Monday, 31 March 2014
Be a Dream Releaser
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Be a Dream Releaser
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
" Be devoted to one another in love…"
(Romans 12:10, NIV).
TODAY'S WORD:
Think about the people God has placed in your life. They’re not there by accident. God brings people to you for a purpose. We should live with this awareness that, “I am here to add value to people. I am here to help them succeed.” Don’t go around always thinking, “I wonder what that person can do for me. I wonder what they have to offer.” No, we should have the attitude, “What can I do for them? How can I help them come up higher? Can I teach them something I know? Can I connect them with someone who can help them?” Don’t make the mistake of going through life ingrown. Instead, be a dream releaser. Use your talent, your influence and your experience, not just to accomplish your goals, but to help release a dream in someone else.
Remember, there is nothing more rewarding than to lay down at night knowing that you helped someone else become better. You not only fulfilled your purpose for that day, you did your best. It may have just been a two-minute phone call where you encouraged someone; but when you live as a dream releaser, you’ll see your own dreams come alive as well!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father in heaven, thank You for equipping me to be a blessing to others. Show me ways to be a dream releaser and help others to rise up higher. Help me to use my influence to encourage others and honor You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven.” (1 Peter 1:3-4 MSG)
Once I typed the phrase “fresh start” into Google, and it brought up 485,000 links! Evidently, a lot of people would like to have a fresh start in life. They think, “I’ve blown it, I’ve messed up, I’ve really made a mess of things in my life. I’d like a fresh start.”
Jesus is in the business of giving people a fresh start. The apostle Peter says,“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven” (1 Peter 1:3-4 MSG).
Several things happen once you give your life to Christ:
- You open up your life to God and get to know him.
- You’re given a brand new life, which gives you everything to live for.
- You get a future in Heaven.
You can say it this way: You get your past forgiven, a purpose for livin’, and a home in Heaven. What a deal! Your past, present, and future are taken care of as you put your trust in Jesus.
“Everything that we have — right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start — comes from God by way of Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Talk It Over
- How does your life differ from what it was like before you became a Christian?
- What should a fresh start with Jesus look like in your life?
- Who in your life needs to hear the Good News that Jesus gives a fresh start? How can you reach out to that person?
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Constantly Speak
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Constantly Speak
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises
Psalm 34:1, NLT.
TODAY'S WORD:
When you wake up in the morning, do you expect the goodness of God in your life? Do you set the tone of the day for success, favor and blessing with your words? Scripture tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. That’s why it’s so important to declare praises to God all throughout the day. Things may be bad all around you, people may be negative, complaining and discouraged, but don’t let that spirit rub off on you. The worse it gets, the brighter you’re going to shine. The good news is that no matter how you feel, no matter what’s going on around you, you can choose your words. There’s nothing that can stop you from constantly speaking His Word!
Today I encourage you, be determined to set the tone for your day, week, month and year by praising God and speaking words of faith over your future. Remember, when you put God first, He promises to honor you. He will pour out His favor on you and lead you into life, health, strength and blessing all the days of your life!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father in heaven, I choose to bless You at all times. I choose to set the tone to receive Your favor, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness at all times in Jesus’ name. Amen!
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“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7 NLT)
Love is a skill that can be learned. In other words, it’s something you can get better at with practice.
You may think you’re a good lover, but God wants you to become a great lover, a skilled lover, a master lover. You can become an expert at relationships. Yet, most people never learn how to truly love.
Wouldn’t you like to become known as a person of extraordinary love? When people speak of you, they might say: “He doesn’t care who you are or what you look like.” “She doesn’t care where you’ve been or what you’ve done or where you’re from.”
The only way you get skilled at something is to practice it. You do it over and over. The first time you do it, it feels awkward, but the more you do it, the better you become.
The same is true with love: “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7 NLT). The Bible also says, “Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:15 HCSB).
Let’s practice loving each other.
Talk It Over
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Saturday, 29 March 2014
Where God is present =)
Christian Marriage: The role of sex in a marriage where God is present
Sex is a divine gift from God and we need to treat it as such. Society teaches us that sex is meant for pleasure and pleasure only, but God has a different plan for us.
- When a man and a woman love each other and decide to get married and have a family, this should include a promise of monogamy and loyalty, in thoughts and actions.Marriage isn’t just the legitimization of sex. The forming of a family isn’t just getting married and having kids. God's marriage union is where the Bible says a man and a woman become "of one flesh." It is where the love of God is revealed through parents, to their children and many generations to come.
Sex: A divine gift
All that God has given us is good. And everything that he does has the purpose of revealing his glory. As believers, we need to understand that sex is one of the divine gifts that God has provided for our happiness. Sex is the power to create life, and it is natural that there are specific guidelines on the use of this privilege. Theologian David A. Bednar said, “The way we view and use this sublime power will largely determine our happiness in mortality and our destiny in eternity.”Distorted understanding of the sexual relationship
Unfortunately, society today has false expectations about sex and marriage. Most of us have early exposure to sexuality through fashion that dictates what is attractive and sexy, in novels, television, movies, the Internet and even pornography. These sources may promote an attitude of free sex with anyone at any time. It is confusing love with desire.This view focuses too much on the physical nature of sex and not on the whole experience of working in harmony with your partner. Man and woman were made for each other. It is the reciprocal giving and receiving that links not just bodies, but minds and hearts. It isn’t just a physical and sexual pleasure, but also one that is mental and spiritual.Indiscriminate sex: The destruction of society and the disappearance of families
Sex used in a distorted form is the reason for the suffering of many families. The consequences are:- Unwanted pregnancies
- Irresponsibility
- Lack of natural affection
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Sexual perversions
- Abortions
- Rape
- Infidelity
- Divorce
- Lust
- Crime
History has shown it has not only led to the destruction of families, but the fall of entire kingdoms. Reducing the seriousness of casual sex has led to denigration of society and the family unit.Chastity: Exercising Loyalty
Abstinence before marriage is training for fidelity and loyalty through rough times in marriage.One attractive young friend couple were so happy and in love people couldn't help feeling happy around them. After a few years of being married, a tragic accident made the wife a quadriplegic. This made their physical relationship difficult. Her husband cared for and loved her even more. She was willing to let him go and "be happy" with someone else, but he stood firmly by her. Today, over 20 years later, they say they love each other more than ever. This is the kind of divine love which transcends sexual desires.Sex is an important and pleasurable part of married life. God has not given us this gift as a mere amusement or satisfaction of bodily desires. There are not any instructions from the Lord stating that sex between a husband and wife should be only for procreation. However, the kind of indiscriminate sex we see in society is also not approved anywhere.Sex as a complement to a divine marriage
Some think that happiness is always in the next conquest. Marriage expert Spencer W. Kimball said, “A person can feel immediately attracted to another, but love goes beyond physical attraction. It is something deep, inclusive and comprehensive. Physical attraction is only one of several elements; there must be faith, trust, understanding and unity. There must be common ideals and standards. There must be great devotion to one another and fellowship. Love includes purity, progress, sacrifice and selflessness. That kind of love never tires or wanes, but continues to live in the midst of sickness and sorrow, poverty and privation, triumphs and disappointments, in time and in eternity. For the love to continue to exist there must be a steady increase in confidence and understanding, sincere and frequent expressions of gratitude and affection. Each must forget yourself and worry constantly with each other. Interests, hopes and goals are to continuously converge to the same point.”The urgent need to teach children and protect them so that they find real happiness
Teach your children the sacredness of sex in marriage. Bednar says sex is not a “curiosity to be explored, one appetite to be satisfied, or a type of recreation or entertainment."Teach your children what God actually does expect of a man and a woman in relation to sex and marriage. They must know how to invest time and patience in marriage through the example that you have given to them and not what society teaches. They will not only experience sex as God wants it when they get married, but also the divine happiness that follows keeping his laws.Translated and adapted by Taylor Richardson from the original article, “Casamento cristão: O papel do sexo num casamento onde Deus está presente” by Chris Ayres.
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A Good and Spacious Land
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A Good and Spacious Land
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
So I have come down to rescue them…and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land…
Exodus 3:8, NIV.
TODAY'S WORD:
Notice in today’s verse that God did not say He would bring His people into a small land; a little place, tight or crowded. No, receive this into your spirit: Just as God brought the children of Israel into a good and spacious land, so He will do the same for you! He wants to take you to the land of “more than enough,” a land of plenty of room flowing with increase, good breaks and opportunity. He wants you to live in a land where you not only have enough for yourself, but you’re so blessed that you can be a blessing to other people.
If you’re not in a good and spacious place today, the challenge is: don’t settle where you are. This is not your permanent address! It’s only temporary. Keep standing, keep believing, keep pressing forward and walk into the good and spacious land God has in store for you!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I trust that You are leading me into a new land, a spacious land filled with blessing and opportunity. I choose to stand and keep my eyes on You as You lead me forward in Your purposes in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“[God] will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:9-10, 13)
The Bible says there is no condemnation for our sin, but it does not say there are no consequences. Every time you disobey God, you hurt yourself and you hurt other people. You lose your fellowship with Christ. You lose your effectiveness and joy here on Earth. You lose rewards in Heaven.
But, you do not lose your salvation. Why is that? Why doesn’t God just kick us out when we blow it? Why doesn’t God reject believers when we sin?
His love is unconditional.
God doesn’t say, “I love you if” or “I love you because” — just “I love you ... period!” God will never stop loving you, because you are a recipient of his grace.
Lamentations 3:22 says, “[God’s] compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction” (LB).
Your salvation isn’t based on your performance.
The Bible says, “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5a NLT). You can’t earn your way into Heaven, buy your way into Heaven, work your way to Heaven, or bluff your way to Heaven. The only way you ever have any hope of getting into Heaven is by the grace of God.
Jesus has already taken your punishment.
The law of double jeopardy says you cannot be tried for the same crime twice. That’s true in God’s book, too. People are not punished for the same crime or the same sin twice.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus stretched his arms out on the cross and took the punishment for your sin. He served your term. The price is paid in full!
Jesus understands your human weaknesses.
God is sympathetic and understanding. He knows your frailties, your faults, and how you’re wired. And he is patient with you.
“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus lived in human flesh for 33 years, so he understands your weaknesses.
God doesn’t keep grudges.
The Bible says, “[God] will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:9-10, 13). If you are a believer, God is not angry with you. Why? Because all of the punishment was taken on the cross.
You may be thinking, “You don’t know how far I’ve fallen. You don’t know what I’ve done.” No, I don’t. But God does. If you think you’ve strayed too far from God, this is what God says to you: “Come back to me, you unfaithful children, and I will forgive you for being unfaithful” (Jeremiah 3:22a NCV).
Talk It Over
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Friday, 28 March 2014
10 keys to a triumphant marriage =)
10 keys to a triumphant marriage
Marriage requires 100 percent effort from husband and wife to create a happy ending.
- "And they lived happily ever after. The end."Well, not quite. "Happily ever after" actually takes a lot of work. Marriage is something that needs nourishment, repairing, caring hearts and lots of love. Both partners in a marriage must be fully committed to making the marriage triumphant. Here are some secrets for marriage success.
1. Communication is key
A big part of any relationship is communication. Good communication can help couples avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. It can also help strengthen marriages. It is crucial to discuss important topics, worries, finances, stresses and big decisions. Learning good communications skills will ease some tensions that are often present in any marriage.2. Don't use the "D-word" — Divorce
Before my husband and I got married, he made the request that we simply do not talk about divorce — especially during disagreements. It can be easy, in a heated discussion, to say things that we don't really mean. Once it is said, you can't take it back. Using "divorce" in arguments puts it "out there" as if it's an option. We choose not to have divorce as an option, but rather seek to work together to solve problems. *There may be extenuating circumstances where divorce is necessary. Use good judgment in these cases.3. Have regular date nights — weekly, if possible
Before marriage, it seems that couples want to spend time together strengthening their relationship and getting to know each other. It is paramount that this practice of courting one another continues into marriage. People change significantly over time. If time is not spent together, married partners may wake up one day and realize they don't know their spouse very well anymore. Continuing courtship after marriage allows couples to grow together, to stay in love and to have time together without other distractions like children, work or other responsibilities.4. Think positively about your spouse
Dwelling on any negatives about your spouse is only going to invite more negatives. These thoughts can eat at you, cause fights and undue marital stress. Try looking for the good in your spouse. Compliment him/her on the things you love instead of pointing out annoyances or faults. Focusing on the positives will allow you to see more good things about your spouse.5. Keep intimacy going strong
Married couples need to be connected emotionally, spiritually and, yes, physically. Physical and emotional intimacy is key to a happy marriage. This includes having date nights. Find out what makes your spouse feel loved and try to "speak" that language. For some, it is physical touch. Others need time or verbal communication. Remember to allow cuddle time, kissing, hugging, touching and having sex. This will strengthen your bond as a couple in a necessary way.6. Forgive and apologize daily
We all make mistakes or do stupid things. If we are self-aware, we can see where we have wronged others and can let go of our pride and apologize. It is also important to forgive each other. Holding on to negative feelings will only fester and damage not only ourselves, but ultimately our marriage. Forgiving and apologizing frequently will save a lot of heartache and make a better marriage. Ruth Bell Graham said, "A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."7. Help and support each other
Marriage is a two person team. Fight together not against each other. If one partner is struggling, the other needs to step up his game and help. You can't cross the finish line alone. It takes 100 percent effort from both team members. Supporting each other means to help around the house, with the kids and other responsibilities. Maybe there is a problem at work that can be solved with the advice of a loving spouse. As the saying goes, "two heads are better than one." Sometimes a listening ear and some comforting words go a long way.8. You can't change your spouse, but you can change yourself
Going into a marriage thinking you can "fix" or change your spouse is just not possible. However, you can change yourself. Improving your weaknesses and becoming a better person might even inspire your spouse to do the same. Changing the way you think about your spouse may even have a great impact on her.9. Don't flirt with danger
Whether it's pornography, "innocent" flirting or an affair, safe-guarding a marriage against temptations is necessary. Pornography is a problem that often requires professional help to overcome. Bringing it into a marriage is not a good idea. Additionally, flirting, spending time or any other activities with people of the opposite sex is definitely in the danger zone. Something seemingly innocent can quickly turn into something very inappropriate. It is best to avoid questionable situations and temptations altogether. Sexual and emotional relationships with someone other than your spouse are not OK. Here are the 10 commandments for marriage.10. Avoid discussing negative feelings or problems about your marriage with friends or family.This is a temptation that is often justified by saying you just need to "vent" or talk to someone about it. The problem with this is it can often make the problem worse rather than better. Others can join in the negative talk or think less of your spouse long after the problem is solved. Communication between husband and wife is more worthwhile. For more serious problems, consider talking with a marriage counselor instead of those who are close to the situation.
Marriage can be wonderful or terrible. Either one takes work, but one leads to much happiness. "Happily ever after" is attainable through loyalty, diligence and work. Both husband and wife must fully commit to each other and the marriage. It takes two giving their all to create a lasting and beautiful marriage.
Provision in the Wilderness
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Provision in the Wilderness
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
Isaiah 41:18, NKJV.
TODAY'S WORD:
There’s a lady in our church who is a single mom. Her family has gone through a lot of struggles. For years, she was barely making it, but every Sunday she and her two sons would be at Lakewood. She stayed faithful during her “wilderness” season because she knew she was headed to her Promised Land.
Her son, from the time he was a little boy, always said that he was going to get a scholarship to go to college. Now, he could have thought, “We’re poor. I’m at a disadvantage.” No, this single mother taught her sons that God is a God of abundance, that He can make a way when we don’t see a way. Three years ago, her son graduated number two in his high school. He received not one scholarship, not two, not five, but nine scholarships totaling over $1.3 million dollars. His undergraduate, his masters and his doctorate are all paid for at Georgetown University.
Friend, remember, God is no respecter of persons. Whatever you are believing for, whatever provision you need in the wilderness, know that He is faithful. He will provide streams in the desert and provision for you in every area of your life!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, thank You for providing streams in the desert. Thank You for refreshing me in the wilderness. Thank You for providing all my needs according to Your riches in glory as I stand in faith and stay faithful to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15 NIV)
I have no doubt that many of you are carrying some deep wounds that you’ve carried for months, maybe even years. When you think about that person who hurt you, it’s still as fresh as if it happened this morning. The pain is still there, and you’re still filled with resentment.
You say, “Why in the world should I forgive that person who hurt me so much? You have no idea how much they hurt me. Why should I offer grace to that person?”
You ought to do it for three reasons:
1. You need to be gracious to others and forgive those who’ve hurt you because God has been gracious to you.
You will never have to forgive anyone else more than Jesus Christ has already forgiven you. You should consider that you haven’t always gotten what you deserved, either. God has been gracious with you. Now be gracious with others.
2. You need to forgive others because the alternative is bitterness.
Scientists tell us that resentment is the unhealthiest emotion there is. It always hurts you more than anybody else! Resentment will not change the past, and it won’t solve the problem. It doesn’t even make you feel better. In fact, it makes you feel worse.
The Bible says in Hebrews 12:15, “Be careful that none of you fails to respond to the grace which God gives, for if he does there can very easily spring up in him a bitter spirit which is not only bad in itself but can also poison the lives of many others” (Phillips).
3. You need to show grace to and forgive others because God expects you to do it.
Matthew 6:15 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (NIV). Jesus says we cannot receive what we are unwilling to give. If you say, “I could never forgive that person,” then I hope you never sin. If you just don’t feel like doing it, do it anyway, because it’s the right thing to do.
The reason why some of you have a hard time forgiving is because you don’t feel forgiven. Would you pray this prayer of liberation and freedom in your heart?
“Dear Jesus Christ, you know I’ve been hurt by others. You know that my resentment has made me act in ways that have been unreasonable and unhelpful and unhealthy. I need your power to release and forgive those who’ve hurt me so I can stop letting them control me. Would you please replace my hurt with the peace of Jesus Christ? God, I realize that I’ve hurt a lot of other people with my habits and my bad decisions and my hang-ups. Would you please forgive me for the way I’ve hurt others? Help me to make a list of those I’ve harmed and in the right way at the right time to humbly seek to make amends. Jesus Christ, I want to refocus my life on you. I want to face the future courageously with love and peace in my heart. Would you replace my resentment with your love, my bitterness with your grace? Thank you for your graciousness to me. Thank you for forgiving me for the things that I’ve done wrong. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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