2023 May
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Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’” – Genesis 50:24 I was boarding the airplane in Frankfurt, Germany, when a mentor of mine
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Practicing the Presence of God
“Enoch walked with God” (Genesis 5:24). The true test of a person’s spiritual life and character is not what he does in the extraordinary moments of life, but what he does during the daily grind of everyday life when there is nothing tremendous or exciting happening. In the 1600’s, there was a monk named Brother
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Listening To The Father’s Heart
So many of my sons and daughters isolate themselves from those I have called them to love and influence for my kingdom. My Son did not do this. There is no one he did not associate with because he saw every person as a son or daughter made in my image. The old saying, “People
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The Greatest Test
“I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity.” – 1 Chronicles 29:17a God tests His children to know what is in their hearts. God’s desire for each of His children is to walk in relationship with Him, to uphold His righteousness and integrity. It is a high calling that
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Listening To The Father’s Heart
Son, before you came to earth, I predestined your life, what you would do and when and where you would live. And in this place, you will find your inheritance by simply fulfilling the mission I have for you. Remember, all of life is sacred. All you do is a ministry unto me. Do not
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You Need Power
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). D.L. Moody was a shoe salesman until God moved him into a full-time preaching ministry, often in the streets of
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Mother Teresa
“For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me”(Matt 25:42-43).
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Listening To The Father’s Heart
Son, I do not give others the grace for what I have called you todo. My grace and enablement come with the particular assignment I call a son or daughter of mine to accept.Be careful not to rely too much on the counsel of others when you already know what I have called you to
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Hearing the Father Speak
“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” – John 10:27 An Englishman tells a true story of his encounter with a Muslim man while walking in the country. The Englishman wanted to share the gospel with this man but knew little of Muslim beliefs. The two men talked as
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The Goal of the Christian Life
“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 The goal of the Christian life is death, not success. A popular teaching says that if we follow God, we will prosper
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Listening To The Father’s Heart
Son, the heart is always my one basis for evaluation. I look past the obvious in a person’s life and see the inner truths invisible to the human eye. You can be the greatest sinner, but if you give me your heart and allow my heart to connect with yours, I will bless your life.
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The Place of Nothingness
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Do you find yourself in a place of nothingness? There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of isolation and waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value.
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Fostering the Right Environment
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herd” (Prov 27:23). Janice was a high level executive who required excellence and exceptional performance from those under her leadership. She was the general manager of a credit card unit when five of her 2,000 employees were found to have deliberately
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Listening To The Father’s Heart
Son, marriage is for life. Many use the verse you cite as a reason to end their covenant. But I would have you realize that my people were often unfaithful to me. Do you remember Gomer and my son Hosea? I had my son marry her to demonstrate an important truth about my nature –
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Working Versus Striving
“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.”‘” – Zechariah 4:6 Your greatest obstacle in fulfilling God’s purposes in your life is the skills you have acquired to perform well in your work life. One
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Wrestling With God
“So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.” – Genesis 32:24 All that Jacob had lived for was coming down to one event – his reunion with Esau. More than 20 years had passed since Jacob had manipulated his father’s blessing away from his brother Esau. During these years God
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Confront and Support
“Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company” (Acts 15:37-39). Conflict in the workplace, in ministry, or
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Listening To The Father’s Heart
Son, you are an overcomer! I have made you to press through the recent challenges before you. You have been frustrated with what you perceive as hindrances and the slow pace toward seeing a breakthrough. In reality, these obstacles are actually making you the son and leader I want you to be. Your plodding and
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Listening To The Father’s Heart
Son, I want you to understand a very important spiritual truth about your role on the earth. When I sent my Son to redeem all that had been lost (Lk 19:10)–which included not only salvation for those my Son died for, but also man’s relationship to me and creation — I also entrusted him with
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God’s Preparation for Moving Out
“In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys.” – Genesis 30:43 Jacob left his homeland after suffering a broken relationship with Esau for stealing the family blessing. He went to work for his uncle Laban where he stayed for 20 years.
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Seven Needs
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Cor 10:3-5). Jerry had grown up with a father who was a successful workaholic. Although he lacked for nothing materially, he never sensed much warmth or compassion from his parents. Then, when
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Becoming Aware of God
…”Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” – Genesis 28:16 Jacob was forced to flee his family after receiving the blessing of God from his father, Isaac. He ran as a result of his broken relationship with his brother, Esau, who threatened to kill him. He was alone
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Listening To The Father’s Heart
Son, I am your Father of provision. I always care for your needs. This does not mean you will not experience lean times. You may have to trust me for “manna” in your deserts. But it does mean that provision is rooted in obedience rather than sweat and toil (Ps 127). There will be times
