TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2009
AFFLICTIONS
Defined by Webster:
A depressed or painful state; misery; a cause of mental or bodily pain as sickness or calamity.
GODS WORD
“My heart is in turmoil and cannot rest; days of affliction confront me.” Job 30:27
“This is my comfort in my affliction, for your Word has given me life.” Psalms 119:50
“For our light affliction, which is for about a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” II Corinthians 4:17
“Oh Lord my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of affliction.” Jeremiah 16:19
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
One of life’s great concerns for us has been to see children, young people and even adults face afflictions in their lives. All of us react when an affliction affects one of our family members but do we show concern for those many miles away that may have even greater afflictions come their way? The definition of the word “AFFLICTION’ refers to the mental or body pain one may have in a sickness or a calamity.
When sin entered the world through the fall of Adam and Eve, affliction entered as well. Our minds and our bodies are now subject to suffering and pain. Some suffer greater afflictions than others. It is heart wrenching to see children born with physical and mental challenges as well as people suffering with cancer and with other diseases. Just as sad is to see whole families living in poverty. This is affliction as well. No matter if the affliction is large or small it is so easy for the victim to fall into despair and as Job said the “heart is in turmoil.”
As believers in Jesus we face affliction with a different attitude than those who do not know Him. As Christians we can look beyond our affliction in this life with the hope of a life without affliction with our Lord. Our suffering in this life is temporary.
It is usually the case that when we are going through the tough times in life with our greatest afflictions that God does His greatest work through us. Afflictions should increase our reliance on the Lord. This gives us an opportunity to share with others the strength of our faith and allows God to demonstrate His power through us.
We have a dear friend who is afflicted with lung cancer. She has used this time of affliction to testify to others of her faith and trust in the Lord. What a blessing and encouragement she has been to us and many others. Please pray for her today.
We have a family member [Dottie’s sister] that has been physically and mentally challenged all of her life. We know of no one who is more cheerful, shows more concern for others and is more generous. If she ever had had money she would have given it all away because she gets so much joy out of giving. In her limited capacity she is a testimony of her faith in the Lord.
We have witnessed so many situations of affliction that it would be very easy for us to become immune to them as they come our way. But we continue to ask God daily to make us sensitive to those that face an affliction that day. Do you have that caring spirit and attitude? Almost daily a situation comes our way and we wish we could do more to help. We are limited, as you are, by our finances and even with enough time to respond. But one thing we can do is pray and be a friend to that person.
It may be a relative or friend with cancer, a child without food, a man or woman that lost a job or a family that lost their house and is now homeless. The list can go on and on, but remember, we can pray, we can love, we can encourage and we can care.
When you are facing an affliction in your life, look for opportunities to let others see Christ in you. You will be surprised to see how much God will bless you and ease your affliction because you are thinking of others and not yourself.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to have a heart that shows concern for those facing affliction in their lives. Help me to praise you throughout this day for the many blessings you have given me and my family. Give me strength to live this day looking for the one place where I can make an impact on another person’s life that is hurting and needs your love.
June 14, 2009
Revenge: June 11, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY JUNE 11, 2009
REVENGE
Defined by Webster:
To exact punishment for a wrong; a vindictive spirit; to inflict pain or harm; an opportunity to retaliate.
GODS WORD
“My friends do not try to punish others when they wrong you. Wait for God to punish them with his anger.” Romans 12:19
“Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other.” I Thessalonians 5:15
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” Romans 12:17
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Basic human nature drives most people to want to retaliate when someone does them wrong. This attitude of revenge is not acceptable to God. Every day we have situations that brings out our desire to show some revenge. A fellow worker blames you for an incident at work. A friend questions your decision on some issue. A spouse makes a sharp comment about an action you took. For all of these issues and many more your natural response is to retaliate.
People in deteriorating relationships have a strong tendency to bring up “ancient history.” They feel they have to get payback or revenge. The result is that they can never truly forgive and resolve their anger. They end up suffering even more as the bitterness eats away at them like a cancer. Paul tells us in Romans to let the Lord be our avenger. He will punish with justness and fairness.
We have talked to people who have evidently been wronged years ago and the relationship between the two parties progressively gets worse every year. This is not acceptable in God’s sight because he wants us to live a life honoring him in all we do. When such an incident happens God expects you to respond with love and not with revenge. And this is hard and against human behavior as we understand it. But we must live a life honoring God by our words and deeds so we need to take the initiative and make things right.
God tells us in His Word that it is not our role to retaliate, to punish or to seek revenge. Let God deal with the issue and especially when you respond with love and an understanding attitude it will make a lasting impression on the one that wronged you. It is a well known fact that it takes two to fight and when your response is loving and caring it takes “all the air out of the balloon” of the one that wronged you. One day God will right every wrong.
The Bible is clear in telling us to respond to a wrong by doing good. Next time you are in such a situation do not retaliate but do good and see what happens. You may have to, as the saying goes “Bite your Tongue.” It is hard to continue a fight when there is only one in the fight.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to be responsive to wrongs given my way with a spirit of love. My great desire is to be more like you. May others see Christ in all my words and deeds and may this same attitude be prevalent with my family, friends and neighbors.
REVENGE
Defined by Webster:
To exact punishment for a wrong; a vindictive spirit; to inflict pain or harm; an opportunity to retaliate.
GODS WORD
“My friends do not try to punish others when they wrong you. Wait for God to punish them with his anger.” Romans 12:19
“Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other.” I Thessalonians 5:15
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” Romans 12:17
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Basic human nature drives most people to want to retaliate when someone does them wrong. This attitude of revenge is not acceptable to God. Every day we have situations that brings out our desire to show some revenge. A fellow worker blames you for an incident at work. A friend questions your decision on some issue. A spouse makes a sharp comment about an action you took. For all of these issues and many more your natural response is to retaliate.
People in deteriorating relationships have a strong tendency to bring up “ancient history.” They feel they have to get payback or revenge. The result is that they can never truly forgive and resolve their anger. They end up suffering even more as the bitterness eats away at them like a cancer. Paul tells us in Romans to let the Lord be our avenger. He will punish with justness and fairness.
We have talked to people who have evidently been wronged years ago and the relationship between the two parties progressively gets worse every year. This is not acceptable in God’s sight because he wants us to live a life honoring him in all we do. When such an incident happens God expects you to respond with love and not with revenge. And this is hard and against human behavior as we understand it. But we must live a life honoring God by our words and deeds so we need to take the initiative and make things right.
God tells us in His Word that it is not our role to retaliate, to punish or to seek revenge. Let God deal with the issue and especially when you respond with love and an understanding attitude it will make a lasting impression on the one that wronged you. It is a well known fact that it takes two to fight and when your response is loving and caring it takes “all the air out of the balloon” of the one that wronged you. One day God will right every wrong.
The Bible is clear in telling us to respond to a wrong by doing good. Next time you are in such a situation do not retaliate but do good and see what happens. You may have to, as the saying goes “Bite your Tongue.” It is hard to continue a fight when there is only one in the fight.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to be responsive to wrongs given my way with a spirit of love. My great desire is to be more like you. May others see Christ in all my words and deeds and may this same attitude be prevalent with my family, friends and neighbors.
Depression: June 10, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2009
DEPRESSION
Defined by Webster:
The state of being depressed; sadness; gloom; dejection; withdrawal; a low state.
GODS WORD
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my heart.” Psalm 94:19
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
So many people seemingly are depressed day after day. Depression becomes part of a persons life by his or hers reaction to the “THINGS” of life that bring on a feeling of failure. It begins with anxiety and worry over such “things” as a job situation, a family concern, a financial need, a church conflict, a spousal argument or a conflict with a child. Worry and anxiety are major problems in the life of many people today. In fact it is known that close to 70% of all the visits to the doctor’s office for illness is nothing more than worry or anxiety over one or more issues. This in turn brings on depression for most people and then one feels unwanted and lonely.
So depression is a serious problem for many people but there is a remedy. Depressed people tend to isolate themselves and think no one understands what they are going through. In most cases no one is given a chance to understand and instead they seem to prefer to stay at home and have a “pity party.” Depression is the devil’s tool. It does not come from the Lord.
A depressed person needs to understand that there is someone who cares. The scripture gives us that solution where it reads, “Cast all our care upon Him, for He cares for you.” [I Peter 5:7]. When we are depressed, God expects us to pass those issues of worry and anxiety on to Him and let Him take care of them. But most people do not do this and evidently prefer to carry them alone. God accepts us as we are but loves us so much as to not to leave us that way. To solve your moments of depression, begin each day by taking time to ask God to take from you the concerns that bother you and ask Him to care for you, because He does care for you.
When we are depressed we need to talk about what is depressing us. It is true that most people do not want to listen to someone’s problems, but God does. You can walk away from God but He will never walk away from you.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help my family today, beginning with me, to submit to You and to cast all of our cares and concerns upon you. Help us to resist the devil as he walks around us today, as the scripture says, as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Give me a spirit of hope and not hopelessness, a spirit of humility and not of pride. Thank you for blessings in our lives far beyond our desires.
DEPRESSION
Defined by Webster:
The state of being depressed; sadness; gloom; dejection; withdrawal; a low state.
GODS WORD
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my heart.” Psalm 94:19
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
So many people seemingly are depressed day after day. Depression becomes part of a persons life by his or hers reaction to the “THINGS” of life that bring on a feeling of failure. It begins with anxiety and worry over such “things” as a job situation, a family concern, a financial need, a church conflict, a spousal argument or a conflict with a child. Worry and anxiety are major problems in the life of many people today. In fact it is known that close to 70% of all the visits to the doctor’s office for illness is nothing more than worry or anxiety over one or more issues. This in turn brings on depression for most people and then one feels unwanted and lonely.
So depression is a serious problem for many people but there is a remedy. Depressed people tend to isolate themselves and think no one understands what they are going through. In most cases no one is given a chance to understand and instead they seem to prefer to stay at home and have a “pity party.” Depression is the devil’s tool. It does not come from the Lord.
A depressed person needs to understand that there is someone who cares. The scripture gives us that solution where it reads, “Cast all our care upon Him, for He cares for you.” [I Peter 5:7]. When we are depressed, God expects us to pass those issues of worry and anxiety on to Him and let Him take care of them. But most people do not do this and evidently prefer to carry them alone. God accepts us as we are but loves us so much as to not to leave us that way. To solve your moments of depression, begin each day by taking time to ask God to take from you the concerns that bother you and ask Him to care for you, because He does care for you.
When we are depressed we need to talk about what is depressing us. It is true that most people do not want to listen to someone’s problems, but God does. You can walk away from God but He will never walk away from you.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help my family today, beginning with me, to submit to You and to cast all of our cares and concerns upon you. Help us to resist the devil as he walks around us today, as the scripture says, as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Give me a spirit of hope and not hopelessness, a spirit of humility and not of pride. Thank you for blessings in our lives far beyond our desires.
Humility: June 9, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY JUNE 9, 2009
HUMILITY
Defined by Webster:
The quality or state of being humble; modest opinion of ones own importance; meekness.
GODS WORD
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“Therefore as the elect of God, put on tender mercies, kindness, HUMILITY, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another.” Colossians 3:12
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” I Peter 5:6
“--- with all lowliness and gentleness with longsuffering, bearing with one another with love.” Ephesians 4:2.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Humility does not come naturally or easily. If we are doing what we consider “right” when others are not or if we have had more success than another person, it is easy to think that we are the better person. The Apostle Paul cautions us against that idea by saying that we are to consider others better than ourselves. There are reasons for this.
First, because Jesus humbled Himself, setting aside heavenly glory to become a man to save us from our sins. He said of Himself that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. [Matthew 20:25] As Christians we are Christ’s representatives to the world so we are to be kind, humble, meek, patient and peaceful as Christ was, in order that others will see Christ in us.
As Christians what we are and what successes we have are because of what Christ has done for us and through us. The credit must go to Him. Success and glory in this world can be fleeting and we can only take pleasure in it for a time. If we get conceited and gloat over our success, God can take it away from us and humble us very quickly. In Mark 10, James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus for the highest positions in His kingdom. They asked for one to sit on His right and the other to sit on His left. Jesus denied their request and explained that greatness was not achieved by being in a high position but by serving others.
There are two issues concerning humility as it relates to our lives. Our first concern should be that we are humble before God. God expects us to come to Him daily with a humble servant - like attitude. In the verse above the reason for this is so He may exalt us in due time. We should be in awe of God. His power, His love, His Sovereignty, and His blessings, this should overwhelm us. What God thinks of us is more important then what we think of ourselves.
It is amazing what can be accomplished when we do not care who gets the credit. Paul told the church at Corinth, “I planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase.” I Corinthians 3:6-7.
The second issue is how we look to our family, friends and neighbors. Are we arrogant, proud and boastful? There is a huge difference between being confidant and successful compared to being arrogant and boastful. Many people we meet in life come across to those they meet as anything but humble. When one knows the Lord and has a daily relationship with Him, a humble spirit should radiate from ones life. Our family, friends and associates should see the spirit of Christ through all of our words and deeds. YES, God wants us to be humble so that others can see Christ through us. This will give God all the glory for all that we are doing.
This is not an easy task. We all have moments when we are successful and we want everyone to know about that success. Can you stay humble while enjoying that success? I can remember talking to a missionary in Quito Ecuador some years ago. This missionary couple was sharing their victories with us concerning new contacts, new converts and new ministry opportunities that were coming their way. And with every victory mentioned they continually reminded us that without God this would not have happened. This is the humility that God expects from all of us.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me this day to get rid of any selfish ambition in my life so that through my words and deeds others may see Christ through me. Give me a humble spirit and a servant’s heart. Give me open eyes to look at those around me so that I can show them kindness, love and appreciation. Guide my family today and may each of us do all we do today to honor Your name.
HUMILITY
Defined by Webster:
The quality or state of being humble; modest opinion of ones own importance; meekness.
GODS WORD
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“Therefore as the elect of God, put on tender mercies, kindness, HUMILITY, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another.” Colossians 3:12
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” I Peter 5:6
“--- with all lowliness and gentleness with longsuffering, bearing with one another with love.” Ephesians 4:2.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Humility does not come naturally or easily. If we are doing what we consider “right” when others are not or if we have had more success than another person, it is easy to think that we are the better person. The Apostle Paul cautions us against that idea by saying that we are to consider others better than ourselves. There are reasons for this.
First, because Jesus humbled Himself, setting aside heavenly glory to become a man to save us from our sins. He said of Himself that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. [Matthew 20:25] As Christians we are Christ’s representatives to the world so we are to be kind, humble, meek, patient and peaceful as Christ was, in order that others will see Christ in us.
As Christians what we are and what successes we have are because of what Christ has done for us and through us. The credit must go to Him. Success and glory in this world can be fleeting and we can only take pleasure in it for a time. If we get conceited and gloat over our success, God can take it away from us and humble us very quickly. In Mark 10, James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus for the highest positions in His kingdom. They asked for one to sit on His right and the other to sit on His left. Jesus denied their request and explained that greatness was not achieved by being in a high position but by serving others.
There are two issues concerning humility as it relates to our lives. Our first concern should be that we are humble before God. God expects us to come to Him daily with a humble servant - like attitude. In the verse above the reason for this is so He may exalt us in due time. We should be in awe of God. His power, His love, His Sovereignty, and His blessings, this should overwhelm us. What God thinks of us is more important then what we think of ourselves.
It is amazing what can be accomplished when we do not care who gets the credit. Paul told the church at Corinth, “I planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase.” I Corinthians 3:6-7.
The second issue is how we look to our family, friends and neighbors. Are we arrogant, proud and boastful? There is a huge difference between being confidant and successful compared to being arrogant and boastful. Many people we meet in life come across to those they meet as anything but humble. When one knows the Lord and has a daily relationship with Him, a humble spirit should radiate from ones life. Our family, friends and associates should see the spirit of Christ through all of our words and deeds. YES, God wants us to be humble so that others can see Christ through us. This will give God all the glory for all that we are doing.
This is not an easy task. We all have moments when we are successful and we want everyone to know about that success. Can you stay humble while enjoying that success? I can remember talking to a missionary in Quito Ecuador some years ago. This missionary couple was sharing their victories with us concerning new contacts, new converts and new ministry opportunities that were coming their way. And with every victory mentioned they continually reminded us that without God this would not have happened. This is the humility that God expects from all of us.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me this day to get rid of any selfish ambition in my life so that through my words and deeds others may see Christ through me. Give me a humble spirit and a servant’s heart. Give me open eyes to look at those around me so that I can show them kindness, love and appreciation. Guide my family today and may each of us do all we do today to honor Your name.
Rejection: June 8, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JUNE 8, 2009
REJECTION
Defined by Webster:
To refuse to accept or admit; something or someone that is rejected; something or someone not wanted.
GODS WORD
“He came unto His own and His own did not receive Him.” John 1:11
“My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1 and Mark 15:34
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
It is one thing to be rejected by friends and associates, but quite different to be rejected by family. Any type of rejection hurts. Unfortunately some rejection is brought on by ones actions. For others it may be because of their beliefs. When a family rejects one of their own it is usually based on a major conflict between right and wrong.
These verses from Gods Word let’s us know a little about the rejection Jesus faced while he was on this earth. He truly knew the meaning of rejection. First, even his own people, the scripture says, rejected Him. Secondly it was the rejection and abandonment of His Father that He knew He must experience when He took our sins upon Himself that brought Him to His knees in the garden of Gethsemane beseeching His Father to take that cup from Him. It is because Jesus went through that suffering of rejection by His Father that we do not have to endure the rejection of our heavenly Father for our sins.
“Why does nobody care?” was the question that rings so clear in my mind from a young girl living in a home that our organization sponsored for children with cancer in Honduras. There was no medicine or equipment in the whole country to help cancer victims. This young girl and her mother sitting by her side felt so rejected. They did not think anyone cared even though we were trying to assure them that help was on the way.
Our organization did respond. Soon there was medicine and even state of the art equipment to help assist children put their cancer into remission, the first such equipment in the whole country of Honduras. The equipment and medicine did not arrive in time to save this young girls life but thousands of children since have been helped because this one girl moved us to action. Her feeling of rejection helped many other children in her country get the help they needed
All of us have days and times that we feel rejected. It may be because of a spouse, a parent, a child or a friend. When these moments of rejection come our way we must look to the Lord for special strength that only He can give. When we are feeling down cast, the only way to look is up. God understands how you feel because He knew rejection. We must learn to be positive in those moments of feeling unwanted. You must remember that at the lowest times of your life when you feel “REJECTION,” that God loves you.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me today to understand the rejection you felt when your own rejected you and the rejection you felt on that cross paying the debt for my sins. Help me to look beyond the low moments I may face today to the glory that shall be mine when I am with you in heaven and receive my crown of life. Bless my family today and make them a blessing to those they meet who need an encouraging word. And Lord give me a new excitement and desire to serve you.
REJECTION
Defined by Webster:
To refuse to accept or admit; something or someone that is rejected; something or someone not wanted.
GODS WORD
“He came unto His own and His own did not receive Him.” John 1:11
“My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1 and Mark 15:34
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
It is one thing to be rejected by friends and associates, but quite different to be rejected by family. Any type of rejection hurts. Unfortunately some rejection is brought on by ones actions. For others it may be because of their beliefs. When a family rejects one of their own it is usually based on a major conflict between right and wrong.
These verses from Gods Word let’s us know a little about the rejection Jesus faced while he was on this earth. He truly knew the meaning of rejection. First, even his own people, the scripture says, rejected Him. Secondly it was the rejection and abandonment of His Father that He knew He must experience when He took our sins upon Himself that brought Him to His knees in the garden of Gethsemane beseeching His Father to take that cup from Him. It is because Jesus went through that suffering of rejection by His Father that we do not have to endure the rejection of our heavenly Father for our sins.
“Why does nobody care?” was the question that rings so clear in my mind from a young girl living in a home that our organization sponsored for children with cancer in Honduras. There was no medicine or equipment in the whole country to help cancer victims. This young girl and her mother sitting by her side felt so rejected. They did not think anyone cared even though we were trying to assure them that help was on the way.
Our organization did respond. Soon there was medicine and even state of the art equipment to help assist children put their cancer into remission, the first such equipment in the whole country of Honduras. The equipment and medicine did not arrive in time to save this young girls life but thousands of children since have been helped because this one girl moved us to action. Her feeling of rejection helped many other children in her country get the help they needed
All of us have days and times that we feel rejected. It may be because of a spouse, a parent, a child or a friend. When these moments of rejection come our way we must look to the Lord for special strength that only He can give. When we are feeling down cast, the only way to look is up. God understands how you feel because He knew rejection. We must learn to be positive in those moments of feeling unwanted. You must remember that at the lowest times of your life when you feel “REJECTION,” that God loves you.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me today to understand the rejection you felt when your own rejected you and the rejection you felt on that cross paying the debt for my sins. Help me to look beyond the low moments I may face today to the glory that shall be mine when I am with you in heaven and receive my crown of life. Bless my family today and make them a blessing to those they meet who need an encouraging word. And Lord give me a new excitement and desire to serve you.
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