“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

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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

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
John 12:24 (NIV)

JULY 29 - In recent years, archaeologists have discovered seeds that are thousands of years old. To the  surprise of many, when these seeds were planted, they began to grow. We can be ensured, therefore, that our seed is entirely dormant until we place it in the proper soil. While the seeds were in storage, they were only seeds. Yet, once they were planted, the seeds “died,” but a new plant grew in its place.

Early in His ministry, Jesus informed us that this would happen. Yet, the seeds of our lives remain just that, mere seeds, until we strategically plant them in fertile soil. What seeds are you holding in your hand? What have you been unwilling to release?

Take a look around your life. Everything you have is a potential seed, but the only way to receive a harvest is to sow. Be aware, though, that the Scriptures speak of seed, time, and harvest.

Your harvest takes time, and you must be prepared to wait. Rest assured that, just as crops often spring up without the farmer’s knowledge or assistance, your seed also grows up and brings you a harvest at the appointed time.

Father, I thank You that You give seed to the sower and that You cause my harvest to come so I can sow again.

Family Scripture Reading

Proverbs 9

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 Seed

“Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”
Matthew 26:42 (NKJV)

JULY 28 - His unmistakable scent; his legendary stride; his fury, his anointing — when Elijah appeared at Elisha’s field, no one could mistake what had happened. The coat of the fiery prophet Elijah was symbolically presented to Elisha, signaling to everyone that Elisha was to follow the prophet of God. At the time, Elisha’s livelihood was his team of oxen and his plow. When the man of God arrived, however, Elisha burned his plow until it became ash and roasted his oxen for a commemorative meal. There could be no retreat, just as there would be no retreat for Jesus when it came time for the Father’s will to be done on the cross. Jesus, as well as Elisha, walked confidently into the will of God. The will of God is not as mysterious as it may seem.

First Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us exactly what God’s will is for our lives: “Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” God’s will is contained in those explicit instructions: Don’t be like the world… Embrace God’s way of thinking… Always be joyful… Keep on praying… And always be thankful.

We fulfill God’s will when we follow these commands. To live in such a way means we must be thoroughly finished with our own way of living. We must burn the bridges to our own righteousness, troubles, and time constraints. The bridge of God’s Word that lies in front of us transports us to God’s will. The secret, nonetheless, is to remain firmly on the bridge.

Father, I thank You that I am not conformed to this world, but I am transformed by the renewing of my mind, and I prove what is Your good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Family Scripture Reading

Romans 16

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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 Sacrfice

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)

JULY 27 - If the relationship between Joseph and Jesus had not given birth to change, foretelling something new, then their close association as parent and child would have been completely unnecessary. So, with schooling behind Him, wood chips now intriguingly clung to Jesus’ fingertips, the pegs hammered straight, just as Joseph instructed. Change and growth compellingly marked the relationship between Joseph and Jesus, the carpenter and his apprentice. Joseph’s firstborn Son was willing to learn how to work as an adult, convincing others by His presence to live honest and pure.

If you are not changing and growing as a result of your relationships, then what is the point of continuing  them? Is there something beyond the fishing trips and the shopping sprees?We must not allow mediocrity to penetrate our lives through the influence of mediocre relationships! Such influence may appear benign, but like cancer, it is indeed deadly.

If you are going to be thrust into a dynamic future, then you must surround yourself with dynamic, excellent individuals who might sometimes even make you feel uncomfortable, as was often the case with the master and his apprentice—father and Son. These individuals compel you, by their very presence, to unearth the excellence within yourself. Embrace their correction and allow them to be honest with you. By doing this, change is inevitable.

Father, I thank You as iron sharpens iron, I sharpen those I call friend.

Family Scripture Reading

Romans 15

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 Relationship

“Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure.”
Proverbs 2:2-4 (NLT)

“I love all who love Me. Those who search for Me will surely find Me.”
Proverbs 8:17 (NLT)

JULY 26 - Wisdom is available to everyone. Unfortunately, pride keeps many people from reaching for God, causing them to stay imprisoned in their situation. Ask anyone who is in debt, without a job, or in a troubled marriage, “How much time do you spend pursuing God’s Word?” Their answer will be the same—little or none at all.

As His ministry began, Jesus, “Wisdom Himself,” saturated the pages of God’s Holy Word, dumbfounding Israel’s scholarly priests with practical lessons for the young and old. And as He walked in that wisdom, respect for His ministry grew. Solomon tells us, “Wisdom is the principal thing.”

Without wisdom, we cannot fulfill the will of God for our lives, nor can we live above the circumstances of life. Wisdom is the ability to accurately apply God’s Word to every situation. What kind of life do we want? Our answer determines the type of action we need to take. We must take the wisdom of God and apply it, like lotion of aloe, to those areas where we need improvement.

The Word of God can be applied to all situations, but only those willing to embrace God’s thoughts experience true wisdom from Heaven.

I tune my ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding. I search for them as I would search for lost money or hidden treasure. I love wisdom and humble myself by reaching for God’s understanding.

Family Scripture Reading

Genesis 28

Featured Resource

Flourishing Financially - CD

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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 Wisdom

“From this time on, the sword will be a constant threat to your family, because you have despised me by taking Uriah’s wife to be your own. But you have given the enemies of the Lord great opportunity to despise and blaspheme Him, so your child will die.”
2 Samuel 12:10, 14 (NLT)

JULY 25 - As He matured into a man, Jesus undoubtedly began to realize His mission on earth—to provide forgiveness for the sin of all mankind. But God’s forgiveness through Christ does not override the consequences that come from my sin. Just because I repent for my sin does not mean I won’t experience the consequences of that sin. This was the case for David. When Nathan confronted David over his sin with Bathsheba, David repented and made this declaration, “I have sinned against God and God alone.” Although David repented, the sword did not leave David’s family and his infant son also died
(2 Samuel 12:10, 14).

Forgiveness does not mean God wipes away the consequences of our sin—it simply means He wipes away the memory of the sin we committed, like marks wiped away from a glass (Psalm 103:12). But I must face up to the consequences of my decisions and accept them, knowing they are a result of my own construction. I go to God to clear the shame, guilt, and memory that stem from my lack of obedience, but I do not expect God to remove the harvest of my wrongdoing.

God is just, and the law of sowing and reaping works both ways. Life returns to me exactly what I put into it. And that is a truth I must embrace, otherwise, I get angry at God for not removing the varied consequences of my choices.

Father, I thank You that You forgive me. I understand that human consequences exist, even in the face of divine forgiveness, and I humbly accept the harvest of my decisions.

Family Scripture Reading

Romans 14

Featured Resource

Flourishing Financially - CD

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Posted under Consequences

“So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away.”
2 Peter 1:10 (NLT)

JULY 24 - There is a great fallacy in much of Western culture. We mistakenly believe that we are entitled to a certain quality of life without ever working for it. We grew up in an era of relatively great prosperity, especially compared to the rest of the world. Consequently, we think we simply deserve a lot of things.

While it is true that we have a degree of entitlement to the rewards for which our parents and grandparents worked, we must never rely on that for our future prosperity. Jesus did not, and could not rely on Joseph and Mary for the success of His ministry. No, He was in the temple, interacting with people and discussing the Scriptures. Whether:

• On the job
• At home
• In relationships
• In service to God

We must always remember that results are expected. Whatever we promise, we must deliver, and more. As we do so, we can expect to continually increase in both our quality of life and in our influence as people of integrity.

Father, I thank You that You live inside of me, and that I have the ability to get results in every area of my life.

Family Scripture Reading

Romans 13

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Repentance: God’s Key To Restoration - CD

One of the most shocking philosophies found in churches today is that one can live for Christ and partake of sin. In short, repentance is no longer considered necessary. God’s grace has been lifted higher than His command to “Repent.” Banished to the heap of dry doctrines along with sin, hell, fire, and brimstone, repentance is seldom taught and therefore greatly misunderstood. Yet according to God’s Word, repentance is vital not only for salvation, but also maturity in Christ to become the effective believer He wants you to be.

In this timely series, Dr. Robb Thompson clarifies the importance of repentance in salvation and daily life. This study offers you foundational instruction if you’re a new Christian and important reminders if you’re a veteran believer.

Posted under Results

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

JULY 23 - We are to keep God’s commandments at all times. “Keep” means to guard, to protect, and to defend. Keeping God’s commandments is a constant effort. We cannot walk with Jesus one day, live like the devil the next day, and then live for Jesus again the day after that.

We must protect God’s Word in our lives. Suppose a person says, “God, I love You, but I am not going to show up at church today,” or, “God, I love You, but I am still going to retaliate against that person for what he did to me.” Such a person is viciously deceived, thinking they love God while bypassing His Word.

Solomon wrote, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it spring the issues of life.” The New Living Translation says that the heart “affects everything you do.” We perish if we walk the picket fence of life, blustering in all directions like the wind in the trees. Let us rather commit ourselves to the pursuit of His Word and live the life God has for us.

Father, I thank You that I am committed to the pursuit of Your Word. I keep my heart with all diligence, for it affects everything I do.

Family Scripture Reading

Romans 12

Featured Resource

Repentance: God’s Key To Restoration - CD

One of the most shocking philosophies found in churches today is that one can live for Christ and partake of sin. In short, repentance is no longer considered necessary. God’s grace has been lifted higher than His command to “Repent.” Banished to the heap of dry doctrines along with sin, hell, fire, and brimstone, repentance is seldom taught and therefore greatly misunderstood. Yet according to God’s Word, repentance is vital not only for salvation, but also maturity in Christ to become the effective believer He wants you to be.

In this timely series, Dr. Robb Thompson clarifies the importance of repentance in salvation and daily life. This study offers you foundational instruction if you’re a new Christian and important reminders if you’re a veteran believer.

Posted under Obedience

“Happy are those who obey His decrees and search for Him with all their heart.”
Psalm 119:2 (NLT)

JULY 22 - Where does your commitment lie with God? If there were to be a trial, would you be found guilty of a life committed to God? These are two questions we must ask ourselves if we truly want to enjoy life. Jesus told us, “I come to give life and life more abundant.” Do we want that kind of life? It won’t come to just anyone…there is a requirement.

You must commit your life to Christ Jesus. He must reign (like a king reigns over a nation) as Lord in your heart, directing your every decision. Our commitment to God goes no deeper than our commitment to His Word. There are believers who claim they are committed to God but refuse to do what God commands in His Word.

Jesus says, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not what I said?” Though many Jewish priests were committed to studying the Scriptures, during His ministry Jesus told the Pharisees, “You honor Me with your lips, but your hearts are full of all kinds of evil.” Your commitment to God is proven through your passionate pursuit of obeying His Word. It must be your greatest desire. If you ever truly want to enjoy life, obedience is the safest and best route to take. It may just be the only route you can take.

Father, I thank You that I am happy because I am one of integrity who follows after Your law and obeys the written Word. I enjoy life as I passionately seek after You with all my heart.

Family Scripture Reading

Proverbs 8

Featured Resource

Repentance: God’s Key To Restoration - CD

One of the most shocking philosophies found in churches today is that one can live for Christ and partake of sin. In short, repentance is no longer considered necessary. God’s grace has been lifted higher than His command to “Repent.” Banished to the heap of dry doctrines along with sin, hell, fire, and brimstone, repentance is seldom taught and therefore greatly misunderstood. Yet according to God’s Word, repentance is vital not only for salvation, but also maturity in Christ to become the effective believer He wants you to be.

In this timely series, Dr. Robb Thompson clarifies the importance of repentance in salvation and daily life. This study offers you foundational instruction if you’re a new Christian and important reminders if you’re a veteran believer.

Posted under Commitment

“In the same way, the Lord gave orders that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I would like to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my distinction of preaching without charge… What then is my pay? It is the satisfaction I get from preaching the Good News without expense to anyone, never demanding my rights as a preacher.”
1 Corinthians 9:14-15, 18 (NLT)

JULY 21 - What an incredible man Paul was! The situation described here is a result of the shortcomings of the Corinthians. Though Paul was their spiritual father, the one who freely gave of himself so they could hear the Gospel, they did not treat him justly. Instead, they unwisely gave honor to people who did much less for them in comparison to Paul. And what was Paul’s response recorded in the Scriptures above?

• He never demanded his rights.
• He diligently worked to add to the Corinthians, not to use them for
  his opportunistic gain.

Do you go to work adding value, or are you like crawdads in a bucket? Every time one crawdad almost makes his way out of the bucket by walking all over the other guys, another crawdad reaches up, pinches
his leg, and pulls him right back to where he started. You can live that way if you choose, but you will have nothing to show for it. Instead, be the one to propel others to their promotion. Go to work to add value, not to use others.

Father, I thank You for enabling me to add value to my world. I pray that You would continue to give me opportunities to become the answer for others.

Family Scripture Reading

Romans 11

Featured Resource

Repentance: God’s Key To Restoration - CD

One of the most shocking philosophies found in churches today is that one can live for Christ and partake of sin. In short, repentance is no longer considered necessary. God’s grace has been lifted higher than His command to “Repent.” Banished to the heap of dry doctrines along with sin, hell, fire, and brimstone, repentance is seldom taught and therefore greatly misunderstood. Yet according to God’s Word, repentance is vital not only for salvation, but also maturity in Christ to become the effective believer He wants you to be.

In this timely series, Dr. Robb Thompson clarifies the importance of repentance in salvation and daily life. This study offers you foundational instruction if you’re a new Christian and important reminders if you’re a veteran believer.

Posted under Giving