October 31, 2011 ~ Answer the Door!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning"
Psalm 30:5

TODAY'S WORD:

When you wake up each morning, God sends you a special delivery of joy. It's like it comes knocking at the door of your heart every day. The problem is that some people never answer the door. It's right there, month after month, year after year saying, "Come on! Let me in! You can be happy! You can cheer up! You can enjoy your life!" The way to answer the door is to get up and choose an attitude of faith and expectancy by declaring that "today is going to be a good day." When you start the day like that, you are choosing to receive the gift of joy that God sent to you. I encourage you as my brothers in sisters in Christ to get off your butt of misery and get on your feet to live the joyous life God intended for everyone of His children you and I are the only ones holding back that joy.

Selah people' and friends today, make up your mind to answer the door to joy! Get up every morning and say, "Father, thank You for another beautiful day. I'm going to be happy. I'm going to enjoy this day because You are faithful. I'm going to brighten someone else's life. I am choosing to receive Your gift of joy and passing it on to others because I love You, and I know that I am called for Your purposes!"

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for the gift of joy every single morning. I choose right now to set my focus and heart on You. Help me, by Your Holy Spirit, to put You first each and every day so that I can know Your love and joy in everything I do in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 28, 2011 ~ Do You Want to Live Happy?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes"
Psalm 19:8

TODAY'S WORD:

There is a young man, very talented, very athletic. He is going through treatment for cancer. If I did not know he had cancer I would have never known anything was wrong. He never complains. He's always friendly, upbeat and enjoys life. When asked how he could keep such a good attitude during such a difficult time. He responded, "When I get up in the morning, I ask myself, 'Do you want to be depressed today or do you want to live happy?' I choose to live happy."

Selah people' and friends understand that if you're going to be happy, you have to be happy on purpose. Happiness is not going to fall on you. You have to choose it by choosing right thoughts and focusing on the Father. You have to set your day in the direction that you want to go. You have to choose to meditate on His Word because His Word lights your path and gives joy to your heart. Today, choose to live happy, set your focus on Him, and embrace the blessing He has in store for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, today I set my heart and mind on You. I receive Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I will store Your Word in my heart and receive the joy it brings me. Today I choose to live happy in Jesus' name! Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 27, 2011 ~ Why God Laughs?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"He Who sits in the heavens laughs..."
Psalm 2:4

TODAY'S WORD:

Have you ever imagined God laughing in the heavens? Think about it for a moment. Right now, God is on the throne. He's not mad. He's not worried about the economy. He's not upset with us. No, God is full of joy and laughing on the throne. It goes on to tell us in Psalm 37 that He's laughing because "He can see the destruction of the enemy coming." In other words, the reason God laughs is because He knows the end of the story. He knows the final outcome. The good news is that you and I win. God always causes us to triumph!

Imagine watching the Super Bowl when you already know the outcome. You already know who is going to win. No matter how far behind the winning team falls, no matter how bad it looks for them, you wouldn't get upset. You wouldn't be worried. Why? Because you've got inside information.

Selah people' and friends you know the final outcome. That's what God is saying to us today. When it gets tough and things don't look like they're going to work out, we know that with God we are on the winning team! Today, you can laugh with Him knowing that He has favor, strength and victory in store for your future!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, I choose to rest and trust in You. Thank You for bringing victory in every area of my life. Give me opportunities today to share Your joy and love with the people around me. In Jesus' name, amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 26, 2011 ~ The Bridge to Your Breakthrough

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!"
Habakkuk 3:17–18

TODAY'S WORD:

Habakkuk knew what to do when things seemed completely hopeless. His world was literally falling apart around Him. There was destruction everywhere he looked. But Habakkuk knew that God was bigger than his circumstances! So what did he do? He invited God into his circumstances by rejoicing and praising the Lord. He made the choice to be joyful knowing that it would connect him to the One who would deliver him! I attach a picture of the Stella Bridge I remember from my youth that is near my hometown of Swansboro. I use this image as a reminder to me and to you that whatever we are going through God will carry us over, through or around all those obstacles. Even if what you are battling today seems impossible don't give up the fight and continue as Habakkuk did to praise Him.

My friend are you facing a situation that seems dark or hopeless?

No matter how difficult things may seem, God has a plan to bring you out into a place of victory and not leave you hopeless and in despair. Your praise is the bridge that will carry you into your land of promise. The Bible tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people, and when the presence of God manifests, the enemy has to flee! The Bible also tells us that there is fullness of joy in His presence. His joy empowers us to walk through any difficulty we may be facing.

Selah people' and friends no matter how things may seem in the natural, you can rejoice today because God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you praise Him, He will fill you with His joy and pour out His abundant blessing in every area of your life.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, I come to You trusting that You are my deliverer. No matter what is going on around me, today I choose to bless and praise Your name. I choose to connect to You, knowing that You are the source of my strength, hope and peace. In Jesus' name, amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 25, 2011 ~ The Process of Growing Up!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect"
Matthew 5:48

TODAY'S WORD:

One thing I've learned over the year is that just because God puts a dream in our hearts doesn't mean it's going to come to pass without any opposition. See, God is going to grow us up. He's going to mature us. He's going to prepare us to handle the promotion He has in store. He will accomplish this in His time and not always our desired time.

I think about Joseph in the Bible. Starting out, he didn't have a whole lot of wisdom. He was young and immature, and God had to do a work in his life. Joseph probably shouldn't have told his brothers about his dream that they would one day serve him! As you can imagine, his brothers were not nearly as excited about that as he was. They took it as Joseph perhaps bragging or boasting to try to get a leg up on the stronger older brothers, perhaps even big talk as some type of retaliation for the pain they had often caused him. Long story short, Joseph had to go through some things to grow up and be ready for the promotion God had in store for him.

Selah people and friends, it's the same way with us today. You may have a dream in your heart that seems a million miles away, but just like Joseph, God can take you from the prison to the palace in one step. During the growing process, keep yourself focused on Him and allow Him to do His work in your life. If you feel like it is muddy and dragging put on your boots and push through. If you feel dried up and wilting under the pressure and heat of the battle add some water and be refreshed. Keep a humble attitude of faith before Him, and He will lead you and guide you into the destiny He has prepared for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, thank You for working Your process in my life. I want to grow in You so that I can be prepared for the promotion that is in my future. Today, I humbly submit myself to You knowing that You have a good plan in store for me. In Jesus' name, amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 24, 2011~ Get Your Joy Back!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy"

1 Peter 1:8

TODAY'S WORD:

My friend have you experienced something that has taken your joy and enthusiasm for your future? Today is the day to get it back! God has you here on purpose, for a purpose. It's time to get excited about your future and learn to enjoy each and every day.

If you and I don't make the conscious effort to keep our joy, not only will the enemy rob us of the joy that belongs to us, but he'll rob our families and friends of the gift that we have to give them. When we have joy, we can use that joy to influence the people around us for good. Joy is strength, and when we have joy, we can offer strength to the people God has placed in your life.

Selah people' and friends today, draw the line in the sand and decide, "I'm not going to live another day negative, discouraged, sour and grumpy. I'm going to put a smile on my face. I'm going to live my life happy." Choose to keep your heart open and let your faith in Him fill you with inexpressible and glorious joy!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, thank You for Your love. Thank You for choosing me and molding me into Your image. Today, I invite You to fill me with Your inexpressible, glorious joy so that I can be a blessing to the people You have placed in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 18, 2011 ~ Don’t Put it Off…

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it"
Psalm 118:24

TODAY'S WORD:

Many people are waiting for their circumstances to change in order to be happy and enjoy their lives. Just yesterday I talked with a co worker who shared how he was trying to do better and be better for God and how one day I'm going to make it. I told him "my friend, you and I will never be good enough and if we wait to be happy we will never get there." All the time I hear things like, "As soon as I get out of this problem, Patrick, I'll be happy." "As soon as I lose ten pounds...as soon as my business grows...as soon as my child straightens up..." No, if you don't put your foot down and decide to be happy right now, there will always be something to keep you from being happy.

Selah people' and friends God never intended for us to put off our happiness. We have a choice to make each and every day. We have to set our minds in the right direction. That's why David said, "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."

He was saying, "This is the day to be happy; not tomorrow, not when the weather clears up. Not next week, when I don't have to work so hard. Not next month, when I make it through this difficult time." No, choose to honor the Lord right now by choosing to enjoy your life. Get rid of the excuses and rejoice because this is the day that the Lord has made!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, thank You for this day. Thank You for another opportunity to sing Your praise. I choose to set my mind and heart on You. I choose to rejoice and be glad so that everything I do brings honor to You. In Jesus' name, amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 17, 2011 ~ Suit Up!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm."
Ephesians 6:13

TODAY'S WORD:

I wanted to take a moment to remind each of you as my brothers and sisters my teammates on the battlefield of life that God has fully equipped you today with everything you need to stand strong in the midst of any battle you may be facing.

He's provided His full armor to protect your heart and mind, and empower you for victory! Ephesians 6:14–17 tells us about God's spiritual armor — He's given us the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith which stops the fiery darts of the enemy, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. You put on the armor by receiving the truth of His righteousness, peace, and salvation through His Word. When you do this, you are fully protected to resist the enemy and stand firm.

Selah people' and friends remember, your battle is not against flesh and blood. People aren't the enemy. Your adversary is the devil. The good news is that God holds victory in store for the upright! As you put on His armor by faith you will be positioned to receive His victory all the days of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, thank You for equipping me with everything I need to live in victory in this life. I receive Your full armor by faith knowing that with You I can stand strong and overcome every obstacle. In Jesus' name, amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 15, 2011 ~ Your Time is Coming...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time...though it tarry, wait for it."
Habakkuk 2:3

TODAY'S WORD:

My friends I remind each of you If you've been standing in faith for the promises of God, I want you to know today that your time is coming! The dreams and desires in your heart, the things you want to accomplish, the situations you want to see changed will happen. Don't give up just because it has taken a long time, or just because you've tried and failed. If you are reading this blog you must know God is speaking this directly to you. You who you are and that this message is specifically for you.

I encourage you today — get your fire back! Don't be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. It may be taking a long time, but God is a faithful God. No matter how long it's been, no matter how impossible it looks, if you'll stay in faith, your time is coming. Every dream that's in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God not only put it there, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Again HE put it on my heart to share this with you.

Selah people' and friends declare today, "My time is coming...God is working behind the scenes on my behalf...I will fulfill my destiny...I will fulfill the plan God has for my life!" As you declare, expect, and wait for the appointed time, your faith will grow. Your hope will grow. And you'll step into the destiny God has in store for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in Heaven, I receive Your truth today and hold on to Your promises. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will as I meditate on Your Word. In Jesus' name, amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 14, 2011 ~What Are You Expecting?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"...Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
Psalm 81:10

TODAY'S WORD:

One way we "close our mouths" so to speak, is by choosing negative thoughts. If you go around thinking, "Well, I don't think I'll ever meet my sales goals this year with the economy like it is"; or "I don't think I'll ever get promoted because I'm not that qualified"; or "I don't think I'll ever get well," then the problem is that your mouth is barely open. But Jesus said, "According to your faith it will be done unto you."

He might as well have said, "If you've got a cup, I'll fill you with a cup's worth of blessing. If you've got a bucket, I'll fill you with a bucket's worth of blessing." I believe He is asking us to take the limits off our thinking, and believe for supernatural opportunities.

Selah people' and friends why don't we go out each day expecting increase and promotion? If we'll go out each day expecting far-and-beyond favor, if we'll "open wide our mouths," we won't be disappointed. He'll fill our cup until it overflows so that we can live the abundant life He has in store for each of us!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Heavenly Father, I come to You today, giving You all that I am. I trust that You have a plan for my good. I trust that You are opening doors that no one can shut. I open myself to You and thank You for filling me with You today. In Jesus' name, amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 9, 2011 ~ New Seasons of God’s Blessing

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

II Corinthians 5:17

TODAY'S WORD:

Every person has had negative things spoken over them in the past. Maybe someone told you that you don't have what it takes or that you're not going to be successful. It's almost like they cursed your future. But the good news is that the blessing of God is greater than any curse. If you'll get rid of those negative strongholds and choose to believe what God says about you in His Word, you will begin to see a turning point in your life.

Selah people' and friends today, I declare blessing over you — that you are strong and courageous. You are full of talent, creativity, and wisdom. You can accomplish your God-given dreams. You walk in divine health. You have favor with every person you meet. Everything you touch is going to prosper and succeed. Those seeds of greatness on the inside of you are growing stronger and stronger. That hidden treasure is about to burst forth and you're going to come in to new seasons of increase, new seasons of favor, new seasons of God's blessings! You are who God says you are. You have what God says you have. And I declare you can do everything God says you can do, in Jesus' name, amen!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for making me new and for bringing me into new seasons of blessing. I renounce every negative word spoken over me and break its power by the blood of Jesus. I receive Your truth and boldly move forward in victory. In Jesus' name, amen."

In Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, senior pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

October 4, 2011 ~ The Seed of the Word...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop"

Luke 8:15

TODAY'S WORD:

Sometimes in the natural, we don't see how God's promises are going to come to pass in our lives. It seems like there are so many obstacles to overcome. But we have to see God's Word like a seed. When it's planted in our hearts, and we water it by thinking the right thoughts and expecting good things, that little seed begins to grow into something much, much greater.

Jesus told a parable in Mark, chapter four. He said, "God's Word is like a tiny mustard seed. When it is sown, it is less than all the other seeds, one of the smallest. But when it grows up, it becomes greater than all."  Notice it goes from being less than all to being greater than all.

Are you in an overwhelming situation today, maybe in your health, work, finances or relationships? Does God's promise seem small compared to what you're facing?

Selah people' and friends don't sit back and think, "Man, it's never going to get any better. It's never going to change." Instead, sow the Word by speaking it every single day. Water that seed by staying in faith because the seed of the Word has supernatural power in it. It will grow and flourish, and you will see God's promises come to pass all the days of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, today I choose to sow the Word of God! Thank You that it will not return void, but it will accomplish what it was sent forth to do! Thank You for giving every good and perfect gift to Your children. I bless Your holy name today and always. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Christ service,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com