I can't believe it it is already Day 6 of our 21 Day Challenge! We've almost hit the 1 week point!
Here is our thought for today:
Martin Luther, the theologian whose efforts in the 1500's opened up the use of the Bible to all people, once said, "I am so busy now that if I did not spend two or three hours each day in prayer, I could not get through the day." The more pressure he was under, the more he needed to have alone with God. This is true for any Christian.
Many people, written about in the Bible, set aside a time to meet with God. Jesus Himself was the best example:
**Read Mark 1:35 in your Bible**
It is said that the pace for your whole day is set during the first 15 minutes. Even if you prefer to read your Bible at night, it is still important to spend at least a few minutes with God each morning. He wants to guide you throughout the day, so let Him help you start it and plan it. Each morning, the time should be taken to give your day to God, to open yourself up to be used by Him any way He desires.
If you are too busy to spend time with God, then maybe you are busier than He intends for you to be. God gives us 24 hours in a day..... can't we give Him just a few minutes of our time?
Think about the way you spend your time throughout a normal day. Isn't there some extra time that you normally just throw away with useless things that you could devote to your Savior? I bet we all come find some time!
As you spend time in prayer, praise and listening today, ask God to show you a better way to manage your time so that you can spend more time with Him.
Have A Blessed Day!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
21 Day Challenge- Day Five
One evening an old Cherokee chief told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside of everyone. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, pride and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith." The grandson thought about this for a moment, then asked his gradfather, "So which wolf wins?" The old cheif simply answered, "The one you feed."
** Read 1 Peter 2:1-3 in your Bible**
In my New Living Translation, it says- 1"So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness."
Peter is saying here that one of the marks of a true believer is the strong desire for spiritual food and the things of Christ. Once someone has tasted the good things of the Lord, they will only want more and seek to grow and mature in Him.
As children of God, we should only crave and be influenced by what is good, not what is evil. People should know we are Christians because we live a life that exudes the goodness of our God- joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
So, which "wolf" are you feeding? What are you craving and surrounding yourself with on a daily basis? The one you choose to "feed" determines who you will become.
Keep steady in having this daily quiet time of prayer, praising and listening to God. This is a great way to feed your spirit man and grow in Christ.
** Read 1 Peter 2:1-3 in your Bible**
In my New Living Translation, it says- 1"So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness."
Peter is saying here that one of the marks of a true believer is the strong desire for spiritual food and the things of Christ. Once someone has tasted the good things of the Lord, they will only want more and seek to grow and mature in Him.
As children of God, we should only crave and be influenced by what is good, not what is evil. People should know we are Christians because we live a life that exudes the goodness of our God- joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
So, which "wolf" are you feeding? What are you craving and surrounding yourself with on a daily basis? The one you choose to "feed" determines who you will become.
Keep steady in having this daily quiet time of prayer, praising and listening to God. This is a great way to feed your spirit man and grow in Christ.
21 Day Challenge- Day Four
The meaning of the word 'integrity'is-firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values
Check out this story for today: It was the Summer of my 8th grade year. Now that I was 14, my parents wanted me to bring in some cash of my own. I was still too young to get a "real" job, so I chose the honorable profession of lawn maintenance! After going door to door, I landed a gig for a nice old man named Mr Thomas. I was so excited! It was my first job! This guy was going to pay me ten bucks!
It took me almost 2 hours to do it right. Afterwards, I looked across that yard with great pride. It was a job well done.
I knocked on the door to tell Mr. Thomas that I was finished. "How much do I owe you?" he said. "Ten dollars, sir," I replied. Mr. Thomas pulled out his wallet. I had never seen so much cash in my life! He thumbled through $20's and $50's and loads of $100 bills.
But Mr. Thomas couldn't see very well in his old age. When he stopped thumbing he tugged on a $100 bill and asked, "Is this a ten?" I could not believe my ears!
All I had to do was say "yes" and I would have ten times as much money! No one would ever know. Besides, he had so much money, he'd never miss it!
That split second seemed to last forever, but before I could think twice about it, I said, "No, sir." He found a real $10 bill and that was that.
They say integrity is about what you do when no one is looking. In the story above, Mr. Thomas was looking, but he just couldn't see. No one knew the good decision the boy made that day.... no one, except God. And God never forgets the things we do in private to honor Him.
**Read Psalm 26:1-3**
It says: 1"Declare me innocent, O Lord,for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. 2Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.Test my motives and my heart. 3For I am always aware of your unfailing love,and I have lived according to your truth."(New Living Translation)
Having integrity may not seem to pay off right away. It may even hurt at first. But as you trust God, He will vindicate you or "declare you innocent." He never forgets when His children honor Him with integrity.
Take time to think through some of the situations in which you'll have to make tough choices when no one is looking (i.e. cheating on homework, looking at inappropriate Internet sites, etc.) Decide right now how you'll maintain your intergrity in those situations.
Spend a few minutes in prayer, praise and listening to God. Ask God to strengthen your inner man today so that you can walk in integrity and honor Him in everything you do and say.
See you tomorrow!!
Check out this story for today: It was the Summer of my 8th grade year. Now that I was 14, my parents wanted me to bring in some cash of my own. I was still too young to get a "real" job, so I chose the honorable profession of lawn maintenance! After going door to door, I landed a gig for a nice old man named Mr Thomas. I was so excited! It was my first job! This guy was going to pay me ten bucks!
It took me almost 2 hours to do it right. Afterwards, I looked across that yard with great pride. It was a job well done.
I knocked on the door to tell Mr. Thomas that I was finished. "How much do I owe you?" he said. "Ten dollars, sir," I replied. Mr. Thomas pulled out his wallet. I had never seen so much cash in my life! He thumbled through $20's and $50's and loads of $100 bills.
But Mr. Thomas couldn't see very well in his old age. When he stopped thumbing he tugged on a $100 bill and asked, "Is this a ten?" I could not believe my ears!
All I had to do was say "yes" and I would have ten times as much money! No one would ever know. Besides, he had so much money, he'd never miss it!
That split second seemed to last forever, but before I could think twice about it, I said, "No, sir." He found a real $10 bill and that was that.
They say integrity is about what you do when no one is looking. In the story above, Mr. Thomas was looking, but he just couldn't see. No one knew the good decision the boy made that day.... no one, except God. And God never forgets the things we do in private to honor Him.
**Read Psalm 26:1-3**
It says: 1"Declare me innocent, O Lord,for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. 2Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.Test my motives and my heart. 3For I am always aware of your unfailing love,and I have lived according to your truth."(New Living Translation)
Having integrity may not seem to pay off right away. It may even hurt at first. But as you trust God, He will vindicate you or "declare you innocent." He never forgets when His children honor Him with integrity.
Take time to think through some of the situations in which you'll have to make tough choices when no one is looking (i.e. cheating on homework, looking at inappropriate Internet sites, etc.) Decide right now how you'll maintain your intergrity in those situations.
Spend a few minutes in prayer, praise and listening to God. Ask God to strengthen your inner man today so that you can walk in integrity and honor Him in everything you do and say.
See you tomorrow!!
21 Day Challenge- Day Three
If you haven't read the 21 Day Challenge Introduction, you can read it HERE before you begin!
Day Three
The word 'revival' means: restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength; an awakening, in a church or community, of interest in and care for matters relating to personal religion.
As Christians, we all want revival in our churches, schools, homes, etc. We desire for God to move in a mighty way in our world, but where does it begin? How can we start a revival?
A famous British evangelist gave this advice on how to start a revival: "Go home and get a piece of chalk. Go inside your closet and draw a circle on the floor. Kneel down in the middle of the circle and ask God to start a revival inside the chalk mark."
One day a man named Isaiah was in prayer. Read his account of what happened next in your Bible:
**Read Isaiah 6:1-8**
In this passage, Isaiah found himself in the presence of God and was quickly overwhelmed by God's holiness. Immediately, he was reminded of his own sin. When Isaiah responded with repentance and obedience, God did great things through him. He responded by confessing his sin, and then telling God, "here I am, send me."
God wants to meet with you and to do great things through you. How will you respond? Maybe you need to draw that chalk circle, kneel and pray!
In your prayer, praise and listening time today, ask God to cleanse your heart and surrender your whole life to Him like Isaiah did. If you truly want revival in your world, it first must start in YOUR heart before it can reach to others.
21 day Challenge- Day Two
If you haven't read the 21 Day Challenge Introduction, you can read it HERE before you begin!
Day Two
Day Two
A newly-promoted colonel had moved into a makeshift office during the Gulf War. He was just getting unpacked when out of the corner of his eye he noticed a private with a toolbox coming his way. Wanting to appear important, he grabbed the phone: "Yes General Schwarzkopf. Ofcourse, I think that's an excellant plan." He continued: "You've got my full support on it. Thanks for checking with me. let's touch base again soon, Norm. Goodbye."
"And what can I do for you?" he asked the private. "Uh, I'm just here to hook up your phone."
The colonel was pretending to have a relationship he didn't have- trying to impress the private with his access to the top man!
**Read Hebrews 4:14-16**
14 "So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." (New Living Translation)
Many people try to pretend to have a relationship with God to impress others, but it's only through a TRUE relationship with Jesus Christ that we gain access to God. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you may "come boldly to the throne of our gracious God."
During your prayer, praise & listening time today, imagine yourself walking up to God's throne. He is available to you. He longs to communicate with you, and have a REAL relationship with you. Come to Him just as you are. He's right there waiting with open arms. He sees beyond your mistakes and failures and simply sees His child.
Come back tomorrow for Day Three!! ;-)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
21 Day Challenge- Day One
If you haven't read the 21 Day Challenge Introduction, you can read it HERE before you begin!
**Look up 1Thessalonians 5:17 in your Bible**
It says, "pray without ceasing." The New Living Translation says, "Never stop praying."
The spirit of this tiny verse is found consistantly throughout Paul's letters. Regardless of the version of Scripture, the word, "pray" is common to all. Although the 2nd part of the verse changes in each translation- whether it says "continually", "without ceasing", "always keep on", "constantly", or "all the time" in your Bible- the meaning is clear: We need to pray a lot!!
Hopefully you are beginning to "cut a path" to time alone with God each day. You will likely prefer a certain time and place for your quiet time. Even if you miss a day or two occasionally, go right back to your usual schedule. Don't stop or give up, it will soon be evident to you, and eventually to those around you that God is making amazing changes in your life! If you quit, it will ALSO soon be evident to you and those around you! Keep it up! Don't let the grass grow on your path!
Make a committment everyday to have quiet time with just you and God. Studies show if you repeat something for 21 days straight: it will become a habit. Make quiet time with God a habit in your life!
Spend a few moments in prayer, praising and listening to God right now!
Check back tomorrow for Day Two!! =-)
Day One
A group of African Christians were known for their faithfulness in spending time alone with God. Each one had a particular place in the brush where he would spend time praying, praising and listening to God. The paths to these private prayer spots became so worn that if anyone began missing his time, it became obvious. Others would remind him, "Brother, the grass grows on your path."**Look up 1Thessalonians 5:17 in your Bible**
It says, "pray without ceasing." The New Living Translation says, "Never stop praying."
The spirit of this tiny verse is found consistantly throughout Paul's letters. Regardless of the version of Scripture, the word, "pray" is common to all. Although the 2nd part of the verse changes in each translation- whether it says "continually", "without ceasing", "always keep on", "constantly", or "all the time" in your Bible- the meaning is clear: We need to pray a lot!!
Hopefully you are beginning to "cut a path" to time alone with God each day. You will likely prefer a certain time and place for your quiet time. Even if you miss a day or two occasionally, go right back to your usual schedule. Don't stop or give up, it will soon be evident to you, and eventually to those around you that God is making amazing changes in your life! If you quit, it will ALSO soon be evident to you and those around you! Keep it up! Don't let the grass grow on your path!
Make a committment everyday to have quiet time with just you and God. Studies show if you repeat something for 21 days straight: it will become a habit. Make quiet time with God a habit in your life!
Spend a few moments in prayer, praising and listening to God right now!
Check back tomorrow for Day Two!! =-)
21 Day Challenge Introduction
First of all, let me say, I am SOOOOOO proud of you for joining our 21 Day Challenge leading up to See You At The Pole 2009!!!
Let's start by explaining what our 21 Day Challenge is all about: At U-TURN, we believe in the importance of daily quiet time before God. Quiet time is simply time alone with God, studying His Word, prayer and worship. It's they way we get to know Him and the foundation for constant spiritual growth. At U-TURN, we like to call this time everyday FACEx5- Get on your face before God for atleast 5 minutes a day and God will do awesome things in your life!
Quiet time does not have to be long or complicated, just REAL.
So how do you take the 21 day challenge?
Well.... everyday a short devotion will be posted here on our blog. Simply check in everyday to read it. Make sure you read with an open and teachable heart so that God can speak to you and change your life. Remember, quiet time will be of no value unless you plan to apply what God teaches you. Get a notebook, write down the insights God gives you through the devotional and also the specific way you can apply that insight to your life. You can't apply what you can't remember! Just use this time to allow God to work in your heart and life! It's that simple!
Drop back in tomorrow for DAY 1!!! I'm believing God to make an impact in each of our lives in the next 21 days...... a forever change! I hope you are ready for a wild ride!!!
If you have any questions or need prayer or anything, please don't hesitate to email me HERE
Let's start by explaining what our 21 Day Challenge is all about: At U-TURN, we believe in the importance of daily quiet time before God. Quiet time is simply time alone with God, studying His Word, prayer and worship. It's they way we get to know Him and the foundation for constant spiritual growth. At U-TURN, we like to call this time everyday FACEx5- Get on your face before God for atleast 5 minutes a day and God will do awesome things in your life!
Quiet time does not have to be long or complicated, just REAL.
So how do you take the 21 day challenge?
Well.... everyday a short devotion will be posted here on our blog. Simply check in everyday to read it. Make sure you read with an open and teachable heart so that God can speak to you and change your life. Remember, quiet time will be of no value unless you plan to apply what God teaches you. Get a notebook, write down the insights God gives you through the devotional and also the specific way you can apply that insight to your life. You can't apply what you can't remember! Just use this time to allow God to work in your heart and life! It's that simple!
Drop back in tomorrow for DAY 1!!! I'm believing God to make an impact in each of our lives in the next 21 days...... a forever change! I hope you are ready for a wild ride!!!
If you have any questions or need prayer or anything, please don't hesitate to email me HERE
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