TGIF: Beware of the False Lover

Today's Prayer
God, please show me how You want me 2 use the skills, spiritual gifts, resources You have given me and the relationships You have allowed me 2 have 2 prepare 4 the great harvest You have planned. I pray that I will be a tool in Your hands 2 draw people 2 You. With that in mind, I ask You 2 please 4give me of my sins, sins that stand in the way of a closer fellowship w/You and that would be a hindrance 2 my living testimony. Please help me start fresh and new again right now. Thank You and bless You, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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Beware of the False Lover
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-15-2011

Weeping may endure 4 a night, but joy comes in the morning (Ps 30:5).

When a measured assault enters our life we often respond in 2 different ways. The pain caused by the assault drives us 2 a place of either embracing the pain or we embrace anything that will make us feel better. That becomes the entry door 2 a false lover. Men and women each seek 2 avoid pain in different ways. Larry Crabb has summarized these 2 unique strategies often used 2 avoid deep pain:

All of us are trapped by addiction 2 a desire 4 something less than God. For many women, that something less is relational control. "I will not be hurt again and I will not let people I love be hurt. I'll see 2 it that what I fear never happens again." They therefore live in terror of vulnerably presenting themselves 2 anyone and instead become determined managers of people. Their true femininity remains safely tucked away behind the walls of relational control.

More common in men is an addiction 2 non-relational control. "I will experience deep and consuming satisfaction w/o ever having 2 relate meaningfully w/anyone." They keep things shallow and safe w/family and friends and feel driven 2 experience a joy they never feel, a joy that only deep relating can provide. Their commitment is twofold: 2 never risk revealing inadequacy by drawing close 2 people and, w/o breaking that commitment, 2 feel powerful and alive. Power in business and illicit sex are favorite strategies 4 reaching that goal.¹

Many times we seek 2 deal w/our pain thru various forms of addictions designed 2 resolve the inner pain we feel. All addictions represent a counterfeit desire for genuine love and intimacy. We conclude these lesser desires are legitimate needs instead of band-aids of our fleshly soul. These addiction lovers become isolation chambers created 4 ourselves designed 2 mask our pain.

Every human being has a desire 2b loved. When we do not feel loved bcoz of some event in our lives we seek 2 reconcile this emotional pain. So, if u are fighting any kind of addiction--over control of people, sex, drugs, alcohol, workaholism, shopping, overeating--u are seeking 2 fill a void only God can fill.

Pain has a useful purpose in our lives. Facing it, rather than medicating it, allows us 2 move 2 a place of discovering a capacity 4 a different kind of joy. That is the purpose of pain. We must let inner pain do its work by experiencing it fully. It feels like a contradiction 2 actually embrace the pain, but it is the only remedy 4 moving past it so it can yield its purpose in our lives. 

Otherwise we will remain unaware of our deeper desire 4 God and be driven toward a false lover.

¹ Larry Crabb, Shattered Dreams, Waterbrook Press, Colorado Springs, CO 2001, p.95

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

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TGIF: Truth in the Inward Parts

  

Today's Prayer
Dear God, Thank You 4 this day. Please help me 2 stand firm and 2 always give myself fully 2 Your work. I know that anything that is done 4 You in accordance 2 Your will is not in vain, but will reap showers of blessings. Although I may not always see immediate results or receive instant gratification (as so many want these days), I know that You are the Lord of the Harvest, and that You will bring the results in the right time. Please guide, direct, and strengthen me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen

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Truth in the Inward Parts
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-12-2011

"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place" (Ps 51:6).

History reveals that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes popular mystery series once played a practical joke on 12 respected and well-known men he knew. He sent out 12 telegrams w/the same message on each: "Flee at once. All is discovered." Within 24 hours, they had all left the country!

Each of these men obviously had something 2 hide. Suddenly, though only in jest, the cover had been pulled away 2 reveal their true nature - and they fled. Such a lifestyle is not a legacy u want 2 leave behind.*

Around 1923, the most powerful men of the day ruled the world of money:

• Charles Schwab, president of the largest steel company in America.
• Samuel Insull, president of the largest utility company.
• Howard Hopson, president of the largest gas company.
• Richard Whitney, president of the New York Stock Exchange.
• Albert Fall, Secretary of Interior in President Harding's cabinet.
• Jesse Livermore, the great "bear" on Wall Street.
• Ivan Krueger, head of the world's greatest monopoly.
• Leon Fraser, president of the Bank of International Settlements.

These men were "movers and shakers," the kind many people envy and wish 2b like. Yet something went terribly wrong w/these men's lives. Twenty-five years later:

• Charles Schwab, left behind an insolvent estate w/debts and obligations totalling 1.7 million.
• Samuel Insull, died of a heart attack in a Paris subway station w/20 cents in his pocket.
• Howard Hopson, died in a sanitarium
• Richard Whitney had just been released from Sing-Sing prison.
• Albert Fall died at home, broke.
• Jesse Livermore committed suicide a week after Thanksgiving in 1940.
• Ivan Krueger committed suicide.
• Leon Fraser committed suicide.

Something went wrong during the process of their lives. It began in the inner man. Truth in the inner man is where the integrity battles are won or lost.
Pray that God allows u 2 live a life of integrity and honesty b4 the Lord.
 
*Paul J. Meyer, My Work Is My Ministry, Paul J. Meyer Resources, Waco, Texas., p. 18, http://www.snopes.com/glurge/fortune.asp
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

TGIF: You're Different

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank u for this day. Thank you for my being able to see, to hear, to speak, to move about this morning. I'm blessed because you are a forgiving and understanding God. You have done so much for me. I have witnessed your hand of blessing, your miraculous power in my life and the lives of those I love, and you just keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for your forgiveness. Please keep me, my family, and my church family safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a positive and Christ-focused attitude and plenty of gratitude. Please clear my mind of distractions so that I can hear from you and please direct my steps today. Thank you so much, in Jesus' name, amen.
You're Different
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-08-2011

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'" (2 Cor 12:9).

I was in Switzerland visiting an acquaintance I had met briefly almost ten years earlier at a Christian conference on the island of Cyprus. We had stayed in contact over the years as he had become a big fan of TGIF and had the devotions translated into German. I had felt led to make the trip from Germany, where we had been attending a conference.

I was sitting in the kitchen talking with my friend when I said, "You are different. There is a different spirit about you than when I met you ten years ago on the island of Cyprus. I have to admit, I thought you were a bit aloof," I confessed to him. "Hmm, you know Os, I thought the same about you." We both chuckled at our observations.

There was a difference in both of us because something dramatic had happened in both of our lives. My friend was a very successful businessman in Switzerland and was running a family business when things went very wrong. He lost millions as a result. Although his fortune was not totally wiped out, it impacted him greatly. It brought a humility and new found trust in God that had not been there before.

I had a similar story. I had gone through a seven year "pit experience" in which I had major loses in family, business and personal income. Now we were both on the other sides of our "pits." We could recognize something in each of us that had resulted from our experiences. There was a level of humility that was not there before. It reminded me of a statement a friend of mine made years earlier: "Beware of any Christian leader who does not walk with a limp." Sometimes God creates circumstances in our lives to create humility and greater dependence upon Him. It is because God works greater through weakness than strength.

I often tell others, "You can get humility voluntarily or involuntarily. It is much easier if you get it voluntarily."

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

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TGIF - The Power of Influence

Today's Prayer
God, please build your nature in me, so that I will love other people the way u want me to. Prepare me so that I respond in righteousness when attacks come from those who would mistreat me or act under an unholy power. Help me 2b a vessel of honor You and a light in the darkness. Thank You 4 loving me. Thank You 4 protecting me. Thank You 4 being You.

The Power of Influence
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-10-2011

"Now I want u 2 know, brothers, that what has happened 2 me has really served 2 advance the gospel" (Phil 1:12-13).

Have u ever heard these statements: "Money talks." Or how about this: "He who has the gold, rules." Both of these statements have truth in them.

When Jesus was crucified there was a question as 2 where Jesus would be buried. Those that hurried him 2 the cross, designed that he should make his grave w/the wicked; but God designed he should make it w/the rich (Isa 53:9), and so he did.

In order 4 Jesus 2b buried w/honor, a man of influence was permitted 2 take the body of Jesus. His name was Joseph of Arimathea. It seems this man had a personal relationship wPilate. He was a man of influence and owned a burial cave that was reserved 4 the rich.

Joseph of Arimathea was called an honorable counselor, a person of character and distinction, and in an office of public trust; some think in the state, and that he was one of Pilate's privy council; his post rather seems 2 have been in the church, he was one of the great Sanhedrim of the Jews, or one of the high priest's council.*

The Bible says that He desires His people 2b the head, not the tail. If we are 2 influence the culture, there must be men and women of influence in whom God uses 2 impact the culture. If u are a successful person, consider the words of Paul when he said, "...what has happened 2 me has really served 2 advance the gospel." Although Paul was referencing adversity in this statement, it can be equally said that each of us needs 2 ask if our prosperity has served 2 advance the gospel.

Are u using your influence 2 impact your workplace, city, or even nation 4 the sake of the gospel?

*(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

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Yom Kippur 2011

 

 

There is a powerful biblical secret connected to Isaiah 55:6, where God says through His prophet, "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near." For generations its been taught this means between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur the Lord is especially close, ready to judge us favorably and prepared to release an outpouring of mercy, grace, salvation and financial blessing. This connects us with the deeper teaching of the shofar, which is God’s advanced notice to us that it is time for our reward. Thus, ancient Jewish wisdom teaches that right now is the season that we should draw near to God; particularly by increasing our prayers and acts of charity.

We invite u to join Pastors Larry & Tiz this Friday night, October 7th and then again on Sunday morning October 9th as we gather together to honor, celebrate and teach the revelation of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This appointed time on God’s calendar is considered the most solemn of the High Holy Days. It’s also the day of Jubilee when divine health, financial freedom, debt cancellation, unexpected income and unusual miracles are released into your life. Our service on Friday will include the welcoming in of the Sabbath, special praise and worship, a time of prayer, ministry, and the beginning of the one day Yom Kippur fast. During this magnificent evening we will also participate in the traditional ceremony of the washing of the hands. It’s symbolic of baptism and the breaking of every contact with failure and every curse that is blocking your blessing.

Our Sunday service will continue this anointed theme of ministry. Pastor Larry will teach the deeper truths of Yom Kippur and how it is the foundation for the revelation of the 7 Places Jesus Shed His Blood. Again, it’s your time for removing every curse and releasing every covenant blessing of God. (Leviticus 16) We anticipate powerful spiritual, financial and healing breakthroughs through-out both services and encourage you to come expecting signs, wonders and miracles. Don’t let this window of opportunity pass you by. Plan to celebrate with us on Friday, October 7th at 7pm and again on Sunday, October 9th at 10am to experience the promises, power and presence of God.
 If you can’t join us at the church you can join us online through our live on stream broadcast at larryhuchministries.com.
Watch High Holy Days TV Broadcast click here. Review “Appointed Times” Special Offer click here. Sow Your First Fruits Offering click here.
DFW New Beginnings
3000 West Airport Freeway
Irving, Texas 75062
972.313.7133

TGIF: The Valley of Baca

Today's Prayer
Dear God, Thank you 4 having a purpose 4 my life and 4 telling me what Your expectations are thru the Bible. I know You must be disappointed w/me many times, when I fail 2 meet Your expectations of me. I can identify w/that from a human standpoint. When I expect a family member 2b responsible and 2 do something that they do not do, or when they make wrong choices in life, I am very disappointed. Sometimes I feel frustrated or angry and other times heartbroken. Help me 2b kind-hearted and long-suffering w/them, like You are w/me. Guide me 2 handle those disappointments w/integrity; 2 remain quiet when I should and 2 speak up when I should. Please give me the thoughts, words, and actions You want me 2 have. And God, please 4give me 4 disappointing You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

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The Valley of Baca
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-04-2011

"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion" (Ps 84:5-7).

There is a spiritual law in the Kingdom of God. Every great leader in the Kingdom will pass through the Valley of Baca. Baca means to weep. It comes from the Hebrew word,bakah (baw-kaw'); a primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.

However, Baca is also a place of springs. There is nothing better on a hot day when you're thirsty and weary than to drink water from a mountain spring. It refreshes. It renews. It gives you a second wind to continue your journey. Those who commit themselves to a pilgrimage with God will experience the Valley of Baca. But in the midst of Baca they will discover that in this valley they will also drink from a very special spring that refreshes with a different kind of living water.
It becomes the source of "secret things in hidden places" described by the prophet Isaiah (Isa 45:3) reserved only for those willing to journey on the Great Pilgrimage with God. Once you drink from this spring you will be energized in your spiritual man from strength to strength. Each Valley of Baca will result in a new spiritual spring from which you will drink. It is handmade just for you by God. But know this?it will be used to provide a refreshing drink for others you will encounter who are also on their pilgrimage.

Ultimately, Baca leads to the presence of God. There is something about being in a place with God that results in our weeping and crying out to Him. Do you find yourself in this place with God today? If so, know that His springs are also available to you. Ask him today to give you a drink from His spring only available in the Valley of Baca.

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

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TGIF - God Leads Us into the Desert

Today's Prayer
Good morning, God! Thank you 4 this day. Thank you 4 meeting my needs. I come 2 You today, asking that You will increase my faith. I want my faith 2b as "the grain of mustard seed that can move mountains" and as constant as Your love for me. Please move in my life and strengthen my spirit through Your Holy Spirit. May I be a faithful witness 4 You, my Lord. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

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God Leads Us into the Desert
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-03-2011

"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil" (Matt 4:1).

There is a common teaching going around today that says if u do all the right things in your Christian life, u will be blessed and never experience problems in your life. This teaching is heresy. The Bible says that we will encounter many problems during this lifetime. Just read Peter's epistle.

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert 2b tempted by the devil. Why would God lead His Son into the desert 2b tempted? Why would God lead u and me into the desert?
The desert is a place 2 learn something about ourselves. It is the place where we determine if we will truly live by every Word of God, not by bread alone. When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, Jesus responded to every temptation by citing what the Word of God said about that temptation.

This is also the way u and I must respond 2 the temptations that are brought our way. We must have the Word of God written into our hearts in order 2 know how 2 respond 2 given situations. 

The Bible says, "the truth shall make u free." It is knowing and doing the will of God that allows us 2 live free from the temptation of evil.

The desert is often the place of silence. However, it is also a place where the devil will speak loudest bcoz u are in a place of weakness and the comforts of your normal life are not 2b found. It is a place where God is often silent but can also be a place where God speaks loudest. The word desert comes from the Hebrew word "dahbaar" which means "to speak."

If God has placed u in the desert, meditate on the Word of God so that u will withstand the temptation that comes in the desert place.

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

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TGIF - When Others Fail U

Today's Prayer
Dear God, I need 2 learn 2 take one day at a time. Your Word reminds me, "Do not worry about tomorrow, 4 tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient 4 the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34). I give all my worries and concerns 2 You, God, the all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present, Almighty God. Please give me peace, grace, and wisdom 4 the day. Lord, I also pray 4 the people in this world who live in war-torn nations, poverty, unhappy homes and abusive situations. Please reach down and show them Your love, that they may know that You are God and that You care about them and will give them rest. In Jesus' name, amen.

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When Others Fail You
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-02-2011

"Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you'" (John 20:21-22).

 

Have you ever entrusted someone to carry on a project only to have them fail miserably? What was your response? Many times leaders shame others in order to help them realize the gravity of their failure.
Bill ran a manufacturing company. His executive management team sought to take over the company in a hostile corporate take over. It was unsuccessful. Bill would have to manage the same team that betrayed him.
When Jesus was crucified many of the disciples fled. Peter denied Jesus three times. He was a leader without followers. Jesus has now come back to life. How will Jesus handle this reunion among those who have totally abandoned Him and the mission?
"Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you'" (John 20:21-22). What an incredible greeting after all they had experienced. No shame. No harsh words. Just a reaffirmation of the mission and His commitment to them. Jesus used grace and total acceptance as motivation for His followers to carry on the mission.
He didn't need to remind them of their failure. They already felt bad enough. It was time to recast the vision with new life. When there is failure in the organization, it is more important to revitalize the team, not focus on the past.
Do you need to rally your team around a mission that has stalled, failed or gotten off track? Begin by affirming those under your leadership. Be at peace and send them forth!

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

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Recommended Resource

Sometimes it?s hard to put your thoughts into words, or just 2 find time 2 sit down and write what u want 2 say. The busy author had the busy minister in mind when he compiled this time-saving collection of Letters and E-Mails from the Pastor. These letters and e-mails may be used as is, edited or viewed as inspirational guidelines 4 writing more. They are designed 2 help u put your sincere thoughts into clear words. They may be used by pastoral staff, Sunday school teachers, and other leaders in the church, w/a few slight wording changes.

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