“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?”
Luke 14:28-31 (NKJV)

DECEMBER 7 - The Father created a meticulous plan for salvation: The miraculous Birth, an outstanding Life, an excruciating Death, and the glorious Resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. There is nothing God does without first laying out a detailed plan. Solomon tells us, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” God is into details. When we are committed to our dream and express it with a detailed plan of carrying it out, we provide ourselves with a visual reminder of where we are going, and how believe we will arrive there.

The journey of life always starts with a vision, but too many individuals stop right there, parking as if permanently stationed in the lot of a supermarket. They go no further than the vision. We must understand that every journey has great costs associated with it. These costs may be in terms of time, energy, finances, choices, sacrifices, and a number of other factors.

We must begin to take the vision we have for our lives and carefully write it out, making it plain before our eyes. As we do, God begins to birth within us a roadmap that will give us the necessary directions to
fulfill what He assigned us to do. Without a detailed plan of action, our destinies are never reached; but with it, our lives become a dream come true.

Father, I thank You that I have a vision for my life. I consider the cost and carefully write out a detailed plan of action to bring it to fulfillment.

Family Scripture Reading

Mark 10

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 Planning

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7 (NKJV)

DECEMBER 6 - It was through self-control that Jesus endured death upon a cross, a death which ultimately led to resurrection, manifestation of the light. Self-control begins when we decide to expose our thoughts and feelings to the Word of God before we ever put them in front of others. If we walk in the light as God is in the light, we have fellowship with Him. But that means I must continually expose my thoughts and feelings to the light of the Word of God. Once God’s Word reveals the true nature of my thoughts and emotions, I have to decide whether or not I want to unload them on people. It becomes so much easier to exert self-control after spending time in the light.

Therefore,

• When we are full of the Word, why would we want to put our brothers and sisters in the Lord on red alert just so we can spend a few hours, days, or weeks in the flesh?

• Why wouldn’t we expose our bad attitudes to the Word of God and let the Word correct them before we ever unload those bad attitudes on other people?

It is important for us to be changed in God’s presence. We must allow God to continually transform us by His Word, each and every day!

Father, I walk in the light as You are in the light. I fellowship with You and with those who love You. I am cleansed and washed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Family Scripture Reading

Genesis 47

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 Self-Control

“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

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

DECEMBER 4 - God sees you in Christ— He sees greatness in you. He has a destiny for you. When He looks at you, He sees success and a winner. He sees Jesus, His Son! You are not destined to lose, because He made you victorious through Christ. Second Corinthians 2:14 says, “Thanks be to God who always leads us into triumph in Christ Jesus.”

If God made you a winner, then what are you waiting for? If God already gave you the victory and sees you as a winner, then what keeps you from success? God waits for you to believe it about yourself. Truly, it doesn’t even matter what God believes about you; what really matters is what you believe about you. Which are you going to believe, your past or what God says?

Whatever you meditate on and think about soon manifests into action reflecting the thoughts you harbor, good or bad. Your life is an outer image reflecting your inner projection. Every thought God has concerning you is written on the pages of His Word. He tells you who you are, what you have, and all you can do through Jesus Christ. You are born into the family of God through the incorruptible seed of the Word of God.

Father, I thank You that I am crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me and through me.

Family Scripture Reading

Mark 8

Featured Resource

Your Spiritual Checkup - CD Series

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 Identity

“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God…
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (NKJV)

DECEMBER 3 - Unwilling to join in the criticism, jokes, and complaints about their bosses during lunch hours and breaks, the newlywed woman stayed to herself, remaining loyal to the company’s lawyers inwardly, as well as when she approached them face to face. When it was time for reviews, she consistently received the highest marks, and even when she could no longer work for the firm, citing family duties, the firm’s founding father did everything he could to keep the conscientious employee from leaving since whenever she received an instruction, it was instantly carried out.

Christianity today embraces the person of Christ, but woefully neglects His principles. The person of Jesus creates your peace; His principles create your productivity. Both, however, are necessary! People want to prosper, but very few are willing to accurately apply God’s principles to their lives. Our willingness to do what God says is the key to experience what God promises.

God never promised you something without first giving you an instruction. God rewards obedience. He does not hand out promises and rewards to just anyone. He is selective in whom He blesses. You are the one who determines whether or not God blesses your life.

Father, I thank You that I diligently obey Your Word and I observe Your commandments.Blessings come upon me and overtake me because I choose to obey You.

Family Scripture Reading

Mark 7

Featured Resource

Your Spiritual Checkup - CD Series

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 Principle Driven

“If you do this, you will live and become a great nation, and the lord your god will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.”
Deuteronomy 30:15–18 (NLT)

DECEMBER 2 -

• Should I go to church tonight in this pouring rain, or just stay home and relax?

• Although this book has a lot of curse words, should I read it anyway?

• Even though God’s Spirit is prompting me to turn off the television, another thirty minutes or so wouldn’t hurt, would it?

One of the greatest gifts anyone could ever receive is the power to choose. God graciously granted us the power of choice. Whether it is prosperous or disastrous, the choice is ours. The apostle Paul encourages
us with these words, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.” God doesn’t just leave us as orphans to fend for ourselves. He knows there is a devil out there whose desire is to lure us into wrong choices. Satan knows that if he can convince us to make just one
mistake, it may cause a lifetime of consequences. We can see throughout the scriptures that God did not predestine our choices. He did, however, predestine our consequences. We are to surrender our lives to the Spirit of God and trust in Him to help us make right choices.

The Holy Spirit is our helper. In the above passage God lays it out, “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between prosperity and disaster, between life and death…” It is our choice.

Father, I thank You that You work in me giving me the desire to obey You and the power to do what pleases You. I choose life and not death.

Family Scripture Reading

Proverbs 27

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 Choices

“For I recognize my shameful deeds – they haunt me day and night. Against You, and You alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in Your sight.”
Psalm 51:3–4 (NLT)

DECEMBER 1 - It is impossible to make continual progress in life while holding sin in our hearts. God is not a respecter of persons. What He says…He does! God tells us that any man who chooses to hide sin in his heart soon comes to ruin. He also tells us the man who is humble soon comes to wisdom.

Humility is the access key into the presence of God. God resists the proud. We must continually examine ourselves and ask God if there is pride within our hearts. One of the ways we can continue to walk with a humble heart is to willingly acknowledge our past faults. Pride refuses to reveal itself in the form of repentance. However, we must repent if we ever sincerely desire to experience true progress once again.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that You give me the divine example of a life of humility. I humble myself under Your mighty hand, and in Your good time, You will honor me. I give all my worries and cares to You for I know You tenderly care for me.

Family Scripture Reading

Mark 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 Action

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

NOVEMBER 30 - The music suddenly sounded detestable; the old friends no longer enjoyable; and the jokes, the addictions, all of it was no longer palatable. She hadn’t discovered it until recently, but her old self was gone,
vanished like smoke into thin air.

Knowing that your old self no longer exists is the foundational truth that gives you not only the understanding, but also the confidence, that your future is going to be better than your past. Understanding who you are in Christ is the foundation of your Christian life. It helps you better identify which thoughts are God’s, and which thoughts are not. Understanding and embracing this new identity protects you from past issues that hinder your progress. Your new identification is the master key to your future success.

People constantly say to me, “You know, I read the Bible, I pray, I go to church, and I witness to people about the Lord. So why does it seem like whenever and the pressure is on, I resort to my old ways?” The answer to that question is simple. You haven’t yet come to realize who Jesus made you, and what He did for you through His death, burial, and resurrection. In order to successfully withstand the pressures of this world and renovate your mind according to the new life that is yours in Christ, you must understand righteousness—the ability to live continually in right standing with God.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I am crucified with Christ.
It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And now I live by faith in the Son of God who gave up His life for me.

Family Scripture Reading

Mark 5

Featured Resource

The Ultimate Guide To Winning Relationships

After almost three decades of strategic leadership and human resource management, Dr. Robb Thompson reveals the secret that will revolutionize your life: The single most important factor defining your future is the relationships you embrace.

In this series, Dr. Thompson delivers the time-tested, rock-solid principles that have opened the doors of success and favor to thousands of people. Whether it is your business, ministry, or personal life that needs to reach its maximum potential, your success or failure ultimately rests upon your ability to develop and maintain winning relationships with those who are assigned to be divine links to your future.

Don’t waste another day floundering at the shallow shoreline of mediocrity and disappointment. Learn from Robb Thompson how to build winning relationships with those who have been called to launch you into the deep waters of increased productivity and personal effectiveness!

Posted under Identity

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Matthew 7:13–14 (NKJV)

NOVEMBER 29 - “It’s just a little lie; no one will ever care!” But Jesus does care, and truth is one thing everyone needs; but few are willing to embrace it. The Master of all teachers, the Most High God in human flesh, was not even able to convince men of the truth.

Jesus told us, “…narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life…” truth is not always the easy route because truth exposes people and then sets people free. And indeed it had been a lonely journey for Jesus, a lonely trial, a lonely beating, a lonely suffering on those wooden beams. YET—that lonely journey led somewhere, to the narrow bridge of truth, which the world was soon to discover. We must embrace the truth of God’s Word concerning all areas of our lives if we ever desire to enjoy the rewards that come as a result of eternal life. We must not be of those who turned their backs on the truth that Jesus spoke. As Jesus said to the disciples, so He says to us, “Do you also want to go away?”

I am confident we will all reply as Peter did, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Crossing the narrow bridge of truth determines how much freedom you one day come to enjoy.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You for Your grace that enables me to represent You. I choose to do what is just in Your sight.

Family Scripture Reading

Genesis 44

Featured Resource

The Ultimate Guide To Winning Relationships

After almost three decades of strategic leadership and human resource management, Dr. Robb Thompson reveals the secret that will revolutionize your life: The single most important factor defining your future is the relationships you embrace.

In this series, Dr. Thompson delivers the time-tested, rock-solid principles that have opened the doors of success and favor to thousands of people. Whether it is your business, ministry, or personal life that needs to reach its maximum potential, your success or failure ultimately rests upon your ability to develop and maintain winning relationships with those who are assigned to be divine links to your future.

Don’t waste another day floundering at the shallow shoreline of mediocrity and disappointment. Learn from Robb Thompson how to build winning relationships with those who have been called to launch you into the deep waters of increased productivity and personal effectiveness!

Posted under Truth

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)

NOVEMBER 20 - What you think today becomes a reality tomorrow. You must, however, stay long enough under the Word of God for it to transform you in order to create a better tomorrow. Stooping down upon the
ground, all eyes were locked on the Teacher. What’s He doing now? Trembling in fear, the woman who had been caught with another man held her breath—would He condemn her also? But NO! Something was happening; an utter impossibility.

One by one, from the oldest to the youngest, the scribes and the Pharisees slipped away with their countenances covered, all having departed until only Jesus and the woman were alone. As He told the woman to, “Go, and sin no more,” Jesus painted a picture of tomorrow for all Israel, brushing strokes of salvation upon the canvas of their minds, potently replacing the negative thoughts of yesterday into their lives.

When you understand the truth behind the origin of negative thoughts, you have the know-how to take control over them. As you take control, you are then able to worship the Lord your God with your entire mind and be free from guilt over wrong and negative thoughts that Satan brings your way.

All of God’s power and promises are at our disposal, but only those who pay the price and saturate their mind with the Word of God experience the blessings of God.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that my freedom lies within the pages of Your Word. I embrace what You say and exchange what I think for what You think. I am free and I reign over the sin that had me bound.

Family Scripture Reading

1 Timothy 1

Featured Resource

The RQ Factor - CD

Your Relationship Quotient

After observing interpersonal relationships for over three decades, Dr. Robb Thompson made a remarkable discovery that he wants to share with you: Contrary to popular belief, the outcome of your life is not determined by your intelligence (IQ), your physical appearance/abilities (PQ), or your ability to manage your emotions (EQ). Your life is determined by your ability to link yourself with those who carry your future within them – your Relationship Quotient.

Using compelling personal examples, Dr. Thompson illustrates how his own life changed for the better only when he changed his relationships. He presents profound principles that will alter the course of your future, if applied – principles such as:

• In life, you decide your relationships; then your relationships decide your destiny.
• If you want to accurately predict a man’s future, just take a look at his present friends.
• Relationships are magnetic – pulling you closer to or driving you further away from your divine destiny.

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces” (Message). Are you ready to change your future? It’s time to raise your Relationship Quotient!

Posted under Mind Renewal