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Last Updated: 12/19/2009

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December 4, 2009 - Friday

Bible Study: Human Worth/Divine Destiny, Post #1 (New Series)
Current mood:IN HIS SERVICE
Category: Life

Kingdom Dynamics Bible Study
The New Spirit Filled Life Bible

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:26-28

Man's Intrinsic Value
by Charles Blake

Man is distinct from the rest of creation. The Divine Triune Counsel determined that man was to have God's image and likeness. Man is a spiritual being who is not only body, but also soul and spirit. He is a moral being whose intelligence, perception, and self-determination far exceed that of any other earthly being.

These properties or traits possessed by mankind and his prominence in the order of creation imply the intrinsic worth, not only of the family of mankind, but also of each human individual.

Capacity and ability constitute accountability and responsibility. We should never be pleased to dwell on a level of existence lower than that on which God has made it possible for us to dwell. We should strive to be the best we can be and to reach the highest levels we can reach. To do less is to be unfaithful stewards of the life entrusted to us. See Ps. 8:4, 5; 139:13, 14.

Charles Blake, B.A., M.Div., D.Th. Bishop/Senior Pastor, West Angeles Church of God in Christ, Los Angeles, CA

New Spirit-Filled Life Bible
Copyright 2002 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version
Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Jack Hayford Ministry

6:32 PM

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December 4, 2009 - Friday

Molded into Godly Character
Current mood:IN HIS SERVICE
Category: Life

December 4, 2009

Molded into Godly Character
by Rick Warren

Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)

Your character is essentially the sum of your habits; it is how you habitually act. The Bible says, "Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24 NIV).

God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God's Word provides the truth we need to grow, God's people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment to practice Christlikeness.

If you study and apply God's Word, connect regularly with other believers, and learn to trust God in difficult circumstances, I guarantee you will become more like Jesus.

Many people assume all that is needed for spiritual growth is Bible study and prayer. But some issues in life will never be changed by Bible study or prayer alone. God uses people. He usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship. He wants us to grow together.

In many religions, the people considered to be the most spiritually mature and holy are those who isolate themselves from others in mountaintop monasteries, uninfected by contact with other people.

But this is a gross misunderstanding. Spiritual maturity is not a solitary, individual pursuit!

You cannot grow to Christlikeness in isolation. You must be around other people and interact with them. You need to be a part of a church and community.

Why? Because true spiritual maturity is all about learning to love like Jesus, and you can't practice being like Jesus without being in relationship with other people.

Remember that during this Christmas season, when your family or friends challenge your ability to respond like Jesus!!

Remember, it's all about love - loving God and loving others.

Missed out on one of the Daily Devotionals? View the online archives.

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6:27 PM

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December 4, 2009 - Friday

Bible Study: Christlikeness, Post #9
Current mood:IN HIS SERVICE
Category: Life

Kingdom Dynamics Bible Study
The New Spirit Filled Life Bible

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Mark 8:34

Sacrifice
by Fuchsia T. Pickett

Growing in the likeness of Christ requires that we be willing to lay down our lives and take up our cross daily. It regularly confronts the human insistence on our own will, way, and wants. But even as Jesus laid down His life for us, He invites us to lay down ours for His. It is not an equal exchange. He died to do for us what we could never do for ourselves - to save us and give us eternal life. But when we sacrifice for Him, that opens the way for His life to reveal even more of the glory of His way and will - to discover new dimensions of eternal love and liberty that bring freedom from bondage to our self-life. See John 10:15, 18.

Fuchsia T. Pickett, DTh., D.D., Founder, Fuchsia T. Pickett Ministries; Professor, Christian Life School of Theology; Author; Teacher. Biountville, TN

New Spirit-Filled Life Bible
Copyright 2002 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version
Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Jack Hayford Ministry

5:16 AM

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December 4, 2009 - Friday

Be a People-Builder this Christmas
Current mood:IN HIS SERVICE
Category: Life

December 3, 2009

Be a People-Builder this Christmas
by Rick Warren

In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. Hebrews 10:24 (TLB)

There's a price tag for being a people-builder: It requires unselfishness.

But why should we do it? "In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good." (Hebrews 10:24, TLB)

At some point, the Romans confuse the word "cristos" with "crestos." Cristos means Christ; Crestos, in Latin, means kindness. In a roundabout way, that confusion can teach us something: Christians should be the kindest of all people.

I want to give you an objective -- and that is to be a people-builder not just for this holiday season, but for the rest of your life. Begin by writing down the name of one person you want to help build up, then stop and pray.

Ask God to show you that person's strengths. We always build on our strengths, not on our weaknesses. Write down whatever strengths you've seen in him or her in the past.

Then tell that person, "I've been thinking about you because I really care about you. I wanted to share with you- from my viewpoint- the strengths I see in your life because those strengths determine what God wants us to do in our lives."

Imagine the impact you could have if you would commit yourself to being a people-builder; if you determined to bring out the best in everyone you know; to help people grow and to become what God made them to be.

Missed out on one of the Daily Devotionals? View the online archives.

5:12 AM

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December 2, 2009 - Wednesday

Bible Study: Christlikeness, Post #8
Current mood:IN HIS SERVICE
Category: Life

Kingdom Dynamics Bible Study
The New Spirit Filled Life Bible

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6

Peace
by Fuchsia T. Pickett

Peace comes from God (Rom 1:7) and is an evidence of the rule of the Messiah - whose character as the "Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6) waits to instill the settledness of His own rule in our souls. Just as the saving power of His death and resurrection makes it possible for us to have peace with God (being reconciled to Him, Rom. 5:1), the indwelling of His life and character through the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is intended to help us learn to abide in the peace of God. Jesus said to His disciples, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). Surrender to His will and submission to His Word will bring inner rest, as we allow the peace of God to "rule" in our hearts (Col. 3:15), that is, to let God's peace act as umpire:

1) Over decisions that would trouble you.

2) Overruling doubts that would disturb you.

3) Overthrowing the Adversary's lies that would defeat or deter you.

Perfect peace is available when the heart and mind keep focused on God's promise, power, and presence. Trust Him (Is. 26:3).

Fuchsia T. Pickett, DTh., D.D., Founder, Fuchsia T. Pickett Ministries; Professor, Christian Life School of Theology; Author; Teacher. Biountville, TN

New Spirit-Filled Life Bible
Copyright 2002 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version
Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Jack Hayford Ministry

8:39 PM

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December 2, 2009 - Wednesday

Jesus Gave Honest Counsel
Current mood:IN HIS SERVICE
Category: Life

REPOST from PurposeDriven.com

December 2, 2009

Jesus Gave Honest Counsel
by Rick Warren

A friend means well even when he hurts you. Proverbs 27:6 (Good News)

Jesus shows us that real friends care enough to confront. Even when it's painful, they'll tell you the truth. They won't let you waste your life in silence: "A friend means well even when he hurts you." Proverbs 27:6 (Good News)

I've found that correcting another person in a loving way is powerful. Done the right way, it builds people up. The difference between the right and the wrong way is your attitude. If all you're doing is pointing out faults, then stop. The purpose has to be to correct, not to condemn.

You need to ask, "What's my motive in this? Am I correcting him for my benefit or for his benefit?"

A lot of times we want to correct people just because they're being jerks and they're hassling us. We think, "If they would stop being such a jerk, my life would be easier."

That's the wrong motive.

Instead, follow Ephesians 4:15, which says, "Speak the truth in love." So the key to proper correction: Affirm the person; then correct the behavior.

Missed out on one of the Daily Devotionals? View the online archives.

8:30 PM

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December 2, 2009 - Wednesday

Bible Study: Christlikeness, Post #7
Current mood:IN HIS SERVICE
Category: Life

Kingdom Dynamics Bible Study
The New Spirit Filled Life Bible

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11

Fullness of Joy
by Fuchsia T. Pickett

Jesus points the way to joy, a divine quality of character that is possessed and given only by God. It is rooted in relationship with the Holy Spirit, not in earthly or material things. Christlike joy is seen in the description of His, "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2). Joy is derived from the confidence that the price of dying to our will holds the inevitable certainty of eventually realizing the triumph of His. For Jesus, bringing sons and daughters into fellowship with the Father was His delight, though the Cross was the means to that eventual joy (2:10). This very trait was prophesied of Messiah: "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied" (Is. 53:11). Thus, the Saviors' "food" (that is, His fulfillment) was to do the will of God and accomplish His work (John 4:34).

Fuchsia T. Pickett, DTh., D.D., Founder, Fuchsia T. Pickett Ministries; Professor, Christian Life School of Theology; Author; Teacher. Biountville, TN

New Spirit-Filled Life Bible
Copyright 2002 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version
Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Jack Hayford Ministry

12:11 AM

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December 2, 2009 - Wednesday

Jesus Encouraged People
Current mood:IN HIS SERVICE
Category: Life

REPOST from PurposeDriven.com

December 1, 2009

Jesus Encouraged People
by Rick Warren

We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak in order to build them up in the faith. Romans 15:1

Jesus encouraged people, and he told those who are strong in faith to make a point of encouraging others in their faith: "We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak in order to build them up in the faith." (Romans 15:1)

This Christmas season encourage the people around you.

For one thing, we all need confidence. When you know that someone believes in you, it brings out your best. Jesus did this with the Apostle Peter. "Petros," Peter's name, meant pebble. But Jesus said, "Pebble, you're going to be a rock. I'm giving you a new name."

When Jesus said that to Peter, the apostle was anything but a rock. He was Mr. Impulsive, Mr. Foot-in-Mouth. But Jesus didn't tell him what he was - He told him what he could be. He gave him confidence to live up to his potential.

We all need encouragement. Over the years, I've kept an Encouragement File. Every time anybody writes me a note, a card, or a letter, I file it. Even if it's mildly encouraging- like "Better luck next time!" - or- "You tried on that sermon, but good try!" - it still gets filed.

Then, on days when I'm discouraged and down and tired, I get out the Encouragement File, and I read through all the letters and cards that I've collected.

When you give encouragement, it needs to be genuine. So, give from the heart and with sincerity. Encouragement also needs to be regular- don't be stingy with your encouragement.

And encouragement needs to be specific. Instead of saying, "I enjoyed the meal," say, "I can tell you put a lot of effort into this meal and the seasoning you chose was perfect."

Instead of saying, "You did a good job," say, "I noticed you handled that angry customer with tact and you maintained your cool under pressure."

(Tomorrow we'll look at how Jesus spoke honestly others.)

Missed out on one of the Daily Devotionals? View the online archives.

12:07 AM

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December 2, 2009 - Wednesday

Update on Little Jay!!
Current mood:Thankful

Here is the latest post on Jay's carepage. He is really sounding great - has a lot more energy than he has for awhile! I know I keep saying it, but thank you so much for the prayers! They really do mean a lot to our family! You guys are the greatest! God bless you! Cher

Blood counts are going up!!

Jay went back to the Dr. yesterday. All his blood counts are coming up. His white count, hemoglobin, and platelets were all improving. This is really good news! When Millie talked with Dr. Claire's office earlier yesterday morning, they had told her if his counts were not any better, he would need to come in today for a transfusion. Since the counts were up, he will not need to do that. She just wants him to finish his Neupogen shots, and hopefully he can start back on his chemo meds in a few days. He is starting to feel better, too. He's been much more active and playful the last day or two. It's good to see him happy again.

I must tell you the cutest story. This weekend Millie accidentally hit and killed Jethro, one of her Great Danes. Of course, this was devastating for her. Jim and I went over to console all of them. When we got there, Mark had already buried Jethro, under the oak tree. Jay came up and sat in my lap and, with such sorrow, told me Jethro had died. I proceeded to explain to him that Jethro was up in heaven. He was up there running and playing. He was probably playing with Jolie (Michelle's cat, who she had to put to sleep a few months ago). That they were probably chasing each other around in heaven. Jay thought for a second, then looked up at me and said, no he's not, he's in the back yard with dirt on him. .... Ah....O....K.... Needless to say, I was speechless. I've been telling you he is one smart boy.

Love to you all,

BeeGee

12:03 AM

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November 30, 2009 - Monday

Bible Study: Christlikeness, Post #6
Current mood:IN HIS SERVICE
Category: Life

Kingdom Dynamics Bible Study
The New Spirit Filled Life Bible

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." Matthew 9:36

Compassion
by Fuchsia T. Pickett

Truest compassion is only found in the nature of God, because only God knows the full depth of an individual's pain, need, or suffering. Jesus is seen in the essence of His feeling human weaknesses (Heb. 4:15), fully sensing the ravaged condition of human brokenness. Christlikeness calls us to learn Jesus' heart of compassion, a depth of sensitivity that can be worked in us through the Holy Spirit, reconditioning our hearts to be able to sense the pain of human bondage and to weep with those who weep (Heb. 13:3; Rom. 12:15). Jesus' tears over the city of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44) and His tears at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35) reveal more than either a sense of rejection by the people of one city or a grief over the death of a personal friend. His compassion brought tears for the hardness of all hearts that were blinded by their sin and for the tragedy of all mankind's vulnerability to death. Love sees beyond the immediate and the personal and compassionately relates to the lost, the hurting, the needy, the distressed. It moves more and more into the dimension of discipleship that discovers the compassion of Christ flowing through a person to care for and serve others.

Fuchsia T. Pickett, DTh., D.D., Founder, Fuchsia T. Pickett Ministries; Professor, Christian Life School of Theology; Author; Teacher. Biountville, TN

New Spirit-Filled Life Bible
Copyright 2002 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version
Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Jack Hayford Ministry

3:00 PM

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