January 23, 2012 ~ Who God Rewards...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him"

Hebrews 11:6

TODAY'S WORD:

When God is first place in your life, and you make pleasing Him your highest priority, then you can fully expect to live a blessed, fulfilled life! In today's verse, notice who God rewards. It's not people who half-heartedly seek Him. It doesn't say "people who only think about Him when they're having a problem;" or "people who will only come to church when something special is going on." No, God rewards people who earnestly seek after Him. That means we are determined. We get up every morning and thank Him for His goodness. We go through the day meditating on His promises. We give Him praise in the good times and the tough times. We are constantly stretching, growing, learning and striving to know Him better. Does this sound like you? It can be.

Selah people' and friends today, remember, when you diligently seek God, He promises that a reward is coming. He promises He will give you strength, wisdom, favor, good breaks, promotion, healing and restoration. When you seek Him with your whole heart, you will find Him, and you won't be able to outrun His goodness and blessing!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I desire to please You in everything I do. I declare that You are good and faithful. I trust You with my whole heart and believe that You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You. I bless You and honor You today in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 20, 2012 ~ How Do You Honor God?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"REMIND PEOPLE to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work."

Titus 3:1

TODAY'S WORD:

What do you do to honor God? A lot of times people think, "I go to church to honor God. I read my Bible to honor God. I sing and clap in worship to honor God." And yes, those are ways to honor God, but did you know that you honor God just as much when you get to work on time? You honor God when you are productive each day and honor the people in authority over you. You honor God when you excel in your career. This is true for those women and men also who are stay at home moms or dads or for our retirees or others whom stay home to be caregivers for family or friends. We honor God in our labor and we do not labor in vain.

You see my brothers and sisters it is so true that actions speak louder than words. When you give your very best in the workplace, your whole life is giving praise to God. Showing up with a good attitude, being friendly, organized, just being your best — people will notice there's something different about you. They'll want what you have.

Selah people' and friends as believers, we should set the standard in all areas of life. People should see the depth of your character and your spirit of excellence and know that you are a child of the Most High God. Join me and make the decision to honor Him in all that you do and all that you say because You are His representative in the earth today! Remember you may be the only Jesus that people may ever meet.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, I choose to honor You in all that I do. I choose to set the standard and do my very best. Thank You for the privilege to be Your representative. Help me to show Your love and excellence in everything I do. I love You and bless You in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 19, 2012 ~ Calling Forth Seeds of Greatness…

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him"
Jeremiah 17:7

TODAY'S WORD:

Today, I want to declare words of blessing over you. I want to call forth your seeds of greatness. Someone may have told you what you can't become, but I'm here to tell you what you can become. As a believer in Jesus, all of the blessings in His Word belong to you! Receive it by faith today!

Selah people'  and friends you are a person of destiny. You are equipped. You are talented. You are creative. You were designed for a purpose. You are loved, chosen and accepted by Almighty God. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you more and nothing you can do to make Him love you less. His grace is sufficient for you. His angels have charge over you. You are blessed coming in and blessed going out. You have uncommon wisdom. You have uncommon joy. You have uncommon peace. He is your vindicator, and He will fight for you! No weapon formed against you shall prosper as you serve Him all the days of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, thank You for blessing me as I put my trust in You. Today, I set my heart and mind on You. I praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness. I receive Your blessing upon every area of my life in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor
Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC

January 18, 2012 ~ You Were Planned…

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…"
Jeremiah 1:5

TODAY'S WORD:

What an amazing thought: God knew you before you were even born! He saw your unformed substance and said, "I have a purpose for this life. I have good plans for them!" Then He breathed His life into you and sent you through your mother and father. They may have had issues, but that doesn't have to stop you from becoming all that God intended you to be. You have been handpicked by Almighty God to be here at this time in history!

Sometimes we hear parents say, "We weren't expecting this child. They were a surprise. They were an accident." No, that child may have been a surprise to you, but they weren't a surprise to Almighty God. No child can be born without God breathing His life into them. You may think, "Well, Patrick, I was unwanted. I was an unplanned pregnancy." No, you wouldn't be here if God didn't give life to your seed.

Selah people' and friends you see In God's eyes, there is no such thing as being illegitimate. Remember, He knew you before you were ever born! Find confidence in His love knowing that you are a person of destiny, and you are part of His mighty plan!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for choosing me before I was ever born. Thank You for knowing me and revealing Yourself to me. I trust that You are working in my life today, even when I can't see it. I stand in faith knowing that You have a mighty plan for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 17, 2012 ~ He Gives You All Things!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Romans 8:32

TODAY'S WORD:

God loves you so much today — more than you could ever imagine! Not only did He send His Son, Jesus to pay the price for your sins so that He could have relationship with you, He also wants to lavish you with everything He has and everything He is.

I feel led to remind each of you that when you join in covenant with Him through the precious blood of Jesus Christ, He makes all things available to you.

What does "all" mean? It means exactly that — all. Do you need peace? He is your peace. Do you need joy? He has supernatural joy which gives you strength. Do you need restoration in your life? He is your restorer. Do you need rest? He has it. Provision? It's yours. Protection? That too! He is the single source of everything that you will ever need, and He will freely give it to you!

Maybe at times you've struggled to receive all that He has for you. Maybe you think that you don't want to bother God, or you somehow think you don't deserve what He has for you. My friend, those mindsets are not the truth. The truth is that you can't earn a gift. He gives it freely. Imagine His arms outstretched to you right now. Receive His love, receive His grace, and receive all that He has in store for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY: Please pray this prayer with me…

"Father, right now, I declare by faith that I receive all that You have for me. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus to die for me so that I can live with You. I declare that He is my Lord and Savior, and I receive all that You have for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 13, 2012 ~ Abundant Life Today?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10

TODAY'S WORD:

Brothers and sisters I ask you today Friday the 13^th 2012 are you living the abundant life Jesus came to give? I'm not talking about living in the fanciest the house, wearing designer clothes or driving the newest car. No, His promise of abundant life goes way beyond material things that this world offers. "Abundant life" means "life to the full." That means no matter what is going on around you, you can partake of the full blessings of God. You can have peace in the midst of a storm. You can have joy when things are uncertain. You can have hope when circumstances seem hopeless.

As believers, a lot of times it's easy to look at that verse and think, "God is going to give me abundant life someday." But the truth is that God wants you to have abundant life TODAY! Pause from whatever you are doing and think about that for a moment our God put it on my heart and mind to share these special and meaningful words just for you to read at this time and in this place.

Don't waste another second living in mediocrity or settling for less than God's best. Receive His blessings by faith today. Receive His hope, joy, strength and favor. Declare that you are living the abundant life today and every day!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus so that I can have eternal life. I know that You want the best for me. Help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You so that I can walk in Your ways all the days of my life in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 10,2012 ~ Close the Door on Fear!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Do not give the devil an opportunity to work."
Ephesians 4:27

TODAY'S WORD:

So many people today are living with less than God's best because they've allowed fear to creep in and take root in their lives. Fear is the greatest weapon the enemy uses to try to hold us back. Fear is not from God. Scripture tells us that fear brings torment. It's designed to paralyze us and keep us from God's blessings.

The good news today brothers and sister is that God is greater than any fear. His power in you is greater than any power that comes against you. But in order to walk in His power, you have to close the door on the enemy. See, the enemy can't have access to your life unless you open a door and give him access. That's why we have to be careful about what we watch, what we listen to, what we read, and what we say. When we open ourselves to fear, we give the enemy opportunity.

Selah people' and friends if you've allowed fear to steal from you in any area of life, today you can be free — you can be finished with fear. Conquering the enemy starts by making the choice to close the door on fear, and instead, meditate on God's promises. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and word of our testimony! Let His truth sink down into your heart. Declare it out of your mouth. Let Him set you free and lead you into victory as you close the door on fear!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, I come to You today declaring that I am finished with fear. Thank You for giving me power, love and a sound mind. I choose to stand on Your promises. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I move forward in victory with You in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 9, 2012 ~ Unhindered Prayers!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"…Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered"
1 Peter 3:7

TODAY'S WORD:

Did you know that the way you treat others has an impact on the effectiveness of your prayers? The Bible says that the prayer of the righteous person is powerful. But if we aren't treating others with honor, kindness and respect, then we aren't allowing His righteousness to operate in us. When we don't treat others the way we should, it closes the door to God's power and hinders our prayers.

This is especially true in a marriage relationship. Marriage isn't just an agreement between two people to live life together. Marriage is a God-ordained institution that helps us understand love and unity. When two people are married, they become one physically, spiritually and emotionally. This particular passage is directed toward husbands, but it applies to all believers as well. We should always treat others "with understanding," which means considering their needs above our own. We should always aim to treat others with kindness, dignity and respect, and quickly choose forgiveness.

Selah people' and friends remember, the way we treat others is the only thing that matters in eternity, and it impacts our prayers on earth. So today, choose love, choose forgiveness, and choose to treat others with respect so that your prayers can be powerful and effective the way God promises!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, I want to live in Your ways. I want Your power to flow though me. Show me how to treat others with the highest level of love and respect. Let my words and actions always honor You so that my prayers will be powerful and effective in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 6, 2012 ~ Know When to Turn Away!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"It is an honor for a man to cease from strife…"
Proverbs 20:3

TODAY'S WORD:

Kenny Rogers used to sing the words…"know when to walk away and know when to run." Many challenges we face in life are simply distractions from the enemy to keep us from pursuing our destiny. Maybe someone in the office isn't as friendly to you as you'd like. Maybe you have a neighbor who always parks in front of your house and blocks your mailbox. Those things may be frustrating, but they have little significance when you look at the big picture of eternity. You can't allow the little things to cause strife in your life.

In scripture, just before David fought the giant Goliath, his brother Iliab tried to confront him. But David knew that arguing with Iliab wasn't even worth his time and strength. He knew his real battle was with Goliath, and he didn't want to be distracted. He simply "turned away" from Iliab and kept his focus on what he was called to do.

Selah people' and friends let's follow the example of David and keep our eyes on what's most important in life. Instead of being led away by frustrations, let's focus on the big picture. Know when to turn away from strife and receive the mark of honor the Lord has for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, thank You for Your hand of victory in my life. Give me the wisdom and courage I need to walk away from strife so I can focus on the destiny You have prepared for me. I love You and bless You today and always in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 5, 2012 ~ Your Place of Blessing?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there."
1 Kings 17:2-4

TODAY'S WORD:

Yesterday I asked about being still and the day before where you hide at…Today as a believer in Jesus, your steps are ordered by the Most High God. He has a specific place of blessing prepared for you. Just as God directed Elijah to his place of blessing, God is directing you. He's aligning the right opportunities and causing the right people to come along your path to help you get ahead. He's constantly working behind the scenes on your behalf because He is good and loves you with an everlasting love.

Selah people' and friends, the key is that you have to do your part and choose to be obedient to His commands. You have to keep your heart and mind open to Him and maintain an attitude of faith and expectancy. Most of all, you have to watch how you treat others and choose to live in peace and unity because the Bible says that when we live in unity, there He has commanded the blessing.

When your heart is in the place of blessing, the rest of your life will be in the place of blessing, too! Today, choose love, choose peace, choose His Word, and choose to enter in to your place of blessing!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Heavenly Father, I come to You with a grateful heart. Thank You for leading me and directing my steps. Help me to see others the way You see them so I can honor You and live in unity and walk in the place of blessing You have prepared for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 4, 2012 ~ Being Still...

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still"
Exodus 14:14

TODAY'S WORD:

When was the last time you can remember being still? And I don't mean sitting in traffic, waiting for a doctor's appointment or standing in line at the store. In today's fast-paced culture, people are constantly multitasking, trying to do more in less time, more gadgets equal a longer leash for other to jerk on and pull us the direction they need or want us keeping us all constantly on the go, constantly seeking information, constantly checking off to-do lists. And there is nothing wrong with any of these things…I too am in this battle we call life. But stop and be still with me for a moment as we reflect on the above scripture from Exodus 4:14. If we are going to see the Lord fight our battles, if we are going to embrace the victory He has for us, we have to make it a priority to be still before Him.

Being still means taking time alone in the presence of Almighty God. Being still means being quiet before Him, listening to His voice and meditating on His Word. But, we need to also keep our hearts and minds still no matter what else we are doing. Being still means silencing the negative voices in our minds. It means choosing right thoughts and putting our trust in Him.

Selah people' and friends that's why it's so important for you to keep His Word first place in your life because when you know His Word, you know Him. When you know Him, you trust Him. When you trust Him, your heart and mind will be still before Him, and He will lead you into victory all the days of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I come to You in the precious name of Your Son, Jesus. I choose to be still in You. I choose to cast my cares on You. Fill me with Your peace today, fill me with Your hope as I keep my heart and mind stayed on You in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 3, 2012 ~ Hide in the right place

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock"
Psalm 27:5

TODAY'S WORD:

Have you ever watched children play hide and seek? They look for the best place to hide in the house or yard and wait quietly for their friend to try to find them. I remember on one occasion when I was a boy I had a little laugh at my brother Matthew's expense when he and I played a game of hide and seek with a group of neighborhood kids our old house. He is my baby brother, five years younger and he came to me as his big brother and wanted me to tell him a great place to hide.

We were in Mama's laundry room so I suggested the dryer would be a great place since he was small and could fit. WARNING DISCLAIMER: I would not suggest this to anyone today and would caution parents to warn your children who are keeping your children that this is dangerous. That being said and to make a long story short the next person to be "it" in our game was me and sure enough when I entered the laundry room what did I see but a crack from the dryer with an eye staring back at me. I let him sweat for a minute or two thinking that maybe I would not find him in that almost perfect hiding place but sure enough I did and after a few tumbles around the dryer after I had closed the door and hit the "on" button the game was over and once again Matt was threatening that he was going to tell Mama when she got home.

Hide and seek is a fun game for kids, but even as adults we need a good place to hide from time to time don't we? Sometimes we need a place of refuge, a place of safety, a place to rest when we feel overwhelmed by the circumstances of life; a place where the enemy of our soul can never find us.

The good news is that God has the perfect hiding place for you! You don't have to hide in your job. You don't have to hide in relationships. You don't have to hide in food or addictions because God Himself promises to hide you! He freely offers you shelter from the storms of life any time you call on His name.

Selah people' and friends remember there's only one place the enemy cannot find you. There's only one place where opposition cannot steal from you. There's only one true place of safety and rest for your soul, and that is in the arms of Jesus. Know that He loves you, and He is ready to receive you when you call on His name!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, today I come humbly before You giving You all that I am. Thank You for hiding me in Your shelter and keeping me safe from the storms of life. My soul finds rest in You as I seek You and praise Your holy name in Jesus' name. Amen."

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com

January 2, 2012 ~ Where Would You Be?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction"
Psalm 119:92

TODAY'S WORD:

If it had not been for the goodness of God, where would you be? Some wouldn't be alive today. Some would still be addicted to drugs, alcohol, food, sex, pornography or other vices that consume us and out time. If it had not been for God's favor some would still be struggling, barely making it. You may say, "Well brother Patrick, I've got a long way to go." And yes my friend that may be true, but I want you to take a moment today this 2^nd day of 2012 and look back over your life and realize just how far you've come. I shared with my congregation in worship yesterday whatever commitments or resolutions you have made if you slip and stumble do not count it all lost lift yourself and get back at with the strength God has given you. He did not bring you this far to abandon you. Fight the good fight of faith as we move into the best year of our lives.

Brothers in sisters the same God that brought you this far, the same God that has kept you alive is going to carry you through any difficulty you may be facing. The key is to just start praising and thanking Him for His goodness. Thank Him for His favor and blessing upon you. Remember that "Praise" precedes the victory. "Praise" brings the walls of opposition down. "Praise" is the invitation for God to intervene on your behalf!

Selah people' and friends today, I declare that the goodness of God is all over you! He is directing your steps, and you are following His leading. I declare that your best days are ahead, and as you praise Him and thank Him, you will move forward into the victory and blessing He has prepared for you!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You so much for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I know that Your hand of favor is upon me. I know that You are leading me and guiding me in victory. Keep me close to You as I surrender every area of my heart and mind to You in Jesus' name. Amen!"

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church

Four Oaks, NC

http://selahchurch.com