“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: ‘Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.’”

Genesis 13:9, 14-15 (NKJV)

FEBRUARY 27 - The world’s oldest lock is said to be an Egyptian pin tumbler lock found in the ancient ruins of Nineveh. It is fascinating to note that modern cylindrical door locks still operate on this same tumbler principle, discovered thousands of years earlier. The call to follow Jesus requires us to give up, to lock up, and lock away, many things of our past. Whether it is a destructive relationship, a harmful thought pattern, an injurious addiction, or some other negative endeavor, God summons us to sacrifice what we already have in order to possess what we truly value. We, as believers, are required to focus on who we are, and what has been given to us in Christ Jesus. As we focus on what we possess, we will begin to overlook what we have lost. Many of us reading this have lost a job, a home, money, or even a loved one. If we begin to focus on what we’ve lost in the past, we will become bitter towards others, as well as towards Heaven. So, we must continually focus on what we have right in front of us.

God has given to us and done so many things for us—we are blessed. There is no one who can say they have nothing. All possess something for which they can be truly thankful. Society influences many to dwell on what they have lost, and then to devise a plan to retrieve it. We must choose to direct our focus upon what we have in an attempt to forget the things we don’t. We must maintain our focus and give thanks for everything we have in our possession, locking up and locking away those things that are behind, throwing away the proverbial key, reaching forward to the upward call of God.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I do not count myself as having apprehended, but I forget those things which are behind and I reach forward to those things which are ahead.

Day 27: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 5

Featured Resource

Character: Building A Godly Foundation for A Successful Life - CD Series

A house built on a faulty foundation soon becomes unfit to live in. Shifting soil causes cracks in the foundation, and those cracks lead to costly damage. Think of the trouble that could be avoided if only the foundation were repaired!

Character is the foundation of your life; you can save yourself a lifetime of grief if you will honestly inspect your character, making sure it is built firmly upon the strong, immovable foundation of God’s principles. Dr. Robb Thompson shares many of these valuable principles in this dynamic series – principles such as:

• It’s not what you say that matters, but what you do that makes all the difference.
• Character prefers the rejection of men to the disappointment of Heaven.
• It is impossible for your life to produce anything beyond the strength of your moral fiber.

Let Dr. Thompson help you explore what God has to say about pursuing excellent character. Then start building a rock-solid, Godly character that will lead you to God’s highest for your life!

Posted under Focus, Greatness

“And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to.
If you don’t obey, you are only fooling yourself.”
James 1:22 (NLT)

JANUARY 19 - While the buttons on her cell phone were nearly worn off, the college girl’s new Bible (received at last year’s birthday party) lay beautifully untouched. She intended to read it every morning, just as she was encouraged by her church, but with those calls—so many friends from the neighborhood and school—there just was never enough time. Intentions never move anyone anywhere. I wonder just how many people intend to be wealthy, healthy, fulfilled, and happy—the majority I would imagine. Over the years, I have discovered only a few who turn their intention into action. Their reward is achievement.

Achievers don’t talk about what they are going to do, because they are too busy doing it. If you find yourself living by intention, I encourage you to take immediate action:

• What have you been putting off?

• Is it cleaning the house, spending time with your spouse, finishing a project?

• And what is one thing you can do immediately to move you closer toward your intended destination?

Whatever it is, do it without delay after reading and meditating upon this success key. Many people will read this with the intention of taking action but never will. I don’t believe that about you. I believe you will make the decision to put your life on the right course and take immediate action. Don’t wait another minute. Take action, and your life will never be the same again!

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I am a doer of Your Word, not just a hearer.

Day 19: Audio Confessions

Family Scripture Reading

1 Kings 14

Featured Resource

The Great Exchange - Book

2 CDs

Many believers are unaware that they do not have to be held prisoner to the fearful, accusatory, and worrisome thoughts that race through their mind on a daily basis. Since these thoughts sound like their own inner voices, people entertain them and then find themselves tormented by guilt, fear, rejection, anger, and unforgiveness.

But God not only instructs us to choose our thoughts – He tells us exactly what we should think about in order to experience His best for our lives! Through hard experience and extensive study of God’s Word, Dr. Robb Thompson has learned how to replace the devil’s thoughts of fear and failure with God’s higher thoughts of life and victory. Now he passes this vital lesson on to you. So get ready to take control of your thought life. It’s time to renovate your mind with the Word of God!

Posted under General, Greatness

“Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do
God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.”
Hebrews 10:36 (NLT)

“And a righteous person will live by faith.
But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
Hebrews 10:38 (NLT)

JANUARY 17 - God destined every man and woman for greatness, but few finish life stronger than they began. Many people started off admirably, but hit rock bottom towards the conclusion of their lives. They throw overboard their vision and purpose at the first sign of waves of opposition or squalls of misfortune. There are a few, however, who carry on in spite of all resistance.

Greatness is not defined in a meager moment. Romans considered their empire and rulers as great. But were these coldhearted leaders and egoistical empire indeed great? Their eventual destruction proves otherwise.

Although an athlete may experience a great game, it does not qualify him to be labeled as great. Only those who have a great career are inducted into the Hall of Fame. We must, therefore, pace ourselves throughout life. Life is about maintaining, not merely achieving. The individual who finishes strong is the one who ultimately succeeds. God said in Hebrews 10:38, “…I have no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” We must ardently persist and finish the race we began if we desire to fulfill the will of God for our lives.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I do not quit, but I finish strong.
I continue to do Your will, knowing I will receive what You promised.

Day 17: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

1 Kings 12

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, Greatness