Give Me [New Music!]

This is one of my favorite tracks off the new Kirk Franklin CD Hello Fear. Mali always bring the hype!

Kirk Franklin ft. Mali Music "Give Me"

The Simplicity of Faith

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it knows and loves the One who is leading."
-Oswald Chambers

Bible Talk 101: Tithe

Easton's Bible Dictionary




Tithe
A tenth of the produce of the earth consecrated and set apart for special purposes. The dedication of a tenth to God was recognized as a duty before the time of Moses. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20;Hebrews 7:6); and Jacob vowed unto the Lord and said, "Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."


The first Mosaic law on this subject is recorded in Leviticus 27:30-32. Subsequent legislation regulated the destination of the tithes (Numbers 18:21-24,26-28; Deuteronomy 12:5,6,11,17; 14:22,23). The paying of the tithes was an important part of the Jewish religious worship. In the days of Hezekiah one of the first results of the reformation of religion was the eagerness with which the people brought in their tithes (2 Chronicles 31:5,6). The neglect of this duty was sternly rebuked by the prophets (Amos 4:4; Malachi 3:8-10). It cannot be affirmed that the Old Testament law of tithes is binding on the Christian Church, nevertheless the principle of this law remains, and is incorporated in the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:13,14); and if, as is the case, the motive that ought to prompt to liberality in the cause of religion and of the service of God be greater now than in Old Testament times, then Christians outght to go beyond the ancient Hebrew in consecrating both themselves and their substance to God.


Every Jew was required by the Levitical law to pay three tithes of his property (1) one tithe for the Levites; (2) one for the use of the temple and the great feasts; and (3) one for the poor of the land.

The Only Worthwhile Purpose

Dr. Tony Evans

In His Presence: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).

Have you been duped when it comes to purpose? The only purpose worth living for is God's purpose. Paul said: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). If you live with this goal in mind, God will change the way you live. You will stop just being alive and you will start to really live. You will live the abundant life through God's grace because you aren't just living for yourself anymore. You are not here for you, but for God.

You will have stability. You can get off the roller coaster of emotions that comes when you live according to your circumstances. Even when things are bad, you are good because God is good. When Jesus was asleep on the boat in the middle of the storm, His disciples asked, "How can He sleep at a time like this?" Jesus could sleep peacefully because He knew where He was going—He was going to the other side. One of the great blessings of living in purpose is that you can rest. You can rest because you know all things will be used for God's purpose, and you can rest because you know you are going toward God.

You will be provided for. God always supplies that which He has ordained. If you are outside of His purpose, you have to take care of yourself. But if you are walking in His purpose, He will meet all your needs.

One Minute Please

Following God's purpose may not change your place in life, but it will change the way you live your life.

Are you dead yet?!

In order to live in Christ, we must die!

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:   If we died with him,    we will also live with him; ¹² if we endure,    we will also reign with him. (2 Timothy 2:11-12; NIV 2011 Edition)

By now your Twitter timeline and Facebook mini-feed has been flooded with so many messages about joy of Christ's death and resurrection and how through this, all men have the ability to access the Kingdom of Heaven. You've gotten the message that He was bruised, He bled, He died, and He rose all for sinners like you and I.

But what about your death? Jesus' death is but an invitation, it is our death that shows that we accept Him. The events that happened Easter weekend mean everything in the world to those who accept Him as lord, die to themselves and believe in His power... but nothing to those who don't. Before we live in Him, we must die to us.

Are you dead yet?



Bonus Coverage - Jason Gray "I Am New"



Now I won't deny

The worst you could say about me

But I'm not defined

By mistakes that I've made

Because God says of me



I am not who I was

I am being remade

I am new

I am chosen and holy

And I'm dearly loved

I am new



Who I thought I was

And who I thought I had to be

I had to give them both up

Cause neither were willing

To ever believe



I am not who I was

I am being remade

I am new

I am chosen and holy

And I'm dearly loved

I am new



Too long I have lived

In the shadows of shame

Believing that there

Was no way I could change


But the one who is making everything new

Doesn't see me the way that I do

He doesn't see me the way that I do



I am not who I was

I am being remade

I am new

I am chosen and holy

And I'm dearly loved

I am new



I am not who I was

I am being remadeI am new

Dead to the old manI'm coming alive

I am new



Forgiven beloved

Hidden in Christ

Made in the image of the Giver of Life

Righteous and holy

Reborn and remade

Accepted and worthy this is our new name



This is who we are now...



Now I won't deny

The worst you could say about me

But I'm not defined

Silence and Expectation

In due time He arose.

¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” ²⁰ They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” ²¹ But the temple he had spoken of was his body. ²² After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. (John 2:19-22; NIV 2011 Edition)

Isn't it interesting that one of the Holiest weekends in the Christian faith circles around the principles of love, faith, silence and waiting in expectation? Jesus's love for us didn't come through a process of fast-forwarding nor did it come without sacrificial pain. Everything had to occur in real-time so that the promise could be fulfilled but we knew that we could expect His promise to come true. No cutting corners here. In silence He suffered, in silence He rested, in silence He rose.

Sometimes God does His best work when we wait on Him with faith in silence.

...just something to think about as we celebrate Resurrection Weekend and the fulfillment of God's promise to mankind.

Bonus Coverage: James "Kelly Fox" Davis - An Hour

You Just Gotta Want It

Every man has been at this stage in life at some point.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

(Matthew 5:6; NIV 2011 Edition)

Ahhh... The bachelor life. It's filled with many things: ultimate schedule flexibility, the ability to spend or save money for selfish things, very few pressing commitments, the chance to be on a path of self-discovery and more. But ask any bachelor and they'll tell you, a fridge full of well-cooked, healthy meals is rarely on that list! Sometimes a three course meal can consist of cereal, a banana, and a Twinkie OR if you're really trying to do it big for dinner you'll stop by the nearest grocery store and get one of those instant-made, microwavable steamer bags that bring top of the line meals to your plastic plate in about 10 minutes or less (depending - of course - on microwave power).

Yep, the life of a bachelor can be filled with bouts of hunger and times where you'd rather sleep it off than make a meal. In the natural realm, being hungry in and of itself does not guarantee that you'll find food at the end of that thought. Christianity, however, works a bit differently.

Blessed are those who hunger...

In this passage, Jesus is sharing with us the Beatitudes (Bee-attitudes; not beat-it-dudes lol) found in Matthew 5: 3-12. The passage clearing suggests that in order to be filled with righteousness you just have to want it. Hunger puts you in a place where you are open to receive that which you crave - and you won't be satisfied until that craving is met. If you are craving righteousness then are you then satisfied with unrighteousness? I would hope not since they are both direct opposites. It would be like craving water and settling for vinegar. Yuck!

...for they shall be filled.

Think about the last time you were hungry or thirsty. Think about the emotional place it brings you to - a position of weakness. The unique thing about Christianity vs. natural food is that natural food cannot come to you and fill you simply because you want it, but the Holy Spirit can. You may not be filled instantly when you hunger and thirst after righteousness but you will be set on a path that leads to gradual fulfillment each step of the way. You'll never want anything else.

The next time you pray, pray for hunger and thirst for righteousness... and prayer for any bachelor that you know so that his fridge might become a little bit more full!

Bible Talk 101: Passover

Bible Talk 101

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Passover


The name given to the chief of the three great historical annual festivals of the Jews. It was kept in remembrance of the Lord's passing over the houses of the Israelites (Exodus 12:13) when the first born of all the Egyptians were destroyed. It is called also the "feast of unleavened bread" (Exodus 23:15;Mark 14:1; Acts 12:3), because during its celebration no leavened bread was to be eaten or even kept in the household (Exodus 12:15). The word afterwards came to denote the lamb that was slain at the feast (Mark 14:12-14; 1 Corinthians 5:7).


A detailed account of the institution of this feast is given in Exodus 12 and 13. It was afterwards incorporated in the ceremonial law (Leviticus 23:4-8) as one of the great festivals of the nation. In after times many changes seem to have taken place as to the mode of its celebration as compared with its first celebration (Compare Deuteronomy 16:2,5,6; 2Chr 30:16; Leviticus 23:10-14; Numbers 9:10,11; 28:16-24). Again, the use of wine (Luke 22:17,20), of sauce with the bitter herbs (John 13:26), and the service of praise were introduced.


There is recorded only one celebration of this feast between the Exodus and the entrance into Canaan, namely, that mentioned in Numbers 9:5. (See JOSIAH .) It was primarily a commemorative ordinance, reminding the children of Israel of their deliverance out of Egypt; but it was, no doubt, also a type of the great deliverance wrought by the Messiah for all his people from the doom of death on account of sin, and from the bondage of sin itself, a worse than Egyptian bondage (1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29; 19:32-36; 1 Peter 1:19; Galatians 4:4,5). The appearance of Jerusalem on the occasion of the Passover in the time of our Lord is thus fittingly described: "The city itself and the neighbourhood became more and more crowded as the feast approached, the narrow streets and dark arched bazaars showing the same throng of men of all nations as when Jesus had first visited Jerusalem as a boy. Even the temple offered a strange sight at this season, for in parts of the outer courts a wide space was covered with pens for sheep, goats, and cattle to be used for offerings. Sellers shouted the merits of their beasts, sheep bleated, oxen lowed. Sellers of doves also had a place set apart for them. Potters offered a choice from huge stacks of clay dishes and ovens for roasting and eating the Passover lamb. Booths for wine, oil, salt, and all else needed for sacrifices invited customers. Persons going to and from the city shortened their journey by crossing the temple grounds, often carrying burdens...Stalls to change foreign money into the shekel of the temple, which alone could be paid to the priests, were numerous, the whole confusion making the sanctuary like a noisy market" (Geikie's Life of Christ).

Transformed by Temptation

Devotionals by The Alternative

Tony Evans

In His Presence: Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone (James 1:13).

Temptation can be defined as a solicitation to do evil. Remember, nothing can come your way without divine approval. Whether it’s a test or a temptation, positive or negative, it has to flow through God’s fingers first. He has to allow the devil to tempt us, and at the same time He is testing us. If a temptation comes to you, God had to allow it to come, but He is not the source of that temptation. We find this truth in the story of Job. Satan said the only reason Job was serving God was that God was so good to him, so God allowed the devil to tempt Job. So Satan solicited Job to curse God. This was a test that showed Job’s faithfulness to God when he didn’t give in to the temptation.

One Minute Please

God allows temptation for our development, not our destruction.

The Perfect Church

Does The Perfect Church really exist?

If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? (Hebrews 7:11; NIV 2011 Edition)

Over the course of this past weekend, I had the opportunity to experience three distinctly different church services. Saturday I ministered with a group at a Seventh Day Adventist church, early Sunday morning I watched my non-denomination church online and shortly after I went to my "home" church which is of the Baptist denomination.

Three denominations. One God.... is there one perfect church?

I'm thoroughly convinced that we humans cannot even begin to fathom the idea of perfection. If you ask someone to describe the perfect anything you will get an answer comprised of some fact but also some bias, prejudice and opinion. Often times the idea of perfection can becomes a heavy burden. When we flood the media with images and ideas that we believe are perfect most of us just don't measure up and we can pay a heavy emotional, spiritual, financial, and physical tax trying to achieve this "perfection." We just can't comprehend true perfection because there is only one perfect and pure entity that has ever existed on Earth. And would you believe that we will never measure up to Him either?

The Bible says in Galatians 5 that the perfect God came and lived to free us from this pursuit of perfection. In the scripture above, the passage hints at the fact that law held by the Levites fell short and that Jesus would need to come to inspire true perfection. Jesus in the flesh was the only human to effectively live a perfect life, honoring all of the Old Testament laws and covenant without fail. His death on the cross sealed not only His perfection but our capacity to be perfect in the eyes of God as well. So then back to the question: is there a perfect church?

The answer is yes.

First of all, we have to understand that true perfection only comes through Christ. Secondly, we have to understand that the church as a whole is a representation of Christ's bride and therefore, at the end of the day, is one corporate body with different functions. So true perfection, in my opinion, is not about whether a church does something this way or that way but instead about whether or not they are in constant pursuit of relationship and fellowship with Christ. All three services that I attended reached out to God in a different way but the point is that they were all reaching. If you are looking for a church home, find one where you feel comfortable reaching out for relationship with Christ or your relationship can falter - trust me.

So is there such a thing as a perfect church? Yes, look all around you because you are it!

Shipwreck

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

So this makes 50 posts, huh? We've still got a long way to go but I wanted to share one of those songs that always gets me. Sometimes we go through life and make mistakes trying to be something we aren't supposed to be and it leads us to crash. Thankfully when we do crash, it's always upon His shore.

Enjoy!

I built a fortress
With a hundred thousand faces
I'll keep it safe
With a hundred thousand more
But these masks are wearing thin
As You draw me in

I spent my time
On the empty and the fleeting
I spent my life
On much less than I'd dreamed
But I'm reaching out to you
To make me new

'Cause I am just a beggar here at Your door
I am just a shipwreck here on Your shore
I come empty handed
Ready to see
Your life in me changing who I've been
To who I need to be

You tell me my story
As You sift between the pages
I feel redemption
In the space between each turn

Could You take me in Your arms
And tell it just once more
Could You take me in Your arms
And tell it just once more 

GPS: God's Protection System

Matthew 7:13-14 (New International Version, ©2011)The Narrow and Wide Gates    ¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Everybody has that one friend who lives and dies by their GPS. You can't tell them another route because they'll get upset that you lack faith in their GPS. And have you ever noticed that a GPS system - even when we choose to get off track - continues to route us to a course that gets us back on track?

God is a little something like that. His directions always point us in the right direction and while there are consequences for wrong turns, He always points us back on track. He wants us to reach our destination according to His plan and take the route He planned, which is always for our good.

What if we took God as seriously as we do our GPS?

Bible Talk 101: The Great Commission

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology



Great Commission, the



Mandate to "make disciples of all nations" given by Christ to his disciples following his death and resurrection (Matt 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:8). Because Christ has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt 28:19), the Great Commission is to be taken with the utmost seriousness by all of his disciples, "to the very end of the age" (Matt 28:20).


The impetus for the Great Commission springs from the heart of God. He loved us and gave his Son or us (John 3:16). The disciples are sent out to accomplish what God had started in the sending of his Son (John 20:21). The Great Commission is thus linked to God's words to Abraham: that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Gen 12:3).


The Great Commission is accomplished through witnessing (Acts 1:8), preaching (Mark 16:15), baptizing, and teaching (Matt 28:20). Jesus' disciples are to replicate themselves in the lives of those who respond to the Good News. The Holy Spirit is the empowering agent for those who witness (Acts 1:8), as well as the one who convicts sinners of their need for Jesus (John 16:8-11). The disciples will have success because Jesus, the Lord of heaven and earth, will be with them as they undertake their assignment (Matt 28:20).


The Great Commission necessitates taking the gospel message to "the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8), to "all nations" (Matt 28:19). The Good News is to be shared with all peoples, for all are sinners, Jews and Gentile alike, and in need of deliverance from sin (Rom 3). All peoples, by faith, can receive God's provision and are baptized into Christ. In Christ, all distinctions between Jew and Gentile disappear (Rom 10:12-13; Gal 3:28).

Glenn E. Schaefer

Transformed by Trials

I think I'm just going to make Tuesday #TonyEvansTuesday... Here's the link to the original post!

Transformed by Trials

Tony Evans

In His Presence: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials (James 1:2).

The television show “Extreme Makeover” puts people through all kinds of adverse circumstances so that they might look better than they did when they started the makeover process. They undergo surgical procedures, grueling workouts, and physical pain in order to be transformed into something beautiful.

One of the primary ways God makes us more like Christ is by allowing us to face trouble. To conform us into the image of Christ, we don’t just need minor surgery--we require major transformation. In fact, God has to put a brand new nature inside us.  Just as a sculptor chips away at a piece of marble to turn it into a beautiful sculpture, God uses trials to chip away at us, sculpting us to resemble the image of Christ.

One Minute Please

Like a photographer developing his film in a darkroom, God develops a beautiful photograph of Christlikeness in us when we go through dark times.

Life Lessons From Women In The Bible

This past week I did some studying on women of the Bible and came across a really great website that listed a few women and what we can learn from their story. If you'd like to know more about these women, check the website for more details and for the scriptures that you can find them in!

Eve, the Mother of All Living - Eve’s story reminds us that women can be both creative and destructive. She teaches us to weigh our choices carefully, tempering our desires with wisdom.

Hagar, the Stranger Welcomed by God - If you are disenfranchised, despised, or despairing, listen for the voices of angels. You may find your courage is only a prayer away.

Rahab, a Harlot with a Heart of Gold - Rahab teaches us to use our wiles effectively and with great love. After all, the life you save may be your own.

Deborah, the Warrior Princess - Deborah inspires us to trust our wisdom and instincts and to humbly accept the credit due us. A canticle (Judges 5) is dedicated to her bravery. Her example admonishes us to always remember and respect the power of a woman.

Jael, the Ordinary Woman with the Heart of a Lion - Jael’s story lets us know sometimes a girl has to slay the giants in her life, using whatever crude tools are available. Jael’s hands may have been bloodied in the process, but Israel experienced 40 years of peace because of her lion-hearted act.

Ruth, the Lovely Friend - Ruth’s lesson to us? Steadfast love and loyalty may just lead you into a glorious destiny.

Bathsheba, from Lust Object to Queen Mother - She teaches us that mercy can be the beginning of a brave new life, and that we all must carry our grief, release it, and live again.

Esther, a Clever Queen - Esther reminds us to be imaginative, as well as courageous. We don’t always have to fight to get what we want; sometimes we just have to outwit our adversary.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus - Her lesson to us is that we must let go of the notion that we create faith based on our works. God gifts us with faith, which makes our good works possible.

Photini, the Woman at the Well - She teaches us that no matter how parched our dry soul places, love can make a surprising appearance and quench all our thirsts.

Mary Magdalene - With Mary as our example, we can follow our passions with everything within us, fearlessly, no matter what obstacles we encounter.

Bonus Coverage - Mary Mary "Something Big"

Today's a New Day

New Kirk Franklin -Smile

I dedicate this song to recession,
depression and unemployment.
This song’s for you.

Today’s a new day, and there is no sunshine.
Nothing but clouds, and it’s dark in my heart
and it feels like a cold night.
Today’s a new day, where are my blue skies,
where is the love and the joy that you promised me
you tell me it’s alright.

(I’ll be honest with you)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can’t explain,
fell from heaven like a shower.

[ Lyrics from http://www.songonlyrics.com/kirk-franklin-i-smile-lyrics ]

(When I think how much better I’m gonna be when this is over)
I smile, even though I’m hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I’ve been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it’s so hard to look up when you look down.
??, hate to see it when you give up now
You look so much better when you smile, so smile.

Today’s a new day, but there is no sunshine.
Nothing but clouds, and it’s dark in my heart,
and it feels like a cold night.
Today’s a new day, tell me where are my blue skies,
where is the love and the joy that you promised me
you tell me it’s alright.

(the truth is)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can’t explain
fell from heaven like a shower.

I smile, even though I’m hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I’ve been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it’s so hard to look up when you look down.
??, hate to see it when you give up now
You look so much better when you smile.

Smile.. for me
Can you just smile… for me.
Smile.. for me
Can you just smile… for me.

ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(and while your waiting)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(and while your praying)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(look in the mirror)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(always remember)
You look so much better when you smile

I almost gave up, but a power that I can’t explain
fell from heaven like a shower.

I smile, even though I’m hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I’ve been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it’s so hard to look up when you look down.
??, hate to see it when you give up now.
You look so much better when you smile.
so smile.

ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
smile…

I just want you to be happy..
I want you to have joy ’cause can’t nobody
take that away from you.I see you.. SMILE!!

Just A Reminder...

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30, NIV 2011 Edition).

God loves you and He cares about you... Be encouraged no matter what you are going through...

Bonus Coverage: Tye Tribbett & G.A. - Answer


Verse 1: This song is for those who feel alone
And for those who can't seem to find no love
Only those that stay awake at night and just cry
Some of you just want to run away and just hide
There is an answer for you
This song is for you

Verse 2:
Maybe you've been very badly hurt
Some of you have been bruised right in the church -- ohh oh oh oh
Remember not to put your trust in man--Oh oh oh oh
Only God alone will understand what your going through going through


God cares
He cares
God Cares
He cares
God Cares

God loves you and your never alone with his love(Yes)
He loves you and you don't have to cry with his love
God loves you and you don't have to hurt with his love (Yes)
He loves you and you don't have to hide with his love

God loves you
You have a reason to live now
He loves you
Now you can throw all those pills out

There is an answer for you
REPEAT 5x

Jesus cares for you la la la la la la....

Bible Talk 101: Mercy

Bible Talk 101

King James Dictionary


Mercy

MER'CY, n. L. misericordia.

1. That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.

The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty. Num.14.

2. An act or exercise of mercy or favor. It is a mercy that they escaped.

I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies. Gen.32.

3. Pity; compassion manifested towards a person in distress.

And he said, he that showed mercy on him. Luke.10.

4. Clemency and bounty.

Mercy and truth preserve the king; and his throne is upheld by mercy. Prov.28.

5. Charity, or the duties of charity and benevolence.

I will have mercy and not sacrifice. Matt.9.

6. Grace; favor. 1 Cor.7. Jude 2.

7. Eternal life, the fruit of mercy. 2 Tim.1.

8. Pardon.

I cry thee mercy with all my heart.

9. The act of sparing, or the forbearance of a violent act expected. The prisoner cried for mercy.

To be or to lie at the mercy of, to have no means of self-defense, but to be dependent for safety on the mercy or compassion of another, or in the power of that which is irresistible; as, to be at the mercy of a foe, or of the waves.

Firstfruits Are the Best

Devotionals by The Alternative

Dr. Tony Evans: 

In His Presence: Leviticus 22:17-25

Whenever you give God your firstfruits, you not only give Him the first, you give Him the best. In Malachi 1 the Israelites brought God the worst of their leftovers for their sacrifices—the sick, blind, and lame animals. Sometimes that is what we bring God—our leftover time, energy, and devotion. We come to God when we’re not at our peak.

The story of Cain and Abel serves as a reminder that God is not pleased with those who do not offer firstfruits. “Abel, on his part also brought the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard” (Genesis 4:4-5). Cain wound up killing his brother over this incident. Abel brought God the best because he believed God desired and deserved the best. By his offering, Cain showed that he thought God only deserved something, not the best.

If we’re not worshiping God by bringing Him our firstfruits, we are likely giving our firstfruits to something else. What gets your best time and your undivided attention? You give those to whatever is your priority.

Regarding money, “firstfruits” refers to the tithe, or the tenth. You must bring the whole tithe before you bring an offering. Deuteronomy 14:23 says we are to give the tithe “that [we] may learn to fear the Lord.” Whenever we give the tenth first, we’re honoring God as God.

One Minute Please

God wants the prime cut of your life; He doesn’t want the leftovers.

"Results Not Typical"

"Guaranteed max results if you do it right!"

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (New International Version, ©2011)¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Somewhere in the world right now an infomercial is on the air.


*cue mysterious omnipresent music*


You know, one of the great things about being up in the early mornings is witnessing the tons and tons of infomercials that come on the air at that time. You see products that do things you never thought were possible or they do possible things in a weird/new way (Mop Socks, anyone?).


But one of the interesting thing about these products, especially fitness ones, is the disclaimer that they often carry: "Results Not Typical." I've always wondered why you would sell a product that has been proven to work but only work for a few people. Then it hit me that in each testimonial, the person who got great results is the one who followed the instructions and sometimes even went beyond what was required based on their commitment to the product.


Whoa! So you mean that all I have to do is follow the instructions and it will work? You gotta be kidding me!


Results Not Typical. Just like the infomercials, in our Christian walk we often times BUY INTO the idea of Christ and what He can do for us as outlined in scripture but we fail to follow up on our part. Just like with the scripture above, God is always faithful to provide a way out from sin but we might not always be faithful to see it and take it. That's when we start seeing not so desirable results for our lives. When we don't follow up in the way that we are supposed to, we compromise our commitment and even greater results. Remember, Christianity/Christ works but to achieve the greatest results we have to too.


Read The Fine Print. In order to get the most out of your walk, you have to read the fine print. Scriptures instruct us on how we should live and they also teach us how to respond to different things we might face in our lives. Imagine buying some cleaner from an infomercial and instead of it working, it causes a horrible mess. Remember, Christianity works but to achieve the greatest results we have to follow the instructions.


Act Now! Limited Time Only! Just kidding. Unlike infomercials you see on TV, God's promises are everlasting and they never fade. What's good today won't expire tomorrow. You won't have to wait for the next best thing because He is the first and last best thing there ever was or will be! But remember, Christianity works but to achieve the greatest results we have to act!


Infomercials do a great job of proving to us that the product works but oftentimes we just don't do our part or follow instructions. The results that aren't typical come from those who follow instruction. Results are never impossible, not achievable, nor unlikely - just "not typical."


Is your walk/faith typical or not typical?


Bonus Coverage: Relient K - Getting Into You



When I made up my mind
And my heart along with that
To live not for myself
But yet for God, somebody said
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

When I finally ironed out
All of my priorities
And asked God to remove the doubt
That makes me so unsure of these
Things I ask myself, I ask myself
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

[Chorus]
I'm getting into you
Because you got to me, in a way words can't describe
I'm getting into you
Because I've got to be
You're essential to survive
I'm going to love you with my life

When he looked at me and said
I kind of view you as a son
And for a second our eyes met
And I met that with a question
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

[Chorus]

I've been a liar and I'll never amount to
The kind of person you deserve to worship you
You say you will not dwell on what I did but rather what I do you say
I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into

[Chorus]

He said, I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into 

What's Your Addiction?

#YouAreMine

John 14:21-24 (New International Version, ©2011):

²¹ Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
 ²² Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
 ²³ Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴ Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

Mute Math - You Are Mine

Everyone has their obsession
Consuming thoughts, consuming time
They hold high their prized posession
That defines the meaning of their lives

You are mine
You are mine
You are mine, oh mine
You are mine

There are objects of affection
That can mesmerize the soul
There is always one addiction
That just cannot be controlled

You are mine
You are mine
You are mine, oh mine
You are mine

Everyone has their obsession
Consuming thoughts, consuming time
They hold high their prized possession
They hold high their prized possession