TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JULY 3, 2009
JEALOUSY
Defined by Webster:
A state or mood; resentful and envious; inclined to suspicious fears or envious resentment; watchful in guarding something.
GODS WORD
“For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as cruel as the grave.” Song of Solomon 8:6.
“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy [jealousy], murder, strife, deceit and malice.” Romans 1:29.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
In the above verse from Romans, Paul is describing the sinfulness of fallen mankind. Right at the top of his list is envy or jealousy. Jealousy is often the root of deceit, malice, strife and even murder.
Jealousy led Cain to slay his brother Abel. Jealousy caused Joseph’s older brothers to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. Jealousy caused Saul to try to kill David. Jealousy caused the Jewish chief priests to want to have the Romans crucify Jesus.
We cannot be faithful to God and serve Him if we have jealousy in our heart. Jealousy is part of our sinful nature and if we continue to envy and be jealous we are then slaves to our sin. Romans 6:16 says this: “You are slaves to whom you obey, whether you are slaves to sin which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness.” Do not let jealousy lead you in the wrong direction.
Jealousy is a sin that cannot be hidden and cannot be tolerated. We have mentioned so many times in these daily devotionals that these “WORDS” we refer to daily are dramatically affected by choices we make in life. Some of us make choices based on how the world looks at things. Others make choices based on what the Bible teaches us. And some make choices based on advice, both good and bad, given to us by friends and family. But choices that come out of jealousy are always bad.
We have seen one family member jealous of another family member because they received something that the other did not. We have also seen success bring on jealousy from others. Jealousy is a mood feeling that one develops when one feels slighted and cannot accept that someone has more of something than they have. Jealousy leads to resentment and bitterness. A bitter person can never be happy and does not feel good about himself. Many times one is envious or just possibly suspicious concerning an issue.
In the Song of Solomon, it reads: Jealousy is as cruel as the grave. In other words in plain simple words --- Being jealous is not good!
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Keep me from being jealous of others who may be more successful or may have more than I do. Make me thankful for all that you have given me so others may see Christ in me. Help me to realize what abilities you have given me and may I rejoice in them. May I be known today as a person that is committed to you in all that I do and in all that I say.
July 5, 2009
Desperation: July 2, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY JULY 2, 2009
DESPERATION
Defined by Webster:
The state of being desperate; having the recklessness of despair; loss of hope; a source of hopelessness
GODS WORD
“We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even life.” II Corinthians 1:8.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Have you ever felt as desperate as the above scripture says? Paul had endured many hardships in his life, and although he does not give us a lot of details, he does indicate that he and his companions felt they were going to die. Paul goes on to say that because they were helpless to help themselves they had to rely on God.
Some times we have to come to the point of desperation before we realize our need to completely trust in God. We have talked to a lot of desperate people in our lifetime. For some it has been facing a desperate situation in their marriage. For others it has been a desperate situation with a child. Possibly you face a desperate health situation or financial crises?
The desperation that has moved us the most though in our lifetime is twofold. First, we have seen so many times parents who are facing desperation because of the actions of their children. Parenting is very difficult in today’s society. Many times problems with children develop when parents have not developed a lifestyle that honors God in their lives for their children to see as they were growing up.
But we also have seen great desperation from what we consider wonderful Christian parents who ask us --- WHY? Their children have made choices in their lives that are the opposite of the way they were raised. We have only one answer for one facing that situation and that is to pray for that child, continue to love that child and continue to live your consistent Christian life. We must then let go and let God do His thing. And He will do it in his perfect timing.
Secondly we have witnessed unbelievable desperation in third world countries. We have seen mothers crying because they have no food or medicine for their dying child that they were holding in their arms. We have seen families with no housing, no food and seemingly no one to help because the father has died or left the home. We have seen children orphaned because both parents have died of AIDS. They ask: What should we do? Where do we go? Who really cares for me? This is desperation.
Henry David Thoreau said: “Most people live today lives of great desperation.” Desperation comes to one normally because of choices one makes in life --- even years earlier. For others desperation comes due to situations that arise because of the location of where they were born and/or the culture they are in, the wars they have to face, and other serious problems that a child, young person or adult has no control over.
But there is a solution for a person that is facing a desperate situation in life. The scripture says that we are to “cast all of our cares upon the Lord because He cares for you.” You might respond by saying or thinking that is easy for us to say. We do not understand how bad the situation is. Let us tell you and assure you that no situation is too hard for God to overcome. It is our lack of faith that causes us to doubt what God wants to do for us. When desperate situations get us down, the only way to look is up. God is waiting for you to bring your desperation to Him.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the promise through your Word that all I have to do is to cast my care [desperation] upon you and you will care for me. Help me today to grasp what you say and give me the faith to accept that you care for me.
DESPERATION
Defined by Webster:
The state of being desperate; having the recklessness of despair; loss of hope; a source of hopelessness
GODS WORD
“We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even life.” II Corinthians 1:8.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Have you ever felt as desperate as the above scripture says? Paul had endured many hardships in his life, and although he does not give us a lot of details, he does indicate that he and his companions felt they were going to die. Paul goes on to say that because they were helpless to help themselves they had to rely on God.
Some times we have to come to the point of desperation before we realize our need to completely trust in God. We have talked to a lot of desperate people in our lifetime. For some it has been facing a desperate situation in their marriage. For others it has been a desperate situation with a child. Possibly you face a desperate health situation or financial crises?
The desperation that has moved us the most though in our lifetime is twofold. First, we have seen so many times parents who are facing desperation because of the actions of their children. Parenting is very difficult in today’s society. Many times problems with children develop when parents have not developed a lifestyle that honors God in their lives for their children to see as they were growing up.
But we also have seen great desperation from what we consider wonderful Christian parents who ask us --- WHY? Their children have made choices in their lives that are the opposite of the way they were raised. We have only one answer for one facing that situation and that is to pray for that child, continue to love that child and continue to live your consistent Christian life. We must then let go and let God do His thing. And He will do it in his perfect timing.
Secondly we have witnessed unbelievable desperation in third world countries. We have seen mothers crying because they have no food or medicine for their dying child that they were holding in their arms. We have seen families with no housing, no food and seemingly no one to help because the father has died or left the home. We have seen children orphaned because both parents have died of AIDS. They ask: What should we do? Where do we go? Who really cares for me? This is desperation.
Henry David Thoreau said: “Most people live today lives of great desperation.” Desperation comes to one normally because of choices one makes in life --- even years earlier. For others desperation comes due to situations that arise because of the location of where they were born and/or the culture they are in, the wars they have to face, and other serious problems that a child, young person or adult has no control over.
But there is a solution for a person that is facing a desperate situation in life. The scripture says that we are to “cast all of our cares upon the Lord because He cares for you.” You might respond by saying or thinking that is easy for us to say. We do not understand how bad the situation is. Let us tell you and assure you that no situation is too hard for God to overcome. It is our lack of faith that causes us to doubt what God wants to do for us. When desperate situations get us down, the only way to look is up. God is waiting for you to bring your desperation to Him.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the promise through your Word that all I have to do is to cast my care [desperation] upon you and you will care for me. Help me today to grasp what you say and give me the faith to accept that you care for me.
Aruging: July 1, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JULY 1, 2009
ARGUING
Defined by Webster:
To present reason for or against a thing; oral disagreement; dispute; to persuade or compel by reasoning.
GODS WORD
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it, you kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.” James 4:1-2.
“Pride only breeds quarrels.” Proverbs 13:10
“Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Philippians 2:14.
“But avoid foolish disputes --- for they are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:9.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
It seems that people do love to argue. Take the time to carefully watch people around you and listen carefully to their conversations. Listen to children, youth and adults and count how many times you hear people arguing about issues both large and small. This, you will find out, is true among family members, neighbors and friends. It is human nature for one to argue. Some people like to argue just to argue.
James asks the question, “What causes fights and quarrels?” He gives us a straight-forward answer, “You want something but do not get it.” These desires come from in us because of our sinful and corrupt natures. And in this “ME” generation arguing is a major cause of discord in the family, the community and in the world. Every one is looking out for self and they do not stop to think of being considerate of someone else.
Even after we become Christians we have to contend with our sinful nature. Pride is a big factor in arguments. Both parties think they are right and they want it their way. Most arguments have bad endings. They lead to break up of marriages, loss of friendships and even in some cases physical harm.
Some argue to protect a past behavior. Children argue with parents and parents with children over choices made concerning their daily walk. The only way we can conquer our sinful desire to argue is to submit to God and ask Him to take away our pride and change our attitude.
When we know Jesus and put our trust in Him daily, we are expected to do all things without complaining or disputing. This frankly means that arguing should be completely out of our personal relationships. We are to avoid foolish disputes and most of the time, when you look back on an argument, and if you are really honest with yourself it was a foolish dispute. When arguments happen there is very rarely a winner. The scripture tells us that disputes, arguing or complaining is unprofitable and useless.
With all that said, we need to work daily on our relationships with others so that an argument is not an option. It takes two to argue and we need to learn to respond to issues, even issues that normally would ignite an argument for us, kindly and in love. Starting today, seek to live a life that honors God and ask His help in dealing with situations that lead to arguments and broken relationships. Work today on living a life that honors God despite issues that may arise that usually lead you to an argument --- which in turn moves you away from God.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me the strength today dear Lord, to avoid foolish disputes in my life. Help me to live my life today totally without complaining or arguing with someone. May others see Christ through my life and through my response to issues that in the past have led me into an argument. Give my family today wisdom and kindness to react with Love to all they meet. Thank you dear Lord for making this day a day that I can look back on tonight saying that God has blest me in a new and fresh way.
ARGUING
Defined by Webster:
To present reason for or against a thing; oral disagreement; dispute; to persuade or compel by reasoning.
GODS WORD
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it, you kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.” James 4:1-2.
“Pride only breeds quarrels.” Proverbs 13:10
“Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Philippians 2:14.
“But avoid foolish disputes --- for they are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:9.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
It seems that people do love to argue. Take the time to carefully watch people around you and listen carefully to their conversations. Listen to children, youth and adults and count how many times you hear people arguing about issues both large and small. This, you will find out, is true among family members, neighbors and friends. It is human nature for one to argue. Some people like to argue just to argue.
James asks the question, “What causes fights and quarrels?” He gives us a straight-forward answer, “You want something but do not get it.” These desires come from in us because of our sinful and corrupt natures. And in this “ME” generation arguing is a major cause of discord in the family, the community and in the world. Every one is looking out for self and they do not stop to think of being considerate of someone else.
Even after we become Christians we have to contend with our sinful nature. Pride is a big factor in arguments. Both parties think they are right and they want it their way. Most arguments have bad endings. They lead to break up of marriages, loss of friendships and even in some cases physical harm.
Some argue to protect a past behavior. Children argue with parents and parents with children over choices made concerning their daily walk. The only way we can conquer our sinful desire to argue is to submit to God and ask Him to take away our pride and change our attitude.
When we know Jesus and put our trust in Him daily, we are expected to do all things without complaining or disputing. This frankly means that arguing should be completely out of our personal relationships. We are to avoid foolish disputes and most of the time, when you look back on an argument, and if you are really honest with yourself it was a foolish dispute. When arguments happen there is very rarely a winner. The scripture tells us that disputes, arguing or complaining is unprofitable and useless.
With all that said, we need to work daily on our relationships with others so that an argument is not an option. It takes two to argue and we need to learn to respond to issues, even issues that normally would ignite an argument for us, kindly and in love. Starting today, seek to live a life that honors God and ask His help in dealing with situations that lead to arguments and broken relationships. Work today on living a life that honors God despite issues that may arise that usually lead you to an argument --- which in turn moves you away from God.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me the strength today dear Lord, to avoid foolish disputes in my life. Help me to live my life today totally without complaining or arguing with someone. May others see Christ through my life and through my response to issues that in the past have led me into an argument. Give my family today wisdom and kindness to react with Love to all they meet. Thank you dear Lord for making this day a day that I can look back on tonight saying that God has blest me in a new and fresh way.
Abilities: June 30, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY JUNE 30, 2009
ABILITIES
Defined by Webster:
Capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, or financially; competence based on natural skill; talents; special skills or aptitudes.
GODS WORD
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12: 6-8.
“And to one He gave five talents, to another two and to another one, to each according to his own ability.” Matthew 25:15.
“If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies.” I Peter 4:11.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
As Christians, we are all part of one body, the Church of Christ. We are put here on earth with one purpose and that is to build Christ’s Church. To accomplish this, God has given us different abilities and no one person has the ability to do the work of the Church alone.
God expects us to be diligent in using our abilities for His service and not for our personal advancement or enjoyment. It is also important for us to not be jealous of the abilities that others may have. The scripture tells us that it is most important that we be faithful to use our abilities to glorify God because He is the one that has given us our abilities and has a specific purpose in giving us each one.
To those that God has given the ability to earn large amounts of money, God has a word of caution in Deuteronomy 8:17-18:
“You may say to yourself, ‘my power and the strength of my hands has
produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it
is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.’”
If you have received greatness in life whether by your wealth or by a position of power or leadership, remember that God has given you this ability and you have a responsibility to use what you have accomplished to bring glory and honor to God.
We have noticed with our six children and 20 grandchildren that no two children are the same. God has given each child specific physical abilities and spiritual abilities based on their ability to use them properly. And we as parents and grandparents have a responsibility to guide our children to help them make the most out of the abilities that God has given them. We are to do this to bring honor and glory to God and to further His Kingdom.
Often we have seen children and adults with real talent and ability fail to use their God given ability to accomplish anything of merit. Worse yet, we have seen people use their talents that God has given them for evil purposes.
All children want to excel and be successful but for some, achievement comes much harder and more slowly based on the fact that they do not have the same ability as a sibling or a classmate. We need to give special encouragement and praise to the child that works hard at their talent but struggles.
Parents have the responsibility to see that children that seem to have greater ability and are faster learners do not become lazy. They need to be stimulated with new challenges.
As Christians we need to work daily on the abilities that God has given us. Are we using our abilities wisely? It is wrong for one to sit back and not use an ability that God has given you? God also expects us to reach out and nurture those who need help in finding their “niche” in life. Are you doing this?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today dear Lord, to use the abilities that you have blest me with to your glory. May all those that I meet see Christ through me today. May each family member and each friend do all they can today to reach out to help someone in need. Help me to grow in you and be mature in my Christian walk.
ABILITIES
Defined by Webster:
Capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, or financially; competence based on natural skill; talents; special skills or aptitudes.
GODS WORD
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12: 6-8.
“And to one He gave five talents, to another two and to another one, to each according to his own ability.” Matthew 25:15.
“If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies.” I Peter 4:11.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
As Christians, we are all part of one body, the Church of Christ. We are put here on earth with one purpose and that is to build Christ’s Church. To accomplish this, God has given us different abilities and no one person has the ability to do the work of the Church alone.
God expects us to be diligent in using our abilities for His service and not for our personal advancement or enjoyment. It is also important for us to not be jealous of the abilities that others may have. The scripture tells us that it is most important that we be faithful to use our abilities to glorify God because He is the one that has given us our abilities and has a specific purpose in giving us each one.
To those that God has given the ability to earn large amounts of money, God has a word of caution in Deuteronomy 8:17-18:
“You may say to yourself, ‘my power and the strength of my hands has
produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it
is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.’”
If you have received greatness in life whether by your wealth or by a position of power or leadership, remember that God has given you this ability and you have a responsibility to use what you have accomplished to bring glory and honor to God.
We have noticed with our six children and 20 grandchildren that no two children are the same. God has given each child specific physical abilities and spiritual abilities based on their ability to use them properly. And we as parents and grandparents have a responsibility to guide our children to help them make the most out of the abilities that God has given them. We are to do this to bring honor and glory to God and to further His Kingdom.
Often we have seen children and adults with real talent and ability fail to use their God given ability to accomplish anything of merit. Worse yet, we have seen people use their talents that God has given them for evil purposes.
All children want to excel and be successful but for some, achievement comes much harder and more slowly based on the fact that they do not have the same ability as a sibling or a classmate. We need to give special encouragement and praise to the child that works hard at their talent but struggles.
Parents have the responsibility to see that children that seem to have greater ability and are faster learners do not become lazy. They need to be stimulated with new challenges.
As Christians we need to work daily on the abilities that God has given us. Are we using our abilities wisely? It is wrong for one to sit back and not use an ability that God has given you? God also expects us to reach out and nurture those who need help in finding their “niche” in life. Are you doing this?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today dear Lord, to use the abilities that you have blest me with to your glory. May all those that I meet see Christ through me today. May each family member and each friend do all they can today to reach out to help someone in need. Help me to grow in you and be mature in my Christian walk.
Dependence: June 29, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JUNE 29, 2009
DEPENDENCE
Defined by Webster
The state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid or support; reliance; confidence; trust; subordination or subjection.
GODS WORD
“Who among you fears the Lord --- let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely [have dependence] upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
David went from being a shepherd boy to being the King of Israel. Throughout his life he was dependent on God. As a shepherd boy he had to kill a lion and a bear to protect his sheep. In each instance he gave the Lord credit for delivering him from the problem.
When David told Saul that he would go and fight Goliath, Saul was against it because David was just a young boy. David answered Saul by saying “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the jaw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine.” [I Samuel 17:37]
This was the first of many battles that David had to fight in his life time, and through them all David never lost his trust in God. His DEPENDENCE was always on his God.
David wrote many of the Psalms and in them he proclaimed how much he depended on God. For example:
“Find rest, O my soul in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor DEPEND on God! He is my mighty rock, my refuge.” Psalm 62: 5-7.
When we think of depending on God we remember visiting a mother with her new born baby in Honduras. She was reading to her baby from God’s Word. We asked the mother through our interpreter why she was reading the Bible to such a young baby. Her response was that she knew he did not understand now but she wanted to make sure that his earliest memory is the hearing the words from the Bible so that he would become totally dependent on God as he grew up.
Just as a young child depends on his or her parents for almost everything, we as believers in Christ need to depend totally on God. As the scripture above reminds us, we can not rely on our own understanding. God has given us the ability to think and reason but when we trust in our own understanding or wisdom, we often find that we do not have all the answers. Our wisdom is limited but God’s is not.
One needs to learn the independent side of dependence as one walks the Christian life. We need to show our independence in the day to day activities of this world while depending every moment on the leading of the Lord in our lives.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to learn more about trusting you. In all that I do this day help me to depend on your leading and not on my own understanding. May each one in my family learn what it means to depend on you?
DEPENDENCE
Defined by Webster
The state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid or support; reliance; confidence; trust; subordination or subjection.
GODS WORD
“Who among you fears the Lord --- let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely [have dependence] upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
David went from being a shepherd boy to being the King of Israel. Throughout his life he was dependent on God. As a shepherd boy he had to kill a lion and a bear to protect his sheep. In each instance he gave the Lord credit for delivering him from the problem.
When David told Saul that he would go and fight Goliath, Saul was against it because David was just a young boy. David answered Saul by saying “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the jaw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine.” [I Samuel 17:37]
This was the first of many battles that David had to fight in his life time, and through them all David never lost his trust in God. His DEPENDENCE was always on his God.
David wrote many of the Psalms and in them he proclaimed how much he depended on God. For example:
“Find rest, O my soul in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor DEPEND on God! He is my mighty rock, my refuge.” Psalm 62: 5-7.
When we think of depending on God we remember visiting a mother with her new born baby in Honduras. She was reading to her baby from God’s Word. We asked the mother through our interpreter why she was reading the Bible to such a young baby. Her response was that she knew he did not understand now but she wanted to make sure that his earliest memory is the hearing the words from the Bible so that he would become totally dependent on God as he grew up.
Just as a young child depends on his or her parents for almost everything, we as believers in Christ need to depend totally on God. As the scripture above reminds us, we can not rely on our own understanding. God has given us the ability to think and reason but when we trust in our own understanding or wisdom, we often find that we do not have all the answers. Our wisdom is limited but God’s is not.
One needs to learn the independent side of dependence as one walks the Christian life. We need to show our independence in the day to day activities of this world while depending every moment on the leading of the Lord in our lives.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to learn more about trusting you. In all that I do this day help me to depend on your leading and not on my own understanding. May each one in my family learn what it means to depend on you?
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