“I reflect at night on who You are, O Lord, and I obey Your law because of this. This is my happy way of life: obeying Your commandments.”
Psalm 119:55-56 (NLT)

JUNE 5 - As the lamplight flickered in her weary eyes, something quickened intensely within the old prophetess. This night was different from a thousand others—an inexplicable happiness flooded her soul. Had the long-awaited Messiah indeed come? Having reflected upon His laws and His character for most of her life, Anna knew for certain, her God could not lie. Understanding the character of God is the foundation of Christianity. There is one Scripture upon which every person’s life hinges—Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that He should lie. He is not a human, that He should change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” Who God is does not change us until we make the decision to trust His character. God is not a man; He does not lie. God is faithful to His Word. As these truths become the core of our belief system, obedience becomes easy.

We must choose to trust the character of God. When we do, we are no longer affected by our deceptive emotions and led wildly astray because of them. Emotions are essential in order to feel out the circumstances of life, but we should never trust in them to live. Satan is a deceiver who uses our emotions to cause us to stumble. God asks us to trust in His unchanging character so that we don’t stumble. We must search out and study the character of God, as did the prophetess Anna. As we do, we are empowered to prove to the world truly who He is.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I choose to meditate on Your age-old laws. Your Word brings comfort to my soul as I reflect upon You throughout the night watches.

Family Scripture Reading

Acts 6

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Posted under Happiness

“…in Your presence there is fullness of joy.”
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

MAY 29 - Heaven and earth would never be the same. A broad smile illuminated the Father’s face; innumerable angels sang their melodious tunes, rejoicing as if frenzied, celebrating without bounds. Joy caused the stars to sparkle with a supernatural glitter, conveying great joy to shepherds who tended their herds each night. The presence of God finally came, bringing unspeakable, unquenchable joy.

Joy seems hard to come by for many people today. Why is that? I have discovered only one answer – neglect of time in God’s presence. The Bible tells us, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” If the devil can steal your joy, he can defeat you. We cannot fight the enemy without divinely-empowered strength.

I have taught this principle over the years – “Satan cannot destroy you; he can only distract you.” Satan eternally attempts to get believers to look at their circumstances. Whenever we look at our circumstances, joy begins to evaporate from our very midst, like puddles on a blistering hot day.

Joy only comes by having our focus on God’s Word and in His presence. If you want to overcome the enemy, begin to worship God and mediate on His Word day and night. As you do, joy rises within you, and no devil in hell is able to defeat you!

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that my feet are firmly planted on the Rock, Jesus Christ. In Your presence is fullness of joy. I refuse to be distracted by circumstances around me. I am strong because I have Your joy and I passionately pursue Your presence.

Family Scripture Reading

Jude

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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 Presence

“So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.”
Luke 18:22-23 (NKJV)

FEBRUARY 18 - Once you hear the soul-pounding reverberation of the shofar (or ram’s horn), by far the oldest of all Jewish musical instruments, you will never be the same. Professional musicians, as well as minstrels, regularly played in the palaces and temples of Israel, creating happiness and elation for their adoring listeners. But it was not the harp, lyre, trimbrel, or kinnor that generated this happiness. It was the gift and enthusiastic flair of the musician, the heavenly melodies and sacred rhythms that dwelt within, exuding those delightful songs. Society would have us believe happiness is what we have, not who we are. No doubt you have heard people say, “I would be happy if I had a million dollars,” “…lived in a mansion,” or “…drove an expensive car.” Sure, it is possible to have these things and still be happy, but these material possessions do not, and will not, produce happiness.

Ask the wife who has all the jewelry and clothes she could ever imagine, yet discovers her husband is cheating on her. Is she happy? Although someone may have all the money, cars, and houses one could ever want, that does not mean they are happy. Life is more than just achieving your personal goals and acquiring material possessions. True happiness is the direct result of knowing God and living out your purpose. It is about who you are inside, not the things you possess. Without purpose, life is meaningless and ultimately very dissatisfying. Start today living life to the fullest and pursuing God with everything you have.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that my true happiness is determined by who I am, not by what I possess.

Day 18: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

Ecclesiastes 7

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2008 Inspiring Excellence Week - CDs

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Inspiring Excellence Conference
July 13 - 20, 2008

Last year’s speaker included:
Robb Thompson
Rod Parsley
Mike Murdock
Mark Hankins
Ray Comfort
John Avanzini
Jesse Duplantis
Robert Kayanja

Posted under Happiness

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

JANUARY 7 - What can be more satisfying or superbly fulfilling than setting aside time to be alone in God’s presence? Satan knows that if he can keep us from spending time with God, he can eventually starve us of spiritual strength. One of the greatest benefits we receive from continual pursuit of God’s presence is joy. That joy is a result of realizing God’s guiding and protecting hand on our lives. The Scripture tells us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” If Satan can keep us from spending time in God’s presence, joy will cease to exist, and our strength is vanquished. Furthermore, it becomes an opportune time for Satan to attack.

In ancient Israel, it was customary to plant a tree at a child’s joyous birth. At another moment of great joy (his or her wedding), branches from that very tree planted several years earlier were used to hold up the marriage canopy. JOY—a wondrous gift direct from the right hand of God.

As we broaden our knowledge of the subtle tactics and deceptive schemes of Satan, I believe we will better understand how to combat them. The devil only needs to keep us from God’s presence long enough to diminish our strength so that he can take us to our knees in defeat. We must be serious about pursuing the presence of God. In His presence is where we belong; it is where we grow and where God’s Word comes alive within us. Similar to the branches used to uphold the canopy at the joyous Hebrew wedding ceremony, allow
His presence to uphold you, causing that same joy to swell within, empowering you to relentlessly defeat the enemy.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You for showing me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy and at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Day 7: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

1 Kings 5

Featured Resource

The New You - CD

Walking In Your True Identity

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 Joy