December Devotionals 2007
December 26, 2007
Working Wholeheartedly
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 26 2007
In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to
the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he
prospered. - 2 Chronicles 31:21
Hezekiah was a godly king. He was also a very talented businessman and builder. He
was responsible for many noteworthy projects that are described in detail in the Old
Testament. We discover from the passage above that King Hezekiah had two major
attributes that contributed to his success and prosperity: He sought God, and he
worked wholeheartedly upholding God's laws.
Godly success involves a partnership between you and God. Success in God's
economy means achieving the purpose for which God made you. That purpose can
never be discovered without seeking Him with a whole heart. You may achieve great
things without seeking God, but you will never achieve the things God set out for you
to achieve without seeking Him. Unless you seek Him, you may find yourself one day
climbing to the top of the ladder only to find it leaning against the wrong wall.
What does it mean to seek God? It means creating time to sit before His throne in
quiet places. It means reading His Word in order to know Him more intimately. It
means developing an ear to hear His voice so that we know when to turn to the right
or to the left. God desires to know you.
Are you willing to take the time to know Him? If so, you can be sure He will guide
you into those things that will bring success to every aspect of your life.
December 25, 2007
Business as Usual
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Tuesday, December 25 2007
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him
in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. - Luke 2:7
Imagine if the God of the universe decided to visit planet earth as a new baby and
you were given the opportunity to host His first night-in your hotel! Think of the
future promotional possibilities..."God stayed here His first night!" You could sell
tickets to see the room where He was born. What an opportunity to make history as
a small-business owner!
God had need of a business owner's establishment one night 2,000 years ago. But
there was no room for God in this business that night. There was no room for the
unexpected miracle; no awareness of what was taking place in the heavenlies, no
sign that God might be reaching out to this workplace believer to be used like no
other in all of history.
Every day God has need of some man or woman's job. He wants to demonstrate
miracles in their work. But there is no room in their work for Jesus. He is not asked
to participate.
That night God slept in a stable. That night a business opportunity from Heaven was
missed. It was business as usual.
May we all have spiritual eyes and ears to know when our Master needs what He has
entrusted to us for His purposes.
December 24, 2007
The High Places
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Monday, December 24 2007
Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your
shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and
you will trample down their high places. - Deuteronomy 33:29
One of the most successful movies of our time has been Star Wars, a futuristic
movie where the forces of good battle the forces of evil in a far-off galactic solar
system. In order for the forces of good to win their battle, they must enter the
airspace of their enemies and find the central power source inside the enemy space
station. Their fighter jets must locate this central nervous system and fire a laser
missile into its heart in order to destroy the power source. The final scene shows the
hero sending a last-minute laser missile into the power source and blowing up the
space station and all the evil characters who live on it.
Throughout history, cultures have recognized idols on the high places, on the tops of
hills or mountains, as their power sources. God said these high places are an
abomination to Him. When God brought the people of Israel into the Promised Land,
He instructed them to destroy all the high places. Many times through history, God
had to judge Israel for their failure to destroy the high places.
Today, every major cult or evil spirit has its own high place that must be destroyed
first before a righteous foundation can be laid. It may not mean you can physically
destroy this high place, but you can tear it down through spiritual warfare and
intercessory prayer.
High places are anything that is elevated above God and is worshiped. Are there any
high places that take the place of God in your life? Are there any high places where
you live that must be dealt with through spiritual warfare to allow the Kingdom of
God to reign? You must destroy the high places in order for God to reign completely.
Ask God to show you the high places so that you can elevate the one true God.
December 23, 2007
JESUS CALLED THEM TO HIM AND SAID, "LET THE LITTLE
CHILDREN COME TO ME, AND DO NOT FORBID THEM, FOR
SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD."
( *NKJV )
As you know, Christmas Pageants are very popular this time of
year. I received the following message this week about one
mother's experience as such a Pageant. It should either bring
back memories, or a laugh or two to start your day, so let us
begin.....
"THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT."
My proudest moment came during the
children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing
Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my
youngest son was a wise man.
This was their moment to shine. My five-year-old
shepherd had practiced his line,
'We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes.'
But he was nervous and said, 'The baby was wrapped
in wrinkled clothes.' My four-year-old 'Mary' said,
'That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten
clothes.'
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd
and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost
her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary
dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced
down the aisle crying, 'Mama-mama.'
Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly
as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped
forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the
manger and announced, 'We are the three wise guys,
and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur.'
The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant
got a standing ovation.
'I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this
one,' laughed the Pastor, wiping tears from his eyes.
'For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story
without thinking of gold, common sense and fur.'
'My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest
blessing,' I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.
Author, Unknown
December 22,2007
The Gospel of the Kingdom
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Saturday, December 22 2007
This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:9-10
Imagine that you have never driven a car. You are not aware of all the features of a
car. Up to this point, you have had to walk everywhere you go. All you are told is that
you are about to receive something that will get you anywhere you need to go. The
day arrives and you are given a brand new car. You get in and drive the car.
However, the emergency brake is on, preventing you from going faster than 20 miles
per hour. No one tells you that you should unlock the brake. Regardless, you are
excited because you no longer have to walk to your destination. You are not told that
the car has lights, which would allow you to drive at night. Neither are you told about
the many other wonderful features of the car. You just know you have a new car
that will get you anywhere you want to go at 20 miles per hour. For the rest of your
life, you drive this incredible car during the daytime only at 20 miles per hour.
Why would Jesus pray that things in earth would be like they are in Heaven if it
were not possible? When Jesus came to earth, He came in order to penetrate the
very kingdom of darkness with light. He came to bring healing to sickness, replace
sadness with joy, and fill meaninglessness with purpose. He came to change things
for the better for a world that had no hope outside of God.
Using the illustration above, Jesus did not come to merely give us a ticket to Heaven
(a car that you drive only in the daytime at 20 miles per hour). He came to bring us
much more-the Kingdom of God on earth. Nowhere in the Bible will you find the
term, gospel of salvation. The Church does not exist for Heaven, but for earth. If it
existed only for Heaven, then each of us would immediately be taken to Heaven.
There would be no reason for us to remain on earth. So why has God allowed us to
receive this new birth and remain on earth? It is so that we might bring the Kingdom
of God into our world-our families, our workplace, and our communities.
God wants you to bring the Kingdom of God into the territory He has given you so
that His will can be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Your domain is your workplace,
family, and community. Ask God to show you how He wants to penetrate the
darkness of your domain with His light. Then you will see and experience all the
features of this gift that has been given to you.
December 21, 2007
Living for a Cause Greater Than Yourself
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Friday, December 21 2007
He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has
done. - Proverbs 19:17
If you were God and you wanted to send one of your servants to help the less
fortunate in the world, how would you train your servant for this task? Our ways are
not God's ways. We find an interesting story in the case of Brigid, a woman born in
the early 400's in Ireland.
Brigid was born from a sexual encounter between an Irish king and one of his slaves.
She was raised as a slave girl within the king's household and was required to
perform hard work on the king's farm. From the beginning, Brigid took notice of the
plight of the less fortunate. She would give the butter from the king's kitchen to
working boys. She once gave the king's sword to a passing leper-an act about which
the king was enraged. The king tried to marry her off, but to no avail. One day,
Brigid fled the king's house and committed herself to belonging only to Christ.
Brigid sought other women who also wanted to belong only to Christ. Seven of them
organized a community of nuns that became known as the settlement of Kildare, a
place where many thatch-roofed dwellings were built, and where artist studios,
workshops, guest chambers, a library, and a church evolved. These and other
settlements became little industries all to themselves, producing some of the
greatest craftsmanship in all of Europe. Many of the poor had their lives bettered
because of Brigid's ministry to them.
Brigid became a traveling evangelist, helping the poor and preaching the gospel.
When she died in 453, it is estimated 13,000 people had escaped from slavery and
poverty to Christian service and industry. Her name became synonymous with the
plight of the poor. She was a woman who turned a life of slavery and defeat into a life
lived for a cause greater than herself. She became a nationally known figure among
her people, and the Irish people still recognize her each February 1.
God has called each of us to live for a cause greater than ourselves. If God asked you
what you had done for the poor, what would you say? Jesus had a special place in His
heart for the poor. Ask God how you might use your gifts and talents to improve the
plight of the poor in your community.
December 20, 2007
One Flock, One Shepherd
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Thursday, December 20 2007
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too
will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. - John 10:16
A friend of mine told me a story about an experience he had in Israel. They were in
the country visiting some of the famous biblical sites when they saw a group of
sheepherders. A shepherd brought his flock of sheep into a round pen for the night.
Then, a few minutes later, another shepherd brought his flock into the pen. Then, a
few minutes later, yet another shepherd brought his sheep into the pen. There were
three groups of sheep in the pen with no identifying marks among any of them. My
friend wondered how in the world they would separate their sheep the next day.
The next morning, a shepherd came over to the pen and made a comment to his
sheep. One by one, the sheep filed out to follow him. Only his sheep followed his
voice. My friend said it was an amazing scene to see only that shepherd's sheep
follow him and the others remain in the pen. What a picture of Jesus' words spoken
centuries earlier.
Hearing and responding to Jesus' voice is the key to having a two-way relationship
with God. It is the difference between having religion and a relationship. Can you
recognize God's voice in your life? Are you listening to the Shepherd's voice? Do you
respond when He calls? Ask Jesus to help you increase your ability to hear. Give
more time to spending quiet moments in His presence to hear His voice. He wants to
be your Good Shepherd.
December 19, 2007
Seeking His Face
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 19 2007
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to
face. - Deuteronomy 34:10
One of the great differences between Moses and any other character in the Bible is
how God describes Moses. Moses was a friend of God, and he met God face to face.
"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Ex.
33:11a). So often, we view others for what they can do for us, instead of who they
are. There is a difference between being a servant and being a friend. There is a
difference between being an employee and being a son.
Do you seek God's face, or do you find that you spend more time seeking His hand?
God wants us to seek Him for our every need. However, there is a higher calling for
every believer. That is to seek God's face, and to see Him for His love and
tenderness toward us as His children. He can provide for our physical needs, but
when we see Him face to face, we are changed. We no longer see Him as one to be
feared as much as one to know intimately. We no longer view Him for what He can
give to us, but for what He already has given for us.
When we see Jesus face to face, we are no longer slaves, but friends. We do not fear
Him as a slave fears his master. We have entered a new kind of relationship-a
relationship that has mutual respect and care.
Today, Jesus is calling you to seek His face, not just His hand. When you seek His
face, you will know His provision and His mercy in all aspects of life. Seek His face
today and become a friend of God.
December 18, 2007
Betrayals
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Tuesday, December 18 2007
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself
against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion,
my close friend. - Psalm 55:12-13
"You will always be attacked in the place of your inheritance," said the man sitting
across the breakfast table. "God has called you to bring people together and to
impact other people's lives as a result of this anointing in your life. You must make
sure that you seek to maintain righteousness in all of your relationships." Those
words came from someone who had the wisdom and authority to speak them to me.
I have had a number of close relationships that ended in betrayal. I am very loyal to
my friends and those with whom I have covenant relationships. Yet there are times
that no matter how righteous you are, when someone means to betray you, he will do
it. Loving those who betray you is "graduate-level Christianity." The religious
community and one of His closest friends betrayed Jesus. Those who were closest to
David betrayed him. Joseph's own family betrayed him. Loving our enemies cannot
be accomplished by mustering it up. It can only happen when we have come to a
death in ourselves so that Christ can love through us. It is truly one of those acts of
identifying with the cross.
If you are a leader, you can be sure God will allow you to experience betrayal. It is
one of those courses in the Kingdom that may not be required until God has seen
that you have successfully passed other tests. It is the most difficult and most gut
wrenching of all tests. A godly response goes against all that is in us. Our natural
response is to protect, retaliate, and retain unforgiveness and bitterness. Our
natural response is satan's most powerful weapon; to overcome it requires much
grace from God. Ask God to build His nature in you now so that when such attacks
come, you will be aware that it is a test and you will respond in righteousness.
December 17, 2007
Elevated From the Pasture
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Monday, December 17 2007
Now then, tell my servant David, "This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you
from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over My people Israel." - 2
Samuel 7:8
Have you ever heard someone say, "He is a self-made millionaire"? They are stating
that this person accomplished everything through his own efforts. His achievements
were a result of his hard work and street smarts.
David was nearing the end of his life. The prophet Nathan was responding to David's
idea to build a temple where the Ark of the Covenant would stay. God reminded
David of his roots and where He had brought him. God took David from the fields of
pasturing sheep to pastoring a nation. God reminded David that He cut off all of
David's enemies. (David never lost a battle.)
Have you ever felt tempted to look at your accomplishments with pride as if you
were the reason for your success? Have you ever thought your prosperity was due to
your ingenuity? Has your material success been a testimony to others that God is the
ruler of all aspects of your life, even the material side?
Joseph's greatest test was not his temptation to be bitter against his brothers. It
wasn't the sexual temptation that came inside Potiphar's house. It wasn't even the
discouragement of years of imprisonment for being wrongfully accused. It was the
temptation of prosperity and ownership. Once he was elevated, he was given choices
that he never had before. It was totally up to him as to which choice he would make.
Stewardship reveals what we believe about God and ourselves.
Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a
fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity. -Oswald Chambers
Do you have a proper understanding of who you are? Do you understand that it is
God who has given you the ability to work and achieve? He is the source of all good
things. Ask God today if your life models this belief.
December 16, 2007
AND JESUS TOOK THE CHILDREN IN HIS ARMS, PUT HIS HANDS
ON THEM AND BLESSED THEM.
( MARK 10:16 *NIV )
As you know our Savior Jesus Christ loves little children! So
today
I will share with you a message that was sent to me last year by
one of our subscribers. I know that you will enjoy it as much as I
do.
It is titled.......
The "W" in Christmas
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful
experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive
card
writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet
still, I
found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family
moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an
exciting
season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for
his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him
I'd be
working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining
moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress
rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to
attend
that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas
seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes
early,
found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I
saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I
waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied
by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group,
one
by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the
holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun,
commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes
and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas
Love," I was slightly taken aback by it's bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in
fuzzy
mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow caps upon their heads. Those
in
the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to
spell
out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for
Christmas,"
a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on
and
on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the
complete
message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed
her;
a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside
down -
totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st
through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she
had
no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding
her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter
continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it
together. A
hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant,
we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the
holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a
purpose
for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the
message
read loud and clear: "CHRISTWAS LOVE" And, I believe, He still is.
Amen.
December 15, 2007
Desert Preparation
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Saturday, December 15 2007
Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went
immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. - Galatians 1:17
The apostle Paul tells us in the first chapter of Galatians some of the facts
surrounding his own conversion. He tells us that he clearly understood the call Jesus
placed on his life. He did not have to consult other men about this calling. But before
he was released to begin his own mission, He went to Arabia for three years. Why did
Paul have to go to Arabia for three years before he ever met another disciple of
Jesus Christ?
The Scripture does not tell us plainly why Paul spent three years in Arabia. However,
based upon many examples of God placing special calls on people's lives, we know it
often requires a time of separation between the old life and the new life. No doubt,
Paul had plenty of time to consider what had taken place in his life and time to
develop an intimate knowledge and relationship with the newfound Savior. His life
was about to change dramatically.
So often, when God places a call on one of His children, it requires a separation
between the old life and the new life. There is a time of being away from the old in
order to prepare the heart for what is coming. It can be a painful and difficult
separation. Joseph was separated from his family. Jacob was sent to live with his
uncle Laban. Moses was sent to the desert.
When God began a deeper work in my own life, it required a separation from all I
had known before. He removed all that I had placed confidence in up to that point. It
was very painful and very scary since I was in my mid-40's. In my mind, it was not
the time to start life over. I had been making plans for early retirement. God had a
different idea. He removed all my comforts and security in order to accomplish a
much greater work than what I could see at the time. The picture is clear now. I
understand why it was necessary, but I didn't at the time.
Perhaps God has placed you in your own desert period. Perhaps you cannot make
sense of the situation in which you find yourself. If you press into God during this
time, He will reveal the purposes He has for you. The key is pressing into Him. Seek
Him with a whole heart and He will be found. God may have a special calling and
message He is building in your life right now. Trust in His love for you that He will
fully complete the work He has started in you.
December 14, 2007
Hearing God's Voice
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Friday, December 14 2007
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been
revealed to him. - 1 Samuel 3:7
Samuel was born to Hannah, a woman who had a deep commitment to God. She was
barren, but she cried out to God for a son. The Lord gave her Samuel, whom she
completely gave to the Lord for His service. After weaning him, she took him to the
house of the Lord to be reared by the priests. Eli was the priest of Israel, but he was
not a godly leader. He had allowed much corruption, including the sins of his sons, in
God's house. God was not pleased with Eli and later judged him and his household.
Samuel grew up in the temple serving God. He also grew up seeing the hypocrisy of
Eli's household, yet this did not change the young man. God was with him. We learn
that even though young Samuel had a belief in God, he had not yet experienced a
personal relationship with Him. God called to Samuel three times, but Samuel
thought it was Eli, the priest, calling him. Finally, Eli told him to say, "Speak Lord,
for your servant is listening" (1 Sam. 3:9b). This is what Samuel did, and God began
telling Samuel important things to come.
Many of us grow up in religious environments. We go to church every week. We
have a head knowledge of God, but we do not recognize God's voice in our lives.
There comes a time when we must recognize God's voice for ourselves. God does not
want us to have a religion; He wants us to have a two-way relationship with Him.
Samuel was never the same after this encounter. He would know God's voice and
would respond to Him in obedience.
Do you know God's voice? Can you recognize it when He speaks? In order to hear
God's voice, you must be clean before Him and listen. Listen to God's voice today and
follow His plans for you.
December 13, 2007
ENTER THROUGH THE NARROW GATE. FOR WIDE IS
THE GATE AND BROAD IS THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO
DESTRUCTION, AND MANY ENTER THROUGH IT. BUT
SMALL IS THE GATE AND NARROW THE ROAD THAT
LEADS TO LIFE, AND ONLY A FEW FIND IT.
( MATTHEW 7:13 *NIV )
The gate that leads to Eternal Life is narrow indeed.
However that doesn't mean that being a Christian is difficult,
but it does mean that there is only one way to Eternal Life,
and believing in Jesus Christ is that way!
Jesus is quoted in the Book of John as saying:
"I AM THE GATE; WHOEVER ENTERS THROUGH ME
WILL BE SAVED. HE WILL COME IN AND GO OUT
AND FIND PASTURE." ( JOHN 10:9 )
Our Savior also said: "STRIVE TO ENTER THROUGH
THE NARROW GATE, FOR MANY, I SAY TO YOU, WILL
SEEK TO ENTER AND WILL NOT BE ABLE."
( LUKE 13:24 )
Now needless to say, in addition to believing in Jesus
Christ, we must obey God's Commandments, and do our
best to live a righteous life as well! For then we will, by the
Grace of God, make our way through that narrow gate.
Now when you think about it, isn't it
wonderful to know that this life isn't all there is, and that
we may look forward to meeting our Beloved Savoir
Jesus Christ at that gate someday! Further that we will
DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER!
( PSALM 23:6 )
So, PRAISE THE LORD, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS
BENEFITS--WHO FORGIVES ALL OUR SINS AND
HEALS ALL OUR DISEASES, WHO REDEEMS OUR
LIVES FROM THE PIT AND CROWNS US WITH LOVE
AND COMPASSION. Amen.
( PSALM 103:2-4 )
December 12, 2007
The Finger of God
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 12 2007
When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two
tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. - Exodus
31:18
Throughout the Bible, the word testimony is used in many ways. Testimony comes
from the Hebrew word eduwth, which means "witness." The Ark of the Covenant
contained the Ten Commandments, written and inscribed personally by God and
given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These became known as the testimony. The ark was
a divinely inspired structure that was to be used as a witness to the people of Israel
and the whole world of God's power and majesty. These divinely created tablets were
a witness of God's activity on earth with man.
Throughout the Bible, God looked to create testimonies with His people. At the Red
Sea, He created a testimony through Moses. God created a testimony through Joshua
when He parted the Jordan River and allowed the people with the Ark to cross on dry
land. When Lazarus lay dead for days, Jesus came and created a testimony of His
ability to raise the dead.
Jesus is still looking for those who are willing to have a testimony created through
their lives. One of the major characteristics of a God-ordained testimony is for
something to happen that cannot be explained in the natural. In other words, if you
can make it happen through your abilities, it is not a testimony about God, but about
you.
One time, I was invited to go to South Africa to a major conference, but I did not
have the funds to go. I sensed that I was to attend this conference, but refused to
use a credit card to fund the trip. I waited and waited. Finally, on the day of the
registration closing, a man came to my office and said I was to go to this conference
and he would fund the trip. He took out his checkbook and wrote a check for $2,500.
That has become a testimony of God's activity in my life.
God wants to create a testimony in every aspect of your life - your family, your work,
your church, and in your community. He is waiting to put His finger on your next
endeavor to reveal His power through your life. Look carefully at the events where
God might want to create a testimony out of an impossible situation. He delights in
using His children for this purpose because it brings Him glory.
December 11, 2007
Paul's Personal Mission Statement
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Tuesday, December 11 2007
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of
sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to
attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 - Acts 21:11-12
Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal mission of every
believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary statement that best describes the
purpose of our existence on earth and the goal of our Christian experience. It can be
reduced to three important characteristics.
To know Christ.
To know and experience His power.
To identify with His sufferings.
All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product. Salvation is a by-
product. Miracles are a by-product. Christlikeness is a by-product. Paul's focus was
on relationship. He understood that the deeper the relationship, the more power he
would experience. He also understood that as he grew in this relationship, there
would be suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the kingdom of
darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in casualties. Christ confronted
these earthly kingdoms and suffered for it. If we are living at this level of obedience,
we, too, will face similar battles; it simply comes with the territory.
Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in life centered
on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If not, press into Him today in
order to begin experiencing Christ more intimately.
December 10, 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 )
December 9, 2007
THE LORD LIVES! PRAISE BE TO MY ROCK! EXALTED
BE GOD MY SAVIOR!
( PSALM 18:46 *NIV )
Today and everyday we should praise our Heavenly
Father: FOR GREAT IS THE LORD AND MOST
WORTHY OF PRAISE; HE IS TO BE FEARED ABOVE
ALL gods. ( 1 CHRONICLES 16:25 )
After all, it is written: THE RIGHTEOUS CRY OUT,
AND THE LORD HEARS THEM; HE DELIVERS THEM
FROM ALL THEIR TROUBLES. Also, THE LORD IS
CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED AND SAVES
THOSE WHO ARE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT.
( PSALM 34:17-18 )
Further, BECAUSE OF YOUR FATHER'S GOD, WHO
HELPS YOU, BECAUSE OF THE ALMIGHTY, WHO
BLESSES YOU WITH BLESSINGS OF THE HEAVENS
ABOVE. ( GENESIS 49:25 ) )
Therefore, PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO HAS BLESSED
US IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS WITH EVERY
SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST. ( EPHESIANS 1:3-4 )
PRAISE GOD IN HIS
SANCTUARY; PRAISE HIM IN HIS MIGHTY HEAVENS.
PRAISE HIM FOR HIS ACTS OF POWER; PRAISE HIM
FOR HIS SURPASSING GREATNESS ( PSALM 150:1-2 )
and let us GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS
GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER! Amen!
( 1 CHRONICLES 16:34 )
December 8, 2007
NOW THESE THREE THINGS REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND
LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.
( 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 *NIV )
FAITH COMES FROM HEARING THE MESSAGE,
AND THE MESSAGE IS HEARD THROUGH THE WORD
OF CHRIST. ( ROMANS 10:17 ) Therefore it is written:
BE FAITHFUL, EVEN TO THE POINT OF DEATH, AND
I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE.
( REVELATION 2:10 )
Hope is something we all need, for HOPE DEFERRED
MAKES THE HEART SICK, BUT A LONGING FULFILLED
IS A TREE OF LIFE. ( PROVERBS 13:12 ) Therefore,
MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY
AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM, SO THAT YOU
MAY OVERFLOW WITH HOPE BY THE POWER OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT. ( ROMANS 15:13 )
As for love, well, THIS IS LOVE: NOT THAT WE
LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US AND SENT
HIS SON AS AN ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS.
DEAR FRIENDS, SINCE GOD SO LOVED US, WE
ALSO OUGHT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
( 1 JOHN 4:10-11 ) So, DEAR FRIENDS, LET US
LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD.
EVERYONE WHO LOVES HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD
AND KNOWS GOD. WHOEVER DOES NOT LOVE
DOES NOT KNOW GOD, BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE.
( 1 JOHN 4:7 )
So always LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL
YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH
ALL YOUR STRENGTH. For Jesus said: THESES
COMMANDMENTS THAT I GIVE YOU TODAY ARE TO BE
UPON YOUR HEARTS. ( DEUTERONOMY 6:5-6 )
In closing, remember that a life filled with love, hope
and faith, receives the fruit of the spirit, and THE FRUIT
OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE,
KINDNESS GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLE-
NESS AND SELF-CONTROL. Amen.
( GALATIANS 5:22 )
December 7, 2007
NOW THESE THREE THINGS REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND
LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.
( 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 *NIV )
FAITH COMES FROM HEARING THE MESSAGE,
AND THE MESSAGE IS HEARD THROUGH THE WORD
OF CHRIST. ( ROMANS 10:17 ) Therefore it is written:
BE FAITHFUL, EVEN TO THE POINT OF DEATH, AND
I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE.
( REVELATION 2:10 )
Hope is something we all need, for HOPE DEFERRED
MAKES THE HEART SICK, BUT A LONGING FULFILLED
IS A TREE OF LIFE. ( PROVERBS 13:12 ) Therefore,
MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY
AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM, SO THAT YOU
MAY OVERFLOW WITH HOPE BY THE POWER OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT. ( ROMANS 15:13 )
As for love, well, THIS IS LOVE: NOT THAT WE
LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US AND SENT
HIS SON AS AN ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS.
DEAR FRIENDS, SINCE GOD SO LOVED US, WE
ALSO OUGHT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
( 1 JOHN 4:10-11 ) So, DEAR FRIENDS, LET US
LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD.
EVERYONE WHO LOVES HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD
AND KNOWS GOD. WHOEVER DOES NOT LOVE
DOES NOT KNOW GOD, BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE.
( 1 JOHN 4:7 )
So always LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL
YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH
ALL YOUR STRENGTH. For Jesus said: THESES
COMMANDMENTS THAT I GIVE YOU TODAY ARE TO BE
UPON YOUR HEARTS. ( DEUTERONOMY 6:5-6 )
In closing, remember that a life filled with love, hope
and faith, receives the fruit of the spirit, and THE FRUIT
OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE,
KINDNESS GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLE-
NESS AND SELF-CONTROL. Amen.
( GALATIANS 5:22 )
December 6, 2007
Disappointments
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Thursday, December 06 2007
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. -
Proverbs 13:12
Life is filled with disappointments. Many of God's greatest servants experienced deep
disappointment in their journeys of faithfulness to God. Joseph, after spending years
as a slave and in jail for crimes that he did not commit, revealed deep
disappointment when he was forgotten another two years in prison. John the Baptist,
when awaiting execution, doubted whether Jesus was, in fact, the Christ because he
was sitting there awaiting his death. Elijah, losing all hope and despondent to the
point of death, asked God to take his life in the desert; and Peter, who left his
fishing business and invested three years of his life only to watch his Savior
crucified, wondered whether the purpose of those three years could be justified.
When life doesn't add up, it leaves the heart sick. When we have done all we know
to do and the formula has not worked, it leaves us questioning. These are times that
try the very souls of men. There is no human sense to be made of it. We are left
with a choice: to cling or not to cling. There are times when holding on to our
Master's robe is all that we can do. It is all that He wants us to do.
The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not obtained by sudden flight;
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
Standing on what too long we bore,
With shoulders bent and downcast eyes,
We may discern-unseen before-
A path to higher destinies!
~Longfellow
There is only one answer to life's disappointments. Like the psalmist, we must "Find
rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and
my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken" (Ps. 62:5-6).
December 5, 2007
Belief or Unbelief
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 05 2007
..."Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." - Romans 4:
3
You can be a believer yet act as though there is no God. Whenever you fret over life
circumstances, you immediately demonstrate unbelief. Whenever you move out of
fear or anxiety, you believe a lie about God's nature.
Each day your actions affirm or convict you of your belief system. It reveals who the
central focus of your life really is - you or God. It reveals who you place your
ultimate trust in - you or God. It is one of the great paradoxes for believers. One day
we can believe Him to move mountains. The next day we can question His very
existence.
? Peter believed God and walked on water.
? A sick woman touched the hem of His garment and was healed.
? A Canaanite woman believed and freed her daughter from demon-possession.
In what circumstances do you act as an "unbeliever"? Ask God to increase your
level of trust so that your actions match up with one who believes every day.
December 4, 2007
It is written: IF I SAY, 'I WILL FORGET MY COMPLAINT, I
WILL CHANGE MY EXPRESSION, AND SMILE.'
( JOB 9:27 * NIV )
We all have days when we feel overwhelmed with life's
many problems. However complaining about then doesn't
change a thing! So why not smile instead of frown, for
it is said; "Smile and the whole World smiles with you,
frown and you frown alone!"
Now what better way to find a smile than to laugh with
joy. So enjoy today's message, and let it be said: OUR
MOUTHS WERE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, OUR
TONGUES WITH SONGS OF JOY. For THE LORD HAS
DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US, AND WE ARE FILLED
WITH JOY. ( PSALM 126:2-3 )
Therefore, today's message is one that was
sent to us by one of our Dear Subscribers. It will bring a
smile, as well as, a laugh or two. It contains things that
were actually found on Church Marquee Signs:
The best vitamin for a Christian is B1.
Under same management for over 2000 years!
Soul food served here.
Tithe if you love Jesus! Anyone can honk!
Don't wait for the hearse to take you to church.
Don't give up. Moses was once a basket case.
Life has many choices. Eternity has two. What's yours?
Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due.
Wal-Mart isn't the only saving place!
Prevent truth decay. Brush up on your Bible.
It's hard to stumble when you're down on your knees.
What part of "Thou Shalt Not" don't you understand?
A clear conscience make a soft pillow.
The wages of sin is death. Repent before payday.
Never give the devil a ride. He will always want to drive.
Can't Sleep? Try counting your blessings.
Forbidden fruit creates many jams.
Christians, keep the faith...but not from others!
Satan subtracts and divides. God multiplies and multiplies.
To belittle is to be little.
Don't let the littleness in others bring out the littleness in you.
God answers all knee-mail.
Try Jesus. If you don't like Him, the devil will always take you
back.
December 3, 2007
Jesus said, "HE WHO HAS MY COMMANDMENTS AND
KEEPS THEM, IT IS HE WHO LOVES ME. AND HE WHO
LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER, AND I WILL
LOVE HIM AND MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM."
( JOHN 14:21 *NKJV )
When we lovingly obey God's Commandments, and study
His Word we begin to experience a more intimate knowledge
of our Heavenly Father. It is through that knowledge that we
become closer to Him as well, for it is written that if you: DRAW
NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU.
( JAMES 4:8 )
Now isn't is a pity that so many in this World today feel
unloved and alone, when all they have to do is reach out
to God? For it is also written: GOD IS LOVE. (1 JOHN 4:8)
Why not pray for them tonight, and always tell God how
much you love Him when you pray. For God has said:
"I LOVE THOSE WHO LOVE ME, AND THOSE WHO SEEK
ME DILIGENTLY WILL FIND ME."
( PROVERBS 8:17 )
So, LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.
( MATTHEW 22:37 ) AND HE WILL LOVE YOU AND BLESS
YOU in return. ( DEUTERONOMY 7:13 ) He will also fill you
with His Great Love, a love that the World does not know.
Have a wonderful day, and may God's Blessings
be with you always! Amen.
December 2007
SO GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE, IN THE IMAGE
OF GOD HE CREATED HIM; MALE AND FEMALE HE
CREATED THEM.
( GENESIS 1:27 *NIV )
We are indeed made in God's image. When you think about
that it means, God has feelings and emotions just like we do.
Now that means that God can experience anger just as we
sometimes do. Remember Noah's Flood, as well as, Sodom &
Gomorrah to just name two. How about Jesus in the Temple
with the money changers, now that was righteous indignation
indeed!
Then there is Love, who has more Love than our Heavenly
Father: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE
HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN
HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.
( JOHN 3:16 ) AND WE KNOW AND RELY ON THE LOVE
GOD HAS FOR US, FOR GOD IS LOVE. ( 1 JOHN 4:16 )
God also experiences sorrow, remember when Jesus went to
raise Lazarus from the dead? Is it not written that first: JESUS
WEPT, ( JOHN 11:35 ) then He raised Lazarus from the dead!
So, when you think about God remember He is
your Loving, Caring, Heavenly Father. A Father who understands,
and is always there for you no matter what. One that you may
always turn to with all of your troubles and sorrows, for He truly
understands!
Therefore always tell God how much you love Him when you
pray, and never be afraid to share anything with Him! After all:
THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE.
HE WILL TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN YOU, HE WILL QUIET
YOU WITH HIS LOVE, HE WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH
SINGING. Amen. ( ZEPHANIAH 3:17 )
December 1, 2007
Living Forward, Understanding Backward
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Saturday, December 01 2007
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. - 1 Thessalonians 5:24
When I was in my 20's, I participated in a wilderness-training course in a desert and
mountain area. For our "final exam," we were blindfolded, placed in the back of a
pickup truck, and taken to a remote area. We were dropped off and told to meet
back at the camp in three days. We did not know where we were. We had to
determine our location with our compasses. It was a frightening experience for four
young people who had learned to navigate through the use of a compass only a few
days earlier. With our food and water on our backs, we began our trek. It had just
snowed that morning, so the way was difficult. We walked through valleys, canyons,
snow-covered hills, and forests. In all, we walked more than 60 miles in three days.
There were times when we did not think we could go another foot. Exhaustion and
frostbitten feet were taking their toll. However, we finally made it to our base camp
successfully, and to our surprise, we were the first ones among the other patrols to
make it back.
At the conclusion of our journey, we were able to stand on top of a ridge, look behind
us and see the beautiful terrain that we had just scaled. The pain of what we had just
endured seemed to subside. We could not believe we had actually walked through
those valleys and snowcapped hills. There was a sense of accomplishment.
Life is very much like this. It is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is
not until we are down the road a bit that we can appreciate the terrain God has
allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life as a result.
When you begin to realize some of this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief
because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time,
but He was.
Are you in the midst of a difficult journey that seems almost impossible to continue?
Be assured that God is providing grace even now to equip you for that journey. There
will be a time when you can say, "Wow, look at what God has done because of what I
gained through that valley." Trust Him with the outcome of where you find yourself
today.
Working Wholeheartedly
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 26 2007
In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to
the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he
prospered. - 2 Chronicles 31:21
Hezekiah was a godly king. He was also a very talented businessman and builder. He
was responsible for many noteworthy projects that are described in detail in the Old
Testament. We discover from the passage above that King Hezekiah had two major
attributes that contributed to his success and prosperity: He sought God, and he
worked wholeheartedly upholding God's laws.
Godly success involves a partnership between you and God. Success in God's
economy means achieving the purpose for which God made you. That purpose can
never be discovered without seeking Him with a whole heart. You may achieve great
things without seeking God, but you will never achieve the things God set out for you
to achieve without seeking Him. Unless you seek Him, you may find yourself one day
climbing to the top of the ladder only to find it leaning against the wrong wall.
What does it mean to seek God? It means creating time to sit before His throne in
quiet places. It means reading His Word in order to know Him more intimately. It
means developing an ear to hear His voice so that we know when to turn to the right
or to the left. God desires to know you.
Are you willing to take the time to know Him? If so, you can be sure He will guide
you into those things that will bring success to every aspect of your life.
December 25, 2007
Business as Usual
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Tuesday, December 25 2007
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him
in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. - Luke 2:7
Imagine if the God of the universe decided to visit planet earth as a new baby and
you were given the opportunity to host His first night-in your hotel! Think of the
future promotional possibilities..."God stayed here His first night!" You could sell
tickets to see the room where He was born. What an opportunity to make history as
a small-business owner!
God had need of a business owner's establishment one night 2,000 years ago. But
there was no room for God in this business that night. There was no room for the
unexpected miracle; no awareness of what was taking place in the heavenlies, no
sign that God might be reaching out to this workplace believer to be used like no
other in all of history.
Every day God has need of some man or woman's job. He wants to demonstrate
miracles in their work. But there is no room in their work for Jesus. He is not asked
to participate.
That night God slept in a stable. That night a business opportunity from Heaven was
missed. It was business as usual.
May we all have spiritual eyes and ears to know when our Master needs what He has
entrusted to us for His purposes.
December 24, 2007
The High Places
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Monday, December 24 2007
Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your
shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and
you will trample down their high places. - Deuteronomy 33:29
One of the most successful movies of our time has been Star Wars, a futuristic
movie where the forces of good battle the forces of evil in a far-off galactic solar
system. In order for the forces of good to win their battle, they must enter the
airspace of their enemies and find the central power source inside the enemy space
station. Their fighter jets must locate this central nervous system and fire a laser
missile into its heart in order to destroy the power source. The final scene shows the
hero sending a last-minute laser missile into the power source and blowing up the
space station and all the evil characters who live on it.
Throughout history, cultures have recognized idols on the high places, on the tops of
hills or mountains, as their power sources. God said these high places are an
abomination to Him. When God brought the people of Israel into the Promised Land,
He instructed them to destroy all the high places. Many times through history, God
had to judge Israel for their failure to destroy the high places.
Today, every major cult or evil spirit has its own high place that must be destroyed
first before a righteous foundation can be laid. It may not mean you can physically
destroy this high place, but you can tear it down through spiritual warfare and
intercessory prayer.
High places are anything that is elevated above God and is worshiped. Are there any
high places that take the place of God in your life? Are there any high places where
you live that must be dealt with through spiritual warfare to allow the Kingdom of
God to reign? You must destroy the high places in order for God to reign completely.
Ask God to show you the high places so that you can elevate the one true God.
December 23, 2007
JESUS CALLED THEM TO HIM AND SAID, "LET THE LITTLE
CHILDREN COME TO ME, AND DO NOT FORBID THEM, FOR
SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD."
( *NKJV )
As you know, Christmas Pageants are very popular this time of
year. I received the following message this week about one
mother's experience as such a Pageant. It should either bring
back memories, or a laugh or two to start your day, so let us
begin.....
"THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT."
My proudest moment came during the
children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing
Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my
youngest son was a wise man.
This was their moment to shine. My five-year-old
shepherd had practiced his line,
'We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes.'
But he was nervous and said, 'The baby was wrapped
in wrinkled clothes.' My four-year-old 'Mary' said,
'That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten
clothes.'
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd
and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost
her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary
dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced
down the aisle crying, 'Mama-mama.'
Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly
as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped
forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the
manger and announced, 'We are the three wise guys,
and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur.'
The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant
got a standing ovation.
'I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this
one,' laughed the Pastor, wiping tears from his eyes.
'For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story
without thinking of gold, common sense and fur.'
'My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest
blessing,' I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.
Author, Unknown
December 22,2007
The Gospel of the Kingdom
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Saturday, December 22 2007
This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:9-10
Imagine that you have never driven a car. You are not aware of all the features of a
car. Up to this point, you have had to walk everywhere you go. All you are told is that
you are about to receive something that will get you anywhere you need to go. The
day arrives and you are given a brand new car. You get in and drive the car.
However, the emergency brake is on, preventing you from going faster than 20 miles
per hour. No one tells you that you should unlock the brake. Regardless, you are
excited because you no longer have to walk to your destination. You are not told that
the car has lights, which would allow you to drive at night. Neither are you told about
the many other wonderful features of the car. You just know you have a new car
that will get you anywhere you want to go at 20 miles per hour. For the rest of your
life, you drive this incredible car during the daytime only at 20 miles per hour.
Why would Jesus pray that things in earth would be like they are in Heaven if it
were not possible? When Jesus came to earth, He came in order to penetrate the
very kingdom of darkness with light. He came to bring healing to sickness, replace
sadness with joy, and fill meaninglessness with purpose. He came to change things
for the better for a world that had no hope outside of God.
Using the illustration above, Jesus did not come to merely give us a ticket to Heaven
(a car that you drive only in the daytime at 20 miles per hour). He came to bring us
much more-the Kingdom of God on earth. Nowhere in the Bible will you find the
term, gospel of salvation. The Church does not exist for Heaven, but for earth. If it
existed only for Heaven, then each of us would immediately be taken to Heaven.
There would be no reason for us to remain on earth. So why has God allowed us to
receive this new birth and remain on earth? It is so that we might bring the Kingdom
of God into our world-our families, our workplace, and our communities.
God wants you to bring the Kingdom of God into the territory He has given you so
that His will can be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Your domain is your workplace,
family, and community. Ask God to show you how He wants to penetrate the
darkness of your domain with His light. Then you will see and experience all the
features of this gift that has been given to you.
December 21, 2007
Living for a Cause Greater Than Yourself
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Friday, December 21 2007
He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has
done. - Proverbs 19:17
If you were God and you wanted to send one of your servants to help the less
fortunate in the world, how would you train your servant for this task? Our ways are
not God's ways. We find an interesting story in the case of Brigid, a woman born in
the early 400's in Ireland.
Brigid was born from a sexual encounter between an Irish king and one of his slaves.
She was raised as a slave girl within the king's household and was required to
perform hard work on the king's farm. From the beginning, Brigid took notice of the
plight of the less fortunate. She would give the butter from the king's kitchen to
working boys. She once gave the king's sword to a passing leper-an act about which
the king was enraged. The king tried to marry her off, but to no avail. One day,
Brigid fled the king's house and committed herself to belonging only to Christ.
Brigid sought other women who also wanted to belong only to Christ. Seven of them
organized a community of nuns that became known as the settlement of Kildare, a
place where many thatch-roofed dwellings were built, and where artist studios,
workshops, guest chambers, a library, and a church evolved. These and other
settlements became little industries all to themselves, producing some of the
greatest craftsmanship in all of Europe. Many of the poor had their lives bettered
because of Brigid's ministry to them.
Brigid became a traveling evangelist, helping the poor and preaching the gospel.
When she died in 453, it is estimated 13,000 people had escaped from slavery and
poverty to Christian service and industry. Her name became synonymous with the
plight of the poor. She was a woman who turned a life of slavery and defeat into a life
lived for a cause greater than herself. She became a nationally known figure among
her people, and the Irish people still recognize her each February 1.
God has called each of us to live for a cause greater than ourselves. If God asked you
what you had done for the poor, what would you say? Jesus had a special place in His
heart for the poor. Ask God how you might use your gifts and talents to improve the
plight of the poor in your community.
December 20, 2007
One Flock, One Shepherd
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Thursday, December 20 2007
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too
will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. - John 10:16
A friend of mine told me a story about an experience he had in Israel. They were in
the country visiting some of the famous biblical sites when they saw a group of
sheepherders. A shepherd brought his flock of sheep into a round pen for the night.
Then, a few minutes later, another shepherd brought his flock into the pen. Then, a
few minutes later, yet another shepherd brought his sheep into the pen. There were
three groups of sheep in the pen with no identifying marks among any of them. My
friend wondered how in the world they would separate their sheep the next day.
The next morning, a shepherd came over to the pen and made a comment to his
sheep. One by one, the sheep filed out to follow him. Only his sheep followed his
voice. My friend said it was an amazing scene to see only that shepherd's sheep
follow him and the others remain in the pen. What a picture of Jesus' words spoken
centuries earlier.
Hearing and responding to Jesus' voice is the key to having a two-way relationship
with God. It is the difference between having religion and a relationship. Can you
recognize God's voice in your life? Are you listening to the Shepherd's voice? Do you
respond when He calls? Ask Jesus to help you increase your ability to hear. Give
more time to spending quiet moments in His presence to hear His voice. He wants to
be your Good Shepherd.
December 19, 2007
Seeking His Face
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 19 2007
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to
face. - Deuteronomy 34:10
One of the great differences between Moses and any other character in the Bible is
how God describes Moses. Moses was a friend of God, and he met God face to face.
"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Ex.
33:11a). So often, we view others for what they can do for us, instead of who they
are. There is a difference between being a servant and being a friend. There is a
difference between being an employee and being a son.
Do you seek God's face, or do you find that you spend more time seeking His hand?
God wants us to seek Him for our every need. However, there is a higher calling for
every believer. That is to seek God's face, and to see Him for His love and
tenderness toward us as His children. He can provide for our physical needs, but
when we see Him face to face, we are changed. We no longer see Him as one to be
feared as much as one to know intimately. We no longer view Him for what He can
give to us, but for what He already has given for us.
When we see Jesus face to face, we are no longer slaves, but friends. We do not fear
Him as a slave fears his master. We have entered a new kind of relationship-a
relationship that has mutual respect and care.
Today, Jesus is calling you to seek His face, not just His hand. When you seek His
face, you will know His provision and His mercy in all aspects of life. Seek His face
today and become a friend of God.
December 18, 2007
Betrayals
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Tuesday, December 18 2007
If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself
against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion,
my close friend. - Psalm 55:12-13
"You will always be attacked in the place of your inheritance," said the man sitting
across the breakfast table. "God has called you to bring people together and to
impact other people's lives as a result of this anointing in your life. You must make
sure that you seek to maintain righteousness in all of your relationships." Those
words came from someone who had the wisdom and authority to speak them to me.
I have had a number of close relationships that ended in betrayal. I am very loyal to
my friends and those with whom I have covenant relationships. Yet there are times
that no matter how righteous you are, when someone means to betray you, he will do
it. Loving those who betray you is "graduate-level Christianity." The religious
community and one of His closest friends betrayed Jesus. Those who were closest to
David betrayed him. Joseph's own family betrayed him. Loving our enemies cannot
be accomplished by mustering it up. It can only happen when we have come to a
death in ourselves so that Christ can love through us. It is truly one of those acts of
identifying with the cross.
If you are a leader, you can be sure God will allow you to experience betrayal. It is
one of those courses in the Kingdom that may not be required until God has seen
that you have successfully passed other tests. It is the most difficult and most gut
wrenching of all tests. A godly response goes against all that is in us. Our natural
response is to protect, retaliate, and retain unforgiveness and bitterness. Our
natural response is satan's most powerful weapon; to overcome it requires much
grace from God. Ask God to build His nature in you now so that when such attacks
come, you will be aware that it is a test and you will respond in righteousness.
December 17, 2007
Elevated From the Pasture
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Monday, December 17 2007
Now then, tell my servant David, "This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you
from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over My people Israel." - 2
Samuel 7:8
Have you ever heard someone say, "He is a self-made millionaire"? They are stating
that this person accomplished everything through his own efforts. His achievements
were a result of his hard work and street smarts.
David was nearing the end of his life. The prophet Nathan was responding to David's
idea to build a temple where the Ark of the Covenant would stay. God reminded
David of his roots and where He had brought him. God took David from the fields of
pasturing sheep to pastoring a nation. God reminded David that He cut off all of
David's enemies. (David never lost a battle.)
Have you ever felt tempted to look at your accomplishments with pride as if you
were the reason for your success? Have you ever thought your prosperity was due to
your ingenuity? Has your material success been a testimony to others that God is the
ruler of all aspects of your life, even the material side?
Joseph's greatest test was not his temptation to be bitter against his brothers. It
wasn't the sexual temptation that came inside Potiphar's house. It wasn't even the
discouragement of years of imprisonment for being wrongfully accused. It was the
temptation of prosperity and ownership. Once he was elevated, he was given choices
that he never had before. It was totally up to him as to which choice he would make.
Stewardship reveals what we believe about God and ourselves.
Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a
fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity. -Oswald Chambers
Do you have a proper understanding of who you are? Do you understand that it is
God who has given you the ability to work and achieve? He is the source of all good
things. Ask God today if your life models this belief.
December 16, 2007
AND JESUS TOOK THE CHILDREN IN HIS ARMS, PUT HIS HANDS
ON THEM AND BLESSED THEM.
( MARK 10:16 *NIV )
As you know our Savior Jesus Christ loves little children! So
today
I will share with you a message that was sent to me last year by
one of our subscribers. I know that you will enjoy it as much as I
do.
It is titled.......
The "W" in Christmas
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful
experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive
card
writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet
still, I
found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family
moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an
exciting
season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for
his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him
I'd be
working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining
moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress
rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to
attend
that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas
seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes
early,
found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I
saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I
waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied
by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group,
one
by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the
holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun,
commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes
and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas
Love," I was slightly taken aback by it's bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in
fuzzy
mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow caps upon their heads. Those
in
the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to
spell
out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for
Christmas,"
a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on
and
on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the
complete
message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed
her;
a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside
down -
totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st
through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she
had
no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding
her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter
continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it
together. A
hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant,
we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the
holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a
purpose
for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the
message
read loud and clear: "CHRISTWAS LOVE" And, I believe, He still is.
Amen.
December 15, 2007
Desert Preparation
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Saturday, December 15 2007
Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went
immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. - Galatians 1:17
The apostle Paul tells us in the first chapter of Galatians some of the facts
surrounding his own conversion. He tells us that he clearly understood the call Jesus
placed on his life. He did not have to consult other men about this calling. But before
he was released to begin his own mission, He went to Arabia for three years. Why did
Paul have to go to Arabia for three years before he ever met another disciple of
Jesus Christ?
The Scripture does not tell us plainly why Paul spent three years in Arabia. However,
based upon many examples of God placing special calls on people's lives, we know it
often requires a time of separation between the old life and the new life. No doubt,
Paul had plenty of time to consider what had taken place in his life and time to
develop an intimate knowledge and relationship with the newfound Savior. His life
was about to change dramatically.
So often, when God places a call on one of His children, it requires a separation
between the old life and the new life. There is a time of being away from the old in
order to prepare the heart for what is coming. It can be a painful and difficult
separation. Joseph was separated from his family. Jacob was sent to live with his
uncle Laban. Moses was sent to the desert.
When God began a deeper work in my own life, it required a separation from all I
had known before. He removed all that I had placed confidence in up to that point. It
was very painful and very scary since I was in my mid-40's. In my mind, it was not
the time to start life over. I had been making plans for early retirement. God had a
different idea. He removed all my comforts and security in order to accomplish a
much greater work than what I could see at the time. The picture is clear now. I
understand why it was necessary, but I didn't at the time.
Perhaps God has placed you in your own desert period. Perhaps you cannot make
sense of the situation in which you find yourself. If you press into God during this
time, He will reveal the purposes He has for you. The key is pressing into Him. Seek
Him with a whole heart and He will be found. God may have a special calling and
message He is building in your life right now. Trust in His love for you that He will
fully complete the work He has started in you.
December 14, 2007
Hearing God's Voice
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Friday, December 14 2007
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been
revealed to him. - 1 Samuel 3:7
Samuel was born to Hannah, a woman who had a deep commitment to God. She was
barren, but she cried out to God for a son. The Lord gave her Samuel, whom she
completely gave to the Lord for His service. After weaning him, she took him to the
house of the Lord to be reared by the priests. Eli was the priest of Israel, but he was
not a godly leader. He had allowed much corruption, including the sins of his sons, in
God's house. God was not pleased with Eli and later judged him and his household.
Samuel grew up in the temple serving God. He also grew up seeing the hypocrisy of
Eli's household, yet this did not change the young man. God was with him. We learn
that even though young Samuel had a belief in God, he had not yet experienced a
personal relationship with Him. God called to Samuel three times, but Samuel
thought it was Eli, the priest, calling him. Finally, Eli told him to say, "Speak Lord,
for your servant is listening" (1 Sam. 3:9b). This is what Samuel did, and God began
telling Samuel important things to come.
Many of us grow up in religious environments. We go to church every week. We
have a head knowledge of God, but we do not recognize God's voice in our lives.
There comes a time when we must recognize God's voice for ourselves. God does not
want us to have a religion; He wants us to have a two-way relationship with Him.
Samuel was never the same after this encounter. He would know God's voice and
would respond to Him in obedience.
Do you know God's voice? Can you recognize it when He speaks? In order to hear
God's voice, you must be clean before Him and listen. Listen to God's voice today and
follow His plans for you.
December 13, 2007
ENTER THROUGH THE NARROW GATE. FOR WIDE IS
THE GATE AND BROAD IS THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO
DESTRUCTION, AND MANY ENTER THROUGH IT. BUT
SMALL IS THE GATE AND NARROW THE ROAD THAT
LEADS TO LIFE, AND ONLY A FEW FIND IT.
( MATTHEW 7:13 *NIV )
The gate that leads to Eternal Life is narrow indeed.
However that doesn't mean that being a Christian is difficult,
but it does mean that there is only one way to Eternal Life,
and believing in Jesus Christ is that way!
Jesus is quoted in the Book of John as saying:
"I AM THE GATE; WHOEVER ENTERS THROUGH ME
WILL BE SAVED. HE WILL COME IN AND GO OUT
AND FIND PASTURE." ( JOHN 10:9 )
Our Savior also said: "STRIVE TO ENTER THROUGH
THE NARROW GATE, FOR MANY, I SAY TO YOU, WILL
SEEK TO ENTER AND WILL NOT BE ABLE."
( LUKE 13:24 )
Now needless to say, in addition to believing in Jesus
Christ, we must obey God's Commandments, and do our
best to live a righteous life as well! For then we will, by the
Grace of God, make our way through that narrow gate.
Now when you think about it, isn't it
wonderful to know that this life isn't all there is, and that
we may look forward to meeting our Beloved Savoir
Jesus Christ at that gate someday! Further that we will
DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER!
( PSALM 23:6 )
So, PRAISE THE LORD, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS
BENEFITS--WHO FORGIVES ALL OUR SINS AND
HEALS ALL OUR DISEASES, WHO REDEEMS OUR
LIVES FROM THE PIT AND CROWNS US WITH LOVE
AND COMPASSION. Amen.
( PSALM 103:2-4 )
December 12, 2007
The Finger of God
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 12 2007
When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two
tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. - Exodus
31:18
Throughout the Bible, the word testimony is used in many ways. Testimony comes
from the Hebrew word eduwth, which means "witness." The Ark of the Covenant
contained the Ten Commandments, written and inscribed personally by God and
given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These became known as the testimony. The ark was
a divinely inspired structure that was to be used as a witness to the people of Israel
and the whole world of God's power and majesty. These divinely created tablets were
a witness of God's activity on earth with man.
Throughout the Bible, God looked to create testimonies with His people. At the Red
Sea, He created a testimony through Moses. God created a testimony through Joshua
when He parted the Jordan River and allowed the people with the Ark to cross on dry
land. When Lazarus lay dead for days, Jesus came and created a testimony of His
ability to raise the dead.
Jesus is still looking for those who are willing to have a testimony created through
their lives. One of the major characteristics of a God-ordained testimony is for
something to happen that cannot be explained in the natural. In other words, if you
can make it happen through your abilities, it is not a testimony about God, but about
you.
One time, I was invited to go to South Africa to a major conference, but I did not
have the funds to go. I sensed that I was to attend this conference, but refused to
use a credit card to fund the trip. I waited and waited. Finally, on the day of the
registration closing, a man came to my office and said I was to go to this conference
and he would fund the trip. He took out his checkbook and wrote a check for $2,500.
That has become a testimony of God's activity in my life.
God wants to create a testimony in every aspect of your life - your family, your work,
your church, and in your community. He is waiting to put His finger on your next
endeavor to reveal His power through your life. Look carefully at the events where
God might want to create a testimony out of an impossible situation. He delights in
using His children for this purpose because it brings Him glory.
December 11, 2007
Paul's Personal Mission Statement
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Tuesday, December 11 2007
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of
sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to
attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 - Acts 21:11-12
Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal mission of every
believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary statement that best describes the
purpose of our existence on earth and the goal of our Christian experience. It can be
reduced to three important characteristics.
To know Christ.
To know and experience His power.
To identify with His sufferings.
All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product. Salvation is a by-
product. Miracles are a by-product. Christlikeness is a by-product. Paul's focus was
on relationship. He understood that the deeper the relationship, the more power he
would experience. He also understood that as he grew in this relationship, there
would be suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the kingdom of
darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in casualties. Christ confronted
these earthly kingdoms and suffered for it. If we are living at this level of obedience,
we, too, will face similar battles; it simply comes with the territory.
Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in life centered
on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If not, press into Him today in
order to begin experiencing Christ more intimately.
December 10, 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 )
December 9, 2007
THE LORD LIVES! PRAISE BE TO MY ROCK! EXALTED
BE GOD MY SAVIOR!
( PSALM 18:46 *NIV )
Today and everyday we should praise our Heavenly
Father: FOR GREAT IS THE LORD AND MOST
WORTHY OF PRAISE; HE IS TO BE FEARED ABOVE
ALL gods. ( 1 CHRONICLES 16:25 )
After all, it is written: THE RIGHTEOUS CRY OUT,
AND THE LORD HEARS THEM; HE DELIVERS THEM
FROM ALL THEIR TROUBLES. Also, THE LORD IS
CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED AND SAVES
THOSE WHO ARE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT.
( PSALM 34:17-18 )
Further, BECAUSE OF YOUR FATHER'S GOD, WHO
HELPS YOU, BECAUSE OF THE ALMIGHTY, WHO
BLESSES YOU WITH BLESSINGS OF THE HEAVENS
ABOVE. ( GENESIS 49:25 ) )
Therefore, PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO HAS BLESSED
US IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS WITH EVERY
SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST. ( EPHESIANS 1:3-4 )
PRAISE GOD IN HIS
SANCTUARY; PRAISE HIM IN HIS MIGHTY HEAVENS.
PRAISE HIM FOR HIS ACTS OF POWER; PRAISE HIM
FOR HIS SURPASSING GREATNESS ( PSALM 150:1-2 )
and let us GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS
GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER! Amen!
( 1 CHRONICLES 16:34 )
December 8, 2007
NOW THESE THREE THINGS REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND
LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.
( 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 *NIV )
FAITH COMES FROM HEARING THE MESSAGE,
AND THE MESSAGE IS HEARD THROUGH THE WORD
OF CHRIST. ( ROMANS 10:17 ) Therefore it is written:
BE FAITHFUL, EVEN TO THE POINT OF DEATH, AND
I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE.
( REVELATION 2:10 )
Hope is something we all need, for HOPE DEFERRED
MAKES THE HEART SICK, BUT A LONGING FULFILLED
IS A TREE OF LIFE. ( PROVERBS 13:12 ) Therefore,
MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY
AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM, SO THAT YOU
MAY OVERFLOW WITH HOPE BY THE POWER OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT. ( ROMANS 15:13 )
As for love, well, THIS IS LOVE: NOT THAT WE
LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US AND SENT
HIS SON AS AN ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS.
DEAR FRIENDS, SINCE GOD SO LOVED US, WE
ALSO OUGHT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
( 1 JOHN 4:10-11 ) So, DEAR FRIENDS, LET US
LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD.
EVERYONE WHO LOVES HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD
AND KNOWS GOD. WHOEVER DOES NOT LOVE
DOES NOT KNOW GOD, BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE.
( 1 JOHN 4:7 )
So always LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL
YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH
ALL YOUR STRENGTH. For Jesus said: THESES
COMMANDMENTS THAT I GIVE YOU TODAY ARE TO BE
UPON YOUR HEARTS. ( DEUTERONOMY 6:5-6 )
In closing, remember that a life filled with love, hope
and faith, receives the fruit of the spirit, and THE FRUIT
OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE,
KINDNESS GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLE-
NESS AND SELF-CONTROL. Amen.
( GALATIANS 5:22 )
December 7, 2007
NOW THESE THREE THINGS REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND
LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.
( 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 *NIV )
FAITH COMES FROM HEARING THE MESSAGE,
AND THE MESSAGE IS HEARD THROUGH THE WORD
OF CHRIST. ( ROMANS 10:17 ) Therefore it is written:
BE FAITHFUL, EVEN TO THE POINT OF DEATH, AND
I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE.
( REVELATION 2:10 )
Hope is something we all need, for HOPE DEFERRED
MAKES THE HEART SICK, BUT A LONGING FULFILLED
IS A TREE OF LIFE. ( PROVERBS 13:12 ) Therefore,
MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY
AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM, SO THAT YOU
MAY OVERFLOW WITH HOPE BY THE POWER OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT. ( ROMANS 15:13 )
As for love, well, THIS IS LOVE: NOT THAT WE
LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US AND SENT
HIS SON AS AN ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS.
DEAR FRIENDS, SINCE GOD SO LOVED US, WE
ALSO OUGHT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
( 1 JOHN 4:10-11 ) So, DEAR FRIENDS, LET US
LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD.
EVERYONE WHO LOVES HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD
AND KNOWS GOD. WHOEVER DOES NOT LOVE
DOES NOT KNOW GOD, BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE.
( 1 JOHN 4:7 )
So always LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL
YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH
ALL YOUR STRENGTH. For Jesus said: THESES
COMMANDMENTS THAT I GIVE YOU TODAY ARE TO BE
UPON YOUR HEARTS. ( DEUTERONOMY 6:5-6 )
In closing, remember that a life filled with love, hope
and faith, receives the fruit of the spirit, and THE FRUIT
OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE,
KINDNESS GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLE-
NESS AND SELF-CONTROL. Amen.
( GALATIANS 5:22 )
December 6, 2007
Disappointments
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Thursday, December 06 2007
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. -
Proverbs 13:12
Life is filled with disappointments. Many of God's greatest servants experienced deep
disappointment in their journeys of faithfulness to God. Joseph, after spending years
as a slave and in jail for crimes that he did not commit, revealed deep
disappointment when he was forgotten another two years in prison. John the Baptist,
when awaiting execution, doubted whether Jesus was, in fact, the Christ because he
was sitting there awaiting his death. Elijah, losing all hope and despondent to the
point of death, asked God to take his life in the desert; and Peter, who left his
fishing business and invested three years of his life only to watch his Savior
crucified, wondered whether the purpose of those three years could be justified.
When life doesn't add up, it leaves the heart sick. When we have done all we know
to do and the formula has not worked, it leaves us questioning. These are times that
try the very souls of men. There is no human sense to be made of it. We are left
with a choice: to cling or not to cling. There are times when holding on to our
Master's robe is all that we can do. It is all that He wants us to do.
The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not obtained by sudden flight;
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
Standing on what too long we bore,
With shoulders bent and downcast eyes,
We may discern-unseen before-
A path to higher destinies!
~Longfellow
There is only one answer to life's disappointments. Like the psalmist, we must "Find
rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and
my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken" (Ps. 62:5-6).
December 5, 2007
Belief or Unbelief
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 05 2007
..."Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." - Romans 4:
3
You can be a believer yet act as though there is no God. Whenever you fret over life
circumstances, you immediately demonstrate unbelief. Whenever you move out of
fear or anxiety, you believe a lie about God's nature.
Each day your actions affirm or convict you of your belief system. It reveals who the
central focus of your life really is - you or God. It reveals who you place your
ultimate trust in - you or God. It is one of the great paradoxes for believers. One day
we can believe Him to move mountains. The next day we can question His very
existence.
? Peter believed God and walked on water.
? A sick woman touched the hem of His garment and was healed.
? A Canaanite woman believed and freed her daughter from demon-possession.
In what circumstances do you act as an "unbeliever"? Ask God to increase your
level of trust so that your actions match up with one who believes every day.
December 4, 2007
It is written: IF I SAY, 'I WILL FORGET MY COMPLAINT, I
WILL CHANGE MY EXPRESSION, AND SMILE.'
( JOB 9:27 * NIV )
We all have days when we feel overwhelmed with life's
many problems. However complaining about then doesn't
change a thing! So why not smile instead of frown, for
it is said; "Smile and the whole World smiles with you,
frown and you frown alone!"
Now what better way to find a smile than to laugh with
joy. So enjoy today's message, and let it be said: OUR
MOUTHS WERE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, OUR
TONGUES WITH SONGS OF JOY. For THE LORD HAS
DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US, AND WE ARE FILLED
WITH JOY. ( PSALM 126:2-3 )
Therefore, today's message is one that was
sent to us by one of our Dear Subscribers. It will bring a
smile, as well as, a laugh or two. It contains things that
were actually found on Church Marquee Signs:
The best vitamin for a Christian is B1.
Under same management for over 2000 years!
Soul food served here.
Tithe if you love Jesus! Anyone can honk!
Don't wait for the hearse to take you to church.
Don't give up. Moses was once a basket case.
Life has many choices. Eternity has two. What's yours?
Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due.
Wal-Mart isn't the only saving place!
Prevent truth decay. Brush up on your Bible.
It's hard to stumble when you're down on your knees.
What part of "Thou Shalt Not" don't you understand?
A clear conscience make a soft pillow.
The wages of sin is death. Repent before payday.
Never give the devil a ride. He will always want to drive.
Can't Sleep? Try counting your blessings.
Forbidden fruit creates many jams.
Christians, keep the faith...but not from others!
Satan subtracts and divides. God multiplies and multiplies.
To belittle is to be little.
Don't let the littleness in others bring out the littleness in you.
God answers all knee-mail.
Try Jesus. If you don't like Him, the devil will always take you
back.
December 3, 2007
Jesus said, "HE WHO HAS MY COMMANDMENTS AND
KEEPS THEM, IT IS HE WHO LOVES ME. AND HE WHO
LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER, AND I WILL
LOVE HIM AND MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM."
( JOHN 14:21 *NKJV )
When we lovingly obey God's Commandments, and study
His Word we begin to experience a more intimate knowledge
of our Heavenly Father. It is through that knowledge that we
become closer to Him as well, for it is written that if you: DRAW
NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU.
( JAMES 4:8 )
Now isn't is a pity that so many in this World today feel
unloved and alone, when all they have to do is reach out
to God? For it is also written: GOD IS LOVE. (1 JOHN 4:8)
Why not pray for them tonight, and always tell God how
much you love Him when you pray. For God has said:
"I LOVE THOSE WHO LOVE ME, AND THOSE WHO SEEK
ME DILIGENTLY WILL FIND ME."
( PROVERBS 8:17 )
So, LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.
( MATTHEW 22:37 ) AND HE WILL LOVE YOU AND BLESS
YOU in return. ( DEUTERONOMY 7:13 ) He will also fill you
with His Great Love, a love that the World does not know.
Have a wonderful day, and may God's Blessings
be with you always! Amen.
December 2007
SO GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE, IN THE IMAGE
OF GOD HE CREATED HIM; MALE AND FEMALE HE
CREATED THEM.
( GENESIS 1:27 *NIV )
We are indeed made in God's image. When you think about
that it means, God has feelings and emotions just like we do.
Now that means that God can experience anger just as we
sometimes do. Remember Noah's Flood, as well as, Sodom &
Gomorrah to just name two. How about Jesus in the Temple
with the money changers, now that was righteous indignation
indeed!
Then there is Love, who has more Love than our Heavenly
Father: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE
HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN
HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.
( JOHN 3:16 ) AND WE KNOW AND RELY ON THE LOVE
GOD HAS FOR US, FOR GOD IS LOVE. ( 1 JOHN 4:16 )
God also experiences sorrow, remember when Jesus went to
raise Lazarus from the dead? Is it not written that first: JESUS
WEPT, ( JOHN 11:35 ) then He raised Lazarus from the dead!
So, when you think about God remember He is
your Loving, Caring, Heavenly Father. A Father who understands,
and is always there for you no matter what. One that you may
always turn to with all of your troubles and sorrows, for He truly
understands!
Therefore always tell God how much you love Him when you
pray, and never be afraid to share anything with Him! After all:
THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE.
HE WILL TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN YOU, HE WILL QUIET
YOU WITH HIS LOVE, HE WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH
SINGING. Amen. ( ZEPHANIAH 3:17 )
December 1, 2007
Living Forward, Understanding Backward
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Saturday, December 01 2007
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. - 1 Thessalonians 5:24
When I was in my 20's, I participated in a wilderness-training course in a desert and
mountain area. For our "final exam," we were blindfolded, placed in the back of a
pickup truck, and taken to a remote area. We were dropped off and told to meet
back at the camp in three days. We did not know where we were. We had to
determine our location with our compasses. It was a frightening experience for four
young people who had learned to navigate through the use of a compass only a few
days earlier. With our food and water on our backs, we began our trek. It had just
snowed that morning, so the way was difficult. We walked through valleys, canyons,
snow-covered hills, and forests. In all, we walked more than 60 miles in three days.
There were times when we did not think we could go another foot. Exhaustion and
frostbitten feet were taking their toll. However, we finally made it to our base camp
successfully, and to our surprise, we were the first ones among the other patrols to
make it back.
At the conclusion of our journey, we were able to stand on top of a ridge, look behind
us and see the beautiful terrain that we had just scaled. The pain of what we had just
endured seemed to subside. We could not believe we had actually walked through
those valleys and snowcapped hills. There was a sense of accomplishment.
Life is very much like this. It is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is
not until we are down the road a bit that we can appreciate the terrain God has
allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life as a result.
When you begin to realize some of this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief
because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time,
but He was.
Are you in the midst of a difficult journey that seems almost impossible to continue?
Be assured that God is providing grace even now to equip you for that journey. There
will be a time when you can say, "Wow, look at what God has done because of what I
gained through that valley." Trust Him with the outcome of where you find yourself
today.
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