TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2009
AFFECTION
Defined by Webster:
Fond attachment; devotion or love; emotion; feeling; the emotional realm of love; to hold a place in one’s affection.
GODS WORD
“Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10.
“For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:8
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:1.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Genuine affection is demonstrated by selfless kindness that causes a person to put aside their own interests for the good of another.
When we think of “genuine affection” we think of the relationship between David and Jonathan. In I Samuel 18:1 we are told that when they met each other an immediate bond developed between them and it says that Jonathan loved David as himself. Jonathan showed his affection for David by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow and belt. Jonathan was Saul’s son and David was his son in law. Saul became jealous of David’s success and he wanted to kill him. Jonathan interceded because of his brotherly affection for David. Jonathan remained loyal to David and helped him escape Saul’s many attempts to kill him. Jonathan said to David, whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you. Jonathan also made a vow with David, as they both wanted the protection of God, because he loved him as he loved his own soul.
The Psalmist, David, expressed the affection that God has for us in Psalms 136. We are to give thanks to God, for His affection and mercy endures forever. In Jeremiah 31:3 we are reminded of the Lord’s affection to us when it is written that God has loved us with an everlasting love. And because of this love for us He reached out to us with loving kindness. God truly loves us with genuine affection.
God wants us to have that same genuine affection for others that He has for us. He wants us to exemplify the mutual love and commitment of true affection in our relationships with our family and our Christian friends.
We can think back over 53 years ago when we first met each other as college students at Wheaton College. At first we shared an interest in each other and soon we began to have affection for each other. Soon our affection grew and we knew we were right for each other. After about six months of dating we were separated for a year as Dottie finished at Wheaton and Ken went to Fuller Seminary, about 2000 miles apart.
In those days there was no text messaging and telephone calls were expensive so our affection for one another was continued through letters. We soon knew that God was in our relationship and decided to get married. We then raised our support and headed for the mission field in Korea. True affection for one another started us on our way because of our true affection for our Lord and we knew His hand was upon our marriage and ministry.
Our marriage has lasted because of our deep affection for each other. We are committed to one another, we care for one another and we seek to put aside our own interests in deference to the need of the other. We delight in honoring God and each other. Marriages fail when they are based only on physical affection and not on spiritual affection as well.
Paul describes his affection for the Christians in Philippi as being like the affection of Jesus Christ by asking them to be like minded and have affection for the Lord. When we truly love the Lord we will, like Paul, be able to love with the affection of Jesus.
The scripture in 1 Peter 4:8-9 reads: “Above all things have a fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” But also we are to have a true affection for our Lord.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me affection today for my family, my friends and for those I meet. Help me to radiate through my walk and my talk the love of Jesus to all I meet.
August 9, 2009
Call: August 6, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 6, 2009
CALL
Defined by Webster:
To cry out in a loud voice; to summon or invite to come; to announce authoritatively; proclaim; to cause to come.
GODS WORD
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14.
“The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:24.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
As Christians we have a most wonderful and reliable source to call on every moment of every day. God has promised to be with us through every trial and tribulation we have. And He has also promised to be with us through all the good times. All we have to do is call on Him and He is there for us. He is near and He can be found.
When we consider the word “CALL” as referred to in the scriptures there are several considerations for us.
In 1 Samuel chapter three we read of the account of when Samuel was called by God. He was woken up in a dream and was not sure how to respond. He first thought it was Eli, who was very old, who was calling and needed him. But Eli told him to go back to his room and if you are called again, respond by saying: “Speak Lord for your servant hears.” And that day Samuel was called to serve God. When God calls you, are you ready to answer as Samuel did, speak Lord your servant hears?
The scripture also has a lot to say about those that reject God’s call. In Isaiah Chapter 65 it reads: “Because when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke you did not hear.” Then the Lord will withdraw His blessings and “you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and wail for grief of spirit.” And in Psalms 81:11-12 we are told that when My people would not heed my voice [call], I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. And finally in Jeremiah 7:13 and 15 we read that the Lord said: “but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, and so I will cast you out of My sight.”
God is patient and gives us ample opportunity to respond to His call. But when we continually reject His call, He let’s us continue in our stubborn ways satisfying our evil desires. There are always consequences when we turn a deaf ear to God. We not only lose God’s blessings on our life, but we bring God’s judgment on our lives.
In contrast to those who do not respond to God’s call we read about how the disciples responded [Mark 1 and 2] to the call of God. They did not ask questions. They immediately left what they were doing and followed Jesus. They were struck by the power of God not knowing all that Jesus had for them. They responded as Samuel did --- YES LORD, HERE AM I.
And we are told in the book of Acts 16:9-10 how Paul responded to the vision calling him to Macedonia to preach the gospel. Paul answered the call of God without reservation. He got ready at once and left for Macedonia to preach the gospel.
When God calls we can be sure that He is faithful and will do all that He has promised. Now it is your decision as to how you respond when God calls you.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
I commit my life to You today, dear Lord willing to answer Your call for my life. Give me an open heart to listen and a willing heart to respond. Unite my family as together we search for Your best for our lives. Bless us, challenge us and lead us in the paths of Your righteousness today.
CALL
Defined by Webster:
To cry out in a loud voice; to summon or invite to come; to announce authoritatively; proclaim; to cause to come.
GODS WORD
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14.
“The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:24.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
As Christians we have a most wonderful and reliable source to call on every moment of every day. God has promised to be with us through every trial and tribulation we have. And He has also promised to be with us through all the good times. All we have to do is call on Him and He is there for us. He is near and He can be found.
When we consider the word “CALL” as referred to in the scriptures there are several considerations for us.
In 1 Samuel chapter three we read of the account of when Samuel was called by God. He was woken up in a dream and was not sure how to respond. He first thought it was Eli, who was very old, who was calling and needed him. But Eli told him to go back to his room and if you are called again, respond by saying: “Speak Lord for your servant hears.” And that day Samuel was called to serve God. When God calls you, are you ready to answer as Samuel did, speak Lord your servant hears?
The scripture also has a lot to say about those that reject God’s call. In Isaiah Chapter 65 it reads: “Because when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke you did not hear.” Then the Lord will withdraw His blessings and “you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and wail for grief of spirit.” And in Psalms 81:11-12 we are told that when My people would not heed my voice [call], I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. And finally in Jeremiah 7:13 and 15 we read that the Lord said: “but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, and so I will cast you out of My sight.”
God is patient and gives us ample opportunity to respond to His call. But when we continually reject His call, He let’s us continue in our stubborn ways satisfying our evil desires. There are always consequences when we turn a deaf ear to God. We not only lose God’s blessings on our life, but we bring God’s judgment on our lives.
In contrast to those who do not respond to God’s call we read about how the disciples responded [Mark 1 and 2] to the call of God. They did not ask questions. They immediately left what they were doing and followed Jesus. They were struck by the power of God not knowing all that Jesus had for them. They responded as Samuel did --- YES LORD, HERE AM I.
And we are told in the book of Acts 16:9-10 how Paul responded to the vision calling him to Macedonia to preach the gospel. Paul answered the call of God without reservation. He got ready at once and left for Macedonia to preach the gospel.
When God calls we can be sure that He is faithful and will do all that He has promised. Now it is your decision as to how you respond when God calls you.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
I commit my life to You today, dear Lord willing to answer Your call for my life. Give me an open heart to listen and a willing heart to respond. Unite my family as together we search for Your best for our lives. Bless us, challenge us and lead us in the paths of Your righteousness today.
Anchor: August 5, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5, 2009
ANCHOR
Defined by Webster:
A person or thing that can be relied on for support, stability or security; mainstay.
GODS WORD
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” Hebrews 6:19.
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
When we think of anchors, we think of ships or boats. An anchor is lowered to keep the ship in place so it will not float into a dangerous position. In Acts chapter 27, the apostle Paul gives us an account of the time he was on a ship as a prisoner being moved with other prisoners to their trial. He tells of a terrible storm and then having to put the anchor out to keep the ship wrecked vessel from being dashed to pieces on the rocks.
Thinking of ships and boats, we remember going out in a small boat with an out board motor with my (Ken) mother and step father. We had our six children with us and we went out probably no more than a mile into the Pacific Ocean. All of a sudden we noticed that the boat was slowly beginning to fill with water. Since we had young children on board my step father radioed the Coast Guard for help. We knew an anchor would not help and a bucket bailing the water out of the boat was not sufficient. We knew that now was the time to pray and we all were praying and doing all we could to help get rid of the water at the same time.
Soon we saw a Coast Guard ship getting close. To say the least it was huge. We thought the whole American Navy was coming. They responded quickly probably because they knew there were small children on board. To make a long story short the Coast Guard got us and the boat safely back to shore. That day, in our situation, a boat anchor was not what we needed. It was the anchor of hope in Jesus Christ that we relied on.
As Christians, our hope in Jesus is the anchor for our soul and it is sure and steadfast so we will not drift away. In the storms of life we are like a ship at sea that is tossed and battered and in danger of being dashed to pieces. Our anchor, Jesus Christ, is always with us keeping us safe, stable and in a position not to float away into worldly problems.
When you face each day in life, make sure your anchor of faith in Jesus is steadfast and sure. You can ask the Lord daily to keep your anchor firm and trust Him to keep you steady in the storms of life. He will be there with you every moment of the day.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
As I face this day, I think of the old hymn sung years ago, ‘My Anchor Holds.” Thank you for being my anchor throughout this day and it is my prayer that you will hold me close to you and lead and guide me and keep me on a steady course through my voyage in life.
ANCHOR
Defined by Webster:
A person or thing that can be relied on for support, stability or security; mainstay.
GODS WORD
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” Hebrews 6:19.
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
When we think of anchors, we think of ships or boats. An anchor is lowered to keep the ship in place so it will not float into a dangerous position. In Acts chapter 27, the apostle Paul gives us an account of the time he was on a ship as a prisoner being moved with other prisoners to their trial. He tells of a terrible storm and then having to put the anchor out to keep the ship wrecked vessel from being dashed to pieces on the rocks.
Thinking of ships and boats, we remember going out in a small boat with an out board motor with my (Ken) mother and step father. We had our six children with us and we went out probably no more than a mile into the Pacific Ocean. All of a sudden we noticed that the boat was slowly beginning to fill with water. Since we had young children on board my step father radioed the Coast Guard for help. We knew an anchor would not help and a bucket bailing the water out of the boat was not sufficient. We knew that now was the time to pray and we all were praying and doing all we could to help get rid of the water at the same time.
Soon we saw a Coast Guard ship getting close. To say the least it was huge. We thought the whole American Navy was coming. They responded quickly probably because they knew there were small children on board. To make a long story short the Coast Guard got us and the boat safely back to shore. That day, in our situation, a boat anchor was not what we needed. It was the anchor of hope in Jesus Christ that we relied on.
As Christians, our hope in Jesus is the anchor for our soul and it is sure and steadfast so we will not drift away. In the storms of life we are like a ship at sea that is tossed and battered and in danger of being dashed to pieces. Our anchor, Jesus Christ, is always with us keeping us safe, stable and in a position not to float away into worldly problems.
When you face each day in life, make sure your anchor of faith in Jesus is steadfast and sure. You can ask the Lord daily to keep your anchor firm and trust Him to keep you steady in the storms of life. He will be there with you every moment of the day.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
As I face this day, I think of the old hymn sung years ago, ‘My Anchor Holds.” Thank you for being my anchor throughout this day and it is my prayer that you will hold me close to you and lead and guide me and keep me on a steady course through my voyage in life.
Belief: Auguts 4, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY AUGUST 4, 2009
BELIEF
Defined by Webster:
Something believed; opinion; conviction; confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof; confidence; faith; trust; a religious creed or trust.
GODS WORD
“God from the beginning chose you for salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” II Thessalonians 2:13, 15.
“He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching.” Titus 1:9
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Anyone who says he is a Christian is saying that he has a belief in Jesus Christ and follows His teachings. Webster defines belief as confidence in the truth or existence of something. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6. God and Jesus are the source of all truth and that is the basis of our belief. Therefore those that put their belief or trust in Jesus can have confidence in the truth of His teachings.
The book of Titus is a letter that Paul wrote to Titus. Paul had given to Titus the responsibility of appointing leaders for the churches that Paul had been involved in establishing. In Titus 1:5-9, Paul describes to Titus the leadership qualities that leaders in the church should have. All Christians should strive to meet these qualifications in their lives today. The message of Salvation that Jesus gave us is trustworthy and we should have a strong, unshakeable and confident belief in what He taught us so we can encourage others.
The keys to making belief or believing successful in our lives are:
• TRUSTING GOD: This comes first no matter what we are facing in life. Our belief is in God and our faith is strengthened by trusting God. We must trust in the Lord with all our heart. [Psalm 37:3 and Proverbs 3:5 are good verses for you to read]
• DO GOOD: Our faith is demonstrated by the good we do whether it is by word or deed. Psalm 37:3 instructs us to trust in the Lord and then do good.
• RELY ON THE LORD: When we have troubles we are to “Cast all our cares on Him.” I Peter 5:7. Thus at all times when we face a situation that is difficult for us, we are instructed to give it to the Lord. We do not have to go it alone. We can rely on the Lord to be a constant help in our troubles.
• COMMIT OUR PLANS TO GOD: Every day when we begin our activities, our belief in God allows us to “Commit to the Lord what ever you do and your plans will succeed.” Our problems usually arise during the day because we have not committed our plans to our Lord in the morning and given Him the opportunity to guide us.
Many people living in today’s world really believe in nothing more than themselves. We do not know how we could make it even through one day without our faith in the Lord. With all the stresses and all the uncertainties of life in today’s world, we are certain that if we did not have our strong belief in God and Jesus, we would be in deep despair. How strong and real is your belief in God?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank you Lord that you can give me strength to live every moment of this day for You. Keep my belief in You strong and help me to trust You, to do good, to cast all my concerns upon You and to commit each situation I face to You. Bless my family, my friends and those I meet today for the first time. May Christ radiate through my life as I serve You today.
BELIEF
Defined by Webster:
Something believed; opinion; conviction; confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof; confidence; faith; trust; a religious creed or trust.
GODS WORD
“God from the beginning chose you for salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” II Thessalonians 2:13, 15.
“He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching.” Titus 1:9
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Anyone who says he is a Christian is saying that he has a belief in Jesus Christ and follows His teachings. Webster defines belief as confidence in the truth or existence of something. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6. God and Jesus are the source of all truth and that is the basis of our belief. Therefore those that put their belief or trust in Jesus can have confidence in the truth of His teachings.
The book of Titus is a letter that Paul wrote to Titus. Paul had given to Titus the responsibility of appointing leaders for the churches that Paul had been involved in establishing. In Titus 1:5-9, Paul describes to Titus the leadership qualities that leaders in the church should have. All Christians should strive to meet these qualifications in their lives today. The message of Salvation that Jesus gave us is trustworthy and we should have a strong, unshakeable and confident belief in what He taught us so we can encourage others.
The keys to making belief or believing successful in our lives are:
• TRUSTING GOD: This comes first no matter what we are facing in life. Our belief is in God and our faith is strengthened by trusting God. We must trust in the Lord with all our heart. [Psalm 37:3 and Proverbs 3:5 are good verses for you to read]
• DO GOOD: Our faith is demonstrated by the good we do whether it is by word or deed. Psalm 37:3 instructs us to trust in the Lord and then do good.
• RELY ON THE LORD: When we have troubles we are to “Cast all our cares on Him.” I Peter 5:7. Thus at all times when we face a situation that is difficult for us, we are instructed to give it to the Lord. We do not have to go it alone. We can rely on the Lord to be a constant help in our troubles.
• COMMIT OUR PLANS TO GOD: Every day when we begin our activities, our belief in God allows us to “Commit to the Lord what ever you do and your plans will succeed.” Our problems usually arise during the day because we have not committed our plans to our Lord in the morning and given Him the opportunity to guide us.
Many people living in today’s world really believe in nothing more than themselves. We do not know how we could make it even through one day without our faith in the Lord. With all the stresses and all the uncertainties of life in today’s world, we are certain that if we did not have our strong belief in God and Jesus, we would be in deep despair. How strong and real is your belief in God?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank you Lord that you can give me strength to live every moment of this day for You. Keep my belief in You strong and help me to trust You, to do good, to cast all my concerns upon You and to commit each situation I face to You. Bless my family, my friends and those I meet today for the first time. May Christ radiate through my life as I serve You today.
Achievement: August 3, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY AUGUST 3, 2009
ACHIEVEMENT
Defined by Webster:
Something accomplished, as through great effort; skill; perseverance or courage; the act of achieving; attainment or accomplishment.
GODS WORD
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits which God appointed us.” II Corinthians 10: 12-13.
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14.
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
When people think of achievement, they think of successfully accomplishing a goal in life. It might be achieving a certain level of education, getting a job, applying for a job advancement, finding a marriage partner or owning a new home. From the world’s perspective these achievements are more important than from God’s perspective. God’s goal for each of us is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, to live for Him and to strive to achieve all that He wants us to be. He wants us to achieve things while we are on this earth to bring honor to Him. We all need to strive daily to achieve the success that God expects of us in our marital, family, work place and friend relationships.
There are four steps to achievement noted by William A. Ward. Each of these four steps relate to our achievement in spiritual and physical relationships. We have added some personal thoughts following each of Dr. Ward’s four steps.
PLAN PURPOSEFULLY: You have a responsibility to plan for yourself, for your family and for your future. In all of your plans you need to have a purpose to achieve success both spiritually and intellectually.
PREPARE PRAYERFULLY: When you plan you need to pray that God will guide your thinking so that your plans will honor God. You cannot achieve success if God’s hand of blessing is not upon you and your plans. Christ must be in the center of all you do if you expect God to give you success. In Proverbs 16:3 we are reminded to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
PROCEED POSITIVELY: You need to plan your actions so you can achieve your goals with a positive attitude and also with a program for a positive completion.
PURSUE PERSISTENTLY: You must not become discouraged if you have setbacks. If you do not succeed at first you must try again. When you want to achieve a goal that you have set, you must be persistent in all of your efforts to meet that goal and not give up if your first attempt fails.
As you look at your life you must first evaluate your achievements on what you have accomplished for your Lord. Have you set high spiritual standards to live by each day? Have you led your family so that their first priority in life is their relationship with Jesus? Do others that you meet know without a doubt that you have a relationship with the Lord? Positive responses to these questions are all vital in order for you to achieve your goals spiritually in life. If you are right with the Lord, He will bless you and enable you to achieve success in other areas of your life.
As we trained our children we put strong emphasis on their spiritual achievements but along with that emphasis we wanted each one to understand the importance of achievements in their daily activities. When they made commitments in school, in church, in sports or in any other activities they were encouraged to give 100% at all times, so that they would honor God and have the satisfaction that they had given their best.
In life today many people, children and adults, just do enough to get by. This is not acceptable to God but we see it as the norm every day. God wants us to excel in whatever we attempt so that He can receive the honor and glory.
In Ecclesiastics 4:4 it reads: “For all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor.” Achievement in life is admired by society, but the only achievement that counts with God is what we do for our Lord.
What are your spiritual goals in this life? Have you achieved each one yet or if not are you working to achieve them? Think also about what you want to achieve while God has you on this earth and then compare that to what you have accomplished.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today dear Lord, to achieve my goals in life both spiritually and physically. Help me to achieve a special relationship with you. Thank you for your love, your support, your guidance and your direction today in all that I do.
ACHIEVEMENT
Defined by Webster:
Something accomplished, as through great effort; skill; perseverance or courage; the act of achieving; attainment or accomplishment.
GODS WORD
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits which God appointed us.” II Corinthians 10: 12-13.
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14.
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
When people think of achievement, they think of successfully accomplishing a goal in life. It might be achieving a certain level of education, getting a job, applying for a job advancement, finding a marriage partner or owning a new home. From the world’s perspective these achievements are more important than from God’s perspective. God’s goal for each of us is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, to live for Him and to strive to achieve all that He wants us to be. He wants us to achieve things while we are on this earth to bring honor to Him. We all need to strive daily to achieve the success that God expects of us in our marital, family, work place and friend relationships.
There are four steps to achievement noted by William A. Ward. Each of these four steps relate to our achievement in spiritual and physical relationships. We have added some personal thoughts following each of Dr. Ward’s four steps.
PLAN PURPOSEFULLY: You have a responsibility to plan for yourself, for your family and for your future. In all of your plans you need to have a purpose to achieve success both spiritually and intellectually.
PREPARE PRAYERFULLY: When you plan you need to pray that God will guide your thinking so that your plans will honor God. You cannot achieve success if God’s hand of blessing is not upon you and your plans. Christ must be in the center of all you do if you expect God to give you success. In Proverbs 16:3 we are reminded to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
PROCEED POSITIVELY: You need to plan your actions so you can achieve your goals with a positive attitude and also with a program for a positive completion.
PURSUE PERSISTENTLY: You must not become discouraged if you have setbacks. If you do not succeed at first you must try again. When you want to achieve a goal that you have set, you must be persistent in all of your efforts to meet that goal and not give up if your first attempt fails.
As you look at your life you must first evaluate your achievements on what you have accomplished for your Lord. Have you set high spiritual standards to live by each day? Have you led your family so that their first priority in life is their relationship with Jesus? Do others that you meet know without a doubt that you have a relationship with the Lord? Positive responses to these questions are all vital in order for you to achieve your goals spiritually in life. If you are right with the Lord, He will bless you and enable you to achieve success in other areas of your life.
As we trained our children we put strong emphasis on their spiritual achievements but along with that emphasis we wanted each one to understand the importance of achievements in their daily activities. When they made commitments in school, in church, in sports or in any other activities they were encouraged to give 100% at all times, so that they would honor God and have the satisfaction that they had given their best.
In life today many people, children and adults, just do enough to get by. This is not acceptable to God but we see it as the norm every day. God wants us to excel in whatever we attempt so that He can receive the honor and glory.
In Ecclesiastics 4:4 it reads: “For all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor.” Achievement in life is admired by society, but the only achievement that counts with God is what we do for our Lord.
What are your spiritual goals in this life? Have you achieved each one yet or if not are you working to achieve them? Think also about what you want to achieve while God has you on this earth and then compare that to what you have accomplished.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today dear Lord, to achieve my goals in life both spiritually and physically. Help me to achieve a special relationship with you. Thank you for your love, your support, your guidance and your direction today in all that I do.
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