"I Declare" - Day 17

"I DECLARE I will put actions behind my faith. I will not be passive or indifferent. I will demonstrate my faith by taking bold steps to move toward what God has put in my heart. My faith will not be hidden; it will be seen. I know when God sees my faith He will show up and do amazing things. This is my declaration."

 

In the Scripture there was a man who was paralyzed. He would lie in bed at home all day long. One day he heard Jesus was in town teaching people. He convinced four of his friends to carry him on his bed over to the house where Jesus was speaking.

When they arrived the place was packed and they couldn't get in... They could have easily become distracted and said, "Too bad. It's not going to happen."

But not he paralyzed man; he was determined. I can see his four friends turn to take him home. He says, "No, no. We're not heading home just yet. I'm not leaving until I get my miracle. This man understood; You are closest to your victory when you face the greatest opposition. A lot of people give up too easily.

This man put action behind his faith. It's one thing to pray. It's one thing to believe. But if you really want to get God's attention, put actions behind what you believe in.

Source: "I Declare" by Joel Osteen

"I Declare" - Day 16

“I DECLARE" that I will live as a healer. I am sensitive to the needs of those around me. I will lift the fallen, restore the broken, and encourage the discouraged. I am full of compassion and kindness. I won't just look for a miracle; I will become someone's miracle by showing God's love and mercy everywhere I go. This is my declaration. (Joel Osteen)

 

Our job is not to judge. Our job is not to figure out if someone deserves something. Our job is to lift the fallen, to restore the broken, and to heal the hurting.

Too often we become focused on our own goals, our own dreams, and how we can get our miracle. But I've learned something that is more important: I can become someone's miracle.

Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan who was riding his donkey and he saw a man on the side of the road beaten and left for dead. He put him on his donkey and took him to a place where he could recover. I love the fact that the Good Samaritan walked so the injured man could ride.

Sometimes you may have to trade places with someone who is hurting. You must be willing to be inconvenienced. You may have to miss dinner in order to wipe away a tear. You may have to skip working out one night in order to encourage a struggling couple. You may have to drive across town and pick up a coworker who is addicted and take him to church with you on Sunday. If you want to live as a healer, you must be willing to change places with those who are hurting. 

Source: "I Declare" by Joel Osteen

ADVANCING IN THE KINGDOM CONFERENCE 2013