“…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

MAY 19 - Palestine of the ancient Hebrews; modern-day Palestine; now—first-century Palestine of Jesus is firmly set before us. Intended as a type of public humiliation, Roman execution by means of crucifixion, was reserved for slaves, foreigners, robbers, and troublemakers. Undoubtedly, the whistles of the mockers’ cruel taunting, the slap of the soldiers’ violent whips, and the slivers of the wooden cross as it backed up against His mutilated form attempted to create obstacles within the Savior’s mind. But Jesus, our greatest example, boldly demonstrates the power of focus. James 1:2 tells us that life brings many storms and tests our way. However, only those who focus on the promises of God survive. Not understanding your purpose causes any obstacle to appear insurmountable. It is important to ask ourselves: “Where am I headed in life…What do I want to accomplish, possess, and become?” Those who have no clear purpose have no internal fortitude to press beyond their current circumstances.

We must always remember—our lives move in the direction of our focus. The road to Jerusalem was consistently before Jesus’ eyes, and nothing could deter Him. Although what we go through may seem too difficult to overcome, it is imperative that we meticulously focus on the victory that awaits us. Just as an athlete focuses on running the race to win the prize, ignoring sore muscles and irritating cramps, his mind relentlessly concentrates upon his feet traversing the finish line. So we must possess a clear, distinct image of the joyous victory.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that as Christ, I endure the trials of life and focus on the joy set before me.

Family Scripture Reading

1 John 1

Featured Resource

Upgrading Your Mind - CD

Without frequent upgrades, your mind quickly becomes susceptible to destructive thoughts of fear, doubt, worry, and offense. Unless you daily scan, update, and renew your mind with the Word of God, you cannot effectively perform the will of God in your life, and you are in danger of damaging your system beyond repair.

“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 NLT

God’s Word contains the answers for every issue in life. If you’re facing problems you feel ill equipped to handle, then it’s time to change the way you think — it’s time for a mind upgrade! As you upgrade your mind with God’s Word, your thoughts come into line with His thoughts, and you begin to see how you can have victory in every area of your life.

In this series, Dr. Robb Thompson, one of America’s leading experts on Mind Mastery, shows you step by step how to harness the power of your mind to serve God’s purposes, rather than to sabotage them. Start upgrading your mind today!

Posted under Focus

“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