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Keep Your Boundary Up!

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  But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!” 1 Samuel 17:28, NLT Keep Your Boundary Up When David’s oldest brother overheard him asking some soldiers about the reward for killing the giant Goliath, he belittled David, trying to manipulate him into feeling small and insignificant. David could have let his brother control him and tried to play up to him, thinking, “I have to get Eliab to accept me. He’s family. What do I have to do to win his approval?” But David had a boundary up. His attitude was: “I don’t need his approval to feel good about who I am. I’m going to run my race and focus on my goals. If he doesn’t like it, that’s too bad.” When someone’s critical of us, it’s tempting to try to prove who we are, to convince them to like us. If you fall in...
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We are God’s Handiwork!

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  We are God’s Handiwork Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, NIV “ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV) Have you noticed that when you meet someone new, the conversation often focuses on things you feel passionate about and what each person does for a living? That’s similar to the way Kingdom of God works. We learn from Scripture that  each of us is a work of God . “ He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works ” (Psalm 33:15, NKJV). Isn’t it exciting to realize that God made you for a purpose? As our relationship with God develops, he reveals more of himself and his plans for us. As we  flow with the Holy Spirit , he empowers us to accomplish his purposes. Transformed Kingdom of God thinkers come to appreciate that we are living in a “perishing environment”; we have a limited period of time to prepare for entering the eternal world. Our natural desire to spe...
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Give Yourself Some Grace!

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“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I consecrated you.” Jeremiah 1:5, AMP Give Yourself Some Grace Before Jeremiah was formed in his mother’s womb, long before he overcame a weakness and became a great prophet, God said, “I approved you.” We think once we perform better, we can approve ourselves. We think that when we get rid of our flaws, overcome a bad habit, and are more patient, we can feel good about who we are. But God already approves you, so why don’t you approve yourself? He’s not withholding His acceptance until you do better. He knew every shortcoming, every weakness you would ever have, yet He says, “I approve you.” It’s because He formed you. He knows your flaws aren’t going to keep you from your purpose. The only way they’ll limit you is if you live down on yourself, feeling wrong, trying to change things that only God can change.  Do your best and then rest. He’ll work out the things that...
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DNA Markers of a Strategic Kingdom Investor!

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  DNA Markers of a Strategic Kingdom Investor Scripture: Romans 12:2, NIV “ Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ” (Romans 12:2, NIV) The DNA markers of those who practice the concepts of Kingdom of God differ radically from those who abide by the “wisdom” promoted by the world system. Kingdom of God  thinkers focus their thoughts on the  person of Jesus Christ . Kingdom of God thinkers understand that they have been given a “ loaf of time ” that is being shortened by a slice each day. Kingdom of God  thinkers accept that they have been  designed by God for a purpose  to be fulfilled in the time they have left in this world. Kingdom of God  thinkers view their 3 Ts— time, talent, and treasure —as items at risk of being consumed by perishable goals in this temporary world, leaving them with nothing in...
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Psalms 72!

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  Introduction Psalm 72: Today’s reading is a prayer for God to help and guide the king. The psalm presents a series of intercessions for the king to govern with righteousness and justice. It may have been originally used when a new king took office. The king was to serve God by being honest and fair and by taking care of the poor. Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 72:1–2 GNT Teach the king to judge with your righteousness, O God; share with him your own justice, so that he will rule over your people with justice and govern the oppressed with righteousness. Read 72 Teach the king to judge with your righteousness, O God;     share with him your own justice, 2  so that he will rule over your people with justice     and govern the oppressed with righteousness. 3  May the land enjoy prosperity;     may it experience righteousness. 4  May the king judge the poor fairly;     may he help the needy ...
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Experience God’s Favor!

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  Experiencing God’s Favor Scripture: Proverbs 8:35, NIV “ Those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. ” (Proverbs 8:35, NIV) I find this verse highly motivating. This verse alone makes me want to know God; value his Word; practice the principles of  SOAK, SOW, and FLOW ; be transformed, and capture the vision God has for me. Psalm 36:9 is another major “Button Pusher” verse for me. The psalmist writes, “ For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. ” I want to experience the life the Holy Spirit can and will impart to me as I practice the principles of SOAK, SOW, and FLOW. I also want to place myself in a position, subject to God’s sovereignty, to experience his favor on my life. What a Spiritual M&M to munch on! Ephesians 5:14 serves as a wake-up call: “ This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’”  When Christ shines on our lives, things happen. When we bring our lives in harmon...
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Psalms 68:!

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  Psalm 68: Today’s reading is a psalm of praise. It recounts God’s constant presence and care for the Israelites, from their wanderings in the desert after leaving Egypt to their victories in battle with Canaanite kings. The psalm concludes with a joyful procession into God’s sanctuary (the Temple in Jerusalem), God’s defeat of Israel’s enemies, and songs praising God’s power. Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 68:4 GNT Sing to God, sing praises to his name; prepare a way for him who rides on the clouds. His name is the LORD—be glad in his presence! Read 68 God rises up and scatters his enemies.     Those who hate him run away in defeat. 2  As smoke is blown away, so he drives them off;     as wax melts in front of the fire,     so do the wicked perish in God's presence. 3  But the righteous are glad and rejoice in his presence;     they are happy and shout for joy. 4  Sing to God, sing prais...
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