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Monday, January 31, 2011

The Daniel Plan - Week 3

The Daniel Plan

My Father's Giving

This is taken from "Streams in the Desert - January 31"

God still owns all that we see and so very much more.  His provision is greater than that of all the things of this earth and yet we don't see His provision.  To receive His full blessing, requires us to return to HIM all we are, all we have and all we ever will be.

"Prove me now" (Mal. 3:10).
What is God saying here but this: "My child, I still have windows in Heaven. They are yet in service. The bolts slide as easily as of old. The hinges have not grown rusty. I would rather fling them open, and pour forth, than keep them shut, and hold back. I opened them for Moses, and the sea parted. I opened them for Joshua, and Jordan rolled back. I opened them for Gideon, and hosts fled. I will open them for you--if you will only let Me. On this side of the windows, Heaven is the same rich storehouse as of old. The fountains and streams still overflow. The treasure rooms are still bursting with gifts. The lack is not on my side. It is on yours. I am waiting. Prove Me now. Fulfill the conditions, on your part. Bring in the tithes. Give Me a chance.
--Selected
***
I can never forget my mother's very brief paraphrase of Malachi 3:10. The verse begins, "Bring ye the whole tithe in," and it ends up with "I will pour" the blessing out till you'll be embarrassed for space. Her paraphrase was this: Give all He asks; take all He promises."
--S. D. Gordon
***
The ability of God is beyond our prayers, beyond our largest prayers! I have been thinking of some of the petitions that have entered into my supplication innumerable times. What have I asked for? I have asked for a cupful, and the ocean remains! I have asked for a sunbeam, and the sun abides! My best asking falls immeasurably short of my Father's giving: it is beyond that we can ask.
--J. H. Jowett
***
"All the rivers of Thy grace I claim, Over every promise write my name" (Eph. 1:8-19). 

Holiness vs Happiness??

48 Days - Dan Miller - The Authority on the Work You Love!

"I'm thrilled we don't have to choose either holiness or happiness - personally, I want both." - Dan Miller


You Will Find Rest

You Will Find Rest
Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Editor

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30, NIV

Listen. Can you hear it? That's your life passing you by.

That's pretty much what I thought to myself during a recent week of vacation when I actually took the time to stop, unplug and smell the roses.

It was truly a gift to rest both physically and spiritually. I had a very loose agenda. I let my laundry pile up. I skipped a day or two of working out. I enjoyed time with family and friends who I haven't seen in months. And I people watched at the mall. Good times.

I also didn't worry about my future. I didn't compare myself with others and what God was doing in their lives (and not in mine). And I didn't fill up my time feeling pressured to read the "it" Christian book of the moment or listen to any online sermons that could "change my life" (not that any of that is bad). But I just relished in listening and sitting quietly and waiting for what the Lord wanted to say directly to me during this week of rest.

In hindsight, it was one of the best vacations I've had in my life. Now that I'm back in full swing, though, I look back on that week and wish I could incorporate it into my "normal" life. And with a little creative planning, I think I can. Here's what I can do:

Turn off the phone. Shut down the e-mail. Quit wasting time on social networking sites. My communication devices are not the boss of me. Yes, people are important. But I can return messages and correspond with them tomorrow.
Schedule a "night off" or "personal time" in my calendar. I tried doing this last year, but I didn't always respect that time that I had blocked out for just sitting on the sofa or reading a book or playing with my cats. I intend to be better at making time to "just be" in this new year.
Make my quiet time a priority. In my world, I fit in things when and where I can. I have a schedule, but it's a little more flexible than it should be for some of my priorities—including my time spent with the Lord. I should treat this time like I would anything else that's sacred or precious to me and that captures my undivided attention (Um, the recent Superbowl or upcoming Oscars? Anyone?).
Eliminate whatever is making me anxious or making me feel bad about myself or is not good for my spirit. And by that I mean reading material, television shows or any other type of information or entertainment that is not edifying. We each have our own standards of what we are or are not comfortable with taking in. But why am I living by someone else's? If something is not good for me and the Holy Spirit tells me so, then I need to stand firm and just say "no."
Rejoin a Bible study group. Ironically, I took off last semester from Bible study because I was too "busy." And now I'm feeling the effects of not having been a part of this important source of fellowship and spiritual formation in my life. Next month, however, I'll be back in action with my group, and I can't wait to see what God is going to do.
So, like me, have you been feeling weary, too? Are you stuck in patterns or "priorities" that are weighing you down? Are there changes you need to make in your life? Take a hard look at what you need to do so that you can enter into the Father's rest, not tomorrow but today.
Intersecting Faith & Life:

We live in a world of "the tyranny of the urgent," and each of us must determine who or what is in charge of our lives. Sit down with your calendar today. See what's there. And then ask the Lord to help you take it one day at a time, as you focus on what he wants for you to do—or not to do—in the days to come.

Further Reading:

Psalm 37:7, NIV

Matthew 6:25-34, NIV

1 Corinthians 10:23, NIV

Sunday, January 30, 2011

The Dilemma of Obedience | My Utmost For His Highest

The Dilemma of Obedience | My Utmost For His Highest:

"Without the sovereign hand of God Himself, nothing touches our lives. Do we discern His hand at work, or do we see things as mere occurrences?

Get into the habit of saying, “Speak, Lord,” and life will become a romance (1 Samuel 3:9). Every time circumstances press in on you, say, “Speak, Lord,” and make time to listen."

For our relationship to grow with Christ, we must learn to listen. We must learn to seek God's voice in every aspect of our life. Not just when we read His Word or pray, rather in all we do. Grow into a place where we are set in a place of moving toward Him with every thought, action and deed.

Naughty Jack, blues / folk dobro player, singing Work

Saturday, January 29, 2011

How Could Someone Be So Ignorant! | My Utmost For His Highest

How Could Someone Be So Ignorant! | My Utmost For His Highest:

"We presume that whatever is unpleasant is our duty! Is that anything like the spirit of our Lord— “I delight to do Your will, O my God . . .” (Psalm 40:8)." - Oswald Chambers

I wonder how we've lost sight of the simple message of Christ with regard to God's purpose for our life. Christ said, " I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10b (ESV)

This means we are to live life in His abundance and this is a wonderful thing.

Week 2: The Daniel Plan


Like writing New Year's resolutions, starting a new diet and fitness program is easy, but sticking with the program is another story. Health club memberships and fitness equipment sales soar in January each year, but 3-6 weeks later, sales return to normal figures.
So why do people give up so quickly?

The Daniel Plan

Friday, January 28, 2011

Write as You Read the Bible - Online Bible Study Tools

Write as You Read the Bible - Online Bible Study Tools: "Have you ever read a portion of Scripture - perhaps even several pages or chapters - only to realize that you have no idea what you just read? Your eyes may be reading words but your mind is thinking about the phone call you just received or your day's schedule. If you wish to know God, you must know His Word, advised C. H. Spurgeon."

How Could Someone So Persecute Jesus! | My Utmost For His Highest

How Could Someone So Persecute Jesus! | My Utmost For His Highest: "Whenever we are obstinate and self-willed and set on our own ambitions, we are hurting Jesus. Every time we stand on our own rights and insist that this is what we intend to do, we are persecuting Him. Whenever we rely on self-respect, we systematically disturb and grieve His Spirit. And when we finally understand that it is Jesus we have been persecuting all this time, it is the most crushing revelation ever." -Oswald Chambers

What shall it be today? Love and honor or persecution?

Mark Twain Quote

Untitled - From 48 Days
"Fri. January 28, 2011:

'Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth, O seed of Abraham, His servant, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones! He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He has remembered His covenant forever, The word which He commanded to a thousand generations, '
(Psalm 105:1-8)"

Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Daniel Plan

The Daniel Plan: "Fighting for Our Country, And The Daniel Plan"

Look Again and Think | My Utmost For His Highest

Look Again and Think | My Utmost For His Highest:

"'Sufficient for the day is its own trouble' (Matthew 6:34). How much trouble has begun to threaten you today? What kind of mean little demons have been looking into your life and saying, “What are your plans for next month— or next summer?” Jesus tells us not to worry about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the “much more” of your heavenly Father (Matthew 6:30)."

How easily we slip back into driver's seat of our life! Limiting God by our lack of faith, doubt in His sovereign ability to provide for the smallest portion of needs in our life. If not a lack of faith, help us.... a lack of surrender!!! For God wants us to be no less dedicated to Him than He is to us.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Surprise Me

Lord, catch me off guard today.
Surprise me with some moment of
beauty or pain.
So that at least for the moment
I may be startled into seeing that you
are here in all your splendor,
Always and everywhere,
Barely hidden,
Beneath,
Beyond,
Within this life I breathe.


- Frederick Buechner

Another Gospel? - Online Bible Study Tools

Ever been caught up in a really great movement, activity, or charity? Everyone is excited and involved with the purpose firmly fixed in mind and heart. Then, one day you notice, the activity has become more important than the original purpose.

Another Gospel? - Online Bible Study Tools

That's exactly what happened with the churches in Galatia. If you clicked on the link above and read the devotion, now you get the picture. Good intentions, zeal and heart are all part of a growing process, however we must remain steadfast in our focus. As a Christian God is our purpose, our everything! We must be yielded to Him completely and focused on Him. He will take care of the rest.

Look Again and Consecrate | My Utmost For His Highest

Will you choose to honor God with your life? Seeking Him and remembering His purpose for your life and mine is more exceptional than anything we could ever imagine! He seeks to clothe us with Himself so that the world may know Him.

Look Again and Consecrate | My Utmost For His Highest

Do you want this………..?

Do you want this………..?

Do you know what you want? READ this!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Daniel Plan - Physical Health

Are you serious about your physical health? See this plan, it's not too late!

The Daniel Plan

Knowing Comfort

We have example after example of God's comfort through various events in history.  Psalm 23:4, "Your rod and staff, they comfort me."  A staff is a wonderful thing to have when walking over hilly or rough terrain.  Providing support and leverage.  How much more effort is needed without the aid of a staff?

God's staff for our journey in this life is His word.  When heartache comes we have God's promise; "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).  Knowing that these times come doesn't lessen the loss or pain and yet we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is with us and already knows the depth of our sorrow.  He alone understands the need we have during these times and He comes to stand with us and be what we need to endure this lonely time.

When our world is rocked by job loss or the new uncertainty of the day and we feel desperate for the times ahead.  We have another promise; Jeremiah 29:11- "For I know the plans I have for you....plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".  God has a perfect plan for us and is waiting for us to choose His plan.  Still, He doesn't lay out trouble for us, to watch us fall or fail.  Rather, what trails come our way lead us to depend on Him for direction and courage to face these days knowing that He does have a plan that is for our benefit.

Choose to know that God loves us and provides us with the only true comfort available, comfort for our heart and soul.

Monday, January 24, 2011

God’s Overpowering Purpose | My Utmost For His Highest

God’s Overpowering Purpose | My Utmost For His Highest

"There would be nothing there without a personal relationship. Paul was devoted to a Person, not to a cause. He was absolutely Jesus Christ’s. He saw nothing else and he lived for nothing else. “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2)."

Make no mistake, Christ desires a RELATIONSHIP with us. Christ has no use for religion and neither should we! Do we say with Paul, For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2)? Or do we prefer the religious events and process?!

Seek and find the relationship that God desires for each of us today. One that provides blessings, comfort, joy and peace even when everything is in ruins.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Am I Looking To God? | My Utmost For His Highest

Am I Looking To God? | My Utmost For His Highest

"We get distracted from God and irritable with Him while He continues to say to us, “Look to Me, and be saved . . . .” Our difficulties, our trials, and our worries about tomorrow all vanish when we look to God."

We make salvation and the life of a Christian difficult, when over and over again we're told... "Look to Me"!!! Peter started to sink while walking on the water to Christ, BECAUSE he took his eyes off Jesus. He lost focus due to the "dangers" around him. I'm not picking on Peter and saying we know better, because clearly we don't. Peter is the example we have to show us over and over again, we MUST keep focus and when we stumble, get back up and go again. Peter did this in his life and became an awesome tool for God in His plan for the salvation of mankind.

Look to Christ today for the answers in this life and for the eternal security He purchased for you and I.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Welcome to The Pocket Testament League!

Welcome to The Pocket Testament League!

Check this out!

Are You Fresh for Everything? | My Utmost For His Highest

Are You Fresh for Everything? | My Utmost For His Highest

"Jealously guard your relationship with God. Jesus prayed “that they may be one just as We are one”-with nothing in between (John 17:22). Keep your whole life continually open to Jesus Christ. Don’t pretend to be open with Him." - Oswald Chambers

To say this another way..... take off the mask, Christ sees beneath it anyway! Be transparent with ourselves and Christ is the first step and then pour all of ourself into this relationship that will last all of eternity!!!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Vision and Darkness | My Utmost For His Highest

Vision and Darkness | My Utmost For His Highest

When God reveals a goal, direction or path to follow, often we aren't to proceed. Abram wasn't to instantly see the promised goal from God, that he would be the father of a nation that would be equal in number to the stars.... There would be a process to journey through. The wrong advice followed in hast led to centuries of discord that would follow the birth of his first son by his wife's handmaiden.

Waiting is the most difficult thing to do and yet this is the time God will use to grow us into His perfect will.

Prayer Shared....

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
all that I have and possess.
Thou hast given it all to me.
To thee, O Lord, I return it.
All is thine,
dispose of it wholly according to thy will.
Give me thy love and thy grace,
for this is sufficient for me.


Ignacius of Loyola

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

"It Is the Lord!" | My Utmost For His Highest

"It Is the Lord!" | My Utmost For His Highest

Life of Praise

The following is from Life of Praise


     Defeat may serve as well as victory
     To shake the soul and let the glory out
     When the great oak is straining in the wind,
     The limbs drink in new beauty, and the trunk
     Sends down a deeper root on the windward side.
     Only the soul that knows the mighty grief
     Can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come
     To stretch out spaces in the heart for joy.


How often do we shrink back from the difficulties of life and give up just before victory? Trusting God for the victory in the face of "certain" loss is what we're called to. In this moment, we agree to give God the rightful glory and honor He alone is due.

Monday, January 17, 2011

The Living God

"As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” - Daniel 6:20 ESV


Throughout God's word the phrase "the living God" is repeated. We quickly loose site of this very fact, the God of the universe is the same has He has been throughout time. Even more interesting is that the world at large, leaders in every generation and outright enemies of God have quickly made this very claim. Usually the claims have been more a point of ridicule than of esteem.


As Christians, we have more evidence to support and proclaim our belief in God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit than any other group of people in the world. How quickly do we take our eye off the destination. In the verse I referenced, here's Daniel in the midst of "certain" death any moment and yet he's standing firm on his faith in the living God. To the dismay of the king (and pleasure), Daniel hasn't only been delivered but Daniel hadn't even suffered a scratch. Such faith and trust is what we need today! Stand up in the face of opposition, not in our own strength, on God's promise to never leave us or forsake us. We serve the only true and living God. He will comfort, deliver and keep us through this life.

There Is a Balm in Gilead

There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul.

 
Sometimes I feel discouraged
And think my work's in vain
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.

 
Don't ever feel discouraged
For Jesus is your friend
And if you lack of knowledge
He'll ne'er refuse to lend.

 
If you cannot preach like Peter
If you cannot pray like Paul
You can tell the love of Jesus
And say, "He died for all".


Service....

Of service in this life to others. We find ourselves in service out of a natural desire to what we're drawn to in our life. This may be molded by parents, friends, teachers, or community. What if, really these desires are born of God and HIS perfect plan for our life? In Oswald Chambers' devotional for today: "Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion. But strictly speaking, there is no call to that. Service is what I bring to the relationship and is the reflection of my identification with the nature of God. Service becomes a natural part of my life." His reference is:When it pleased God . . . to reveal His Son in me . . . —Galatians 1:15-16


Purpose and service are necessary components for Living Healthy Going Forward.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Listening

‎"To be so attuned..." - Oswald Chambers


The quote came from my devotion today from Oswald Chambers. He was expanding on the conversation from Isaiah: "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ’Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ —Isaiah 6:8
Everyone is listening to a voice or voices in this life. As a Christian, it's God's voice we should be listening to on a daily basis. As Oswald goes on to explain, we will never learn to hear God's voice if we don't spend time learning to listen for His voice. Like everyone in this life we choose who to listen to and when and what. So, the thing is what do you and I hear? When we hear, do we listen for that which is greater than ourself or are we limited by our experiences and personal desires?

As a Christian,our goal in life should be to be completely tuned into God's voice. So that we fulfill His purpose for our lives and know His peace and joy in the process.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Growth

Well, slowly I'm making progress on this new blog site. Hopefully within the next few days the content will be growing and providing value.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Purpose

Welcome to my blog. I've found myself at the cross roads of needing to improve my life. Spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. To that end, this will be my site for sharing my progress in these areas. Additionally, I will be linking this blog to sites I find valuable. My hope is that you'll glean some nuggets of hope and inspiration. Hopefully, you will find yourself willing to add comments of value to this site and insight that will prove beneficial to all who stop by for a visit. Thanks again and I look forward to our journey together.

Only registered users to this blog are allowed to leave comments. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

Robert