Freedom for All

Freedom for All TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “...God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34–35, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! And, God’s freedom is free for everyone. It doesn’t matter what your nationality or heritage or who your family is. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have. God wants you free from everything that would hold you back in this life. He wants to pour out His blessing on all who honor Him and choose His ways. It says in Galatians that in Christ there is no Jew or Greek or even male or female. That means God’s not judging you based on physical conditions; He’s looking at your heart. He’s looking at the gifts He’s placed inside of you. Don’t let the enemy lie to you and tell you that God is blessing everyone else but you. Look for the ways He is pouring out blessing in your life. Thank Him for His acceptance, love and freedom today. Focus on honoring Him and doing what is right. Receive His favor and blessing because it is a free gift for all! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, thank You for loving and accepting me today. I choose to honor You with my attitude, words and actions. Holy Spirit, show me how to live as an example of Your goodness all the days of my life. Thank You for freedom for all in Jesus’ name! Amen. PS... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bf6MYg1wDE

When the Master Steps In

Posted by Joel Osteen on 6/13/2014

I read a story about a five-year-old boy who loved the piano. He played every chance that he got. He never had any formal lessons or training. In fact, some people told him he was too young and too small; but in spite of those comments, he continued practicing. The only song he really knew how to play was "Chopsticks." It's just a very simple tune.

One day, his father surprised him with tickets to the symphony to hear this world-renowned Italian pianist. This man was one of the greatest piano players that had ever lived. That night on the way to their seats, the little boy noticed the beautiful grand piano up on the stage. When no one was watching, he snuck over, sat down and began to play his elementary version of "Chopsticks." About that time, the curtain began to rise. Everyone was expecting to see the world-renowned pianist. Instead, they saw this little five-year-old boy. He was so caught up in his world that he didn't realize what was happening. When he finally looked up, he was petrified.

Just as he was about to take off running toward his seat, he felt two big arms reaching around him from behind. It was the world-renowned pianist. He whispered in the little boy's ears, "Keep playing."

The little boy continued playing that elementary version of "Chopsticks." The world-renowned piano player started playing a Beethoven symphony piece that was scored in the same cadence and the same key. Under the direction of the master, he brought in the rest of the orchestra. First, the woodwinds, then the percussion, then the brass.

The father sat there in the audience with tears. He never dreamed that simple tune that he had heard in his home so many times would no longer sound like "Chopsticks," but it would become a beautifully inspired, fully perfected, Beethoven symphony. What happened? The master stepped in.

Sometimes in life, you may not feel like you have the talent, the strength or the ability, but the good news is that God does. When you use what you have, the Master will show up. God will put His hands over your hands. He will use what you think is very average: average talent, average skills, average education. When the Master steps in, He will mix His super with your average, and amazing things will begin to happen!

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)