godsworshippers’s posterous

August 5, 2009

VERSE:
Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me,
Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he
answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD
unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my
spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
-- Zechariah 4:5-6 (KJV)

 
THOUGHT:
There are times in each of our spiritual lives when we face
challenges far too big for our own resources and strengths.
Zerubbabel faced such a challenge. God sent a prophet to remind
him, and us through him, that our greatest victories will not be
won by our power and might. No, these greatest victories, the ones
that catch us up in God's great story of salvation, will occur when
we trust that God's power is greater than our weakness and God's
might is greater than our insufficiencies. The real question that
each of us must face is very simple: in our personal lives, and in
our ministry efforts, where do we place our trust and what is the
source of our confidence? Are they in our abilities, skills,
insight, and strength or God's?

PRAYER:
Please forgive me, dear Father the LORD Almighty, for trusting
in my own power too much. Forgive me, God, for being overwhelmed
and scared by the obstacles, challenges, and opportunities placed
before me. Through your great stories of faithfulness and victory
in the Old Testament, please stir me to trust that your power is at
work in me and in your Church, through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.              

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Things Worth Knowing
Today's Word
But you shall [earnestly] remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. ~Deuteronomy 8:18
Today's Thought
We scan the dozens of newspaper, magazine and newsletter articles, seeking the latest information on the economy, interest rates and the financial markets.
Reading what the experts are saying about the economy, interest rates, and the markets, we realize two things: Often they're just guessing, and you can always find impressive experts on both sides of every argument.
I have learned that the wisest approach is to set financial priorities that honor God and the principles He teaches in the Bible. For this reason, I am convinced that the things most worth knowing about how to use our finances are, first and foremost, rooted in God's Word. For instance:
· It's worth knowing that we should look primarily to God's wisdom, not the conventional wisdom, for principles to guide our decision-making. The principles God has given us are practical and personally relevant. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
· It's worth knowing that we must each accept personal responsibility for making knowledgeable, biblically-consistent financial decisions. We cannot look to others to make the tough choices for us. "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2).
· It's worth knowing that debt is potentially enslaving and that we should avoid it as much as possible. "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7).
· It's worth knowing that maintaining a proper balance between current spending and long-term saving is a sign of wisdom. "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has" (Proverbs 21:20).
· It's worth knowing that we should consistently invest from a carefully considered strategy rather than impulsively on a case by case basis. "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty" (Proverbs 21:5).
· It's worth knowing that we should rely on diversification-rather than a preoccupation with market cycles-as a means of controlling risk and protecting our capital. "Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth" (Ecclesiastes 11:2).
· It's worth knowing that we must be on guard against greed, spending our energies in a futile attempt to get the greatest returns. "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint" (Proverbs 23:4).
As we continually "renew our minds" with these guiding principles, we can apply them to the day-to-day financial decisions we each face. We can have confidence that, whatever the short-term sacrifices may be, we are making wise spending, saving, and investing choices. That frees us to leave the results with God, knowing that "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).
When you make personal financial decisions, are they most typically focused on short term or long-term goals? What about financial decisions you make at work - are they designed for short-term or long-term results? Why do you take this approach?
Have you ever thought about relating principles from the Bible to your day-to-day financial decisions? Why or why not?
Today's prayer
Father In heaven; help me to use wisdom in this area in my life. Help me to walk in obedience to Your plan for giving and receiving. Teach me to be a sower of that which You place in my hand. In Jesus Name. ~Amen.

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Are You Groaning Or Growing?
Today's Word
Enlarge the place of your tent... do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. ~Isaiah 54:2
Today's Thought
By the time most people are in their mid-thirties, they've stopped acquiring any new skills or attitudes. Does that shock you? Stop and think; how long has it been since you acquired a new skill? How many new attitudes (like the "can do" attitude) have you adopted lately? How bound are you to mechanical performance? Do you feel compelled to approach a problem the same way every time? Does a new idea light your fire, or make you retreat into your shell? Are you addicted to predictability?
Solomon says "Above all and before all, do this - Get Wisdom!" (Proverbs 4:7) Chuck Swindoll says, "Living and learning go hand in hand - just like existing and expiring. The same hours and minutes that capture the wonder of a child deepen the rut of an adult. To them learning is natural; to us it's a nuisance." Which camp do you belong in?
Remember Caleb? At eighty-five he was still growing and grabbing the future (Joshua 14:12). When he should have been in comfortable retirement, he was out fighting giants and claiming mountains. While his friends were yawning, he was yearning. Every time the sun came up it was a new adventure for him. God says "Enlarge the place of your tent... do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right hand and to the left"
 Hello! That's you He's talking to!
Today's Prayer
Father In Heaven; Please help me to stop complaining and start committing. I realize that personal growth takes commitment. I have to change! I realize I will never posses what I am unwilling to pursue. I will make NEW PLANS for growth and I will live the Adventure. In Jesus name. ~Amen.
Check our Blog."Looking Backwards To Go Forward"@ www.NewLifeCt.Blogspot.com  

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This Week Will Be Fun !

Joy Is The Fruit Of Order.

Today's Word

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. ~Psalm 16:11

Today's Thought

Is there anything you know you must do, which you're reluctant to undertake? Or is there something which you're positively dreading? Perhaps it is a project you've been putting off, or a phone call you must make, or a meeting you need to attend.

Think of what you need to do and tell yourself, "This will be fun!" It sounds crazy, but it can really make a difference. As soon as you say "this will be fun" your mind starts looking for ways to justify that statement. Actually, you simply don't know in advance how it will be, because you cannot experience the future. So your impressions of the dreaded action, whatever it is, are formed mainly by the way you talk to yourself about it.

If you tell yourself "this will be horrible" it probably will be horrible, simply because you've convinced yourself beforehand. Do you really want to have a horrible experience? Of course not.

So tell yourself that "this will be fun" and it just might be.

It won't hurt. It could help.

It will get you up and moving in the right direction.

"This week will be fun!"

Today's Prayer

Father In Heaven; teach us to have the attitude of the psalmist David when he wrote, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." I will enjoy Today. I will walk in the path You show me Lord. Out of that Order will come JOY! In Jesus Name. ~Amen.

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VERSE:
In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed:
deliver me in thy righteousness.
-- Psalm 31:1

 
THOUGHT:
When all the clutter is stripped away, what is your real hope?
When you push aside the diplomas, awards, accolades, and honors,
what is the basis of your significance? Only One endures forever!
Only God guarantees that our life is significant. Only our Savior
can provide for us a place where our valuables won't decay and
aren't stolen and won't rot. So let's not place our treasures or
our hopes in anyone but the LORD.

PRAYER:
O LORD, God and Redeemer of our Fathers, Keeper of your many
promises, thank you for allowing me to place my hope, my future,
and my significance in your hands. Give me the courage and the
confidence to know that you will not let me be put to shame, but
that you will share with me your righteousness on that day I stand
in your presence. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.                

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Check this out!

Everyone Needs Encouragement

Today's Word

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ~Philippians 2:3-4

Today's Thought

People who build successful teams never forget that every person's role is contributing to the bigger picture.

One of the best examples of this involves Winston Churchill. During the darkest days of World War II, Great Britain had a difficult time keeping men working in the coal mines. Many wanted to give up their dirty, thankless jobs in the dangerous mines to join the military service, which got much public praise and support. Yet without coal, the military and the people at home would be in trouble.

So Churchill faced thousands of coal miners one day and passionately told them of their importance to the war effort, how their role could make or break the goal of maintaining England's freedom. It's said that tears appeared in the eyes of those hardened men. And they returned to their inglorious work with steely resolve.

Everyone needs encouragement. Just letting someone know their work is appreciated makes a team run more smoothly, becoming stronger and more effective.

One word or a pleasing smile is often enough to raise up a saddened and wounded soul.

Today's Prayer

Father In Heaven; Help me "Encourage" my team today, my family, my friends, my co-workers. Help me to bring the best out of someone. Help me to show people just how important they are in the bigger picture of life. In Jesus Name help me to do this. ~Amen.

We are in a "Summer Series" called ~ "Encouragement Changes Everything" Why not plan to join us (and bring a friend) This Sunday @ 9:30 am @ New Life Trumbull.  This week's message  "It's Never Too Late To Start Over!"  for directions go to  www.NewLifeCt.com

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Between!
The Key To Transition... Is To Let Go Of Fear.
Today's Word
He said to His disciples, 'let us go over to the other side.' ~Mark 4:35
Today's Thought
To get from where you are to where you are going, you have to be willing to be in between. It's hard to let go of what's familiar and stand with your hands empty while you wait for God to fill them; especially in these three areas:
1. Feelings. When you've been hurt, you can actually become comfortable with feelings of anger and resentment. And when you finally face them and decide to let them go, you can feel empty for a time; this is normal. You're in between pain and the peace that comes from forgiving and accepting. Hang in there; it will pass!
2. Relationships. When you let someone go, (even a bad relationship), it can be frightening, because now you're dealing with a sense of loss. Please don't rush into another relationship, half-dressed and ill-prepared. Wait. Talk to God. You need this time to become whole so you can make healthier choices.
3. Jobs, homes, or goals. You've let go of the old; but you're not sure yet whether you're ready to handle the new.
Listen, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). Joy is on the way! But until it gets here, you've got to hold steady and trust God to know what He's doing.
When Jesus said to His disciples, "Let us go over to the other side," the lessons they learned and the miracles they experienced in between changed them forever. And they'll change you too!
Today's Prayer
Father In heaven; Thank-You for Your promise to never leave us alone, even in the "Between" times in our lives. Transition and Transformation can be scary times, but I choose to believe today that where I'm going is better than where I have been. In Jesus Name. ~Amen.

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The Value Of Time
Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash you have - so spend it wisely. ~ Kay Lyons
Today's Word
Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom. ~Psalm 90:12
Today's Thought
The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. Look at yours today. What ruts are you in that you could easily break out of? What habits are consuming your time?
You say, "What difference does a few minutes make?" You'd be surprised.
If each day you were to save... five minutes by streamlining your morning routine (taking less time to dress, shave, put on make-up, drink coffee, read the paper, etc.)... ten minutes by eliminating the things you do to keep from starting your day... five minutes by avoiding idle talkers or other distractions... and ten minutes by taking a shorter lunch break... those minutes may not seem like much, but if you did those things just five days a week, you'd gain an additional - 125 hours a year.
That's three 40-hour work weeks to use for anything you want. Furthermore, if you're a television watcher, you can double that time to six 40-hour work weeks by simply watching 30 minutes less of television every day.
Think about it; you may be gaining things, but you're running out of time.
Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.
So find your God-given purpose before it's too late. Discipline yourself. Get into focus. Make every moment you have count.
Today's Prayer
Father In Heaven; Help me to step into a new level of productivity through organization. Grant me more time for family, for spiritual growth, for business success, and Kingdom work. In Jesus Name. ~Amen.                         

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VERSE:
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life:
weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

-- Psalm 30:5

 THOUGHT:
God is the God of all comfort (see 2 Cor. 1). Even when he deals
harshly with our sin and rebellion, it is for our good. It will
last only a short while and then it gives way to rejoicing. If you
are in a time of discipline or facing the cruel consequences of
sin, please don't give up. Morning will come, and on that dawn will
come God's grace. It's more than worth the wait!

PRAYER:
Father, please bless your children who are facing hardships and
difficulty. Please help them endure through "the night" so that
when your dawn comes, they can experience the great rejoicing that
lies ahead. Please bless the following people, dear Lord, and help
them find your joy .... In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.              

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VERSE:
For this is what the high and lofty One says-- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."
-- Isaiah 57:15
 
THOUGHT:
Jesus' coming to earth is not inconsistent with the God who reveals himself in the Old Testament. God is high and holy. God is righteous and majestic. However, God loves people, especially people who come to him knowing that they need his love and grace.  To those who seek him with passion and reverence, God brings revival that touches the spirit and heart.
 
PRAYER:
Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for loving me and coming to save me in Jesus. Father, I do come humbly to you asking that you fill me with your Spirit in a more powerful way and revive my heart and stir my spirit to work for your glory in my life today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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