Bring Any Request to God

Bring any request you have to God.

No request is too large; none too small or insignificant.

How often we limit God by not bringing to God everything we want and need.

Do we need help getting our balance? Getting through the day?

Do we need help in a particular relationship? With a particular character defect? Attaining a character asset?

Do we need help making progress on a particular task that is challenging us? Do we need help with a feeling? Do we want to change a self-defeating belief that has been challenging us? Do we need information, an insight? Support? A friend?

Is there something in God's Universe that would really bring us joy?

We can ask for it. We can ask God for whatever we want. Put the request in God's hands, trusting it has been heard, and then let it go. Leave the decision to God.

Asking for what we want and need is taking care of ourselves. Trust that God to whom we have turned over our life and will really does care about us and about what we want and need.

Today, I will ask my God for what I want and need. I will not demand - I will ask. Then I will let go.

More Good Stuff from Christianity Today

Can't Get No Satisfaction Christianity Today A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Without Faith

By Milan Ford


The conversation began around 11:30pm. And it ended around 4:15am.

About a year or so ago, I decided to stay up late and share with my wife about something rather unusual that was going on inside me. While I could not adequately describe to her what it was, I told her that it felt like it was a combination of extreme restlessness and interestingly enough, a sense of peace.

And then, after hours of emotional rambling, I said these words to my wife: “I feel like I have gone as far as I can possibly go…WITHOUT FAITH.”

I sincerely believe that where many of us are in life today is not actually a testament of our faith in God, but rather a testament of our individual skills and talents. And there (for many of us) lies the problem.

As believers, we tend to exercise our faith only in areas that we have seen God move before. But when it comes to the unknown, our faith remains still. Which as Hebrews 11:6 indicates, is not faith at all.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Sometimes I wonder if we find more security in knowing who we are or have been in times past, than we do in believing who God is. As we enter this final stretch of the year, many of us have come to the end of some rather long roads in our lives that now require faith to move forward.

As we examine our hearts and lives today, many of us must come to the realization that the skills and talents we so heavily relied on in the past can no longer move us forward. Neither can the resumes (and perhaps associations) we worked so hard to build.

What lies before many of us now is a faith in what seems to be impossible. A faith that fosters a sense of restlessness, yet at the same time, a sense of peace.

May you and I lean hard into that peace today.


Scripture Of The Day: "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!" - 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NASB).



Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com or at http://twitter.com/milanford.…

Are You Ready For Bigger Things?

By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins


Did you know that the hermit crab looks for a shell that fits him, then lives in it till he outgrows it? At that point he has to scurry along the ocean floor and find a bigger one; it's a process that repeats itself throughout his entire life. Are you clinging to something that no longer fits you, just because it's easy and familiar? In Psalm 4:1 David says, "You...freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress." To develop and grow spiritually you must be willing to move out of your comfort zone and deal with a little 'distress.'

What worked for you yesterday may not work today. Maybe it's a job you've outgrown, a relationship you need to reexamine or a behavior you need to change. Regardless of what it is, never become so 'settled' that you can't let go and move on when you need to.

Patience and persistence are admirable, but they won't work in situations you've outgrown. Instead of hanging in and trying harder, at certain points you have to stop and ask yourself, "Is this situation good for me?" If you're not sure, ask God for "an understanding mind [to]...know the difference between...right and...wrong" (1Ki 3:9 TLB). His Word says, "If you need wisdom...ask [him], and he will [gladly] give it to you" (Jas 1:5 NLT).

When God says it's time to move on, it's because there's another shell out there that will fit you even better. But you can't take occupancy until you vacate the old one. So how about it -- are you ready for bigger things?


Scripture Of The Day: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." - James 1:5


Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…

Spiritual Soldiers

By Jothany Blackwood


One of the realities we all come to is that sometimes we are in the right fight but with the wrong people. We believe we are really at odds with a co-worker, another church member, or even the person we are in a relationship with. But when we come to the realization that it’s not the individual we struggle against, but the spirit that is controlling them we can shift our approach.

When we focus on it being the person, then we fight them in the flesh where we can never have victory. Because the enemy is masterful at things of the flesh it’s an uneven match. You can’t bring a knife to a gunfight and that’s what you do when you think you’ll give that person back what they are giving to you.

But when you understand that you are dealing with the rulers of darkness that are strategic in their assignments to destroy and kill you, then we have to know what weapons to fight with and protect ourselves. The fact that they rule in darkness indicates that they cannot handle the light. And the light is the Word of God, which is why Psalm 119:105 says “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

When the Scripture acknowledges that there is wickedness in high places that tells you that the enemy does have power. So it would be unwise to believe you can face such a formidable foe on your own strength. Your strength will come from the Word of God and He prepares us strategically for being spiritual soldiers.

God clearly directs us on how to protect ourselves, yet rather than put on the belt of truth, many of us are spiritually sagging. You can’t be prepared to defend yourself from the world when everything about you reflects the world. And as we guard our chest, we are really being protective of what is placed in our hearts for there we find the seat of our conduct and character. And character is simply what you will do when you believe no one is watching.

Then He tells us that our feet should be fitted in Christian cleats so we can hold our ground, despite the elements that seek to make us lose our footing. And that shield of defense against the advances of others is surely made from the promises of God.

The enemy is relentless and if he can defeat us on the battlefield of our minds, our flesh will easily follow. But we must be clear that the fight is not physical, it’s not against the person in front of us; it’s one of spirit and in that we have the confidence that we have already been given victory. But we can delay or forfeit the promised end when we do not rely on God’s strength.

We have all been prepared for these ceaseless battles and as spiritual soldiers, we should be tireless in working towards hearing “'Well done, good and faithful servant!”


Scripture Of The Day: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes…" - Ephesians 6:11-17



In addition to serving as a college dean and motivational speaker, Jothany Blackwood is the founder of MidWife Ministries, which supports ministers and churches in birthing their vision. For more information about Jothany, log onto http://www.jothanyblackwood.org.

The Power of Accountability

By Bonnie St. John


If you want to deepen your experience of these daily devotional messages and thus your relationship with God, consider choosing a prayer partner to share this journey with you.

Going through each devotional with a friend or prayer partner creates a great opportunity to discuss your thoughts, feelings and insights along the way, deepening your understanding. It is also helpful to have someone who will hold you accountable and challenge you to stay on track. And of course, as we know, where two or more are gathered, He is there. So with a prayer partner it’s a mini-prayer meeting!

Whatever frequency you set up, daily, weekly, or even monthly, you can meet in person or by phone. Try starting each meeting with a prayer. You can read the daily devotional out loud, and discuss any insights that emerge. Or, if not meeting daily, each of you can bring one devotional that has touched you since the last time you met. Take turns reading your devotional message and explaining why it resonated with you.

You may also want to prayerfully commit to your partner that you will take certain actions or make changes in the time before your next meeting. Close with a prayer to strengthen you and your prayer partner for the journey.

At your next meeting, you can check in on whether you were able to accomplish your goals (or not—we are human!) and how the discussion topic showed up in your actions and attitudes. Sharing this journey with a partner will significantly increase your ability to learn to live God’s joy in the world; it can double your joy! Having a partner keeps you accountable and therefore makes a more powerful impact on your life.

Are you willing to experience the power of accountability?

If you’ve decided that having a prayer partner feels right to you, take time now to list three potential prayer partners. Get in touch and if your first choice isn’t available for this journey right now, keep trying until you find someone who is.

You are on your way!


Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV



Bonnie St. John is a professional speaker and Olympic medalist, who has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, the 700 Club, and Life Today. The author of How Strong Women Pray and Live Your Joy, Bonnie St. John is committed to reaching out to the world with a message of triumph over circumstance. For more information about Bonnie, log onto http://www.bonniestjohn.com…

The Accountability Of Passion

By Lisa Birch


I got sucked into reality TV recently about a popular entertainment industry mogul.

He talked about how he hadn't slept for days because of the projects he was so heavily involved with. On this particular mission he set out to deliver new and different work and he went at it full force. He surrounded himself with top talent, fine tuned the good stuff, got rid of the bad, learned new techniques, stretched his skill set, and practiced to near perfection. He put in as many if not more hours than his support team. He was clearly exhausted, but still driven to create the best.

I'll have to admit that by the end of the episode I was sold on this man's passion.

A person of mogul status doesn't get to where he is without passion. Yes we all strive to be and do our best, but when passion shows up it takes on a different look.

It's peculiar and relentless. It elevates things to a new level and is strong enough to push you past the point where others normally stop. Rest is vital for the body and balance is key, but there are times when passion overrides sleep and even satisfies the appetite.

When all signs indicated that the guy in the reality show should slow down or stop, the power of passion held him accountable to keep going.

Think about Christ.

He was tired, beaten and bloody, but nothing could stop His passion (thank God!). No boundaries, no persecutions, no haters.

Not even death.

If you're passionate about anything at all, you've made some sacrifices in your life and you've realized some successes. But how much passion do we truly have for God and His word?

Even 99 percent isn't enough.

Lord, I pray by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I develop a passion for You that's so intense it holds me accountable like nothing else will. Make me crazily ambitious for Your word, and set me on fire to love, serve, honor and put you first every day. Amen.

Scripture Of The Day: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." - Matthew 5:6



Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and ministerial environments. For more on Lisa, log onto http://www.verticalfix.com.

Accountability

By Tanya James


Accountability; what a 14 letter word!

But what does it mean?

"Accountability is the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable"

So why do I think OUCH when I think of accountability?

Because for true accountability to take place, there has to be a serious level of transparency, and for many that is a hard place to be. YET, there is so much power in it.

I remember before I got married and I had finally decided to obey God's mandates as it related to abstinence until marriage; one of the first things I did was find accountability partners.

People that I could trust and confide in that would not just pray for or with me but people that would help keep me in check. You know, people that would call after my date with tall, dark and handsome, just to make sure I was home...in my bed...by myself.

There were MANY of days I wanted to dodge my accountability partners or to tell them to leave me alone because I was a grown woman and could make my own decisions, but God sent them into my life to help me get off that fence of sexual immorality.

I needed that support system even if I didn't always want it! We all need support systems because it's not always easy to keep our commitments to living a life pleasing unto God.

Just make sure you are walking with someone that will help you in your commitments (whatever they are) and not people that will encourage you to go against God's word.

Proverbs 13:30 says "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."

Find yourself an accountability partner, but make sure you use wisdom; don't have a fool holding you accountable! And once you find that person, be open, transparent and totally honest and watch how God will use them to make you a better person!


Scripture Of The Day: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." - Proverbs 13:20 NASB



Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.

Got Accountability?

By Pastor Marquis Boone

Louis McBurney, in a Leadership Journal article, stated there are four reasons people reject accountability.

1) They fear rejection.

2) They feel embarrassed.

3) They resent control by hostile people.

4) They don’t like facing any negative feelings.

Everyone, including leaders, needs accountability through their significant relationships. Accountability is not something we need just when we‘re young Christians; accountability is for everyone. Accountability is a powerful tool that can launch many of us into the fullness God has for each of us.

When we say accountability, we’re not talking about intimidation, invasion of privacy, bringing people under the weight of someone else’s preferences or legalism. Biblical accountability isn’t manipulation; but if practiced right, is a blessing.

Accountability comes with a price, and comes with four requirements. If you are truly going to walk in accountability you must be willing to meet the following requirements:

A. Must Be Teachable - Willing to learn; quick to hear and slow to respond.

B. Available – Willing to be accessible, touchable, open and interruptible.

C. Vulnerable - Capable of admitting ones mistakes.

D. Truthful - Committed to the truth, and walks in honesty even if it hurts.

Why does accountability have requirements? The dictionary says accountability means “being responsible to others“. In a biblical sense, it’s developing relationships with other believers which will promote spiritual growth and obedience to God. Therefore, accountability means teaching, challenging, supporting and encouraging one another in ways that promote spiritual integrity in us as believers.

Have you ever wanted to go to the next level and dimension in your life, but haven’t been sure exactly how to get there? Today, I inoculate you to pray and ask God to show you someone who can hold you accountable. If Jesus had twelve accountability partners, each of us should have at least one or two believers that hold us accountable.

But remember accountability also has its rewards:

Accountability builds friendships.

Accountability builds a hedge of protection.

Accountability brings freedom.

Accountability reflects the truth.

Accountability develops Christlikeness.

Accountability adds responsibilities.

Accountability builds our integrity.

Don’t reject accountability but embrace it.

Walk into your fullness, and watch the power of accountability transform your life.


Scripture Of The Day: "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." - Romans 14:12 (ESV)



Marquis D. Boone is the Lead Pastor of Fresh Start Church whose mission is to Re-vive, Re-fresh, Re-lease and to Re-store people back to God. For more information about Pastor Boone; log onto http://www.myfreshstartchurch.org or http://www.dreamoutloudtoday.com.…

The Power Of The Tongue

By Jothany Blackwood


It is amazing that God would empower regular folks like us with the ability to impact people around us in meaningful ways. That he would recognize that we would need access to his power to endure the perils of this journey and use us to speak a relevant Word so his people might be changed.

We have all been given the very real power of uplifting and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ through the Word of God. That means that we have access to the Spirit and power that resides in His Word, and it can manifest itself in our lives. When we speak over our situations, then we must also believe that the things God said will come to pass, especially when there is no evidence of it in present times.

God rarely blesses us just for ourselves, but we are conduits for him to bless his people. He understands that sometimes we need to receive understanding, a renewing word, and a timely prayer from folks whose lives reflect ours in more tangible ways. We can then appreciate that what God places in us is bigger than us and that the gift is to be used to uplift and encourage so that they may also walk in their purpose.

The experiences we have come through, though weary, have made us stronger and we can then translate that knowledge into a pathway for others to find their way.

God sent you ahead in that struggle so you could then return to his people and tell them how to survive it. And more importantly, to survive it whole. God is saying rather than ask why you went through it, recognize that he finally raised his hand to say enough. And to understand that the pain and weariness you are feeling is nothing compared to what the devil had planned for you if God had not stepped in.

See there are others who could not have handled what you went through, who would have given up facing those conditions, who wanted to die from the pain, but because of the Word God planted in you, they were able to continue the journey.

The wisdom that God has given you from your testimony was not just for you, but he trusts us to speak that into people’s lives. This is so they may know his power, his love, his grace, and his presence, even when it seems we are alone. We never are alone and he needs you to remind someone of that simple truth.

And though weary from our struggles, it will be our sharing of the life changing power of God in our lives that will make the difference in these uncertain times.

Scripture Of The Day: “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary…” (Isaiah 50:4).



In addition to serving as a college dean and motivational speaker, Jothany Blackwood is the founder of MidWife Ministries, which supports ministers and churches in birthing their vision. For more information about Jothany, log onto http://www.jothanyblackwood.org.

What Your Speech Says About You

By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins


You can try to disguise your identity by changing your looks, your social circle and your address -- but how you speak will give you away every time.

It happened to Peter. When a servant girl saw him warming himself by the fire, she said, "'You...were with Jesus of Nazareth.' But he denied it...And the...girl saw him again and began to say to those who stood by, 'This is one of them.' But he denied it again...later those who stood by said to Peter again...'you are one of them...your speech shows it'" (Mk 14:67-70 NKJV). So in order to convince his accusers that he wasn't a friend of Jesus, Peter "began to curse and swear, 'I do not know this Man of whom you speak'" (Mk 14:71 NKJV).

It worked! After that nobody else accused him of knowing Jesus. Isn't it interesting how public profanity, in any language, has a way of making others question the quality of your relationship with Christ?

Paul says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up...that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph 4:29 NIV). If you want to win people to Jesus, start with how you talk. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace...that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col 4:6 NKJV).

Words are powerful things. They either build up or tear down, add to or take from.

It's not important that people can tell from your accent where you're from, but when they can't tell by the way you talk that you're Christ's disciple, something's seriously wrong.


Scripture Of The Day: "Let your speech always be with grace...that you may know how you ought to answer each one." - Col 4:6 (NKJV)


Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…

Sticks and Stones

By Bishop Vashti McKenzie


What can a tiny human muscle weighing only two ounces and measuring four inches long do? It may come in a small package, but it can pack a powerful punch. This muscle is the tongue. It has the power to help, hurt, harm and heal.

While shopping at the market after a very long and tiring day, I stood in a long checkout line anxious to get past this errand to a good hot meal and a good book. In front of me was a mother with several children who seemed equally anxious to get on with the evening. The youngest was trying to convince her mother to buy something else such as candy, gum, mints or chocolate. The two children of reading age were emptying the magazine racks flipping through one after another. The one old enough to be wired was connected to music from his portable mp3 player.

One of the young hopefuls held up a magazine to show their mother an outfit they’d loved to have with the shoes, haircut and make-up to match. The mother simply lashed out at her young daughter, “You’re not old enough! All these magazines do is fill your head with fancy ideas. You’re not pretty enough for that kind of stuff. Just put the magazine back.”

The young girl was crushed. Tears welled up in her eyes as her younger siblings laughed at her. The tongue has the power to hurt.

At the same time at the next check out counter, a mother struggled with a busy toddler sitting in the shopping cart with another child insisting on counting every item she put on the conveyor belt.

“You’re smart little boy,” she said. “You can count all the way to 25!” The little boy beamed and continued to count. The tongue can help.

In the first instance, a child’s feelings were crushed and in the second instance, a child’s self esteem was enhanced. Surely the little boy will strive to achieve and receive more compliments from his mother. The other young girl heard, perhaps not for the first time, she’s not pretty, crushing her self-image.

Remember that chant we used to say when growing up – stick and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me? Guess what? Sticks, stones and words can hurt. Words can be worse than a broken bone. The writer of Proverbs doesn’t mention sticks or stones. The writer simply says that reckless words can pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12: 18)

James writes that the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. (James 3: 5) The tongue can set off a blaze that can burn through families and friendships.

Words spoken by a tired parent can build up or tear down a child’s self esteem. Words spoken by an angry supervisor can kill a co-worker’s motivation. A tongue lashing temper tantrum can cause the death of a relationship. Words used as a weapon to humiliate, mock, taunt, tease, snub, backbite, humiliate, curse or lie can ruin a marriage or a career.

If your tongue is out of control, confess your sin and God will be faithful to forgive you of your sin. Apologize immediately when ungodly things slip through your lips. Pray by asking God to help you control the words that come out of your mouth. Pray AND think before you speak!

Remember that life and death are in your mouth. Speak life!


Scripture Of The Day: “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” - Proverbs 12:18

Holiness—Getting Your Priorities In Order

By Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr.


Do you have daily “intimate” fellowship with God? A life of holiness in the believer demands a life of priority, precedence, and first preference for God, such as with David, “a man after God’s own heart.”

David was consumed with a love and deep passion for God, “Oh God, thou art my God: Early will I seek You, My soul thirsts for You, My flesh longs for You, in a dry and thirsty land, Where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1-2

Developing Christian character is a work of establishing set order in our lives. The worship of God is a spiritual discipline that exhibits the values of living holy. Spending quality time in the presence of God is how David expressed his passion.

It was the “one thing” in his day that took precedence in his life, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His tabernacle.” Psalm 27:4.

The Disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray and He gave them the whole spiritual dynamic written in Matthew 6, “Give us this day, our daily bread….” The focal point is that EACH DAY, God wants to have daily fellowship with us; not a casual, materialistic, lop-sided, one-dimensional relationship, but an intimate DAILY fellowship of spending time together in His presence.

He has so much that he wants to give to us, yet He does not bestow all of it upon us up front, else we would not come back. What we need will fall into place when we get our priorities in order.

How else will God know our passion if we do not spend time with Him? Like David, our example, God desires intimacy and a purposeful relationship with His children. How would you feel if a stranger asked to borrow your car? A red flag would check you immediately and you probably would respond, “Hey, I don’t know you like that!”

That is the way some people treat God -- too casual, too complacent, and not making a reasonable investment in building a relationship with Him. God comes where He is celebrated. When we pursue His presence, it shows God how much we value a relationship with Him.

Getting closer to God is tantamount to holiness in our Christian walk. We are too needy a people who require God’s provisions for our daily survival. This fact was demonstrated in the lives of the children of Israel who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years when God’s supply never ran out.

Each day was a total dependence on the Lord to send them fresh manna from heaven for their daily nourishment. No one suffered lack and no one needed to be greedy. God made enough manna every day for everyone. Yet, if anyone hoarded the manna overnight, it provoked God to send worms to eat it up so the people would learn the basic principle of dependence on Him and His grace for their daily survival.

God’s sustaining provisions daily load us with benefits.

Living holy is a conscious act of discipline and a priority to make Him first in our lives.


Scripture Of The Day: "For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness." - 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (ESV)



Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. is the Senior Pastor, CEO and founder of New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC). The focus of the ministry is to exemplify the love of Jesus Christ with a passion for helping people. For more information, visit http://www.ndcc.tv/.

Living As a New Creation

By Pastor Andre Butler


The Bible says that when you accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life, your spirit was recreated. You went from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The spirit that is living inside your body looks just like God’s, and wants you to act just like God. Have you noticed that there is a part of you that always wants to do the right thing? Why is that? Because, your spirit is holy and always wants you to do things God’s way. Your flesh, however, may still want to drink, smoke, sleep around, tell people off, party, or curse from time to time. Your flesh is working to bring you into the captivity of sin again.

There is a war going on inside of you right now. Your spirit and your flesh are in a boxing ring every day. Have you ever said, “I’ll never tell off someone like that again,” only to find yourself saying the same things one week later? Have you ever said, “I’ll never go to that porn website again,” only to find yourself at the same website a month later? For some reason, you just keep doing the same things. You are fighting a war, and your flesh is winning. This describes the plight of many Christians, particularly those who are still carnal. The word carnal means “flesh ruled.” Carnal Christians plan to do the right thing and try to grow spiritually, yet keep making the same mistakes.

God did not put you in a place where you’re winning in one moment and losing in the next. He wants you to live in constant spiritual victory. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to end up. But you cannot get to where God wants you to be until you deal with the issues of your flesh.

God asks you to be holy, and live for Him. Christian believers should not be like non-believers. We should not talk like they talk or react like they react. Our lifestyle should be separate and different from that of the world. This is more easily said than done. You are surrounded by the world. You live in the world. What is a Christian to do? How do you get to a place where you are holy, obedient, and blessed? By renewing your mind using the Word of God.

What you have is a battle between your spirit and your flesh to gain control of your mind. If your flesh can get you to start thinking in line with your fleshly desires, then your flesh wins. But if you renew your mind and start thinking in line with God’s Word, your spirit wins. You need to decide to daily renew your mind with the Word of God, because it is only when you do that you will change, and your spirit will have ultimate victory.

Scripture Of The Day: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:” - 2 Corinthians 5:17a


Pastor Andre Butler is a young man anointed and commissioned by God to spread the Good News of Christ. A 1996 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, Pastor Butler serves as Co-Pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI.s. For more information about Pastor Andre Butler, log onto http://www.andrebutler.tv.…

Who Will Go?

By Bishop Vashti McKenzie


Three year old Joshua Childers wandered away from his two-parent mobile home wearing nothing but a t-shirt, tennis shoes and a diaper earlier this year. His father, Adam fell asleep tired from working the night shift while his mother was on the phone.

Local officials, neighbors, friends and strangers mounted a massive search and rescue effort according to published accounts. Three days later the little toddler was found in the Mark Twain National Forest in his t-shirt, one tennis shoe, no diaper, but not worse for the wear. Probably in the back of the boy’s mind was a thought – this is not a trip to be taken again soon.

Joshua is a blessed little boy. He has a two-parent family. He wandered away and people were concerned enough to look for him. People who meant him no harm found Joshua, and returned him to the lifestyle he was accustomed.

In Luke’s gospel, there are a series of stories detailing the account of the lost. There is the coin lost somewhere in a darkened environment. There is the son who walks away from home. There is the sheep that wander away from the flock.

The woman lights a candle and goes looking for the coin. The father waits for the prodigal to return. The shepherd leaves the 90 and 9 and goes looking for the stray lamb just like Joshua’s parents, law enforcement and volunteers went looking for him.

According to the Justice Department, an average 2,185 children go missing every day. Today, there are 797,500 children under 18 who are missing, 203,900 taken away by family members and 58,200 taken by non-family members. The Center for Missing and Exploited Children have assisted law enforcement agencies with 148,160 cases of missing children resulting in 132,000 children recovered. There are thousands of children who wander away, walk away or are taken away. For most of them, there are the appropriate authorities and people who care enough to go looking for them. However, some children are never found.


Four year old Maddy McCann went missing over two years ago during a family vacation while her parents dined in another room in Portugal. She hasn’t been found yet. Other missing individuals never live long enough to be found, like Caylee Anthony. And still, for too many families, it is a tragic end as in the case of three year old Christopher Pidgeon. The toddler went missing from his home in Texas for only a few hours, not the 52 hours in the Childers’ case. He was later found in a neighbor’s swimming pool. He died.

The truth of the matter is many children go missing. You never see their stories splashed on TV; somehow they don’t fit the “America needs to care” profile. The Chicago defender last year concluded in an article written by Kathy Chaney that missing black youth get unequal national media coverage. Sadly enough there are children, youth and adults who have no one who cares enough to go looking for them.

I’m glad for a Savior who cares enough about the walkers, wanderers, and willful who go missing in action in our communities. There are those missing in our churches. Who goes looking for them? Who goes looking for those who wander away from bible study? Who mounts a search effort for those who walk away from worship services?

Who cares about those who are lost in a spiritual wilderness with only a t-shirt, tennis shoes and a diaper? While we are struggling with the struggle in our comfort zones being about being busy, who goes looking for the lost these days? Who gleans the fringes of the fields? Who is going after those who don’t deserve service and are a drain on your resources? Is the harvest still plentiful and are those who serve too few?

The question rings from heaven again today, as it did for Isaiah – who will go for us? And the response is what? Will it be here I am Lord, send me?


Scripture Of The Day: "Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?" - Romans 15:1-2 (The Message)


Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, and serves as a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. For more on Bishop McKenzie, visit http://www.13thame.com or hear her messages daily at http://www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com.…

Holy, Living Sacrifices

By Brent Barnett


In Exodus 12:5, God commanded each household in Israel to take an unblemished lamb and slaughter it on the Passover. The blood of the Lamb was to be put on the doorposts of their homes so that God would pass over them and not strike down their firstborn as He did to the Egyptians. This was a clear foreshadowing of Christ who would shed His innocent blood for us as the perfect Lamb of God.

Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 1:19 that we have not been bought with perishable things such as silver and gold “but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” Our holy standing before God come judgment day is going to be because we have received Christ as the One Who alone could forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). It is His blood which can set us free, and nothing else, because only He was the unblemished and spotless Lamb of God.

But the imagery of unblemished sacrifices doesn’t end here. Jesus refers to those who believe in Him as His sheep (John 10:27), and Paul says in Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” There is a sense in which our lives are to resemble the unblemished lamb of the Passover and the holy, unblemished Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Just as Christ was holy and laid down His life, so, too, are we to grow in holiness and lay down our lives for others. We, the sheep of God, are to be holy sacrifices while we are yet living. This we can do each day as we present our bodies, hearts, and minds as clean and holy to God.

Paul speaks of dying daily (1 Corinthians 15:31, Galatians 2:20) and Jesus says that we must take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). Each day, we must offer ourselves to God spiritually, reckoning ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). We are alive because Christ has given us new life. We are holy because Christ has made us righteous in His perfect blood. Yet we are also to be sacrifices, living daily in practical holiness as we let God accomplish His good and perfect will in and through us. Paul summarized this mindset in Galatians 2:20 when he said, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 5:24 echoes this theme saying, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” A holy, living sacrifice lets Christ have His way and daily reckons himself dead to sin and free to let Christ live out His will in and through him. Being a sacrifice implies a willingness to die. We may never have to physically die for being a Christian, but daily we do need to die to the flesh as we remember by faith that we have been bought with the blood of the perfect Lamb Who is working to perfect us also. When we yield to God, we can see just how alive we really are.

May God in His mercy fashion us into those whose lives are pleasing to Him, and may we by faith let Him transform us from the ways of the world to the unblemished state of our Lord, the Lamb of God.


Scripture Of The Day: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." - Romans 12:1 (NASB)



Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke.…

Serving Others

By Lisa Birch


Since when are things--like personal agendas--more important than people?

Never have been, yet we live that way.

With a husband, three kids, a business, and a schedule on wheels, there are countless times I've ignored the phone, been too busy or just felt too overwhelmed to check in on longtime friends, new acquaintances or even family members.

No matter how good our intentions, it's pretty selfish to repeatedly fall into a cycle of putting things above people--things like meetings, moods, deadlines, plans, conditions, desires, events, and more.

God's law commands that we love others as we love ourselves. This stresses the value and priority we should place on "other people." One way to love on others with the love of God is to serve them.

Jesus spent His precious time on the earth loving and serving people. His purpose was the Ultimate Sacrifice, which was in fact the Ultimate Act of Servanthood.

It's hard to shut people out and love them at the same time. When we serve others, we serve God.

Here's a quick list to help keep things in perspective:

Serve not to be seen. Check your motives. Serving others is a selfless act, not a self-centered one.

Step outside the box. When we think of serving others, the traditional ministry volunteering often comes to mind. But we can also serve people by simply reaching out to express genuine concern and interest in their well being.

Persevere. There may be times when people you serve are not very receptive, grateful or appreciative. Forego your expectations, continue on, and put emphasis on the act of serving in love, not the recipient.

Set the tone. Be humble, yet serve with authority and passion. Let God's love create the atmosphere to be fruitful, productive and effective.

Be consistent. There's never been a shortage of people who could use a listening ear, an extra eye or a helping hand. Let your act of service be ongoing, not just for a season.

Accept the timing. Remain open. Serving others will almost always inconvenience you. Push past yourself and heed the call to help others when it comes.

Don't wait. Perfect conditions will never exist. Decide on an act of service and do it today.


Scripture Of The Day: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10





Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and ministerial environments. For more on Lisa, log onto http://www.verticalfix.com.

Stepping Into The Darkness

By Alan Riley


Have you ever heard the story of the man who slipped off the edge of a cliff and was desperately hanging on to a rope to keep from falling? The man screamed at the top of his voice, "IS THERE ANYONE THERE WHO CAN HELP ME?" A calm, reassuring voice answered back, "It is the Lord. Let go of the rope."

The man thought about it for a moment, looked down to see how far he would fall. Then he yelled out again even louder, "IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THERE WHO CAN HELP ME???"

Have you ever been at a place in your life where you felt the Lord was telling you to let go of the rope, but all you could see was how things looked from a logical, human perspective? I know I have, and I was really tempted to ask for a second opinion like the man in the joke.

Everything about our human nature wants to see it first and then respond based on what we see. We want to see it then believe it. We want to know where we are going before we agree to start the trip. That is our human nature. And it flies in the face of what God calls us to do and who God calls us to be.

Look at the heroes of the faith and you will see people who believed it before they saw it. You will see people who went when God said 'go' even though they didn't know where they were going or what it would be like when they got there. You will see people who walked by faith and not by sight.

When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He allowed and encouraged Thomas to experience what he had said he needed to see to believe that Jesus was alive. Thomas physically saw and felt the wounds in Jesus' hands, feet and side. When he did so, Thomas fell down on His face and declared, "My Lord and My God!" Jesus responded by saying, "Thomas, you believe because you have seen. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). The New International Version translates that verse this way: "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Far too often, I find myself walking only by sight. But I know it is those times when I step out into the darkness in obedience to God's call that He blesses me, and grows me, and stretches me.

What is God calling you to do that will require you to step into the darkness?

Scripture Of The Day: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)


Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…

A Life Of Generosity

By Cindy Beall



Possessions and money. The almighty dollar. This is actually one of my favorite things to talk about. I absolutely lu-huv giving financially. It is so much fun. So much fun.

First and foremost let me say that the tithe is not a matter of generosity. It's a matter of obedience. Don't agree? Check out Malachi 3.

Once that is happening in your finances, try increasing your giving percentage by a few points. Give to a missions organization or to a group that lends aid.

When you are comfortable with that increase, raise it again. Send someone's child to summer camp or buy school supplies for a needy family or take a friend out to lunch and spring for the bill.

If you find yourself feeling pretty good about those things mentioned above, raise that percentage again. 10% should be the starting place, not the finish line.

Here's a crazy idea. Give a car away

Did I just say that? Seriously? A car?

Yes, yes I did. Sure did. It's extremely fun. Oh, and why don't you go ahead and get the car cleaned before you take it to its new owner. And the oil change that is needed? Don't make them do it. If you wanna have some real fun, fill the baby up with gas. You'll be laughing all the way to the gas station.

For some of you, this is resonating within you. Heck, you've probably already started searching through your house to find things to give away. If I'm speaking your language, then give! And do it all year long...not just during the month of December.

Any awesome giving stories that you'd like to share?

They always pump up my faith so bring it!


Scripture Of The Day: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)



Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com

The Great Commission

By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price


In all the years I've been a pastor, I have never heard anybody talk about the second commission. We've always thought about just one commission, the Great Commission. I believe that the other commission is the foundation for the Great Commission (Mark 16:15-18).

Beginning with John 21:15 is the other commission. After the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the disciples were together and Peter said, "I'm going fishing." And the other disciples said. "We are going with you." They went and fished that night and didn't catch anything. Then afterward, Jesus appeared to them, prepared breakfast for them and told them where to drop their nets and they caught a net full of fish. After they ate, verses 15-17 says:

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." Hesaid to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend (the traditional King James version says, "feed") My sheep. He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep." The word feed is the Greek word bosko and it means "to nourish, to provide food" ... to feed people in the natural with food and/or spiritually.

This is the other commission, but most everybody gets fixated on "over there, everywhere but here." But "over there" is based on "over here," because when Jesus gave them the commission He said to them, "now don't you dare leave Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high, because you will be witnesses to me [in Jerusalem]" (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8).

In order to accomplish the Great Commission, there has to be a strong home base. In order to have a strong home base; you have to feed the sheep and lambs.

Sheep and lambs are not sinners. They are the saved. He says to "go feed the nations." I'm talking about spiritual food. He said go preach the gospel. Sinners need the gospel preached to them. Christians need to be fed the Word of God.

Every born-again person has a part in God's global strategy to bring an awareness of His love to mankind.

The Bible says in John 3:16, "God loved the world." He didn't just say He loved Christians or just white, black, red, brown, yellow folks. It says, God so loved the world. He loves everybody.

Paul says in Ephesians 4:11-16: And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect (a mature fully grown man) man...

Godly maturity is developed from knowing the Word. That's why Jesus told Peter, "feed my sheep and feed my lambs." In other words, take care of them or tend to them and see that they get strong ...

...to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ - from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies...

Every joint supplies - not some of the joints supply. Not a few of the joints supply, but every joint supplies. If you are in the Body of Christ you are a joint and there is something that you can contribute. You need to find out what your part is and do it.

We are all that God has. He doesn't work through angels; He works through men. He works through those who have been blood-bought and blood-washed. If we are not yielded to Him, we stymie God. We hinder the love of God to be shared with others.


Scripture Of The Day: "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." - James 1:27 (NKJV)


Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit http://www.faithdome.org.