I Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Commitment is the glue that keeps you steadfast at your faith address. It ensures that you are not moved regardless of what you hear or see. Commitment is your pledge to God and yourself about what you are contracting and promising to do. Commitment in its simplest form is to do what you say. It is to be entrusted with responsibilities and to have a determination to fulfill them.
Your level of commitment is determined by your love for God and your love for what He has called you to do. The level of your confidence in what you hear God saying will also determine your ultimate commitment. This commitment in the preparation process will keep you from straying away from the faith and make you fully available for the highest level of service.
Commitment keeps you in the character-building process. It dares to ask the questions, “Are you a person of your word?” and “Do you follow through?” Your character is in a perpetual development cycle based on the commitments you keep. Your words will shape your life and define who you are. People assess your character as you honor your commitment.
Each time you make a commitment and keep it, you die to self by putting others first. In your commitment to God you are willing to sacrifice in order to help others and to allow God to stretch you so that you can grow and develop into the person He birthed you to be.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What is the level of my commitment to God and myself?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Faith/Confidence
Hebrews 11:1 (CSB) - Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.
Our faith pleases God. In fact, it is impossible to please God without having faith and confidence in Him. In your walk toward your destination, you must not only clothe yourself with humility, but you must also clothe yourself with faith.
Faith is the armor, which ensures that you annihilate the attacks of the enemy against you. Faith moves and activates God to go to work on your behalf, and it is the substance that will get you to your destiny.
Your faith must be solid and secure in what God has spoken to you about your life. Without absolute confidence in His word and ability, you will not enjoy the richness of your destination. Without faith, many of you merely exist from day to day. Faith gives meaning and life to your existence.
To activate your faith and receive your rewards you must speak what God has already spoken about you. When you begin to speak His Word back to Him, you activate your faith by kicking it into gear, which brings it roaring to life.
In your destiny, you must put action to what you believe. Every act of faith requires movement in the direction of the things for which you believe. You have a voice of faith, which activates your faith as it is used to petition God for the fulfillment of your destiny. Without consistency in speaking God’s Word about yourself, you will not experience great success.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What is my level of faith in God?
Our faith pleases God. In fact, it is impossible to please God without having faith and confidence in Him. In your walk toward your destination, you must not only clothe yourself with humility, but you must also clothe yourself with faith.
Faith is the armor, which ensures that you annihilate the attacks of the enemy against you. Faith moves and activates God to go to work on your behalf, and it is the substance that will get you to your destiny.
Your faith must be solid and secure in what God has spoken to you about your life. Without absolute confidence in His word and ability, you will not enjoy the richness of your destination. Without faith, many of you merely exist from day to day. Faith gives meaning and life to your existence.
To activate your faith and receive your rewards you must speak what God has already spoken about you. When you begin to speak His Word back to Him, you activate your faith by kicking it into gear, which brings it roaring to life.
In your destiny, you must put action to what you believe. Every act of faith requires movement in the direction of the things for which you believe. You have a voice of faith, which activates your faith as it is used to petition God for the fulfillment of your destiny. Without consistency in speaking God’s Word about yourself, you will not experience great success.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What is my level of faith in God?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Obedience
I Samuel 15:22 (CSB) - Then Samuel said: Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice; to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.
Everyone has struggled with obedience. Some of you struggled to obey your parents as you were growing up. I am sure that at times you struggled to obey and submit to instructions from your boss. Many of you have struggled with doing what is right and good.
It seems that there is a war going on in you when you decide to obey and do the things that you are called to do. God does not take pleasure in the things you do or the sacrifices you make. What pleases God is your obedience to Him and doing what He has instructed you to do.
The steps of obedience will lead you into a fulfilling destiny, while the steps of disobedience will keep you living below your privileges. To get to any level in God you must learn to hear and obey His instructions.
As a young adult, I learned a song which went something like this, “Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus; you must trust and obey.” In order for you to experience happiness and fulfillment, you must first learn to hear, trust, and obey the voice of God.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Am I obeying God’s instructions for my life?
Everyone has struggled with obedience. Some of you struggled to obey your parents as you were growing up. I am sure that at times you struggled to obey and submit to instructions from your boss. Many of you have struggled with doing what is right and good.
It seems that there is a war going on in you when you decide to obey and do the things that you are called to do. God does not take pleasure in the things you do or the sacrifices you make. What pleases God is your obedience to Him and doing what He has instructed you to do.
The steps of obedience will lead you into a fulfilling destiny, while the steps of disobedience will keep you living below your privileges. To get to any level in God you must learn to hear and obey His instructions.
As a young adult, I learned a song which went something like this, “Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus; you must trust and obey.” In order for you to experience happiness and fulfillment, you must first learn to hear, trust, and obey the voice of God.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Am I obeying God’s instructions for my life?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Intimacy with God
Philippians 3:10 (NIV) - I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.
To get in step with God you must have an intimate relationship with Him. In this intimate relationship, you accept Him as your Savior and begin a life of service to Him.
There are many people who know Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord. When you accepted Jesus, He came into your life, and you now know that when you die you will spend eternity with Him. There are some people, however, who know Him not only as Savior but also as Lord. These people have made the decision that they want more than to just spend eternity with God; they desire to know Him in a more intimate way.
To know Him intimately they have submitted and surrendered their entire life to Him. He helps them with every decision whether small or great, and they do not make a move without consulting Him. He has clearance to tell them what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. They wait for His okay before moving forward. In their surrendering, they have given everything totally over to His control so He can use them as He desires. The hand of God touches every part of their lives. His signature is on everything they do. When you see them, you see a reflection of God because God is the captain of their souls and the master of their ship.
This level of intimacy requires a willingness to submit all that you are and ever will be to the care of a loving God. Someone defined intimacy as “into me see.” God sees your heart and blesses you because He is faithful.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What is the level of your intimacy with God?
To get in step with God you must have an intimate relationship with Him. In this intimate relationship, you accept Him as your Savior and begin a life of service to Him.
There are many people who know Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord. When you accepted Jesus, He came into your life, and you now know that when you die you will spend eternity with Him. There are some people, however, who know Him not only as Savior but also as Lord. These people have made the decision that they want more than to just spend eternity with God; they desire to know Him in a more intimate way.
To know Him intimately they have submitted and surrendered their entire life to Him. He helps them with every decision whether small or great, and they do not make a move without consulting Him. He has clearance to tell them what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. They wait for His okay before moving forward. In their surrendering, they have given everything totally over to His control so He can use them as He desires. The hand of God touches every part of their lives. His signature is on everything they do. When you see them, you see a reflection of God because God is the captain of their souls and the master of their ship.
This level of intimacy requires a willingness to submit all that you are and ever will be to the care of a loving God. Someone defined intimacy as “into me see.” God sees your heart and blesses you because He is faithful.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What is the level of your intimacy with God?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Five Steps to Your Destiny
Psalm 37:23 (CSB) - A man’s steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.
As I reflect on the reasons God would plan such great destinies for us, I cannot help but think of His great love for us. Because He so loved us He gave us His very best in the form of His Son. God adores the people He created, and because you are His, there is nothing good that He will ever withhold from you.
God is your Abba, He is your Father, and for many of you that is enough, but there are others of you who know Him as Daddy, the One who has been there and has been faithful to you every step of the way. You have intimate knowledge of your Daddy, and He has intimate knowledge of you because you have spent time with Him learning to walk in His footsteps.
God is ordering your steps to the special life He has planned for you who fear and reverence Him. He will fulfill the desires of all who stand in awe of His great goodness. He is a protective Daddy who watches over every step you take, to keep you from stumbling and falling. If you stumble and fall, He is right there to pick you up and set you on the right path again.
As you get in step with God, He will bring the blessings and greatness from His Kingdom into your life. These blessings were designed to bring fullness into your life. When you seek God, and not His blessings, He will pour all of His substance into you. The very blessings you long for will be a part of the deposit you receive from Him, as He takes up residency in your life.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What is my true relationship with God?
As I reflect on the reasons God would plan such great destinies for us, I cannot help but think of His great love for us. Because He so loved us He gave us His very best in the form of His Son. God adores the people He created, and because you are His, there is nothing good that He will ever withhold from you.
God is your Abba, He is your Father, and for many of you that is enough, but there are others of you who know Him as Daddy, the One who has been there and has been faithful to you every step of the way. You have intimate knowledge of your Daddy, and He has intimate knowledge of you because you have spent time with Him learning to walk in His footsteps.
God is ordering your steps to the special life He has planned for you who fear and reverence Him. He will fulfill the desires of all who stand in awe of His great goodness. He is a protective Daddy who watches over every step you take, to keep you from stumbling and falling. If you stumble and fall, He is right there to pick you up and set you on the right path again.
As you get in step with God, He will bring the blessings and greatness from His Kingdom into your life. These blessings were designed to bring fullness into your life. When you seek God, and not His blessings, He will pour all of His substance into you. The very blessings you long for will be a part of the deposit you receive from Him, as He takes up residency in your life.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What is my true relationship with God?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Outside Influences
Romans 13:8 – Do not you people be owing anybody a single thing, except to love one another; for he that loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
You can be hindered and stopped by the influences of others. Many times, you will encounter people, including family and friends, who do not believe that you are truly hearing from God because of the greatness of the destiny He is revealing to you. These outside influences can keep you from obtaining your destiny because of their belief system. If they do not believe that you are hearing from God, they can deposit their doubt in you and cause you to question whether you are truly hearing God.
Many of you will walk away from your destiny because you do not have the support of your family and friends. You believe if they cannot see the greatness of your destiny, no one else will. That is a lie from the enemy. Most of the time, the people that are closest to you are unable to clearly see because of their foreknowledge of you.
You cannot base your entire destiny on what people think or say because you will miss out on great opportunities every time. Give them the respect of hearing them out, but do what the older generation says: “grind your own meal.” Make your own decision. In the final analysis, God is the only one who knows what you have been equipped to accomplish since He did the equipping. The only thing He asks of you is to love one another.
You can trust that He will not lead you astray but will only lead you down the best path for your life. He is the only influence that you must truly consider. Trust the work He has faithfully begun in you and know that He will not stop until it is fully accomplished. Hear the counsel of your family and friends; but decide that you will base your final decision on the wisest counsel of all, the counsel of the Holy Spirit of God.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Who is influencing your belief about what God has spoken to you?
You can be hindered and stopped by the influences of others. Many times, you will encounter people, including family and friends, who do not believe that you are truly hearing from God because of the greatness of the destiny He is revealing to you. These outside influences can keep you from obtaining your destiny because of their belief system. If they do not believe that you are hearing from God, they can deposit their doubt in you and cause you to question whether you are truly hearing God.
Many of you will walk away from your destiny because you do not have the support of your family and friends. You believe if they cannot see the greatness of your destiny, no one else will. That is a lie from the enemy. Most of the time, the people that are closest to you are unable to clearly see because of their foreknowledge of you.
You cannot base your entire destiny on what people think or say because you will miss out on great opportunities every time. Give them the respect of hearing them out, but do what the older generation says: “grind your own meal.” Make your own decision. In the final analysis, God is the only one who knows what you have been equipped to accomplish since He did the equipping. The only thing He asks of you is to love one another.
You can trust that He will not lead you astray but will only lead you down the best path for your life. He is the only influence that you must truly consider. Trust the work He has faithfully begun in you and know that He will not stop until it is fully accomplished. Hear the counsel of your family and friends; but decide that you will base your final decision on the wisest counsel of all, the counsel of the Holy Spirit of God.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Who is influencing your belief about what God has spoken to you?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Knowledge/Education
1 Timothy 2:15 – Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
While I was teaching a message recently, I had a revelation that not many men and women in the Bible were college-educated! This revelation came to light because many of you put limitations on your abilities and yourself. You limit yourself by thinking about what you can and cannot accomplish due to your lack of education and knowledge.
God does not qualify or disqualify you because of your education level. He is not looking at what earthly man is looking for when they hire or promote you. God looks at your heart to see if you are trustworthy and can be useable to Him. Some of you have used your lack of knowledge and lack of education as a hindrance to keep you from moving forward.
When God called and chose you, He qualified you to fulfill greatness with your life. He has pre-wired you with everything you need to succeed. You are handpicked and qualified for the task that has been assigned to you. Though you may feel limited in your abilities, God has not limited you because of those abilities. I heard these words from a song long ago, which simply say, “If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.” The qualification to be useable is to say, “Yes, Lord,” and to surrender your will and your plans over to God. In surrendering, you are saying to God, “I trust Your preparation, and I will be open to however You want to use me to bring glory to Your name.”
When God called you to this great destiny, He knew He would have to qualify and prepare you to feel worthy enough so you would embrace what He has in mind for you. Part of this qualification came when you said, “Yes” to Him. With the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, you are thoroughly equipped to fulfill every good work.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Am I spending time with God so He can use me for His purpose?
While I was teaching a message recently, I had a revelation that not many men and women in the Bible were college-educated! This revelation came to light because many of you put limitations on your abilities and yourself. You limit yourself by thinking about what you can and cannot accomplish due to your lack of education and knowledge.
God does not qualify or disqualify you because of your education level. He is not looking at what earthly man is looking for when they hire or promote you. God looks at your heart to see if you are trustworthy and can be useable to Him. Some of you have used your lack of knowledge and lack of education as a hindrance to keep you from moving forward.
When God called and chose you, He qualified you to fulfill greatness with your life. He has pre-wired you with everything you need to succeed. You are handpicked and qualified for the task that has been assigned to you. Though you may feel limited in your abilities, God has not limited you because of those abilities. I heard these words from a song long ago, which simply say, “If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.” The qualification to be useable is to say, “Yes, Lord,” and to surrender your will and your plans over to God. In surrendering, you are saying to God, “I trust Your preparation, and I will be open to however You want to use me to bring glory to Your name.”
When God called you to this great destiny, He knew He would have to qualify and prepare you to feel worthy enough so you would embrace what He has in mind for you. Part of this qualification came when you said, “Yes” to Him. With the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, you are thoroughly equipped to fulfill every good work.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Am I spending time with God so He can use me for His purpose?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Fear
II Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Fear is a spirit and it did not come from God. God has not given you the spirit of fear but of faith in Him and His ability.
The devil uses fear to keep many of you out of your Promised Land. He used it on the Israelites when they saw giants in the Promised Land that God gave them. Fear kept them from entering in.
Today his plan of attack has not changed. He is still using fear to intimidate many of you. God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. God has given you His power to overcome and annihilate fear.
The love that you have for God and others will flush fear out of your life. Many of you have a fear of failure. You must look at the fear of failure in a different light. A failure is not failure, but only an opportunity to learn. When you and I fail at a project, it is a great opportunity to learn what could have been done differently. This failure brings you closer to success because you are able to put that failed attempt, the thing that did not work, behind you.
In order for you to stop fearing failure, you must know that when you fail you are not a failure. You should not take it personally. You simply failed in your attempt at what you were trying to do, but you yourself are not a failure. You are only a failure when you refuse to try and to step out in faith.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Do you know that it is impossible for you to fail because the Holy Spirit lives in you?
Fear is a spirit and it did not come from God. God has not given you the spirit of fear but of faith in Him and His ability.
The devil uses fear to keep many of you out of your Promised Land. He used it on the Israelites when they saw giants in the Promised Land that God gave them. Fear kept them from entering in.
Today his plan of attack has not changed. He is still using fear to intimidate many of you. God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. God has given you His power to overcome and annihilate fear.
The love that you have for God and others will flush fear out of your life. Many of you have a fear of failure. You must look at the fear of failure in a different light. A failure is not failure, but only an opportunity to learn. When you and I fail at a project, it is a great opportunity to learn what could have been done differently. This failure brings you closer to success because you are able to put that failed attempt, the thing that did not work, behind you.
In order for you to stop fearing failure, you must know that when you fail you are not a failure. You should not take it personally. You simply failed in your attempt at what you were trying to do, but you yourself are not a failure. You are only a failure when you refuse to try and to step out in faith.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Do you know that it is impossible for you to fail because the Holy Spirit lives in you?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Unbelief
Matthew 13:57 - 59 – And they were offended by Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his household.” And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.
Have you ever experienced times when you wondered if God was really there and whether He heard as you called to Him?
While teaching a recent Bible study, I asked the attendees what was keeping them from a consistent prayer life. The response from most of them was that they were unsure as to whether God was hearing them or not. Because of their unbelief, they could not commit to consistency in prayer. This lack of consistency was keeping them from getting to the best plan of God for their lives.
Unbelief can be damaging to your relationship with God because you think that many of the things He desires to give you are too far-fetched and unbelievable. As you battle unbelief, you can be skeptical in your outlook on life and doubt what you may be able to accomplish. Your unbelief will keep you from obtaining anything of great value. God designed you with the ability to believe and trust Him.
From an early age, most of you learned to trust your parents, have confidence in what they said, and in their ability to provide and take care of you. God is your Father and He desires that you have the same level of belief and trust in His ability to hear and provide for you. When you lack belief, you are literally saying to God, “You are not big enough or great enough to handle the things that are a problem for me.” Imagine telling that to our big, awesome and amazing God.
Please ponder on mediate this:
What is your level of belief in God?
Have you ever experienced times when you wondered if God was really there and whether He heard as you called to Him?
While teaching a recent Bible study, I asked the attendees what was keeping them from a consistent prayer life. The response from most of them was that they were unsure as to whether God was hearing them or not. Because of their unbelief, they could not commit to consistency in prayer. This lack of consistency was keeping them from getting to the best plan of God for their lives.
Unbelief can be damaging to your relationship with God because you think that many of the things He desires to give you are too far-fetched and unbelievable. As you battle unbelief, you can be skeptical in your outlook on life and doubt what you may be able to accomplish. Your unbelief will keep you from obtaining anything of great value. God designed you with the ability to believe and trust Him.
From an early age, most of you learned to trust your parents, have confidence in what they said, and in their ability to provide and take care of you. God is your Father and He desires that you have the same level of belief and trust in His ability to hear and provide for you. When you lack belief, you are literally saying to God, “You are not big enough or great enough to handle the things that are a problem for me.” Imagine telling that to our big, awesome and amazing God.
Please ponder on mediate this:
What is your level of belief in God?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Doubt
Mark 11:22-24 (NIV) - “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.”
One of the greatest tools of the enemy to keep you from the destiny, which God has reserved for you, is doubt. Doubt keeps you from hearing clearly and from moving in any direction.
Doubt can be crippling to the degree that you are afraid to move toward your goals. When you doubt, you are unable to hear instructions from God clearly and can develop a lack of confidence in His ability to help you.
In your doubt, you do not expect anything good to happen to you. You often expect the worst in the situations of your life. Doubt is a heart condition. It keeps you from believing that anything is possible. If you cannot see or understand that all things are possible to those who believe God, then you are unable to dream and to accomplish those dreams.
Doubt causes your view to be cloudy and you cannot get a clear picture of what you need. When you are in doubt, you are unsure of yourself and not able to make right decisions or any decision at all. In your doubting, you often wonder if God cares about you and whether He will answer when you call to Him.
Doubting God is not a proper position for any of His children because He has proven time and again how faithful He is.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What causes you to doubt God?
One of the greatest tools of the enemy to keep you from the destiny, which God has reserved for you, is doubt. Doubt keeps you from hearing clearly and from moving in any direction.
Doubt can be crippling to the degree that you are afraid to move toward your goals. When you doubt, you are unable to hear instructions from God clearly and can develop a lack of confidence in His ability to help you.
In your doubt, you do not expect anything good to happen to you. You often expect the worst in the situations of your life. Doubt is a heart condition. It keeps you from believing that anything is possible. If you cannot see or understand that all things are possible to those who believe God, then you are unable to dream and to accomplish those dreams.
Doubt causes your view to be cloudy and you cannot get a clear picture of what you need. When you are in doubt, you are unsure of yourself and not able to make right decisions or any decision at all. In your doubting, you often wonder if God cares about you and whether He will answer when you call to Him.
Doubting God is not a proper position for any of His children because He has proven time and again how faithful He is.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What causes you to doubt God?
Monday, June 8, 2009
Hindrances to Your Destiny
I Thessalonians 2:18 (NIV) - For we wanted to come to you certainly I, Paul, did, again and again but Satan stopped us.
You have all encountered times when you have been hindered from getting something you truly wanted. On the journey to your destiny, many of you will encounter hindrances that are designed to discourage you from the pursuit.
You have to recognize these hindrances and allow God to show you how to overcome them. It is the enemy’s job to discourage and to keep you from moving forward, but it is your job to resist him and overcome all of the tactics he places in your path on the way to your destiny.
He is on an outright attack to keep the blessings of God from flowing into your life. When he tries his best to hinder you, remember that the greater One lives in you and He gives you the power to overcome in every situation.
You must tap into the power source, which is the Holy Spirit, so that you can withstand any attempt of the enemy to keep you in mediocrity and away from your destination. God’s plans for your life are marvelous and He desires that you experience all He has for you. Do not let the enemy keep you from attaining these great plans for your life.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What has been hindering me from fulfilling my destiny?
You have all encountered times when you have been hindered from getting something you truly wanted. On the journey to your destiny, many of you will encounter hindrances that are designed to discourage you from the pursuit.
You have to recognize these hindrances and allow God to show you how to overcome them. It is the enemy’s job to discourage and to keep you from moving forward, but it is your job to resist him and overcome all of the tactics he places in your path on the way to your destiny.
He is on an outright attack to keep the blessings of God from flowing into your life. When he tries his best to hinder you, remember that the greater One lives in you and He gives you the power to overcome in every situation.
You must tap into the power source, which is the Holy Spirit, so that you can withstand any attempt of the enemy to keep you in mediocrity and away from your destination. God’s plans for your life are marvelous and He desires that you experience all He has for you. Do not let the enemy keep you from attaining these great plans for your life.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What has been hindering me from fulfilling my destiny?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Journey to your Destiny
Exodus 23:20 (CSB) - I am going to send an Angel before you to protect you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.
It is exciting and encouraging to know that God does not expect you to discover your destiny on your own. He has put a plan in place to get you to your place of destiny.
In His Kingdom, angels are assigned to do what God bids them to. In the above passage of scripture, God makes it clear that He will send angels before you to protect and bring you safely to the place He has prepared for you.
As believers, angels have been assigned to us, the heirs of salvation. They are assigned to guard, protect, help, and watch over us to ensure that we do not come to harm. As you begin the journey to your destination, keep in mind that God has already prepared the place that He has for you. He has gone before you to annihilate any enemies that would hinder you from taking rightful occupancy of your promised land.
Just recall the story of the children of Israel’s journey out of captivity. As God delivered them from Egyptian bondage and sent them on a journey to their promised land, a place flowing with milk and honey, He sent terror and confusion ahead of them to route the inhabitants of the land that they were to occupy. Angels were sent before them to prepare the way and to fight for you. Angels have gone before you as well and they are at work preparing your place of destiny.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Are you aware that angels have been assigned to you?
It is exciting and encouraging to know that God does not expect you to discover your destiny on your own. He has put a plan in place to get you to your place of destiny.
In His Kingdom, angels are assigned to do what God bids them to. In the above passage of scripture, God makes it clear that He will send angels before you to protect and bring you safely to the place He has prepared for you.
As believers, angels have been assigned to us, the heirs of salvation. They are assigned to guard, protect, help, and watch over us to ensure that we do not come to harm. As you begin the journey to your destination, keep in mind that God has already prepared the place that He has for you. He has gone before you to annihilate any enemies that would hinder you from taking rightful occupancy of your promised land.
Just recall the story of the children of Israel’s journey out of captivity. As God delivered them from Egyptian bondage and sent them on a journey to their promised land, a place flowing with milk and honey, He sent terror and confusion ahead of them to route the inhabitants of the land that they were to occupy. Angels were sent before them to prepare the way and to fight for you. Angels have gone before you as well and they are at work preparing your place of destiny.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Are you aware that angels have been assigned to you?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Joseph’s Journey to His Destiny
Genesis – 37:5 – Then Joseph had a dream. When he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and he ended up in Egypt in Potiphar’s house. Joseph found himself alone and in a strange country with no one to depend on but God for support, encouragement, and direction because of his isolation. Joseph was at a place in his life where he had to depend and rely totally on God.
This season in his life would develop a deeper and more abiding relationship with God. God would become his refuge, his confidant, and the only one who would hear his cry and grant him deliverance. In his journey, Joseph encountered times of testing that would equip him for the destiny God had selected him to fulfill.
His first test came in the form of Potiphar’s wife who tried to seduce him while he was a servant in his master’s house. This first test was a flesh test. In this test, God allowed Joseph to be tempted so that Joseph could see what was in his heart. When he faced this test, he told Potiphar’s wife that he would not sin against his God. I want you to notice that Joseph’s focus was on God, and he was determined to do nothing that would be a stain on God’s name.
His next test was a position test. In this test, Joseph found himself in prison serving thirteen years for a crime he did not commit. Prison was a place of hardship and lack for a young man who was beloved and favored at home. Joseph, in this lowly position, continued to trust God and to serve Him with all of his heart. He did not have an attitude because he was demoted but served where he was planted.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What is your attitude when you are demoted or not appreciated?
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and he ended up in Egypt in Potiphar’s house. Joseph found himself alone and in a strange country with no one to depend on but God for support, encouragement, and direction because of his isolation. Joseph was at a place in his life where he had to depend and rely totally on God.
This season in his life would develop a deeper and more abiding relationship with God. God would become his refuge, his confidant, and the only one who would hear his cry and grant him deliverance. In his journey, Joseph encountered times of testing that would equip him for the destiny God had selected him to fulfill.
His first test came in the form of Potiphar’s wife who tried to seduce him while he was a servant in his master’s house. This first test was a flesh test. In this test, God allowed Joseph to be tempted so that Joseph could see what was in his heart. When he faced this test, he told Potiphar’s wife that he would not sin against his God. I want you to notice that Joseph’s focus was on God, and he was determined to do nothing that would be a stain on God’s name.
His next test was a position test. In this test, Joseph found himself in prison serving thirteen years for a crime he did not commit. Prison was a place of hardship and lack for a young man who was beloved and favored at home. Joseph, in this lowly position, continued to trust God and to serve Him with all of his heart. He did not have an attitude because he was demoted but served where he was planted.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
What is your attitude when you are demoted or not appreciated?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Abraham’s Journey to His Destiny
Genesis 12:1-4 (NIV) - The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.
In Chapter I, we discovered that Abraham was willing to obey and follow God in the fulfillment of his destiny. When he left his homeland and began his walk in fulfilling His destiny, he chose separation from all that was familiar to him. He believed a voice, which he could not see, to be the voice of the true and living God; and he put action to his belief and began pursuing God for further instructions and directions.
As an acknowledgement that he heard and that he would obey the instructions, Abraham built an altar where God spoke to him. He memorialized the place by setting up a monument. This monument was a reminder to him about when and where God spoke and that God would be faithful to do what He said.
Abraham traveled throughout the land looking for the right place to begin his purpose. He ended up in Egypt because there was a famine in the land of Canaan. He did not yet fully understand that God was His source and that God could provide for him even in the midst of famine.
God allowed Abraham to journey to Egypt because it would become the place of testing and preparation for his destiny. Abraham was tested and failed in a number of his tests, but God did not abandon him. God continued to walk with him until he arrived at the right destination.
God will also be with you even when you have not passed all your tests on the way to your destination. He will never leave you but will guide you each step of the way.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Where have you failed the tests on the way to your destination?
In Chapter I, we discovered that Abraham was willing to obey and follow God in the fulfillment of his destiny. When he left his homeland and began his walk in fulfilling His destiny, he chose separation from all that was familiar to him. He believed a voice, which he could not see, to be the voice of the true and living God; and he put action to his belief and began pursuing God for further instructions and directions.
As an acknowledgement that he heard and that he would obey the instructions, Abraham built an altar where God spoke to him. He memorialized the place by setting up a monument. This monument was a reminder to him about when and where God spoke and that God would be faithful to do what He said.
Abraham traveled throughout the land looking for the right place to begin his purpose. He ended up in Egypt because there was a famine in the land of Canaan. He did not yet fully understand that God was His source and that God could provide for him even in the midst of famine.
God allowed Abraham to journey to Egypt because it would become the place of testing and preparation for his destiny. Abraham was tested and failed in a number of his tests, but God did not abandon him. God continued to walk with him until he arrived at the right destination.
God will also be with you even when you have not passed all your tests on the way to your destination. He will never leave you but will guide you each step of the way.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
Where have you failed the tests on the way to your destination?
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Fulfilling Your Destiny
Joshua 1:2-3 (CSB) - Moses my servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses.
All of you, at one time or another have felt an urgency to accomplish something with your life. Coupled with these feelings is a desire to know why you were born and why you are here. These devotionals are designed to give you some signs to look for in the process of discovering your destiny.
Now, let us embark on the journey to discover how you can fulfill your destiny. Fulfillment comes in many different forms. Some of you are fulfilled with a good-paying job, a good family life, money in the bank, and a nice home; but then there are others who have a desire for more. It is important to know that God has designed each of you differently, and each one must discover what will bring ultimate fulfillment.
In your search to discover what fulfills you, do not compare your satisfaction level with someone else. To be fulfilled is to be satisfied with what you have and where you are in your life. It is a feeling of contentment when you have realized or fulfilled a dream or a goal. This feeling of gratification comes when you learn to rest in the promises of God, take what He says about you to heart, and then apply it to your own life. The fulfillment you experience in your life and in your walk with Him ensures that you are prepared and equipped not only to discover but also to fulfill your destiny.
God will be fully involved in the fulfillment of your destiny.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
How will I fulfill my destiny?
All of you, at one time or another have felt an urgency to accomplish something with your life. Coupled with these feelings is a desire to know why you were born and why you are here. These devotionals are designed to give you some signs to look for in the process of discovering your destiny.
Now, let us embark on the journey to discover how you can fulfill your destiny. Fulfillment comes in many different forms. Some of you are fulfilled with a good-paying job, a good family life, money in the bank, and a nice home; but then there are others who have a desire for more. It is important to know that God has designed each of you differently, and each one must discover what will bring ultimate fulfillment.
In your search to discover what fulfills you, do not compare your satisfaction level with someone else. To be fulfilled is to be satisfied with what you have and where you are in your life. It is a feeling of contentment when you have realized or fulfilled a dream or a goal. This feeling of gratification comes when you learn to rest in the promises of God, take what He says about you to heart, and then apply it to your own life. The fulfillment you experience in your life and in your walk with Him ensures that you are prepared and equipped not only to discover but also to fulfill your destiny.
God will be fully involved in the fulfillment of your destiny.
Please ponder and meditate on this:
How will I fulfill my destiny?
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