TGIF: Simply Obey

Today's Prayer
Dear God, Today I am burdened 4 my country and every nation. I pray 4 the installation of spiritual leaders 2 carry out Your will. I pray 4 the leaders in power now, that You would move in their hearts and minds 2 lead in the right direction 2 accomplish Your purpose. Please forgive us 4 our indifference and our sin. I pray that Christians will turn from their wicked ways and rededicate their lives 2 You and Your service; and that other people living in sin will turn from that sin in repentance and belief in You. Have mercy on us, Lord. Thank you. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Simply Obey
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
11-07-2011

"But Naaman went away angry and said, 'I thought that he would surely come out 2 me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy'" (2 Kings 5:11-12).

Naaman was an army general who needed healing from Leprosy. A young servant girl of the king's house suggested that the prophet Elisha could heal him. He followed her advice and Elisha sent a message to him to do the following: "Go, wash yourself 7 times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed" (2 Kings 5:10). However, when the instruction came as to what he was to do, it seemed ridiculous to him.

Like many of us, Naaman expected God to perform his miracle through Elisha in a dramatic and "religious" way. Sometimes we fail to recognize that God can work through a simple act of obedience that seems unrelated to the problem. God told Joshua to walk around Jericho seven times 2 win the battle. He told a man 2 put mud on his eyes 2b healed. He told Peter 2 catch a fish 2 get a coin 2 pay his taxes.

There are other times God calls us to use the natural to receive a breakthrough. Sometimes we simply need 2 change our diet or go C a doctor 2 C a breakthrough in our health. Sometimes we need 2 change the way we are doing our work 2 [sleeping more] get a breakthrough in our careers.

Samuel the prophet told King Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice. Learning 2 listen 2 the Lord and following His instruction is the key 2 success in God. Sometimes God chooses the dramatic and sometimes He chooses the ordinary. In either case, both are miracles bcoz God is the God over all creation.

Ask Him what steps you are to take for your breakthrough.

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

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I can't believe u think that

Today's Prayer Oh God, Time and grace heals our wounds, but time is not always a friend. What about my friends who have not heard Your words of life? What if they were 2 die today? I should know how short life can be. I've lost loved ones and friends who were young. Accidents and sudden illness can take away a life quickly. Cancer, diabetes, aneurysms, catastrophic events can change a person's health and life in a moment. Lord, why do I fear opening my mouth? Please help me 2b bold, 2 speak Your words of truth and life 2 those I love, my family and friends, b4 time runs out. Help me 2b a living testimony 4 You. Stir up the Holy Spirit within me and the gifts You have given me 2 minister 2 others, 2 reach a dying world, 2 share Your love and Your hope 4 the future. Thank You in the name of Jesus, my sweet Lord and Savior. Amen.

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I can't believe u think that!
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
11-03-2011

"Who is wise and understanding among u? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom" (James 3:13-14). 

"I can't believe u think that," I complained. "I was simply trying 2 explain that I don't have the same feelings about that issue as u do." The other person's response left little empathy 4 my position bcoz of the tone in which I had responded. We resigned ourselves 2 agree 2 disagree.
We all see things through our own set of glasses at times. Men view things differently than women. Bosses see things differently than employees. One ethnic group will see a situation totally different than another. Our life experiences, our past treatment of circumstances and our personalities all contribute 2 how we view situations in daily life.

Perception is often each person's reality whether that reality is true or not. Your perception of a situation is going 2 dictate your response more than the actual reality of it.

Whenever conflict arises from viewing things differently there is really only one way 2 resolve the difference. Usually the other person is offended by the tone of the other more than the position that is taken. If the other person is offended, we can only offer a few words: "I'm sorry. Will u forgive me 4 my tone?"

Humbling ourselves is the only way 2 resolve the relational breach. This does not mean u must agree w/the other person's position, it simply means u acknowledge their right 2 their position and u apologize 4 the manner in which u responded 2 their statements. This will usually allow most conflicts 2 avoid a breach in the relationship.

Is there someone u need 2 seek forgiveness from 4 taking an adversarial position?

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

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TGIF: God Is Not About YOUR Success

Today's Prayer
Dear God, There are so many things I can do...or not do. I can sit and do nothing or I can attempt to do many things. Please show me, Lord, what will you have me to do? I am open to your leading and willing for You to work through me to accomplish Your will. Whether my purpose is to accomplish something small or great, I know that it is important to the work of your kingdom and your plan for my life. Guide and direct me, please. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

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God Is Not About YOUR Success
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
11-02-2011


"I tell u the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls 2 the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:24-26).

God is all about your death so that HIS success can be realized through you! This is why the Church is having such little impact - there are too many believers who have not yet died to their old nature so that Christ can live fully through them. When believers come to the end of themselves they will lose their lives to Him and live through the power of the Holy Spirit and begin to see the reality of a living gospel that impacts lives, workplaces, cities and nations.

"Much of modern Christian enterprise is 'Ishmael.' Born not of God, but of an inordinate desire to do God's will in our own way - the one thing our Lord never did," said Oswald Chambers. The psalmist describes what it means to live in our own strength:

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves" (Ps 127:1-2).

How does one die so that Christ can be our all and all? It usually takes a crisis of significant proportions for most people to relinquish the control of their lives. It means we come to the end of ourselves and our striving to control the events in our lives and we finally come to the place where we can say, "Lord, I surrender. Please take full control of my life."

Have u come 2 this place w/God in your life? Let go and let God make u a success His way.

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

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Love & Convenience by John Belt

Love & Convenience

Love is the most important thing of all. If we don't have love, then what do we actually have? Therefore it is important to actually know what love is and what it looks like. Jesus is the ultimate example of love, doing everything for the Father's pleasure, loving without compromising truth and laying down His life for others to know His love.

Love Misunderstood

Love can be such a misunderstood term in the Body of Christ. People define it in ways that really fall short of the true meaning. With this, many times love is often expected from another party rather than from the party making notes on another's shortcomings. Without controversy, love is love without compromising to the heart and will of God. Without God in the center no true love can exist. Love is not people-pleasing but is rooted in the pleasure of God. 

All we have to do is look at the example of Jesus to see what love looks like. Jesus was not a sales person. He did not present things in such a way, many times, that would cause people to say, "What a nice guy." Jesus was not concerned about being nice, His only desire was to please the Father. In pleasing the Father, He made people mad, sad and glad. There was not a common result. It varied depending on the condition of a person's heart and desire to know the truth. Love without truth is not love. It is nothing more than a people-pleasing spirit. People of the world use this falsely defined version of love that does not require God.

Not About Our Preferences

One thing for sure about love is that it is not about us. It is not about our selfish desires or our own personal preferences. This does not mean that all of our desires are bad. It is just when our desires are not running parallel to God's heart that it smells more of us than Him. Most of the time love is not convenient. It runs a cross course through what we want to do, our comforts and pleasures. It is when we are able to lay down that selfish aspect of our lives that we can find the true love of God. With all things being for the pleasure of God, love is sacrifice. We see Jesus laying down His life, forsaking the glory and pleasures of a much higher life, that we might experience that life as well.

Value and Sacrifice

Love thinks of others. Love learns to view things from the angle of another's perspective in order to bring help and support. When we truly love we also see how valuable we are. Our lives take on value because there is a price to laying down your life. By hearing the heart of God, seeing the need and responding in love, our value increases because there is a demand for our lives. It is this kind of love that overcomes, never fails. If we don't see ourselves as valuable, then we don't see the importance of our lives being involved in God's plan. In other words, you can just go on doing your own thing because there is no need for you.

In contrast, if there is a use for your life and God says, "I've called you to lay down your life in this," it means something. God has placed a value on your life and sacrifice. It is when we discover the true meaning of how God defines love in sacrifice that we see how valuable He is to us, and how valuable we are to Him.
His overflow be yours!

John Belt
Live In His Presence Ministries
Email: admin@liveinhispresence.com

TGIF: The Coming Wealth Transfer

Today's Prayer
God, Do You sense an independent spirit within me--one that hinders me from joining others in the mission You have called me to? While I do enjoy independence, it's nice sometimes 2 depend on someone else, 2 not have the whole weight of the world on my own shoulders. Help me 2 work w/and live in harmony w/my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want 2 help keep unity among believers as we go forward 4 the cause of Christ. If that means You need 2 work on that independent spirit within me, so be it. Help me, please. I love You, God. In Jesus name, Amen.

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The Coming Wealth Transfer
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-24-2011

But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous (Prov 13:22).

In the last days there will be a transfer of wealth into the hands of the righteous 4 the purpose of funding a great harvest of souls and 4 believers 2 have greater influence on society in the name of Christ. This will happen in at least 4 ways.

1. Supernatural Transfer - Like the Israelites leaving Egypt, Christians and non-profit organizations will receive major gifts from individuals or foundations 2 carryout their Christian mission. In 2004, the Salvation Army received one of the largest gifts ever 4 Christian ministry via the founder's wife of McDonald's, Joan Kroc, in the amount of 1.5 billion dollars.

2. Power to Make Wealth - God is going 2 give witty inventions 2 believers throughout the world that will generate wealth. This has already begun. "But remember the LORD your God, 4 it is He who gives u the ability 2 produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which He swore 2 your forefathers, as it is today" (Deut 8:18).

3. Social Entrepreneurship - Just as Joseph was entrusted w/the resources of Egypt 2 solve a societal problem resulting from a famine in the land, God is going 2 transfer money 2 believers who are solving societal problems. Governments will fund private enterprises bcoz government is not been able 2 do it.

4. Wealthy Individual "Conversions"? Finally, many non-believers who are wealthy will become Christians in these last days and will begin 2 use their wealth 4 Kingdom purposes.
The transfer of wealth is designed 2 accelerate God's activity on the earth, not 2 simply make believers wealthy. Pray that God uses your work life call 2 accelerate His Kingdom on earth. And pray that God raises up good stewards of wealth.

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

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TGIF: Jesus Wept for the City

Today's Prayer
Dear Father, Thank you for the comfort You provide through Your Holy Spirit, through my brothers and sisters in Christ, and through dear friends. I pray that You will help me 2 carefully and mindfully show grace and love 2 those who are hurting. Please give me insight and wisdom for ministering 2 people who have serious illness and who live day 2 day with the affects of incurable disease; 2 people who have addictions that I may not understand or identify with...or to those who have issues with which I can identify; 2 people who are grieving over the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, a home; 2 people who are struggling to overcome and live with life-altering disabilities. Thank you 4 the health You have given me and 4 all the many blessings You have bestowed upon me. In Jesus' name I come b4 You and pray. Amen.

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Jesus Wept for the City
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-06-2011

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes'" (Luke 19:41-43).

Jesus was making his triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. The Pharisees were complaining about the exuberance of His disciples as He made His way into the city. They were celebrating a life that had blessed them and countless others: "When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!'" (Luke 19:37-38).

Jesus was saddened by the response of the Pharisees. He knew what His presence could do for the city. But He also knew they would not change. The city would reject His presence and crucify. His presence would bring peace to the city if they embraced who He was - the author of peace. Now it would be hidden from their eyes bcoz of unbelief.

Every city can be blessed by the presence of Jesus in their midst. However, it requires city leaders 2 invite the presence of Jesus into their city in order 4 that city 2 experience peace. Jesus comes 2 bring peace in any situation. However, He also realizes He will divide city leaders because of unbelief and political correctness.

Does your city need the presence of Jesus? Do you desire to see peace in your city? Begin 2 pray for city leaders to understand how the presence of Jesus can impact your city in dramatic and positive ways.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And your own city.

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

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God's Plan for 2012 by Doug Addison

Doug Addison:

Restoration, Repayment and Reconciliation: God's Plan for 2012

We have been in a strategic time in which God is continuing 2 realign things that will bring about amazing results on earth and in our lives. If u have been following the series of prophetic words that God has given me this year, I have been talking about how God is bringing justice and repaying people 4 all that was Lost, Stolen, or Cut Short during the past nine years (from 2002–2011).

God spoke 2 me that the enemy has overplayed his hand against us and that if we would ASK Him [God], He will bring repayment. There is not a time limit on this prophetic word, bcoz God is outside of time, but I highly recommend that u continue 2 ask God 2 repay all that u have lost. Your repayment might come 2 u in various forms and increments. So watch 4 things like new favor, unexpected money, raises, promotions, restored relationships, new spiritual gifts and God's power in your life.

Prophetic Word on Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) ended this year at sundown on Friday, September 30th. In California sunset occurred at 6:54pm. At 6:50 the presence of God came upon me and I received a five-minute long prophetic download. Here's some of what God spoke 2 me.

As the sun sets on Rosh Hashanah (Friday, September 30th) an old season came 2 a close. We are now in 3 months of transition from October through December. Don't be discouraged by this transitional time, as it may look opposite from what u may expect. God is rearranging things, bringing new angelic assignments and lining things up 4 a fresh new start in January 2012.

Things that are Coming in 2012

We are going 2 C new medical breakthroughs in the coming new year. With the onslaught of destructive disease and viruses, God is offsetting this attack by initiating radical medical discoveries and cures.
There will be new inventions and business strategies released from Heaven. Some people will be shown how 2 make a million dollars overnight. Business partnerships will be formed 2 release finances 4 Kingdom projects.

New insight will come from God on how 2 deal w/some major political and social "hot buttons" that have separated people in the past. God is releasing the Spirit of Reconciliation that will bring healing of differences between people groups and nations.

I heard two strategic series of dates this year: November 14-17, 2011 and December 9-14, 2011. These will be significant times of connection and in some cases restoration. Pray that God's purposes will be accomplished during these days.

Nine-Year-Old Children Set Apart

When God spoke 2 me He said that bcoz the enemy had overplayed his hand so strongly starting in 2002, that children born 2002 (this includes some children born 2001) will be used greatly and have a high destiny on their lives. These young people have a high level of creativity and many of them have already experienced a great deal of trial and resistance. Many of them will begin moving in a greater level of wisdom and anointing over the next couple of years.

Angelic Interaction

This is a time of increased discernment as God is releasing the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. Dreams and angelic encounters will also increase this month. The purpose of all of this is found in Ephesians 1:17, "...so that u may know Him better." This is a time 2 ask God 2 open our spiritual eyes and ears so that we can grow in deeper intimacy w/Him.

Season of Dry Bones is Ending

On October 5th I was writing on my computer and God spoke 2 me that this Winter will bring an end 2 "the season of dry bones." At the very moment I wrote those words: "This winter will bring an end 2 the season of dry bones," a freak rainstorm hit the roof of my house. God confirmed the word w/a very loud and hard rain 4 about 30 seconds and within a moment the sun came out. I then knew that this would happen suddenly 4 many people, and when things open up, it will be big. Satan has been trying 2 hold things back bcoz this next move from God will be huge and have worldwide impact.

Ephesians 1:17-18 -  "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give u the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that u may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that u may know the hope 2 which He has called u, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people..."

Blessings,
Doug Addison
InLight Connection
Email: respond@dougaddison.com

Doug Addison is a prominent international conference speaker, author and has been a featured guest on television and radio 4 a number of years. His events are fun and high-energy as he uses media and stand-up comedy as a means of communicating deep insights. He is an experienced prophetic dream interpreter and a professional stand-up comedian.

TGIF: Jehovah Jireh

Today's Prayer
I remember a sweet song from my childhood that begins "Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world..." Yes, Lord, You love all the children. I pray that every Christian will look at others through your eyes. Yes, You hate our sin, but You love us so much and want us 2 have fellowship w/You and be w/You in eternity. And children...are so precious. I pray that their innocence will not be stolen, that every one will be loved as they should be, that every one will have comfort and food and shelter...and loving families. I pray that every child will have the chance 2 grow up and know You and serve You...and give back 2  You and 2 others through reaching out in ministry as You lead and equip them 2 do. Bless each one. Help us adults 2b sensitive 2 the needs and feelings of all children and 2b caring and compassionate and Christ-like examples, as Jesus would have us be. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

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Jehovah Jireh
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-20-2011

But I think it is necessary 2 send back 2 u Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom u sent 2 take care of my needs" (Phil 2:25-26). 

I got onto the bus w/the other delegates attending a workplace conference in South Africa. It was a season in my life in which I had experienced many losses both financially and relationally. God was stripping away the old wineskin and creating a new one. One of the things He was teaching me was that He - not my skills, not my work - was my provider of financial needs during this season of training.

God provided me the means 2 attend the conference. One day b4 the registration deadline, a man came 2 my office and gave me $2500 and told me I was 2 go. Now, a man had just placed an envelope into my hand. "Here, God says I'm 2 give this 2 u. Inside are 10 crisp American $100 bills - $1000!" The man was from Kuwait.

Every believer needs 2 come 2 know Christ as their Provider. Jehovah Jireh means God is my provider. When God called the Israelites from their place of slavery they had 1 walk thru the desert. There is no way 2 earn a living in the desert. So God provided manna each day 4 them. Sometimes He even brought water from rocks. They had 2 experience a new way of gaining provision that was not rooted in sweat and toil. God had 2 demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh 2 His people.

There were times when Paul's tent making business was not the way God would provide 4 him. God often uses others as His instrument of provision. So, God sent Epaphroditus 2 take care of Paul's needs.

Do u know God as your provider? Do u have a need? Place your need b4 the Lord today and ask Him 2 demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh.

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

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