makeyourdaycount Volume 8. No. 2 • August/September 2011
FIRST...Go to the Throne! Lindsay Roberts
Doing What Mamma Says Oral Roberts
Minding Your Own Business Colleen Rickenbacher
Plus: Quick & easy recipes, inspiring stories, and more!
Whatever you’re going through...
whatever your need is, the Abundant LifeÂŽ Prayer Group prayer partners are ready to receive your call, to minister the Word of God to you, to stand in faith with you during your struggles, and to rejoice with you in your praise reports. We are here to pray with you... We are here to share the Word of God... We are here to believe for miracles with you!
Call day or night! 918-495-7777
Rest in any season
Make Your Day Co o t un in a refreshing half-hour of biblical encouragement, prayer, true stories from people whose lives have been transformed by God’s power, and much more!
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Recently, my husband Richard preached for Pastor Joseph Prince in Singapore. He brought home his book, 100 Days of Favor, and it has really made an impression on me. In it, Pastor Prince reminds us: “We do not have to strive and strain to be blessed. Good success for us today is enjoying the fruits and labor of Another— Jesus Christ” (p. 195). I encourage you to rest and be blessed today—in all areas of your life. Take a deep breath and remember what God has done for you. Make Your Day Count magazine is designed to build you up and help you
find that place of rest during your busy day. I pray you’ll enjoy a touching article by my mother-in-law Evelyn Roberts about the awesome role of being a mother, and be inspired by a word from Oral Roberts. And I hope you will be encouraged to seek God first and foremost in the middle of life’s challenges as you read my article, “Go to the Throne Before You Go to the Phone.” Remember, whatever season you find yourself in, I believe God is right there by your side—offering you rest in the midst of any struggle. I invite you to download this issue to your smart phone or handheld reader, take it with you wherever you go, and give the Holy Spirit an opportunity to bring you rest and refreshing. Find a moment to connect with God, and make it count today!
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hat season of life are you in? Are you a busy mom with a houseful of children? Perhaps you are busy with a career. Or maybe you are an emptynester watching the hustle and bustle around you through the eyes of wisdom and experience. Whatever is happening in your life today, I believe God can have a special word for you in this issue of Make Your Day Count magazine.
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Volume 8. No. 2, August/September 2011. Copyright ©2011 by Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association. No part may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
Go to the
rone... Thbefore
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ave you ever been in a situation where you didn’t have a clue what to do? I believe we all can have times when we feel clueless. Recently, I found myself in one of those situations where I just didn’t know what to do. I had thought a lot about it, and I talked to friends about it, but I felt like I was hitting a brick wall. Then I realized why—I hadn’t gone to God! I had gotten so wrapped up in my circumstances that I forgot to invite God into my situation.
you go to the phone!
You’re not alone I think that happens to a lot of us. We’re confronted with a problem that begins to overwhelm us, and then satan moves in life a thief, ready to steal our thought processes and confuse us...and we forget God is right beside us. Luke 8:22-25 tells us about a time when even the disciples forgot that Jesus was with them in the midst of one of their trials! Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. A fierce storm arose, and the wind and waves threatened to turn the boat over. The disciples panicked. But then they remembered 4
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that Jesus was with them, asleep in the boat. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” So Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waves. The storm stopped and all was calm! Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:24-25 nlt) Just like the disciples, it wasn’t until I was in the middle of a situation when it dawned on me that God was right there with me.
the phone...asking everyone else for their advice. And I was feeling exactly like that storm-tossed wave...going to and fro, to and fro. When I realized what I had done, I sat down and got honest with God. I said, “Lord, I’m clueless about what to do. But I know You’re not. Please give me wisdom and help me know what to do.” We can talk with our friends, we can ask family members for advice, but when it comes down to it, I Just ask believe God is the one When we’re facing whose help we really difficult or perplexing need to seek first of all. Sometimes situations, and we Sometimes we we make things don’t know what to make things so much do, we can run harder than they are. so much harder around in circles We forget that God is than they are. trying to f ind the able to do exceedingly solut ion s to ou r abundantly far above problems. Or we can do anything we would ever what James 1:5-6 nkjv tells dare to ask or hope (Ephesians us to do: If any of you lacks wisdom, 3:20). And He’s always there for us. let him ask of God who gives to all In Jeremiah 33:3 msg He tells us, “Call liberally and without reproach, and it to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you will be given to him. But let him ask in marvelous and wondrous things that you faith, with no doubting, for he who could never figure out on your own.” doubts is like a wave of the sea driven We have to do the knocking...we and tossed by the wind. have to do the seeking...we have to Ask of God. That’s what I needed do the asking (Matthew 7:7). The to do in my situation. But instead of faith part is our job. The miracle part going to the Throne, I had gone to is God’s. Y If you would like a gentle reminder to “go to the Throne” first, you can order our “Go to the Throne” notepad. Only $4. Order online at www.oralroberts.com/bookstore. W W W. M A K E Y O U R D AY C O U N T. C O M
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wesome Atask of the
Motherhood is an awesome task. My sweet mother-in-law Evelyn Roberts knew this, and I’ve been so blessed to watch the kind of mother she was. That’s why this article is so special to me. I pray Evelyn’s words are a blessing to you, and I pray that the Holy Spirit ministers to you right where you are—right in the middle of your Everydayness. —Lindsay
being a mother
By Evelyn Roberts
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hat a responsibility it is to be a mother! To have entrusted into your care the life of a precious child is one of earth’s sweetest joys, greatest privileges, and heaviest responsibilities. When you consider you are rearing a life for eternity, it is indeed a sobering thought. I’m frequently asked questions about how to bring up children. No one is a perfect parent. No one has a perfect family. When you’re given that little life to mold, part of what he or she becomes goes back to what you taught that child at home. I praise God that I am a mother, as well as a grandmother and greatgrandmother! Sometimes I wish I could have all of my children little again, down around my knees, just for one day. I never shall forget the first time I held my oldest child, Rebecca, in my arms. I thought, O dear Lord, help me teach this child how to live, how to love You, and how to meet the struggles in her life. Many mothers today have a more difficult task than I had raising my
children because I was able to stay at home. Many mothers have to work away from home, and that’s difficult to keep everything balanced. My mother was a single parent for a few years after her divorce, and like her, many mothers today work hard to keep their families together. I believe the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit are the greatest tools to have when you have struggles of any kind. Give God to Your Children Psalm 119:11 tells us to hide the Word of God in our hearts so that we might not sin. And I believe if you hide the Word in your children’s hearts, when struggles come against them, Scriptures will come to their remembrance and guide them. If your children get on the wrong track, if they will listen to the voice of God, He can get them back on track. Therefore, our children can receive no greater inheritance from us than having been taught to read the Word, to pray, and to look to Jesus as the One who knows and understands each problem and has a solution. Children can take into their hearts the truth of God that you give them, and they seldom forget what they learn when they are small. Remember You’re Not Alone I think about those mothers who never go to church. I think about those mothers who are in such dire straits that they can hardly put food
The good news is that we don’t have to do it alone. on the table. And I think about those mothers who don’t know where to turn because they don’t know Jesus. Mothers can know that Jesus loves them, and that they can give their hearts to Him and receive help from Him in their struggles. Again and again while my children were growing up, I turned to God to supply me with sensitivity, wisdom, and insight for their upbringing. Oral once told me, “Evelyn, we are teaching the children how to become independent individuals someday.” But you know what? I have never felt free from the responsibility of being a mother. The responsibility of rearing children is tremendous, and it’s not to be taken lightly. But the good news is that we don’t have to do it alone—we have a God who is allwise, standing with outstretched hands, ready to help us. You can reach out to Him today. Y
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Scriptures to Confess Over Your Children These scriptures and declarations are from a little booklet I put together called Covering Your Family with God’s Word. You can become a powerful intercessor for your family by praying and confessing the promises of God’s Word over them on a daily basis. Request yours today from www.oralroberts.com/bookstore. Only $1. —Lindsay Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Declaration: God knows me and He knows my children. He formed them. Proverbs 3:33 amp The Lord...declares blessed (joyful and favored with blessings) the home of the just. Declaration: I speak over my home and I say it is joyful. Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Declaration: Father, thank You for giving my children favor and grace and glory and not withholding one good thing from their lives as they serve You. Psalm 12:7 amp You will keep them and preserve them, O Lord; You will guard and keep us from the (evil) generation forever. Declaration: Father, by faith I thank You that my children are safe in this day and age because of Your protection. 1 Corinthians 15:33 amp Evil companionships corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character. 8
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Declaration: My children choose wise and godly friendships and they stay far from evil companions. Hebrews 10:23 kjv Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised). Declaration: I am holding fast to my confession over my children. I guard what comes out of my mouth, and I know that God’s Word is working in their lives. God is watching over His Word to perform it for them (Jeremiah 1:12). The Word doesn’t return void in their lives (Isaiah 55:11). Hebrews 6:12 Do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Declaration: Even though they aren’t perfect, I believe my children are becoming like the awesome men and women of the Bible who inherited God’s promises. I will pray for and encourage and love my children.
Go to www.oralroberts.com/bookstore to request this helpful booklet. $1.00
minding you ro
ess busin wn
how much start-up money you need is important. You can ease into it gradually. If you have a current job, try to keep it. Start small, and go from there.
tips to consider before starting a home business
by Colleen Rickenbacher
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fter years of wanting to start my own business, I finally took the big step and launched out on my own. I’d like to share some tips I’ve learned along the way that may help you decide if being your own boss is right for you: Know why you want to be in business. I always wanted to write my own speeches and books. It was a desire deep inside of me that wouldn’t go away. I believe it’s important to know why you’re doing what you’re doing, because it often takes about three years to get a business on its feet. There may be times when you need to “hang in there,” and clearly remembering your initial reasons and goals can help. Don’t let fear overcome you. Many people let fear keep them from ever starting their own business. Money is often a huge concern. Figuring out
Find your niche. Don’t try to be everything to everybody. I believe it’s important to find something that you’re very good at and focus on doing that one thing well.
Separate work and home. My office is in my house, but once I go into my office, I’m at work. I don’t answer my home phone line or do chores that will take me away from my work for more than a few minutes. Be disciplined and think like a professional. Have a regular work schedule, and be ready for whatever comes up during the day. It’s important to remember that it’s up to you to work around your clients’ schedules. Be kind. It’s amazing how an attitude of kindness can bring down walls and open doors. If having your own business is something you really want to do, I want to encourage you. I know from my own experience that you can go after your dream! Y Author of “Be on Your Best Business Behavior,” “Be on Your Best Cultural Behavior,” and “The Big Book of People Skills Games,” Colleen Rickenbacher has her own company as a speaker, author, trainer, and consultant. For more information, log on to www.colleenrickenbacher.com.
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MYDC kitchen QUICK & EASY recipes
from Jordan Roberts
CUCUMBER SALAD
Ingredients 4-5 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced (English ones are great for this!) 1 (8-ounce) container plain Greek yogurt (you can substitute plain fat-free yogurt) 1 (8-ounce) container reduced-fat sour cream 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1-2 cloves garlic, minced Pepper to taste Oregano to taste 3 T fresh dill (dry can be substituted, about 1T) salt and pepper as needed
Directions In a bowl, stir together the yogurt, sour cream, onion, garlic, and dill. Add cucumbers, and gently mix to coat. Season with salt and pepper. This dish is best served chilled. Wrap leftovers and keep in the refrigerator.
QUICK SPAGHETTI DINNER Ingredients 1 package, pasta of choice (I always use whole wheat) 1 jar of bottled spaghetti sauce (I like Mushrooms and Merlot, but you can use any flavor) 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
1/4 cup chopped onion Fresh or powdered garlic to taste 1/2 cup mushrooms, any variety (Canned are OK, but fresh is best) 1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions Sauté the meat with the onion and fresh or powdered garlic to taste. Drain off excess fat. In the same pan, put the meat back in and add the mushrooms. Saute until fresh mushrooms are tender (just a few minutes). Add the sauce and any desired spices. (I usually like to add a little more garlic because I love it!) Sprinkle pepper, and a little oregano. Simmer on low for as long as possible...up to two hours...letting the flavors meld together. Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water...about 5 minutes. Before you’re ready to eat, add 1/4-1/2 cup heavy cream to the sauce to make a somewhat pink sauce.You can omit the cream if you want, but it’s nice to change the flavors up a bit. Enjoy!
Milk Opens a Door to Share the Gospel By Jordan Roberts
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’m so amazed at how the simplest, most everyday things can open the door to sharing the Gospel. Right now, Hunger Needs A Voice® has the opportunity to reach a nation through one of the most basic needs that children have—milk. I can’t name the nation right now, because its government is in the process of approving a possible crusade there, but I can tell you this: There is such a great scarcity of milk for the children of this particular nation that no one over the age of 7 is allowed to drink milk. But children aged 9 to 18 are in need of milk for their future health, and that’s where HNAV can make an 12
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i m med iate d i f ference. We a re sending one million, 8-ounce servings of powdered milk to this nation, and it’s going to cost us $40,000 to do it. I urge you to plant a seed into the Oral Roberts Ministries to help us send powdered milk to these hungry children—and open the doors to a crusade that can change people for eternity! Y Your seed can literally change the course of people’s lives! To plant a seed-faith gift into the Oral Roberts Ministries and be a part of our international crusades, food distribution, television programs, and other ways to reach out with God’s miracleworking power, go to www.oralroberts. com/seed. You can support HNAV by ordering the Hunger Needs a Voice bracelet at www.oralroberts.com/bookstore.
SPIRITUAL
FEAR NOT!
The Word of God tells us, “Fear not!” With this Spiritual First Aid Kit (book, CD, and Psalm 91 card), you can find scriptural encouragment to fortify your faith for miracles. For any Seed-Faith gift.
To order: Visit our online bookstore at www.oralroberts.com/bookstore
Email to Prayer Group
M
Brings Healing to my Grandson
y daughter picked up my 16-year-old grandson Keilan from school one afternoon, and as he got into the car, he told her his chest was hurting. He had been feeling tightness and pain in his chest off and on for weeks, but they thought he was just suffering from allergies. She took him to the doctor that afternoon, and they gave him a prescription for medicine for a respiratory infection. Later that day, when the doctor reviewed Keilan’s X-rays, he called my daughter back and told her to get Keilan to the Emergency Room as fast as she could. The doctor said his left lung was three-quarters collapsed. When Keilan got to the ER, technicians inserted a tube into his side to try to re-inf late the lung, with little success. They also suspected pneumonia in his other lung. When I heard this report from my daughter, I knew I needed prayer. I got on my laptop computer immediately and emailed the Abundant Life® Prayer Group and asked them to join with me in faith for my grandson’s healing.
God answered my prayer quickly! By the next morning, Keilan’s lung was fully inf lated and there was no pneumonia. He was released from the hospital the next day and he is back out running around the soccer field today, well and whole! ✹ —Sharon from Texas
Sharon and her grandson, Keilan
For prayer anytime day or night, call the Abundant Life® Prayer Group at 918-495-7777. 14
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D ING My mother was a tiny woman, barely reaching 5 feet tall, and I towered over her by more than a foot. But however small she was physically, she was a giant when it came to having godly wisdom. I remember one time, early in my ministry, when my parents came to one of my crusades and didn’t let me know they were in the audience. They just sat in the back and watched as I preached. They wanted to be sure that what I was doing was in harmony with the way God had shown them I was to fulfill my mission on earth. My mother was especially concerned, for she felt she had a lot at stake—she had dedicated my life to God before my birth. A short time after the crusade, my parents came to visit Evelyn and me. Mamma said, “Oral, I asked God if this is what He’s called you to do, and He told me that it is. So I want to tell you two things: “First,” Mamma continued, “always obey God.” She must have known that there was something about her youngest child who wanted to please God no matter how much people would try to discourage him.
what Mamma says by Oral Roberts
She gave me the Scripture in Isaiah 1:19 kjv: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. Obedience to God has been my No. 1 concern. Before making any major decision, I always take time to consider, What does God want me to do? What does His Word say about this? The second thing Mamma told me that day was to “always stay little in your own eyes.” She was concerned that when success came, it would be easy to get caught up in it, and get the “bighead.” And she knew if that happened, I could dishonor God. I always did what Mamma said. And I’ve always remembered that without God, I am nothing. Through the years when people have complimented my preaching or remarked about the healings that occurred through the ministry, I’ve always said, “It isn’t me. I’m only obeying God. Only He has the power to save, heal, and deliver.” From a very tiny woman came godly advice that helped shape my life and my ministry. And along the way I’ve learned that, for me, it’s always good to do what Mamma says. Y Pictured: Oral and his Mamma, Claudius Roberts
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funnybone
Lost Lens A teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was nowhere to be found. Undaunted, she went outside and in a few minutes, returned with the lens in her hand. “How did you manage to find it, Mom?” the teenager asked. “We weren’t looking for the same thing,” she replied. “You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150.” (inhis.com)
Chess Pun In the middle of a chess tournament at a midtown hotel, the electricity failed and the contestants were forced to wait in the lobby while the repairs were being made. After some time had passed, the conversation among the players turned to past chess games. It seemed that each player had only triumphs and awesome feats of skill to his credit. Soon the talk became louder and louder, until a guest stopped a bellman to ask what all the commotion was about. “Oh, nothing much,” replied the bellman. “Just chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.” (inhis.com) 16
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