TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 30, 2009.
PRAYER
Defined by Webster:
Spiritual communication with God; A devout petition to God or an object of worship; the act or practice of praying to God or an object of worship; a petition.
GODS WORD
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made to God.” Philippians 4:6
“So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.” Exodus 4:31
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Prayer is one of the pillars of the Christian faith. When we pray we communicate with our Heavenly father and it is a privilege to take all of our burdens, requests and praise to almighty God. There are six vital lessons for us to learn about prayer:
• We must pray as the Lord prayed. He gave us an example with what we normally call the Lord’s Prayer. (Luke 11:1-4)
• We are to pray in the Spirit. Jude tells us in Jude 20 that we are to pray in the Holy Spirit who will guide and assists in our prayers. We need the intercession that the Holy Spirit can give us to speak to the father. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray unselfishly, purely and correctly.
• We are to pray according to God’s will. In Romans 12:2 we are told that God’s will for the Christian believer is good, acceptable and perfect. We learn what is God’s will from the scriptures, the leading of the Holy Spirit from within us and the circumstances which God allows to occur in our lives.
• We are to pray without ceasing. In I Thessalonians 5:17 and 18, we are told to pray without ceasing, continually and with thanksgiving. God desires your fellowship, He desires you to have His forgiveness, peace, guidance and His rest in your soul.
• We are to pray believing. In Matthew 21:21 and 22 we are told to believe in God’s almighty ability and desire to answer our prayers from the evidence He has given us in the scriptures. We can ask in prayer and we need to ask “believing.”
• We are to pray in His name. Christ teaches us in John 16:23 and 24 to pray to the Father in His name. Christ knows that we are sinners, but when we are robed in His righteousness we are dressed as children of the King and can expect mountains to be moved. He assures that prayers in His name will be answered. Christ teaches that we must ask in His will that our joy may be full.
These six lessons if studied and practiced will give us a prayer life that honors God and will bring blessing to our lives as we allow God to work in our lives and answer our prayers.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Teach me today O Lord how to pray. As the disciples asked nearly 2000 years ago, I ask of you today for a new and exciting prayer life. Give me a burden to pray without ceasing for my family and friends. May I have a new burden to pray for those in need. Thank You for the blessing You will give me in answer to my prayers.
November 1, 2009
Money: October 29, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY OCTOBER 29, 2009
MONEY
Defined by Webster:
Any circulating medium of exchange; means of payment; measure of wealth.
GODS WORD
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” I Timothy 6:10
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
It is important for us to realize that it is the LOVE OF MONEY that is the root of all kinds of evil. Having money is not the problem; it is how we use it and what we think about it.
We believe that God blesses some people with money because He knows that they will use it for His glory. We had a dear friend some years ago named Lawrence Young. This man was a wonderful example for us and we learned many important life principles from him. No one really knew for sure how wealthy he was but he and his wife were very well off financially. Several times he invited me to drive with him as he collected rent money on his many pieces of property. Every time we talked he would give advice and counsel that was always valuable. His business counseling and tutoring assisted me in making wise and good decisions later in life.
He used his money to help others. He drove an old car that always ran well but to look at it you would wonder if it would make it to the next appointment. He converted an old school bus into his “CAMPER” where he could take his 7th grade Sunday school kids on outings. He taught 7th grade Sunday school at Hollywood Presbyterian Church for well over 40 years. He owned a printing press and did the printing for literally scores of Christian ministries at his cost and many times at no cost to the ministry.
At World Opportunities, the missionary organization we help establish in 1961, we needed warehouse space. He found just the right building to meet our needs, gave the necessary funds for us to purchase the building and set up a financial plan for our ministry to pay him back at only $500.00 a month with no interest.
As you can see, God blessed Lawrence and Ruth with money and they used it for His glory. This is the ministry that God entrusted to them and they responded with overwhelming generosity. We noted that down through the years the more they helped ministries the more God blessed them.
For our mission it did not end with one or two events. As we expanded he not only guided us in getting the right properties but gave thousands of dollars to make it possible for us to acquire the properties to handle the growth of our mission...
Lawrence Young is a great example for each of us that when God blesses one with money, He expects it to be used for His glory. Mr. and Mrs. Young lacked for nothing and because they honored God, He continued to pour His blessings upon them. If they had a REAL LOVE for money, the scripture tells us that that would be the beginning of evil things that would not be of God.
We have not been blessed with financial wealth but what abilities, talents and time that He has chosen us to use as we serve Him. All along the way He has supplied our every need because we have tried to be faithful to Him. God is faithful and will reward those that honor Him.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You for guiding me and my family in the use of the money You bless us with. Keep us from allowing money and wealth to be our all consuming goal in life. Keep our eyes on You so that our desire will be to store up treasure in heaven rather than treasures here on earth.
MONEY
Defined by Webster:
Any circulating medium of exchange; means of payment; measure of wealth.
GODS WORD
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” I Timothy 6:10
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
It is important for us to realize that it is the LOVE OF MONEY that is the root of all kinds of evil. Having money is not the problem; it is how we use it and what we think about it.
We believe that God blesses some people with money because He knows that they will use it for His glory. We had a dear friend some years ago named Lawrence Young. This man was a wonderful example for us and we learned many important life principles from him. No one really knew for sure how wealthy he was but he and his wife were very well off financially. Several times he invited me to drive with him as he collected rent money on his many pieces of property. Every time we talked he would give advice and counsel that was always valuable. His business counseling and tutoring assisted me in making wise and good decisions later in life.
He used his money to help others. He drove an old car that always ran well but to look at it you would wonder if it would make it to the next appointment. He converted an old school bus into his “CAMPER” where he could take his 7th grade Sunday school kids on outings. He taught 7th grade Sunday school at Hollywood Presbyterian Church for well over 40 years. He owned a printing press and did the printing for literally scores of Christian ministries at his cost and many times at no cost to the ministry.
At World Opportunities, the missionary organization we help establish in 1961, we needed warehouse space. He found just the right building to meet our needs, gave the necessary funds for us to purchase the building and set up a financial plan for our ministry to pay him back at only $500.00 a month with no interest.
As you can see, God blessed Lawrence and Ruth with money and they used it for His glory. This is the ministry that God entrusted to them and they responded with overwhelming generosity. We noted that down through the years the more they helped ministries the more God blessed them.
For our mission it did not end with one or two events. As we expanded he not only guided us in getting the right properties but gave thousands of dollars to make it possible for us to acquire the properties to handle the growth of our mission...
Lawrence Young is a great example for each of us that when God blesses one with money, He expects it to be used for His glory. Mr. and Mrs. Young lacked for nothing and because they honored God, He continued to pour His blessings upon them. If they had a REAL LOVE for money, the scripture tells us that that would be the beginning of evil things that would not be of God.
We have not been blessed with financial wealth but what abilities, talents and time that He has chosen us to use as we serve Him. All along the way He has supplied our every need because we have tried to be faithful to Him. God is faithful and will reward those that honor Him.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You for guiding me and my family in the use of the money You bless us with. Keep us from allowing money and wealth to be our all consuming goal in life. Keep our eyes on You so that our desire will be to store up treasure in heaven rather than treasures here on earth.
Salvation: October 28, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28, 2009
SALVATION
Defined by Webster:
The act of saving or protecting from harm; risk or loss; the state of being saved or protected; deliverance from the power and penalty of sin.
GODS WORD
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:3
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Acts 16:3
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Salvation is the gift of God that He has given to us through His Son Jesus. This salvation is available to everyone and our hearts are broken that so very few people today feel any need for God and the salvation that He has offered everyone.
Jesus began His ministry on earth with the marvelous message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) It is also written in Acts 16 that the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what can I do to be saved?” The answer was given clearly and simply: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is SALVATION!
Salvation is more than great, but it says in the scripture above that it is “SO GREAT.” This is true because:
• It was first preached by Jesus when He said to Zacchaeus, who was sitting in a tree so he could see Jesus in the crowd, “Today salvation has come to this house.”
• After the death of Jesus, God sent His Holy Spirit to proclaim salvation to the lost through the apostles and all believers. (John 16:7-15)
• This salvation is the only salvation available to mankind for entrance into an eternity in heaven. In Acts 4:12 it reads: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among man by which we may be saved.”
Salvation is the eternal life that God has given us. The Philippian jailer never asked what he could do to be “LOST.” He knew the answer: You must do nothing because we are all born sinners and are condemned because of our sins to eternal damnation. The only answer for eternal life in heaven is the SALVATION that God has offered us to accept through His Son Jesus.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You Almighty God for the “GREAT SALVATION” that you have provided for me through Your Son, Jesus. Give me the strength today to live my life honoring You in all that I do and say.
SALVATION
Defined by Webster:
The act of saving or protecting from harm; risk or loss; the state of being saved or protected; deliverance from the power and penalty of sin.
GODS WORD
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:3
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Acts 16:3
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Salvation is the gift of God that He has given to us through His Son Jesus. This salvation is available to everyone and our hearts are broken that so very few people today feel any need for God and the salvation that He has offered everyone.
Jesus began His ministry on earth with the marvelous message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) It is also written in Acts 16 that the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what can I do to be saved?” The answer was given clearly and simply: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is SALVATION!
Salvation is more than great, but it says in the scripture above that it is “SO GREAT.” This is true because:
• It was first preached by Jesus when He said to Zacchaeus, who was sitting in a tree so he could see Jesus in the crowd, “Today salvation has come to this house.”
• After the death of Jesus, God sent His Holy Spirit to proclaim salvation to the lost through the apostles and all believers. (John 16:7-15)
• This salvation is the only salvation available to mankind for entrance into an eternity in heaven. In Acts 4:12 it reads: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among man by which we may be saved.”
Salvation is the eternal life that God has given us. The Philippian jailer never asked what he could do to be “LOST.” He knew the answer: You must do nothing because we are all born sinners and are condemned because of our sins to eternal damnation. The only answer for eternal life in heaven is the SALVATION that God has offered us to accept through His Son Jesus.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank You Almighty God for the “GREAT SALVATION” that you have provided for me through Your Son, Jesus. Give me the strength today to live my life honoring You in all that I do and say.
Criticism: October 27, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY OCTOBER 27, 2009
CRITICISM
Defined by Webster:
An act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything; an act of passing judgment; censure; an unfavorable comment.
GODS WORD
“For the Lord will judge His people and have compassion on His servants.” Deuteronomy 32:36
“Judge not that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1
“You judge according to the flesh, I judge no one.” John 8:15
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
We can remember being with people in past years that have been very critical of people, places and things. It seemed that no one could do anything right in their sight. In the world we live in there are many people that just by their nature need to be critical in their evaluation of others. These people are always negative in their thinking and do not seem to enjoy any of the blessings of life.
In real life if you continually associate with one who is critical, you soon will become just as critical yourself. Life is full of choices and we need to choose people that we associate with daily who are kind, considerate and look at what is good in others rather than looking for something to criticize. People criticize others because they are trying to boost their own egos.
The Bible gives us guidelines about criticism. When we criticize someone or something we become a judge and we are passing our judgment on another person’s actions. But we do not know the circumstances that they are facing and our criticism comes from not knowing all the facts. In John 8:15 (above), Jesus was defending himself to the Pharisees who were critical of His witness --- telling the masses that he was the Son of God. At this point in time they did not believe that Jesus was who He said He was. Jesus responded to them by saying that they judged according to the flesh but He judged no one. This is a lesson for us today because when we judge or criticize someone or something it is done out of the flesh and not of God.
As parents we taught our children to respect others no matter who they were or what they did. We often explained that criticism hurt and hurting people was not of God.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today not to criticize people that I meet, places where I go or things that I see. May others see in me a compassionate person that glorifies You in all that I do and say. Give me a tender heart and a new love for all I touch with my life.
CRITICISM
Defined by Webster:
An act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything; an act of passing judgment; censure; an unfavorable comment.
GODS WORD
“For the Lord will judge His people and have compassion on His servants.” Deuteronomy 32:36
“Judge not that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1
“You judge according to the flesh, I judge no one.” John 8:15
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
We can remember being with people in past years that have been very critical of people, places and things. It seemed that no one could do anything right in their sight. In the world we live in there are many people that just by their nature need to be critical in their evaluation of others. These people are always negative in their thinking and do not seem to enjoy any of the blessings of life.
In real life if you continually associate with one who is critical, you soon will become just as critical yourself. Life is full of choices and we need to choose people that we associate with daily who are kind, considerate and look at what is good in others rather than looking for something to criticize. People criticize others because they are trying to boost their own egos.
The Bible gives us guidelines about criticism. When we criticize someone or something we become a judge and we are passing our judgment on another person’s actions. But we do not know the circumstances that they are facing and our criticism comes from not knowing all the facts. In John 8:15 (above), Jesus was defending himself to the Pharisees who were critical of His witness --- telling the masses that he was the Son of God. At this point in time they did not believe that Jesus was who He said He was. Jesus responded to them by saying that they judged according to the flesh but He judged no one. This is a lesson for us today because when we judge or criticize someone or something it is done out of the flesh and not of God.
As parents we taught our children to respect others no matter who they were or what they did. We often explained that criticism hurt and hurting people was not of God.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today not to criticize people that I meet, places where I go or things that I see. May others see in me a compassionate person that glorifies You in all that I do and say. Give me a tender heart and a new love for all I touch with my life.
Instruction: October 26, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY OCTOBER 26, 2009
INSTRUCTION
Defined by Webster:
The act or result of instructing; teaching; an order; direction.
GODS WORD
“Take firm hold of INSTRUCTION, do not let go.” Proverbs 4:13
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for INSTRUCTION in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
We learned from an early age from our parents the value and importance of instruction. As children we did not always like the instruction that was given us. Children often rebel at instruction but if it is given consistently and in love soon one will overcome the rebellion. As we grew older we realized the value of the instruction given to us by our parents.
We also learned at an early age the value of the instruction we received in school. Our teachers and our parents taught us to study and to accept instruction as to how to study and learn. Today many children do not receive this kind of encouragement.
The above scripture verse found in II Timothy reminds us that the Bible was given to us as God’s inspired word for instruction as to how we are to live our lives in this world as believers in the Lord. The instruction that we receive as we read God’s word at times seems hard to understand and many wonder if it is even realistic in today’s culture. But when one accepts Jesus as his or her Savior a change in life style is expected and the instruction we receive from the Bible never has changed through the centuries --- only people and cultures change.
We are to take hold of the instruction that God gives us and we are not to let it go. (Proverbs 4:13) We encourage you today to look beyond what others do or what others say if it conflicts with the instruction given to us in God’s word.
As parents we must instruct our children in the ways of the Lord and as children we must learn from the God-given instruction that our parents give us. Remember others learn from our words and our deeds. Make sure that what you do and say today is consistent with the instruction given to you in God’s Word.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to take the instruction I learn today, from reading Your Word and praying, and applying it to my walk and talk. Give me wisdom to express what Your Word tells me to my children and to those I meet today. May others learn from me today more about You and what You want from us as believers.
INSTRUCTION
Defined by Webster:
The act or result of instructing; teaching; an order; direction.
GODS WORD
“Take firm hold of INSTRUCTION, do not let go.” Proverbs 4:13
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for INSTRUCTION in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16
WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE
We learned from an early age from our parents the value and importance of instruction. As children we did not always like the instruction that was given us. Children often rebel at instruction but if it is given consistently and in love soon one will overcome the rebellion. As we grew older we realized the value of the instruction given to us by our parents.
We also learned at an early age the value of the instruction we received in school. Our teachers and our parents taught us to study and to accept instruction as to how to study and learn. Today many children do not receive this kind of encouragement.
The above scripture verse found in II Timothy reminds us that the Bible was given to us as God’s inspired word for instruction as to how we are to live our lives in this world as believers in the Lord. The instruction that we receive as we read God’s word at times seems hard to understand and many wonder if it is even realistic in today’s culture. But when one accepts Jesus as his or her Savior a change in life style is expected and the instruction we receive from the Bible never has changed through the centuries --- only people and cultures change.
We are to take hold of the instruction that God gives us and we are not to let it go. (Proverbs 4:13) We encourage you today to look beyond what others do or what others say if it conflicts with the instruction given to us in God’s word.
As parents we must instruct our children in the ways of the Lord and as children we must learn from the God-given instruction that our parents give us. Remember others learn from our words and our deeds. Make sure that what you do and say today is consistent with the instruction given to you in God’s Word.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to take the instruction I learn today, from reading Your Word and praying, and applying it to my walk and talk. Give me wisdom to express what Your Word tells me to my children and to those I meet today. May others learn from me today more about You and what You want from us as believers.
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