Everything in life starts with a Seed—including the things we receive by faith. God says in Genesis 8:22, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest…shall not cease.” The eternal law of Seedtime and Harvest, planting and reaping, giving and receiving, will not change as long as the earth remains.
When we put our faith in God’s hands like a Seed we plant, we are giving Him something to work with, and He will send the miracle we need. No matter how small our faith seems to be, it will meet needs and solve problems that appear as impossible to move as mountains.
The Seed-Faith principle in the Bible contains three simple keys:
Recognize that God is your Source. Philippians 4:19 says, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God will use many different instruments to supply our needs—a job, doctors, friends, family—but He alone is the Source, and He alone cannot fail.
Give first, so that it may be given back to you. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you.” We must first plant a Seed of faith so that God can multiply it back to meet our need. Jesus is talking about giving in the deepest sense of the word—the giving of ourselves to God. This includes anything we can give: love, time, patience, forgiveness, finances, prayer, and whatever else we may have. Our giving reflects our trust in God, and it links us to His inexhaustible resources for our every need.
Expect a miracle. Mark 11:24 says, “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” The moment we ask God for something—the moment we do our part and plant our Seed of faith—we should believe God that the answer is on its way. It’s important to expect our miracle so we can recognize it and reach out to take it when it comes. And it’s also important to remember that God controls the time and method He will use to give back to us. We must keep trusting Him and expecting our miracle, no matter how long it takes to reach us.
Source: http://inspiration.org/receive-your-seed-faith-miracle/
Friday, September 27, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
David Cerullo-Successful in conveying message of God to various nations!
Mr. David Cerullo, international television network-The Inspiration Ministries has successfully been able to reach out to the mass audience. More than 100 million homes and 150 nations (Europe, Africa, Middle East, much of Asia, Australia, and New Zealand) are connected with this inspiration network. Be sure to keep checking back on Facebook and Twitter for upcoming news.
Five Practices that Lead to Life’s Victories
If you’re one of the precious few who have chosen to press into God’s presence, here are five divine principles that can easily be incorporated into your daily living to help you grow even closer in your relationship with Him.
Not only are they simple, but when practiced with dedication, they become unconscious habits — much like the air you breathe!
1. Have a Dedicated Time. Having a dedicated time each day to spend with the Lord is the first principle for forming the habit of being alone with Him. Choose a time of day to be with God, and then stick to it. Make a daily appointment with Him. Schedules may change, but make sure that any changes to your time with Him are the exception rather than the rule.
2. Have a Special Place. Decide where your “Holy of Holies” will be, and then go there every day so He can “meet with you and speak with you” there (Exodus 25:22). It doesn’t really matter where it is, so long as it’s a place that’s quiet and peaceful for you.
3. Be Free from Interruptions. Make sure your time with Him is free from interruptions. We all know what it’s like to be in the middle of a conversation when someone’s cell phone rings and they stop talking to us to answer it. Likewise, when that happens while we’re communicating with the Lord, it conveys a message that we’re really not paying attention to Him. Time with the Lord needs to be focused, directed, and uninterrupted.
4. Let the Holy Spirit Dictate your Body and Soul. There will be days when you don’t feel like entering into His presence or being alone with Him because you’re too stressed, tired, or busy. On days like this, you can’t arrive at your decision to spend intimate time with Him based on your feelings. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to His presence, regardless of whether you feel like it or not!
5. Spend Meaningful Time with the Lord. If you desire intimacy with someone, you must be willing to invest meaningful time into the relationship. This is true if it’s a relationship between a husband and wife, a parent and a child, or two friends. And it’s especially true if you want an intimate relationship with God. Spending meaningful time in His presence is a choice and a decision. It’s a response to His invitation when He calls you to “come away” and be alone with Him (Song of Solomon 2:10). As you respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, your time alone with Him will become more meaningful!
Read the full article here
Not only are they simple, but when practiced with dedication, they become unconscious habits — much like the air you breathe!
1. Have a Dedicated Time. Having a dedicated time each day to spend with the Lord is the first principle for forming the habit of being alone with Him. Choose a time of day to be with God, and then stick to it. Make a daily appointment with Him. Schedules may change, but make sure that any changes to your time with Him are the exception rather than the rule.
2. Have a Special Place. Decide where your “Holy of Holies” will be, and then go there every day so He can “meet with you and speak with you” there (Exodus 25:22). It doesn’t really matter where it is, so long as it’s a place that’s quiet and peaceful for you.
3. Be Free from Interruptions. Make sure your time with Him is free from interruptions. We all know what it’s like to be in the middle of a conversation when someone’s cell phone rings and they stop talking to us to answer it. Likewise, when that happens while we’re communicating with the Lord, it conveys a message that we’re really not paying attention to Him. Time with the Lord needs to be focused, directed, and uninterrupted.
4. Let the Holy Spirit Dictate your Body and Soul. There will be days when you don’t feel like entering into His presence or being alone with Him because you’re too stressed, tired, or busy. On days like this, you can’t arrive at your decision to spend intimate time with Him based on your feelings. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to His presence, regardless of whether you feel like it or not!
5. Spend Meaningful Time with the Lord. If you desire intimacy with someone, you must be willing to invest meaningful time into the relationship. This is true if it’s a relationship between a husband and wife, a parent and a child, or two friends. And it’s especially true if you want an intimate relationship with God. Spending meaningful time in His presence is a choice and a decision. It’s a response to His invitation when He calls you to “come away” and be alone with Him (Song of Solomon 2:10). As you respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, your time alone with Him will become more meaningful!
Read the full article here
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Give of Your Best
“If this firstborn animal has any defect, such as being lame or blind, or if anything else is wrong with it, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.”
Deuteronomy 15:21 NLT
Howard Benjamin Grose had discovered a secret to satisfaction and meaning in life. In 1902, he expressed his discovery in a hymn called “Give of Your Best.”
Grose, who was born on this day in 1851 in Millerton, New York, served as the pastor of several churches. He also was an outstanding educator. He taught history at the University of Chicago and was president of the University of South Dakota.
Grose believed that we must not compromise in our work for God. This applied to every aspect of our lives. He echoed a theme from the Bible when the Israelites were told not to bring the Lord any defective offering. God expected their best.
In his hymn, he wrote, “Give of your best to the Master; give of the strength of your youth.” Instead of holding back, you’re called to “throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor into the battle for truth.”
Grose knew that “Jesus has set the example” for all of us. He was willing to lay down His life, totally dedicating Himself to serving the Father. In the same way, we must “give Him first place” in our hearts and service.
The Bible tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). God gave His best by sending Jesus. We are to gratefully seek to serve Him, and give Him the best that we have.
What are you giving to the Master? Are you giving Him your best, or are you holding back and compromising in your commitment?
Remember that your gifts Sown into God’s Kingdom are investments in your eternal bank account with God. Invest your resources in the things that will last. Give your best to the Master!
Source: http://inspiration.org/give-of-your-best/
Deuteronomy 15:21 NLT
Howard Benjamin Grose had discovered a secret to satisfaction and meaning in life. In 1902, he expressed his discovery in a hymn called “Give of Your Best.”
Grose, who was born on this day in 1851 in Millerton, New York, served as the pastor of several churches. He also was an outstanding educator. He taught history at the University of Chicago and was president of the University of South Dakota.
Grose believed that we must not compromise in our work for God. This applied to every aspect of our lives. He echoed a theme from the Bible when the Israelites were told not to bring the Lord any defective offering. God expected their best.
In his hymn, he wrote, “Give of your best to the Master; give of the strength of your youth.” Instead of holding back, you’re called to “throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor into the battle for truth.”
Grose knew that “Jesus has set the example” for all of us. He was willing to lay down His life, totally dedicating Himself to serving the Father. In the same way, we must “give Him first place” in our hearts and service.
The Bible tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). God gave His best by sending Jesus. We are to gratefully seek to serve Him, and give Him the best that we have.
What are you giving to the Master? Are you giving Him your best, or are you holding back and compromising in your commitment?
Remember that your gifts Sown into God’s Kingdom are investments in your eternal bank account with God. Invest your resources in the things that will last. Give your best to the Master!
Source: http://inspiration.org/give-of-your-best/
Monday, September 2, 2013
The Testing of Our Faith
This month, I want to once again encourage you in your walk with the Lord and the challenges you may face in living out your faith every day.
From time to time, we all face trials of one kind or another that require us to make decisions which will affect our lives. The Lord cares deeply about each one of us and wants to be involved in these decisions.
A few years ago, my doctor told me I had elevated calcium levels. At first I wasn’t overly concerned, because I felt great and trusted the Lord with my health. But then I was referred to an endocrinologist (a specialist concentrating on the function of glands), and my concern heightened a bit after hearing his conclusions.
Because of my blood tests, the specialist was certain I had hyperparathyroidism. This condition affects the four small parathyroid glands, which are located behind the thyroid gland. One of the purposes of the parathyroid glands is to control the levels of calcium in our blood and make sure we have adequate calcium in our bones. When one of these glands is enlarged or has a benign tumor, it can malfunction, and the result is elevated calcium.
Medical Tests and Faith Tests
To make sure his diagnosis was correct, the specialist ordered a nuclear scan test. I was injected with radiation and a special dye that would enable the doctors to see if my parathyroid glands were enlarged or had growths on them.
The technician took a set of four pictures. Each one required me to lay absolutely flat and still for an entire hour. The screen came to within about two inches of my face, and I could barely manage to keep still.
I prayed the whole time, and the Lord helped me keep my composure. Yet I was so happy when this was over!
For months, I believed the Lord would supernaturally heal me. I confessed my healing and posted signs around our house: “I’m healed by Jesus’ stripes!” I also did spiritual warfare and told the devil he couldn’t touch me, since I’m covered by Jesus’ blood .
So each time a new blood calcium test was taken, I fully expected the nurse to call and tell me the results were normal. I was looking forward to testifying that God is our Great Physician!
But when I returned to the surgeon to discuss the test results, he still believed I needed to have surgery. I had never had major surgery before, and I was scared. My faith began to falter, and I wasn’t sure what the doctor might find once the surgery began.
Getting God’s Perspective
I knew I needed God’s outlook on this. After all, His Word promises that He’s working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
The more I prayed, the more I realized I must surrender the outcome of this situation to the Lord. I recognized that my thoughts aren’t always His thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9), and I found comfort in Jesus’ words: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this” (John 13:7). All I could do was trust Him, even though I couldn’t understand His purposes in this trial.
While I was waiting for the final test to come back, I told the Lord again, “Here’s Your opportunity to finally show everyone Your healing power!” I was hopeful He would intervene at the last moment and heal me.
However, the calcium was still elevated. What a disappointment.
To be completely honest, I felt some guilt about having the surgery, because I come from a family that has such great faith in God’s healing power. Was the problem just my lack of faith?
But one day the Lord reminded me that He’s the one who gives the gift of healing, and He uses doctors all the time to heal people. I remembered that Luke, who wrote both the Gospel account and the book of Acts, was a physician.
So after much prayer and many discussions with Dave, the Lord gave me His perfect peace to go forward with the surgery.
Back to Normal
The surgery went great! The surgeon found two enlarged glands and one that had some small growths on it. So now I’m left with one healthy parathyroid gland, which is all that is needed. My blood tests are completely normal, I feel good, and I’m able to sleep much better.
During this time of testing, I had to hold on to God’s Word as my lifeline and learn to apply great passages such as Philippians 4:6-7 to my life:
Source: http://inspiration.org/the-testing-of-our-faith/
From time to time, we all face trials of one kind or another that require us to make decisions which will affect our lives. The Lord cares deeply about each one of us and wants to be involved in these decisions.
A few years ago, my doctor told me I had elevated calcium levels. At first I wasn’t overly concerned, because I felt great and trusted the Lord with my health. But then I was referred to an endocrinologist (a specialist concentrating on the function of glands), and my concern heightened a bit after hearing his conclusions.
Because of my blood tests, the specialist was certain I had hyperparathyroidism. This condition affects the four small parathyroid glands, which are located behind the thyroid gland. One of the purposes of the parathyroid glands is to control the levels of calcium in our blood and make sure we have adequate calcium in our bones. When one of these glands is enlarged or has a benign tumor, it can malfunction, and the result is elevated calcium.
Medical Tests and Faith Tests
To make sure his diagnosis was correct, the specialist ordered a nuclear scan test. I was injected with radiation and a special dye that would enable the doctors to see if my parathyroid glands were enlarged or had growths on them.
The technician took a set of four pictures. Each one required me to lay absolutely flat and still for an entire hour. The screen came to within about two inches of my face, and I could barely manage to keep still.
I prayed the whole time, and the Lord helped me keep my composure. Yet I was so happy when this was over!
For months, I believed the Lord would supernaturally heal me. I confessed my healing and posted signs around our house: “I’m healed by Jesus’ stripes!” I also did spiritual warfare and told the devil he couldn’t touch me, since I’m covered by Jesus’ blood .
So each time a new blood calcium test was taken, I fully expected the nurse to call and tell me the results were normal. I was looking forward to testifying that God is our Great Physician!
But when I returned to the surgeon to discuss the test results, he still believed I needed to have surgery. I had never had major surgery before, and I was scared. My faith began to falter, and I wasn’t sure what the doctor might find once the surgery began.
Getting God’s Perspective
I knew I needed God’s outlook on this. After all, His Word promises that He’s working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
The more I prayed, the more I realized I must surrender the outcome of this situation to the Lord. I recognized that my thoughts aren’t always His thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9), and I found comfort in Jesus’ words: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this” (John 13:7). All I could do was trust Him, even though I couldn’t understand His purposes in this trial.
While I was waiting for the final test to come back, I told the Lord again, “Here’s Your opportunity to finally show everyone Your healing power!” I was hopeful He would intervene at the last moment and heal me.
However, the calcium was still elevated. What a disappointment.
To be completely honest, I felt some guilt about having the surgery, because I come from a family that has such great faith in God’s healing power. Was the problem just my lack of faith?
But one day the Lord reminded me that He’s the one who gives the gift of healing, and He uses doctors all the time to heal people. I remembered that Luke, who wrote both the Gospel account and the book of Acts, was a physician.
So after much prayer and many discussions with Dave, the Lord gave me His perfect peace to go forward with the surgery.
Back to Normal
The surgery went great! The surgeon found two enlarged glands and one that had some small growths on it. So now I’m left with one healthy parathyroid gland, which is all that is needed. My blood tests are completely normal, I feel good, and I’m able to sleep much better.
During this time of testing, I had to hold on to God’s Word as my lifeline and learn to apply great passages such as Philippians 4:6-7 to my life:
Source: http://inspiration.org/the-testing-of-our-faith/
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