"So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " — Luke 17:10
Sometimes people will come up to me and express their appreciation for what I do. I thank them for doing so, but I also tell them, "You know, I am just doing my duty. I don't deserve extra credit or special applause. I am just doing what I am supposed to do as a Christian, because one day, we will stand before God and will be held accountable for how faithful we were with what God gave us."
Jesus gave an example of a man whose hired servants did their work as expected. Jesus asked, "Does [the man] thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do' " (Luke 17:9–10).
We were like slaves in the open market, and then Jesus came along, saw us on the auction block, and paid the full price. Now we are His servants. He owns us. The Bible says, "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
We are the purchased property of Jesus Christ. Hence we become bondservants. The apostle Paul called himself a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:1). A bondservant was someone who was purchased, but later went on to voluntarily serve his master. He did it because he wanted to, not because he had to.
Everything we have belongs to God. Our families belong to God. Our careers belong to God. Our possessions belong to God. Everything is His. And we want to make sure that we remember that in all that we say and do.
(Via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, September 28, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Surrender To Survive
Scripture of the Day: "The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord." - Jonah 1:13
In many cases, the word surrender is connected with the idea of losing something. Of course, when you surrender to the police, there’s a great possibility that you’ll lose your freedom. When you have to surrender your driver’s license, you lose the opportunity to drive. For some people, in marriage when they surrender they are losing their ability to be independent. And for even more people, to surrender to God is to sacrifice your freedom to live, have fun, or even pursue your future aspirations.
But on the contrary, to surrender to Christ is the most positive opportunity that all of us as human beings have. Surrendering to Christ means willingly giving up your priorities and desires and agenda so that God’s becomes the priority. His agenda, will, desire, and focus becomes the most significant thing. Clearly, surrendering to the Will of God is directly connected to our survival, ability to thrive, and overall satisfaction with life.
The Old Testament Prophet Jonah’s decision to not submit and surrender to God’s Will serves as a great example of the kind of frustration, discontent, and disillusionment that arises when we refuse to surrender to God’s direction.
1 One day long ago, God's Word came to Jonah, Amittai's son: 2 "Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They're in a bad way and I can't ignore it any longer." 3 But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish - as far away from God as he could get. (The Message)
I find it fascinating that many have the thought of seemingly ‘getting away from God’. It is similar to the notion that Adam & Eve ‘hid’ from God in hopes of Him not seeing them. It is clear that we cannot hide from God. But beyond that most basic notion, why would we want to hide or run away from someone who wants to offer us so much?
His Word clearly identifies the benefits of being surrendered to God. He (God) “rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Heb. 11: 6, NLT). He grants unmeasured joy for living (Ps. 40:8). He provides amazing answers to our prayers (Ps. 34:4). He gives sweet rest and lighter life loads (Matthew 11: 28). These, along with many other promises, have become the clear picture of what God provides to those who are surrendered to His plan.
When Jonah surrendered, look at what happened to his life and even the life of others. The voice of God is clearly heard and experienced, people trust God, the spiritual maturity of everyone is raised, the things that divide us get eliminated, and more importantly, we live in the will of God.
5) The people of Nineveh listened, and trusted God. They proclaimed a citywide fast and dressed in burlap to show their repentance (turning from evil, wickedness and unbelief to God). Everyone did it - rich and poor, famous and obscure, leaders and followers. (The Message)
It is amazing what we can accomplish when we surrender to God versus living on our own. God has created the universe to surrender to Him and every element of the universe cooperates with us when we surrender to God’s design. Romans 8 says, “5 Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them - living and breathing God! 6) Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life.” (The Message)
Surrender today to survive! (Overseer Christopher J. Harris)
Be Blesssed Dawn
In many cases, the word surrender is connected with the idea of losing something. Of course, when you surrender to the police, there’s a great possibility that you’ll lose your freedom. When you have to surrender your driver’s license, you lose the opportunity to drive. For some people, in marriage when they surrender they are losing their ability to be independent. And for even more people, to surrender to God is to sacrifice your freedom to live, have fun, or even pursue your future aspirations.
But on the contrary, to surrender to Christ is the most positive opportunity that all of us as human beings have. Surrendering to Christ means willingly giving up your priorities and desires and agenda so that God’s becomes the priority. His agenda, will, desire, and focus becomes the most significant thing. Clearly, surrendering to the Will of God is directly connected to our survival, ability to thrive, and overall satisfaction with life.
The Old Testament Prophet Jonah’s decision to not submit and surrender to God’s Will serves as a great example of the kind of frustration, discontent, and disillusionment that arises when we refuse to surrender to God’s direction.
1 One day long ago, God's Word came to Jonah, Amittai's son: 2 "Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They're in a bad way and I can't ignore it any longer." 3 But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish - as far away from God as he could get. (The Message)
I find it fascinating that many have the thought of seemingly ‘getting away from God’. It is similar to the notion that Adam & Eve ‘hid’ from God in hopes of Him not seeing them. It is clear that we cannot hide from God. But beyond that most basic notion, why would we want to hide or run away from someone who wants to offer us so much?
His Word clearly identifies the benefits of being surrendered to God. He (God) “rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Heb. 11: 6, NLT). He grants unmeasured joy for living (Ps. 40:8). He provides amazing answers to our prayers (Ps. 34:4). He gives sweet rest and lighter life loads (Matthew 11: 28). These, along with many other promises, have become the clear picture of what God provides to those who are surrendered to His plan.
When Jonah surrendered, look at what happened to his life and even the life of others. The voice of God is clearly heard and experienced, people trust God, the spiritual maturity of everyone is raised, the things that divide us get eliminated, and more importantly, we live in the will of God.
5) The people of Nineveh listened, and trusted God. They proclaimed a citywide fast and dressed in burlap to show their repentance (turning from evil, wickedness and unbelief to God). Everyone did it - rich and poor, famous and obscure, leaders and followers. (The Message)
It is amazing what we can accomplish when we surrender to God versus living on our own. God has created the universe to surrender to Him and every element of the universe cooperates with us when we surrender to God’s design. Romans 8 says, “5 Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them - living and breathing God! 6) Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life.” (The Message)
Surrender today to survive! (Overseer Christopher J. Harris)
Be Blesssed Dawn
Monday, September 17, 2012
Call Out Seeds of Greatness
Today's Scripture:
…God…calls those things which do not exist as though they did.
Romans 4:17, NKJV.
Today's Word:
Very often, we see potential in other people that they can’t see in themselves. When you speak vision into them, when you tell them what they can become, you can help set the direction for their life. Your words have the power to push people into their divine destiny. I believe that the reason some people are not living at their full potential is because no one has ever spoken faith into them. No one has taken the time to say, “Hey, you’re great at this. You’ve got a gift here. You’re going to do something amazing.”
I believe that one of our assignments in life is to call out the seeds of greatness in other people. Look around at who God has placed in your life. They’re not there by accident. Take time to study them. See what they’re good at. What are their gifts? What do they excel at? Don’t just think about it, speak vision into them. Tell them what they can become. Let your encouragement ignite the greatness on the inside. Help them rise up in confidence so they can be all God has called them to be!
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life. I choose to be faithful, to speak life and call forth the greatness in them. Thank You for bringing me to new levels as I help others rise higher, too, in Jesus’ name. Amen (shared by a friend) Be Blessed! Dawn
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Bring Out the Best
THIS WAS SHARED WITH ME BY A GOOD FRIEND, SO I'M SHARING WITH ALL OF YOU!
Today's Scripture:
…love is kind… 1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV.
Today's Word:
One translation of today’s simple verse says that “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, love looks for ways to improve someone else’s life. Love brings out the best in other people. Don’t just get up in the morning thinking about yourself or how you can make your own life better. Think about how you can make someone else’s life better. Ask yourself, “Who can I encourage today?” “Who can I build up?” You have something to offer those around you that no one else can give. Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. I believe God will hold us responsible for the people He’s put in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends.
Are you improving the lives of those around you? Are you pouring confidence in them? Why don’t you ask the Lord to give you creative ways to bring out the best in others? As you sow into the lives of others, God will send people along your path that will build you up so that you can embrace every blessing He has in store for you.
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for believing in me and always building me up. I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. Help me to be an example of Your love in Jesus’ name. Amen. Be Blessed! Dawn
Today's Scripture:
…love is kind… 1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV.
Today's Word:
One translation of today’s simple verse says that “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, love looks for ways to improve someone else’s life. Love brings out the best in other people. Don’t just get up in the morning thinking about yourself or how you can make your own life better. Think about how you can make someone else’s life better. Ask yourself, “Who can I encourage today?” “Who can I build up?” You have something to offer those around you that no one else can give. Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. I believe God will hold us responsible for the people He’s put in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends.
Are you improving the lives of those around you? Are you pouring confidence in them? Why don’t you ask the Lord to give you creative ways to bring out the best in others? As you sow into the lives of others, God will send people along your path that will build you up so that you can embrace every blessing He has in store for you.
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for believing in me and always building me up. I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. Help me to be an example of Your love in Jesus’ name. Amen. Be Blessed! Dawn
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Praying for Change
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. ~ Jas. 5:16 (AMP)
Hanging above the door in our house, my mother's favorite plaque constantly reminded us, "Prayer changes things." From an early age, I witnessed this powerful truth through her example. She'd tell me about some difficulties she was facing and then have me pray about them with her. And later, she'd always be sure to give God the glory when sharing the awesome news that He had answered those prayers.
Indeed, this is our confidence: Anything we pray for that aligns with the Father's plan will be granted. And the more time we spend with Him, the more we'll come to understand His will and how to pray for it.
Remember, prayer doesn't change God's mind, but it does transform the believer's heart. Some requests are granted immediately, simply because we asked with the realization that our Father loves to give us good gifts. Other requests may require time or certain divine preparations before they can be given. We, meanwhile, must simply be diligent to persevere in prayer.
Whatever the Lord's response or timing, we trust that He has only the very best in store for His children. That means we might not receive exactly what we're asking for, but something even better. Such is God's great pleasure, for He alone perfectly knows each heart's desire and wishes to fulfill it.
Our most powerful tool for shaping the world and lives around us is always available. Prayer lets us witness God's hand in any situation. And as we give attention, time, and perseverance to conversation with Him, we find no limit to what He can achieve in people's hearts and circumstances.
(Via CHarles Stanley) Be Blessed!
Dawn
Hanging above the door in our house, my mother's favorite plaque constantly reminded us, "Prayer changes things." From an early age, I witnessed this powerful truth through her example. She'd tell me about some difficulties she was facing and then have me pray about them with her. And later, she'd always be sure to give God the glory when sharing the awesome news that He had answered those prayers.
Indeed, this is our confidence: Anything we pray for that aligns with the Father's plan will be granted. And the more time we spend with Him, the more we'll come to understand His will and how to pray for it.
Remember, prayer doesn't change God's mind, but it does transform the believer's heart. Some requests are granted immediately, simply because we asked with the realization that our Father loves to give us good gifts. Other requests may require time or certain divine preparations before they can be given. We, meanwhile, must simply be diligent to persevere in prayer.
Whatever the Lord's response or timing, we trust that He has only the very best in store for His children. That means we might not receive exactly what we're asking for, but something even better. Such is God's great pleasure, for He alone perfectly knows each heart's desire and wishes to fulfill it.
Our most powerful tool for shaping the world and lives around us is always available. Prayer lets us witness God's hand in any situation. And as we give attention, time, and perseverance to conversation with Him, we find no limit to what He can achieve in people's hearts and circumstances.
(Via CHarles Stanley) Be Blessed!
Dawn
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