November 10, 2010 ~ Take Off the Limits

Take the limits off of God because
there is no limit to what God can do.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]”

Psalm 119:96

TODAY’S WORD:

Did you know you can actually limit your life by dwelling on the wrong things? So often, wrong thinking keeps people stuck right where they are. If you think you’ll never accomplish your dreams, then your life will follow your thoughts. If you think you don’t have the talent, the connections or the funds, then you are limiting yourself. We have to remember that God’s promises are forever settled in heaven. His Word stands true throughout all eternity!

Selah people' and friends don’t limit what God can do in your life by focusing only on what you see in the natural realm. You have to realize that you serve a supernatural God, and just because you don’t see a way doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a whole new level. He has explosive blessings in store that can blast you out of where you are and into a place of abundance. If you’ll shift your focus from this earthly realm and start looking at God’s supernatural realm, you’ll see His unlimited possibilities for your future. Take the limits off by setting your thoughts on what He can do in your life today!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, today I lift my eyes to You. You alone are the source of my strength, peace and provision. I choose to delight myself in You knowing that You will give me the desires of my heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

In Christ service,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com

NEW!!! Listen, watch video or download our sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com

Recent revival sermon:

http://selahchurch.tripod.com

November 9, 2010 ~ Attitude of Gratitude

Today's Scripture:

What type of miracle or deliverance are you believing God for today, just remember that "Faith without works is dead" so whatever it is - Stand up & Pray your way through; no need to sit down and worry about it.

James 2:20

Today's Word:

William James, one of the founders of modern psychology, said this, "The greatest discovery of this generation is that a human being can alter their life by altering their attitude."


I believe this with all my heart, and over the years have seen it happen countless times. What most people fail to realize is that your attitude not only impacts your happiness and your success, it also can impact the happiness and success of all the people around you...your family, your friends, and your peers and at work.

Attitudes truly are contagious, and from time to time we need to ask ourselves..."is mine worth catching?"

This, however, I know for sure...it's not always easy to stay positive. I believe our scripture for today which inspired by facebook post shared by a good friend of mine and former teammate Junior Dillahunt. It connected with my a message shared by author Vicki Hitzges who nailed it!


Today, I'd like to share this snapshot from Vicki titled...Keep an Attitude of Gratitude. Enjoy and may we all continue to grow daily.

An excerpt from "Attitude is Everything" by Vicki Hitzges

Years ago, I was the public relations director for motivational guru, Zig Ziglar. At the time, he was arguably the best-known, most loved speaker in the world. When audience members heard Zig, they witnessed a man chockfull of energy, vitality and joy. Having worked closely with him and knowing him well, I can tell you that the Zig you saw on stage was the real Zig Ziglar. In fact, I can't remember ever seeing him when he was not happy and upbeat.

The Zig I knew was one carbonated guy.

Every time Zig answered his home phone, he picked up the receiver and said with gusto, "This is Jean Ziglar's happy husband!" And he meant it!

Awhile back one of Zig's closest friends and I were discussing Zig's aura of happiness. "Completely genuine," his friend said. "I have never seen him down." Then he added thoughtfully, but with love, "Hardly what you'd call normal."

"What's Zig's secret?" I asked.

"I think," he said, "it comes down to feeling grateful. Never met a guy more grateful than Zig. Period."

You'd think anyone that grateful must have had an easy life. But that's not so.

Zig started out poor. Dirt poor. His father died when he was six, leaving his mother to raise eleven children alone. The family was virtually penniless. Yet despite their poverty, Mrs. Ziglar instilled a strong work ethic in her children and raised them to believe that both she and God loved them. She also instructed her children to practice saying "please" and "thank you." Those lessons stuck. Her formula of work, love and faith made their difficult lives easier. Gratitude made their lives enjoyable.

Zig once told me, "When we neglect to require our children to say 'thank you' when someone gives them a gift or does something for them, we raise ungrateful children who are highly unlikely to be content. Without gratitude, happiness is rare. With gratitude, the odds for happiness go up dramatically."

Years ago, Zig created the popular phrase, "Have an attitude of gratitude." According to Zig, "The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for."

I know firsthand that giving thanks brings joy. Awhile back, I heard Oprah Winfrey urge viewers to keep a Gratitude Journal. It seemed pretty schmaltzy to me, so I didn't do it. But Oprah was a jackhammer. Day after day, week after week, she kept pounding on that idea. I'd catch her show here and there. Same thing: Keep a Gratitude Journal. A few months later, I was speaking to a government group and staying in a cruddy hotel. I was seated at the hotel's indoor restaurant by a swimming pool reeking with enough chlorine to purify the Love Canal. As I waited impatiently for my meal to arrive, I suddenly remembered Oprah's directive. What the heck? I had a pen and some scrap paper.

I listed my mother who spent time each day praying for me. I wrote down my father who deeply loves me. My kind, funny brother and his family. My job and the opportunity to travel and encourage people. Friends. Laughter. For the fact that I had a place to sleep that was safe. For a private bathroom. (You start listing - you begin to get thankful!) I quickly listed about 30 things and noticed that not only did I have a lot to be thankful for, but suddenly I was in a terrific mood!

Publisher Malcolm Margolin was grateful for something that's right outside our doors, but most of us have never taken the time to experience it. He wrote, "The next time it begins to rain... lie down on your belly, nestle your chin into the grass, and get a frog's-eye view of how raindrops fall... The sight of hundreds of blades of grass bowing down and popping back up like piano keys strikes me as one of the merriest sights in the world."

That might strike you as advice from a person with not nearly enough to do, but personally, I like it. If Margolin can feel joy in soggy clothes looking at wet grass, you and I can find all kinds of things for which we can give thanks!

Try it! Count your blessings. Jot them down. At least stop and think of as many things as you can that you're thankful for right now. It worked for Oprah, Zig, Margolin and me. Give it a shot. If you want to feel happy, try on an attitude of gratitude for a change in your mood, your outlook and you.

Selah people' and friends "Attitude is Everything" by Vicki Hitzges is filled with wonderful stories, great quotes and many "a-ha" moments that'll turn the switch from "off" to "on." It is my prayer today that however overwhelmed, hurt or struggling you feel today that you too and look into your soul and count your blessings and flip that switch.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Heavenly Father, today we commit to changing our attitude and focusing on all that you do for us daily in every area of our lives. We know Lord that we will face adversity and trials in our lives and relationships but that through you all will be possible. Therefore today we pray for that positive attitude to shine a light in the darkness revealing the truth and Joy that we seek which can only be found in You. In Jesus’ Name We pray. Amen."

In Christ service,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com

NEW!!! Listen, watch video or download our sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com

Recent revival sermon:

http://selahchurch.tripod.com

November 7, 2010 ~ Power in Perspective

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:


“I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth”

Psalm 34:1

TODAY’S WORD:

It’s easy to get focused on what’s wrong in life, what we don’t have, how we have come up short or been done wrong by a friend, family member or co-worker and dwell on how big our obstacles are. If we’re not careful, we’ll lose sight of all the good things God has done in our lives and focus solely on what you feel are negatives in your life. You see, there are times when we’ll take for granted our family, friends, health and the opportunities God has blessed us with. We’ll get so busy and stressed out that we won’t appreciate the gift of today. What’s happened? We have taken our eyes off Jesus and keeping the main thing the main thing.

Our perspective has gotten off.

Perspective is all about how we see a situation. There’s power in your perspective because you will draw into your life what you constantly meditate on. Business may be slow. The economy may be down. The wrong perspective is, “I’ll never make it. It’s just too much.” The right perspective is, “God is supplying all of my needs. He said He would prosper me even in a desert.” What is your desert today? What is it you are focusing all you energy on and putting your heart into? Is it really what God desires for you?

I'll put it to you as my good friend and mentor Rev. Ken Powell used to share often: "If you die today could you say you were ready and had done all that He had desired you to do?" Remember we are not promised tomorrow so don't waste another minute of your time, breath or energy on things that are not beneficial to Him and sharing His love with others.

Selah people' and friends today, I encourage you to evaluate your perspective. Choose to lift your eyes to God the Father no matter what is happening in your circumstances. Remember, as you set your perspective in the right direction, your life will follow. The areas that have been floundering and stagnating will again begin to flourish. When you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, you open the door for His blessing in every area of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:


"Heavenly Father, I choose to bless You at all times. I declare that You are faithful! I lift my eyes to You because You are the source of my help, strength and joy forevermore. I choose today to reaffirm my joy comes from you and not from man or circumstances. Thank You for leading and guiding me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

In Christ service,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com

NEW!!! Listen, watch video or download our sermon message each week via our Selah media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com

Recent revival sermon:

http://selahchurch.tripod.com

November 5, 2010 ~ Persevere Until You See the Promise...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised”

Hebrews 10:36

TODAY’S WORD:

What are you believing God for today? Promotion? Healing? Stronger relationships? Deliverance? God has promised all these things to you in His Word because it’s His heart for you to live in blessing and wholeness. When you follow the will of God by obeying His Word and precepts, it opens the door for His promises to be fulfilled in your life. You may be doing all the right things today — don’t give up! Perseverance will carry you to the promise.

Perseverance means that you are focused, that you are believing what God says about your situation. It’s looking away from distractions and any negative, defeating thoughts. Perseverance looks away from discouragement and looks to the Word of God.

Perseverance has a voice, and it says things like, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper! If God is for me, who can be against me! I am more than a conqueror through Jesus!”

Selah people' and friends whatever you are believing for today, keep believing! Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. Ask God to give you endurance, perseverance and patience so that you can see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father in heaven, thank You for Your good promises to me. I ask that You give me a heart that is steadfast and fixed on You. Fill me with Your peace and perseverance so I can live in victory all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

In Christ service,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com

NEW!!! Listen, watch video or download our sermon message each week via our Selah media website:
http://selahmedia.tripod.com

Recent revival sermon:
http://selahchurch.tripod.com

November 4, 2010 ~ Having All That You Need...

When you place your love in God His grace will abound in your life!

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”

2 Corinthians 9:8

TODAY’S WORD:

Selah people' and friends we serve a God of abundance! He is more than enough! No matter what is on your “plate” of life, God wants to pour out His abundant grace upon you. One of the meanings of grace is God’s good will, loving kindness and favor. His grace keeps us, strengthens us and causes us to increase. In fact, He’s already extending that grace to you right now; all you have to do is open your heart and humbly receive it by faith.

Humility is an important key to receiving God’s grace. If we are seeking our own way, it blocks Him from working in our lives. But when we are humble, then He will empower us by His grace. Notice in this verse that by His grace you will have everything that you need at all times...that’s living in abundance! And when you are living in abundance, you are equipped to be a blessing to those around you.

Today, seek His ways first and allow Him to empower you by His grace.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Father in heaven, today I humbly come before You. I surrender my heart, will, mind and emotions to You. I ask that You pour out Your grace on me today and equip me for every good work. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

In Christ service,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com

NEW!!! Listen, watch video or download our sermon message each week via our Selah media website:
http://selahmedia.tripod.com

Recent revival sermon:
http://selahchurch.tripod.com

November 3, 2010 ~ He Bring's Justice

God is not blind to your situation nor the justice you deserve...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night?”

Luke 18:7

TODAY’S WORD:

Have you been crying out to the Lord for something? Maybe there’s a situation in your life that’s been overwhelming, and you feel like you’ve done everything you know to do and can’t see a way through. Be encouraged today because we serve a God of justice! He is faithful to His Word, and He will always be faithful to you. Not only is He a God of justice, He is your vindicator. One thing we have to remember is that our battle is not with the person who may have wronged us. Scripture says that the enemy of our souls, the accuser of the brethren is our ultimate enemy. Know today that God already has a plan; He already knows the future, and He will bring about justice!

Before eternity is through, He will right the wrongs that have been done to you.

Selah people' and friends your part is to release the situation into His capable hands. You don’t have to straighten everybody out or right the wrongs in your life, that’s God’s job. Trust Him with your future because the God of justice is working things out on your behalf!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, today I release every care, every concern, every situation that is beyond my control. I trust that You are working things out for my good, and You are bringing justice to me. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness 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

NEW!!! Listen, watch video or download our sermon message each week via our Selah media website:
http://selahmedia.tripod.com

Recent revival sermon:
http://selahchurch.tripod.com

November 1, 2010 ~ One Thought at a Time

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

“...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5

TODAY’S WORD:

Transforming something in your life whether it’s your attitude, mindset, financial situation or bringing change into a relationship can seem like an overwhelming task. But as the old saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Likewise, the way you change your life is one thought at a time.


Your thoughts set the direction of your life.

If you need to change the direction you are headed, you simply need to change your thoughts in that area. When a thought comes to your mind that “you’re never going to get well; this is your lot in life,” don’t dwell on that. Don’t sit around and have a pity party. No, immediately reject it and replace it with God’s Word. Just say, “Father, You said in Isaiah, ‘By the stripes of Jesus I am healed.’ You said in Jeremiah, ‘You would restore health unto me.’ So Father, I thank You that I’m coming out of this in the name of Jesus.”

Selah people' and friends I encourage you to be aggressive in taking every single thought and making it obedient to Christ. Stay determined, stay focused and keep declaring His Word because you can change your life, one thought at a time!

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father God, thank You for empowering me today to become better, stronger, more alive and blessed. I receive Your Word as truth and choose to change my life one thought at a time. Thank You for leading me and guiding me by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

In Christ service,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston, Senior Pastor

Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com

Listen to our sermon message each week via our Selah media website:
http://selahmedia.tripod.com

Recent revival sermon:
http://selahchurch.tripod.com