It Is A Lonely Journey Across The Narrow Bridge Of Truth

“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)

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”
John 6:66–68 (NKJV)

NOVEMBER 12 - 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 rightly exposes people, and then righteously sets people free.

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 will one day come to enjoy.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that You have the words of eternal life and I enter by the narrow gate to find life. I embrace truth though it may not be the easy route, for I desire the reward of eternal life. My heart retains Your Word.

Family Scripture Reading

2 Thessalonians 1

Featured Resource

Envision Week 2009 - USB

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Posted under General, Truth

Deception Becomes Evient The Moment That Truth Enters The Room

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32 (NLT)

JULY 30 - As a carpenter, Jesus knew a great deal about the art of measuring, various kinds of wood, the construction of houses, and the shape of rooms. Additionally, there were yokes to make for the oxen and tools for the farmers. And as an attentive servant of the people of Nazareth, spending hours creating objects for their daily use, Jesus knew the difference between deception and truth. In fact, Jesus has this to say
concerning Satan, “He is a liar and the father of all lies.” Although Satan cannot destroy us, ignorance can. God gave us His Word so we would walk above any deception Satan brings our way. The enemy attempts to twist and pervert the truth of God’s Word. As the father of lies, he convinces many that God is the one who is the liar.

We must never take ignorance lightly. Contrary to popular belief, what we don’t know will eventually hurt us. God’s Word states, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Not knowing what the Word of God says concerning an issue opens the door to deception.

Remember, deception believes something to be true when it is not. Some of the most confident men and women are misled without even realizing it. The Scriptures are given to us so we may know the thoughts of God in every area of our lives. As we press into the truth of God’s Word, we have the ability to clearly identify and ruthlessly expose the deception of the enemy.

God’s Word is truth. We must keep it before our eyes and meditate upon it day and night. As we continue in the Word, deception flees because the darkness of deception cannot withstand the light of truth.

Father, I thank You that I passionately pursue the truth of Your Word. I am truly Your disciple because I obey Your teachings.

Family Scripture Reading

Galatians 1

Featured Resource

Flourishing Financially - CD

Do you desire to achieve Financial Freedom? Are you ready to eliminate debt and the stress that comes with it? Are your habits keeping you from experiencing the next level of financial freedom?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, we have an answer for you. In this powerful two-day Flourishing Financially conference, Dr. Robb Thompson, Dr. John Avanzini, Victor Dickson, and Kevin Leary share practical yet time weathered principles for financial success. They will not only teach you how to reduce debt, protect your assets, and prepare for the future, but how to develop the mindset of the wealthy. Don’t miss an opportunity to change your destiny!

 

Posted under Truth

This post was written by admin on July 30, 2009

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Truth Without Love Is Cruelty, But Love Without Truth Is Hypocrisy

“But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ…”
Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV)

JULY 16 - Before we ever begin to shine the light of correction upon another, we must first take the time to honestly evaluate whether or not we tell ourselves the truth. For instance, are we unapproachable about any area of our lives? Do we realize our own need for change? Jesus could not lie—it was utterly impossible! So when the Passover celebrations ended and the family traveled back to Nazareth, Jesus remained in the Temple, absorbed completely by the Word of God.

On the third day, when it was recognized that the boy was absent, His parents went back to search for Him. When asked about His actions, Jesus did not give excuses but simply questioned in return, “Didn’t you know I would be about My Father’s business?” God requires honesty with others. He may lead us to talk to someone who just doesn’t seem to understand the severity of his situation. If that person doesn’t recognize the potential consequences of his wrong behavior, we may come to the point where we cannot let the lie go on any longer—we must confront that person with the truth.

Proverbs 27:6 tells us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Many Christians want to spend all their time telling a person how great he is instead of loving him enough to tell him the truth he needs to hear, even if it hurts. Let us choose to be a true friend, speaking the truth in love, and working at building up one another in the things that matter to God. One last thing: Why not look to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 for the attitude we must possess so that we may begin to speak the truth in love?

Father, I thank You for revealing to me what I need to change about myself. As You do, I choose to be a faithful friend who speaks the truth in love.

Family Scripture Reading

Romans 7

Featured Resource

You Are Healed - Book

From God’s perspective, health is not something that we lack and must try to attain. Rather, it is a possession that is already ours – but the thief is trying to steal it!

Jesus went to the cross to deliver us, once and for all, from the curse of sickness and disease. So, why does divine healing often seem to be so elusive? It’s because the only proof we have of our healing, until it is manifested, is the written Word of God.

Nevertheless, God’s Word is all the proof we need! Dr. Thompson shows you how to apply the principles of God’s Word to your life, until you experience the divine health in which God intends you to walk. This book equips you with the spiritual prescription needed to attain health, wholeness, and vitality in your body.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1 Man’s Opinion or God’s Word on Healing?
2 Healing Must Be Pursued
3 Different Ways Jesus Heals
4 Believing God For Yourself
5 Adjusting Your ‘Receiver’

 

Posted under Truth

This post was written by admin on July 16, 2009

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Regardless Of What You Are Going Through, Remember, God’s Word Is Always True

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Matthew 6:34 (NLT)

JUNE 26 - Here is a comprehensive definition of worry:

  • To strangle
  • To harass
  • To treat roughly with continual biting or tearing with the teeth
  • To annoy
  • To bother
  • To cause to feel troubled or uneasy
  • To make anxious

Now, does that sound like something you want?

Worry is really believing more in your circumstances than you do God’s Word. Yes, it is true many don’t see worry as something that is terribly wrong, but is this true? Is it acceptable to worry? Doesn’t God’s Word command us to be anxious for nothing?

God does not lie. He cannot lie. In fact, it is impossible for God to lie. If I am worried over a given situation, it is because I don’t believe what God said concerning my circumstance. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry…” Understand, Jesus doesn’t make suggestions; His words are not to be disregarded. He commanded us to never worry about another thing again, and if He commanded us not to worry, rest assured, He soundly gave us the ability to obey Him. May we bring great pleasure to the Father by trusting in Him with all our heart!

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I am free from worry because I trust in the Words You speak.

Family Scripture Reading

Acts 26

Featured Resource

Spiritual Checkup Pack - CD

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. Are you equipped to win the prize and obtain the goal? In this package, Dr. Robb Thompson explains to 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 and how to do the necessary examining of your 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).

 

Posted under Truth

This post was written by admin on June 26, 2009

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Any Statement Left Unchallenged Is Established As Truth

“I told you the truth I heard from God, but you are trying to kill me. Abraham wouldn’t do a thing like that. No, you are obeying your real father when you act that way.”
John 8:40-41 (NLT)

JUNE 24 - First Century Jerusalem—King Herod to the Wise Men of the East: “…Go and search diligently for the young Child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.” God could not leave King Herod’s hideous lie unchallenged. Herod had no intention whatsoever of worshipping the King of all kings.

Now, God knew that something drastic had to be done, so He gave one of the Wise Men a dream, alerting them of Herod’s false intentions. As a grown man, Jesus understood that any lie left unchallenged is established as truth in the minds of those who hear it. That principle is true for us, too. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He knows that if he can cause us to believe a lie, he is able to control our lives.

We must confront and counterattack every wicked and deceitful thought with the Word of God, which is why it is imperative that we study the Scriptures. Only when we have the truth can we fight and conquer deception.

Remember, deception believes a lie to be true. Therefore, people do not know they are deceived. They think they are doing the right thing, but the enemy artfully blinds people from the truth. We must pursue God’s truth and pay any price to press into the Word of God. As we grow in the knowledge of God and confront the lies of Satan, we walk in greater depths of truth and freedom.

Daily Confession

Father, I continue in Your Word. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. Therefore I alter my life in accordance to Your Word. I know the truth and the truth makes me free.

Family Scripture Reading

Proverbs 4

Featured Resource

Spiritual Checkup Pack - CD

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. Are you equipped to win the prize and obtain the goal? In this package, Dr. Robb Thompson explains to 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 and how to do the necessary examining of your 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).

 

Posted under Confrontation

This post was written by admin on June 24, 2009

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Never Attempt To Take Authority Over Something For Which You Are Not Responsible

“Jesus replied, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me.’”
John 21:22 (NLT)

JUNE 23 - King over Judea at the Savior’s birth, Herod attempted to use his authority by quizzing the Wise Men concerning the Child’s whereabouts by craftily asking for information upon their return via Jerusalem. Nonetheless, God intervened, warning them not to meet Herod at the palace, but to travel to their country another way, halting Herod’s plan to do business outside of God’s desires. Deviously, and with great pride, Herod took responsibility over that which did not concern him.

The journey of promotion is abruptly halted when this principle is violated. It often shows a superior that the current responsibilities are not enough for the employee. Rather than fulfilling his or her own duties with excellence, the employee decides to spend his or her time in someone else’s business.

Let’s look at another Biblical example. The moment Peter stepped outside of his responsibility, Jesus quickly rebuked him. We see how seriously the Lord takes this issue. It wasn’t that Jesus tried to keep something good from Peter by not telling him about John; Jesus tried to lead Peter on a path that would be best for him. Jesus understood that getting involved in someone else’s business is self-sabotage! Peter had to focus 100% on his responsibility, which meant that he could put no thought into what another person had to do.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I mind my own business, and that I do the things I am commanded to do. I refuse to compare myself with those around me, knowing that I do everything as unto You.

Family Scripture Reading

Acts 19

Featured Resource

Spiritual Checkup Pack - CD

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. Are you equipped to win the prize and obtain the goal? In this package, Dr. Robb Thompson explains to 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 and how to do the necessary examining of your 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).

 

Posted under Responsibility

This post was written by admin on June 23, 2009

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Criticism Is Restricted To The Power You Give It

“Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, ‘What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they are doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a day if they offer enough sacrifices? Look at those charred stones they are pulling out of the rubbish and using again!’”
Nehemiah 4:1-2 (NLT)

MAY 8 - Nehemiah set out to rebuild the dilapidated wall of Jerusalem, and nothing was going to stop him. Nonetheless, it was no trouble-free task. His greatest enemy, Sanballat, was on a constant tirade, trying to destroy Nehemiah by crudely discouraging all of his builders. Soundly determined to do God’s will, even in the midst of vitriolic criticism, Nehemiah led his team to complete the wall.

Sanballat’s criticism would have been a great excuse for Nehemiah to throw in the towel. He could have keenly listened to its banter, firmly believing it, and then finally quit. But Nehemiah understood that criticism would only hurt him if he allowed it.

On our journey to fulfill the will of God, we’ll inevitably pick up a few critics. On December 1, 1953, at age 38, Dayan became the highest ranking Israeli commander with rank of Major General, the role for which he seemed destined. Whether it was waiting in line for his share of rations, or breaking his leg during paratroop training, all criticism vanished as far as General Dayan’s service was concerned— the divine power of his assignment broke down (as it did with Nehemiah) every wall and every critic. When you hear criticism, strengthen your resolve to complete your assignment so that you, too, can glorify God.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that Your Word is the truth about me. I decide from this moment on to shrug off criticism, look to Your Word, and finish the tasks Heaven gives me.

Family Scripture Reading

1 Peter 1

Featured Resource

Wisdom Devotional - Book

Your daily devotions will be complete with this combination package containing both leather-bound devotional and hardback journal, in the color black or burgundy.

 

Posted under Criticism

This post was written by admin on May 8, 2009

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Who You Are Is Revealed By What You Do

“You will know them by their fruits…”
Matthew 7:16 (NKJV)

APRIL 20 - Jesus tells us we shall know another by their fruits. I find it interesting how people judge another by what they do, but refuse to acknowledge their own actions. There are many who tell people, “God knows my heart,” yet they live in the depths of sin. Remember, God cannot be mocked. Although we can fool others, we cannot fool God. David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Teachers of the ancient Hebrews did not hesitate to take action if their students misbehaved. Employing a strap of reeds, persistently inattentive or habitually absent children would be strictly chastised. These teachers’ actions were a blanket reflection of what they believed —discipline works! Likewise, our actions are a reflection of what lies hidden deep within our hearts…we cannot believe otherwise.

Remember, our actions are a documentation of what we believe; and every time we act, we declare to all of Heaven and earth who we truly are. If we ever seek change in our lives, we must begin to understand that our actions are the proof of who we are. May God help us to examine ourselves, revealing who we really are, going deep within.

Daily Confession

Lord, search me and know me, and rid me of any wicked desire lying within my heart. I am a doer of Your Word. I am known by my fruit and I choose to act upon Your Word. As I act, I bear the fruit of the Spirit in my life.

Day 20: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

Genesis 15

Featured Resource

Sculpting Your True identity - CD

It took Michelangelo six years to carve one of his greatest works, the magnificent statue of King David. When asked why his masterpiece took so long, his reply was simple: “Once I found a slab of marble that I could see David in, all that was left was to chip away everything that was not David.”

You are God’s masterpiece. God placed something great within you that no man can take away, no circumstance can assail, and no words can destroy. The key to unveiling your true potential lies in learning how to chip away everything that is not a part of who God called you to be. Join Dr. Robb Thompson as he shows you how to become God’s masterpiece – whole, polished, and created anew in Christ Jesus!

 

Posted under Action, Character

This post was written by admin on April 20, 2009

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The Life You Life Will Be Determined By The People You Embrace

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32 (KJV)

APRIL 16 - “That’s it…a little harder now. I know your hands are getting scratched but…just pull a little harder, a little more, and up you go… hey, you made it!” Truth is like that long, dangling rope. All you need
to do is take both hands and firmly grip your fingers around the bottom end of it and you can make your way to every other truth up the line. And each of us has that rope dangling within our easy grasp. The
only disparity is our willingness to grab on tightly, and to climb up boldly to higher truths. But:

• Will you exert the effort it takes to climb?
• Will you endure the inevitable burns of the rough rope?
• Will you cling to truth and keep climbing once you go far higher than you ever thought possible?

There is a common misconception that if I know something, then that means I do it. For example, think of a few Scriptures you have memorized. Now, ask yourself (be honest!): How well do I actually walk in the truths of those verses?

We all have places where we can grow in our understanding of truth, and most of us can start right where we are, putting into action the Word we already know. In doing so, we’ll discover what real freedom is. Don’t think it necessary to run and find the latest, biggest, most exciting truth. Just start where you are right this moment, doing exactly what you know to do.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You for giving me Your Word. I continue in Your Word and I know the truth and the truth makes me free.

Day 16: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

Songs of Solomon 2

Featured Resource

Getting Your Life In Order - Womens Conference CD Series

It’s time to get your life in order! This series is packed with information that is sure to edify and simplify your life. Sessions include:

• Managing your Time – Kandi Minyard worked for over ten years as Financial Secretary at Family Harvest Church. She will provoke you to think ahead and plan. With practical ideas and personal examples, Kandi will inspire you to become an excellent manager of your time.

• Managing your Home – Theresa Lashley was an administrator in a business firm for a number of years and understands how to manage. In addition to working outside the home, she continues to home school her four children. She will show you how to skillfully juggle all the moving pieces of a busy Christian family.

• Managing your Body – Emily Stanford is currently pursuing a degree in health and nutrition. She will show you how to maintain regular exercise and eat healthful meals (even with a busy schedule) so you can glorify God with your body.

• Managing your Money – Toni McCarty is a CPA, currently works as an accountant. She will teach you how to plan and stick to a budget, add to the family’s resources, and make wise financial decisions.

 

Posted under Truth

Every Thought That Runs Through Your Mind Is Simply Not Yours

“The thoughts of the righteous are right,
but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.”
Proverbs 12:5 (NKJV)

FEBRUARY 2 - Centuries preceding the lives of Mattathias and his sons existed a culture, a people of stimulating thoughts. The ancient Egyptians are considered to be one of the most enlightened, advanced inhabitants of the antiquated world. But most of their thoughts were wrong. They erroneously formed a disturbing template for their lives. One of their most zealous beliefs was that they needed natural items (clothing, tools, weapons, and dishware) in the next life. This was the whole reason behind mummification—preserving worldly things for the afterlife. How deceiving and contrary to God’s Word!

If you have received Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life, any thoughts in your mind that are contrary to God’s Word are not your thoughts. How do I know this? Proverbs 12:5 says, “The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.”

God declared you righteous—not based upon what you do, but upon what Jesus did. Therefore, if your thoughts are not right thoughts, they are not your thoughts. You may even argue, “Yes, but I’m the one thinking those thoughts!” No, those lying thoughts are just passing through. You don’t have to feel  condemned about thinking them, but you do have to sharply reject them, as fervently as you would the erroneous beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. From there, you must replace lying thoughts with correct ones. Doing so prevents wrong thinking from taking hold of your subconscious thoughts, and with enough effort, you can make right thoughts your template for life!

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I think Your thoughts, and they form the template for my life. I understand that not every thought that runs through my mind is mine, and so I take captive the thoughts that do not align with Your Word.

Day 2: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

1 Kings 24

Featured Resource

Hope Confessions - CD

Do you feel as if your mind has become a battleground of distressing thoughts and images? Do thoughts of worry, fear, inadequacy, and failure seem to enter your mind, no matter how hard you try to break free?

Having given his life to Jesus Christ in a mental institution, Dr. Robb Thompson knows firsthand how to replace negative thoughts of depression and discouragement with God’s thoughts of hope and victory.

The key to experiencing freedom in your thought life and peace in your mind is to replace your thoughts with God’s thoughts. In the Great Exchange Collection, Dr. Thompson passes on this vital lesson to you. This audio CD has verses and confessions for you to speak over your life. As you proclaim the truth of God’s Word with your own mouth, you will be filled with the hope that comes from His Word!

 

Posted under Thoughts

This post was written by admin on February 2, 2009

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