Divine Setups

Today’s Prayer
Good morning, Lord! Thank you for this day. Thank you for times when I can step back and reflect. I realize that through the years, I have developed habits that are irritating to You…and to my family too. Please help me to change that. I only want to have good habits. I pray that I will be a blessing to you, to my family, to my friends, and everyone I meet. Please forgive me of my sins and failures, of the times I have not been kind to my family, of those annoying little habits. I commit to You today, that with Your help, I will change for the better. I praise and worship You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Divine Setups
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
11-06-2014
“Simon, Simon, satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

Have you ever perceived yourself to be at one place spiritually only to discover that you were actually far from this place? Peter perceived himself to be so spiritually strong that he was prepared to suffer greatly for his Master. Yet Jesus knew where Peter really was in his own pilgrimage. He knew that Peter’s enthusiasm did not match his reality. He was suffering from an attitude of self-righteousness. So, how did Jesus help Peter match his perception to his reality? Peter was the object of a divine setup.

First, notice that satan asked permission to sift Peter as wheat. Jesus determined that satan would be used to bring Peter to the maturity level both Jesus and Peter really desired. And Jesus was praying that Peter would pass the test. Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times that very day. Peter could not believe what Jesus was saying.

Sometimes the lessons we must learn are very painful. This experience was necessary in Peter’s life. It was necessary to purge Peter from his sin of self-righteousness. This very lesson would allow Peter to come face to face with his own misperception of where he was in his relationship and devotion to Jesus. When he was forced to confront this, it nearly broke him apart. He wept bitterly once he realized he had done just as Jesus had predicted.

This confrontation with reality is necessary at times in our lives. Do not be surprised if Jesus allows you to experience some painful circumstance. You may be the subject of a divine setup designed to bring you to a greater maturity level in your walk with Jesus. It may not be a fun experience when you go through it, but you will, like Peter, become a leader whom God will use to lead others.

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Face to Face

Today’s Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven, Please open my eyes and speak to my heart…and enlighten every one of your children today…that every American who claims the name of Christ as a Christian will vote as the Holy Spirit leads. I pray that the right people will be elected to lead our great nation. I pray that your people, who are called by your name, will turn from their sin and fall on their faces before you, and stand for what is right, so that you will be glorified and pleased and may bless us and have mercy upon our country. Please give us wisdom for this day. Help us to have clear minds, loving hearts, grateful attitudes, and the mind of Christ as we make decisions and as we live each day, looking for that glorious return you have promised. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

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Face to Face
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
11-04-2014

“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” 2 John 12

It is easy to fire off a letter to someone in this age of electronic communication because of its expediency. In business we call this being efficient. However, there are times when nothing but a face-to-face meeting is the appropriate means of communication. We know that verbal skills are a very small portion of communication. Body language, voice tone, and our expressions make up the majority of our overall communication. This cannot be seen through a letter or electronic medium.

John knew that being face to face with those he ministered to was important. And for John, it meant some major trouble to get from one place to another. It wasn’t as simple as getting into a car or hopping onto an airplane. John’s desire and determination to visit and talk face to face reinforces the importance of one-on-one personal communication.

I once had to confront a businessman about some problems we were having in a business deal. He lived in another town. The negotiations had stalled to some degree. I could have attempted to solve the problem over the phone. But I realized the serious nature of the issues required a face-to-face meeting. I drove two hours to his office and met with him face to face. It meant all the difference. It demonstrated to my friend I was serious enough about solving the problem to take a day to come see him. It also showed I valued him and he was worth the effort. This resulted in him giving greater emphasis to the issue

Next time a situation arises that requires more focused communication, consider whether the situation requires a personal visit. You may find this will be the key to resolving issues that otherwise might end in a stalemate. 

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

The Root of Bitterness

Today’s Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for this beautiful day. Thank you for the seasons that change and the awesome wonder of nature that you gave us to enjoy and to oversee. Thank you for cool fall breezes at the end of a hot, dry summer. Thank you for the colorful autumn leaves that flutter down and the rusty, warm shades of flowers. Thank you for harvest time, orange pumpkins and crisp apples. Thank you for family together times and friends and festivals and all your abundant blessings. Thank you for keeping me safe, for watching over my loved ones, and for meeting our needs. I pray for the needy, that you will touch them and bring joy and provision into their lives. Thank you, God, for hearing me, for accepting my praise, and for answering my heart’s prayers. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

The Root of Bitterness
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
11-03-2014
“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15

The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.

When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer. Breaking satan’s foothold requires at least one person to press into God’s grace. It cannot happen when either party “feels” like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God’s grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.

The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Ability

All personal breakthroughs begin with a change in beliefs.
– Anthony Robbins
Monday, November 3, 2014
Ability
You can do what must be done. You can articulate what must be said.

You can endure whatever difficulties may come. You can understand and adapt to conditions that constantly change.

It is amazing what you have the ability to do. It is beautiful when you choose to make something meaningful and valuable out of all those abilities.

You can learn from what happens, adapt to what changes, and persevere through whatever may come. You can assemble together new and creative things that the world has never seen.

Remind yourself how great it feels to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of others. Then harness your powerful abilities and do it.

Regardless of the situation, you can add real value. That’s an outstanding ability, and it’s yours to use right now.

— Ralph Marston

Nothing Wasted

Nothing Wasted

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’ ”
(John 6:12, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
The Bible tells of a time when Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand with only five loaves and two fishes. He blessed it and multiplied it. That day, everyone had more than enough to eat, and there were still twelve baskets full of bread and fish left over. That’s because we serve a God of abundance! Then Jesus told the disciples to collect all the leftovers “so that nothing is wasted.” With God, nothing is ever wasted. He’ll never waste an experience; He’ll never waste a hurt; He’ll never waste a dream; He’ll never waste even a single piece of bread.

If you’ve felt like you’ve wasted years of your life in the wrong job, hanging around the wrong people or doing the wrong things, God will gather those years and restore them to you. He’ll take those experiences that the enemy meant for your harm and turn them around for your good. He’ll make you stronger, wiser and better off than you were before. He can launch you further into your destiny than before. Be encouraged today because with God, all things are possible! He is your provider, and nothing is ever wasted!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I give You every bit of my life, my past, my present and my future. Thank You for taking every experience and turning it around for my good. I know that with You, nothing is ever wasted in Jesus’ name! Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

God’s Double-Talk

Today’s Prayer
Dear God of peace, make me perfect in every good work to do your will. Work in me that which is well-pleasing in your sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever (based on Hebrews 13:20-21). You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. Please see my worth through the blood of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer. Please forgive me of my shortcomings, and help me to live a holy life unto you, oh my God of peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God’s Double-Talk
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
10-22-2014
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.'” Exodus 4:21

Have you ever had a boss tell you to do something only to have him sabotage your ability to complete the task? Nothing is more frustrating than to begin to carry out a task and have your superior thwart your effort to do what he asked you to do. Moses must have felt this way after God told him to go to Pharaoh and tell him to release the people of Israel. He said, “I am going to give you the power to release the children of Israel by the miracles I will do through you.” Yet at the same time, He told Moses they would not be released because He was going to put a hard heart in Pharaoh. How do we reconcile this?

In my own life, I knew God called me to certain endeavors. Yet every time I turned around, a roadblock stood in my way. It took years of plodding along before the light came on as to why there was such a distance between what God called me to do and the manifestation of that calling. When David was anointed king of Israel, it was years before he realized the manifestation of that calling. There were a number of reasons for these delays.

In the case of Moses and Israel, God wanted to demonstrate His power in such a way that generations would be able to hear the story of their deliverance from their ancestors. God wanted greater glory from the situation. God also wanted to deal with Egypt by sending specific plagues. Finally, the very process built character in Moses and tested Moses to see if he would stay the course.

There is a time for everything. If God has called you to some endeavor and you are frustrated that it has not manifested, know that times of preparation and simmering are required before the vision can be achieved. Seldom does God call and manifest something at the same time. There is preparation. There is testing. There is relationship building between you and God that must take place. Once this is complete, you will see the vision materialize.

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Be the cause

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.
— Ernest Hemingway
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Be the cause
Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it, but what you do matters. Sometimes it’s hard to see how, but what you do makes a difference.

There is always hope, because there is always something you can do. There is always hope, because there is always a way to change things for the better.

Instead of wondering how much of an impact you’ll have, just go ahead and take action. Be the cause, and let the results come as they will.

Nurture the very best of intentions. Then give life to those intentions with action.

Often the path is twisted and complex. The only way to find your way through is to go.

Set your sights on the results you desire. And be the cause, for as long as it takes to bring those results to life.

— Ralph Marston

Sharpen Your Skills

Sharpen Your Skills

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings…”
(Proverbs 22:29, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Too often, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing the same way over and over every day. But if we are going to live at our absolute best, we should constantly be growing and sharpening our skills. We should strive to learn and grow every single day because when we stop learning, we stop growing. When we stop growing, we stop living.

What are you doing to stretch yourself? What are you doing to improve your skills? Don’t get trapped into thinking that “good enough” is good enough. You were created for more than just average. Today is a new day, and there are new heights for you to climb. Pursue what you love and keep developing that area of your life. Take a class or find a mentor that will help you live skillfully. As scripture promises, you’ll go before leaders and rulers and excel in every area of life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, today I resist mediocrity. I choose to give my very best to everything I do. Teach me to live skillfully so that my life is a continual praise to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

The purpose within

The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.
— Benjamin Disraeli
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The purpose within
Your life means something and that meaning is now. Make use of this day to honor and fulfill the precious living purpose you have the good fortune to carry.

Feel the joys and the sorrows, but don’t let them slow you down. Ultimately, what really matters is to make the difference you are here to make.

Yes, you can make that difference, and carry life forward in your own special way. Let go of the fears, the excuses and rationalizations, and just go ahead and do what you are meant to do.

Your purpose is what you feel when you rid your awareness of all the things that don’t matter. Allow yourself to know the joy of giving more and more of your moments to that purpose.

As each new moment arrives, give love and energy and life to the purpose that exists in you. See all that happens, whatever it is, as an opportunity to give life and substance to the purpose within.

Live this day with the intention of transforming inner value into outer achievement. Make a purposeful difference, and experience life at its most satisfying level.

— Ralph Marston

Avoiding Detours

Today’s Prayer
“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God For, All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever. And this is the word that was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:23-25). Dear Father, help me to remember that my glory here will fade as the flowers. Remind me that my real glory will come in Heaven, where flowers never fade and grass never withers. Thank You for Your Word and Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Avoiding Detours
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
10-20-2014
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I turned off the interstate to get gas for my car. I was returning from a speaking engagement and it was very late. As I turned onto the road, I looked for the entrance ramp to get back on the interstate. It was dark and I could not see any signs. I made a turn to the right that appeared to be the turn I needed to make. I could see the interstate was next to the road. As I continued down this road, the interstate was on my left. It soon became obvious it was not the entrance road but rather a frontage road. I assumed it would take me to the next interchange.

However, the road soon turned away from the interstate. It grew darker and darker. The road became a dirt road. I realized I was not going to get to the interstate on this road. Being a bit frustrated that I had made the wrong turn, I turned around and went back, losing valuable time.

It is easy to make assumptions about the path we are on. If God’s Spirit has not enlightened our reasoning, we are inclined to make the wrong choices. Our choices seem right at the time, but later we discover these choices have led us away from God because they were based on our own reasoning.

Acknowledge God in all your ways today. Lean completely on Him to reveal His direction for your life. If you do so, He will direct you to the desired destination He has for you.

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.