Scripture Was Not Written To Increase Your Knowledge But To Transform Your Life

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)

DECEMBER 5 - David said it so perfectly—God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Every time we go to the Word of God, we must go with a willingness to surrender to the Word of God. We must look to do whatever we read. When we surrender our lives to the Word of God, heaven is able to guide our footsteps.

Many people see God’s Word as a history book or some informational book about God. We cannot degrade the Holy Scriptures by taking it to the same level as just another ordinary book. God’s Word is not written to increase our knowledge, but to direct and transform our lives. His Word contains the answer to every problem and question that could ever arise.

As we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, He begins to teach us the meaning of what we read. We can go to the Word and expect to hear God speak to us. The words on those pages are God’s voice to His people. He desires to speak to us and guide us in the path of righteousness. His Word is the lamp we are to shine upon the path we are called to take.

As we continue to use the Word of God as our roadmap for life, we experience true and abundant blessings along the way.

Father, I thank You that I use Your Word as a guide for my life.  Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I understand scripture was not written to increase my knowledge, but to direct my life.

Family Scripture Reading

Mark 9

Featured Resource

Winning The Heart Of God - Book

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. But in this book, Dr. Robb Thompson tells 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. 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).

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part 1: A Submitted Heart
David: A Man After God’s Own Heart
The Subtle Trap of Rebellion
God’s Way of Relating to Authority
Choose Obedience
God’s Only Path to Fulfillment

Part 2: A Loyal Heart
The Foundation of Faithfulness
The Steadfast Loyalty of our God
Loyalty: Our Link to Divinity
Loyalty is a Choice
Notes
Acknowledgments
About the Author

 

Posted under God's Word

The Word Of God Is The Greatest Map In Your Daily Journey Of Success

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives… It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

NOVEMBER 23 - Groping to the window to open the blinds, the young executive glared at the barren tree. Oh how I despise these cold dark months, trees without leaves, the smell of death everywhere. On the opposite side of the vastly wide yard, a middle-aged accountant peered at the same tree. He had never noticed it before, but the tree was formulated into the letter “V”, two sturdy trunks reaching high into the air. Ah, yes. “V” is for victory. That’s what is coming at me today. The same tree—but two dramatically disparate attitudes! Each day we wake up and explicitly choose with what kind of attitude we are going to.

We may erroneously think that others have the power to decide our attitude, but when it comes down to it, we make the decision of how we respond. By continually grafting the Word of God into who we are, we see instant results in all areas of life.

We must rely on God’s Word to lead the way toward the success we desire. If God’s Word does not direct our steps, our destination is not pleasant. I have come across many people who are unhappy with the way life seems to presently be for them. They desire a great future but refuse to follow the guidelines established in God’s eternal Word to make it happen.

We must take His Word and lay it down before our lives and live in accordance to the instructions given to us if we ever desire to see great things happen. The Word of God transforms us when we begin to get our daily dosage of God’s success plan.

Father, I thank You that Your Word fully equips me for every good work You have for me to do.

Family Scripture Reading

1 Timothy 6

Featured Resource

Your Spiritual Quotient - CD

What did Abraham, Enoch, Joseph, Jesus, and Paul all have in common? Why can some people withstand the trials of life and others buckle under pressure? The Answer: The SQ Factor.

In this dynamic series, Dr. Robb Thompson answers these questions and more. He teaches you not only what the SQ factor is, but also how to develop it in your life. With clarity and convincing scriptural support, Dr. Thompson illustrates that every failure in life can be traced back to a compromise of one’s integrity and character. You will be reminded that the choices you make are the only factors that decide whether you will be overtaken with rewards or with consequences.

Make the decision to rise above self-interest and personal gain. Develop your Spiritual Quotient and embrace the greatness that lies within you!

 

Posted under God's Word

The Intake Of Bible Doctrine Is The Most Vital Ingredient To Pursuing And Experiencing The Truth

“If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed.”
John 8:31 (NKJV)

OCTOBER 11 - How can we learn the truth? First, we must understand this about ourselves: Our flesh and our mind are not who we are. We need to grasp that simple fact because our flesh and our mind tell us that they are who we are.

You and I have a flaw within us that was given to us at the fall – an inclination toward deception. Our natural tendency is to accept false ideas. In fact, according to Proverbs 14:12, the ways of death actually appeal to our human reasoning: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” The bottom line is that the father of lies easily deceives us. That is why the intake of Bible doctrine is the most important habit in our pursuit of excellent character.

Jesus knew the importance of studying the Word of God; that is why He was consistently found at the temple discussing the Scriptures. And in today’s world, the consistent intake of the Word of God on a daily basis is the only thing that takes us to the point of truth in our lives. Any growth or increase in life occurs only through soul prosperity.

When we fill our minds with His Word, our souls begin to prosper. This is where many individuals miss it. Divine prosperity can never happen in the external realm before it happens foremost in our minds.

Right now, we must begin to infiltrate our minds with His Word; only then do we truly pursue truth.

Father, I continue in Your Word. I am a doer and not a hearer only. I know the truth and the truth makes me free.

Family Scripture Reading

Genesis 39

Featured Resource

Sculpting Your True Identity Confession CD

It took Michelangelo six years to carve one of his greatest works, the magnificent statue of King David. When asked why his masterpiece took so long, his reply was simple: “Once I found a slab of marble that I could see David in, all that was left was to chip away everything that was not David.”

You are God’s masterpiece. God placed something great within you that no man can take away, no circumstance can assail, and no words can destroy. The key to unveiling your true potential lies in learning how to chip away everything that is not a part of who God called you to be. Join Dr. Robb Thompson as he shows you how to become God’s masterpiece – whole, polished, and created anew in Christ Jesus!

 

Posted under God's Word

The Word Of God Is The Greatest Map On The Journey Of Success

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

SEPTEMBER 20 - “I would like to say, ‘Good Morning, everyone,’” the radio announcer chattered with a sigh, “but with the rate this snow is falling, I guess whether or not it is actually good is left to your own discretion. For all you skiers out there, it’s probably a wonderful morning indeed!” Each day we wake up, we specifically choose what kind of attitude with which we live. We may erroneously think that others have the power to decide our attitude, but when it boils down to it, we make the decision of how we respond. By continually grafting the Word of God into who we are, we see instant results in all areas of life. We see ourselves becoming more patient, making wiser decisions, and avoiding evil.

We must, however, rely on God’s Word to lead the way toward His will for our lives. If God’s Word does not direct our steps, our destination will not be pleasant. I meet many people who are unhappy with the way life seems to presently be for them. They desire a great future but refuse to follow the guidelines established in God’s eternal Word to make it happen.

The Word of God transforms us when we begin to get our daily dosage of God’s success plan. It is a process, one in which we must be patient but willing to do whatever it takes to stay on the right path.

Father, I thank You that I am not conformed to this world, but I am transformed by the renewing of my mind. I prove Your perfect will in my life. I speak, think, and do the Word, and have good success.

Family Scripture Reading

Matthew 3

Featured Resource

120 iPod Classic

Personal Advancement iPod:
We have created a 25th Anniversary iPod with a large selection of material from Dr. Thompson that is sure to enrich your life! Purchase yours today!

25th Anniversary iPod includes:

Dr. Thompson’s entire topical collection
(Relationships, Career, Finances, and Personal Transformation)
24 TV Episodes
All 10 Confession CDs
3 Family Harvest Church Worship CDs

Please type in color choice in notes section during checkout.
Color choices: Silver, Black

 

Posted under God's Word

Renewing Your Mind Is The First Step To Life Transformation

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

SEPTEMBER 18 - That term “conformed” refers to being molded or shaped as a cake to a baking pan. God does not want you and me to be molded to the image of this world. When we become pliable to God and His Word, the process of transformation begins. As we pattern our lives according to God’s Word, we soon walk as Jesus walked, and thus do the things Jesus did. Conformation means making changes on the outside; transformation is something that can only happen from within.

As the Jews listened to Jesus’ parables—powerfully poignant accounts of the foolish and the wise, the one who sowed and his seed, and the wheat and the tares—the hearers were being transformed, deep down inside. We cannot change our lives from the outside in; we must first change the inside.

As we continually seek God’s Word for the answers to life, our way of thinking transitions into God’s way of thinking. Controlling our thoughts changes everything about us. There is no other way for true, inner transformation than by exchanging our thoughts for His.

Father, I thank You that I am not conformed to this world, but I am transformed by the renewing of my mind. I prove Your perfect will in my life. I speak, think, and do the Word, and have good success.

Family Scripture Reading

Matthew 3

Featured Resource

120 iPod Classic

Personal Advancement iPod:
We have created a 25th Anniversary iPod with a large selection of material from Dr. Thompson that is sure to enrich your life! Purchase yours today!

25th Anniversary iPod includes:

Dr. Thompson’s entire topical collection
(Relationships, Career, Finances, and Personal Transformation)
24 TV Episodes
All 10 Confession CDs
3 Family Harvest Church Worship CDs

Please type in color choice in notes section during checkout.
Color choices: Silver, Black

 

Posted under God's Word

To Become What God Has Created You To Be, You Must Choose To Imprint God’s Wishes On Your Heart

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)

SEPTEMBER 13 - No one knew for sure how old it was, but the silver and turquoise cross dangling around her neck caused the teenager to stand out in a crowd. Manufactured over a century earlier in the historic Mexican village where most of her family was born, the cross, of an intricate mosaic design, identified her great-grandmother as a Christian, a staunch student of the Bible, a believer among a family of superstitious
natives who practiced divination in its highest form. A tale about the cross was faithfully passed down through her family, fervently explaining that as the villagers caught a glimpse of the cross and the woman
who wore it, their souls began to seek the true God, searching for His Word and His Son, eventually creating the Christian village it is today.

Why is it so imperative to faithfully study the Word of God? Because others witness in our lives what we read in the Book. That is how the world identifies us as Christians—by the profile of the new man described in the Word of God. Peter calls this new man “the hidden man of the heart.” Paul calls him the “new creature.” Regardless of what the new man is called, his entire profile is contained inside the Book.

As we diligently study God’s Word, taking it deep into our souls, we eventually are transformed into what we read. This is the way God designed for us to grow in the truth. We won’t get anywhere in our walk with God if we pursue Him as if He were only an escape from consequences. We have to get serious about discovering who we are in Christ instead of continually talking about who we are not. We must pursue truth if we desire to draw near to God.

Father, I thank You that I am approved by You, a worker who does not need to be ashamed.

Family Scripture Reading

Ephesians5

Featured Resource

The Endless Pursuit Of Excellence - Book

God didn’t call you to live a life of mediocrity. He didn’t create you to be “just good enough.” However, if you’re going to experience the extraordinary and bask in God’s best, you have to make the quality decision to pursue His standard of excellence in every area of your life.

In this book, author Robb Thompson equips you with the scriptural principles you need to launch out on your journey of excellence. This journey has no end, and you can expect to encounter obstacles along the way. But as you press toward the goal of daily making your best better, you’ll discover what Dr. Thompson has already experienced in his own life – that the rewards of excellence are well worth the price you must pay to receive them. The prize is always greater than the price!

Table of Contents

1 What Is Excellence?
2 Stretching for the High Road
3 No Shortcuts to Excellence

 

Posted under God's Word

This post was written by admin on September 13, 2009

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The Word Of God Is The Greatest Map In Life’s Journey Of Success

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

MAY 31 - The moment our ears catch the initial strains of the alarm clock’s chatter and our eyes focus upon the glimmer of the sun’s first light, we choose what kind of attitude we will display. We may think others have the power to decide our attitude, but that is never the case. By continually grafting the Word of God into who we are, we skillfully learn how to handle exasperating situations that would have previously set us ablaze. Like scrutinizing our appearance in the bathroom mirror following a morning shower, we methodically begin to visualize ourselves becoming more patient, making wiser decisions, and most importantly, avoiding evil.

We must, therefore, rely on God’s Word to lead the way toward the success we desire. If God’s Word does not direct our steps, our destination will not be pleasant. I have come across many people who are unhappy with the way life has turned out for them. They desire a great future but refuse to follow the guidelines established in God’s eternal Word to make it happen.

When we take His Word and live in accordance to the instructions given to us, we have no choice but to see great things happen. The Word of God transforms us when we begin to get our daily dosage of God’s success plan. Remember, transformation is a process; we must be patient as we progress on our journey toward success.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that Your Word fully equips me for every good work that You have for me to do.

Family Scripture Reading

Acts 2

Featured Resource

The New You - CD

Have you accepted your new identity in Christ or do you continually deal with shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. The thoughts we identify with, whether good or bad, sculpt our destiny. Envision the marvelous transformation that would take place if we learned how to walk in our true identity. Imagine what life would be like if you were able to confidently identify with Christ instead of your old sin nature – nothing but victory, joy, and fulfillment. If you desire to learn the keys to walk in your new identity, this series is for you!

 

Posted under God's Word

This post was written by admin on May 31, 2009

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Heaven’s Words Are Rudders Of the Ship Which Guide You Through The Storms Of Life

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

MAY 26 - Rome’s invincible legions (tough units of 6,000 professional fighting men) enforced peace throughout the empire, among which was the tiny town of Bethlehem. These soldiers possessed razor-sharp
swords, edged with blood dried from their latest victim, tangible proof they were fully prepared for the next battle, the next war. Each of us is in a battle, a raging war that is being fought upon the battlefield of our mind. God gave us twin tactical weapons with which to fight–His Word and our mouth. But we must faithfully use these weapons to pull down and bring into captivity every traitorous thought to the obedience of Christ.

The thoughts you harbor in your mind are potent seeds that soon develop and produce after their own kind. If a thought is not constructive, it is destructive. There is no middle ground. There are no neutral thoughts—although Satan wants you to believe otherwise!

All self-limiting thoughts of weakness, impending failure, unhappiness, or poverty are harmful and self-destructive. If God did not say it, then we are not authorized to think it. Those thoughts are fatal enemies and trenchant thieves, attempting to hinder our future progress. The key is to counterattack with the ruthlessness of the Roman soldier, and substitute those thoughts with God’s Word whenever they try to gain ascendancy in our minds.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I think upon Your Word. I choose to meditate upon what is pure, noble, just, lovely, and that which is of a good report!

Family Scripture Reading

2 John

Featured Resource

The New You - CD

Have you accepted your new identity in Christ or do you continually deal with shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. The thoughts we identify with, whether good or bad, sculpt our destiny. Envision the marvelous transformation that would take place if we learned how to walk in our true identity. Imagine what life would be like if you were able to confidently identify with Christ instead of your old sin nature – nothing but victory, joy, and fulfillment. If you desire to learn the keys to walk in your new identity, this series is for you!

 

Posted under God's Word

This post was written by admin on May 26, 2009

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Understanding Is The Reward Awaiting Those Who Meditate On God’s Word

“I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for Your testimonies are my meditation.”

Psalm 119:99 (NKJV)

APRIL 15 - Just as the correct numbers release the combination to the bank vault’s safe, understanding unlocks the very life of God. Understanding is the ability to see life as God sees it. Very few people ever draw close to walking in the fullness of what God has for them because they lack understanding. Without it, one cannot fully embrace the truth of God’s Word. We see throughout all of Scripture the worthy emphasis placed on meditation of the words of God.

During the era of great prophets such as Ezra and Nehemiah, Hebrew teachers were advised to not only teach their given subjects, but to closely ponder (or meditate upon) the temperaments of the various
students they instructed. These teachers were further exhorted to not just read words to their pupils, but to have an understanding, a thorough insight into the spirits and souls of what was happening inside each boy and girl. It is the same with many individuals who routinely read and study the Bible, yet they are not changed by the information they read.

Although the Bible contains the words of God, it only becomes real when we choose to meditate upon it. This does not refer to a type of eastern religious practice; this refers to one’s daily hearing, pondering, and confession of the Scripture. If we take just one Scripture, run it through our minds, and put it in our mouths, it will come alive inside, producing more change than reading the entire New Testament would. And just as the ancient Hebrew teachers were instructed to meditate upon their students for success in the classroom,
scripture meditation is vital to your success as a believer.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that as I meditate upon Your Word, understanding rises within me.

Day 15: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

Songs of Solomon 2

Featured Resource

Getting Your Life In Order - Womens Conference CD Series

It’s time to get your life in order! This series is packed with information that is sure to edify and simplify your life. Sessions include:

• Managing your Time – Kandi Minyard worked for over ten years as Financial Secretary at Family Harvest Church. She will provoke you to think ahead and plan. With practical ideas and personal examples, Kandi will inspire you to become an excellent manager of your time.

• Managing your Home – Theresa Lashley was an administrator in a business firm for a number of years and understands how to manage. In addition to working outside the home, she continues to home school her four children. She will show you how to skillfully juggle all the moving pieces of a busy Christian family.

• Managing your Body – Emily Stanford is currently pursuing a degree in health and nutrition. She will show you how to maintain regular exercise and eat healthful meals (even with a busy schedule) so you can glorify God with your body.

• Managing your Money – Toni McCarty is a CPA, currently works as an accountant. She will teach you how to plan and stick to a budget, add to the family’s resources, and make wise financial decisions.

 

Posted under God's Word

This post was written by admin on April 15, 2009

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The Intake Of Bible Doctrine Is The Most Important Thing In A Believer’s Life

“Thy Words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts.”
Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV)

JANUARY 16 - How many times have you heard the often-used term, “conveniently located?” Perhaps you’ve listened as some announcer enthusiastically declared, “Our mall is conveniently located next to three major expressways,” or, “Our museum is conveniently located near all the downtown sites,” or, “The best Italian restaurant in the county is conveniently located within walking distance of the city’s scenic shoreline.” Likewise, everything we need to live a Godly life is “conveniently located” within the pages of God’s Word.

Every thought from God we could ever need to make right decisions is conveniently stored inside the book that we hold in our hands. While the life of a believer is multifaceted, the single most important part of any believer’s life is the time they devote to the study of God’s Word. Whereas singing ab out God causes great feelings, and praying connects us with our Father, it is the written Word of God that teaches us how to live a life that is pleasing to God.

We must fervently commit within ourselves that no amount of busyness is going to keep us from our time to study God’s Word. Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” You must take that verse and make it your heart’s deepest desire; allow His Word, “conveniently located,” to utterly consume your mind and heart.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I don’t find the source of my life in my daily duties
but rather in Your Word. Your Word is the desire of my heart, and I thank
Heaven for opening my eyes to the wonderful truths it contains.

Day 16: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

Isaiah 6

Featured Resource

Consecrated To God - DVD

In a day where voices and fears try to pull us in so many directions, there is a way to be steadfast and fixed on the plan and call of God. Hebrews 12:2 tells us what we must do: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” As the sanctified Body of Christ, a people called out and set apart for a special purpose, we should be a people of great hope, expectation, and consecration.

These are the days to run to the heart of God. “Consecrated To God” ushers you to the opportunity to do just that. Watch and receive this teaching – it will provide you with a permanent silencer to the voices and fears that try to distract you and lead you away from God. Return to the place of peace on His altar of consecration.

 

Posted under General, God's Word

This post was written by admin on January 16, 2009

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