TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2009
FEAR
PART THREE
Defined by Webster:
The feeling of being afraid, having a concern or great anxiety.
GODS WORD
“Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:7
“Fear God and keep His commandments.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
“That you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, all of the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.” Deuteronomy 6:2
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
As believers in Christ we must realize that there are constructive and destructive fears and understand how they affect our lives. In Matthew 10, Jesus said to His disciples who were very fearful about what would happen to Jesus: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Fear of what man can do to us is a destructive fear.
Jesus did warn the disciples and the apostles that they would be persecuted for preaching the gospel and that they would have no physical defense. The Apostles did suffer severe persecution and nearly all were put to death. While the disciples had reason to fear what man could do to their physical bodies, Jesus wanted them to be assured their soul was safe because man cannot take away what God has given. God had given them, as well as us, eternal life.
There are two elements that will deliver you from destructive fear, whether it is fear of life or death, fear of failure or loss, fear of people or position or rank or power. They are FAITH IN GOD and GOD’S LOVE.
Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 43:1 to fear not because God has redeemed us. Faith and trust in God dispels fear. When speaking of God’s love, John says (I John 4:18) that “perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.” Believers need not fear God’s judgment because God’s perfect love guarantees our salvation.
Fear of the Lord is a constructive fear. Fear of the Lord is to honor and respect God, to bow in awe at His majesty and power and to be obedient to His commandments. When we fear the Lord we recognize that God ultimately has the power and right to cast both our body and soul into hell. Satan does not have that kind of power.
Fear of the Lord is constructive because it teaches wisdom (Proverbs 15:33), it keeps us from evil (Proverbs 16:6) and it keeps us obedient to God’s commandments. When we have reverential fear for God we will want to honor and obey Him and will want to commit our lives to Him. This is constructive fear that transforms our lives.
You cannot have faith in God, trust God and be fearful at the same time. There is no fear in Love, but perfect love casts out fear.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me the strength today to fear You so that I can bow in awe at Your majesty and power. Help me today to be obedient to Your commandments. Teach me wisdom, keep me from evil and open my eyes anew to the blessings You are giving to me and my family each day.
November 8, 2009
Fear Part Two: November 5, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2009
FEAR
PART TWO
Defined by Webster:
Apprehensive; impressed with fear; reverent awe as of God.
GODS WORD
“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” II Kings 6:16
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Fear is a natural reaction to anything that threatens our well being. We do not have to be taught to be afraid when we are in danger. Fear is a powerful emotion. As we said yesterday, we can become momentarily paralyzed by fear and we can become physically ill as a result of fear.
Fear is ever present in this world. People fear many things. Since the disaster of 9/11, there has been a continuing fear of another terrorist attack here in America. Many live with the fear of potential natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires, tornados and earthquakes.
For others there is a fear of losing ones job, a fear for the well being of their children, a fear of personal safety, a fear of losing ones home and even a fear of a nuclear war. The list goes on and on. We read forms of the word fear and afraid over 800 times in God’s Word. God wants us to know that he understands our fears.
God tells us not to fear “things” in life because He wants us to put our trust in Him. He wants to be our protector and wants us to give our fears to Him. God really wants us to trade our fears for trust in Him. He did not promise us a life free of danger, but He does promise to be with us in time of danger.
In Psalms 46:1-2 we are told that: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we should not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” What this verse really says is that we should not fear even if the world comes to an end. Many people today are consumed with fear with this concern that everything is falling apart. The Bible is clear in stating that God is our refuge even in a time of total destruction.
All who believe and put their trust in the Lord has an eternal refuge with God in heaven. You can have that eternal refuge if you accept the “SALVATION” that God has offered us.
In II Kings (the verse noted above), we are told to fear not because God is our power. These words were spoken by Elisha who was a prophet with great faith, to his servant who was in great fear when he saw that their city was surrounded by the army of their enemy, the King of Syria --- Ben-Hadad. God revealed King Ben-Hadad’s military plans to Elisha and Elisha then gave these plans to the King of Israel.
When King Ben-Hadad found out what Elisha had done he sent his army to capture Elisha. Elisha’s servant did not realize that God had a greater army that would defend Elisha that was unseen. The scripture tells us that Elisha prayed that God would open his young servant’s spiritual eyes, teaching the young man faith and the fear of the Lord. He said that only by faith can we see the invisible host of heaven and not fear. The Lord opened the young servant’s spiritual eyes and he saw God’s army ready to protect Elisha. It is only by faith that we today can see the invisible host of heaven and not fear.
Here we learn that every servant of God has an edge over the enemies of righteousness. We have these many armaments to fight against fear. They are God’s Word; God’s power; God’s Holy Spirit and God’s protection. Fear not! God is with you.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me the confidence that I need today to release my fears to You. Thank you for Your promise to protect us in time of danger. Help me to put my trust in You and as Elisha of old, may I have that total confidence in You that he showed to his servant.
FEAR
PART TWO
Defined by Webster:
Apprehensive; impressed with fear; reverent awe as of God.
GODS WORD
“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” II Kings 6:16
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Fear is a natural reaction to anything that threatens our well being. We do not have to be taught to be afraid when we are in danger. Fear is a powerful emotion. As we said yesterday, we can become momentarily paralyzed by fear and we can become physically ill as a result of fear.
Fear is ever present in this world. People fear many things. Since the disaster of 9/11, there has been a continuing fear of another terrorist attack here in America. Many live with the fear of potential natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires, tornados and earthquakes.
For others there is a fear of losing ones job, a fear for the well being of their children, a fear of personal safety, a fear of losing ones home and even a fear of a nuclear war. The list goes on and on. We read forms of the word fear and afraid over 800 times in God’s Word. God wants us to know that he understands our fears.
God tells us not to fear “things” in life because He wants us to put our trust in Him. He wants to be our protector and wants us to give our fears to Him. God really wants us to trade our fears for trust in Him. He did not promise us a life free of danger, but He does promise to be with us in time of danger.
In Psalms 46:1-2 we are told that: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we should not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” What this verse really says is that we should not fear even if the world comes to an end. Many people today are consumed with fear with this concern that everything is falling apart. The Bible is clear in stating that God is our refuge even in a time of total destruction.
All who believe and put their trust in the Lord has an eternal refuge with God in heaven. You can have that eternal refuge if you accept the “SALVATION” that God has offered us.
In II Kings (the verse noted above), we are told to fear not because God is our power. These words were spoken by Elisha who was a prophet with great faith, to his servant who was in great fear when he saw that their city was surrounded by the army of their enemy, the King of Syria --- Ben-Hadad. God revealed King Ben-Hadad’s military plans to Elisha and Elisha then gave these plans to the King of Israel.
When King Ben-Hadad found out what Elisha had done he sent his army to capture Elisha. Elisha’s servant did not realize that God had a greater army that would defend Elisha that was unseen. The scripture tells us that Elisha prayed that God would open his young servant’s spiritual eyes, teaching the young man faith and the fear of the Lord. He said that only by faith can we see the invisible host of heaven and not fear. The Lord opened the young servant’s spiritual eyes and he saw God’s army ready to protect Elisha. It is only by faith that we today can see the invisible host of heaven and not fear.
Here we learn that every servant of God has an edge over the enemies of righteousness. We have these many armaments to fight against fear. They are God’s Word; God’s power; God’s Holy Spirit and God’s protection. Fear not! God is with you.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give me the confidence that I need today to release my fears to You. Thank you for Your promise to protect us in time of danger. Help me to put my trust in You and as Elisha of old, may I have that total confidence in You that he showed to his servant.
Fear Part One: November 4, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2009
FEAR
PART ONE
Defined by Webster:
A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil or pain; whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid; concern or anxiety.
GODS WORD
“Do not be afraid, I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1
“Let all the earth fear the Lord.” Psalm 33:8
“I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Fear is one of the most relevant subjects found in God’s Word. Some fears are so powerful that one can become momentarily paralyzed by them. One can become physically ill because of fear. Therefore we must, as believers, give ourselves to the Lord and study the Word of God as it has all of the tools necessary to combat the fears that come upon us.
Our friend Dr. Porter Barrington gives us three fears that can keep us from knowing the Lord and doing His will:
• The fear that you will fail.
• The fear that you cannot live up to God’s standards.
• The fear that you cannot obey God’s Word.
The important thing to remember is that these fears, if we do not get them out of our lives, may condemn us to eternal hell.
Over 80 times in God’s Word we read the words “DO NOT FEAR” or “FEAR NOT.” We are living in a world filled with fear. Parents are fearful for their children. Children are fearful of facing what is unknown to them. Adults are fearful about their work, their homes, their families, their finances and their futures. The scriptures are clear when they tell us that when we seek the Lord, He will hear us and will deliver us from all of our fears. Remember these verses say “ALL FEARS.” Faith in the Lord overcomes fear.
If you are fearful about “THINGS” in your life or about life in general it is time for you to take time now and evaluate your relationship with Jesus. Seek the Lord; He will hear you and He will deliver you from ALL your fears!
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to conquer every fear that I may have in my life. Give me the desire to seek Your name and lay each fear at Your feet so that You can deliver me from these fears. Help me to reach out to others that are facing fears in their lives and allow me to lead them to You so that they can enjoy the same peace in their hearts that You have given me.
FEAR
PART ONE
Defined by Webster:
A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil or pain; whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid; concern or anxiety.
GODS WORD
“Do not be afraid, I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1
“Let all the earth fear the Lord.” Psalm 33:8
“I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Fear is one of the most relevant subjects found in God’s Word. Some fears are so powerful that one can become momentarily paralyzed by them. One can become physically ill because of fear. Therefore we must, as believers, give ourselves to the Lord and study the Word of God as it has all of the tools necessary to combat the fears that come upon us.
Our friend Dr. Porter Barrington gives us three fears that can keep us from knowing the Lord and doing His will:
• The fear that you will fail.
• The fear that you cannot live up to God’s standards.
• The fear that you cannot obey God’s Word.
The important thing to remember is that these fears, if we do not get them out of our lives, may condemn us to eternal hell.
Over 80 times in God’s Word we read the words “DO NOT FEAR” or “FEAR NOT.” We are living in a world filled with fear. Parents are fearful for their children. Children are fearful of facing what is unknown to them. Adults are fearful about their work, their homes, their families, their finances and their futures. The scriptures are clear when they tell us that when we seek the Lord, He will hear us and will deliver us from all of our fears. Remember these verses say “ALL FEARS.” Faith in the Lord overcomes fear.
If you are fearful about “THINGS” in your life or about life in general it is time for you to take time now and evaluate your relationship with Jesus. Seek the Lord; He will hear you and He will deliver you from ALL your fears!
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to conquer every fear that I may have in my life. Give me the desire to seek Your name and lay each fear at Your feet so that You can deliver me from these fears. Help me to reach out to others that are facing fears in their lives and allow me to lead them to You so that they can enjoy the same peace in their hearts that You have given me.
Pride: November 3, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2009
PRIDE
Defined by Webster:
The state or quality of being proud; self respect; self esteem; a feeling of gratification; conceit; arrogance.
GODS WORD
“For everything in the world --- the craving of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting (pride) of what he has and does --- come not from the Father but from the world.” I John 2:16
“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18.
“A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 29:23
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Over the years we have seen many proud people take terrible falls. In the verse we have written above from I John, we are reminded by the Apostle that issues like lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride are not of God. The book of Proverbs has many references reminding us that God is absolute in condemning pride. Proverbs chapter 6 verses 16-19 list seven things that the Lord hates. Pride is the number one item on that list. Pride is the devils tool and is the underlying cause for many sins.
Nothing good comes from pride. Proverbs 11:2 teaches that “When pride comes, then comes disgrace but with humility comes wisdom.” Also in Proverbs we find the results of pride contrasted with the results of humility. Pride brings downfall, destruction and disgrace and leads to quarrels. Humility leads to wisdom, honor and a willingness to take advice.
The Apostle wrote these words from Ephesus after he had been released from prison on the isle of Patmos. He addressed these words in I John to those that were believers so that they could distinguish between truth and the errors that were creeping into the churches of the day.
Today we face the same concerns among those that know the Lord. Many churches are hampered by leadership that tries to govern or make decisions that honor God but their pride gets in the way. The same is true in family life. We have gone through several generations, especially here in North America and Europe, where we have lived in the best of times. This success and affluently has resulted in pride, consuming our society.
When we are successful it is human nature to want to take the credit and to become proud of what we have accomplished. We forget to remember to acknowledge that it is God who gives us strength and wisdom to do what we do. When we forget to give God the glory, pride takes over and we can no longer expect God to bless us.
When God allows us to get the best of “things” in life, so many times we walk around showing off our pride. In Proverbs 29 (above), we are reminded that the pride that we have in our successes will bring one low in God’s sight. In contrast the writer says that the humble in spirit will retain honor before God.
As Christians we need to live with a humble spirit no matter how great or how little our accomplishments may be. As parents we need to teach humility and warn our children about pride. And as children we need to listen, watch and learn and then pattern our lives after the ones that show humility in all they do.
One of the real blessings we had when we attended Wheaton College was watching the actions and attitude of the President of our college, Dr V. Raymond Edman. He was a humble man; second to no one else we have ever met. He showed his humility whether he was in the pulpit or with his everyday activities and conversations. Every student on campus was important to him and he was always available to all. Along with his humility came kindness, gentleness and patience. This is our prayer for you, that God will take away all your pride and give you a humble spirit that honors your Lord.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Teach me today to be humble in Your sight. Help me to stay away from pride in my walk and in my talk. May others see in me a spirit of humility and not a spirit of pride. May I always give You the honor and glory for my successes. Thank You for all the many wonderful blessings You have given to me and my family. May we use these blessings not to show our pride but to honor You.
PRIDE
Defined by Webster:
The state or quality of being proud; self respect; self esteem; a feeling of gratification; conceit; arrogance.
GODS WORD
“For everything in the world --- the craving of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting (pride) of what he has and does --- come not from the Father but from the world.” I John 2:16
“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18.
“A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 29:23
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Over the years we have seen many proud people take terrible falls. In the verse we have written above from I John, we are reminded by the Apostle that issues like lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride are not of God. The book of Proverbs has many references reminding us that God is absolute in condemning pride. Proverbs chapter 6 verses 16-19 list seven things that the Lord hates. Pride is the number one item on that list. Pride is the devils tool and is the underlying cause for many sins.
Nothing good comes from pride. Proverbs 11:2 teaches that “When pride comes, then comes disgrace but with humility comes wisdom.” Also in Proverbs we find the results of pride contrasted with the results of humility. Pride brings downfall, destruction and disgrace and leads to quarrels. Humility leads to wisdom, honor and a willingness to take advice.
The Apostle wrote these words from Ephesus after he had been released from prison on the isle of Patmos. He addressed these words in I John to those that were believers so that they could distinguish between truth and the errors that were creeping into the churches of the day.
Today we face the same concerns among those that know the Lord. Many churches are hampered by leadership that tries to govern or make decisions that honor God but their pride gets in the way. The same is true in family life. We have gone through several generations, especially here in North America and Europe, where we have lived in the best of times. This success and affluently has resulted in pride, consuming our society.
When we are successful it is human nature to want to take the credit and to become proud of what we have accomplished. We forget to remember to acknowledge that it is God who gives us strength and wisdom to do what we do. When we forget to give God the glory, pride takes over and we can no longer expect God to bless us.
When God allows us to get the best of “things” in life, so many times we walk around showing off our pride. In Proverbs 29 (above), we are reminded that the pride that we have in our successes will bring one low in God’s sight. In contrast the writer says that the humble in spirit will retain honor before God.
As Christians we need to live with a humble spirit no matter how great or how little our accomplishments may be. As parents we need to teach humility and warn our children about pride. And as children we need to listen, watch and learn and then pattern our lives after the ones that show humility in all they do.
One of the real blessings we had when we attended Wheaton College was watching the actions and attitude of the President of our college, Dr V. Raymond Edman. He was a humble man; second to no one else we have ever met. He showed his humility whether he was in the pulpit or with his everyday activities and conversations. Every student on campus was important to him and he was always available to all. Along with his humility came kindness, gentleness and patience. This is our prayer for you, that God will take away all your pride and give you a humble spirit that honors your Lord.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Teach me today to be humble in Your sight. Help me to stay away from pride in my walk and in my talk. May others see in me a spirit of humility and not a spirit of pride. May I always give You the honor and glory for my successes. Thank You for all the many wonderful blessings You have given to me and my family. May we use these blessings not to show our pride but to honor You.
Religion: November 2, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2009
RELIGION
Defined by Webster:
A set of beliefs; concerning the cause and purpose of the universe; a particular set of beliefs and practices; something a person believes in.
GODS WORD
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their time of trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from this world.” James 1:26-27
“How great is the love the father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God; and that is what we are.” I John 3:1
“Now if we are children of God then we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Romans 8:17
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Many people get very confused and even defensive when we talk about religion. This is because there is so many “religions” in our culture today and one hears so many conflicting concepts and ideas. When we talk to someone about our “religion”, we make it clear that we are talking about a “relationship” not a series of concepts or “do’s and don’ts”.
Very simply we have a personal relationship with Jesus. This relationship began when we accepted Jesus into our hearts as our personal Savior. God sent His Son to this earth to pay the penalty for our sins and we accepted His offer. There is no other religion that makes this offer. All other “religions” offer a series of rituals like doing good works, church attending, penance etc. The difference is the “RELATIONSHIP.”
We have with Jesus a family relationship grounded in love. It was because God loved us that He sent His Son so that by believing in Him we could become children of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. What a privilege to be the recipient of such great love and to be able to call God “Our Father.” And just think of all the untold and unseen riches that will be ours as joint heirs with Christ.
In the verses that we have written above from the book of James, we read that the fruit of our religion is in what we do and what we say. When we have a relationship (our religion) with Jesus we will watch what we say --- bridle our tongue --- and our deeds will be a commitment to honor our Lord by helping those in need --- including widows and orphans. When we have a relationship with Christ it is important that the people around us are able to see evidence of our relationship with Christ by the way we live our lives. When we do not live by God’s Word and practice what God teaches James tells us that “our religion is useless.”
Is your “religion” just a series of rituals that you do your best to try to honor? In your “religion” do you have a certainty that you will spend eternity with God? Is your “religion” a relationship with Jesus that gives you the certain hope for an eternity with God? You can know about God, but you cannot know God until you have entered a relationship with God and become a “child of God.” It is our prayer that you will become a “Child of God” if you have not done so already.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to allow others to see in me my relationship with Jesus. Help me to watch what I say that every word that proceeds out of my mouth glorifies Your name. Give me today a caring attitude that compels me to reach out and help those in need.
RELIGION
Defined by Webster:
A set of beliefs; concerning the cause and purpose of the universe; a particular set of beliefs and practices; something a person believes in.
GODS WORD
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their time of trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from this world.” James 1:26-27
“How great is the love the father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God; and that is what we are.” I John 3:1
“Now if we are children of God then we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Romans 8:17
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Many people get very confused and even defensive when we talk about religion. This is because there is so many “religions” in our culture today and one hears so many conflicting concepts and ideas. When we talk to someone about our “religion”, we make it clear that we are talking about a “relationship” not a series of concepts or “do’s and don’ts”.
Very simply we have a personal relationship with Jesus. This relationship began when we accepted Jesus into our hearts as our personal Savior. God sent His Son to this earth to pay the penalty for our sins and we accepted His offer. There is no other religion that makes this offer. All other “religions” offer a series of rituals like doing good works, church attending, penance etc. The difference is the “RELATIONSHIP.”
We have with Jesus a family relationship grounded in love. It was because God loved us that He sent His Son so that by believing in Him we could become children of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. What a privilege to be the recipient of such great love and to be able to call God “Our Father.” And just think of all the untold and unseen riches that will be ours as joint heirs with Christ.
In the verses that we have written above from the book of James, we read that the fruit of our religion is in what we do and what we say. When we have a relationship (our religion) with Jesus we will watch what we say --- bridle our tongue --- and our deeds will be a commitment to honor our Lord by helping those in need --- including widows and orphans. When we have a relationship with Christ it is important that the people around us are able to see evidence of our relationship with Christ by the way we live our lives. When we do not live by God’s Word and practice what God teaches James tells us that “our religion is useless.”
Is your “religion” just a series of rituals that you do your best to try to honor? In your “religion” do you have a certainty that you will spend eternity with God? Is your “religion” a relationship with Jesus that gives you the certain hope for an eternity with God? You can know about God, but you cannot know God until you have entered a relationship with God and become a “child of God.” It is our prayer that you will become a “Child of God” if you have not done so already.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help me today to allow others to see in me my relationship with Jesus. Help me to watch what I say that every word that proceeds out of my mouth glorifies Your name. Give me today a caring attitude that compels me to reach out and help those in need.
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