I began sending out an AMTC Bible Study and Daily Devotionals in May, 2008. I believe the Holy Spirit asked me to do so. Background: I became a committed Christian relatively late in life, or so I thought two years ago at the age of 51. I know now God’s timing is perfect. He had a plan for me and AMTC.

For me, I needed God and circumstances to wrestle me to the ground, so that I could look up. I have a lot of fortitude, and giving up to God took a while. As the owner of a successful small company, I thought I was “master of my own universe.” Ha! God cleansed me of that notion. He corrected me, and I am grateful.

From an AMTC point of view, being an ethical, caring, quietly Christian company allowed us to establish good alliances in the talent world. We grew deep roots in our first 24 years, and AMTC formed bonds with some of the world’s best agents, managers, casting directors, and professionals. These VIP’s give our AMTC Grads a great platform to learn, and for those most ready, to launch a career.

So, who am I to write a daily devotional? A good question! I thank God that He gave me gifts to read, analyze, and write. They showed up early in school, and now I can put them to the best possible use. God graced me to learn His Word quickly, though I have a lifetime left to study. I also wanted to make up for lost time with my own children, who were not raised as committed Christians. Surely, AMTC has nurtured many such children, and to them, I want to cast a few words of God- to tempt them rightly, to teach them surely, and to encourage them to read the Bible.

If you would like to be included in AMTC’s daily Bible study, please email me. I will place your email on our list. Some of the devotions pertain specifically to the talent world. Others reflect upon the treasure of lessons in God’s Book: practical life lessons with perfect wisdom. Our AMTC Bible Studies are sent via Constant Contact, a secure web company. You can forward them to others, or opt out at any time.

Finally, I would like to thank you for loving and supporting AMTC. I stand firm in our company’s first goal, which is to honor God. Our second goal is to honor the hopes and dreams of our contestants through excellent education, an event that exceeds expectations, and an unparalleled opportunity. Our final goal is to honor our team of employees, professionals, and coaches– to run an effective and ethical company.

In the process of AMTC, we launch stars who cast God’s light upon the world. Isn’t that our great commission? We are thankful!

Carey Arban
carban@amtcworld.com

Prayer Begins With Thanksgiving

AMTC Daily Devotional, November 25, 2008

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Psalm 100:4 KJV)

How blessed are we to be able to speak to God in prayer? After all, God is the master of the universe, the creator of heaven and earth. He is all-knowing and all-powerful. How blessed are we that He listens and answers? Wow!

What’s the proper way to speak with God? The Bible tells us that we should enter God’s court with thanksgiving. We should not walk into His presence with a complaint on our lips. That’s not courteous even among people, and we’re talking about God!

Therefore, begin all prayers with thanksgiving and praise. Tell God that you value your life. You appreciate your blessings. Tell Him that you believe Him. Tell Him that you have faith in His word. Even your challenges will work out for your benefit. Then, tell Him your mistakes, your concerns, your requests. He’s listening, and He promises to act on each one.

Finish your prayer the same way you began it- with thanksgiving! Bless His glorious and powerful name. Thus, you bless yourself!