CHOICES: Make Life’s Moments Count
CHOICES: Make Life’s Moments Count
Key Text: Galatians 5:22-23 “…choose for yourselves THIS DAY whom you will serve…”
24 hrs. 1440 minutes. 86,400 seconds. 1 day…
Time is one of the very few things in life distributed equally to all men, regardless of one’s religious affiliation, ethnicity or socio-economic status. It is a non-renewable resource and therefore, must be maximized, not squandered.
In life there are no timeouts, instant replays or overtime; but there is sudden death. So, make your moments count.
Life Offers Choices Everyday
(Galatians 5:22-23)
It’s quiet. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of the solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love…
Today I will love God and what God loves. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness.
I choose joy…
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker.
I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God.
I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace…
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience…
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I will invite him to do so.
Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray.
Instead of clenching my fists at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness…
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
I will be kind to the rich for they are afraid.
And kind to the unkind for that is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness…
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one.
I will be overlooked before I boast. I will confess before I accuse.
I choose faithfulness…
Today I will keep my promises.
My wife will not question my love.
And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
My debtors will not regret their trust.
My associates will not question my word.
I choose gentleness…
Nothing is won by force.
I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control…
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.
I choose self-control.
I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…to these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest. – Author Unknown
What will YOU choose today? (Joshua 24:15)
Still amazed by His grace,
Ray & Wendy Harmon
Lead Pastors | City Church
@WilmotHarmon | @WendySHarmon | @citychurchtv
A MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE
John 15:13 NKJV “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
A friend of mine sent me the following true story recently. It is a story primarily about legacy, but it’s also a story about sacrifice and selfless service to others. As we consider how others have laid down their lives on our behalf, let us make a conscious decision to leave a noble legacy that will outlive and outlast us.
I pray this story of courage and valor will challenge and inspire you this Memorial Day Weekend:
“In the early 1900s, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn’t famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for entangling the Windy City in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.
Capone had a lawyer nicknamed “Easy Eddie.” He was Capone’s lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good at what he did. In fact, Eddie’s skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well.
Not only was the money big, but Eddie also got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large it filled an entire Chicago city block.
Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the serious wrongdoings that went on around him, but he did have one soft spot. He had a son he loved dearly, and Eddie saw to it that his young son had the best of everything – clothes, cars and a good education. Nothing was withheld and price was no object.
Despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach his son right from wrong. Eddie wanted him to be a better man than he was. Yet with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn’t give his son – he couldn’t pass on a good name and he couldn’t set a good example.
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Wanting to rectify wrongs he had done, he decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al “Scarface” Capone, clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against the Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie’s life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street, but in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he would ever pay.
Now, let’s fast forward to World War II, a war that produced many heroes. One such man was Lt. Cmdr. Butch O’Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.
One day, his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold. A squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding their way toward the American fleet.
The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn’t reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet, nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 calibers blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault.
He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O’Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch’s daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on Feb. 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy’s first Ace of WWII and the first Naval aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. A year later, Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29.
His hometown would not allow the memory of this WWII hero fade, and today, O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man. So the next time you find yourself at O’Hare International, think about visiting Butch’s memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor.
So what do these two stories have to do with each other?
Butch O’Hare was Easy Eddie’s son.
The life we live today affects the generations to come. We were meant to give away our lives, so focus on living your legacy instead of worrying about leaving your legacy. If you do, you will define yourself and others by an inspired life.
One of the most joyful moments for any leader is to pass the baton to someone we have invested in, and then see our values reflected in the new leader … just like Butch O’Hare.”
This weekend, we take pause to “…give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). This Memorial Day, we honor our service members who gave their lives in sacrificial service to this great nation and the values we espouse. We also acknowledge and pray for United States Armed Forces service members currently serving around the world. Thank you for your courage, valor and sacrifice. Finally, our thoughts and prayers are with their family members and friends for comfort and peace in the midst of uncertain times.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
Ray & Wendy
Lead Pastors | City Church
citychurchtv.com
@WilmotHarmon | @WendySHarmon | @citychurchtv
A MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE
John 15:13 NKJV “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
A friend of mine sent me the following true story recently. It is a story primarily about legacy, but it’s also a story about sacrifice and selfless service to others. This Memorial Day, as we consider how others have laid down their lives on our behalf, let us make a conscious decision to leave a noble legacy that will outlive us.
I pray this true story of courage and valor will challenge and inspire you this Memorial Day Weekend:
“In the early 1900s, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn’t famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for entangling the Windy City in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.
Capone had a lawyer nicknamed “Easy Eddie.” He was Capone’s lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good at what he did. In fact, Eddie’s skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well.
Not only was the money big, but Eddie also got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large it filled an entire Chicago city block.
Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the serious wrongdoings that went on around him, but he did have one soft spot. He had a son he loved dearly, and Eddie saw to it that his young son had the best of everything – clothes, cars and a good education. Nothing was withheld and price was no object.
Despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach his son right from wrong. Eddie wanted him to be a better man than he was. Yet with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn’t give his son – he couldn’t pass on a good name and he couldn’t set a good example.
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Wanting to rectify wrongs he had done, he decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al “Scarface” Capone, clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against the Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie’s life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street, but in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he would ever pay.
Now, let’s fast forward to World War II, a war that produced many heroes. One such man was Lt. Cmdr. Butch O’Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.
One day, his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold. A squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding their way toward the American fleet.
The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn’t reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet, nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 calibers blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault.
He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O’Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch’s daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on Feb. 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy’s first Ace of WWII and the first Naval aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. A year later, Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29.
His hometown would not allow the memory of this WWII hero fade, and today, O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man. So the next time you find yourself at O’Hare International, think about visiting Butch’s memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor.
So what do these two stories have to do with each other?
Butch O’Hare was Easy Eddie’s son.
The life we live today affects the generations to come. We were meant to give away our lives, so focus on living your legacy instead of worrying about leaving your legacy. If you do, you will define yourself and others by an inspired life.
One of the most joyful moments for any leader is to pass the baton to someone we have invested in, and then see our values reflected in the new leader … just like Butch O’Hare.”
This weekend, we take pause to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). This Memorial Day, we give honor to all our service members who gave their lives in sacrificial service to this great nation and the values we espouse. Thank you for your courage, valor and sacrifice. As we remember our veterans, we also pray for comfort and peace for their family members and friends.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
Ray & Wendy
Lead Pastors | City Church
citychurchtv.com
@WilmotHarmon | @WendySHarmon | @citychurchtv
DREAM ON…
DREAM ON…
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams; live the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
Last March, as we prepared to relocate City Church from Prosper to Plano, the Lord spoke these words to my heart, “Don’t listen to the voices in your head; follow the courage in your heart.” Those words could not have come at a more perfect time. I was encumbered with the weight of this transition, yet God was reassuring me that He would be with us every step of the way. Last Saturday – almost a year later – Wendy and I received this email from a lady who had visited our church a few times last year. When I read it, I was immediately reminded of why God called us to plant City Church.
I pray her story blesses and encourages you today:
“Good Afternoon City Church Family,
I am not even sure you’ll remember who I am, however I attended City Church 2 or 3 times, while I was in the Dallas area on business (I am from LA). I would always sit in the back, and I was often 5 or 10 mins late (ekkk), so sorry for my rudeness in showing up late to church, please forgive me. First, let me tell you, I loved the messages I received from the pastor and left with my soul deeply filled. The reason for the email, is this… to be honest with you, I didn’t attend church as often as I should (honestly it had been years). That day, while sitting having breakfast across the street, I noticed people walking into a theater, and I thought to myself, what are they doing? I soon realized a church service was being held, so after breakfast I decided to wonder in myself (once again walking in late, but hey I made it), I myself was going through a difficult time, financially, and personally and I thought “maybe this is just what I need today”. I can’t express how much love I felt when I left there, I walked out loving the service, I was at such peace, so I decided to go the following week.
On the following week, you had a guest Speaker named Duche’ Bradley. I sat in awe as I listened to his message, I remember thinking to myself, wow I love this church, not only do they have an amazing pastor whom gives a message that I can personally understand, but what a great guest speaker.
So moving forward (I have been back in LA for almost 7 months now), a month or so ago while I was driving in LA, it hit me, I now realize why it was I was drawn to that church, (God has an amazing way of working things out). A few months ago I took a leap of faith and sent Duche’ Bradley an email, I sent him a business proposal on a new line of clothing called ‘Bad Boys Pray’ (because wasn’t he at one time the quintessential Bad Boy), he reaches so many people with his “word”, yet I noticed via his own facebook page he wasn’t really utilizing his own potential, nor was I. I wanted to do more in my life, and by nature I love helping people, I love acts of kindness. Well guess what, he went for it, and I am proud to say Duche Bradley and I partnered up, our company name is “BAD BOYS PRAY” ( BAD BOYS PRAY – is also on facebook – we will also have a Bad Girls Pray line).
And our concept is this, for 30 days we partner up with a new charity organization, and each and every item that is sold, a big part of the proceeds will go to that very organization. So not only will someone get an amazing shirt, hat, bandana, wristband, they will also doing something really great for ‘those’ in need. Our launch date is June 1st, and I couldn’t be any more excited! Yet most importantly I wanted to thank you for showing me that God has amazing way of working things out, if we just believe. Who knew my business partner would be from Dallas while I am in LA.
Thank you, and many Blessings your way. I wish you enough!”
On Sunday, I taught a life-giving message from Matthew 7:24-29 titled, “After the Storm.” It gives further context to this incredible story. You may download the free podcast online at www.citychurchtv.com/media.
I trust it will bless you as you begin to live life forward; out of your imagination, not your memory.
I wish you ENOUGH!!!
Ray Harmon
Lead Pastor | City Church
@WilmotHarmon | @citychurchtv
LIFE LESSONS FROM THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY PART II
Life Lessons From The Triumphal Entry Part II
Hebrews 12:2-3 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
The preceding verses are among my Top 10 favorite passages in Scripture. They are a simple yet profound reminder that whenever I think I’ve had a bad day, bad week, bad month or bad life, to just “consider” Jesus. When I take into account everything Jesus endured on my behalf, it makes the personal struggles that were seemingly unbearable fade into oblivion.
Why was Jesus able to successfully navigate the horrific sequence of events that punctuated his final week on earth? Verse 2 says it was because of “…the joy that was set before Him that He endured the cross…”
Most of us lose our victory because we get fixated on what we’re going through instead of what we’re going to.
When our daughter Nia was little she battled chronic ear infections and colds. We were constantly at the pediatrician’s office or giving her medications at home. Man, that stuff was gnarly! Even though it was intended for her good, the experience in and of itself was never pleasant. Eventually, we began using candy as a way of coaxing Nia into taking her medicine. Now, every parent knows that candy covers a multitude of sins. It worked every time.
You see, we gave Nia something to look forward to beyond what she was going through that made the temporary discomfort and inconvenience of taking her medicine much easier to bear. Your life is no different.
God wants to use that simple illustration to remind you that He has a blessing and a future on the other side of your present struggle that will totally eclipse what you’re experiencing right now. In 2 Corinthians 4:17 Paul wrote, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
So you ask, “How do I see past what I’m going through right now?”
- You MUST overcome your approval addiction
Jesus was indifferent to both the praises and criticism of the people. Neither the support of His advocates nor the venom of His critics moved Him. Jesus was rock steady (John 2:23-25).
Your sense of self-worth must be internally regulated not externally motivated. People are fickle and they will “flip the script” on you in the blink of an eye. Much like Shallow Hal, we judge the book by its cover not its content. If your joy and happiness hinge on what other people say about you, you’ve set yourself up for a lifetime of disappointment. I implore you,don’t do it.
- Allow God ALONE to satisfy your need for affirmation
Before Jesus performed His first miracle at Cana, before He healed the 10 lepers or restored Bartimaeus’ sight, raised Lazarus from the dead or walked on water, He heard His Heavenly Father declare these words over Him, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
God’s grace is not performance based. “…it is not of works, lest any man should boast. It is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). You see, God’s pleasure and delight in you is not based on what you’ve done or failed to do. He loved you before you hit that home run, before you closed that multi-million dollar deal, before you exceeded your sales quota and He loves you now; even after the divorce, after the bankruptcy and after the foreclosure.
Your identity must be wrapped up in Jesus.
- Obey God not man (Galatians 1:10)
Jesus’ primary objective was pleasing His Heavenly Father. He did only what He saw His Father do (John 5:19). He lived to please God and never played to the crowd; neither should you.
In closing, allow me to say I have no idea the kind of week you’re having, but if it’s anything close to what Jesus experienced in the final week of His life, Jesus has given you a compass to help you navigate the quagmires of life.
Remember, “When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Hebrews 12:3 The MESSAGE Bible)
Gratefully Commissioned,
Ray & Wendy
Lead Pastors | City Church
Twitter: @WilmotHarmon | @WendySHarmon | @citychurchtv
LIFE LESSONS WE LEARN FROM PALM SUNDAY
Life Lessons We Learn From Palm Sunday
Luke 19:28-40 NKJV “…Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying: “‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!’Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
This Sunday, Christians around the world will celebrate Palm Sunday. This annual church tradition commemorates the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem only a few days before Passover, and His subsequent Crucifixion and Resurrection.
TRANSITIONS
In the final week of His earthly ministry, Jesus experienced 3 important transitions:
- 1. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord (Luke 19:37-38)
- 2. By what authority does He say these things (Luke 20:1-8)
- 3. Crucify Him (Luke 23:21)
Jesus went from being celebrated to being criticized and ultimately crucified. The same Jesus who had healed their sick, raised their dead, fed their multitudes, and blessed their children was the same Jesus they now called a Liar, an Impostor and a devil (Beelzebub).
How did all this happen in the span of only a few days? How did the same people who once loved Jesus go from frantic jubilation in His honor to an angry mob demanding His execution? How did the same people become so enraged that chose clemency for Barabbas, an infamous insurgent and murderer instead of Jesus, the Son of God (Luke 23:1-25)?
What was the tipping point?
TIPPING POINT
The tipping point in these final days of Christ’s life wasn’t anything he said or did. Jesus didn’t suddenly cross over to “the dark side” warranting and justifying His rejection by the multitudes.
The people genuinely loved Jesus but it was the influence, misrepresentations, slander and false accusations from the “religious leaders” that turned the tide. Some were bribed, others were coached on what to say all because the religious leaders felt threatened by Jesus, whose only motive was to serve and love the people and point them back to their Heavenly Father (Matthew 26:14-16; 26:59).
We often think that Jesus was the victim here; when in actuality the converse is true. The real victims were all the people who were misled, misguided and misdirected at the behest of those who wielded spiritual authority over them. Jesus rose victoriously from the grave; but it was the people who demanded His life in exchange for Barabbas who were left to live with an abiding guilt for their actions.
The most compelling aspect of the Triumphal Entry is not what Jesus experienced but how He responded. That’s what we’ll discuss in my next blog: how Jesus successfully navigated the most crucial RelationSLIP of His life on earth.
Amazed by His grace,
Pastor Ray
@WilmotHarmon | @citychurchtv
RelationSLIPS: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
KEY TEXT: James 1:19 NIV My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
In relationships, conflict is inevitable. Fighting fair is optional; so learn to fight fair.
- Resolve that whatever the issue might be, you will handle it constructively.
- Am I interested in the person’s well-being?
- Am I blame-oriented and judgmental?
Biblical Response
- Am I pointing the person toward solutions or merely venting my toxic feelings? (Proverbs 29:11)
- Am I speaking the truth in love? (Ephesians 4:15 NKJV)
Characteristics
- Denying responsibility
- Making excuses
- Meeting one complaint with another
Biblical Response
- Consider the character of your critic (Ecclesiastes 7:5)
- Check your conscience (1 Corinthians 4:3); Don’t confuse short term memory for a clear conscience.
- Count yourself blessed if you are criticized because of your faith (1 Peter 4:14)
Characteristics
- Comments and actions that aim to take the other person down a notch
- Direct insults; sarcastic or cutting remarks about the other person
- Contempt is also seen in indirect and veiled forms, such as rolling of the eyes (non-verbal) and couching insults within “humor” (paraverbal).
Biblical Response
-
Choose your words and disposition wisely
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- The silent treatment
- Being emotionally distant or devoid of emotion and
- Ignoring the other person completely.
- Don’t put off till tomorrow what needs to be dealt with today
Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
But what does mutual submission look like?
4-6Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. The holy women of old were beautiful before God that way, and were good, loyal wives to their husbands. Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as “my dear husband.” You’ll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.
GREATER: 21 Days of Prayer and Purpose Day 4
DAY 4: DECIDE, DECREE, DECLARE
Job 22:28 NKJV You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you…
Job 22:28 NIV What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways.
Job 22:28 AMP You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you; and the light [of God’s favor] shall shine upon your ways.
Last year, Joel Osteen – Lead Pastor of Lakewood Church and New York Times #1 Bestselling Author – released his latest book, I Declare:31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life. The book is written in 31 segments; daily declarations from Scripture that Pastor Joel encourages readers to speak over their lives i.e. health, family legacy, decisions, finances, thoughts, outlook, and even obstacles.
But this practice of declaring God’s Word is not some novel concept. In fact, it is as ancient as time itself. We see the power of words during Creation when God spoke the worlds into existence (Genesis1; Hebrews 11:3). Jesus also emphasized the importance of words in His earthly ministry (John 6:63). Simply put, our words are containers that can either carry life-giving words or death inducing venom (Proverbs 18:21).
We frame our world with our words.
So, as we continue our 21 days of Prayer and Purpose, we encourage you to begin making faith-filled declarations over your life and circumstances that are:
1. Cosistent with God’s Word (Jeremiah 1:12)
2. Consistent with the preferred future God has already prepared for you (Ephesians 2:10)
The Greek word for this timeless discipline is homologeo, which literally means samespeak. To samespeak is to follow the cadendce of God, to echo Him, to speak what He speaks; to say only what He says (John 5:19). Remember, we walk by faith, not by sight. So it’s not your present circumstances that dictate what you say; it’s the truth of God’s Word that determines your confession/declaration (Romans 4:17-21).
In the words of Pastor Joel, “Whatever follows ‘I am” you attract into your life.”
In life you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you decide. You don’t get what you need, you get what you negotiate. But deciding what you should have is only half the equation. You must then declare what you decide according to the Word of God (1 John 5:14-15).
So, begin to declare the truth of God’s Word over your life and into you circumstances…what you believe, not just what you see.
I am BLESSED, FAVORED, HEALED, WISE, HEALED, VICTORIOUS, REIGININIG IN LIFE, SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES, REIGNING LIFE, HAPPY, FILLED WITH JOY, MOTIVATED, EXPECTANT, FORGIVEN, FORGIVING…
We invite you to join us weekdays from 6 a.m. – 7 a.m. until January 25th for our prayer line at:
Dial in #: 424-203-8400
Passcode:255839#
Until tomorrow…
Ray and Wendy
Lead Pastors | www.citychurchtv.com
Twitter: @citychurchtv | @WilmotHarmon | @WendySHarmon
GREATER: 21 Days of Prayer & Purpose
DAY 2: MARRIAGE & FAMILY Part II
Malachi 4:5-6 “…He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”
A CROOKED LAWYER
In the early 1900s, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn’t famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for entangling the Windy City in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.
Capone had a lawyer nicknamed “Easy Eddie.” He was Capone’s lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good at what he did. In fact, Eddie’s skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well.
Not only was the money big, but Eddie also got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large it filled an entire Chicago city block.
Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the serious wrongdoings that went on around him, but he did have one soft spot. He had a son he loved dearly, and Eddie saw to it that his young son had the best of everything – clothes, cars and a good education. Nothing was withheld and price was no object.
Despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach his son right from wrong. Eddie wanted him to be a better man than he was. Yet with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn’t give his son – he couldn’t pass on a good name and he couldn’t set a good example.
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Wanting to rectify wrongs he had done, he decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al “Scarface” Capone, clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against the Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie’s life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street, but in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he would ever pay.
A COURAGEOUS PILOT
Now, let’s fast forward to World War II, a war that produced many heroes. One such man was Lt. Cmdr. Butch O’Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.
One day, his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold. A squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding their way toward the American fleet.
The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn’t reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet, nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 calibers blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault.
He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O’Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch’s daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on Feb. 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy’s first Ace of WWII and the first Naval aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. A year later, Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29.
His hometown would not allow the memory of this WWII hero fade, and today, O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man. So the next time you find yourself at O’Hare International, think about visiting Butch’s memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor.
So what do these two stories have to do with each other?
Butch O’Hare was Easy Eddie’s son.
The life we live today affects the generations to come. We were meant to give away our lives, so focus on living your legacy instead of worrying about leaving your legacy. If you do, you will define yourself and others by an inspired life.
One of the most joyful moments for any leader is to pass the baton to someone we have invested in, and then see our values reflected in the new leader … just like Butch O’Hare.
An inheritance is what we leave to others. Legacy is what we leave in them.
God has GREATER plans in store for you, your family and your legacy. Parents, it’s not too late to get it right.
Expecting and Experiencing the GREATER life Jesus intended (John 14:12),
Ray & Wendy
Ray and Wendy
Lead Pastors | www.citychurchtv.com
Twitter: @citychurchtv | @WilmotHarmon | @WendySHarmon
GREATER: 21 Days of Prayer & Purpose Day 2
DAY 2: MARRIAGES & FAMILES
Today we’re praying for healthy, exemplary, Christ-honoring marriages and families today according to:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Malachi 4:5-6
Ephesians 5:21-33
Colossians 3:18-21
1 Peter 3:1-7
Lord, we ask that you heal, reconcile and fortify marriages and families today. May our homes be “…like a city set upon a hill that cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
May our marriages and families be established on the Rock – Jesus Christ – who enables us to withstand life’s most fierce tempests and storms (Matthew 7:24-28)
May our hearts be healed as we allow God’s love to envelop every hurt and comfort us in our pain (1 Corinthians 13:1-8).
Standing in the Gap,
Ray and Wendy
Lead Pastors | www.citychurchtv.com
Twitter: @citychurchtv | @WilmotHarmon | @WendySHarmon
