APRIL DEVOTIONALS
April 30, 2007
LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY
SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GIVE GLORY TO YOUR
FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.
( MATTHEW 5:6 *NKJV )
YOU WERE ONCE DARKNESS, NOW YOU ARE LIGHT
IN THE LORD. WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT. For, IF WE
WALK IN THE LIGHT AS HE IS IN THE LIGHT, WE HAVE
FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND THE BLOOD OF
JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN.
( EPHESIANS 5:8 ) & ( 1 JOHN 1:6-7 )
Now how do we walk in the light? Well, your little light shines
every time you smile at someone, or do a good deed for them.
Also when you take the time to help someone in need, or share
God's Word with another. When you reach out to someone who
is suffering with pain or sorrow. Thus when, through you actions,
you show others what being a Christian is all about. Thus: LOVE
YOU NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. ( MATTHEW 19:19 )
Now Scott, if you think your little light is a dim one, well
perhaps, as I believe, our little lights are magnified in the
immense
mirror of God's Love. Perhaps His reflectors are our hearts,
spreading the flame of kindness to one another. Therefore, why
not shine you light on others today? You will not only help
them but it will warm your heart as well!
In Closing, just think, "If everyone would light, just one
little
candle, what a bright World this would be." Amen.
April 29, 2007
First Fruits
by Os Hillman, April 29, 2007
All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and
must go into His treasury. - Joshua 6:19
One of the earliest examples of the practice of giving God the first fruits of the
increase was when Joshua and the people entered the Promised Land for the first
time. When they crossed the Jordan River, their first battle was Jericho. God set a
precedent with this battle by instructing them not to take any spoils from it. Unlike
future battles, the fruits from this victory were to go into the treasury as a
remembrance of their first victory in the Promised Land. In addition, the city of
Jericho was to be a lasting monument to God's faithfulness. God instructed Joshua
never to rebuild this city. If they or anyone in the future attempted to rebuild the
city, the life of the firstborn would be required. Years later in the days of King Ahab,
Hiel the Bethelite attempted to rebuild this city and his firstborn died as a result. God
never forgets to enforce His Word.
Is your work a lasting monument to the faithfulness of God in your life? Is it bringing
glory to the Father? Are you giving the first fruits from your increase to God? God
has encouraged us through this story to give the first fruits of our work to Him so
that He will be glorified through our work. This is a tangible way for us to
acknowledge that God is the source of all blessing.
April 28, 2007
Tests of the Heart
by Os Hillman, April 28, 2007
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years,
to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or
not you would keep His commands. - Deuteronomy 8:2
Has God performed a heart test on you lately? There are times in our lives when God
leads us into the desert in order to let us find out what is in our heart. These times
can be very difficult and humbling. They can test our mettle like no other time.
Desert times often mean we are living without those things we are normally
accustomed to: water, food, limited supplies-and with few comforts. In modern terms,
it may mean a different environment. God is performing a very important work
during these times. He wants to know if we can be obedient to Him in these times; or
will we be obedient only when times are good?
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which
neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread
alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not
wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart
that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you (Deuteronomy
8:3-5).
These desert times may mean experiencing new ways of provision from the Lord.
Like manna from Heaven, it may mean seeing miracles we've never seen before.
Like clothing that never wears out, it may mean seeing your normal capabilities
expanded. Like walking hundreds of miles without pain, desert experiences provide
new lessons and new experiences that only these times can teach us.
What desert experience has He brought into your life lately? Perhaps it is a lean time
in business. Perhaps it is a new environment. Whatever it is, when God decides to
bring new disciplines into our lives by bringing us into the desert, do not fear the heat
that is sure to come. He is walking beside you in order to test you and find out what is
really in your heart. Ask for His grace to pass the test. He wants to bring all of His
children into the Promised Land.
April 27, 2007
Unrighteous Acts
by Os Hillman, April 27, 2007
..."Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile
enemies?" - Nehemiah 5:9
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Babylon. Jerusalem's walls had
been destroyed and word had come to Nehemiah that the remnant of his people left in
Jerusalem were distressed over the plight of the wall.
Nehemiah was grieved over this situation. He appealed to his king for permission to
rebuild the wall. When he got to the city, he found many problems among his own
people due to an economic crisis in the region. Among the classes affected by the
economic crisis were (1) the landless, who were short of food; (2) the landowners, who
were compelled to mortgage their properties; (3) those forced to borrow money at
exorbitant rates and sell their children into slavery. It was unlawful for Hebrews to
charge interest to other Hebrews.
Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our countrymen and though our sons
are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some
of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields
and our vineyards belong to others (Nehemiah 5:5).
Nehemiah stepped forward to admonish his people for this wrongful action on the
basis that not only was it wrong, but God would respond to such action by making
them susceptible to His judgment through the Gentile enemies.
Nehemiah was modeling to each of us a spiritual principle regarding sin. Whenever we
sin, we give God permission to unleash the enemy into our souls to judge that sin.
Nehemiah understood this principle and warned the people of what this action would
encourage from God. The people repented and returned the money gained through
usury.
As Christian workplace believers we must make sure that our practices are righteous
in God's sight. If not, we can expect the enemy to be released to judge that sin. Ask
the Lord today if there is any unrighteousness in your business practices that makes
you vulnerable to judgment.
DeaR God,
Make us holy in your ways and in your sight, So that we might be the light of the
world as you would have us to be. Protect us from evil and the evildoers. May you
grant all these things thru Jesus Christ.
Amen.
April 26, 2007
Fears That Keep Us From His Presence
by Os Hillman, April 26, 2007
Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because
they were overcome with fear. So He got into the boat and left. - Luke 8:37
Jesus did many miracles when He lived on earth. One of those miracles involved the
deliverance of a demon-possessed man. The people of the community witnessed this
awesome demonstration of God's power when Jesus commanded the demon spirit to
come out of the man and go into the herd of nearby pigs. The man was healed and sat
at Jesus' feet.
You would expect the people who witnessed this to embrace Jesus as one performing
good deeds and to honor Him. The opposite was true. Instead, they were overcome
with fear. Why? Many of us respond the same way to Jesus when He does an
out-of-the-ordinary act among His people. We are fearful because we have never
personally experienced this before. So, we draw wrong judgments. The result is that
Jesus removes Himself from us.
The Lord is able to do far exceeding above what we think. Jesus does not remain in
the places where there is fear of His goodness. It is often subconscious fears that
prevent us from going to a deeper level with Him. The people in Gerasenes could not
benefit from Jesus' presence because of their fears.
Have you feared Jesus because of what He might require of you? Have you feared
that He might ask of you something you are not prepared to give? Do not let your
fears drive Him from your presence. His motive is always love for His children. You
can trust Him.
April 25, 2007
ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU; SEEK, AND YOU
WILL FIND; KNOCK, AND IT WILL BE OPENED TO YOU.
( LUKE 11:9-10 *NKJV )
Those are the words of our Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus
also said, "IF YOU ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS
ABIDE IN YOU, YOU WILL ASK WHAT YOU DESIRE,
AND IT SHALL BE DONE FOR YOU." ( JOHN 15:7 )
Now these verses do not mean that everything we
may ask for will be given to us, but do mean that if it is
God's Will for us it will happen! After all we may ask
for something that would hurt us in the end, for we
have no way of knowing the future.
Therefore when you pray do not be afraid to ask God for
something that you desire, knowing that He who knows
all is looking out for you. For God has said: THEN YOU
WILL CALL UPON ME AND COME AND PRAY TO ME,
AND I WILL LISTEN TO YOU. YOU WILL SEEK ME AND
FIND ME WHEN YOU SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR
HEART. ( JEREMIAH 29:12-13 )
Also do not think that God has abandoned you if a prayer
isn't answered the way you want. After all, in time, you may
look back on that prayer request and say "Thank God, He
Didn't Answer That One!"
Therefore, never lose hope when you pray
for it is written, THE EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER OF
A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILS MUCH. ( JAMES 5:16 )
So PRAY CONTINUALLY; GIVE THANKS IN ALL
CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU
IN CHRIST JESUS. Amen. ( 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17-18 )
April 24, 2007
Jesus taught us to say, GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.
( MATTHEW 6:11 *NKJV )
The word's "Daily Bread" refer to our spiritual food, that being
the Word of God. For, MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD
ALONE BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE
MOUTH OF THE LORD. ( DEUTERONOMY 8:3 )
Now, did you ever notice when reading the Scriptures how
the Word ministers to us in different ways depending on what
our current situation is? Well this is because, THE WORD OF
GOD IS LIVING AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN
ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD. Thus we my boldly say,
YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY
PATH. ( HEBREWS 4:12 ) ( PSALM 119:105 )
Therefore: LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU
RICHLY IN ALL WISDOM, TEACHING AND ADMONISHING
ONE ANOTHER IN PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL
SONGS, SINGING WITH GRACE IN YOUR HEARTS TO THE
LORD. ( COLOSSIANS 3:16 )
Now, you may consider this daily message a
slice of toast for your spiritual breakfast each morning. Now
you may enjoy even more by reading you Bible each day as well.
However do not worry, you may enjoy several spiritual meals a
day without gaining a single pound! So Bon Appetit, my Dear
Friends!
In closing, It is my hope that these messages bring a ray of
sunshine into your life each day! May God bless you, and have
a wonderful day. Amen.
April 23,2007
HE WHO COVERS HIS SINS WILL NOT PROSPER, BUT
WHOEVER CONFESSES AND FORSAKES THEM WILL
HAVE MERCY."
( PROVERBS 28:13 *NKJV )
When we confess our sins and ask for God's forgiveness,
they are cleaned from the Book Of Life by the Most Precious
Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is then that those sins
are not only forgiven, but they are also forgotten by our
Heavenly Father as well. For it is written, "I WILL BE
MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR
SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER
NO MORE." ( HEBREWS 8:12 )
Now that doesn't mean that we may continue to do the
same sin over and over, and still be forgiven each time we
repent. After all the first verse does state "WHOEVER
CONFESSES AND FORSAKES THEM" does it not?
Therefore when you pray remember the confession of your
sins should be a daily routine, for to be of the flesh is to be
of a sinful nature. However God realizes that, so never feel
that because of your past sins God will never forgive you!
After all you are His Child, and HE Loves You very much!
Amen.
April 22, 2007
As our Heavenly Father said there will be; "A TIME TO WEEP
AND A TIME TO LAUGH; A TIME TO MOURN AND A TIME TO
DANCE."
( ECCLESIASTES 3:4 *NKJV )
After the Terrible event that happened this week it is time
to let the healing process begin, so let us do so today. Therefore
if you are feeling low right now remember that IF I SAY, I WILL
FORGET MY COMPLAINT, I WILL PUT OFF MY SAD FACE
AND WEAR A SMILE. For after you read this you can say
THEN MY MOUTH WAS FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, AND MY
TONGUE WITH SINGING.
( JOB 9:27 ) & ( PSALM 126:2 )
_________________________
Pecans in the Cemetery
On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree
just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a
bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began
dividing the nuts. "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for
me," said one boy. Several dropped and rolled down toward the
fence.
Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he
passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He
slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, "One for you,
one for me. One for you, one for me." He just knew what it was,
so he jumped back on his bike and rode off.
Now just around the bend he met an old man with a cane,
hobbling along. "Come here quick," said the boy, "you won't believe
what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing
up the souls."
The man said, "Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to
walk." When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled to the
cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for
me. One for you, one for me..." The old man whispered, "Boy,
you've been tellin' the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord."
Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence yet were still
unable to see anything.
The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the
fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the
Lord.
At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's
go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done."
They say the old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes
ahead of the boy on the bike!
Author
Unknown
April 21, 2007
DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW, FOR TOMORROW
WILL WORRY ABOUT ITSELF. EACH DAY HAS ENOUGH
TROUBLE OF ITS OWN.
( MATTHEW 6:34 *NIV )
Now I ask you, WHO OF YOU BY WORRYING CAN
ADD A SINGLE HOUR TO HIS LIFE? ( MATTHEW 6:27 )
In fact, some studies even show that worry may actually
shorten our life!
Therefore instead of worrying CAST ALL YOUR
ANXIETY ON HIM BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU.
( 1 PETER 5:7 ) For then, WHEN YOU LIE DOWN, YOU
WILL NOT BE AFRAID; WHEN YOU LIE DOWN YOUR
SLEEP WILL BE SWEET.
( PROVERBS 3:24 )
After all what is worry anyway, but the opposite of faith!
So, have faith and always turn your worries over to
God! Then you will be able to say with confidence.....
"Why Worry About Tomorrow?"
Why worry about tomorrow
And the rising of the sun,
Of anguish over past mistakes
That cannot be undone?
Why waste life's precious moments
On things that bruise the heart
When today is ours to fashion
Into a work of art?
Today comes but once, my friend,
It never can return--
So use it wisely while you can,
There's a lesson you may learn.
Let history record the past
And tomorrow come what may.
Be content to do your best
With what you have today!
Poet: Clay Harrison
April 20, 2007
Unprofitable Anger
by Os Hillman
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. -
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Every day of our lives we are placed in situations that engage us with other people,
whether it is in the office, our homes, or in public places. Do you recall the last time
someone cut you off in traffic, or you were forced to wait in line because someone up
front got held up? Perhaps your employer did something that was downright unfair.
Anger can result from many circumstances.
A friend once told me that anger is like warning lights on the front of your car
dashboard. They signal that there is something going on under the hood, and we
should take a look to examine the source of the problem. Anger can be traced to a
few sources. First, when we lose control of a circumstance that we have placed certain
expectations on and those expectations do not result in our desired outcome, we are
tempted to get angry. The source of this type of anger is both fear and protection of
personal rights. You see, when we believe we have a right to something, we have not
given the Lord permission to allow an outcome different from what we want. If an
outcome is different from our expectations, this may stimulate fear.
For instance, if a vendor failed to deliver an important job on time due to something
out of his control, you may respond out of anger. Please know that the source of your
anger is the fear of what might happen to you or what this might say about your
abilities to manage a project. You no longer are in control of the circumstance and
this creates fear in you.
The next time you get angry ask the Lord what is the source of that anger? Did the
Lord allow that failure to let you see what is "under your hood"? God has not given
us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (see 2 Tim. 1:7). Give up your
rights to expectations that God never gave you. You will find a new freedom in Christ
you never knew you could have.
April 19, 2007
THESE THINGS I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU, THAT IN ME YOU
MAY HAVE PEACE. IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE
TRIBULATION; BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVER-
COME THE WORLD.
( JOHN 16:33 *NKJV )
Now in this World today, there are times when we may
feel overwhelmed by what is going on all around us. After
all with terrible disasters, wars and terrorist's threats, etc
happening, it is enough to make one wonder what is
happening to this World today.
If all of these events cause you to feel overwhelmed, and the
tribulation in this World is weighing heavily on your mind,
remember that God is always with you, and these events are
unfolding as prophesied. Also remember that our Savior Jesus
Christ said, "LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED; FOR YOU
BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME." ( JOHN 14:1 ) For
when we put all of our trust in Jesus' hands, we will find peace
for HE HIMSELF IS OUR PEACE. ( EPHESIANS 2:14 )
FINALLY, BRETHREN, WHATEVER THINGS ARE TRUE,
WHAT EVER THINGS ARE NOBLE, WHATEVER THINGS
ARE JUST, WHATEVER THINGS ARE PURE, WHATEVER
THINGS ARE LOVELY, WHATEVER THINGS ARE OF GOOD
REPORT, IF THERE IS ANY VIRTUE AND IF THERE IS
ANYTHING PRAISEWORTHY-MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
instead of the troubles of this World. ( PHILIPPIANS 4:8 )
After all it is then that THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH
SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR
HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.
(PHILIPPIANS 4:7) and you will know true peace as you have
never known it before. Amen, Amen Indeed!
April 18, 2007
BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS IN THE LORD,
AND WHOSE HOPE IS THE LORD.
( JEREMIAH 17:7 *NKJV )
We all have hopes and dreams for our future, for life would
be very difficult without them. However when we put our hope
in the Lord, trusting that He will always help us, we are
placing our hope in the correct place! For unlike putting our
hope in other human beings who are likely to let us down,
GOD never fails or reneges on His Promises.
After all it is written: THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR
HOPE. ( 1 TIMOTHY 1:1 ) and everyone whose hope is in
the Lord is truly blessed! Now that is because EVERYONE
WHO HAS THIS HOPE IN HIM PURIFIES HIMSELF, JUST
AS HE IS PURE. ( 1 JOHN 3:3 ) So, BE OF GOOD
COURAGE, AND HE SHALL STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART,
ALL YOU WHO HOPE IN THE LORD. ( PSALM 31:24 )
In Closing, it is my prayer that THE GOD
OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN
BELIEVING, THAT YOU MAY ABOUND IN HOPE BY THE
POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, and that all of your hopes
and dreams come true! Amen. ( ROMANS 15:13 )
April 17, 2006
"HE DOES NOT TREAT US AS OUR SINS DESERVE OR
REPAY US ACCORDING TO OUR INIQUITIES. FOR AS HIGH
AS THE HEAVENS ARE ABOVE THE EARTH, SO GREAT IS
HIS LOVE FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM."
( PSALM 103:10-11 *NIV )
God offers repentance to all who come to Him! I know that
many people believe that they have done something that they
cannot be forgiven for, but that is incorrect "FOR HE KNOWS
HOW WE ARE FORMED, HE REMEMBERS THAT WE ARE
DUST." (PSALM 103:14)
He also knows that to be of the flesh is to be sinful! After
all
God has promised, "I WILL CLEANSE THEM FROM ALL THE
SIN THEY HAVE COMMITTED AGAINST ME AND WILL
FORGIVE ALL THEIR SINS OF REBELLION AGAINST ME."
( JEREMIAH 33:8 )
Therefore if you slip and sin, seek forgiveness as King David
did, for he said, "THEN I ACKNOWLEDGED MY SIN TO YOU
AND DID NOT COVER UP MY INIQUITY. I SAID, 'I WILL
CONFESS MY TRANSGRESSIONS TO THE LORD-AND HE
FORGAVE THE GUILT OF MY SIN." ( PSALM 32:5 )
So, do not beat yourself up over past mistakes,
ask for forgiveness, and remember that "BELESSED IS HE
WHOSE TRANSGRESSIONS ARE FORGIVEN, WHOSE
SINS ARE COVERED. BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE
SIN THE LORD DOES NOT COUNT AGAINST HIM AND IN
WHOSE SPIRIT IS NO DECEIT." Amen.
( PSALM 32:1-2 )
April 16, 2007
The Graduate-Level Test: Self-Defense
by Os Hillman, April 16, 2007
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like
the noonday sun. - Psalm 37:6
As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems
uncharacteristically cruel. The test: being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It
is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out.
Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the
Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the
religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government
was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final
judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the
Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples:
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get
anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High,
because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).
How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen
quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is
right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the
faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this
test eventually. It is part of the program. The workplace gives ample opportunity to
be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault
against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the cross. The cross
is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and
our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is
sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with
Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured
assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that
Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to
be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and
the justice of your cause will be in His hands.
April 5, 2007
The Famine That Leads to Freedom
by Os Hillman, April 5, 2007
Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die. - Genesis 42:2b
F. B. Meyer in his book, The Life of Joseph, describes a time in the life of the 12 sons
of Jacob in which they were driven from their lives of self-satisfaction to an unlikely
place to save their lives. Many years earlier they had thrown their youngest brother
into a pit, then sold him into slavery. Thirteen years later he became the second most
powerful person in Egypt. Now the world was experiencing a famine, and Joseph
controlled all the stored grain of Egypt.
As long as the hills were green and the pastures clothed with flocks, as long as the
valleys were covered over with corn and rang with the songs of reapers, Reuben,
Simeon, and the rest of them would have been unconcerned and content. But when
the mighty famine came, the hearts of these men were opened to conviction. Their
carnal security was shattered. They were being prepared for certain spiritual
experiences they would never have dreamed. And they were being prepared for the
meeting with Joseph. This is how God deals with us; He breaks up our nest, He
loosens our roots, He sends a mighty famine that cuts away the whole staff of bread.
Then, at such times, weary, worn, and sad, we are prepared to confess our sins and
receive the words of Christ when He says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28).
A missionary once said, "There is a place where we will all be obedient." Joseph was a
type of Christ in the Old Testament. The famine was an event designed to bring the
brothers to repentance and a saving knowledge, physically and spiritually. It created
the circumstances that led to freedom for these men, for they had been in bondage to
a wicked crime against their brother for many years. It was the forgiveness from
Joseph that led to that freedom.
Is your life passing through a time of famine? Are your supplies limited? Is God
leading you into directions that you would not normally seek? Perhaps this is God's
hand creating circumstances for His purposes. Now is the time to look attentively as
He directs you to unlikely sources.
April 4, 2007
SO THEY CAME TO JERUSALEM. THEN JESUS WENT
INTO THE TEMPLE AND BEGAN TO DRIVE OUT THOSE
WHO BOUGHT AND SOLD IN THE TEMPLE, AND OVER-
TURNED THE TABLES OF THE MONEY CHANGERS, AND
THE SEATS OF THOSE WHO SOLD DOVES.
( MARK 11:15 *NKJV )
Did you ever wonder why there were money changers, and
other merchants in the Temple?
Well, the Passover was almost at hand, and Jews came
from all over the World to take part in the Passover Festival
each year, and to pay their Temple taxes. Those from foreign
Countries had to have their money changed into Temple
currency, because it was the only money accepted to pay for
the purchase of sacrificial animals, and pay for their taxes as
well.
Often the inflated exchange rate enriched the money
changers, and the exorbitant prices of animals made the
merchants wealthy. Further, their stalls were set up in the
Temple's Court of the Gentiles, frustrating the intentions of
the Non-Jews who had come to worship God as well.
( see ISAIAH 56:6-7 )
Thus Jesus became angry because God's House of Worship
had become a place of extortion, and a barrier to Non-Jews who
wanted to worship there as well. For: THEN JESUS TAUGHT,
SAYING TO THEM, "IS IT NOT WRITTEN, MY HOUSE SHALL
BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS?
BUT YOU HAVE MADE IT A DEN OF THIEVES." AND THE
SCRIBES AND CHIEF PRIESTS HEARD IT AND SOUGHT
HOW THE MIGHT DESTROY HIM; FOR THEY FEARED HIM,
BECAUSE ALL THE PEOPLE WERE ASTONISHED AT HIS
TEACHING. ( MARK 11:17-18 )
Finally, if you are wondering why we don't follow the
sacrificial laws anymore, please know that Christ became our
Sacrificial Lamb to pay for our sins once and for all! FOR
INDEED CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER, WAS SACRIFICED FOR
US. THEREFORE LET US KEEP THE FEAST. Amen.
( 1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 )
April 3, 2007
The Dangers of Overcontrol
by Os Hillman, April 4, 2007
For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king. - 1
Samuel 15:23
A friend of mine who is a jet pilot once told me that whenever a jet goes out of control
and begins to spin, the only thing to do is totally take your hands off the controls and
the plane will right itself. This goes against our natural inclination to control and
manipulate in order to bring things back under control. It is scary to be out of control.
Or is it?
Saul was a man out of control. He was losing control of his kingdom to David. He was
losing the favor of God and the people. It began as compromises. Eventually he was
given a final test to obey the voice of God fully. He was instructed to kill the
Amalekites completely; but he failed to follow through. The prophet Samuel delivered
a hard word to King Saul, "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has
rejected you as king" (see 1 Sam. 15:26). Saul obeyed partially, but not fully. It was
partial obedience that led to his removal as king of Israel and his calling from God.
But why did Saul do such a thing? "I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to
them" (1 Sam. 15:24b). Saul's fear and insecurity made him more afraid of the people
and what they thought than of God. At the core of Saul's disobedience was fear of
losing control. That fear of losing control led to partial obedience and the loss of his
reign as king.
How many of us are in danger of losing God's blessing due to partial obedience? How
many of us have such a need to control people and circumstances that we fail to fully
walk in obedience to God's voice in our lives? Saul provides a great lesson for us as
workplace believers. The need to overcontrol things around us can prevent us from
receiving all that God has for us. Today, take an inventory of your control quotient.
Ask God if you are being fully obedient to what He has called you to do this day, and
avoid being put on the shelf for disobedience. "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to
heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22b).
April 2, 2007
SO THEY CAME TO JERUSALEM. THEN JESUS WENT
INTO THE TEMPLE AND BEGAN TO DRIVE OUT THOSE
WHO BOUGHT AND SOLD IN THE TEMPLE, AND OVER-
TURNED THE TABLES OF THE MONEY CHANGERS, AND
THE SEATS OF THOSE WHO SOLD DOVES.
( MARK 11:15 *NKJV )
Did you ever wonder why there were money changers, and
other merchants in the Temple?
Well, the Passover was almost at hand, and Jews came
from all over the World to take part in the Passover Festival
each year, and to pay their Temple taxes. Those from foreign
Countries had to have their money changed into Temple
currency, because it was the only money accepted to pay for
the purchase of sacrificial animals, and pay for their taxes as
well.
Often the inflated exchange rate enriched the money
changers, and the exorbitant prices of animals made the
merchants wealthy. Further, their stalls were set up in the
Temple's Court of the Gentiles, frustrating the intentions of
the Non-Jews who had come to worship God as well.
( see ISAIAH 56:6-7 )
Thus Jesus became angry because God's House of Worship
had become a place of extortion, and a barrier to Non-Jews who
wanted to worship there as well. For: THEN JESUS TAUGHT,
SAYING TO THEM, "IS IT NOT WRITTEN, MY HOUSE SHALL
BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS?
BUT YOU HAVE MADE IT A DEN OF THIEVES." AND THE
SCRIBES AND CHIEF PRIESTS HEARD IT AND SOUGHT
HOW THE MIGHT DESTROY HIM; FOR THEY FEARED HIM,
BECAUSE ALL THE PEOPLE WERE ASTONISHED AT HIS
TEACHING. ( MARK 11:17-18 )
Finally, if you are wondering why we don't follow the
sacrificial laws anymore, please know that Christ became our
Sacrificial Lamb to pay for our sins once and for all! FOR
INDEED CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER, WAS SACRIFICED FOR
US. THEREFORE LET US KEEP THE FEAST. Amen.
( 1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 )
April 1, 2007
Spiritual Contracts
by Os Hillman, April 2, 2007
In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to
the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem
would last seventy years. - Daniel 9:2
When you enter a legal contract, it binds the two parties to fulfill the terms of that
contract. In Heaven there are legal contracts that, when fulfilled, allow the spiritual
to impact the physical.
Israel had been in captivity to Babylon for 70 years. Daniel, when he investigated the
history of his nation, found the prophecy of Jeremiah, which revealed there would be
70 years of captivity. He recognized that in order to release his nation from this
captivity, there had to be a confession of sin on the part of the nation. Daniel took
that responsibility. Although he could not personally repent for his nation, he could
acknowledge their sin and repent himself. When Daniel acknowledged this sin before
God, something took place in Heaven. God heard this prayer and responded by
sending His angel Gabriel to Daniel's side.
We know from history that this was the time when Judah's return from exile began.
Daniel's prayer of confession was the spiritual key to the physical manifestation of
releasing the nation from captivity to Babylon.
Whenever you want to confront spiritual forces that have dominion over a situation,
you must find the source of the problem. Once you find the source of the problem,
you must take the necessary steps in the spiritual realm to release God's power into
that situation. For Daniel, it meant taking responsibility for the sin of the nation by
confessing its sins and asking forgiveness on behalf of the entire nation. This allowed
God to begin the process of releasing the nation.
Ask God to show you the source of the problems that may exist in your city, your
work, or people you want to see freed to fulfill God's purposes for their lives.
LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY
SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GIVE GLORY TO YOUR
FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.
( MATTHEW 5:6 *NKJV )
YOU WERE ONCE DARKNESS, NOW YOU ARE LIGHT
IN THE LORD. WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT. For, IF WE
WALK IN THE LIGHT AS HE IS IN THE LIGHT, WE HAVE
FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND THE BLOOD OF
JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN.
( EPHESIANS 5:8 ) & ( 1 JOHN 1:6-7 )
Now how do we walk in the light? Well, your little light shines
every time you smile at someone, or do a good deed for them.
Also when you take the time to help someone in need, or share
God's Word with another. When you reach out to someone who
is suffering with pain or sorrow. Thus when, through you actions,
you show others what being a Christian is all about. Thus: LOVE
YOU NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. ( MATTHEW 19:19 )
Now Scott, if you think your little light is a dim one, well
perhaps, as I believe, our little lights are magnified in the
immense
mirror of God's Love. Perhaps His reflectors are our hearts,
spreading the flame of kindness to one another. Therefore, why
not shine you light on others today? You will not only help
them but it will warm your heart as well!
In Closing, just think, "If everyone would light, just one
little
candle, what a bright World this would be." Amen.
April 29, 2007
First Fruits
by Os Hillman, April 29, 2007
All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and
must go into His treasury. - Joshua 6:19
One of the earliest examples of the practice of giving God the first fruits of the
increase was when Joshua and the people entered the Promised Land for the first
time. When they crossed the Jordan River, their first battle was Jericho. God set a
precedent with this battle by instructing them not to take any spoils from it. Unlike
future battles, the fruits from this victory were to go into the treasury as a
remembrance of their first victory in the Promised Land. In addition, the city of
Jericho was to be a lasting monument to God's faithfulness. God instructed Joshua
never to rebuild this city. If they or anyone in the future attempted to rebuild the
city, the life of the firstborn would be required. Years later in the days of King Ahab,
Hiel the Bethelite attempted to rebuild this city and his firstborn died as a result. God
never forgets to enforce His Word.
Is your work a lasting monument to the faithfulness of God in your life? Is it bringing
glory to the Father? Are you giving the first fruits from your increase to God? God
has encouraged us through this story to give the first fruits of our work to Him so
that He will be glorified through our work. This is a tangible way for us to
acknowledge that God is the source of all blessing.
April 28, 2007
Tests of the Heart
by Os Hillman, April 28, 2007
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years,
to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or
not you would keep His commands. - Deuteronomy 8:2
Has God performed a heart test on you lately? There are times in our lives when God
leads us into the desert in order to let us find out what is in our heart. These times
can be very difficult and humbling. They can test our mettle like no other time.
Desert times often mean we are living without those things we are normally
accustomed to: water, food, limited supplies-and with few comforts. In modern terms,
it may mean a different environment. God is performing a very important work
during these times. He wants to know if we can be obedient to Him in these times; or
will we be obedient only when times are good?
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which
neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread
alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not
wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart
that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you (Deuteronomy
8:3-5).
These desert times may mean experiencing new ways of provision from the Lord.
Like manna from Heaven, it may mean seeing miracles we've never seen before.
Like clothing that never wears out, it may mean seeing your normal capabilities
expanded. Like walking hundreds of miles without pain, desert experiences provide
new lessons and new experiences that only these times can teach us.
What desert experience has He brought into your life lately? Perhaps it is a lean time
in business. Perhaps it is a new environment. Whatever it is, when God decides to
bring new disciplines into our lives by bringing us into the desert, do not fear the heat
that is sure to come. He is walking beside you in order to test you and find out what is
really in your heart. Ask for His grace to pass the test. He wants to bring all of His
children into the Promised Land.
April 27, 2007
Unrighteous Acts
by Os Hillman, April 27, 2007
..."Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile
enemies?" - Nehemiah 5:9
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Babylon. Jerusalem's walls had
been destroyed and word had come to Nehemiah that the remnant of his people left in
Jerusalem were distressed over the plight of the wall.
Nehemiah was grieved over this situation. He appealed to his king for permission to
rebuild the wall. When he got to the city, he found many problems among his own
people due to an economic crisis in the region. Among the classes affected by the
economic crisis were (1) the landless, who were short of food; (2) the landowners, who
were compelled to mortgage their properties; (3) those forced to borrow money at
exorbitant rates and sell their children into slavery. It was unlawful for Hebrews to
charge interest to other Hebrews.
Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our countrymen and though our sons
are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some
of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields
and our vineyards belong to others (Nehemiah 5:5).
Nehemiah stepped forward to admonish his people for this wrongful action on the
basis that not only was it wrong, but God would respond to such action by making
them susceptible to His judgment through the Gentile enemies.
Nehemiah was modeling to each of us a spiritual principle regarding sin. Whenever we
sin, we give God permission to unleash the enemy into our souls to judge that sin.
Nehemiah understood this principle and warned the people of what this action would
encourage from God. The people repented and returned the money gained through
usury.
As Christian workplace believers we must make sure that our practices are righteous
in God's sight. If not, we can expect the enemy to be released to judge that sin. Ask
the Lord today if there is any unrighteousness in your business practices that makes
you vulnerable to judgment.
DeaR God,
Make us holy in your ways and in your sight, So that we might be the light of the
world as you would have us to be. Protect us from evil and the evildoers. May you
grant all these things thru Jesus Christ.
Amen.
April 26, 2007
Fears That Keep Us From His Presence
by Os Hillman, April 26, 2007
Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because
they were overcome with fear. So He got into the boat and left. - Luke 8:37
Jesus did many miracles when He lived on earth. One of those miracles involved the
deliverance of a demon-possessed man. The people of the community witnessed this
awesome demonstration of God's power when Jesus commanded the demon spirit to
come out of the man and go into the herd of nearby pigs. The man was healed and sat
at Jesus' feet.
You would expect the people who witnessed this to embrace Jesus as one performing
good deeds and to honor Him. The opposite was true. Instead, they were overcome
with fear. Why? Many of us respond the same way to Jesus when He does an
out-of-the-ordinary act among His people. We are fearful because we have never
personally experienced this before. So, we draw wrong judgments. The result is that
Jesus removes Himself from us.
The Lord is able to do far exceeding above what we think. Jesus does not remain in
the places where there is fear of His goodness. It is often subconscious fears that
prevent us from going to a deeper level with Him. The people in Gerasenes could not
benefit from Jesus' presence because of their fears.
Have you feared Jesus because of what He might require of you? Have you feared
that He might ask of you something you are not prepared to give? Do not let your
fears drive Him from your presence. His motive is always love for His children. You
can trust Him.
April 25, 2007
ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU; SEEK, AND YOU
WILL FIND; KNOCK, AND IT WILL BE OPENED TO YOU.
( LUKE 11:9-10 *NKJV )
Those are the words of our Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus
also said, "IF YOU ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS
ABIDE IN YOU, YOU WILL ASK WHAT YOU DESIRE,
AND IT SHALL BE DONE FOR YOU." ( JOHN 15:7 )
Now these verses do not mean that everything we
may ask for will be given to us, but do mean that if it is
God's Will for us it will happen! After all we may ask
for something that would hurt us in the end, for we
have no way of knowing the future.
Therefore when you pray do not be afraid to ask God for
something that you desire, knowing that He who knows
all is looking out for you. For God has said: THEN YOU
WILL CALL UPON ME AND COME AND PRAY TO ME,
AND I WILL LISTEN TO YOU. YOU WILL SEEK ME AND
FIND ME WHEN YOU SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR
HEART. ( JEREMIAH 29:12-13 )
Also do not think that God has abandoned you if a prayer
isn't answered the way you want. After all, in time, you may
look back on that prayer request and say "Thank God, He
Didn't Answer That One!"
Therefore, never lose hope when you pray
for it is written, THE EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER OF
A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILS MUCH. ( JAMES 5:16 )
So PRAY CONTINUALLY; GIVE THANKS IN ALL
CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU
IN CHRIST JESUS. Amen. ( 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17-18 )
April 24, 2007
Jesus taught us to say, GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.
( MATTHEW 6:11 *NKJV )
The word's "Daily Bread" refer to our spiritual food, that being
the Word of God. For, MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD
ALONE BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE
MOUTH OF THE LORD. ( DEUTERONOMY 8:3 )
Now, did you ever notice when reading the Scriptures how
the Word ministers to us in different ways depending on what
our current situation is? Well this is because, THE WORD OF
GOD IS LIVING AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN
ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD. Thus we my boldly say,
YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY
PATH. ( HEBREWS 4:12 ) ( PSALM 119:105 )
Therefore: LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU
RICHLY IN ALL WISDOM, TEACHING AND ADMONISHING
ONE ANOTHER IN PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL
SONGS, SINGING WITH GRACE IN YOUR HEARTS TO THE
LORD. ( COLOSSIANS 3:16 )
Now, you may consider this daily message a
slice of toast for your spiritual breakfast each morning. Now
you may enjoy even more by reading you Bible each day as well.
However do not worry, you may enjoy several spiritual meals a
day without gaining a single pound! So Bon Appetit, my Dear
Friends!
In closing, It is my hope that these messages bring a ray of
sunshine into your life each day! May God bless you, and have
a wonderful day. Amen.
April 23,2007
HE WHO COVERS HIS SINS WILL NOT PROSPER, BUT
WHOEVER CONFESSES AND FORSAKES THEM WILL
HAVE MERCY."
( PROVERBS 28:13 *NKJV )
When we confess our sins and ask for God's forgiveness,
they are cleaned from the Book Of Life by the Most Precious
Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is then that those sins
are not only forgiven, but they are also forgotten by our
Heavenly Father as well. For it is written, "I WILL BE
MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR
SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER
NO MORE." ( HEBREWS 8:12 )
Now that doesn't mean that we may continue to do the
same sin over and over, and still be forgiven each time we
repent. After all the first verse does state "WHOEVER
CONFESSES AND FORSAKES THEM" does it not?
Therefore when you pray remember the confession of your
sins should be a daily routine, for to be of the flesh is to be
of a sinful nature. However God realizes that, so never feel
that because of your past sins God will never forgive you!
After all you are His Child, and HE Loves You very much!
Amen.
April 22, 2007
As our Heavenly Father said there will be; "A TIME TO WEEP
AND A TIME TO LAUGH; A TIME TO MOURN AND A TIME TO
DANCE."
( ECCLESIASTES 3:4 *NKJV )
After the Terrible event that happened this week it is time
to let the healing process begin, so let us do so today. Therefore
if you are feeling low right now remember that IF I SAY, I WILL
FORGET MY COMPLAINT, I WILL PUT OFF MY SAD FACE
AND WEAR A SMILE. For after you read this you can say
THEN MY MOUTH WAS FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, AND MY
TONGUE WITH SINGING.
( JOB 9:27 ) & ( PSALM 126:2 )
_________________________
Pecans in the Cemetery
On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree
just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a
bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began
dividing the nuts. "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for
me," said one boy. Several dropped and rolled down toward the
fence.
Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he
passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He
slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, "One for you,
one for me. One for you, one for me." He just knew what it was,
so he jumped back on his bike and rode off.
Now just around the bend he met an old man with a cane,
hobbling along. "Come here quick," said the boy, "you won't believe
what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing
up the souls."
The man said, "Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to
walk." When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled to the
cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for
me. One for you, one for me..." The old man whispered, "Boy,
you've been tellin' the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord."
Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence yet were still
unable to see anything.
The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the
fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the
Lord.
At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's
go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done."
They say the old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes
ahead of the boy on the bike!
Author
Unknown
April 21, 2007
DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW, FOR TOMORROW
WILL WORRY ABOUT ITSELF. EACH DAY HAS ENOUGH
TROUBLE OF ITS OWN.
( MATTHEW 6:34 *NIV )
Now I ask you, WHO OF YOU BY WORRYING CAN
ADD A SINGLE HOUR TO HIS LIFE? ( MATTHEW 6:27 )
In fact, some studies even show that worry may actually
shorten our life!
Therefore instead of worrying CAST ALL YOUR
ANXIETY ON HIM BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU.
( 1 PETER 5:7 ) For then, WHEN YOU LIE DOWN, YOU
WILL NOT BE AFRAID; WHEN YOU LIE DOWN YOUR
SLEEP WILL BE SWEET.
( PROVERBS 3:24 )
After all what is worry anyway, but the opposite of faith!
So, have faith and always turn your worries over to
God! Then you will be able to say with confidence.....
"Why Worry About Tomorrow?"
Why worry about tomorrow
And the rising of the sun,
Of anguish over past mistakes
That cannot be undone?
Why waste life's precious moments
On things that bruise the heart
When today is ours to fashion
Into a work of art?
Today comes but once, my friend,
It never can return--
So use it wisely while you can,
There's a lesson you may learn.
Let history record the past
And tomorrow come what may.
Be content to do your best
With what you have today!
Poet: Clay Harrison
April 20, 2007
Unprofitable Anger
by Os Hillman
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. -
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Every day of our lives we are placed in situations that engage us with other people,
whether it is in the office, our homes, or in public places. Do you recall the last time
someone cut you off in traffic, or you were forced to wait in line because someone up
front got held up? Perhaps your employer did something that was downright unfair.
Anger can result from many circumstances.
A friend once told me that anger is like warning lights on the front of your car
dashboard. They signal that there is something going on under the hood, and we
should take a look to examine the source of the problem. Anger can be traced to a
few sources. First, when we lose control of a circumstance that we have placed certain
expectations on and those expectations do not result in our desired outcome, we are
tempted to get angry. The source of this type of anger is both fear and protection of
personal rights. You see, when we believe we have a right to something, we have not
given the Lord permission to allow an outcome different from what we want. If an
outcome is different from our expectations, this may stimulate fear.
For instance, if a vendor failed to deliver an important job on time due to something
out of his control, you may respond out of anger. Please know that the source of your
anger is the fear of what might happen to you or what this might say about your
abilities to manage a project. You no longer are in control of the circumstance and
this creates fear in you.
The next time you get angry ask the Lord what is the source of that anger? Did the
Lord allow that failure to let you see what is "under your hood"? God has not given
us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (see 2 Tim. 1:7). Give up your
rights to expectations that God never gave you. You will find a new freedom in Christ
you never knew you could have.
April 19, 2007
THESE THINGS I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU, THAT IN ME YOU
MAY HAVE PEACE. IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE
TRIBULATION; BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVER-
COME THE WORLD.
( JOHN 16:33 *NKJV )
Now in this World today, there are times when we may
feel overwhelmed by what is going on all around us. After
all with terrible disasters, wars and terrorist's threats, etc
happening, it is enough to make one wonder what is
happening to this World today.
If all of these events cause you to feel overwhelmed, and the
tribulation in this World is weighing heavily on your mind,
remember that God is always with you, and these events are
unfolding as prophesied. Also remember that our Savior Jesus
Christ said, "LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED; FOR YOU
BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME." ( JOHN 14:1 ) For
when we put all of our trust in Jesus' hands, we will find peace
for HE HIMSELF IS OUR PEACE. ( EPHESIANS 2:14 )
FINALLY, BRETHREN, WHATEVER THINGS ARE TRUE,
WHAT EVER THINGS ARE NOBLE, WHATEVER THINGS
ARE JUST, WHATEVER THINGS ARE PURE, WHATEVER
THINGS ARE LOVELY, WHATEVER THINGS ARE OF GOOD
REPORT, IF THERE IS ANY VIRTUE AND IF THERE IS
ANYTHING PRAISEWORTHY-MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
instead of the troubles of this World. ( PHILIPPIANS 4:8 )
After all it is then that THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH
SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR
HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.
(PHILIPPIANS 4:7) and you will know true peace as you have
never known it before. Amen, Amen Indeed!
April 18, 2007
BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS IN THE LORD,
AND WHOSE HOPE IS THE LORD.
( JEREMIAH 17:7 *NKJV )
We all have hopes and dreams for our future, for life would
be very difficult without them. However when we put our hope
in the Lord, trusting that He will always help us, we are
placing our hope in the correct place! For unlike putting our
hope in other human beings who are likely to let us down,
GOD never fails or reneges on His Promises.
After all it is written: THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR
HOPE. ( 1 TIMOTHY 1:1 ) and everyone whose hope is in
the Lord is truly blessed! Now that is because EVERYONE
WHO HAS THIS HOPE IN HIM PURIFIES HIMSELF, JUST
AS HE IS PURE. ( 1 JOHN 3:3 ) So, BE OF GOOD
COURAGE, AND HE SHALL STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART,
ALL YOU WHO HOPE IN THE LORD. ( PSALM 31:24 )
In Closing, it is my prayer that THE GOD
OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN
BELIEVING, THAT YOU MAY ABOUND IN HOPE BY THE
POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, and that all of your hopes
and dreams come true! Amen. ( ROMANS 15:13 )
April 17, 2006
"HE DOES NOT TREAT US AS OUR SINS DESERVE OR
REPAY US ACCORDING TO OUR INIQUITIES. FOR AS HIGH
AS THE HEAVENS ARE ABOVE THE EARTH, SO GREAT IS
HIS LOVE FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM."
( PSALM 103:10-11 *NIV )
God offers repentance to all who come to Him! I know that
many people believe that they have done something that they
cannot be forgiven for, but that is incorrect "FOR HE KNOWS
HOW WE ARE FORMED, HE REMEMBERS THAT WE ARE
DUST." (PSALM 103:14)
He also knows that to be of the flesh is to be sinful! After
all
God has promised, "I WILL CLEANSE THEM FROM ALL THE
SIN THEY HAVE COMMITTED AGAINST ME AND WILL
FORGIVE ALL THEIR SINS OF REBELLION AGAINST ME."
( JEREMIAH 33:8 )
Therefore if you slip and sin, seek forgiveness as King David
did, for he said, "THEN I ACKNOWLEDGED MY SIN TO YOU
AND DID NOT COVER UP MY INIQUITY. I SAID, 'I WILL
CONFESS MY TRANSGRESSIONS TO THE LORD-AND HE
FORGAVE THE GUILT OF MY SIN." ( PSALM 32:5 )
So, do not beat yourself up over past mistakes,
ask for forgiveness, and remember that "BELESSED IS HE
WHOSE TRANSGRESSIONS ARE FORGIVEN, WHOSE
SINS ARE COVERED. BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE
SIN THE LORD DOES NOT COUNT AGAINST HIM AND IN
WHOSE SPIRIT IS NO DECEIT." Amen.
( PSALM 32:1-2 )
April 16, 2007
The Graduate-Level Test: Self-Defense
by Os Hillman, April 16, 2007
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like
the noonday sun. - Psalm 37:6
As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems
uncharacteristically cruel. The test: being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It
is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out.
Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the
Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the
religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government
was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final
judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the
Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples:
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get
anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High,
because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).
How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen
quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is
right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the
faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this
test eventually. It is part of the program. The workplace gives ample opportunity to
be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault
against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the cross. The cross
is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and
our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is
sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with
Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured
assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that
Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to
be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and
the justice of your cause will be in His hands.
April 5, 2007
The Famine That Leads to Freedom
by Os Hillman, April 5, 2007
Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die. - Genesis 42:2b
F. B. Meyer in his book, The Life of Joseph, describes a time in the life of the 12 sons
of Jacob in which they were driven from their lives of self-satisfaction to an unlikely
place to save their lives. Many years earlier they had thrown their youngest brother
into a pit, then sold him into slavery. Thirteen years later he became the second most
powerful person in Egypt. Now the world was experiencing a famine, and Joseph
controlled all the stored grain of Egypt.
As long as the hills were green and the pastures clothed with flocks, as long as the
valleys were covered over with corn and rang with the songs of reapers, Reuben,
Simeon, and the rest of them would have been unconcerned and content. But when
the mighty famine came, the hearts of these men were opened to conviction. Their
carnal security was shattered. They were being prepared for certain spiritual
experiences they would never have dreamed. And they were being prepared for the
meeting with Joseph. This is how God deals with us; He breaks up our nest, He
loosens our roots, He sends a mighty famine that cuts away the whole staff of bread.
Then, at such times, weary, worn, and sad, we are prepared to confess our sins and
receive the words of Christ when He says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28).
A missionary once said, "There is a place where we will all be obedient." Joseph was a
type of Christ in the Old Testament. The famine was an event designed to bring the
brothers to repentance and a saving knowledge, physically and spiritually. It created
the circumstances that led to freedom for these men, for they had been in bondage to
a wicked crime against their brother for many years. It was the forgiveness from
Joseph that led to that freedom.
Is your life passing through a time of famine? Are your supplies limited? Is God
leading you into directions that you would not normally seek? Perhaps this is God's
hand creating circumstances for His purposes. Now is the time to look attentively as
He directs you to unlikely sources.
April 4, 2007
SO THEY CAME TO JERUSALEM. THEN JESUS WENT
INTO THE TEMPLE AND BEGAN TO DRIVE OUT THOSE
WHO BOUGHT AND SOLD IN THE TEMPLE, AND OVER-
TURNED THE TABLES OF THE MONEY CHANGERS, AND
THE SEATS OF THOSE WHO SOLD DOVES.
( MARK 11:15 *NKJV )
Did you ever wonder why there were money changers, and
other merchants in the Temple?
Well, the Passover was almost at hand, and Jews came
from all over the World to take part in the Passover Festival
each year, and to pay their Temple taxes. Those from foreign
Countries had to have their money changed into Temple
currency, because it was the only money accepted to pay for
the purchase of sacrificial animals, and pay for their taxes as
well.
Often the inflated exchange rate enriched the money
changers, and the exorbitant prices of animals made the
merchants wealthy. Further, their stalls were set up in the
Temple's Court of the Gentiles, frustrating the intentions of
the Non-Jews who had come to worship God as well.
( see ISAIAH 56:6-7 )
Thus Jesus became angry because God's House of Worship
had become a place of extortion, and a barrier to Non-Jews who
wanted to worship there as well. For: THEN JESUS TAUGHT,
SAYING TO THEM, "IS IT NOT WRITTEN, MY HOUSE SHALL
BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS?
BUT YOU HAVE MADE IT A DEN OF THIEVES." AND THE
SCRIBES AND CHIEF PRIESTS HEARD IT AND SOUGHT
HOW THE MIGHT DESTROY HIM; FOR THEY FEARED HIM,
BECAUSE ALL THE PEOPLE WERE ASTONISHED AT HIS
TEACHING. ( MARK 11:17-18 )
Finally, if you are wondering why we don't follow the
sacrificial laws anymore, please know that Christ became our
Sacrificial Lamb to pay for our sins once and for all! FOR
INDEED CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER, WAS SACRIFICED FOR
US. THEREFORE LET US KEEP THE FEAST. Amen.
( 1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 )
April 3, 2007
The Dangers of Overcontrol
by Os Hillman, April 4, 2007
For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king. - 1
Samuel 15:23
A friend of mine who is a jet pilot once told me that whenever a jet goes out of control
and begins to spin, the only thing to do is totally take your hands off the controls and
the plane will right itself. This goes against our natural inclination to control and
manipulate in order to bring things back under control. It is scary to be out of control.
Or is it?
Saul was a man out of control. He was losing control of his kingdom to David. He was
losing the favor of God and the people. It began as compromises. Eventually he was
given a final test to obey the voice of God fully. He was instructed to kill the
Amalekites completely; but he failed to follow through. The prophet Samuel delivered
a hard word to King Saul, "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has
rejected you as king" (see 1 Sam. 15:26). Saul obeyed partially, but not fully. It was
partial obedience that led to his removal as king of Israel and his calling from God.
But why did Saul do such a thing? "I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to
them" (1 Sam. 15:24b). Saul's fear and insecurity made him more afraid of the people
and what they thought than of God. At the core of Saul's disobedience was fear of
losing control. That fear of losing control led to partial obedience and the loss of his
reign as king.
How many of us are in danger of losing God's blessing due to partial obedience? How
many of us have such a need to control people and circumstances that we fail to fully
walk in obedience to God's voice in our lives? Saul provides a great lesson for us as
workplace believers. The need to overcontrol things around us can prevent us from
receiving all that God has for us. Today, take an inventory of your control quotient.
Ask God if you are being fully obedient to what He has called you to do this day, and
avoid being put on the shelf for disobedience. "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to
heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22b).
April 2, 2007
SO THEY CAME TO JERUSALEM. THEN JESUS WENT
INTO THE TEMPLE AND BEGAN TO DRIVE OUT THOSE
WHO BOUGHT AND SOLD IN THE TEMPLE, AND OVER-
TURNED THE TABLES OF THE MONEY CHANGERS, AND
THE SEATS OF THOSE WHO SOLD DOVES.
( MARK 11:15 *NKJV )
Did you ever wonder why there were money changers, and
other merchants in the Temple?
Well, the Passover was almost at hand, and Jews came
from all over the World to take part in the Passover Festival
each year, and to pay their Temple taxes. Those from foreign
Countries had to have their money changed into Temple
currency, because it was the only money accepted to pay for
the purchase of sacrificial animals, and pay for their taxes as
well.
Often the inflated exchange rate enriched the money
changers, and the exorbitant prices of animals made the
merchants wealthy. Further, their stalls were set up in the
Temple's Court of the Gentiles, frustrating the intentions of
the Non-Jews who had come to worship God as well.
( see ISAIAH 56:6-7 )
Thus Jesus became angry because God's House of Worship
had become a place of extortion, and a barrier to Non-Jews who
wanted to worship there as well. For: THEN JESUS TAUGHT,
SAYING TO THEM, "IS IT NOT WRITTEN, MY HOUSE SHALL
BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS?
BUT YOU HAVE MADE IT A DEN OF THIEVES." AND THE
SCRIBES AND CHIEF PRIESTS HEARD IT AND SOUGHT
HOW THE MIGHT DESTROY HIM; FOR THEY FEARED HIM,
BECAUSE ALL THE PEOPLE WERE ASTONISHED AT HIS
TEACHING. ( MARK 11:17-18 )
Finally, if you are wondering why we don't follow the
sacrificial laws anymore, please know that Christ became our
Sacrificial Lamb to pay for our sins once and for all! FOR
INDEED CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER, WAS SACRIFICED FOR
US. THEREFORE LET US KEEP THE FEAST. Amen.
( 1 CORINTHIANS 5:7 )
April 1, 2007
Spiritual Contracts
by Os Hillman, April 2, 2007
In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to
the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem
would last seventy years. - Daniel 9:2
When you enter a legal contract, it binds the two parties to fulfill the terms of that
contract. In Heaven there are legal contracts that, when fulfilled, allow the spiritual
to impact the physical.
Israel had been in captivity to Babylon for 70 years. Daniel, when he investigated the
history of his nation, found the prophecy of Jeremiah, which revealed there would be
70 years of captivity. He recognized that in order to release his nation from this
captivity, there had to be a confession of sin on the part of the nation. Daniel took
that responsibility. Although he could not personally repent for his nation, he could
acknowledge their sin and repent himself. When Daniel acknowledged this sin before
God, something took place in Heaven. God heard this prayer and responded by
sending His angel Gabriel to Daniel's side.
We know from history that this was the time when Judah's return from exile began.
Daniel's prayer of confession was the spiritual key to the physical manifestation of
releasing the nation from captivity to Babylon.
Whenever you want to confront spiritual forces that have dominion over a situation,
you must find the source of the problem. Once you find the source of the problem,
you must take the necessary steps in the spiritual realm to release God's power into
that situation. For Daniel, it meant taking responsibility for the sin of the nation by
confessing its sins and asking forgiveness on behalf of the entire nation. This allowed
God to begin the process of releasing the nation.
Ask God to show you the source of the problems that may exist in your city, your
work, or people you want to see freed to fulfill God's purposes for their lives.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |