TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2009
ABUNDANCE
Defined by Webster:
An extremely plentiful or over sufficient quantity or supply; affluence; wealth; overflowing fullness.
GODS WORD
“And let your soul delight in abundance.” Isaiah 55:2
“For out of the abundance of the heart, brings forth good things.”
Matthew 12: 34-35.
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kind of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15
When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work --- this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastics 5:19
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Abundance means different things to different people across our world. The definition is affected by our cultures and our living standards. But looking at the word abundance from a spiritual perspective we must view our possessions, whether large or small, as a gift from God.
In the book of Ecclesiastics, Solomon reflects back on his life. Solomon had it all. He had wealth, power and fame. He knew what it was like to have abundance. Solomon had asked God for wisdom. Through his wisdom he recognized that the abundance of “things” is not the source of joy. We are to rejoice and be happy because every good “thing” comes from God. Solomon reminds us that it is God who enables us to enjoy what we have and “accept our lot” and be happy.
In Luke 12:15, Jesus tells us that our life does not consist of the abundance of our possessions. The worth of anyone’s life has nothing to do with being wealthy, powerful or wise. Jesus warns us to “WATCH OUT” against getting greedy. Often the more we have the more we want. If God blesses us with abundance, that is a good thing. Our perspective to the abundance that God has blest us with is important. If our perspective is to accumulate abundance for ourselves with no concern for helping others it will be a shallow happiness and we are not truly rich and will not be happy in the Lord.
A truly rich life comes in living a life with gratitude to the giver of our abundance, sharing what has been given to us and then living a life of faith and obedience to Him
Most people think of abundance based on the “things” they have in life such as possessions and money. The standard of abundance is different to the family living in the mountains of Appalachia compared to the family living in Beverly Hills.
The secret of abundance is not in what we have but what we enjoy and are thankful for every day. Abundance does not mean happiness. Some of the unhappy people in the world today have in worldly standards everything. But we have seen so many times that the very opposite is true. People with very little are overflowing with joy because of all that God has given them.
This is true with families we have seen living in the slums of east Africa, the families living on the top of garbage dumps in the Philippines and even many families that live in the inner cities of America.
When God blesses you with abundance, whether it is considered large or small, thank Him for His blessing to you. When we were raising our children we lived on a very tight budget. But Dottie was a master in making dinners on a low budget that each one of us really enjoyed. She probably had a dozen ways to make casseroles and everyone loved them. For our family we had abundance and really never had a complaint from any of our six children. God always provided just enough for all that we needed. When God blesses you with an abundance of wealth, an abundance of talent or an abundance of time, you have a greater responsibility to use your abundance for the glory of God.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank you for your promise that says that out of the abundance of the heart springs forth good things. Enlarge my heart today so that I can make an impact for You on the lives of others today. Thank you for the abundance that you have given our family. Help us to use all that you have given us as you would have it done. Bless us this day and may Christ be glorified through all that we do.
June 21, 2009
Character: June 18, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2009
CHARACTER
Defined by Webster:
The features and traits that form the individual nature of a person; moral or ethical quality; honesty; fortitude; distinctive.
GODS WORD
“Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11.
“But a generous man devises generous things and by generosity he shall stand.” Isaiah 32:8
“A good name is more desirable than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
The other day we went to see one of our grandsons play baseball at his little league field. There were signs on all the screens protecting the spectators from foul balls. The signs all read: YOUR CHILDREN ARE WATCHING! What does this say about the character of parents today? These signs have been placed there to remind the adults to watch there language, eliminate their harsh criticism of umpires, coaches and even players. What has happened to our character today?
It is next to impossible today, humanly speaking, with all the pressures of our culture and society on a person, to live a life that is honest, exemplary and shows character. The Christian today has a responsibility to live the kind of life that shows good character in all he or she does. This can happen when one turns over to the Lord his life and then leans on the Lord totally.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians at Galatia to be concerned about their character. Paul said that if our lives are controlled by the Holy Spirit, God will produce in us the characteristics of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. [Galatians 5:22-23] As you look at these character traits that Paul outlines in these verses, do you need to improve on any of them in your life?
Some of us need to show a little more gentleness and love to our family or possibly we need to show a little more kindness to a neighbor. Perhaps at the top of your list should be to spend more time in prayer and in reading Gods Word. It is not what you do, but it is who you are that is most important, but we become known by what we do. If you are a Christian and are of good character, it will be evident by your actions. It is our actions that give us a good name. Solomon with all his wealth said a good name is more to be desired than riches. Do your friends and family see you as a person of good character who stands for what is right every day?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
I come to you dear God asking for the courage and strength to live a life today that shows a Christ honoring character in my life. May others see Christ through me? Help me to be an example to my family and to those I meet and talk to today.
CHARACTER
Defined by Webster:
The features and traits that form the individual nature of a person; moral or ethical quality; honesty; fortitude; distinctive.
GODS WORD
“Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11.
“But a generous man devises generous things and by generosity he shall stand.” Isaiah 32:8
“A good name is more desirable than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
The other day we went to see one of our grandsons play baseball at his little league field. There were signs on all the screens protecting the spectators from foul balls. The signs all read: YOUR CHILDREN ARE WATCHING! What does this say about the character of parents today? These signs have been placed there to remind the adults to watch there language, eliminate their harsh criticism of umpires, coaches and even players. What has happened to our character today?
It is next to impossible today, humanly speaking, with all the pressures of our culture and society on a person, to live a life that is honest, exemplary and shows character. The Christian today has a responsibility to live the kind of life that shows good character in all he or she does. This can happen when one turns over to the Lord his life and then leans on the Lord totally.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians at Galatia to be concerned about their character. Paul said that if our lives are controlled by the Holy Spirit, God will produce in us the characteristics of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. [Galatians 5:22-23] As you look at these character traits that Paul outlines in these verses, do you need to improve on any of them in your life?
Some of us need to show a little more gentleness and love to our family or possibly we need to show a little more kindness to a neighbor. Perhaps at the top of your list should be to spend more time in prayer and in reading Gods Word. It is not what you do, but it is who you are that is most important, but we become known by what we do. If you are a Christian and are of good character, it will be evident by your actions. It is our actions that give us a good name. Solomon with all his wealth said a good name is more to be desired than riches. Do your friends and family see you as a person of good character who stands for what is right every day?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
I come to you dear God asking for the courage and strength to live a life today that shows a Christ honoring character in my life. May others see Christ through me? Help me to be an example to my family and to those I meet and talk to today.
Worship: June 17, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 17, 2009
WORSHIP
Defined by Webster;
Reverent honor and homage paid to God; formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor; adoring, reverence or regard.
GODS WORD
“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.” Psalm 45:11.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm 95:6
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Worship is our way to show that we honor and reverence God. He is all powerful and all knowing but more than that He is a loving and just God. He loved us so much that He was not willing for us to die in our sins so He sent His only Son to suffer and die for our sins. Because of this alone, He deserves our worship.
We worship the Lord with praise and thanksgiving for who He is and for the salvation He provided for us through Jesus Christ. We also worship Him for all the blessings He has given to us. James reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from our father in heaven [James 1:7]. We have an awesome God, how can we not worship Him?
We have been in Kenya several times representing our ministry, World Opportunities International. One of the highlights of each trip was visiting some of the 75 churches we sponsored. We learned from them what true worship was all about. These dear people filled their churches to capacity every time the doors were opened. Most of them walked for miles to get to their church. They had no cars and could not afford any city buses that may have been available. Many were standing outside looking in through the open windows. We never have heard such singing from the heart. They would sit or stand for hours taking in every word that was being preached.
And when the offering was taken we learned so much about worship through their giving. They worshipped God in the offering with a tithe of what God had given them. We saw chickens, vegetables and even clothes being given.
Many times we have compared the worship of these dear Kenyans with the church here in America. What a difference! We are sure you know what we mean. What happens when the preacher speaks too long or the service is longer then an hour?
After we were first married and went to Korea for World Vision, one of the first things that was brought to our attention was the early morning prayer meetings. At 6:00A.M. EVERY MORNING the churches were filled to capacity for their daily prayer meeting. They prayed daily for their country, for their churches and for their countrymen who did not know the Lord. And as a result this country was known as a Christian nation because over 50% of their population was classified as Christians. This was a great lesson to us about worship. Our world today needs make the worshipping of our Lord a priority in our daily lives.
When you are worshipping in the presence of God, this is a time for God to talk to you. A good indicator of our spiritual temperature is our eagerness to worship God. Our worship of God here on earth is only a prelude to the great worship services we will have in the future when we are in the presence of God. We encourage you to worship God daily and live for what you will not regret when you die
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me today a spirit of worship. Help me to worship You, my God, my Lord and my Savior. I bring all that I have to you today so that as I worship you, you can use me as you see fit. Bless my family, my friends and those in the world we live in that are lonely, hungry and searching for hope that only you can give.
WORSHIP
Defined by Webster;
Reverent honor and homage paid to God; formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor; adoring, reverence or regard.
GODS WORD
“Because He is your Lord, worship Him.” Psalm 45:11.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm 95:6
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Worship is our way to show that we honor and reverence God. He is all powerful and all knowing but more than that He is a loving and just God. He loved us so much that He was not willing for us to die in our sins so He sent His only Son to suffer and die for our sins. Because of this alone, He deserves our worship.
We worship the Lord with praise and thanksgiving for who He is and for the salvation He provided for us through Jesus Christ. We also worship Him for all the blessings He has given to us. James reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from our father in heaven [James 1:7]. We have an awesome God, how can we not worship Him?
We have been in Kenya several times representing our ministry, World Opportunities International. One of the highlights of each trip was visiting some of the 75 churches we sponsored. We learned from them what true worship was all about. These dear people filled their churches to capacity every time the doors were opened. Most of them walked for miles to get to their church. They had no cars and could not afford any city buses that may have been available. Many were standing outside looking in through the open windows. We never have heard such singing from the heart. They would sit or stand for hours taking in every word that was being preached.
And when the offering was taken we learned so much about worship through their giving. They worshipped God in the offering with a tithe of what God had given them. We saw chickens, vegetables and even clothes being given.
Many times we have compared the worship of these dear Kenyans with the church here in America. What a difference! We are sure you know what we mean. What happens when the preacher speaks too long or the service is longer then an hour?
After we were first married and went to Korea for World Vision, one of the first things that was brought to our attention was the early morning prayer meetings. At 6:00A.M. EVERY MORNING the churches were filled to capacity for their daily prayer meeting. They prayed daily for their country, for their churches and for their countrymen who did not know the Lord. And as a result this country was known as a Christian nation because over 50% of their population was classified as Christians. This was a great lesson to us about worship. Our world today needs make the worshipping of our Lord a priority in our daily lives.
When you are worshipping in the presence of God, this is a time for God to talk to you. A good indicator of our spiritual temperature is our eagerness to worship God. Our worship of God here on earth is only a prelude to the great worship services we will have in the future when we are in the presence of God. We encourage you to worship God daily and live for what you will not regret when you die
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me today a spirit of worship. Help me to worship You, my God, my Lord and my Savior. I bring all that I have to you today so that as I worship you, you can use me as you see fit. Bless my family, my friends and those in the world we live in that are lonely, hungry and searching for hope that only you can give.
Persecution: June 16, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY JUNE 16, 2009
PERSECUTION
Defined by Webster:
The act of persecuting; subject to harassing or cruel treatment as a result of religion, race, or beliefs; to annoy or trouble persistently; oppress.
GODS WORD
“Bless those that persecute you.” Romans 12:14.
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely.” Matthew 5:11.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
When we think of persecution we think of one being killed or martyred for the cause of Christ. But there are other issues that some may consider persecution. Some may think that persecution is living in an unstable home situation, being talked to critically by a peer or friend or being hurt by somebody physically or mentally.
Teenagers today feel they are being “persecuted” by peers at their school who do not let them into their “group.” Being accepted today is vital to children, youth and even adults. When one is not accepted they feel persecuted.
Many times non acceptance comes from ones strong stand for Christian standards and beliefs. Jesus taught that we should consider ourselves blessed when we are persecuted if it is because of our faith. If this is so, we are not alone. Jesus certainly was persecuted and so were His disciples, other prophets and many that we read about in the Old and New Testament. If we are persecuted for our faith it means that we are doing what is right in God’s sight and that we are being faithful to our belief in the Lord.
Recently we read that over 70 million Christians have been martyred in the last 20 centuries because of their Christian faith. But the more startling fact is that more than 50% of these 70 million have been martyred in the last 60 years. That is why this TODAYS WORD DEVOTIONAL is so significant for each of us to read and evaluate as it relates to our life and gives us strength from God’s Word.
Here in America many feel that we are losing our spiritual emphasis. One of the reasons we feel this way is that Christians are silent about their faith. Even though we may risk some persecution from others we need to speak up and be heard. When persecution comes are way, just remember the persecution that Jesus went through for our salvation.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank you Lord for what you did for me by dying on the cross. Help me to represent you today with a new fervor and drive so that others will have no doubt on what I believe. Help me to challenge my family and Christian friends to join me in standing tall for you.
PERSECUTION
Defined by Webster:
The act of persecuting; subject to harassing or cruel treatment as a result of religion, race, or beliefs; to annoy or trouble persistently; oppress.
GODS WORD
“Bless those that persecute you.” Romans 12:14.
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely.” Matthew 5:11.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
When we think of persecution we think of one being killed or martyred for the cause of Christ. But there are other issues that some may consider persecution. Some may think that persecution is living in an unstable home situation, being talked to critically by a peer or friend or being hurt by somebody physically or mentally.
Teenagers today feel they are being “persecuted” by peers at their school who do not let them into their “group.” Being accepted today is vital to children, youth and even adults. When one is not accepted they feel persecuted.
Many times non acceptance comes from ones strong stand for Christian standards and beliefs. Jesus taught that we should consider ourselves blessed when we are persecuted if it is because of our faith. If this is so, we are not alone. Jesus certainly was persecuted and so were His disciples, other prophets and many that we read about in the Old and New Testament. If we are persecuted for our faith it means that we are doing what is right in God’s sight and that we are being faithful to our belief in the Lord.
Recently we read that over 70 million Christians have been martyred in the last 20 centuries because of their Christian faith. But the more startling fact is that more than 50% of these 70 million have been martyred in the last 60 years. That is why this TODAYS WORD DEVOTIONAL is so significant for each of us to read and evaluate as it relates to our life and gives us strength from God’s Word.
Here in America many feel that we are losing our spiritual emphasis. One of the reasons we feel this way is that Christians are silent about their faith. Even though we may risk some persecution from others we need to speak up and be heard. When persecution comes are way, just remember the persecution that Jesus went through for our salvation.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank you Lord for what you did for me by dying on the cross. Help me to represent you today with a new fervor and drive so that others will have no doubt on what I believe. Help me to challenge my family and Christian friends to join me in standing tall for you.
Intergrity: June 15, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JUNE 15, 2009
INTEGRITY
Defined by Webster:
Uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty;
GODS WORD
Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There is no one quite like him, honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity. You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it did not work.” Job 2:3.
“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who walks crooked paths will be found out” Proverbs 10:9
“I have walked in my integrity, I have trusted the Lord.” Psalm 26:1
“The integrity of the upright will guide thee.” Proverbs 11:3.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
It is very difficult today to find a person with integrity. We have heard some say that you can not be successful in life unless you cut corners somewhere. We have always felt and tried to practice being honest and forthright to all that we meet with daily. Being a person of integrity is one of the most important characteristics one can have in life. As it says in Proverbs 10:9, when we have integrity we can walk securely because we do not have to worry that we will be found out and our dishonesty will be revealed. When a person loses his or her integrity it is almost impossible to build it back.
Children today make their choices in life based on what they see their parents do. They can see when items come home from the office that is not their parents. They can see when a parent short changes a friend. If a parent compromises his or hers integrity, the first to see it is a child or a spouse. Children and parents today live in a “ME” generation where the end result is that if I benefit it is all right and they show no concern if it compromises their integrity.
The Bible gives us in the Old Testament the Ten Commandments. These were given to us so that we may know what God expects of us. When any of these commandments are broken, the integrity of the one that broke that commandment is in question. And that is where the Lord comes in as He needs to be an intimate part of our daily routine because God honors those that honor Him. Psalm 41:12 is a reminder to us that God rewards integrity. The Bible gives instance after instance of God’s blessing on the lives of people who serve the Lord with integrity. Look at the story of Job and be reminded how God protected Him because of his integrity through probably the most difficult series of testing that any one has gone through.
In Genesis 39, we are given an example of integrity as seen in the life of Joseph. Potiphar had put Joseph in charge of his house and all that he had. Then Joseph was approached by Pontiphar’s wife who put him in a compromising position. Joseph responded quickly and firmly by saying how could he sin against God and his master. He knew God’s standard and chose to stand for right. That is INTEGRITY!
NO LEGACY IS AS RICH AS ONES INTEGRITY
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me strength this day to live each moment with integrity. May my words and deeds honor you and I ask for your protection as I face temptations today. Bless my family and my world and give me opportunities to show my integrity to others so You can be seen through me today.
INTEGRITY
Defined by Webster:
Uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty;
GODS WORD
Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There is no one quite like him, honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity. You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it did not work.” Job 2:3.
“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who walks crooked paths will be found out” Proverbs 10:9
“I have walked in my integrity, I have trusted the Lord.” Psalm 26:1
“The integrity of the upright will guide thee.” Proverbs 11:3.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
It is very difficult today to find a person with integrity. We have heard some say that you can not be successful in life unless you cut corners somewhere. We have always felt and tried to practice being honest and forthright to all that we meet with daily. Being a person of integrity is one of the most important characteristics one can have in life. As it says in Proverbs 10:9, when we have integrity we can walk securely because we do not have to worry that we will be found out and our dishonesty will be revealed. When a person loses his or her integrity it is almost impossible to build it back.
Children today make their choices in life based on what they see their parents do. They can see when items come home from the office that is not their parents. They can see when a parent short changes a friend. If a parent compromises his or hers integrity, the first to see it is a child or a spouse. Children and parents today live in a “ME” generation where the end result is that if I benefit it is all right and they show no concern if it compromises their integrity.
The Bible gives us in the Old Testament the Ten Commandments. These were given to us so that we may know what God expects of us. When any of these commandments are broken, the integrity of the one that broke that commandment is in question. And that is where the Lord comes in as He needs to be an intimate part of our daily routine because God honors those that honor Him. Psalm 41:12 is a reminder to us that God rewards integrity. The Bible gives instance after instance of God’s blessing on the lives of people who serve the Lord with integrity. Look at the story of Job and be reminded how God protected Him because of his integrity through probably the most difficult series of testing that any one has gone through.
In Genesis 39, we are given an example of integrity as seen in the life of Joseph. Potiphar had put Joseph in charge of his house and all that he had. Then Joseph was approached by Pontiphar’s wife who put him in a compromising position. Joseph responded quickly and firmly by saying how could he sin against God and his master. He knew God’s standard and chose to stand for right. That is INTEGRITY!
NO LEGACY IS AS RICH AS ONES INTEGRITY
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me strength this day to live each moment with integrity. May my words and deeds honor you and I ask for your protection as I face temptations today. Bless my family and my world and give me opportunities to show my integrity to others so You can be seen through me today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
