MYDC: April/May/June 2013 by Oral Roberts Ministries

makeyourdaycount Volume 10. No. 2 • Apr/May/Jun 2013

for God

so loved by Lindsay Roberts

What’s so good about

GOOD FRIDAY with Richard Roberts

Spiritual

Buzzwords

(From left to right) Lindsay Roberts, Sheree Fletcher, and Belinda Scott

Click here to watch MYDC on demand, or to find the station listing near you.

a note from lindsay

s I write this, Easter is upon us— Resurrection Day— the work of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins, sickness, lack, poverty, and anything that is unlike the abundant life that God wants for us according to 3 John 2 and John 10:10. In this issue, we have articles and stories for you about redemption, healing, resurrection, and the love of God—a love that was displayed on the cross two thousand years ago and that continues to affect us today. And there’s a new page called “Spiritual Buzzwords.” We hear these words in church sometimes, and it’s easy to get overfamiliar with them. Yet they have profound meaning and represent Jesus, His love for us, and what He did for us. You’ll also find the touching story of Angelique, whose random choice on the remote control led to a divine connection!

In addition, Jordan’s “In the MYDC Kitchen” will warm you up with a bowl of hearty, easy taco soup. I pray and believe that this issue will be a blessing to you and that your spirit will be touched, your heart lifted, and your soul blessed as you make your day count for the Kingdom of God.

for God

So Loved For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life ( John 3:16).

by Lindsay Roberts

ave you ever thought about why it is so important to God that people should not perish? In his muchloved Bible commentary, Oral Roberts talks about the fact that God had lost His children when they fell to sin and they had to leave the Garden of Eden. God’s masterpiece—His creation, His children made in His image—had been stolen through the temptation of Satan (Genesis 3). According to the Bible, God felt a deep need to get His children back, even if it meant 4

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giving His only begotten Son as a ransom for His stolen children. So Jesus went to the cross to conquer our sin and redeem us to the Father. But why did Jesus do this? Why did He plant this remarkable seed? He did it for a purpose! Oral explains that this gives us a beautiful picture of seed-faith. First, God had a need—to redeem His lost creation. Second, God so loved that He gave. He made His love an act of giving. Oral used to say you can give without loving,

You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. but you can’t love without giving. Third, God gave His best, and He called it a seed. And fourth, God gave to receive. He gave for a desired result—you and me! So, it’s not just what God did for us, but why He did it. It’s the two simple words, “so loved.” Two words—seven letters—but it’s a powerhouse of meaning to me. God’s love is everlasting, all encompassing, totally unconditional, and almost unexplainable. It knows no end and has no limits. His love is so unusual that it is not there to smother, but to cover…not to squeeze the life out of you, but to place His life within you. The Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from God ( James 1:17) and that He knows the plans He has for you ( Jeremiah 29:11). They are plans for your good and not for evil. It’s amazing to me that when we truly comprehend the love of God, it’s almost unexplainable. It’s impossible to put into words. I know that, as a parent, I want the best for my children. There are almost no words to explain my love

for them. How much more must God truly love us? And while Satan wants to keep us away from God and His love, I believe that when we really know that divine kind of love, it’s like a magnet that draws us and keeps us close to Jesus.

Father God, we are thankful today that You loved us so much that You gave Your very best— Your only begotten Son. Thank You for showing us opportunities to be a blessing to people, and to show them Your love. Teach us how to sow seeds for a desired result, according to Your Word, and then expect a miracle. In Jesus’ name, amen. Y

This article is taken from Lindsay’s new devotional, Read & Pray & Then Obey.

Coming Soon!

W W W. M A K E Y O U R D AY C O U N T. C O M

Cover Your Children in the

Protective Power of Prayer

I have laid my hands on these prayer cloths especially for children and prayed in faith over them, believing God to watch over our children. I believe these prayer cloths are a powerful point of contact that you can use to release your faith in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word to cover your loved ones. To request your FREE prayer cloth, go to www.oralroberts.com/bookstore or call 918-495-7777.

news&views

Make Your Day Count is

expanding !

Letters from viewers, and news around the Studio

MYDC is now airing on the Victory Television Network. Join Lindsay Saturdays at 1:00pm on VTN–your Arkansas Christian Connection.

g in the High-fivin

MYDC Kit

chen

as some Kitchen h C D hloe Y M e Th onth as C m is th it e in rdan. extra spic r big sis Jo e h s in jo Roberts

When you need

prayer

You can call the Abundant Life Prayer Group at 918-495-7777 or log on to our website at www.oralroberts.com/prayer. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to pray with you!

Dear Lindsay, After a very difficult day, I turned on the computer to read my email and there was the latest issue of your magazine. As I read each page, my burdened heart grew lighter, and I ended up with a good laugh! In the words of our youth, Lindsay, you rock! –Bonnie W., South Carolina

Dear Bonnie, Thanks for reading MYDC. You rock too! —Lindsay

In the MYDC Kitchen with Jordan Roberts

Chip in… Beef Taco Soup ingredients:

2 lbs. ground beef 1 onion, chopped 2 15-ounce cans ranch-style beans, drained 1 15.25-ounce can whole kernel corn 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers

1 14.5-ounce can peeled and diced tomatoes with juice 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1-2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons pepper

directions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef and onion and sauté for 5 to 10 minutes, or until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat. Next, stir in the beans, corn, both cans of tomatoes, and the seasonings. Mix well, reducing heat to medium, and allow to heat thoroughly, about 15 minutes. You can add cheese, sour cream, corn or tortilla chips, if desired. If you have questions about storing, serving, or cooking meat or poultry, call the Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-800-535-4555, 10 AM – 4 PM EST.

And here’s another way you can chip in! Please consider this project that is so close to my heart... Over 5 million meals given away to the hungry worldwide since 2007. When you donate to Oral Roberts Ministries, part of your seed gift gets planted in the lives of children and families who need food and medicine. Since 2007, our outreach, Hunger Needs A Voice®, has fed the hungry in Kenya, Niger, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, and Nicaragua...and more outreaches are being planned! If you would like to sow a gift and help us reach more children and families, visit www.oralroberts.com and click Donate, or call 918-495-7777.

shoppe

mydc

On the go? Make Your Day Count travel mug Even when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the go, this colorful and practical travel mug keeps your cold drinks cold and your hot drinks hot. Only $5 while supplies last

Lookinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; good! Make Your Day Count apron Enjoy wearing your own Make Your Day Count apron, embroidered with the colorful MYDC logo. Only $10 while supplies last

to order: 10

visit the Oral Roberts Ministries bookstore at www.oralroberts.com/bookstore or call 918-495-7777.

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God’s Healing Place for You!

Inspiring Guests

Joyful Music

Powerful Prayer for YOU! More than 138,000 people have reported receiving a miracle from God while watching the Place for Miracles®. We encourage you to tune in and release your faith in God’s promises, expecting a miracle! For a station near you or to watch online: www.oralroberts.com/theplaceformiracles For prayer anytime, call 918-495-7777

W W W. M A K E Y O U R D AY C O U N T. C O M

What’s so good about By Richard Roberts

GOOD FRIDAY

t the end of every work week, you might hear someone say, “Thank God, it’s Friday!” Some people even start out on Monday thinking, “If I can just make it to Friday…” But there’s one Friday that’s better than all the rest. It’s the Friday before resurrection Sunday…and it’s come to be known as Good Friday. IT DIDN’T LOOK VERY GOOD! Good Friday was the day when Jesus’ hands and feet were nailed to a cross. It’s the day when our Lord was beaten beyond recognition, and had a spear thrust into His side. It’s the day when Jesus died on a cross. 12

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What we call Good Friday looked like a terrible day for Jesus and His disciples. It was a day when the air turned cold and the sky turned black at noonday. It was a day when hopes for the future were dashed to the ground. It looked like the day to end all days! In Jesus’ time of greatest need, His disciples ran away and deserted Him, afraid to even acknowledge knowing who He was. So, what’s so good about Good Friday? The fact that Jesus went to the cross in our place. The one who knew no sin became sin for us so that, through the power of His resurrection, we could be set free from sin’s evil power (2 Corinthians 5:21). He took the

stripes on His back…so that we could be healed from sickness and disease (1 Peter 2:24). According to 1 John 3:8, For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. When you understand the purpose for Jesus’ dying on the cross, there’s plenty that’s good about Good Friday! SUNDAY WAS ON ITS WAY! The cross was a terrible, agonizing experience for the Lord. But Jesus knew that if He didn’t go to the cross, there would be no salvation for all mankind. There would be no healing for you and me. There would be no miracles. There would be no resurrection. The miraculous power of the cross would never take place. Jesus endured the cross for a reason—because of the joy that was set before Him, Hebrews 12:2 tells us—because He knew Resurrection Sunday was coming! On Sunday morning, Jesus burst forth from the grave, breaking the bonds and power of death. Through his death and resurrection, He had defeated satan and his power over our lives once and for all. Colossians 2:15 nlt says, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross of Christ. And because Jesus lives, we can live also, according to John 14:19.. Through the power of

His resurrection, we can have the abundant life that He wants us to have by receiving Him into our lives as our Lord and Savior. JESUS CAME FOR YOU If you’ve never given your heart to Jesus and asked Him to take control of your life, I invite you to do so now. Romans 10:9 nlt says, If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Just pray this simple prayer with me:

Father God, I repent of my sins, and I ask You to forgive me. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. I give You my life, and I ask You to make it into something miraculous. Thank You that Your Son, Jesus Christ, went to the cross for me, and thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to dwell inside me. And most of all, thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life with You. In Jesus’ name, amen. If you prayed that prayer from your heart, you are now a new creation in Christ. What this means is that anyone who becomes a Christian becomes a new person. They are not the same anymore. A new life in Christ has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17 nlt)

YOU are what’s so good about Good Friday! Y W W W. M A K E Y O U R D AY C O U N T. C O M

If you have always wanted to study God’s Word, but…  didn’t know how  were overwhelmed 

couldn’t afford it



wasn’t convenient

NEW ONLINE COURSES NOW AVAILABLE! Sound biblical teaching from Richard and Lindsay Roberts can help you learn God’s Word and enjoy His abundant life—all in the comfort of your own home, and at your own pace. This FREE offer for on-demand courses is for a limited time only, so be sure to register today and get started! (Note: high speed Internet access required. Classes may also be viewed on mobile devices.)

FREE! for a limited time! Courses include: • The Healing Ministry of Jesus • The Miracle Living Series • The Holy Spirit and His Gifts • Biblical Revelation of the End Times • and much more!

facebook.com/rrschoolofthespirit Like our Facebook page and share the news with your friends and family to receive a FREE DVD of one class session. (limited to one DVD per household) 14

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Visit our website, sos.oralroberts.com, for more information and to register.

Remote a

connection

Late one night, a random selection of numbers on the remote control brought Angelique closer to the Lord by hearing the encouragement she was desperate for...

couldn’t sleep. After fifteen years of praying for another child, I had lost my son. I hadn’t told very many people about my situation, but I was missing him so badly that night. I was heartbroken. The television was f lickering across the room on my usual “Go To” channel. But that night, it was upsetting me—so upsetting that I had to change the channel quickly. I picked up the remote control and pressed three random numbers. There was Lindsay Roberts. Lindsay, there was just something about the way you were speaking that really resonated with me. The way you talked, the look in your eye, even the way you held your body—I knew you were someone who would understand me. You comforted me when I couldn’t be comforted by anyone else. At that moment, I didn’t even know that you, too, had lost a child. You were being prophesied to about being a mentor to younger women. I am 36 years old and I told myself, “I’m going to watch her again.” I felt a relief come

over me because now I had someone to watch who spoke to me. Your realness and your honesty touched my heart. A divine connection was made that night, and I’m so grateful to you Lindsay, for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you to minister to me, right where I was. You helped me reach out to God for healing and restoration when I was in a dark and lonely place. —Angelique G. Y If you are struggling in any way, we set our faith with you now in the name of Jesus for new hope, new life, and new faith to be stirred up in every area of your life. We pray for your emotions to be healed and restored. We pray for your body to be healed and restored. We pray that the joy of the Lord and His peace would flood your soul, and we pray that God touches you right now in a very special way. In Jesus’ name, amen. For prayer anytime, call the Abundant Life Prayer Group at 918-495-7777 W W W. M A K E Y O U R D AY C O U N T. C O M

We hear lots of big words floating around these days that have to do with Christianity. But what do they really mean? How can we apply these concepts to our lives in 2013? Here are a few words that sound familiar, but when studied, they reveal a simple message of the saving, healing, and delivering work of Jesus.

spiritual

BUZZwords

atonement

The righting of a wrong. The forgiving or pardoning of sin through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, which made possible the reconciliation between God and His creation. The saving work that God did through Christ to bring the people of the world back into fellowship and right relationship with Himself.

resurrection

The concept of a living being coming back to life after death. The Christian belief that Jesus Christ returned to life on the Sunday following the Friday on which He was put to death on the cross. It is the central principle of the Christian faith.

sacrifice

The offering of food, objects, or the lives of animals to a higher purpose or to God. A selfless good deed done for another that may cause a short-term loss in return for a greater gain.

Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way. If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we’re at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! (Romans 5:9–10 Message)

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (John 11:25 NLT)

For Christ didn’t enter the earthly version of the Holy Place; he entered the Place Itself, and offered himself to God as the sacrifice for our sins. He doesn’t do this every year as the high priests did under the old plan with blood that was not their own; if that had been the case, he would have to sacrifice himself repeatedly throughout the course of history. But instead he sacrificed himself once and for all, summing up all the other sacrifices in this sacrifice of himself, the final solution of sin (Hebrew 9:24–26 Message).