To have a genuine commitment requires two things – desire and faith.
“And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.” (Matthew 25:15)
If God blessed you with a million dollars, what would you do with it?
Wealth comes with privileges and responsibilities. The privileges are well documented: money freedom, time freedom, relationship freedom, spiritual freedom, physical freedom, and the freedom to discover your own unique genius.
Enlightened Millionaires know they must create wealth where …

Prosperity is having enough of God’s provision to accomplish His assignment for your life.
“Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (worldly wealth), who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:11)
What is God’s perspective on money?
The majority of Christians don’t understand biblical prosperity. If they did, they would change their behavior. The majority of Christians never fulfill God’s assignment for their lives because they believe money is evil, they make poor choices, or they are unwilling to pursue the financial resources necessary to succeed.
Many …

“Within the covers of the Bible are all the answers for all the problems men face. The Bible can touch hearts, order minds, and refresh souls.” – Ronald Reagan
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Have you discovered the beauty, wonder, and wisdom of the Bible?
“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” – George …

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)
Recently I discovered that my pastor is taking an engaged couple through a lengthy pre-marital preparation course. I think that is wonderful to avoid disasters since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound (ton) of cure.
While looking for links for this week’s devotionals, I was led to John Piper’s website called “Desiring God.” There I found a very practical message titled “Topics for Conversation When …

The great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. – John Piper
Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wondrous works. (Psalm 119:27)
Do you have a monthly and annual reading plan?
The following are some of the books recommended by the College of Prayer in Canada. These come from the Spring 2000 Module in Toronto with Rev. Sunder Krishnan.
Answering God, Eugene Peterson, (Harper Row, 1989) – Eugene Peterson speaks to Christians who realize the necessity for prayer and yearn for it …

Use the Word of God and prayer in the right proportion!
“but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)
Do you have a healthy balance between reading the Bible and praying?
The following comes from the “Prefatory Note” of Chapter 1 of Prevailing Prayer by D. L. Moody. 
The two first and essential means of grace are the Word of God and prayer. By these come conversion; for we are born again by the Word of God, which lives and abides forever; and whosoever shall …

Substituting praying for obeying simply will not work.
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,” (1 Samuel 15:22b)
What good is all our busy religion if God isn’t in it? What good is it if we’ve lost majesty, reverence, worship – an awareness of the divine? What good is it if we’ve lost a sense of the Presence and the ability to retreat within our own hearts and meet God in the garden? If we’ve lost that, why build another church? Why make more converts to an effete Christianity? Why bring people …

Prayer is never an acceptable substitute for obedience.
“that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:21b)
What kind of pastors do we need?
The following notes were taken by Hagazi Kebede when Jack Serra spoke in Culpeper on October 21, 2006:
Unity of mind on the part of the people of God precedes the blessing. I have often heard people pray “Oh LORD, send the Holy Spirit that we may become a united people.” That is all right except it is precisely backwards. …

Every day a miracle comes and every day a miracle goes.
Are you look for and expecting it?
 
“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,” (Acts 19:11)
Last year I had the privilege to attend a conference led my Dr. Mike Murdock at the Wisdom Center in Texas. Dr. Murdock told the audience that he believes Oral Roberts is the greatest Christian leader of our day. Dr. Murdock knows lots of prominent Christian leaders and he definitely has much wisdom.
 
Dr. Murdock went on to tell a true story about Oral …

Each of us needs 3 kinds of people in our life – a mentor, a peer, and someone we are mentoring.
To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2 Timothy 1:2)
Do you have a mentor and someone you are mentoring in your life?
This past weekend was one of the best ones ever in my life. Jack and AJ Serra stayed at our home. Last night my wife (Julia) told me, “This was the best weekend.” Yesterday morning, I felt like …