“In the same way, the Lord gave orders that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I would like to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my distinction of preaching without charge… What then is my pay? It is the satisfaction I get from preaching the Good News without expense to anyone, never demanding my rights as a preacher.”
1 Corinthians 9:14-15, 18 (NLT)

JULY 21 - What an incredible man Paul was! The situation described here is a result of the shortcomings of the Corinthians. Though Paul was their spiritual father, the one who freely gave of himself so they could hear the Gospel, they did not treat him justly. Instead, they unwisely gave honor to people who did much less for them in comparison to Paul. And what was Paul’s response recorded in the Scriptures above?

• He never demanded his rights.
• He diligently worked to add to the Corinthians, not to use them for
  his opportunistic gain.

Do you go to work adding value, or are you like crawdads in a bucket? Every time one crawdad almost makes his way out of the bucket by walking all over the other guys, another crawdad reaches up, pinches
his leg, and pulls him right back to where he started. You can live that way if you choose, but you will have nothing to show for it. Instead, be the one to propel others to their promotion. Go to work to add value, not to use others.

Father, I thank You for enabling me to add value to my world. I pray that You would continue to give me opportunities to become the answer for others.

Family Scripture Reading

Romans 11

Featured Resource

Repentance: God’s Key To Restoration - CD

One of the most shocking philosophies found in churches today is that one can live for Christ and partake of sin. In short, repentance is no longer considered necessary. God’s grace has been lifted higher than His command to “Repent.” Banished to the heap of dry doctrines along with sin, hell, fire, and brimstone, repentance is seldom taught and therefore greatly misunderstood. Yet according to God’s Word, repentance is vital not only for salvation, but also maturity in Christ to become the effective believer He wants you to be.

In this timely series, Dr. Robb Thompson clarifies the importance of repentance in salvation and daily life. This study offers you foundational instruction if you’re a new Christian and important reminders if you’re a veteran believer.

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“In the same way, the Lord gave orders that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I would like to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my distinction of preaching without charge… What then is my pay? It is the satisfaction I get from preaching the Good News without expense to anyone, never demanding my rights as a preacher.”
1 Corinthians 9:14-15, 18 (NLT)

JUNE 21 - What an incredible man Paul was! The situation described here is a result of the shortcomings of the Corinthians. Though Paul was their spiritual father, the one who freely gave of himself so they could hear the Gospel, they did not treat him justly. Instead, they unwisely gave honor to people who did much less for them in comparison to Paul.

And what was Paul’s response recorded in the Scriptures above?

• He never demanded his rights.
• He diligently worked to add to the Corinthians, not to use them for his opportunistic gain.

Do you go to work adding value, or are you like crawdads in a bucket? Every time one crawdad almost makes his way out of the bucket by walking all over the other guys, another crawdad reaches up, pinches his leg, and pulls him right back to where he started. You can live that way if you choose, but you will have nothing to show for it. Instead, be the one to propel others to their promotion. Go to work to add value, not to use others.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that above all things I prosper and walk in health even as my soul prospers.

Family Scripture Reading

Genesis 23

Featured Resource

Spiritual Checkup Pack - CD

What is the ultimate prize that this world has to offer? The Nobel Peace Prize? An Oscar? A Super Bowl ring? A lucrative recording contract?

Certainly you can find all types of contests in which to compete and a host of valuable prizes to covet in today’s society. Are you equipped to win the prize and obtain the goal? In this package, Dr. Robb Thompson explains to you how to win the ultimate prize of life – the heart of your Heavenly Father.

Using illustrations from the lives of Biblical men and women, Dr. Thompson vividly portrays what it means to be a person after God’s own heart and how to do the necessary examining of your own heart in the process. He tackles the all-important topics of submission and covenant loyalty – scriptural concepts that are frequently shunned and swept under the collective rug in Christendom today.

As Dr. Thompson so succinctly asks, “What else do you have in life, if you don’t have the heart of the Father?” That’s a question only you can answer for yourself. Pursue the prize of your Father’s heart, and watch everything else in your life fall into place (Matthew 6:33).

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“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”
2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

FEBRUARY 1 - Yesterday we talked about promotion, and how the priest Mattathias began the Feast of Hanukkah, which is still celebrated in Jewish homes today. But do you know the story behind the “Menorah,” the nine-candled stand that sits in many Jewish homes during this celebratory time? While the Jews celebrated the return of their temple, they encountered a lamp with only a one-day supply of oil.

Miraculously, God gave enough illumination to the candelabrum, allowing it to burn for eight extra days and nights. During Hanukkah, one candle in the menorah is lit each day to remember this miracle that God so wondrously gave. The Scriptures promise us that God gives seed to the person who desires to sow. Some may say that they having nothing to give, but that is never the case as far as God is concerned. Take a look around and think:

• What do I have that can become a blessing for another?
• Do I have something material like money, clothes, books, etc.?
• What about intangible things like a great attitude, a thankful heart, or a helping hand?

You always have something you can sow. God would be a liar if you truly had nothing. Change your mind about how you see your life. Rather than looking for people to solve your problems, find out what you can do to solve theirs. As always, God is faithful to His Word, giving illumination, providing seed as you “enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You for providing me with seed to sow and for making me a blessing wherever I go.

Day 1: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

1 Kings 23

Featured Resource

Hope Confessions - CD

Do you feel as if your mind has become a battleground of distressing thoughts and images? Do thoughts of worry, fear, inadequacy, and failure seem to enter your mind, no matter how hard you try to break free?

Having given his life to Jesus Christ in a mental institution, Dr. Robb Thompson knows firsthand how to replace negative thoughts of depression and discouragement with God’s thoughts of hope and victory.

The key to experiencing freedom in your thought life and peace in your mind is to replace your thoughts with God’s thoughts. In the Great Exchange Collection, Dr. Thompson passes on this vital lesson to you. This audio CD has verses and confessions for you to speak over your life. As you proclaim the truth of God’s Word with your own mouth, you will be filled with the hope that comes from His Word!

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