TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 2, 2009
PROMISES
Defined by Webster:
One’s pledge to another that one will or will not do something; ground for hope; engage to do or give; give one’s word to.
GODS WORD
“And this is the promise that He has promised us --- eternal life.” 1 John 2:25.
“May the Lord God of your father’s make you a thousand times more numerous than you are, and bless you as He has promised you.” Deuteronomy 1:11
“The Lord is faithful to all His promises.” Psalm 145:13.
“He keeps every promise forever.” Psalm 146:6
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
God has given us hundreds of promises in His word and none of them have been broken. In II Peter, he describes promises as “exceeding great and precious promises.” When we become a believer in Jesus these promises are ours but we must claim them and act on them. In order to claim them we must be spiritually right with the Lord. We cannot be pursuing sinful ways and disobeying God’s will and expect to receive these promises. God’s promises also usually require action on our part.
When Joshua was old and he knew his life was about over, he gave a farewell speech to the children of Israel. He said in part: “You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled: not one has failed.” (Joshua 23:14)
The passages from Psalms we have listed above, affirm that God keeps His promises and keeps them forever.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven He assured the disciples that they were not going to be left alone. Jesus promised them that He would send them a Counselor (John 14:16). In Luke 24:49 and in Acts 1:4, Jesus tells them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of His father that He had told them about. The promise of the father that Jesus was talking about was for the disciples to expect the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the second chapter of Acts we read of the fulfillment of this promise when the Holy Spirit descended on them at Pentecost.
As parents we make promises every day but unfortunately many of these promises are not kept. It is important as parents that as we raise our children that we make sure before a promise is made that it can be honored. Many parents do not realize the positive impact that is made on a child’s mind when promises are made and kept. And when promises are made and not kept the negative impact is severe over the long term. When children see that promises are made and not honored, their minds are structured so as not to take promises seriously. When they become adults their promises will be made to be broken.
The same can be said about spouses making promises to one another and adults making promises to friends and associates. When you keep promises you are considered reliable and trustworthy. When you do not keep your promises you are considered unreliable and many would call you a “flake.” But most important promises kept affect the attitude of the one you make a promise too. For the most part, when you make a promise, you really know when you make it if you are going to keep it or break it.
Are you the kind of person that keeps your promises? Those that love the Lord should at all times strive to keep promises. We can remember a promise that we made to each other and to our children. We promised that we would always have dinner together as a family. We made this promise for two very important reasons. First, it gave us a regular time to read God’s Word and to pray together as a family. Secondly, it gave us a daily time to communicate with one another. As parents we regarded this as a time to listen. Our children would share their events of the day, their concerns and their blessings. There were many times that this promise was hard to keep but even at a cost to us we did all we could to always keep this promise.
Our Lord kept His promises and in so doing He set a standard for us to live by daily. We must strive to keep our promises and by doing this we honor and glorify our Lord.
The greatest promise God has given us is the promise that He would send His Son to be our Savior and that through Him we would receive forgiveness for all of our sins and the gift of eternal life. God has fulfilled that promise. We have accepted it, have you?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You for sending Your Son to this earth to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank You for now preparing a place for me to spend eternity with You. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to be my comforter in all that I do. May my family do all we can to make promises to honor You and then to keep promises so that others will see our word is trustworthy.
October 2, 2009
Value: October 1, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2009
VALUE
Defined by Webster:
Relative worth or importance; monetary or material worth; the worth of something.
GODS WORD
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
What is of value in God’s sight? God is all knowing and all powerful and has every thing He needs. But He puts great value on our soul even though in comparison to God we are nothing. Sometimes we feel worthless and wonder how could we be of any value to God? God wants us to understand value from an eternal perspective.
Jesus often taught using parables. He taught the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 12:12-14. He said that if a shepherd owns a hundred sheep and one gets lost he will leave the ninety-nine to look for the one that is lost. Jesus said that the shepherd is happier about the one sheep when found than the ninety-nine others. This is the way that God feels about us. He places the same value on each of us and like the shepherd; He does not want to lose a single one of us.
Jesus has offered us an eternal inheritance that is ours for the asking. When we recognize the value of what God did for us by sending His son to this earth to pay the penalty for our sins and then to give us eternal life, how can we reject so valuable a gift?
There are many things that are considered of value in life. God talks about the value of His people, the value of life, the value of being rich or poor, the value of a lost sheep, the eternal value of a soul, the value of a widow’s mite, the value of an eternal inheritance and the value of our faith, just to name a few.
Most of us realize the value of a healthy life. If you need to be reminded as to how valuable a healthy life is then go to your local children’s hospital and look at a few sick children. God will do something special to you like break your heart with concern for these that are hurting and you will thank God for your good health.
Most of us understand the difference between being rich or comfortable financially verses poor. If you do not then go and talk to a family living in the slums of the inner city or a homeless man sleeping on the street. God will again move your heart to compassion to help the hurting and you will thank God for the blessings He has given you.
Finally, when we think of the widow’s mite, we realize how valuable it is to our Lord when one person gives whatever he has to further His work. We cannot out give God. It has been our experience that God blesses us when we give with blessings that far and away outweigh the value of what we have given.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You for the value You have placed on my life. I take time today just to praise You. I praise You for being God, for being all powerful, all knowing and sovereign. I praise You for sending Your ONLY Son to this earth to die in order to pay the penalty for my sins. I praise You for being with me every moment of every day and leading me in the path that You desire for me.
VALUE
Defined by Webster:
Relative worth or importance; monetary or material worth; the worth of something.
GODS WORD
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
What is of value in God’s sight? God is all knowing and all powerful and has every thing He needs. But He puts great value on our soul even though in comparison to God we are nothing. Sometimes we feel worthless and wonder how could we be of any value to God? God wants us to understand value from an eternal perspective.
Jesus often taught using parables. He taught the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 12:12-14. He said that if a shepherd owns a hundred sheep and one gets lost he will leave the ninety-nine to look for the one that is lost. Jesus said that the shepherd is happier about the one sheep when found than the ninety-nine others. This is the way that God feels about us. He places the same value on each of us and like the shepherd; He does not want to lose a single one of us.
Jesus has offered us an eternal inheritance that is ours for the asking. When we recognize the value of what God did for us by sending His son to this earth to pay the penalty for our sins and then to give us eternal life, how can we reject so valuable a gift?
There are many things that are considered of value in life. God talks about the value of His people, the value of life, the value of being rich or poor, the value of a lost sheep, the eternal value of a soul, the value of a widow’s mite, the value of an eternal inheritance and the value of our faith, just to name a few.
Most of us realize the value of a healthy life. If you need to be reminded as to how valuable a healthy life is then go to your local children’s hospital and look at a few sick children. God will do something special to you like break your heart with concern for these that are hurting and you will thank God for your good health.
Most of us understand the difference between being rich or comfortable financially verses poor. If you do not then go and talk to a family living in the slums of the inner city or a homeless man sleeping on the street. God will again move your heart to compassion to help the hurting and you will thank God for the blessings He has given you.
Finally, when we think of the widow’s mite, we realize how valuable it is to our Lord when one person gives whatever he has to further His work. We cannot out give God. It has been our experience that God blesses us when we give with blessings that far and away outweigh the value of what we have given.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You for the value You have placed on my life. I take time today just to praise You. I praise You for being God, for being all powerful, all knowing and sovereign. I praise You for sending Your ONLY Son to this earth to die in order to pay the penalty for my sins. I praise You for being with me every moment of every day and leading me in the path that You desire for me.
Door: September 30, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
DOOR
Defined by Webster:
A moveable barrier for opening and closing an entrance way; any means of access.
GODS WORD
Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” John 10:7
“Do not grumble against one another lest you be condemned. Behold the judge is standing at the door.” James 5:9
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Possibly you have seen the picture of Jesus standing outside a door and knocking. This is the mental picture we get when we read Revelation 3:20 (above). A door is a way in or out and is a barrier between those on the inside and those on the outside. The door must be opened in order to obtain access to one side or the other.
Jesus is knocking at the door of our heart asking to come in. If we do open the door and accept Him and show our love to Him, He will come in and will dine (commune) with us. Jesus is standing ready for all to accept Him and to repent of our sins. He has paid the penalty for our sins and all we have to do is open the door of our heart and let Him come in.
In John 10:7, Jesus is called the door of the sheep. Jesus is the good shepherd. A good shepherd kept his sheep in a pen to keep them safe at night. The shepherd then acted as the door to the pen, letting the sheep in so he could watch over them and protect them. Jesus is our door to God. It is only through Jesus that we can come to God. Once we have entered the door of salvation, Jesus becomes our shepherd and as our shepherd He is our protector.
One of the definitions of “door” (above) is: “any means to access.” We urge you to open the door of your heart today first to let Jesus into your heart and then open the door of your heart to let God and His Holy Spirit lead you through the day. God wants access to your heart. He is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Do you hear Him?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank you for standing and knocking at the door of my heart and giving me the opportunity to receive You into my heart. Thank You for being my shepherd and watching over me and protecting me. Help me to always follow You wherever You may lead me.
DOOR
Defined by Webster:
A moveable barrier for opening and closing an entrance way; any means of access.
GODS WORD
Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” John 10:7
“Do not grumble against one another lest you be condemned. Behold the judge is standing at the door.” James 5:9
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Possibly you have seen the picture of Jesus standing outside a door and knocking. This is the mental picture we get when we read Revelation 3:20 (above). A door is a way in or out and is a barrier between those on the inside and those on the outside. The door must be opened in order to obtain access to one side or the other.
Jesus is knocking at the door of our heart asking to come in. If we do open the door and accept Him and show our love to Him, He will come in and will dine (commune) with us. Jesus is standing ready for all to accept Him and to repent of our sins. He has paid the penalty for our sins and all we have to do is open the door of our heart and let Him come in.
In John 10:7, Jesus is called the door of the sheep. Jesus is the good shepherd. A good shepherd kept his sheep in a pen to keep them safe at night. The shepherd then acted as the door to the pen, letting the sheep in so he could watch over them and protect them. Jesus is our door to God. It is only through Jesus that we can come to God. Once we have entered the door of salvation, Jesus becomes our shepherd and as our shepherd He is our protector.
One of the definitions of “door” (above) is: “any means to access.” We urge you to open the door of your heart today first to let Jesus into your heart and then open the door of your heart to let God and His Holy Spirit lead you through the day. God wants access to your heart. He is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Do you hear Him?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank you for standing and knocking at the door of my heart and giving me the opportunity to receive You into my heart. Thank You for being my shepherd and watching over me and protecting me. Help me to always follow You wherever You may lead me.
Time: September 29, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2009
TIME
Defined by Webster:
A system or method of measuring the passing of time; a limited period; a particular period.
GODS WORD
“To everything there is a season, a time for every person under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die.” Ecclesiastics 3:1-2
“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but TIME and CHANCE happen to them all.” Ecclesiastics 9:11
“Remember how short my time is.” Psalm 89:47
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
God has given time to us so that we can come to know Him and then to be a witness of Him to a world that needs to know Jesus. Time to God is different than time to us. In Psalm 90:4, the Psalmist says that “For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.” One day on God’s calendar is like a thousand years on ours.
The question for us as Christians is: “How do we spend our time?” For weeks we have referred to many areas in our lives that relate to how we use our time. One of the great failings of Christians today is not having adequate time to give to God. In order for us to be in tune with God it demands time on our part. Specifically, it demands that we spend time daily reading God’s Word, the Bible. This is how God communicates to us and how we learn how God wants us to live.
Secondly, God expects us to communicate with Him through prayer. Most Christians do not take the time to pray each day. Oh yes, some will say that they pray before each meal and before they go to bed each night. God wants more than that from us. He wants us to give Him time with our prayers so we can make known to Him our requests, our praise of Him and our needs.
Time is a valuable asset to each of us every day. How we spend our time depends on our priorities and we all have different priorities. Choosing how we use our time becomes a moral and spiritual issue and what is important to us usually wins out. God expects us to invest a portion of our time daily to praise Him and to communicate our gratitude for what He is doing for us.
We are reminded of the life of George Mueller. He was used of God in a very special way establishing orphanages for children. He spent at least six hours each morning in prayer asking God for His leading and direction for the day. Some might say that spending six hours in prayer was a waste of time. George Mueller saw it differently. He saw prayer as preparation of his heart for God to use and bless him and to give him strength and wisdom to go and knock on doors asking for assistance for his orphanage. George knew that he could not do it alone. Through prayer God not only prepared his heart but the hearts of those he would visit. As a result of George Mueller’s faithful prayers God blessed him and supplied what he needed to establish and maintain the orphanages.
We encourage you to make communication with God a priority. Pray to God daily and read the Bible daily so God can respond to you through His Word. If you do this you will be surprised at how God will change you and work in your life.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You for the time You have given me to live on this earth. Help me today to reevaluate how I spend my time. Give me the will and dedication to spend more time with You. Help me to take time daily to study Your Word and to communicate to You through prayer. Honor our family with Your blessing and help us to rededicate our time to better serve You.
TIME
Defined by Webster:
A system or method of measuring the passing of time; a limited period; a particular period.
GODS WORD
“To everything there is a season, a time for every person under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die.” Ecclesiastics 3:1-2
“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but TIME and CHANCE happen to them all.” Ecclesiastics 9:11
“Remember how short my time is.” Psalm 89:47
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
God has given time to us so that we can come to know Him and then to be a witness of Him to a world that needs to know Jesus. Time to God is different than time to us. In Psalm 90:4, the Psalmist says that “For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.” One day on God’s calendar is like a thousand years on ours.
The question for us as Christians is: “How do we spend our time?” For weeks we have referred to many areas in our lives that relate to how we use our time. One of the great failings of Christians today is not having adequate time to give to God. In order for us to be in tune with God it demands time on our part. Specifically, it demands that we spend time daily reading God’s Word, the Bible. This is how God communicates to us and how we learn how God wants us to live.
Secondly, God expects us to communicate with Him through prayer. Most Christians do not take the time to pray each day. Oh yes, some will say that they pray before each meal and before they go to bed each night. God wants more than that from us. He wants us to give Him time with our prayers so we can make known to Him our requests, our praise of Him and our needs.
Time is a valuable asset to each of us every day. How we spend our time depends on our priorities and we all have different priorities. Choosing how we use our time becomes a moral and spiritual issue and what is important to us usually wins out. God expects us to invest a portion of our time daily to praise Him and to communicate our gratitude for what He is doing for us.
We are reminded of the life of George Mueller. He was used of God in a very special way establishing orphanages for children. He spent at least six hours each morning in prayer asking God for His leading and direction for the day. Some might say that spending six hours in prayer was a waste of time. George Mueller saw it differently. He saw prayer as preparation of his heart for God to use and bless him and to give him strength and wisdom to go and knock on doors asking for assistance for his orphanage. George knew that he could not do it alone. Through prayer God not only prepared his heart but the hearts of those he would visit. As a result of George Mueller’s faithful prayers God blessed him and supplied what he needed to establish and maintain the orphanages.
We encourage you to make communication with God a priority. Pray to God daily and read the Bible daily so God can respond to you through His Word. If you do this you will be surprised at how God will change you and work in your life.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You for the time You have given me to live on this earth. Help me today to reevaluate how I spend my time. Give me the will and dedication to spend more time with You. Help me to take time daily to study Your Word and to communicate to You through prayer. Honor our family with Your blessing and help us to rededicate our time to better serve You.
Mercy: September 28, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
MERCY
Defined by Webster:
Compassionate or kindly forbearance; shown toward an offender; the disposition of power to be compassionate.
GODS WORD
“It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” Romans 9:16
“But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.” Ephesians 2:4
“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:5
“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Titus 3:5
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Webster defines mercy as compassion shown toward an offender. We have all sinned against God so we are offenders and in need of God’s mercy. It is because of God’s mercy that we can know Jesus as our Savior. God is truly a God of mercy and of love and although we are undeserving He showed His mercy to us by sending His Son to this earth to save us from death. He sacrificed His only son to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and then Jesus arose from the grave and soon went to Heaven to prepare for us a place to live for eternity. God then showed His mercy to us by sending His Holy Spirit to be with us and guide us each day we live on this earth.
We remember hearing a defense attorney in a recent high profile murder trial pleading to the jury for mercy for his client. He was asking the jury to free his client because he was innocent. The jury found the celebrity guilty and showed no mercy and by law the defendant had to pay the penalty. We are all sinners and would be judged guilty by any jury. Thanks to God’s mercy we do not have to face a jury to hear our penalty. God sent His only Son to pay our penalty for all of our sins.
Throughout the Bible we read about God showing mercy. In Genesis 18 we read of Sarah laughing at God’s promise, to give her a son in her old age, because she doubted God. God had mercy on her, in spite of her doubt, and gave her the promised son. Time after time the people of Israel turned away from God and sinned against Him, but God had mercy on them and continued to love them and bless them. This was the standard of mercy that God gave to all the generations that followed. In Psalm 18:21 it reads that God gives mercy to the merciful. God wants us to be merciful to those our lives touch each day. Then He promises to be merciful to us. We as Christians serve an awesome God who shows mercy to us each and every day.
We all know the famous passage found in Psalm 23. In verse 6 it reads: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” All those who love the Lord can be assured of God’s unfailing love and goodness and mercy, just as David was. We fail but God’s mercy does not. God’s mercy is everlasting.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You Lord for the mercy You have shown to me by dying on the cross to save me from my sins so that I do not have to pay the penalty that I rightly deserve. Thank You for the assurance I have that Your mercy is everlasting and that Your love is unfailing. Help me to be merciful to others so that they may see Christ in me.
MERCY
Defined by Webster:
Compassionate or kindly forbearance; shown toward an offender; the disposition of power to be compassionate.
GODS WORD
“It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” Romans 9:16
“But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.” Ephesians 2:4
“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:5
“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Titus 3:5
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Webster defines mercy as compassion shown toward an offender. We have all sinned against God so we are offenders and in need of God’s mercy. It is because of God’s mercy that we can know Jesus as our Savior. God is truly a God of mercy and of love and although we are undeserving He showed His mercy to us by sending His Son to this earth to save us from death. He sacrificed His only son to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and then Jesus arose from the grave and soon went to Heaven to prepare for us a place to live for eternity. God then showed His mercy to us by sending His Holy Spirit to be with us and guide us each day we live on this earth.
We remember hearing a defense attorney in a recent high profile murder trial pleading to the jury for mercy for his client. He was asking the jury to free his client because he was innocent. The jury found the celebrity guilty and showed no mercy and by law the defendant had to pay the penalty. We are all sinners and would be judged guilty by any jury. Thanks to God’s mercy we do not have to face a jury to hear our penalty. God sent His only Son to pay our penalty for all of our sins.
Throughout the Bible we read about God showing mercy. In Genesis 18 we read of Sarah laughing at God’s promise, to give her a son in her old age, because she doubted God. God had mercy on her, in spite of her doubt, and gave her the promised son. Time after time the people of Israel turned away from God and sinned against Him, but God had mercy on them and continued to love them and bless them. This was the standard of mercy that God gave to all the generations that followed. In Psalm 18:21 it reads that God gives mercy to the merciful. God wants us to be merciful to those our lives touch each day. Then He promises to be merciful to us. We as Christians serve an awesome God who shows mercy to us each and every day.
We all know the famous passage found in Psalm 23. In verse 6 it reads: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” All those who love the Lord can be assured of God’s unfailing love and goodness and mercy, just as David was. We fail but God’s mercy does not. God’s mercy is everlasting.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You Lord for the mercy You have shown to me by dying on the cross to save me from my sins so that I do not have to pay the penalty that I rightly deserve. Thank You for the assurance I have that Your mercy is everlasting and that Your love is unfailing. Help me to be merciful to others so that they may see Christ in me.
September 27, 2009
Satan: September 25, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
SATAN
Defined by Webster:
The chief evil spirit; the great adversary of God and humanity; the devil.
GODS WORD
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Satan is a person. Yes, there is a personal devil. We read in the scriptures that he appeared before God, he talked with God, and he reasoned with Eve in the Garden of Eden, he tempted Jesus, he performed miracles and signs and he tempts both the saved and unsaved to commit sin. Only a person can take part in an intelligent dialogue and reason, so Satan is a person.
He has been given many names and titles in the scriptures. Some of them are:
• Satan --- “adversary” He does not have the capacity to love or to show mercy. He is called Satan 50 times in the Bible.
• Devil --- “slanderer” this title is used over 100 times in the New Testament
• Abaddon --- “destruction”
• Apollyon --- “destroyer” Found in Revelation 9:11.
• Lucifer --- “day star” or “morning star” he can transform himself into an angel of light. Isaiah 14:12
He is called “the god of this age” in II Corinthians 4:4, the “prince of the power of the air” in Ephesians 2:2, the “great dragon” in Revelation 12:9 and the “serpent of old” in Revelation 20:2. Jesus called him the ruler of this world in John 12:31. Remember he is not the ruler of creation but the ruler of the world system. God warns us: “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” I John 2:15. Satan desires that we all be caught up in his system and be lost. God desires that all accept Jesus Christ and be saved.
Two things you must be aware of concerning the devil. First of all, we are warned to be alert because the devil is our enemy and always looking to tempt us. I Peter 5:7 tells us to “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Second, we have a defense against the deceitful ways of the devil. James tells us to: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. Satan does have power in this world, but God has power over Satan.
On another day we will discuss Satan and his origin, his fall, his work and his present and eternal abodes. We do this study to warn everyone of the power of Satan in this world.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me the strength today to stand up for all that I believe and not to weaken when Satan does his best to tempt me. May the joy of Jesus shine through me to my family, my friends and those that I touch in some way each day. Help me to be an example to others, showing strength in resisting the temptations of the devil.
SATAN
Defined by Webster:
The chief evil spirit; the great adversary of God and humanity; the devil.
GODS WORD
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Satan is a person. Yes, there is a personal devil. We read in the scriptures that he appeared before God, he talked with God, and he reasoned with Eve in the Garden of Eden, he tempted Jesus, he performed miracles and signs and he tempts both the saved and unsaved to commit sin. Only a person can take part in an intelligent dialogue and reason, so Satan is a person.
He has been given many names and titles in the scriptures. Some of them are:
• Satan --- “adversary” He does not have the capacity to love or to show mercy. He is called Satan 50 times in the Bible.
• Devil --- “slanderer” this title is used over 100 times in the New Testament
• Abaddon --- “destruction”
• Apollyon --- “destroyer” Found in Revelation 9:11.
• Lucifer --- “day star” or “morning star” he can transform himself into an angel of light. Isaiah 14:12
He is called “the god of this age” in II Corinthians 4:4, the “prince of the power of the air” in Ephesians 2:2, the “great dragon” in Revelation 12:9 and the “serpent of old” in Revelation 20:2. Jesus called him the ruler of this world in John 12:31. Remember he is not the ruler of creation but the ruler of the world system. God warns us: “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” I John 2:15. Satan desires that we all be caught up in his system and be lost. God desires that all accept Jesus Christ and be saved.
Two things you must be aware of concerning the devil. First of all, we are warned to be alert because the devil is our enemy and always looking to tempt us. I Peter 5:7 tells us to “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Second, we have a defense against the deceitful ways of the devil. James tells us to: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. Satan does have power in this world, but God has power over Satan.
On another day we will discuss Satan and his origin, his fall, his work and his present and eternal abodes. We do this study to warn everyone of the power of Satan in this world.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me the strength today to stand up for all that I believe and not to weaken when Satan does his best to tempt me. May the joy of Jesus shine through me to my family, my friends and those that I touch in some way each day. Help me to be an example to others, showing strength in resisting the temptations of the devil.
Signs: September 24, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2009.
SIGNS
Defined by Webster:
A token; indication; a motion or gesture; to make a sign or signal; to indicate one’s approval; something indicating the presence or existence of something else; something material or external that stands for or signifies something spiritual.
GODS WORD
“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:30-31.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
In the book of John, he records seven signs or miracles that prove the deity of Jesus Christ. The word “SIGNS” in the gospel of John is the key that unlocks the door to our understanding of the good news of the gospel. In this gospel of John there are signs in the form of miracles, powers, wonders, and of words. John’s purpose was twofold: First that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. Secondly that by believing we may have life in His name.
Following are the seven signs or miracles that John has given us to prove the deity of Jesus Christ:
• Jesus turned water into wine to prove His power to create. (John 2:1-11)
• Jesus healed the Nobleman’s son to prove His power to prolong life. (John 4:46-54)
• Jesus healed a sick man at the pool of Bethesda to prove His power to give life. (John 5:1-18)
• Jesus fed the five thousand with a lad’s lunch to prove His power to supply the necessities of life. (John 6:1-14)
• Jesus walked on the water to prove His power to protect life. (John 6:15-21)
• Jesus gave sight to a blind beggar to prove His power to illuminate life. (John 9:1-4)
• Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead to prove His power to re-create life. (John 11:38-44)
In John 20:28 we read probably the most heartfelt confession of faith ever uttered or written. When Thomas saw Jesus after His death and Resurrection he said: “MY LORD AND MY GOD.”
The words “MY LORD” indicate his full commitment to Jesus. The words “MY GOD” indicate his intellectual conviction that Jesus is God. Saving faith demands total commitment to Christ as Lord and Master and intellectual conviction that He is the God-Man.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
I praise You dear Lord that You are my Savior, my God and my Redeemer. Thank You for the many illustrations that are given in Your Word that assures me that my faith is real. Thank You for the signs that You send my way that keeps me close to You in all that I do.
SIGNS
Defined by Webster:
A token; indication; a motion or gesture; to make a sign or signal; to indicate one’s approval; something indicating the presence or existence of something else; something material or external that stands for or signifies something spiritual.
GODS WORD
“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:30-31.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
In the book of John, he records seven signs or miracles that prove the deity of Jesus Christ. The word “SIGNS” in the gospel of John is the key that unlocks the door to our understanding of the good news of the gospel. In this gospel of John there are signs in the form of miracles, powers, wonders, and of words. John’s purpose was twofold: First that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. Secondly that by believing we may have life in His name.
Following are the seven signs or miracles that John has given us to prove the deity of Jesus Christ:
• Jesus turned water into wine to prove His power to create. (John 2:1-11)
• Jesus healed the Nobleman’s son to prove His power to prolong life. (John 4:46-54)
• Jesus healed a sick man at the pool of Bethesda to prove His power to give life. (John 5:1-18)
• Jesus fed the five thousand with a lad’s lunch to prove His power to supply the necessities of life. (John 6:1-14)
• Jesus walked on the water to prove His power to protect life. (John 6:15-21)
• Jesus gave sight to a blind beggar to prove His power to illuminate life. (John 9:1-4)
• Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead to prove His power to re-create life. (John 11:38-44)
In John 20:28 we read probably the most heartfelt confession of faith ever uttered or written. When Thomas saw Jesus after His death and Resurrection he said: “MY LORD AND MY GOD.”
The words “MY LORD” indicate his full commitment to Jesus. The words “MY GOD” indicate his intellectual conviction that Jesus is God. Saving faith demands total commitment to Christ as Lord and Master and intellectual conviction that He is the God-Man.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
I praise You dear Lord that You are my Savior, my God and my Redeemer. Thank You for the many illustrations that are given in Your Word that assures me that my faith is real. Thank You for the signs that You send my way that keeps me close to You in all that I do.
Sovereignty: September 23, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2009.
SOVEREIGNTY
Defined by Webster:
The quality or state of being sovereign; status; dominion; power; royalty; supreme and independent power or authority in a state.
GODS WORD
“I will praise Your mighty deeds, O Sovereign lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.” Psalm 71:16.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
The Sovereignty of God is a theological term meaning that our God has absolute authority and right of dominion over all His creation, because He is the self-existent creator. He has the sovereign right to do whatever He pleases. Some times we may think that He is not acting as we think, particularly when we look at the evil and corruption in this world we live in. He is all sovereign so we cannot question what He is doing.
God is in absolute control of all things and of all people. The powers of darkness, sin, Satan, demons, and the wickedness of mankind cannot alter the purpose of our sovereign God.
Habakkuk, a prophet of God, questioned God’s inactivity concerning the evil that prevailed in Judah in his day. He cried out to God with all his concerns. He said there is violence and evil deeds every where. People love to argue and fight. The wicked far out number the righteous. Justice has become perverted and there is no justice in the courts. He could have been describing the day and age we are living in today. Habakkuk felt God was not seeing or hearing what was going on.
In Habakkuk 1:5-6 God answered and assured Habakkuk that He was already doing something about it. God said: “I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.” Judah’s day of reckoning was coming. God was raising up the Babylonians who God would use to punish Judah. God is in absolute control of all things and of all people and not obligated to reveal the what or the why of His works.
Even these prophets of old found it hard to understand the sovereignty of God and the same is true of us today. But we do know that God has unlimited authority over all things and that He always creates and molds everything perfectly --- even our lives when we put our trust in Him.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You that I serve a sovereign God. I stand in awe at Your marvelous works and come to You as my God who is all knowing, all powerful and sovereign. Help me to radiate Your sin free life to my peers.
SOVEREIGNTY
Defined by Webster:
The quality or state of being sovereign; status; dominion; power; royalty; supreme and independent power or authority in a state.
GODS WORD
“I will praise Your mighty deeds, O Sovereign lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.” Psalm 71:16.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
The Sovereignty of God is a theological term meaning that our God has absolute authority and right of dominion over all His creation, because He is the self-existent creator. He has the sovereign right to do whatever He pleases. Some times we may think that He is not acting as we think, particularly when we look at the evil and corruption in this world we live in. He is all sovereign so we cannot question what He is doing.
God is in absolute control of all things and of all people. The powers of darkness, sin, Satan, demons, and the wickedness of mankind cannot alter the purpose of our sovereign God.
Habakkuk, a prophet of God, questioned God’s inactivity concerning the evil that prevailed in Judah in his day. He cried out to God with all his concerns. He said there is violence and evil deeds every where. People love to argue and fight. The wicked far out number the righteous. Justice has become perverted and there is no justice in the courts. He could have been describing the day and age we are living in today. Habakkuk felt God was not seeing or hearing what was going on.
In Habakkuk 1:5-6 God answered and assured Habakkuk that He was already doing something about it. God said: “I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.” Judah’s day of reckoning was coming. God was raising up the Babylonians who God would use to punish Judah. God is in absolute control of all things and of all people and not obligated to reveal the what or the why of His works.
Even these prophets of old found it hard to understand the sovereignty of God and the same is true of us today. But we do know that God has unlimited authority over all things and that He always creates and molds everything perfectly --- even our lives when we put our trust in Him.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You that I serve a sovereign God. I stand in awe at Your marvelous works and come to You as my God who is all knowing, all powerful and sovereign. Help me to radiate Your sin free life to my peers.
Uniqueness: September 22, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2009
UNIQUENESS
Defined by Webster:
Existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type and characteristics; having no like or equal; incomparable; not typical; unusual.
GODS WORD
“The officers answered, ‘No man ever spoke like this man.’” John 7:46.
“And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.” Luke 2:47.
“And they were astonished at His teachings, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Mark 1:22.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
In life there are many unique people, places and things. All of us have seen people that are unique because they have some unique ability. There are places on this earth that are unique because of the topography, wildlife and climate. We all have seen unique things, but today we want to talk about the most unique person that ever lived.
Jesus came to this earth as a man that possessed moral integrity and divine righteousness that marked Him different from all men. He was unique and set apart from all others. Following are seven ways in which Jesus was unique and set Him apart and above all other possible messianic claimants.
Our friend, Dr. Porter Barrington has outlined some of the characteristics of Jesus that makes Him unique.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS PERSON. The verses in Hebrews 1:1-13 proclaim His uniqueness as the Son of God, the Christ and the God-Man. He spoke in times past to the fathers of the prophets (verse 1). He was appointed heir of all things (verse 2). Through Him He made the worlds (verse 2). He is the out-flowing of the glory of God and expresses the perfect character of God (verse 3).He purged our sins (verse 3). He sat down at the right side of God (verse 3).
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS BIRTH. This uniqueness is outlined in Luke 1:26-35. He was born of a virgin. He was the incarnate God (born in flesh). He was born in the city of Bethlehem as prophesied. His birth was announced by Angels. He was born a man, poor, in a stable, cared for in a feeding trough but worshipped by Kings. His birth was signaled by a star. Hosts of angels gave forth praises at His birth.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS MINISTRY. In Mark 1:21-28 and the other gospels, we are told that He preached with absolute authority. He was the greatest teacher that ever lived. He performed the mightiest of miracles. He was the greatest healer. He was absolutely Holy and sinless in His person, actions and standards. He was a friend of sinners always offering them salvation. His ministry fulfilled the Old Testament messianic prophecies.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS DEATH. In John 19:16-30 we are told that, as Messiah, He died for people’s sins. He prophesied that He would be put to death. He died as the Passover Lamb as prophesied. He died voluntarily doing His Father’s will. As He endured the agony on the cross He asked for forgiveness for His enemies.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS RESSURECTION. In John 20: 1-31 we read that He rose according to the Old Testament prophecies. He prophesied His own resurrection. He rose from the dead from a sealed and guarded tomb. He appeared alive first to a woman and then over and over again to His disciples for 40 days.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS ASCENSION. In Acts 1:1-9 we are told how He was taken into heaven just as Enoch and Elijah were. He went to be with the Father. Jesus made a promise at His ascension that the disciples would receive power to witness for Him after the Holy Spirit came. Jesus made a command at His ascension to go into all the world and be witnesses of Him. He went to heaven to take the right seat next to God and to make continual intercession for the believers to God.
HE WILL BE UNIQUE IN HIS SECOND COMING. In Matthew 16:27 we are told that Jesus will return to this earth in power and majesty. He will raise the dead in Christ. He will come as a thief in the night. He will begin the promised millennium Kingdom on this earth and will rescue the tribulation saints
YES --- Jesus is the most UNIQUE person we have ever met. Have you met Him?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
I give praise to You for Your uniqueness that sets You apart and above all other messianic claimants. Help me to be a testimony of Your uniqueness to others through my words and my actions. May the joy of Christ be seen in my life by my family and friends. Help me to lead those I meet in my walk today to an involvement with You.
UNIQUENESS
Defined by Webster:
Existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type and characteristics; having no like or equal; incomparable; not typical; unusual.
GODS WORD
“The officers answered, ‘No man ever spoke like this man.’” John 7:46.
“And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.” Luke 2:47.
“And they were astonished at His teachings, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Mark 1:22.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
In life there are many unique people, places and things. All of us have seen people that are unique because they have some unique ability. There are places on this earth that are unique because of the topography, wildlife and climate. We all have seen unique things, but today we want to talk about the most unique person that ever lived.
Jesus came to this earth as a man that possessed moral integrity and divine righteousness that marked Him different from all men. He was unique and set apart from all others. Following are seven ways in which Jesus was unique and set Him apart and above all other possible messianic claimants.
Our friend, Dr. Porter Barrington has outlined some of the characteristics of Jesus that makes Him unique.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS PERSON. The verses in Hebrews 1:1-13 proclaim His uniqueness as the Son of God, the Christ and the God-Man. He spoke in times past to the fathers of the prophets (verse 1). He was appointed heir of all things (verse 2). Through Him He made the worlds (verse 2). He is the out-flowing of the glory of God and expresses the perfect character of God (verse 3).He purged our sins (verse 3). He sat down at the right side of God (verse 3).
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS BIRTH. This uniqueness is outlined in Luke 1:26-35. He was born of a virgin. He was the incarnate God (born in flesh). He was born in the city of Bethlehem as prophesied. His birth was announced by Angels. He was born a man, poor, in a stable, cared for in a feeding trough but worshipped by Kings. His birth was signaled by a star. Hosts of angels gave forth praises at His birth.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS MINISTRY. In Mark 1:21-28 and the other gospels, we are told that He preached with absolute authority. He was the greatest teacher that ever lived. He performed the mightiest of miracles. He was the greatest healer. He was absolutely Holy and sinless in His person, actions and standards. He was a friend of sinners always offering them salvation. His ministry fulfilled the Old Testament messianic prophecies.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS DEATH. In John 19:16-30 we are told that, as Messiah, He died for people’s sins. He prophesied that He would be put to death. He died as the Passover Lamb as prophesied. He died voluntarily doing His Father’s will. As He endured the agony on the cross He asked for forgiveness for His enemies.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS RESSURECTION. In John 20: 1-31 we read that He rose according to the Old Testament prophecies. He prophesied His own resurrection. He rose from the dead from a sealed and guarded tomb. He appeared alive first to a woman and then over and over again to His disciples for 40 days.
HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS ASCENSION. In Acts 1:1-9 we are told how He was taken into heaven just as Enoch and Elijah were. He went to be with the Father. Jesus made a promise at His ascension that the disciples would receive power to witness for Him after the Holy Spirit came. Jesus made a command at His ascension to go into all the world and be witnesses of Him. He went to heaven to take the right seat next to God and to make continual intercession for the believers to God.
HE WILL BE UNIQUE IN HIS SECOND COMING. In Matthew 16:27 we are told that Jesus will return to this earth in power and majesty. He will raise the dead in Christ. He will come as a thief in the night. He will begin the promised millennium Kingdom on this earth and will rescue the tribulation saints
YES --- Jesus is the most UNIQUE person we have ever met. Have you met Him?
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
I give praise to You for Your uniqueness that sets You apart and above all other messianic claimants. Help me to be a testimony of Your uniqueness to others through my words and my actions. May the joy of Christ be seen in my life by my family and friends. Help me to lead those I meet in my walk today to an involvement with You.
Boastfulness: September 21, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2009.
BOASTFULNESS
Defined by Webster:
To speak with exaggeration and excessive pride; about oneself; rejoice proudly; to speak up with excessive pride or vanity; exaggerated speech.
GODS WORD
“In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever.” Psalm 44:8
“This is what the Lord says: Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. For those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know Me and understand that I am the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Most of us have met or know someone who is always boasting about something he or she has attained or accomplished. We have seen the rich flaunt their riches, the powerful brag about their power and the educated boast of their knowledge. Boasting may give a person a boost to their ego but boasting is not a positive trait. Boasting tends to drive a wedge in a relationship.
Occasionally we would hear one of our children boasting that they were better at something than another one of our children. This usually led to an argument about who really was best. We would often respond with something like --- remember pride cometh before the fall.
I (Ken) remember some years ago a young man working in our warehouse at World Opportunities International. Constantly, day after day he was telling those he worked with and those from the inner city that came to our warehouse for food, story after story about some great accomplishment he had done the day before.
It did not take long for his peers and those that talked to him each day to find out that he was just a boaster and needed the attention. Most of the people we know who are boasters have very low self esteem and are very insecure.
The scripture tells us that we should not boast about ourselves. There is only one way that we should boast and that is to boast about our relationship with Jesus. People put a lot of value in riches, power, wisdom, knowledge, social status and appearance and they like to boast about them. These are all “things” that are temporary and can be taken away at any time. God does not value these “things” but what He does value is when we recognize that we know Him and love Him with all of our heart.
The opposite of a boasting person is a person who is humble. A humble person is not boastful about themselves but instead his boasting is in his relationship with Jesus. “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one that commends himself, who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” II Corinthians 10:17-18.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me a spirit of humility as I touch the lives of my peers. Help me to take advantage each moment of today of all that I have in Christ.
BOASTFULNESS
Defined by Webster:
To speak with exaggeration and excessive pride; about oneself; rejoice proudly; to speak up with excessive pride or vanity; exaggerated speech.
GODS WORD
“In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever.” Psalm 44:8
“This is what the Lord says: Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. For those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know Me and understand that I am the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Most of us have met or know someone who is always boasting about something he or she has attained or accomplished. We have seen the rich flaunt their riches, the powerful brag about their power and the educated boast of their knowledge. Boasting may give a person a boost to their ego but boasting is not a positive trait. Boasting tends to drive a wedge in a relationship.
Occasionally we would hear one of our children boasting that they were better at something than another one of our children. This usually led to an argument about who really was best. We would often respond with something like --- remember pride cometh before the fall.
I (Ken) remember some years ago a young man working in our warehouse at World Opportunities International. Constantly, day after day he was telling those he worked with and those from the inner city that came to our warehouse for food, story after story about some great accomplishment he had done the day before.
It did not take long for his peers and those that talked to him each day to find out that he was just a boaster and needed the attention. Most of the people we know who are boasters have very low self esteem and are very insecure.
The scripture tells us that we should not boast about ourselves. There is only one way that we should boast and that is to boast about our relationship with Jesus. People put a lot of value in riches, power, wisdom, knowledge, social status and appearance and they like to boast about them. These are all “things” that are temporary and can be taken away at any time. God does not value these “things” but what He does value is when we recognize that we know Him and love Him with all of our heart.
The opposite of a boasting person is a person who is humble. A humble person is not boastful about themselves but instead his boasting is in his relationship with Jesus. “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one that commends himself, who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” II Corinthians 10:17-18.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me a spirit of humility as I touch the lives of my peers. Help me to take advantage each moment of today of all that I have in Christ.
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