jesus said he would always be with us. He told his disciples that there is something better than His physical presence. Jesus physical presence had limitations but His Spirit has no limitations. Till the day of Pentecost only a few individuals experienced the Holy Spirit but on the day of Pentecost the Spirit was poured out on all flesh. (Acts 2:17-18 no limitations) God would no longer be just with us but in us. His seed is in us (1 John 3:9) and his law is written in us (Jeremiah 31:33). We can do nothing without his presence. (John 15:1-8)
Scripture Thought: Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young will see visions. Your elders will dream dreams. Even upon my servants, men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. (CEB)
Declaration: There are no limits to what God can do in my life if I just allow Him.
Action Plan: Ask yourself are you limiting what God is doing in your life? If so ask yourself why and in what areas.
Wednesday
Explosion of Power
Read Acts 1:1-5
Jesus made it plain that his disciples would need his power to make it in the world. The first outpouring on the day of Pentecost was to be followed by many other outpourings. For example 12th century St. Francis of Assisi for forty years burned in Italy; Martin Luther; John and Charles Wesley; Pentecostal revival in Topeka, Kansas; Azusa Street in Los Angeles California, Evan Roberts in Wales. The things these explosions of power had in common: Nearly all have originated with the common people, at a grass root level, outside the established organized church, a call to repentance, hostility from the established church, simplifying the gospel and a return to Jesus Christ. . Because of this there was a great outpouring of Love and joy, an outpouring of music and new songs, result in moral and ethical reforms that effected the life and history of the nation in which they arose. How do we become part of this power?
Scripture Thought: Ezekiel 36:24-28 "'For here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God! (Message)
Action Plan: There are two steps to renewing power: 1) Readying and cleansing which brings repentance. 2) God putting His Spirit in us. We must be willing to allow these things to take place to experience the explosion of power.
Declaration: I will not rest until I experience my own personal Pentecost.
Thursday
Hunger And Thirst For More
Read Luke 11:13
The greatest gift we could have is the Gift of the Spirit. We are to seek this gift and not half heartedly. Without the Spirit we don’t have an awareness of God’s presence, His love, the fruits of the Spirit, a message to others, real joy, words of wisdom at the right time, guidance from God, the mind and thoughts of God, healing, help in our weaknesses, the ability to set our mind on the things of God, freedom from slavery physical, emotional and spiritual, the pledge of eternal life. Without these how can we live the God life that He wants us to? Jesus gives the living water to the thirsty. He gives to those who are seeking with their whole heart. His promise. (1 John 5:14-15)
Scripture Thought: 1 John 5:14-15 this is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Action Plan: Are you living the Life He wants you to live? What are things you can do to live the life he wants you to live? Do you have obstacles that need moving?
Declaration: Take from me my lukewarmness, an give me Your on Holy Passion.
Friday
Accept Jesus As The Christ
Read Ephesians 4:8
Each one of us; just as Peter must settle the question of who is Jesus? We cannot come to God accept through Jesus Christ. There is no other way. He is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”. Everything is under His authority. On the day of Pentecost all the power became available to us to reign as Kings with Him. Jesus Christ showed us God as our Father. In the story of the Father (Luke 15:11-31) what delighted the Father about his returning son was his complete surrender, out His delight the returning son found total acceptance, complete forgiveness and rejoicing that the son was now ready to receive the Father’s bounty. Jesus showed us that we are related to the living God and God gives to his sons everything they need.
Scripture Thought: John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. (Message)
Action Plan: Have you completely surrendered your life to the Father? Reflect on your life, is there anything that is hindering that complete surrender? If so ask Daddy what do you need to do to remove the obstacles from your life?
Declaration: Father I run to you in complete surrender, you have my complete heart.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
The Helper Goes For The Heart
Read Ezekiel 36:26-27
Ezekiel and Philip remind us that the Helper comes to do a work in our heart. Much of our church work today deals with people’s minds but intellect will not change you but only a renewed heart can. I wonder how many people have tried to have a change in their thinking without having a change in their heart. The Helper wants to not only convert our thinking but convert our heart. True heart repentance does not just come by thinking different but the Helper turning our heart to God so we can think different. The new birth is not just knowing about God but knowing Him.
Wayne Cordeiro, in his book – The Irresistible Church says; “Change must be empowered by the Holy Spirit, because true transformation is not manmade. It’s Spirit-led and Spirit-empowered. Yet we also must commit ourselves in such a way that the Holy Spirit is delighted to work through us. We must lean in the direction we’re praying toward.”
Only when we are lead by a new heart do we have the passion it takes to desire a new life. The Holy Spirit comes to give us a new love for God, His Word, and His life. The Holy Spirit draws our heart to God. Jesus said you can’t come to me unless the father draws you. The Holy Spirit awakens our dead heart to new life. He comes to bring the resurrection power of Jesus into our inner being. The Holy Spirit comes to empower our heart. Jesus ministry was and is moved by compassion. When I received the Baptism of the Spirit the first signs were a new love for Jesus, the reality of His Presence, a new love for His Word and a greater love for His people. The Helper comes to help our hearts to love again.
Scripture Thought: Acts 8:37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." (NKJV)
Declaration: The Helper gives me a new heart that loves and pursues God.
Action Plan: Ask yourself if you are trying to have an intellectual knowledge without a heart conversion? Have you allowed the Helper to Change your heart? Ask the Helper to let people see God’s heart in you today!
Tuesday
In His Presence
Read John 16:7
How many times have we wished we could have been there when Jesus walked the earth and we could see the miracles but Jesus said he would always be with us. He told his disciples that there is something better than His physical presence. Jesus physical presence had limitations but His Spirit has no limitations. Till the day of Pentecost only a few individuals experienced the Holy Spirit but on the day of Pentecost the Spirit was poured out on all flesh. (Acts 2:17-18 no limitations) God would no longer be just with us but in us. His seed is in us (1 John 3:9) and his law is written in us (Jeremiah 31:33). We can do nothing without his presence. (John 15:1-8)
Scripture Thought: Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young will see visions. Your elders will dream dreams. Even upon my servants, men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. (CEB)
Declaration: There are no limits to what God can do in my life if I just allow Him.
Action Plan: Ask yourself are you limiting what God is doing in your life? If so ask yourself why and in what areas.
Wednesday
Explosion of Power
Read Acts 1:1-5
Jesus made it plain that his disciples would need his power to make it in the world. The first outpouring on the day of Pentecost was to be followed by many other outpourings. For example 12th century St. Francis of Assisi for forty years burned in Italy; Martin Luther; John and Charles Wesley; Pentecostal revival in Topeka, Kansas; Azusa Street in Los Angeles California, Evan Roberts in Wales. The things these explosions of power had in common: Nearly all have originated with the common people, at a grass root level, outside the established organized church, a call to repentance, hostility from the established church, simplifying the gospel and a return to Jesus Christ. . Because of this there was a great outpouring of Love and joy, an outpouring of music and new songs, result in moral and ethical reforms that effected the life and history of the nation in which they arose. How do we become part of this power?
Scripture Thought: Ezekiel 36:24-28 "'For here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God! (Message)
Action Plan: There are two steps to renewing power: 1) Readying and cleansing which brings repentance. 2) God putting His Spirit in us. We must be willing to allow these things to take place to experience the explosion of power.
Declaration: I will not rest until I experience my own personal Pentecost.
Thursday
Hunger And Thirst For More
Read Luke 11:13
The greatest gift we could have is the Gift of the Spirit. We are to seek this gift and not half heartedly. Without the Spirit we don’t have an awareness of God’s presence, His love, the fruits of the Spirit, a message to others, real joy, words of wisdom at the right time, guidance from God, the mind and thoughts of God, healing, help in our weaknesses, the ability to set our mind on the things of God, freedom from slavery physical, emotional and spiritual, the pledge of eternal life. Without these how can we live the God life that He wants us to? Jesus gives the living water to the thirsty. He gives to those who are seeking with their whole heart. His promise. (1 John 5:14-15)
Scripture Thought: 1 John 5:14-15 this is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Action Plan: Are you living the Life He wants you to live? What are things you can do to live the life he wants you to live? Do you have obstacles that need moving?
Declaration: Take from me my lukewarmness, an give me Your on Holy Passion.
Friday
Accept Jesus As The Christ
Read Ephesians 4:8
Each one of us; just as Peter must settle the question of who is Jesus? We cannot come to God accept through Jesus Christ. There is no other way. He is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”. Everything is under His authority. On the day of Pentecost all the power became available to us to reign as Kings with Him. Jesus Christ showed us God as our Father. In the story of the Father (Luke 15:11-31) what delighted the Father about his returning son was his complete surrender, out His delight the returning son found total acceptance, complete forgiveness and rejoicing that the son was now ready to receive the Father’s bounty. Jesus showed us that we are related to the living God and God gives to his sons everything they need.
Scripture Thought: John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. (Message)
Action Plan: Have you completely surrendered your life to the Father? Reflect on your life, is there anything that is hindering that complete surrender? If so ask Daddy what do you need to do to remove the obstacles from your life?
Declaration: Father I run to you in complete surrender, you have my complete heart.
The Weekender
Looking Back
Today is the day that we take time to look back on what we have learned this past week. To reflect on what the Holy Spirit has highlighted in our lives and how we can implement the changes needed in our lives to be fully all we can be.
Father, we ask that you bring back remembrance of changes and what we need to do to change in our life to be fully who and what you have purposed us to be in your kingdom, Father thank you for being at work in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen
Take a few moments and Journal what the Father is speaking to you:
June 4, 2011
The Daily Compass June 6-11, 2011
Monday
Everyone Needs “The Helper”
Read John 15:5
When Peter got out of the boat to do the impossible and started sinking he cried out for something we all need to cry out Lord Save Me – He found out he needed help because like us he was over his head. The truth is Jesus told us in (John 15:5) that we can do nothing without Him. We need His help and without Him we are helpless. That is why Jesus called the Holy Spirit the helper.
Scripture to Ponder: John 15:5 (The Message) states, I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing.
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit was God’s helper at creation and has been sent as our helper in the New Creation. At the Word of God He forms the Christ in us. The Godhead was at work at the creation. The parts could not be separated but are one in being and purpose. We have been made one with them to carry on the work of God on earth. We are here to do His will.
Declaration: But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.
Action Plan: If you do have a relationship that is intimate and organic with the Holy Spirit , then what are you waiting for He has so much more for you than you can ever imagine! Take action be like Peter, step out of the boat. He is waiting.
Tuesday
Who Is “The Helper”?
Read John 14:7-31
Scripture to Ponder: John 14:15-17 (The Message) states, "If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can't take him in because it doesn't have eyes to see him, doesn't know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit is not an influence or ghostly presences He is a person. He posses the attributes of personality, He has a mind. He has knowledge. He has a will and many other aspects of what a personality is made up of He Speaks, He Prays, He teaches, He works, He can be resisted, He commands and He forbids. He is here to administrate Christ’s Church on earth He gives individual believers His Presence to make Jesus real in their lives.
Declaration: He lives with me constantly and He is in me. I will not live separate from Him.
Action Plan: How do you see the Holy Spirit? Think about how He can become more real to you! What are things that you can do to have a deeper relationship with Him? ______________
______________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday
Why Do We Need “The Helper”?
Read Acts 1:1-14
Scripture to Ponder: Isaiah 43:19 (The Message) states, Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit gives us the power to witness. Jesus did not enter into His ministry of power until after the coming of the Holy Spirit at His baptism. We can’t do the work of God in human effort. We must have the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament is full of human striving and the New Testament is full of resting in the power of God.
Declaration: I will be alert watching and waiting where He leads me! Ready to go!
Action Plan: Are you tired of getting nowhere on your own? Surrender yourself to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday
Have I Already Received Him?
Read Acts 19:1-6
Scripture to Ponder: Acts 19:3-4 (Amplified) states, And he asked, Into what [baptism] then were you baptized? They said, Into John's baptism. 4And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, continually telling the people that they should believe in the One Who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus [having a conviction full of joyful trust that He is Christ, the Messiah, and being obedient to Him].
Seed Thought: To be a Christian you must have received the Holy Spirit. In these verses we see that Christ is in you. When you are born-again the Spirit of Christ comes and lives in you. You receive a drink of Salvation. God tells us there is more and on the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus talked about the Holy Spirit coming out of the believer not going in. We need the power of God to do the work of God. God wants to come out of us to empower us to do the work of God.
Declaration: For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. Isaiah 33:22 (Amplified)
Action Plan: Have I ever asked God for the gift of the Holy Spirit? Do I have any evidence of the Holy Spirit working in my life? Am I hearing the voice of the Spirit in my inner man?
Friday
No Need To Be An Orphan
Read John 14:15-24
Scripture to Ponder: I will not leave you orphaned. I'm coming back. In just a little while the world will no longer see me, but you're going to see me because I am alive and you're about to come alive. At that moment you will know absolutely that I'm in my Father, and you're in me, and I'm in you. John 14:18-20(The Message)
Seed Thought: An orphan is one who has no parental love, support, relationship, care, provision or training. Sociologists tell us that every person has four basic needs Love, Security, Value, and Purpose. The Orphan is one that has to make it on his own because he has no parents to provide for them. We are not left to make it on our on but we have a heavenly Father who gives us the Holy Spirit to care for and teach and guide us.
Declaration: If you go the wrong way—to the right or to the left—you will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the right way. You should go this way."(NCV)
Action Plan: Do you feel orphaned? Ask The Holy Spirit to feel you with His presence!
The Weekender
Looking Back
Let’s look back on what we have learned this week and review. In reflecting it is our desire that if something that you have learned really stands out that you look at ways in which you can implement them into your situation and life that will make a difference in your life.
Who is the Helper to You?
Why Do You Need The Helper?
Have I already received the Helper?
Do I have any evidence of the Holy Spirit working in my life?
Am I hearing the voice of the Spirit in my inner man?
Everyone Needs “The Helper”
Read John 15:5
When Peter got out of the boat to do the impossible and started sinking he cried out for something we all need to cry out Lord Save Me – He found out he needed help because like us he was over his head. The truth is Jesus told us in (John 15:5) that we can do nothing without Him. We need His help and without Him we are helpless. That is why Jesus called the Holy Spirit the helper.
Scripture to Ponder: John 15:5 (The Message) states, I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing.
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit was God’s helper at creation and has been sent as our helper in the New Creation. At the Word of God He forms the Christ in us. The Godhead was at work at the creation. The parts could not be separated but are one in being and purpose. We have been made one with them to carry on the work of God on earth. We are here to do His will.
Declaration: But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.
Action Plan: If you do have a relationship that is intimate and organic with the Holy Spirit , then what are you waiting for He has so much more for you than you can ever imagine! Take action be like Peter, step out of the boat. He is waiting.
Tuesday
Who Is “The Helper”?
Read John 14:7-31
Scripture to Ponder: John 14:15-17 (The Message) states, "If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can't take him in because it doesn't have eyes to see him, doesn't know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit is not an influence or ghostly presences He is a person. He posses the attributes of personality, He has a mind. He has knowledge. He has a will and many other aspects of what a personality is made up of He Speaks, He Prays, He teaches, He works, He can be resisted, He commands and He forbids. He is here to administrate Christ’s Church on earth He gives individual believers His Presence to make Jesus real in their lives.
Declaration: He lives with me constantly and He is in me. I will not live separate from Him.
Action Plan: How do you see the Holy Spirit? Think about how He can become more real to you! What are things that you can do to have a deeper relationship with Him? ______________
______________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday
Why Do We Need “The Helper”?
Read Acts 1:1-14
Scripture to Ponder: Isaiah 43:19 (The Message) states, Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Seed Thought: The Holy Spirit gives us the power to witness. Jesus did not enter into His ministry of power until after the coming of the Holy Spirit at His baptism. We can’t do the work of God in human effort. We must have the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament is full of human striving and the New Testament is full of resting in the power of God.
Declaration: I will be alert watching and waiting where He leads me! Ready to go!
Action Plan: Are you tired of getting nowhere on your own? Surrender yourself to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday
Have I Already Received Him?
Read Acts 19:1-6
Scripture to Ponder: Acts 19:3-4 (Amplified) states, And he asked, Into what [baptism] then were you baptized? They said, Into John's baptism. 4And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, continually telling the people that they should believe in the One Who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus [having a conviction full of joyful trust that He is Christ, the Messiah, and being obedient to Him].
Seed Thought: To be a Christian you must have received the Holy Spirit. In these verses we see that Christ is in you. When you are born-again the Spirit of Christ comes and lives in you. You receive a drink of Salvation. God tells us there is more and on the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus talked about the Holy Spirit coming out of the believer not going in. We need the power of God to do the work of God. God wants to come out of us to empower us to do the work of God.
Declaration: For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. Isaiah 33:22 (Amplified)
Action Plan: Have I ever asked God for the gift of the Holy Spirit? Do I have any evidence of the Holy Spirit working in my life? Am I hearing the voice of the Spirit in my inner man?
Friday
No Need To Be An Orphan
Read John 14:15-24
Scripture to Ponder: I will not leave you orphaned. I'm coming back. In just a little while the world will no longer see me, but you're going to see me because I am alive and you're about to come alive. At that moment you will know absolutely that I'm in my Father, and you're in me, and I'm in you. John 14:18-20(The Message)
Seed Thought: An orphan is one who has no parental love, support, relationship, care, provision or training. Sociologists tell us that every person has four basic needs Love, Security, Value, and Purpose. The Orphan is one that has to make it on his own because he has no parents to provide for them. We are not left to make it on our on but we have a heavenly Father who gives us the Holy Spirit to care for and teach and guide us.
Declaration: If you go the wrong way—to the right or to the left—you will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the right way. You should go this way."(NCV)
Action Plan: Do you feel orphaned? Ask The Holy Spirit to feel you with His presence!
The Weekender
Looking Back
Let’s look back on what we have learned this week and review. In reflecting it is our desire that if something that you have learned really stands out that you look at ways in which you can implement them into your situation and life that will make a difference in your life.
Who is the Helper to You?
Why Do You Need The Helper?
Have I already received the Helper?
Do I have any evidence of the Holy Spirit working in my life?
Am I hearing the voice of the Spirit in my inner man?
April 26, 2011
The Daily Compass April 25-30, 2011
Monday
Having An Overcoming Testimony
Read Revelation 12:10-11, Hebrews 11, James 5:10-11
When we read Hebrews 11 or anywhere in the Word of God where we are reminded of what others have gone through and how they exercised their faith, we should be very encouraged and emboldened to live for God. We are told to consider the sufferings of Job and the prophets in James 5:10-11. The Word of God feeds our soul and strengthens us. Our history is our testimony of those who stood for God’s Word and “loved not their lives unto the death.” I believe our history is sadly underestimated. We are saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and His Word guides and uphold us.
A believer knows he is saved, sins forgiven, through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. Period. No sin, no iniquity, no depravity, no transgression is greater than that shed blood of Jesus Christ. Having an overcoming testimony is the call of faith set to work. It is the call every genuine Christian aspires to and strives for. Yet, many times, Christians, in their weakness, yield to the world, the flesh and satan the devil. How can Christians who have lost their spiritual state of conversion and first love, regain their morality? How can gossips put a bridle on their tongues and find a pure language? How can backslidden thieves and liars and adulterers regain the purity of life ordered by Holy Scripture? It all begins with the words we speak.
Yes, it is by "the word of their testimony." the testimony of our heritage helps us overcome satan and his lies. Every time we share our testimony we are reminding ourselves of the work God has done in our lives.
Tuesday
The Secret Of Overcoming
Read 1Peter5:8-9, Ephesians 6:13-18
These days that we are living in are both great and horrible at the same time. Never in history have we had such a great explosion of wisdom and understanding. On the other hand, never in history have we had the enemy of hell trying his hardest to persuade God's people with his temptations and diverse tricks to keep our eyes off the Lord. We know that the devil is always hard at work and constantly trying to lure us away from a closer and more intimate relationship with the Lord.
To be an overcomer we have to keep our focus on God and His Word, when we study His Word we can we can experience God, not just obtain information. We must apply what we have learned through the study of his word and the experiences that we have with Him to our lives. We cannot just do whatever we want when difficult decisions or circumstances arise in our lives, we must remain strong in faith and seek His guidance and ask Jesus what he would have us do. As long as we keep our focus on God, satan cannot get to us. Remember when Peter walked on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he walked, the moment his focus changed he begin to sink. The secret Is keeping your eyes on Jesus.
Wednesday
The Truth Of Heaven
Read Ephesians 2:4-7; Revelation 4&5
What images come to mind when you think of Heaven? Do you think of a mode of life that is exciting and fulfilling? Or do the words of the epitaph of one dear soul come nearer to hitting the mark? Does Heaven awaken for you a sense of anticipation, or does it evoke visions of monotonous and boring inactivity? What is Heaven really like? Is Heaven even something we should spend much time thinking about? Or should we relegate thoughts of Heaven to the dusty corners of our mind, lest we render ourselves of little earthly good?
We know first of all that Heaven is the spiritual realm in which the glory of God's presence is manifest, and in which dwell the angels of God, and all believers who have departed this world. The few glimpses of Heaven given in Scripture reveal a pervading sense of the holiness of God. We are also informed that it is a place which human words are inadequate to fully describe. Many times people want to tell us that heaven is a place we will obtain when we die, but the fact of the matter is salvation, power, the Kingdom of God, and the authority of Christ are a present reality. Salvation is now, faith is now, God is the “I Am” not the I was. Our problem is we are so busy looking back at our past or looking for what will happen , but the fact is God is now. Heaven is here now.
Thursday
Overcoming The Enemy
Read Genesis 4:6-7; John 1:29; 19:30; Romans 10:10
The Bible says that satan is the accuser of the brethren. The word accuser is defined in the dictionary like this, "To make a charge of wrongdoing against another." The devil is constantly trying to put a wedge between us and God the Father, but verse 11 says, they overcame him (The devil) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. We have power because of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, and the testimony that we have as believers is another strength against the enemy of what God has brought us through.
Even though the enemy may stand before God and accuse us of our past sins; we have an advocate with God the Father and our advocate is Jesus Christ. He bore our sins, sicknesses and infirmities and through His death, burial and resurrection, we have a hope that is everlasting and no devil in hell can ever steal that from those who have made Jesus the Lord of their life.
Remember that there is power in the name of Jesus and the blood that He shed for All mankind. Just as the death spirit skipped over every house that was covered by the blood of a lamb in the Old Testament story of Moses, so it is with those who have been cleansed and
redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The next time the enemy comes to you accusing you of your sins, you need to open your mouth and say "The blood of Jesus has cleansed me from all unrighteousness and in Jesus name I rebuke you satan and bind every evil influence that you try to bring into my life." Testify what God has done for you!
Friday
Giving Your Life For Him
Read Matthew 16:24-25; 22:37-40
His ministry was public, in your face and bold, he calls his disciples to follow this example. No wonder Peter was taken back at the idea of Jesus being crucified! The cross was public and humiliating, not the place for a king or a ruler, a place for a criminal, a thief - or the son of God, doing what was needed to set us free. Disciples are called to follow, not a one off prayer but a life of following, taking up the cross and relying on Christ - live dangerously, walk on the edge where Jesus calls you to be. Jesus was visible, vulnerable and effective - he calls us to be the same. Now something even more radical in our world of self centeredness, striving to win ...
Imaging throwing a race or competition - madness most would think. Jesus tells us to throw the race of life to gain life eternal. He canceled the debt we owe to God and made a public train wreck of the devil and all of his works. He gave up his life to win life for us, follow me he says, let go of your security in the world, live your life dangerously for me. Jesus calls us to daily die, over and again that we might win - sounds crazy, weird and impossible and yet ... its the truth, no longer held by those things that chain us we can soar on wings like eagles for him.
We may not be brave, he can strengthen us;
We may not be gifted in our eyes, he can gift us;
We may feel powerless, he can empower us.
All it takes it to desire to live dangerously for Christ.
Weekender
Looking Back
Let’s look back on what we have learned this week and review. In reflecting it is our desire that if something that you have learned really stands out that you look at ways in which you can implement them into your situation and life that will make a difference in your life.
Why do you think sharing your faith activates faith?
Why do you think that keeping your eyes focused on Jesus helps you overcome?
When you read the word do you experience God or do you just obtain information? Explain: How do you see Heaven?
How Do you handle the accuser when he comes against you?
Do you have what it takes to live dangerously for Christ? Why or why not:
What changes can you make or need to make to live dangerously for Him?
Having An Overcoming Testimony
Read Revelation 12:10-11, Hebrews 11, James 5:10-11
When we read Hebrews 11 or anywhere in the Word of God where we are reminded of what others have gone through and how they exercised their faith, we should be very encouraged and emboldened to live for God. We are told to consider the sufferings of Job and the prophets in James 5:10-11. The Word of God feeds our soul and strengthens us. Our history is our testimony of those who stood for God’s Word and “loved not their lives unto the death.” I believe our history is sadly underestimated. We are saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and His Word guides and uphold us.
A believer knows he is saved, sins forgiven, through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. Period. No sin, no iniquity, no depravity, no transgression is greater than that shed blood of Jesus Christ. Having an overcoming testimony is the call of faith set to work. It is the call every genuine Christian aspires to and strives for. Yet, many times, Christians, in their weakness, yield to the world, the flesh and satan the devil. How can Christians who have lost their spiritual state of conversion and first love, regain their morality? How can gossips put a bridle on their tongues and find a pure language? How can backslidden thieves and liars and adulterers regain the purity of life ordered by Holy Scripture? It all begins with the words we speak.
Yes, it is by "the word of their testimony." the testimony of our heritage helps us overcome satan and his lies. Every time we share our testimony we are reminding ourselves of the work God has done in our lives.
Tuesday
The Secret Of Overcoming
Read 1Peter5:8-9, Ephesians 6:13-18
These days that we are living in are both great and horrible at the same time. Never in history have we had such a great explosion of wisdom and understanding. On the other hand, never in history have we had the enemy of hell trying his hardest to persuade God's people with his temptations and diverse tricks to keep our eyes off the Lord. We know that the devil is always hard at work and constantly trying to lure us away from a closer and more intimate relationship with the Lord.
To be an overcomer we have to keep our focus on God and His Word, when we study His Word we can we can experience God, not just obtain information. We must apply what we have learned through the study of his word and the experiences that we have with Him to our lives. We cannot just do whatever we want when difficult decisions or circumstances arise in our lives, we must remain strong in faith and seek His guidance and ask Jesus what he would have us do. As long as we keep our focus on God, satan cannot get to us. Remember when Peter walked on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he walked, the moment his focus changed he begin to sink. The secret Is keeping your eyes on Jesus.
Wednesday
The Truth Of Heaven
Read Ephesians 2:4-7; Revelation 4&5
What images come to mind when you think of Heaven? Do you think of a mode of life that is exciting and fulfilling? Or do the words of the epitaph of one dear soul come nearer to hitting the mark? Does Heaven awaken for you a sense of anticipation, or does it evoke visions of monotonous and boring inactivity? What is Heaven really like? Is Heaven even something we should spend much time thinking about? Or should we relegate thoughts of Heaven to the dusty corners of our mind, lest we render ourselves of little earthly good?
We know first of all that Heaven is the spiritual realm in which the glory of God's presence is manifest, and in which dwell the angels of God, and all believers who have departed this world. The few glimpses of Heaven given in Scripture reveal a pervading sense of the holiness of God. We are also informed that it is a place which human words are inadequate to fully describe. Many times people want to tell us that heaven is a place we will obtain when we die, but the fact of the matter is salvation, power, the Kingdom of God, and the authority of Christ are a present reality. Salvation is now, faith is now, God is the “I Am” not the I was. Our problem is we are so busy looking back at our past or looking for what will happen , but the fact is God is now. Heaven is here now.
Thursday
Overcoming The Enemy
Read Genesis 4:6-7; John 1:29; 19:30; Romans 10:10
The Bible says that satan is the accuser of the brethren. The word accuser is defined in the dictionary like this, "To make a charge of wrongdoing against another." The devil is constantly trying to put a wedge between us and God the Father, but verse 11 says, they overcame him (The devil) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. We have power because of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, and the testimony that we have as believers is another strength against the enemy of what God has brought us through.
Even though the enemy may stand before God and accuse us of our past sins; we have an advocate with God the Father and our advocate is Jesus Christ. He bore our sins, sicknesses and infirmities and through His death, burial and resurrection, we have a hope that is everlasting and no devil in hell can ever steal that from those who have made Jesus the Lord of their life.
Remember that there is power in the name of Jesus and the blood that He shed for All mankind. Just as the death spirit skipped over every house that was covered by the blood of a lamb in the Old Testament story of Moses, so it is with those who have been cleansed and
redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The next time the enemy comes to you accusing you of your sins, you need to open your mouth and say "The blood of Jesus has cleansed me from all unrighteousness and in Jesus name I rebuke you satan and bind every evil influence that you try to bring into my life." Testify what God has done for you!
Friday
Giving Your Life For Him
Read Matthew 16:24-25; 22:37-40
His ministry was public, in your face and bold, he calls his disciples to follow this example. No wonder Peter was taken back at the idea of Jesus being crucified! The cross was public and humiliating, not the place for a king or a ruler, a place for a criminal, a thief - or the son of God, doing what was needed to set us free. Disciples are called to follow, not a one off prayer but a life of following, taking up the cross and relying on Christ - live dangerously, walk on the edge where Jesus calls you to be. Jesus was visible, vulnerable and effective - he calls us to be the same. Now something even more radical in our world of self centeredness, striving to win ...
Imaging throwing a race or competition - madness most would think. Jesus tells us to throw the race of life to gain life eternal. He canceled the debt we owe to God and made a public train wreck of the devil and all of his works. He gave up his life to win life for us, follow me he says, let go of your security in the world, live your life dangerously for me. Jesus calls us to daily die, over and again that we might win - sounds crazy, weird and impossible and yet ... its the truth, no longer held by those things that chain us we can soar on wings like eagles for him.
We may not be brave, he can strengthen us;
We may not be gifted in our eyes, he can gift us;
We may feel powerless, he can empower us.
All it takes it to desire to live dangerously for Christ.
Weekender
Looking Back
Let’s look back on what we have learned this week and review. In reflecting it is our desire that if something that you have learned really stands out that you look at ways in which you can implement them into your situation and life that will make a difference in your life.
Why do you think sharing your faith activates faith?
Why do you think that keeping your eyes focused on Jesus helps you overcome?
When you read the word do you experience God or do you just obtain information? Explain: How do you see Heaven?
How Do you handle the accuser when he comes against you?
Do you have what it takes to live dangerously for Christ? Why or why not:
What changes can you make or need to make to live dangerously for Him?
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