If we spend most of our time begging God to do what He’s already done, and the rest of the time asking Him to do what He’s told us to do, what have we just done? Nothing! Ask yourself today, are you a beggar or are you a believer?

Scripture says we are to “love others as we love ourselves” (Mark 12:33, author’s paraphrase).  Maybe the reason there is so much harsh treatment of others is that people hate themselves. They don’t have an understanding of how deeply God loves and values them, and as a result feel less-than and condemned most of the time. They can’t give to others what they don’t have, so they project that same attitude toward those around them!

We live in an unseen kingdom. All around us is a world invisible to the natural eye. If you are born of God by faith in Jesus Christ and He is your Lord, then His Holy Spirit lives in you and your spirit is alive to God’s guidance. You don’t have to fall for external appearances or the manipulations of men. You have every right to live Kingdom life!

Faith is the atmosphere in which the Lord has chosen His people to live.  If you’re sick, you have the ability to see yourself whole by faith in God’s Word that shows it is His will for all to be healed. Likewise, if you’re poor, by faith you have the ability to see beyond your poverty to God’s will for your abundance!

Throughout our lives as believers, a very important message we can “preach” to those around us is the example of our lifestyle. We don’t react or breakdown under pressure, we stand on the faithfulness of God’s Word in every situation and see the deliverance of the Lord!

The little streams leading to mighty rivers of abundance are the unseen services we provide as we go about our daily lives. The habit of top-notch service to others opens an ever-increasing flow to us. Success follows those who serve with sincerity and excellence!

If someone else’s actions or choices have you feeling like a hostage in a canoe in a hurricane, don’t give in to anger or fear and anxiety! Jesus is with you in that boat, and in His name we can command peace to EVERY storm!

Only humanity was created in the image of God. Only humanity was given the right and the ability and the authority to walk with the living God, to speak words as He spoke, to create as He created, and to live as He lived on the earth. Recognize your worth and preciousness to God!

Millions of people around the globe today, even a couple of billion, celebrate this Christmas Christ who lives in the heart.  Remember, the God who is the creator of the universe and all that we see, He’s NOT some ethereal, cosmic, mystic being. You’re not alone this Christmas! Jesus is God with us, Emmanuel—the One who has come to live and dwell in our hearts!

What have you been given that makes you rich? You have been given righteousness, which gives you a new self-image. You have been given eternal life, which gives you perspective and purpose. You also have been given authority, which is the right to exercise power over all sicknesses, all bondages and all demons! We’re all focused on presents right now, but can there be better gifts than these? Tell someone about JESUS for Christmas!