Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Basic Principle of Prosperity



Dr. Charles Stanley shares with us the following:

"The basic principle of real prosperity is elementary. In fact, it boils down to four simple words:


God owns it all.


Even for mature Christians, this truth can be difficult to grasp fully and put into practice.


After all, it runs counter to the thinking of modern culture. 

However, Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God is the Creator and therefore the one who rightfully holds the deed to everything in creation.


According to Haggai 2:8, the Lord also lays claim to the silver  and gold  in other words, all currency is His.



 Psalm 50:10 puts it a different way, telling us that He owns "the cattle on a thousand hills."

Since God consistently reiterates that He is the exclusive owner of all creation, we should respond appropriately when using His resourcesincluding money.

In other words, we should have exactly the same response as when using something that belongs to our neighbors:
  • ask permission to use it
  • honor the owner's instructions and do just as he has designated
  • take no unnecessary risks
  • handle it the way we would want others to handle one of our possessions
  • and return it in a timely manner, preferably in better condition or more plentiful than before.
And then say 'Thank You.'

Early light:

1 Timothy 6:10 says that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Understanding that God is the rightful owner and we are simply managers of His resources will help us have the proper attitude about wealthnamely, gratefulness rather than entitlement."  

{The above was taken from the Jan. 2013 issue of In Touch magazine of Dr. Charles Stanley}  (pg. 44)

Let’s pray: Father, we see that there is a need of our attitude to change. Thank You for all You've provided for us. We better understand now, that everything we have is a gift from Your Hand, and we are grateful! Remind us that You've loaned all of creation to us for our enjoyment and use. In the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 37:19 "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."

Today’s quotesSper – “My life is a painting created by God,
                                  And as such I’ve nothing to boast;
                            Reflecting the image of Christ to the world
                                       Is what I desire the most.”


David Kieffer - "Generosity leads to prosperity because of God’s reciprocity. Scripture tells of his faithfulness and provision to his people. As we allow him to use us in taking care of others, so he will also use others to take care of us. By living generously we demonstrate our trust in his provision."


Our thought today: We tend to forget what God thinks of us. The Bible tells us how God thinks! May others see Him reflected in us.

Tomorrow’s post:  #14  Understanding Spiritual Gifts  C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:  Approaching the Father: Prayer Note #66 The only way to win a wrestling match with God is to lose






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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

#13 The Vital Few


C. Peter Wagner tells us of the 20-80 ratio being applied to churches and their prayer efforts:

"This 20-80 law (discovered by Uilfredo Pareto, the Italian economist) can be applied to intercessors in a local church.

However, my research shows that more than likely the vital few intercessors are something like 5 percent of the church members in the average congregation provide 80  percent of the meaningful intercession.

I am fully aware that a statement like this can rub some the wrong way for several reasons.

Some will say that it should not be true and that larger numbers of Christians should do the praying.

Others will say that the 95 percent who do only 20 percent of the intercession are not 'trivial.' I can only agree with the above.

Nevertheless, given appropriate disclaimers, my guess is that it is just as true in your church as it is in Mine.



Only a rather small number of the church members are recognized by themselves and by others in the congregation as outstanding pray-ers.


The late Waymon Rodgers, who pastored a large church in Kentucky, told the story of a man in his church coming up to him and saying, 'I want the keys to the church. I would like to pray in the church.'

When Rodgers told him that the church was open every day at 8:00 A. M., the man responded, 'I used to get up and go to work at 4:30 A. M. Since I have retired, I want to give that time to prayer and fasting.'


He got the keys and every day that man came to church at 4:00 A. M. and prayed until 7:00 A. M.

As any pastor knows, it would be a big mistake to say to the congregation, 'If he can do it, anyone can do it,' and attempt to force every church member to pray from 4:00 to 7:00 every morning.

It is much more realistic to recognize that man as one of the vital few when it comes to the prayer ministry of the church.

Who are these vital few? They are the people who have the gift of intercession."




Today’s post - The Vital Few, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 40, 41)  By Regal Books

The next post is to be 8/1, Understanding Spiritual Gifts, from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD.

[Google images added]

Christian Devotions@Devotions4Today
#Free Today on #AmazonKindle Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse by@JeanOathout makes a perfect gift!ow.ly/nrF9H

Today, my book, "Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse" is FREE on Kindle!


Let’s pray: Father, may we be found faithful in supporting our spiritual leaders in prayer daily. Move on us to pray from time to time throughout the day. Bring to mind each of them, so we can breathe a prayer for them and their families. Make us aware of the need to keep them in our prayers, as they are human too, and need Your help. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 2 Chron. 6:14 "And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in heaven, nor in the earth; which keepeth covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee wth all their hearts."

Today’s quote: Gwen Smith – “So whatever you face today, friend, run. Run to win the prize. Run like the wind. And when you fall; don’t throw in the towel, don’t point fingers, don’t stew, and don’t quit. Get right back up and run again… in the mercy, strength and grace of God.

Another good quote: Our Daily Bread – “Character is the sum total of all our thoughts, words, and deeds.”

Our thought today: Members gather on purpose to seek God, to see Him move in their midst, and to hear His Word shared by leaders in their church.

Tomorrow’s post:  The Basic Principle of Prosperity  Dr. Charles Stanley

A popular post: Lessons from 3 Men and a Frog: Prayer Note #88 
Tenacity is important.

   
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/  Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse  my book with new title and cover for women contemplating marriage.



Monday, July 29, 2013

Close Enough to Hear



Cameron Lawrence shares with us, "I never claim to comprehend the interior life of small childrenhow it is that they do or do not commune with God.

But at least outwardly, praying is a new thing for my two-year-old.

Apart from her mom and dad's requests for protection, mercy, the presence of the Holy Spirit within her young heart, so far her experience with the mystical encounter we call 'talking with God' revolves around saying (and at times intermittently singing) thank you at bedtime.

Thank you for toys, and friends coming over to play; for the carousel at the Zoo; for strawberries in the garden, baby sisters, and panda bears.

Not long ago, we were sitting in the dark, with a sliver of late sun visible beneath the door of her room.

We had just finishing praying when my wife asked if she wanted to do the same.

'I want to' said a little voice from the pillow.

We sat in silence for a moment, waiting for her to begin.

It had been a long day, with an abundance of work on my mind and chores that needed completing.

And though I typically appreciate our nightly ritual of singing and praying in the quiet room, I confess that on this particular evening, I was ready to get on with the night.

'Go ahead and say whatever you want, darling,' my wife said, with a gentleness that chastened me. 'God can always hear you.'

We waited a while longer. When she finally spoke, I was struck by the urgency in her voicesomething I hadn't previously heard with regard to prayer.

'I want God to hear me,' she said, intoning that she wanted to be reassured He would.

'He will, my love' her mom said. 'Go ahead.'

My daughter started to talk, but I couldn't stop thinking about those words: I want God to hear me. The phrase cut through the calloused outer layers and went straight to my heart.

I felt the pull of her pure, child-like faith calling out to my one longinga longing often caught in the shadowy corners, weak in the face of doubt. 

I, too, wanted God to hear me.

As parents, we hope our children will one day find faith for themselves, and that it will carry them through the unkind days—that it would hold them for the duration of their sojourn through this life.

We pray this, often because it's what we desire for ourselves but know how difficult it is to sustain.

As we kiss our kids goodnight, we look at them, wondering if they'll be okay, and the fear that they possibly won't cuts right to the most elemental doubts: 

Do we believe? Do we believe that God is who He says He is? Do we believe that God will hear us?

At times, we all find ourselves caught within these moments of doubt. 

But they need not signal for us an end of belief, but rather a new beginning where, in the darkness, all illusions vanish and what's left is the reality Godperhaps not as we have wished Him to be, but as He really is.

When such moments come, one thing is required of us: honesty. We can begin by saying, I want You to hear me, and like my little girl, by offering our gratitude.

Until one day, on a brightly lit morning, He pushes the door wide open, and we see Him as He is knowing beyond any doubt that He has been standing close enough to hear us all along."

Taken from Charles Stanley's magazine, In Touch  August 2013,  pgs. 61,62

[Google images added]

We fellow authors are promoting one another's publications, so here's today's announcement:

                Free on Kindle on Monday, 29th: 

 When You Come Home  by Nancy Pitts 
http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Come-Home-ebook/dp/B005R41792/

About the book: 
"Daphne Cavin's poignant story of love, loss and sacrifice was one of the most memorable I encountered in writing The Greatest Generation. Her daughter now completes the story with this very heartfelt book."
- Tom Brokaw

Tomorrow, the 30th, my book, "Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse", is to be FREE on Kindle!

Let’s pray: Father, we understand that You are always so close, that we only have to whisper You name for help, when needed. May we become more conscious  of Your Presence at all times, no matter where we are. We pray this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Jer. 31:3b "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

Today’s quotes: 
Joel Barnaby – “Have you ever felt the presence of the Lord? Mostly indescribable to capture in mere words. It’s an exhilarating thrill that seems to saturate every fiber of your essence in both the physical and spiritual parts of you. Your mind is instantly illuminated, your inner core seems to sync with your spirit. Healing often occurs instantaneously in a confused mind, a tormented spirit, or a troubled heart.”

Marietta Taylor – “Don't try to follow your own plan for dealing with life's storms and disasters. Count on God instead. Believe He's with you. Lean on Him for strength and protection. Trust Him and you will not be shaken.

Our thought today: Are you a candidate for God to help you? If you'll partner with Him in His will, you'll begin to really live!

Tomorrow’s post:  #13 The Vital Few  C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:  
Hearing God's Love Song God pursued her even while skiing.






Samples of Jean's crafts & craft blanks
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/ Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse my book with new title and cover for women contemplating marriage.





http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DP77URG/ Kindle addition


Sunday, July 28, 2013

Catherine Booth



"Here is Catherine Booth speaking of the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit, and endued with power for service:

'What unkind things have been said of the Salvation Army because people at our meetings have fallen on their faces under the convicting power of the Spirit.

But you see this is apostolic. I maintain that the only indispensable qualification for witnessing for Christ is to be endued with the power of the Holy Ghost.


Paul expressly declares that these things were not the power even where they existed, but that it was the Holy Ghost. 



Therefore give me man, woman, or child with the Holy Ghost, full of love a zeal for God, and I say it would be a great strength and joy to that convert to testify to the Church and to the world.

When shall Peters and Marys be so filled with the Spirit that they cannot help telling what God has done for them, like the woman of Samaria who, when she had found Him of whom Moses and Prophets had written went and fetched her fellow-townsmen and women to hear Him.

The Master Himself adopted these very measures. 

Someone said, 'Why are you sending people to preach who cannot read or write?'

For a moment I was staggered, but I asked Him, 'How many of the Apostles do you suppose could read and write when they were first sent out?'

And then it was the questioner's turn to be staggered. It was not the power of eloquence, but being able to cast out devils, that was the test. 

Give me somebody able to cast out devils, and I don't care whether they can read or write.

Hence Jesus Christ chose the weak things of the earth to confound the mighty."  

Today’s post was taken from MORE GLORIOUS ACTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, a booklet published by REVIVAL MOVEMENT ASSOCIATION   www.revivalmovement.org

Let’s pray: Father, may we be open more to the moving of Your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts and eyes to what it is You want to do among, and in us. It is true that You know just what needs to be accomplished, and our desire is to be used by you. We pray for Your will to be done. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Jer. 6:16 "Thus saith the LORD, 'Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.' "

Today’s quote:  Anne Cetas – “Those who have known the Lord for a long time or who have gone through great trials seem to have a better heavenly vision than the rest of us. Their eternal eyesight has gotten better and their close-up ‘earthly’ vision is diminishing.”  2 Cor. 4:17-18

Another good quote: J. Hudson Taylor "The prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity. If we want to see mighty wonders of divine power and grace wrought in the place of weakness, failure, and disappointment, let us answer God's standing challenge, 'Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and might things which thou knowest not!' "

Our thought today: Think about our standing in Christ Jesus. Thank God, we're justified! We need to be grace conscious.

Tomorrow’s post:
 Close Enough to Hear  Cameron Lawrence

A popular post: Birthing True Repentance  Their attitude toward God and the gospel is what God looks at.
   
Such beauty!

Samples of Jean's crafts & craft blanks

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/  Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse  my book with new title and cover for women contemplating marriage.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

What's the Difference Between Excellence and Perfection?




A reader asks Jill Savage the following question:

"I’ve read your book No More Perfect Moms. It has been absolutely life-changing for me as I have learned to love my real life.

I have one question, though: What’s the difference between excellence and perfection? I’m trying to figure that out as I try to move away from expecting perfection, but still having an understanding of excellence.'

This is a great question that deserves to be understood! Some short answers are:

Excellence is something done well.

Perfection is something done without fault.

Excellence is attainable.

Perfection is unattainable.

Excellence is positive.

Perfection is negative.

Excellence gives a sense of satisfaction.

Perfection is never satisfied.

Excellence is freeing.

Perfection is binding.

Excellence allows for failure.

Perfection punishes failure.

Excellence is motivated by confidence.

Perfection is motivated by fear.

Excellence comes from God.

Perfection comes from the world.

{added emphasis]

What does this look like in a mom’s world?

Here’s an example: A mom is supposed to provide snacks for her son’s baseball team. Her desire is to make something homemade.

However, she’s had two sick children, a husband who’s been putting in overtime, and her parents who live nearby have needed more help than usual. 

Baking is just not something that can be realistically accomplished this time.

In freedom, she picks up cupcakes at the bakery of her grocery store. This is an excellent choice based upon her limitations and what is going on in her life. 

There’s no sense of failure. She accomplished what she needed to accomplish in the best way for her family.

Excellence says there are many ways to accomplish something. It allows for context. 

Perfection says there is only one way to accomplish something. There is no context or considerations made.

Perfection steals our joy and results in hopelessness. It sets us up for failure. 

If we expect perfection from ourselves we will be in perpetual disappointment. 

If we expect perfection from others, we will be hyper-critical.

Excellence motivates us to do well within the reality of our temperament, our talents, and our circumstances. 

We 'hit the mark' in context of all those things. When we expect excellence from ourselves we work toward a goal with cushioned with grace. 

When we expect excellence from others, we set goals and encourage under the umbrella of grace, that allows for humanity–mistakes and all.

We are motivated to excellence out of our relationship with a loving, grace-filled God who is perfecting–or improving us–everyday. 

We are encouraged in Colossians 3:23 with these words,“ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” 

Excellence happens when we give our best to God, knowing that it can’t be perfect because perfection can’t happen here on earth.

Excellence is empowering. Perfection is rejecting.

I want to be an empowering wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. That’s why resisting perfection is so important.

There are no perfect moms, [dads], just [men &] women doing the best job they can do in the circumstances of their real life.

What about you? How have you settled the disparity between excellence and perfection in your heart?

The post Q & A Day: What’s the Difference Between Excellence and Perfection? appeared first on Jill Savage.Posted: 10 Jul 2013 04:00 AM PDT

Perfection and excellence!
Let’s pray: Father, help us see when we're expecting perfection, not settling for what is excellent for us in our daily circumstances. Re-program our thinking to be more like Yours through the reading of Your Word. Your wisdom and understanding is what we'll need in our judgments of what we need to do, as well as in what others do. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Today’s Bible verse:  Daniel 5:14b "That light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee."

Today’s quote: Mark Evens - Like a computer, the output of your brain is determined by what you program into it. Is your mind filled with the thinking of the world, or with the thinking of God? A Christian who is walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and thinking with a renewed mind is a great danger to the kingdom of Satan.

Our thought today: We'll find fulfillment in surrendering to God. Focus on Him and find His purpose for you.

Tomorrow’s post:  Catherine Booth  William Haslam


A popular post:  The Notion of Divine Control  Jesus is laying down rules of conduct for those who have His Spirit.









Samples of Jean's crafts 
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/ Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DP77URG/ Kindle addition


Friday, July 26, 2013

How to Surrender Your Fear


Dr. Charles Stanley answers this question:

Q. "I trust God with all my heart, so I don't understand why I'm finding it nearly impossible to surrender one particular fear. 


I've prayed and prayed, but my heart just can't let go of this anxiety.'

A. You've taken the first step by recognizing that you're anxious.

One of Satan's most subtle and successful traps is to tempt us to focus on our circumstances. But anxiety isn't caused by all the outward things we think are to blame.

It's an inward problem. You are never healed of emotional sickness until you're willing to face the truth about what's inside you and deal with it.

Whenever you're gripped by anxiety, stop and identify its root. Ask yourself, Why am I so anxious about this? and let the Holy Spirit reveal what is hidden beneath the surface. Sometimes you'll find you're actually paralyzed by inadequacy—you're afraid of failing or not measuring up.

You might find that guilt is holding you back, or even discover the false idea that God is a ruthless taskmaster or scorekeeper.

And in connection with these feelings or erroneous views is what I call the 'Tape recorder.' 

We usually don't realize that by playing a loop of the misbeliefs we were taught throughout life, this invisible recorder often directs our thinking.

So, when that fear recurs in your mind, recognize the misbelief for what it is, and say 'All right, that's the recorder playing. 


Now, where did this thought originate?'

When you've traced back to its root, say, 'I reject that. I don't have to play that recording any more. And if it goes off again, I refuse to listen.'

Then you can pray, 'Father, I thank You that this anxiety is not of You, because You did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind 2 Tim. 1:7 KJV.

I rebuke this fear in the name of Jesus Christ. I reject this feeling and refuse to be bound by it from this moment on.' 

Then, reach for Scripture, and let the Lord speak anchoring truth to your heart."

[Taken from the In Touch magazine, Jan. 2013]

[Google images and my emphasis added]

Let’s pray: Father, I see that I need to examine my fears, to see where they've originated, and recognize why I have them reoccurring. I know fear isn't from You, and that You'll free me from mine, when I see the root and give it over to You to deal with. I ask that You show me the root to any fear I have. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.  



Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 46:7 "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah" (think about that]

Today’s quote: Margaret Feinburg, "Ask God to awaken your ability to see and savor His sweet presence and recognize His divine handiwork. Then live eyes wide open to the ways God answers."

Another quote: Beth Moore – “Humility takes a supply of supernatural strength that comes only to those strong enough to admit weakness.”

Our thought today: Anything you don’t allow, dies.


Tomorrow’s post:  What's the Difference Between Excellence and Perfection  Jill Savage


A popular post: Peacocks and Their Kin   Our strength is found in our weakness.

Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout


http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/ Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse 



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DP77URG/ Kindle addition



Thursday, July 25, 2013

#12 Paul's Prayer Partners: Euodia and Syntyche


C. Peter Wagner shares with us his thoughts from his book, PRAYER SHIELD:

"Few commentators have recognized the high probability that Euodia and Syntyche of the church at Philippi were two of Paul's personal prayer partners see Phil. 4: 2, 3.

Many commentators stress that the women were not getting along well and 'possibly they assisted him with material help as Lydia had done some years before.'

The inference is that, like good women, they perhaps cooked Paul's meals and sewed patches on his garments.

A few commentators do see Euodia and Syntyche playing a much more crucial role in Paul's ministry.

F. F. Bruce, for example, points out that the verb for "labored side by side with me in the gospel" is a very strong verb. He says, 'Whatever form these two women's collaboration with Paul in his gospel ministry may have taken, it was not confined to making tea for him and his circle—or whatever the first-century counterpart to that activity was.'
 

The verb to which F. F. Bruce refers (synathleo) really means that they 'contended' or 'strived' or 'fought at my side.'

Edmond Heibert says it ' implies united action in the face of opposition and strife' so the metaphor 'pictures these women as having served as Paul's fellow soldiers in the battle to establish the gospel in Philiippi.'

This brings us closer to the concept of spiritual warfare. 


F. W. Beare goes on to argue that these two courageous women were 'pitted along with Paul "against principalities and powers...against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" of Eph. 6:12, who employ the human opponents of the gospel as their tools.'


I quote these recognized biblical scholars not to pretend I am writing an academic monograph, but only to lend some professional credibility to the understanding I have developed of Euodia and Syntyche.

I suggest a substantial possibility that Paul is implying these two women did spiritual warfare on my behalf.'

If so, they would fit snugly int the profile of personal intercessors or prayer partners I am developing in this book.

If nothing else, it helps me suppose that the apostle Paul would understand and approve of what I am trying to say."

Today’s post -#1 The Power of Personal Prayer Partners, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 36, 37) By Regal Books



The next post is to be 7/30, The Vital Few, from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD.


Let’s pray: Father, it is our desire to become more effective in our praying. We ask that you help us surrender to Your leading in praying for those in leadership. They're human, and they need Your help daily, hourly, and moment by moment, just like we do. We pray this in the wonderful Name of Jesus', the One Who made a way to Your throne of grace. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ez, 22:30 "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land."

Today’s quote: 
 Cindy Sproles When Paul shared about his thorn of the flesh, he wanted us to see our successes weren't where God’s power would shine brightest, rather through our weaknesses. He said this gift of grace was sufficient. It’s all we really need. 


When hardships, decisions, and frustrations attack, God’s power becomes evident to those around us. We rest in the promise of His care because He’s got our backs. God’s might is lived out through these rough patches. From hard to difficult, to resolved, to peace -- His power shines.”

Our thought today: God does not keep score of your good and bad actions. It's no more a game of does and don'ts. Christ finished the provision of your salvation on the Cross. Let Him take care of your sins. He proved for your sins way back there!

A popular post:  
Light Overcomes Darkness: Prayer Note #83  The Light of Jesus overcomes the darkness of Satan.



He looks serious!


jowildflowers@gmail.com (for comments)
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/ Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse my book with new title and cover for women contemplating marriage.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DP77URG/ Kindle addition