Today’s Word with Joel & Victoria Osteen Ministries

Today’s Scripture
“But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
(1 Corinthians 6:11, NLT)

His Name is the Key
Something supernatural happens on the inside of you when you call on the name of the Lord. First of all, the Bible tells us that God actually makes His home in your heart by the Holy Spirit. Not only that, but when you call on His name, you are calling on everything He represents—life, peace, strength, hope, joy, healing, deliverance, forgiveness and so much more! It’s like receiving the key to a mansion filled with treasures—and it’s all yours! You can see that key in your hand; you can tell other people about it; you can know that you have access anytime you want, but you still have to take a step and use the key to open the door before you can partake of the blessings inside. And you probably wouldn’t just peak in the door or visit once a week; no, move right in! Make the decision today to move into God’s abundant blessings by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus. Call on His name and move right in to His provision, His joy, His peace, His love. You have the key, so receive the abundant life He has prepared for you today!

A Prayer for Today
“Father in heaven, thank You for cleansing me and making me new by Your Spirit. Thank You for giving me access to Your wonderful blessings

The Surprising Truth About Heresy By Bobby Schuller

Originally posted here: http://hourofpower.org/the-surprising-truth-about-heresy/

“In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.”

– 1 Corinthians 11:17,18

What do you think of when you hear the word heretic? If you’re like most Christians, you probably think of someone who ascribes to and promotes a false doctrine, like maybe they don’t believe in the Trinity or they don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God. However, this may not have been the Apostle Paul’s intent when he used this term.

The root word used to derive heresy is hairesis, which in the Greek means “one who chooses.” So a heretic, in Paul’s view, is someone who causes division in the church by choosing their own way over God’s. Thus, it is possible for a person to have completely sound doctrine and still fall prey to heresy. In fact, there are multiple Scriptures that use the root word hairesis that have nothing to do with belief and everything to do with division — these include 1 Corinthians 11:17,18 (above), Titus 3:10, and Galatians 5:20. The latter asserts that a heretic is someone who operates in the flesh, or in other words, who chooses their own ego above the good of the Kingdom of God.

Friend, there’s a reason why the great Apostle Paul was an advocate for love above all else! While he certainly warned against preaching a gospel that was different than the one he taught, he understood that love and joy are at the heart of keeping the church together. When ego prevails and someone’s personal agenda is promoted above the good of the Body, things crumble, and this is just as true today as it was then. I urge you, beloved child of God, to be a bringer of unity wherever you go, whether at work, at church, or in your home. Look for ways to build bridges to those who have different views and make compassion, mercy, and forgiveness your hallmark. When you do this, abundant life will become you! Isn’t that great news?

Prayer
Make me a person who unifies, Jesus, and empower me to be a peace-bringer and joy-giver wherever I go.

Reflection
How can you proactively bring unity to your places of work and of worship?

Tuesday, Second Week of Easter

John 3.7b-15

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?

“No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”
Saint Marie of the Incarnation
Feast Day
It is by the heart of my dear Jesus, my way, my truth and my life, that I approach you, O eternal Father. … In spirit I go around the world seeking the souls redeemed by the most precious blood of my Divine Spouse, in order to make reparation for them by this divine Heart. I kiss them to present them to you through him, and through him I ask you for their conversion. … Ah, let them live by the divine Heart.

Words of Affirmations

My Joyous Feature

Words of affirmations can empower something that can carry out a more substantial sense.

Opening that mind up with some pure wisdom.

Recognize that these words of affirmation can put some gratitude along the way.

Doing them with some encouraging act.

Staying positive shall bring that pure moment at that true meaning of life.

Open mind can empower each and every word through affirmations.

Figuring it out the truthful meaning of it.

Affirmations can cherish words with some positive thinking.

Feeling like there’s that powerful statement.

Facing the most usual word that can carry these affirmations through.

Incredibly the words of affirmations can bring out that much more substantial meaning.

Realize that so many things can tackle something through.

Making these affirmations a lot more truthful.

A positive affirmation can open some pure thoughts.

Thoughts can…

View original post 57 more words

The Radical Paradox of the Son of Man By Bobby Schuller

Originally posted here: http://hourofpower.org/the-radical-paradox-of-the-son-of-man/

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

– Daniel 7:13,14

Did you know that Jesus never referred to Himself as the Christ? His disciples called Him that and so did other people, but the Lord, when He walked on earth, primarily referred to Himself as one thing — the Son of Man.

Many people believe that the reason Jesus called Himself the Son of Man is because He was referencing His humanity and His ability to relate to people; however, I believe that was only part of it. In Daniel 7, there is a famous passage in which the prophet refers to a son of man coming to establish authority and dominion over the kingdoms of the world. In the verses preceding that depiction, several nations were vividly described as beasts, having been overruled by men who violently took power from others, lorded it over them, defined what was good and evil in their own hearts, and then became like animals themselves. Jesus, then, stood in stark contrast to these worldly leaders who were constantly pursuing more wealth, more power, and more control. Where they were about holding on, He was about letting go. Yes, He was and is a God-man who rules the nations, but, paradoxically, He gains power by being a servant, which is exactly what He taught His disciples then and still teaches us today (Mark 9:35).

Friend, just as the Son of man came to serve, you are called to same honor. The world is ruled, not by beastly authority, but by those who get in the trenches and do the dirty work. In fact, when Jesus said to be a servant of all, He used the Greek word doulos, which described a slave of lowest position; what a seemingly shocking contradiction! Nevertheless, it is a law in the Kingdom of Heaven that if you want power, you serve, and Jesus was the ultimate example. As you rest in the sufficiency and authority of the Son of Man, you are free to let go of the need to prove yourself, because your Savior has already proven Himself, and He welcomes you to share in His glory!

Prayer
Jesus, I choose to live in your radical paradox and embrace a life of influence that is gained through service.

Reflection
How do you feel about being a slave of all? What might that look like in your life right now?

Today’s Word with Joel & Victoria Osteen Ministries

Today’s Scripture
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
(Psalm 119:105, ESV)

A Light for Your Path
When we type an address into our navigation system, “Route Overview” gives us the details of our trip—where we’re going, how long it’s going to take, and every turn to make. We can relax, knowing all the details. God has a route overview for your life. He knows your final destination and the best way to get you there. But God doesn’t show you the details. The Scripture says His Word is a lamp to our feet. A lamp implies you have enough light to see the path in front of you. He’s not giving you the light that shows your life road for the next fifty years. He leads you one step at a time. If you trust Him and take that step into the unknown, not knowing how it’s going to work out, He’ll show you another step. Step-by-step, He’ll lead you into your destiny.

Our question is, will you be bold and take the next step that God gives you with the light you have? The unknown is where miracles happen, where you discover abilities you never knew you had, and where you’ll accomplish more than you ever dreamed. If you have the courage to do what you know He’s asking you to do, He has the provision, the favor, and all that you need to go to the next level.

A Prayer for Today
“Father in heaven, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. I invite You to direct my steps by the light of Your Word. Fill me with Your peace and confidence as You show me the good plan You have in store. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Monday, Second Week of Easter

Acts 4.23-31

After Peter and John were released by the rulers and elders, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When their companions heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.’ For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

“And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
Saint Catherine of Siena

“Prayer… unites with God the soul that follows the footprints of Christ Crucified, and thus, by desire and affection, and union of love, makes her another Himself.”

Blessings at the Back of the Line By Bobby Schuller

Originally posted here: http://hourofpower.org/blessings-at-the-back-of-the-line/

“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we want you to do for us whatever we ask.’ ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked. They replied, ‘Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.’”

– Mark 10:35-37

Whenever we study the Bible, it’s helpful to understand the cultural and historical context of the stories. Although we don’t always think about it, Jesus was living in what was perhaps the greatest and most powerful nation in human history. The Roman empire was the seat of world dominion and it was all about power, which was dictated from the top down. It was a time when people were vying for authority and where Caesar was Caesar only because he had an army. The Jews were living in the midst of this dominant society and they were under the thumb of Roman leadership. Consequently, they were expecting Jesus to establish a physical Kingdom to take power away from the empire that they perceived controlled them.

Enter James and John, the sons of thunder! Like their name implies, they were bold and blustery guys who were grasping for position and power in the Kingdom that they believed Jesus was going to create. When they told their master what they wanted, the Bible says in the Greek language that He literally sighed, because He knew that they didn’t understand what they were asking. Though they had spent day and night with Him and had listened first-hand to His teaching, they hadn’t yet conceived of the fact that His Kingdom was not one of might and dominion, but one of service. Far from being a super-power with an army of thousands, Jesus’ reign was established in the Spiritual realm, with authority accessed by humble hearts willing to take their cues from His suffering.

Friend, as different as black and white is the world’s view of power vs. God’s view. Jesus doesn’t call us to be the greatest, best, or most powerful; He asks us to lead by being willing to sacrifice ourselves, and even to suffer. You see, your capacity to gain influence is proportionate to your willingness to lay aside your own desires for the sake of others. When you submit your kingdom to the authority of His Kingdom and make His values and priorities your own, you become a conduit of His Heavenly power, which is far greater than anything you could ever gain in this world! Don’t seek to be the first in line — voluntarily move to the back and watch as blessing follows you there!

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the blessings that follow me as I willingly move to the back of the line. I believe that power in your Kingdom comes from being the servant of all.

Reflection
How do Jesus’ teachings and example “fly in the face” of what the world tells us about having power and authority?

Second Sunday of Easter

John 20.19-31

It was evening on the day Jesus rose from the dead, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

But Thomas, who was called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

After eight days his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Divine Mercy Sunday

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible,
look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor
become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will,
which is Love and Mercy itself.

The Dirt Underneath My Nails