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Praise Thursday

Praise Thursday: A leaders prayer changes everything & The God connection for leaders

A leader’s prayer changes everything

James 5:16 (NIV) –  “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

It’s often been said that prayer is like the breath of life, you can’t exist spiritually without it. It also offers a potent connection with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. God has designed this world in such a way that many of our needs are met only through interdependence on fellow believers and our singular dependence on God. When a leader earnestly comes to God in prayer for wisdom and direction, he will be blessed and God will be glorified.

The God connection for leaders

John 15:7-8 (NIV) –  “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

The only way you can play a significant role in the kingdom of God is if you allow Him to live through you, or abide in you. It clearly says in John 15:5 that without Him you can do nothing, with him you can do anything. You can live out a godly life as an example to those you lead. You can also lead those around you how to love the Lord and each other. Jesus calls you to produce much fruit. To do that, you need only pray often and be in the word.

 

If you would like to take a guess at who is going to win the Dove Awards and maybe win in the process? Click HERE for more information!

Do you love your pastor – Then you should nominate them for Clergy Appreciation Month!  Each Friday, 5 local pastors will be honored on The Morning Thing (at approximately 7:30 am). Our morning show hosts will share their names and churches along with comments from their church family. Click HERE to nominate your pastor!

Thanks for checking out the blog!

– Hannah and Todd

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Legacy, the Big Picture and Avoiding Negativity.

Proverbs 20:7
The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.

Integrity- it’s a very important word. It’s helpful to describe who we are in the Lord and how our loved ones perceive us. It is a foundational element in the life we lead with our heavenly father.

The Lord calls us to do what is good and right, even when no one is looking. Now, why is that? Well, Godly living reflects His holy character in us; and in turn, glorifies Him.

By living with integrity, you give those who follow you a gift that will last a lifetime. What greater legacy could you leave than a personal record of godly living?

2nd Corinthians 4:18
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day that we miss the big picture God has for our lives. God has given us the task of letting the world know about what Jesus has done for us. He made it possible for us to have an eternal life of intimacy with our heavenly father.

Our daily struggles are only temporary. We have to fight to maintain focus on the eternal. If we truly love God, then we should work every day to please him, and tell others about Him. You only have one life to live for eternity. Let it be your best life, starting now.

Here is that link to the Francis Chan Rope Illustration

 

 

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Avoid Negativity

Choosing to be happy at work means avoiding negative conversations, gossip, and unhappy people as much as possible. No matter how positively you feel, negative people have a profound impact on your psyche. Don’t let the negative nellies bring you down.

Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. – Colossians 3: 1-4

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. – Proverbs 25: 21 & 22

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.- Proverbs 14:29

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. -Ephesians 4:2

Thanks for listening!
– Hannah and Todd

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Our Home Security System

Today we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers by Jack Countryman.”

Proverbs 1:33 (NIV) leads us to a biblical application of a ‘home security system…’

“but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.'”

 A growing number of people fail to seek God’s wisdom in living. It is no secret that we live in a “me first” culture.

Often we seek ourselves, against all warnings and conventional wisdom. Thoughts of our future, our safety, our selfish desires…while not giving any thought to the impact on people of around us.

Living this way is spiritually irresponsible and a dangerous way to live. If we try to live apart from God’s wisdom, we will struggle with fear, disillusionment, doubt, worry and frustration. Our lives fall apart when we do not consult the wisdom of God.

The smartest way to build a safe home and lifestyle is to involve our savior every step of the way.

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

A leader’s character is demonstrated in how they handle unpleasant and stressful situations. We’ve talked before how God will use trials to mature and develop us.

No one likes trials, that’s obvious. But when we learn to see our trials as situations to grow, we begin to walk down the path God has placed ahead of us.

It is important to remember that He will walk with you through these trials too. Even as you struggle and grow, God will give you the strength to continue.

His loving grace washes over us like sunlight on a cloudless day.

Also, here is the information we shared about the Kokosing State Scenic River Cleanup on Saturday:

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Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

 

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The Essence of a Spirit-Filled Life

Today we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers by Jack Countryman.”

I John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

There’s a clean record that only God can give…

The forgiveness of sin is one of God’s greatest gifts to those who are in Christ. The slate has been wiped clean, and he has promised to never remember or mention our sins again.

Because of God’s total, unconditional, overwhelming and abundant love, he chooses to not only forgive our sins but also to remove them from his presence forever. The beauty of God’s forgiveness opens the door for each of us to have the relationship with him that he wants…and we need.

His love overshadows everything that we have committed. Remember, too that God’s mercy does not give us the freedom to sin, expecting more forgiveness; rather, it gives us the freedom to move past the mistakes we have made and into a deeper richer relationship with him and with our loved ones.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

As a Christian leader, God is calling you to walk in the spirit and your relationship with those you love and cherish. The transparent life that God wishes you to lead brings out the fruit of the spirit.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all given to you by the Holy Spirit.

When the life you lead is God-centered and your relationship with Christ is a priority, the rewards you receive are the fruits of the spirit.

Only God can change your heart and give you that certain peace that passes all understanding and reflects the person God wants you to be. Remember those fruits are not simply one mark of a spirit-filled life…they are the essence of a spirit-filled life.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

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Insurance and Contentment

PRAISE THURSDAY 9/5/19

Today we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers by Jack Countryman.”

Psalm 139: 7-10

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139 provides you with all the insurance you need. In this profound passage, God has promised that no matter what we’re facing or going through, He will be there.

When we cannot understand ourselves or comprehend our feelings, God invites us to take our internal struggles to him and ask for his insight. God understands what we don’t and he knows what to do when we don’t.

Let each day be filled with the power of His presence, allowing him to guide us into a deeper relationship with Him. He is our everything. Our father is watching, so instead of fearing that, take advantage of it.

I Timothy 6:6-7

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Contentment is a gift that only God can give.

So many times our desire for material possessions overshadows our relationship with God. We can become content if we are willing to see God as our sole provider and focus on the necessities of life.

God will often supply our WANTS out of his goodness and Grace, but he has promised to supply all of our NEEDS. Learn to express your gratitude for what you have and never be concerned about what you are missing.

Your greatest source of contentment will be found when you follow the instructions in Psalm 37:4 to “delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

Stop for a moment and take inventory of all God has blessed you with…and give thanks for all of those blessings!

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

 

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Looking at our possessions and talents

Today we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers by Jack Countryman.” Today we look at our view of possessions and talents.

Luke 12:15

15 Speaking to the people, he (Jesus) went on, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” (The Message)

(This then leads into the parable of the rich fool)

So many times in life, we can get sidetracked with our grown-up toys and material possessions.

True satisfaction in life flows out of fulfilling the purpose for which we are created. That purpose is to enjoy an intimate relationship with God. Acquiring material things as a substitute for a real relationship with God? That only makes the heart feel hollow and empty.

The example that we portray for our kids about the importance of relationship with God compared to gaining material wealth, will set the stage for their priorities as they go into the world.

Exodus 31:1-5

31 1-5 God spoke to Moses: “See what I’ve done; I’ve personally chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. I’ve filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him skill and know-how and expertise in every kind of craft to create designs and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to cut and set gemstones; to carve wood—he’s an all-around craftsman.

As a father, we have been given a powerful influence over those in our family.

God, in His divine mercy and infinite wisdom, has also given us certain gifts and talents. How we use them will determine the effect that we have on those we love and cherish.

A godly leader is not easily swayed, but rather is filled with conviction, faith and prayer. We will gain a sense of our godly responsibility when we choose to stand up for what is right.

The Bible encourages us to turn to God when we need wisdom and strength. Let our intimacy with God guide us in building on the talents we have been given.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

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The Long Walk Home

Today we continue our devotion from the book “Time with God for Fathers by Jack Countryman.” Our focus is going to be on keeping joy throughout our walk and living for God’s ambition during that walk.

The Long Walk Home

1 Peter 1:8-9

“Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your soul.”

The Christian life is intended to be both taken seriously and full of joy. It takes a spirit-filled, conscious effort to contemplate our faith in a way that brings a noticeable positive impact in our lives.

But how could we not be joyful knowing the creator of everything, knows, cares for and loves every single one of us?

As you go through this life, walk in step with the one who loves you dearly, and do your best to let that love show.

Looking out for Number Two

Philippians 2:3-4

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others.”

 The whole idea behind this verse is living for something other than ourselves. Specifically, God and his ambitions. Especially in today’s culture, that is so hard to do. We want to live FOR US, our desire and ambition are often the driving for behind how we live.

God wants to live through us. So our thoughts and actions should be centered around that concept. That might mean reaching out to someone who makes us uncomfortable or giving up something we know isn’t good for us. First and for most, we are to help forward the kingdom.

It’s important to note though, that this verse also does encourage self-care and ambition when it says “Let each of you look out not only for your own self-interest…”

NOT ONLY is the key phrase there. God doesn’t want us to neglect ourselves. Often, you’ll find that what God wants for your life is also beneficial to you. Therefore, by focusing on God’s interest, you indirectly satisfy your own.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

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From the Inside Out

Today, we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers” by Jack Countryman, discussing how we strive to live from the inside out.

2 Corinthians 4:16 says:

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (NIV)

“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.” (The Message)

Living for God from the inside out begins with a change of heart; and your decision to be a different person.

The way you walk, talk, and interact with your family and friends will change as you are called to reflect Jesus Christ in every area of your life.

When you become a Christian, you assume a personal responsibility to live for Christ. Although your sins have been forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice, you are still responsible for your behavior.

What you do on this Earth matters. You are free in Christ, but you are also a bondservant of Christ. Pleasing God is to be your first priority. As a Christian father, who you are in Christ will be reflected in your children as they observe the way you live…from the inside out.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

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More wisdom for Praise Thursday

Today, we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers” by Jack Countryman.

The Choice is Ours!

Matthew 6:24

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

So many times in life, we struggle with our priorities. We struggle in our choices. We struggle with our needs and our wants. It is too easy to end up serving more than one master…and then find there is little satisfaction from either.

When we have two masters such as: God and work, or God and bank accounts, or God and family, all which have contradicting demands, we must make a choice about whom we will serve when our life comes together.

When everything we desire places God first, the choices that we make will come easily.

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An ordinary man serving God is an extraordinary father

Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

The wonderful message about God is that we were ALL created in his image and He believes that we are ALL extraordinary.

God knows this perfectly and loves us completely. Just the way we are. We are His masterpiece, His workmanship of grace and love. His work of art.

As we grow, He continues to paint the portrait of our lives in such a way that we will glorify Him. Many times for us, this is a hard concept to grasp since we see our lives as incomplete and maybe like an unfinished portrait.

But His eternal eyes know exactly what we need and where we need His greatest attention. Every frustration, every disappointment, and every joy is a brushstroke serving a purpose in God’s perfect plan.

In his eyes, you are a masterpiece.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd

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