“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28 (NKJV)

NOVEMBER 8 - Whether explaining salvation to Nicodemus, feeding a multitude with five loaves and a few fish, or declaring, “The truth shall make you free,” Jesus was known for His art of serving, not serving “artfully” by stepping on others in order to get ahead.

Over the years, I have seen far too many people use other people in the name of God. We must never use other people for our own benefit. When two individuals enter a relationship with only the thought of giving, they both end up as receivers.

What I personally plan to bring to any relationship is give/give, not give/take. When the other person enters the relationship feeling the same duty and responsibility to give/give, the benefits for both of us are abundant!

This reciprocity, this interdependence and complementary exchange, becomes impossible if you enter relationship with someone who uses others. Regretfully, our society is filled with depraved individuals who
make it their sole aim to merely use their relationships to feed their own greed and perverted lusts.

Your character is refined when you learn to use principle, not people.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that as the Son of Man came to serve, I posture as a servant in all my relationships.

Family Scripture Reading

Genesis 43

Featured Resource

Stronger Everyday - Confession CD

In the times we live in, the temptation for us is to become weaker in most areas of life. Pressure to compromise is coming from every direction. God’s Word encourages us to stand and be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Philippians tells us to press toward God’s mark. The Proverbs 31 woman is energetic and strong. Now is not the time to grow weary in well-doing.

Our strength is from the Lord. As you listen to and confess these scriptures you will be empowered with strength and able to face the pressures that come your way.

Posted under Character

“So why do you call Me ‘Lord,’ when you won’t obey Me?”
Luke 6:46 (NLT)

MARCH 31 - Isn’t it interesting to note how many believers tell people, “This is what Jesus told me,” when there is no evidence that they ever intended to obey the Word of God in the first place? Let me encourage
you—remove the phrase, “God told me” from your vocabulary today.

I am not saying that God will not speak to you, but people who place God’s name upon a specific thought or a certain action cause great confusion in the body of Christ. Just imagine if you tell somebody that God told you to do this or that, and you made a mistake and it wasn’t really God at all. What is going to happen on the inside of that other individual?

In my opinion, too many believers seek to hear the voice of Jesus before they are ever willing to meditate and submit to His Word. God will not instruct anyone who does not take the time to meditate upon and consistently obey His Word. God only speaks in accordance to what His Word already declares.

And isn’t it also amazing that believers attempt to say Jesus told them something that goes contrary to what the scriptures declare? Friends, we must be faithful to filter our thoughts through His Word in order to make sure they line up. If our thoughts do not line up with His Word, then we must dismiss the thought, “God told me.” You will never truly hear what Jesus says until you do what Jesus said.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that You gave me Your Word. I refuse to believe anything that contradicts what is written. I am a doer of Your Word.

Family Scripture Reading

Luke 15

Featured Resource

Stronger Everyday - Confession CD

In the times we live in, the temptation for us is to become weaker in most areas of life. Pressure to compromise is coming from every direction. God’s Word encourages us to stand and be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Philippians tells us to press toward God’s mark. The Proverbs 31 woman is energetic and strong. Now is not the time to grow weary in well-doing.

Our strength is from the Lord. As you listen to and confess these scriptures you will be empowered with strength and able to face the pressures that come your way.

Posted under Obedience