Divine Mentor- Tell the Truth by Deena Serafin

Exodus 25-27; Acts 6
Scripture: Acts 6:10 "And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke."

Observation: "They" were a group of freed slaves who had set up their own local synagogue. Unable to argue facts with Stephen's wisdom and the Holy Spirit, they spread lies about him.

Application: Not everyone is looking for the truth. Many people simply want affirmation that what they believe is true or at least sufficient. Sometimes it's simply stubborn pride. We are called to tell the story and ask the Holy Spirit to open hearts and minds to the truth of Jesus. That is what Stephen did.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, empower me by Your Spirit to speak Your truth to anyone who will listen, regardless of the cost to me. Thank you for Stephen and all those who have, and still are today, giving their very lives to tell the truth.

The Divine Mentor – When Counterfeits Reach Their Limit – By Margaret Thomas

Today’s Reading: Exodus 6,7,8; Luke 23

Exodus 8:18 (NASB) – But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not.

In this story, Moses had been asking Pharoah to release the enslaved Israelites.  Over and over, Pharaoh had hardened his heart and refused to let them go.  So, God began sending multiple plagues on Egypt.  At first, the Egyptian magicians and sorcerers were able to replicate each phenomenon. They used their secret “arts” to change their staffs into snakes (Exodus 7:11-12), water into blood (Exodus 7:22) and to make frogs appear (Exodus 8:7).  However, when God sent the plague of gnats (and during each additional plague) their “magic” didn’t work.  They could no longer continue to counterfeit what God was doing.

My first professional job after graduating college was as a Loan Officer and Assistant Branch Manager at a bank.  In the beginning, I spent many hours training not only in the classroom but in each bank department and outlying branch.  During those early days, they took me on a tour of the downtown headquarters which included a stop at the main vault. On any given day, this vault would hold hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.  I remember feeling stunned as I stepped through that massive vault door and saw countless stacks of bundled bills and boxes of rolled coins.  I had never seen so much money in my entire life! As part of that tour, we were given the opportunity to count through a bundle of dollar bills. We were also given several counterfeit dollar bills to use as a comparison. To my untrained eye, the counterfeit bills looked real, felt real and if I hadn’t known better, I would have thought they were real.  They were very good counterfeits. Once I began counting, handling, and looking at the real dollar bills however, the differences became very obvious. As I held both in my hands, it was easy to recognize which one was real and which one was not.

The world is full of counterfeits. There are false religions and religious books, teachings that distort God’s word, and many other things that can seem “true”. But, when these “truths” are placed against the real truth of God’s word, the differences become obvious.  Just like when Pharoah’s sorcerers could no longer replicate the plagues, each doctrine or belief that does not line up with the Word of God will ultimately be shown for what it is: a counterfeit.  There are things only God can do.  The precious gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and His powerful sacrifice on the cross will never be surpassed. Only through faith in Him and Him alone can we truly be reconciled to God. The same is true of God’s Word.  No matter how many books tout their version of the truth, there is only one book that has the power to change lives and holds the real truth: the Word of God - nothing the world offers can compare. Every false “truth” that is held up against His Word will be shown for what it is: a counterfeit.

Divine Mentor- Pride Is The Greatest Failure - by Deena Serafin

Divine Mentor Reading: Exodus 3-5; Luke 22
Scripture: Luke 22:62 "So Peter went out and wept bitterly."

Observation: All 4 Gospel authors include the account of Peter's denial of Jesus. Matthew and Mark indicate that all the disciples were present when Peter boldly stated that he would never deny Jesus but would die for Him; however, it is very unlikely that any of them were present in the courtyard when the denials took place.  Peter had to have told them later.

Application: I understand Peter- impetuous, speak-before-thinking Peter. Heart in the right place- living in the moment. Why did he humble himself before his closest friends and admit what he must have seen as his greatest failure? I'm not certain I would have done that. After all, they really didn't need to know, did they? Well, it wasn't about them- it was about Peter. Christ had changed him.

Prayer: Father, I have failed You so many times, but my greatest failure has been allowing my pride to hide my failures and weaknesses from others who might have learned from my mistakes or lovingly guided me through them. Please forgive my prideful attitude. Amen.

The Divine Mentor - When People tell you to Shut Up: by Laila Wahba, PHD

Luke 18:15 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering Him.

Luke 18:39 “Be quiet” the people in front yelled at him (the blind man). But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Twice in this chapter we read of people trying to shush the parents from asking Jesus to bless their children, and from the blind man asking for healing and mercy.

Watch Jesus as He reaches out to people. Does He look like someone who is hesitant to meet the needs of His people? Does He seem like someone who is unwilling to help the hurting, the sick, the kids, the parents?

Don't let anyone talk you into the lie that Jesus is too busy for you, that He would be bothered if you keep asking blessings for your children. Don't let anyone tell you that Jesus is too busy to heal you or your loved ones. Keep on asking, keep on shouting, do not give up, for Jesus’ help, healing and salvation are at hand.

In fact, if you keep on asking, you will probably get more than what you bargained for.

Ask, seek, knock… never give up.

Lord, though you are the King of Kings, the Maker of the Universe, the Sustainer, the Creator… yet You are never too busy for the little things.

I pray today that you will touch my children and bless them, save them, heal them, sustain them and give them godly friends and godly spouses.  I pray today for all the people we have been praying for who are blinded with sin and unbelief. Friends for whom we have been praying for so long and have almost given up thinking that maybe it is not your will to save them, today I proclaim this thought as a thought from the pit of hell. 

Today Lord, I am praying for all those who they themselves think You are too busy to care for them.

I pray for all the sick that we know, may You come with your healing touch and heal, not only their bodies, but their souls as well.

We love you Jesus.

The Divine Mentor: The Power of Words by Hilary Litzinger

Today's Verse:

"He replied, 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea," and it will obey you.' "

Observation:

Jesus is speaking to his disciples about having faith and they request to have more faith. He simply tells them that even the littlest faith can completely rid of something in your way if you SPEAK unto it!

Application:

The power in our words are so majorly effective to a situation Whether they are positive or negative, words have powerful meanings in them. That's why it is so important to watch what we say to others and ourselves.Even if we may think something negative, SPEAK positive words, rebuke it out loudly, and you'll begin to see the light of it all. When talking to others it may not always be the right thing but it will affect the way they're thinking and the events that follow. Now that we have the power of Christ's blood within us we can speak the bloodline in troubling times and it will be done because of the covenant He made for us. Dead things are no good to us, but praise God, JESUS IS ALIVE AND WELL, keeping his covenant to love and protect us. He us here with us in battle! Speaking is believing! Do not keep it inside, revealing is healing. No matter how weak and tired I may feel sometimes, if I just speak out loud God's truth, it takes place of my weakness and revives my mind unto the way I should be thinking. Last night coming home from school I just couldn't keep my eyes open, and I made myself a headache with the thoughts of homework and not getting enough sleep Of course the worship music saved me from going down the path of mind destruction! I heard a wonderful song that spoke of his revival that begins with his words. SO TRUE! I was bale to come home with a renewed mind. I got to get some last minute things picked up around the house and several homework assignments completed. The best part is I wasn't up as late as I was expecting. It is so amazing what positive words can do to a negative thought. I wasn't even sure if i was going to be able to do it at first but I did. I completely believe it was because I spoke of getting it done and that only Christ was going to help me. It literally feels like it was "uprooted" from my mind and "planted" in the sea that washed it away. God covered it with Christ's blood and cleansed it with the River of Life!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I stand here is awe of your covenant with me. The ultimate promise to be there when I need you! Thank you, Jesus for the life you have given me to overcome worldly circumstances and find revival in you. In Jesus' powerful and Holy name I pray, Amen!

Hilary Litzinger

The Divine Mentor: HEALING: by Laila Wahba, PhD

Luke 12:19
"Stand up and go, your faith has healed you."

This leper who was a Samaritan came back to thank Jesus for his healing. Jesus responds with what seems like an oxymoron: your faith has healed you. Wasn't he already healed? Weren't all of the lepers healed? But here Jesus is speaking if a deeper kind of healing, the healing of the soul. 

So many of us, and me particularly, would ask God for physical healing for a loved one, or for myself. We ask for the solution of a financial problem, or a marital problem. We ask for jobs or visas or whatever. And God, in his mercy grants us what we asked for. But there is more that we can get. Some things that we really need much more than what we asked for. But God is waiting to see, will we go back and claim He was the source of answered prayer? Will we go back for what God has in store for us? Deep healing, deep salvation, deep release from shame, guilt and sin? Will we come back and thank him, or will we be like the other nine, happy with what little we got, never going back for more?

I always wonder, how many blessings I have missed by not going back to God to get more. Yes, I am greedy where it comes to God. I want all from Him.

Lord, today I want you, the lover if my soul. I want you to be the one and Only. I want to know you and make you known. I love you Jesus.

Divine Mentor- The Lord Is With Us by Deena Serafin

Divine Mentor Reading: Genesis 39-41; Luke 16

This morning, after writing in my journal, I opened this blog to share what I had written and found that my dear friend, Margaret, had already written a beautiful and very personal account of God at work in her life through tough circumstances. At first I thought I would not share what I had already written, but then I felt the Holy Spirit's reminder that we are here to encourage and lift each other up just as often as we can. Thank you, Margaret, for sharing your heart. The following is exactly what I wrote before I read Margaret's words:

Scripture: Gen. 39:21. "But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with Him."

Observation: Joseph- thrown in a pit by his jealous brothers who then sold him as a slave, dragged off to a country where no one knew God, falsely accused of rape and thrown into a dungeon, forgotten by a baker he had helped-- all before  he was 30!  Not once did God ever leave him (39:2, 21, 23).

Application: God uses the circumstances of our lives when we trust Him- and even when we don't ! Nothing happens in our lives without His permission. He didn't cause the unfair, undeserved events of Joseph's life, but He did use them. He does the same for us. He never leaves us alone in our circumstances, in fact, often this is when He reveals Himself the most and we grow closer to Him.

Prayer: My Father, I pray today for fellow believers who are experiencing pain and suffering, both physical and emotional.  Reveal Your presence to each of them, faithful Father, in a mighty way. Amen.

Divine Mentor - From "Nobody" to "Somebody" - By Margaret Thomas

Today's Reading (January 16): Genesis 39-41; Luke 16

Genesis 39:5 - It came about that from the time he (Potiphar) made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph; thus the Lord’s blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field.

Genesis 39:23 - The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper.

Life isn’t fair.  It has a way of throwing you a curveball when you least expect it.  Things may be going splendidly well with your job, family, church, etc., and then suddenly, it all changes.  Your world shifts and you are thrown into a place you never wanted or thought you would be.  Joseph was in such a place.  He had been born a favored son but was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. As a slave, he was now considered a “nobody”. He became a piece of property that was subject to the whims of his master. In spite of this, he served his master (Potiphar) faithfully, only to later be falsely accused of rape and thrown into an Egyptian prison.  In the midst of it all, however, God blessed him.  He blessed Joseph so much that no matter where he was, he was given a place of authority. Both Potiphar and the chief jailer recognized something was different about him and put him in charge of everything in their care. He rose above slaves and prisoners alike to become a leader and administrator. The key to it all: God was with him. 

As I read this story, God reminded me of several difficult trials I have faced - those unexpected curveballs that rocked my world. My life had been going so well but then suddenly, it all changed.  I was unwillingly flung from the mountaintop into the valley.  I went from feeling like a “somebody” to a “nobody”. During those times, it was a constant battle to resist the feelings of depression, hopelessness, and despair that sought to imprison me. Daily it seemed, there was a new worry or additional stress to add to the mix. It felt as if I was in a dark, cold prison and there was no escape in sight. It was also during those times, that God’s Word became the life preserver in my storm-tossed world - the bright light in my darkest night. I learned to speak it, pray it and carry it with me everywhere. And, I learned first-hand that He will never leave me or forsake me.  God walked steadily with me through everything and faithfully reminded me over and over that I was “somebody” to Him.  I was valuable; I mattered; I was not invisible. He saw me and my situation.  

In the midst of it all, He also blessed me. My relationship with several girlfriends went from a surface level to a deeper place. Every financial need we had was met. I grew emotionally and spiritually.  I learned to be more compassionate towards others, to wait on God, and to be real.  I would not be the person I am today if God hadn’t allowed these trials into my life.  Just like with Joseph, God did not leave me alone during those dark times.  When I couldn’t walk, he carried me.  When I couldn’t see, His Word was my light. He enabled me to persevere to the end. The key to it all: God is always with me. And if He is with me, I can rise above EVERY difficult situation that comes my way.

The Divine Mentor: The Vindicator: by Hilary Litzinger

Today's verse:
Psalm 7:1

"Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me.."

Observation:

David speaks this Psalm in a spiritual warfare prayer. I don't know the historical background at this time of history, but from what I do understand, David is asking God to get rid of his enemies.

Application:

Just yesterday I had a situation come up that hurt me. I had a former friend of mine say some cruel things to me. She had asked me a couple of weeks ago to get together with the kids but, because I am trying to separate myself from certain people that she is frequently around, I didn't respond. It wasn't meant to be against her personally so I apologized and tried to make it clear to her that my intentions were not to be rude towards her. Of course I got a bunch of negative feedback from her so I left it alone. In situations like these I can tend to let anger and anxiety take control, but this time was different. I spoke with family members to get it off my chest and for advice and I was reassured that it was okay. I did not have to explain myself to someone who is apparently just trying to make confrontation. Some time after, I went to school. I got a new cd of worship songs so I began to listen and sing along. The relief I felt was eye-opening and peaceful! I believe Jesus already delivered me from this because I took refuge in Him and sang praises of Him being my vindicator from all situations He puts forth. One thing I have learned is that I don't always have to have a comeback when someone is throwing negative and hurtful words at me. I know that Christ will not allow things to happen that I cannot handle through Him. I am learning more each day on how to LET GO and LET GOD. Give it to Christ, pray, and give praises and He will do what it may be in my favor!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for all that you put in front of me so that I may learn and continue to put you in all parts of my life. Then all parts of me will be you. Thank you for your Word and Grace. In Jesus Name, AMEN!

Hilary Litzinger

Divine Mentor: Fear Can't Steal My Blessings By: Ziahlita Peterson

Today’s Reading

Genesis 31-33

Luke 13

My Scripture(s) are Genesis 31:31 and Genesis 32:7 (HCSB)

 Genesis 31:31

“…I was afraid, for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.”

Genesis 32:7

“Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed..”

These two scriptures were used to speak to me today about fear.  I have been dealing with some fear in my life about being successful and with that fear I compounded it with the fear that God would be dissatisfied with me being afraid.  I know that my faith is strong and it is strong enough to overcome my fear, but fear still peeks its head into my thoughts.  We have always heard from the experts things like “fear and faith can’t occupy the same space”; “fear is fake evidence appearing real”; and “if you have fear you can’t have faith”.  

So my biggest inner battle with fear is that when I have it God won’t be pleased with me.

Jacob was highly favored by God and he had fear twice in one day according to these scriptures.  He feared Laban would take his family if he told him he was returning to the land of his father by God’s orders and he feared that his brother Esau would kill him and his family because of his betrayal.  When I compare my fears to Jacob’s fears they don’t amount to much of anything and yet God still blessed him.  God used these verses to show and remind me that I can have fear as long as I don’t let it consume me and I still remain obedient.  This is what I really needed today because the fear of the unknown though it is very positive has managed to take hold of me. 

Prayer:

Lord my Father thank you for not giving up on me and continuing to show me what you want me to know and understand.  I want the blessings you have waiting on me and I will get out of your way so that you can bless me. I will no longer let fear steal my blessings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Divine Mentor - Do Not Worry - January 12, 2014 by Teresa Houle

Scripture that spoke to me today: Luke 12:22-23,25-26

22 The Jesus said to His disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"

I've always been a worrier (I think it's a learned behavior from my dad and his mom), but I now realize that when I worry, it's a reflection of my lack of faith in God.  While I know in my head that God will provide for me (and my family) and that He's in control of everything, I still can't seem to shake my fears and insecurities. As I currently struggle with worrying about finances as well as my body image with being undesirable to my husband, this scripture reminds me that God's still in control and He's going to provide and worrying about it isn't going to help anything.

In an effort to apply this scripture to my life, I've written out my tithe check for the last 2 paychecks that I neglected to in fear that I wouldn't be able to pay the bills; I'm trusting that God is in control and he will provide a way.  As for the worrying about my body image and being desirable to my husband, I'm going to strive to focus on my relationship with God since His validation of what I look like on the inside is all that should matter.

Dear Lord,
I pray that you would take away my spirit of fear because I know that your word says, it is NOT from you. I'm asking you to meet with me each morning when I open Your Word and read, that you would speak to me in a way that is clear to me in what you have to say to me each day.  I pray for provision for me/my family. Give me strength to trust that you are in control and help me to find my validation in your ways and NOT the ways of this world.  Thank you for choosing me and allowing me to have a relationship with you.
In Jesus Name I Pray,
Amen

Divine Mentor: Blessings Come In All Things By: Ziahlita Peterson

Today’s Reading

Genesis 29-30

Luke 12

My Scripture is Luke 12:48 (HCSB)

 “…Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.”

The first sentence of this part of the verse is telling me that we all will be held accountable according to what we have done with our blessings.  At first I used to think blessings were only the good things that happen to me in life like my children, that job I wanted, my car being reliable, never being homeless and finding someone to love me.  I have now realized that my blessings were also losing my grandmother at the age of five, becoming a teen mom, the men that broke my heart, when my children hurt me, when I lost my job, when I lost my car, etc..  When I look back at my life I have been blessed through everything that I have experienced.  The second sentence is telling me the responsibility that I have in how I use my blessings.  I have always believed that had I not become a teen mom I would have chosen not to have children, so being a mother was definitely God’s plan.  Though I had a foundation in God all of my life thanks to my Nanny, I didn’t have the education of the word that I am learning now.  Because of the negative blessings I received right after my second child I chose to raise my children to be the best adults they could be.  That passion God placed in my heart has burned ever since.  I have assisted in raising many children and their children.  As a mother I take my role serious and I know it is my responsibility to share the importance of being a mother with the younger women today.  As mothers God has entrusted us with so much – He has given us the opportunity to raise His children.  We all talk about how Mary must have felt knowing she raised the Son of God when we don’t realize he has entrusted us with a duty just as important.  I really wish more mothers took their roles more seriously.  Instead, we have young mothers using their babies to control the father, using them as a way to receive sympathy/pity, using them to collect a check (from the government or fathers), using them to replace the love they felt was missing in their lives, using them as a replacement for a mate, and just using them for anything they want to.  As a mother I have to say the reason this generation has no respect of life is because they weren’t taught to and it is our fault as mothers.  So the time of accountability has started and just as in the days of the Bible we can change the world one home at a time.  We all we have to account for what we have been given and what He has entrusted us with.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray that I have done what you require of me as a mother.  I pray that I have given a voice to the voiceless through what you have taught me about being a mother.  I ask that you help me work through my doubts of when to step back and when to fight for your children.  Thank you for allowing me to be entrusted with your children.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Divine Mentor: All I Have I Owe To You By: Ziahlita Peterson

Today’s Reading

Genesis 27-28

Psalms 4

Luke 11

My Scripture is Genesis 28:22 (HCSB)

“This stone that I have set up as a marker will be God’s house, and I will give to You a tenth of all that You give me.”

Objective:

God told Jacob of all the blessings he has planned for him.  Jacob made a covenant with God to give back a tenth of everything God blesses him with.  It was at that stone that he received the dream of his blessings so the stone is a reminder of the covenant he made with God for his blessings.  This is for us to remember to give a tenth of what God blesses us with.  Sometimes we tend to forget that though we go out and work for our finances it is God that has given us the talent and opportunity to make those finances no matter how small or large.

Application:

I have to admit this is something I have done ever since accepting Pastor Merritt’s challenge over a year ago to tithe consistently.  I believe this verse spoke to me to remind me because God has big plans and blessings in stored for me this year.  He has been telling me to be prepared for where my life is going and though I have been able to tithe with my small blessings I need to be reminded to tithe when my financial blessings grow.  I am actually looking forward to being able to do more in my financial giving so through my time with God this past year and a half my heart gets excited with the thought of being able to be used to bless others.

Prayer:

Lord, please continue to keep my heart thirsting for you.  Just as Jacob made a covenant to give a tenth of everything you bless him with so do I.  Thank you for all you have blessed me with. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Divine Mentor- God Didn't Need Rebekah's Plan - by Deena Serafin

Genesis 27-28; Psalm 4; Luke 11

Scripture: But his mother said to him, "Your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me." (Genesis 27:13 )

Observation:  Rebekah played God in her son's life. She loved Jacob more than Esau. Esau was a "man's man", while Jacob may well have been a "momma's boy".  He knew she was wrong, and yet he wanted the blessing that belonged to his brother-  what second-born son wouldn't ? Jacob's mother taught him to be deceptive. We can look back and say that Esau, who had carelessly given his birthright to Jacob for a pot of stew, didn't deserve the blessing of the firstborn. We even know that Jacob, not Esau, was God's choice to carry Abraham's bloodline to David and then to Jesus. The fact remains--Rebekah, despite her good intentions, taught her son to be a liar and a thief!

Application:  When I take matters into my own hands, I cheat myself out of the blessing God has in store for me. God had already chosen Jacob  over Esau- he didn't need Rebekah and Jacob to cheat and lie to achieve it. How much sin, evil, and heartache in the world is the result of  us taking matters into our own hands rather than trusting God to do what is best for us?  All of it.

Prayer:  My Father, I know You not only have a plan for my life but that you even order my daily steps.  You will, however, allow me to make my own choices and go my own way if I choose to do so. Walk closely with me today , step by step.  I don't want to miss out on what you have in store for me.

The Divine Mentor: ONLY ONE THING IS NECESSARY!! by: Debbie McGrath

Luke 10:41-42 
"Martha Martha, the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed, Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her."

We have all heard this verse before - Martha was distracted by her daily activities but Mary chose to be in God's Word. I can relate to both women - there are days when I get caught up in myself and do not spend time in the Word.  But when I spend time with my Savior in the  mornings my life is changed!!

When I spend time in God's Word - this is what happens!!

1.  I turn my focus from me to God.
2.  I am filled with peace and joy.
3.  I see more clearly.
4.  I am reminded just how much God really loves me.
5.  I am encouraged!
6.  I am reminded to love others more than myself.
7.  I am transformed!
8.  He talks to me thru His Word.
9.  I am reminded that I have nothing to not fear because God is always with me.
10.I am reminded of my greatest purpose: to share the gospel and make disciples.

This list could go on and on.  
When I read God's word, then meditate on the scriptures and journal my thoughts - I am so blessed!!
Spend time in the Word today - you will not be the same when you are done!

Divine Mentor- India and Beyond . by Deena Serafin

Today's Reading: Genesis 25-26; Psalm 6;  Luke 10

Scripture: " If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. "

...and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' (Luke 10:6, 9 )

Observation: Our Cross Pointe work in India is based on these verses, and I have been blessed to be part of it the last two years. Each time we enter a remote village, we take Tylenol, cough drops, Pepcid, worm medicine, etc. Our nurses, and sometimes a doctor or dentist,  do what they can for the people who come.  Just as they did with Jesus, the people come because they want physical relief and healing; however,  just as Jesus did, we tell them that God loves them and that Jesus will change their lives.  Before we go into a village, we always pray for a "man of peace" who will hear the Gospel and invite our Indian brothers back to his home to tell his family and neighbors more about this God who loves them and His Son, Jesus, who died for them.  ThIs was the church in Acts, and it is the church in India.

Application:  Today I want to pray for  people in our neighborhoods and around the world who have never heard the Gospel. The Scriptures tell us that every person yearns to know God and no one is without excuse; however, Jesus himself has told us to Go and Tell.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the people in my life who first told me abut Your love for me and that I could have a personal relationship with You. Help me to never take them for granted. I thank You for Cross Pointe Church and the opportunities I have to do for others what others have done for me.  Use me today, Lord, and every day in every situation, to tell others of You.  Amen.

Divine Mentor - We’re All on the Same Team! By Margaret Thomas

Today’s Reading (January 9^th): Genesis 23, 24; Luke 9

Luke 9:49-50 (NASB): ⁴⁹ John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” ⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.”

The disciples were part of Jesus’ inner circle.  As his closest followers, they naturally felt they were the only ones who should have the authority and power to cast out demons, or for that matter to do any miracle.  With this in mind, they immediately set out to put a stop to anyone outside their circle that used Jesus’ name for this reason.  Interestingly, Jesus rebukes them and tells them THEY are the ones who are incorrect!  

As Christ-followers, it is so easy to get caught up in our own spiritual community and/or evangelical denomination.  We begin to feel part of an exclusive “club” and anyone who does not agree exactly with our particular view is simply wrong. Unfortunately, you will find this attitude across many of the denominations and in many non-denominational circles. Each group looks skeptically at the other and anyone who is not in their “group” is viewed with varying degrees of suspicion.

I grew up in a non-denominational church.  As a child, I can recall several times where the minister would say from the pulpit that our particular way of worship and scripture interpretation wasn’t like those “denominations” and we should rejoice in that.  This seemed to imply that somehow our particular church/group had obtained the only true/right way to know and worship God.  As an adult, I look back on those days and just shake my head with dismay at the spiritually condescending attitude that minister was encouraging in our congregation.  I’ve been a Christ-follower now for over 30 years and through this journey have been part of several different denominational churches and non-denominational churches. I’ve seen the gamut of worship styles and doctrinal differences.  I’ve also met many wonderful devoted Christ-followers in each denomination. And, I’ve met those who had the same attitude as that minister years ago.  To everyone with that attitude, I’ve wanted to ask: If we are true followers of Christ, aren’t we all playing on the same team?  And if so, what’s up with your attitude? 

The goal of every Christ-follower, regardless of denomination, should be to have a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to share His truth with as many as possible so they too can come to know Him. True Christ-followers should embrace the fact that everyone who has accepted the precious gift of Jesus into their life is playing on the same team! We’re now all part of ONE body of Christ. We’re all pressing toward the same goal – to love and serve Christ with all our hearts. One day, we will kneel and worship before our incredible God together…and there won’t be one denominational line in sight.  Just as Jesus instructed His disciples not to stop that person from using His name, this too applies to us; “for he who is not against you is for you.”

God, it's only through You that we can look past denominational differences, our own preferences, and embrace other Christ-followers as our fellow teammates and laborers on this journey.  Help us to work together as one true body to share the Gospel with everyone who does not know You.

Divine Mentor: Good Ground By: Ziahlita Peterson

Today’s Reading

Genesis 20-22

Luke 8

My Scripture is Luke 8:13-15 (HCSB) – this is Jesus explaining the parable of the sower in Luke 8:5-8

Scripture: Luke 8:133-15

“And the seed on the rock are those who, when they hear, welcome the word with joy.  Having no root, these believe for a while and depart in a time of testing. As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and produce no mature fruit. But the seed in the good ground – these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring, bear fruit.”

This scripture spoke me in the form of confirmation.  For many years I have opened the door to my home and have allowed individuals to live with me until they can move on.  Some of those have been young mothers.  Because I am a teen mother myself I have a special place in my heart to want to help them understand the responsibility and role they place in the life of that adult they are raising.  I have never believed we are raising children because we are not meant to remain children.  I have been struggling for the past three months with someone that has caused me to question where I am in my spiritual maturity.  I have found myself giving away my joy, time, and in my opinion my light with nothing bearing fruit. 

This scripture has made me realize that I began my journey as the rock, thorns and now I want to really believe I am now good ground.  I feel as if I am being challenged to once again bear fruit from this experience.  With me being good fruit I must remember I have to be obedient and then know when to get out of God’s way.  I believe today is that day.  I must share what I know then finally remove myself from the situation and let Him do what He does best – be God.

Lord, I pray that you continue to show me what it is that you want me to do.  Please give me the strength to not allow my flesh to want to fix everything but allow you to do your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Divine Mentor: Nothing is Impossible & Always be Prepared By: Ziahlita Peterson

Today’s Reading

Genesis 9-11 and Luke 4
My Scripture(s): Genesis 11:6 and Luke 4:13

 Nothing is Impossible

 

Genesis 11:6
“Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do.  And nothing that they purpose to do will now be impossible for them.”

 

Objective:

I believe that God witnessed our evolution from living in tents to building an actual stone/brick tower without His assistance.  It was then that He may have realized that we will become too much too fast.  It was necessary to add division through language so no one could communicate and think of more ways of advancement.  Over time we still become more advanced the more we communicate with each other and for some other languages are learned opening up their world even more. A great example is how technology has removed all borders.  We are able to go to outer space and speak with someone on the other side of the world.  God knew that as a people he designed us to be able to do anything we set our minds to. 

Application:

It is important for me to embrace the many gifts that God has given us – both obvious and hidden.  I will work harder at remembering that we have the ability to do anything together.  No longer will I allow satan, the father of lies to whisper in my ear that I have limitations. It has also come to my attention the importance of being multi-lingual.  Though I have a plate full with life I must find a way to learn the basics of at least one other language and then progress to others one at a time.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for once again reminding me that I have no limitations because I have you and your Grace.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Always be Prepared

Luke 4:13

And when the devil ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

 

Objective:

When must remember that if satan didn’t give up on tempting Jesus Christ our Lord, we should never believe that once we are victorious with what he tempts us with we have won.  Just as the scripture says, “he departed from him until an opportune time” satan will never give up.  It is up to us to be able to continue to fight his temptations.  Because satan is the great deceiver we must remember he will use us against us. God has given us His word as a weapon that should be sharpened daily.

 

Application:

 I will work to sharpen my weapon against the temptations of satan.  Satan knows my weaknesses and uses them on a regular basis to distract me from what God has for me.  Some days I don’t have the strength to fight and I give into the daily distractions of family issues, texting, internet and physical exertion.  Just this morning while doing my reading he tried to distract me with phone calls. I will work harder by being in God’s word daily and each day my weapon will be sharper and sharper.

 

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord for giving me the strength to recognize the temptations that are in place to keep me from you and your plans for me. I will continue to thirst for you with no quenching of that thirst with your help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Divine Mentor: Satan's fame or God's Fame? by Laila Wahba

Luke 4:2 During forty days, being tempted of the devil. And he did eat nothing in those days: and when they were completed, he hungered.

Though I read these verses many times before, I always though that after Jesus fasted for forty days, the devil tempted him with the three famous temptations we read later, but I realized today that the devil was taunting and tempting him for forty days. Being hungry, tired, living in the wilderness AND tempted by the devil, Jesus must have felt exhausted.

Then, the devil comes with a promise of fame and  recognition,

4.6 And the devil said unto him, To thee will I give all this authority, and the glory of them: for it hath been delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship before me, it shall all be thine.

The amazing thing is that Jesus did not argue with satan whether he can actually deliver what he promised to Jesus, which made me realize that there  is fame and recognition that comes from the devil, from the world.

So many times, we even strive for this kind of recognition by working more, showing off more, tweeting, facebooking, blogging our successes, needing recognition and fame that can only destroy us. Other times we are willing to be given authority through no legal doors, or through accepting glory by worshipping satan and his ways and his sins, by actually giving legal terms to sinful behaviors: wisdom for fraud, sharing for gossip, maturity for compromise with sin.

Then, satan comes with another promise of fame and recognition, this time making it sound so spiritual, even using Biblical passages

4.9 And he led him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, to guard thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.

When Jesus refuses to give in to this kind of glory, refuses to be deceived, just a few verses later we read:

4.14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and a fame went out concerning him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

When He refused fame satan’s way, He was given a fame and authority and recognition that far surpasses anything that satan could deliver: Fame and authority God’s way.

He healed sick, cast out demons (which He would not have been ale to do if He had succumbed since a kingdom divided upon itself will fall), and proclaimed His mission:

4: 18-19

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Lord, forgive me for the many instances I coveted the authority, fame and success of the world. The times I looked at sinners and thought that You care about them and give them things that are due to me. Forgive me Lord when I sought recognition from worldly things whether prestige, money, power , fame or even ministry. Forgive me Lord, when I actually felt small seeing others taunting their fame and success in my face. I forgot that I am the daughter of the King, I forgot that you have paid a big price for me. I forgot that fame from you gives far more power and fame than any other things, and this kind of fame and authority is always coupled with  peace of mind and joy. Help me wait for you.

I repent today Lord, forgive me for my limited vision, forgive me for not focusing on YOU and what YOU want to do in my life. I thank you for your plan for my life. Lord, help me hold on to YOU through all my temptations even if I am tired or exhausted, help me live in YOUR presence and wait for YOU. Let me take my recognition not from man, not from the world but from YOU.

Luke 9.25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?