Today's Word for Tuesday June 8, 2010
ESCAPE
DEFINITION
Get away or flee as from capture or confinement; evade or avoid; elude.
SCRIPTURE
"But Jonah rose up to flee into Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa." Jonah 1:3
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
When we think of the word escape for some reason Alcatraz, the prison in the bay of San Francisco, comes to our mind. This prison was reserved for the worst prisoners in America. They would be sent here to serve their time because the system felt that they could not escape. Alcatraz was located on an Island in the San Francisco bay and if one would try to escape it would be a very long swim and most thought it was humanly impossible.
Today it is a museum and a few weeks ago one of our grandchildren went there to tour the museum. This is a program that his school does every year for the 4th grade class as part of their American history program. Upon his return he told us about his visit and the story that some felt that one or two prisoners may have escaped but if they did escape from the island they would have drowned in their attempt to swim to land.
The scripture above tells us about Jonah and the time that God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach the Word of God. Jonah did not like the assignment and decided to escape God's presence by running away to Joppa to get on a boat headed to Tarshish.
It was foolish for any person in the prison at Alcatraz to think that they could escape by jumping off the Island into a vast sea expanse of water like the San Francisco bay. It was even more foolish for Jonah to think he could run and escape from God, who is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), and all omnipresent (present everywhere).
Just as trying to escape from Alcatraz could only lead to disaster so would Jonah's attempt to escape from God's presence lead to disaster. Jonah was hurled into a raging sea and as he was about to drown he cried out to God and even in the midst of a stormy sea God was present. God provided a great fish to swallow Jonah and saved him.
In trying to escape from doing what God wanted him to do just think about what Jonah lost. He lost not only valuable time he could have spent preaching God's Word, and he lost his peace of mind. It certainly must have tormented him to know he was not doing what God wanted him to do. He had lost the blessing of God's presence, God's provision and God's comfort in his life.
God still had His way with Jonah but Jonah brought suffering on himself because of his decision. He ended up doing what God wanted him to do by going to Nineveh to preach the Word of God.
There are occasions when we as believers fall away from our duty by not doing what God wants us to do. The result is always the same. We lose the presence and comfort of the Lord in our lives. Just like Jonah, we may find ourselves in the midst of a raging sea. The moment we run off to seek our own inventions, without God's blessing, we are at sea without a pilot. Then we cry out to God asking Him where has He gone? God has not left us, we have left Him. By this time in our life we are at the same place that Jonah was - on the run and with no peace of mind. Sin destroys a believer's comfort. Jonah found out, as you will, that it is harder to try to escape from doing what God wants you to do than to yield to His will - when, where and how He directs you.
When you truly put your trust in God and communicate with Him daily, then you will not flee from what He tells you. It is hard to contend against God when you try to escape doing His will. When you trust Him, He knows what is best and will be with you always giving you His assurance of His faithfulness and the comfort of His presence.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 5:8.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
PRAYER
Give me the wisdom to know Your will in my life and give me the strength not to try to escape from doing Your perfect will in my life. Give my family direction and guidance that only You can give us. Thank You for leading us, protecting us and blessing us
June 13, 2010
Injustice: June 11, 2010
Today's Word for Friday June 11, 2010
INJUSTICE
DEFINITION
The quality or fact of being unjust or unfair.
SCRIPTURE
"Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?" Habakkuk 1:3
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
"IT IS JUST NOT FAIR!" This was usually the response we would hear from our children after we had not ruled in their favor in settling one of the disputes they had with a sibling. We did have rules and we did discipline our children but we always tried to be fair and just with any necessary punishment. Our children didn't always see it our way and they always thought they were right and everyone else was wrong.
Unfortunately, there is injustice in this sinful world and the fact is that "life is unfair." All around us we see injustice and even our children see it. They see other children getting away with things that they know are wrong. Every day we see people who are living corrupt lives and breaking God's commandments. Sometimes we think they are getting away with their evil deeds and are prospering in them. Nothing bad ever seems to happen to them. And it is very difficult not to question why God allows those who do evil to prosper and get away with it. It does seem so unfair, especially when we see Christians going through rough times while striving to live a Godly life.
We cannot help but question why God allows those who do evil go unpunished and why is there so much injustice in life.
Habakkuk, who was a prophet of God, had that same question. He took his question directly to God asking Him, "Why do you make me look at injustice?" and "Why do You tolerate wrong?" Habakkuk lived in Judah during the reign of King Jehoiakim. II Kings 22:37 describes Jehoiakim as a man who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Under his rule the people of Judah, although they were God's chosen people, had turned away from God to worship idols. Habakkuk describes them as corrupt, violent and so lawless that injustice prevailed. Habakkuk could not understand why God did not punish them.
God answered Habakkuk and told him that punishment was on the way but it would come in God's perfect timing. The Lord tells Habakkuk, "Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly come and I will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:36) This prophecy that God gave Habakkuk was fulfilled when Babylon invaded Judah three times and completely destroying Judah and carrying the people off to exile in Babylon.
God is sovereign and He carries out His plans when and how He chooses. He is a merciful God who wants everyone, even the vilest of sinners to come to repentance and accept His gift of salvation by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. God will delay His judgment to give sinful man every opportunity to turn to Him. So when you see a person doing evil and prospering, be certain his time will come in God's perfect timing. Until then there will be injustice and life will continue to be unfair.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 5:8.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
PRAYER
Father, I thank You that You are in control and that even when I cannot understand the injustice I see in the world around me, You are at work to accomplish Your purpose to bring a sinful world to repentance. Thank You that You are faithful to Your promises and that all those who repent and accept Jesus as their Savior will have eternal life.
INJUSTICE
DEFINITION
The quality or fact of being unjust or unfair.
SCRIPTURE
"Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?" Habakkuk 1:3
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
"IT IS JUST NOT FAIR!" This was usually the response we would hear from our children after we had not ruled in their favor in settling one of the disputes they had with a sibling. We did have rules and we did discipline our children but we always tried to be fair and just with any necessary punishment. Our children didn't always see it our way and they always thought they were right and everyone else was wrong.
Unfortunately, there is injustice in this sinful world and the fact is that "life is unfair." All around us we see injustice and even our children see it. They see other children getting away with things that they know are wrong. Every day we see people who are living corrupt lives and breaking God's commandments. Sometimes we think they are getting away with their evil deeds and are prospering in them. Nothing bad ever seems to happen to them. And it is very difficult not to question why God allows those who do evil to prosper and get away with it. It does seem so unfair, especially when we see Christians going through rough times while striving to live a Godly life.
We cannot help but question why God allows those who do evil go unpunished and why is there so much injustice in life.
Habakkuk, who was a prophet of God, had that same question. He took his question directly to God asking Him, "Why do you make me look at injustice?" and "Why do You tolerate wrong?" Habakkuk lived in Judah during the reign of King Jehoiakim. II Kings 22:37 describes Jehoiakim as a man who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Under his rule the people of Judah, although they were God's chosen people, had turned away from God to worship idols. Habakkuk describes them as corrupt, violent and so lawless that injustice prevailed. Habakkuk could not understand why God did not punish them.
God answered Habakkuk and told him that punishment was on the way but it would come in God's perfect timing. The Lord tells Habakkuk, "Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly come and I will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:36) This prophecy that God gave Habakkuk was fulfilled when Babylon invaded Judah three times and completely destroying Judah and carrying the people off to exile in Babylon.
God is sovereign and He carries out His plans when and how He chooses. He is a merciful God who wants everyone, even the vilest of sinners to come to repentance and accept His gift of salvation by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. God will delay His judgment to give sinful man every opportunity to turn to Him. So when you see a person doing evil and prospering, be certain his time will come in God's perfect timing. Until then there will be injustice and life will continue to be unfair.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 5:8.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
PRAYER
Father, I thank You that You are in control and that even when I cannot understand the injustice I see in the world around me, You are at work to accomplish Your purpose to bring a sinful world to repentance. Thank You that You are faithful to Your promises and that all those who repent and accept Jesus as their Savior will have eternal life.
Defy: June 10, 2010
Today's Word for Thursday June 10, 2010
DEFY
DEFINITION
To challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
SCRIPTURE
"Then the Philistine said, 'This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other'."
I Samuel 17:10
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
The Philistine army had gathered its troops to fight the Israelites. The Israelites camped on a hill and the Philistines were on the opposite hill across a valley. In those days two armies often chose their best warriors to fight each other to avoid the bloodshed of an all out war. The army of the winner of the fight between the two warriors was considered the winner of the battle.
Goliath, the Philistine, came out and shouted, to defy the Israelites, to send a warrior out to fight him. Goliath, who was over nine feet tall, was feared by Saul and the Israelites. Goliath was very confident in himself not only because of his height and strength but because of his shield, sword and heavy armor. The scripture tells us that Goliath came out every morning for forty days to defy Israel. No one had the courage to volunteer to fight the giant Goliath.
At that time David had come to visit his brothers who were in Saul's army. He heard Goliath taunting the Israelites and David reacted by saying, "Who does this Philistine think he is that he can defy the armies of God?' This was unacceptable in David's mind. The Israelites army looked at Goliath and saw a heavily armed giant. But David looked at Goliath and saw just a man who had the shameless audacity to defy the armies of the living God.
David went to Saul and told him that he wanted to go and fight the Philistine. Saul offered David his armor and his sword but David chose to go up against Goliath with only his sling shot and five stones. Goliath came to battle in his own name as the giant warrior of the Philistines. David came to battle in the name of the Lord. Goliath looked down on David with contempt. As David looked up at the giant he must have seemed really big but David knew that the God he trusted in was even bigger. David did not focus on the size of the enemy. His focus was on the Lord and David knew that God would give him the victory.
David killed Goliath with just one stone hurled from his sling shot. When the Philistines saw their giant warrior was dead they turned and ran. There are two important things that we can learn from David's victory over Goliath. First, no one can defy God and win. And secondly, no battle is too big for God. With God all things are possible.
Parents find early on in the raising of their children that they will be defiant. Children learn the word "no" very quickly and not long after that they learn to say "I don't want to." When children do not want to do something they will find ways to defy their parents. When they find out that saying, "I do not want to" does not work they try tears and the "poor me" tactic. And then when they get older they try arguing. For the last resort they will say, "Oh alright" and then proceed to do what they want to do and just ignore your request.
Defiance by our children really tried our patience and it will do the same to most parents. We were consistent and firm and did not let them get away with it. Soon they came to understand that defiance was unacceptable and we would not tolerate it.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 5:8.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
PRAYER
Father, help me to be faithful in honoring You in all that I do. Keep me from defying You by refusing to do what You want me to do. Guide me in the raising of my children so that they will be obedient to the Biblical standards and rules that together we require of them.
DEFY
DEFINITION
To challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
SCRIPTURE
"Then the Philistine said, 'This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other'."
I Samuel 17:10
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
The Philistine army had gathered its troops to fight the Israelites. The Israelites camped on a hill and the Philistines were on the opposite hill across a valley. In those days two armies often chose their best warriors to fight each other to avoid the bloodshed of an all out war. The army of the winner of the fight between the two warriors was considered the winner of the battle.
Goliath, the Philistine, came out and shouted, to defy the Israelites, to send a warrior out to fight him. Goliath, who was over nine feet tall, was feared by Saul and the Israelites. Goliath was very confident in himself not only because of his height and strength but because of his shield, sword and heavy armor. The scripture tells us that Goliath came out every morning for forty days to defy Israel. No one had the courage to volunteer to fight the giant Goliath.
At that time David had come to visit his brothers who were in Saul's army. He heard Goliath taunting the Israelites and David reacted by saying, "Who does this Philistine think he is that he can defy the armies of God?' This was unacceptable in David's mind. The Israelites army looked at Goliath and saw a heavily armed giant. But David looked at Goliath and saw just a man who had the shameless audacity to defy the armies of the living God.
David went to Saul and told him that he wanted to go and fight the Philistine. Saul offered David his armor and his sword but David chose to go up against Goliath with only his sling shot and five stones. Goliath came to battle in his own name as the giant warrior of the Philistines. David came to battle in the name of the Lord. Goliath looked down on David with contempt. As David looked up at the giant he must have seemed really big but David knew that the God he trusted in was even bigger. David did not focus on the size of the enemy. His focus was on the Lord and David knew that God would give him the victory.
David killed Goliath with just one stone hurled from his sling shot. When the Philistines saw their giant warrior was dead they turned and ran. There are two important things that we can learn from David's victory over Goliath. First, no one can defy God and win. And secondly, no battle is too big for God. With God all things are possible.
Parents find early on in the raising of their children that they will be defiant. Children learn the word "no" very quickly and not long after that they learn to say "I don't want to." When children do not want to do something they will find ways to defy their parents. When they find out that saying, "I do not want to" does not work they try tears and the "poor me" tactic. And then when they get older they try arguing. For the last resort they will say, "Oh alright" and then proceed to do what they want to do and just ignore your request.
Defiance by our children really tried our patience and it will do the same to most parents. We were consistent and firm and did not let them get away with it. Soon they came to understand that defiance was unacceptable and we would not tolerate it.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 5:8.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
PRAYER
Father, help me to be faithful in honoring You in all that I do. Keep me from defying You by refusing to do what You want me to do. Guide me in the raising of my children so that they will be obedient to the Biblical standards and rules that together we require of them.
Prodigal: June 9, 2010
Today's Word for Wednesday June 9, 2010
PRODIGAL
DEFINITION
Lavish, wasteful, bountiful, a spend thrift.
SCRIPTURE
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Chapter 15 of Luke contains information for us today to the extent that many say it is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It includes three of the most famous parables told by Jesus while on this earth. Jesus was teaching His disciples and a crowd came around Him as He spoke. The crowd included some who believed in Him but the scripture says the crowd included Pharisees and scribes, tax collectors and sinners.
The scripture says they all drew near to Him so this indicates they were hungry for the message that He had for them and that they were acknowledging their great need. This chapter outlines for us the three parables that Jesus used in His speech to these people, the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son.
The parable of the Lost Son, better known to us as the Prodigal Son, has many messages for us. There are five stages in the life of the prodigal son that we can learn from.
As the story begins we first see a wayward son. The scripture indicates that he was selfish, hard hearted, independent, stubborn and worldly. He was the son of his father by birth but did not belong to his father in heart, mind and spirit as God wants us to belong to Him. The son demanded from his father his inheritance by saying, "Give me the portion of goods that belongs to me." Even though he had not earned his portion or even deserved it, he demanded it, and was only thinking about himself and what he was wanting to do. He did not take into consideration how it would hurt his father's estate because that mattered very little to the son. The father gave his son his freedom and his possessions and the son was free to do what he wanted to do with his life and goods.
Secondly, we read that the son wasted his life in riotous living. He rebelled, revolted and journeyed into a far away country (verse 13). Finally he met the day when all began to go wrong. He had been living a worldly life, living for the pleasure of the moment. When his money was gone he was left with the fruits of his life of sin: poverty, bondage, enslavement, suffering, no friends, dissatisfaction, emptiness, destitution and hunger. He was alone, broken, humiliated, and facing starvation. You see when you get into the position that he was in without his father, he had no one to turn to who would help him.
In the third stage the young prodigal sees himself as he really is. He came to himself and snapped out of his insanity and remembered how good life was in the home of his father. He thought of his father and his enormous provision that he had given him. He evaluated what his life was like now. No man would help him. His life had been reduced to feeding swine. He knew that he needed to humble himself and repent and confess his sin and unworthiness to his father.
So fourthly, he responded to the conviction in his heart and took action. He got up and returned to his father. When the father came running to meet the son he repented and confessed his sin and unworthiness.
At the final stage we see a restored son, forgiven by a loving father. When the father saw his prodigal son returning, he ran out to met him and greet him with a loving embrace. The father had already forgiven him, even before the son had a chance to give his confession of sin. The father not only accepted the son's repentance and forgave him, but he restored him to his place in the family.
What a story (parable) for us to learn from. We are the prodigal son. We have turned and left God to live a life of sin. When we leave God, our father, we are like the prodigal son with no one to help us. Our Father is waiting for us to repent and return to the loving embrace of His arms and the forgiveness of our sins. He wants to restore us to our position in His family as one of His children. God wants us to always trust Him but if we fall away, He is big enough to accept us if we will return to Him. In verse 31 the father said to the son, "You are always with me, and all that I have is yours." That is what our heavenly Father says to each of us. That is the God we serve. He is an awesome God.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 5:8.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
PRAYER
Thank You that You are my God and with me every day. Help me to keep on track to do the things and to live the life that honors and blesses Your name. Help me be the leader in my family so that they can see through my words and deeds what it means to serve You.
PRODIGAL
DEFINITION
Lavish, wasteful, bountiful, a spend thrift.
SCRIPTURE
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Chapter 15 of Luke contains information for us today to the extent that many say it is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It includes three of the most famous parables told by Jesus while on this earth. Jesus was teaching His disciples and a crowd came around Him as He spoke. The crowd included some who believed in Him but the scripture says the crowd included Pharisees and scribes, tax collectors and sinners.
The scripture says they all drew near to Him so this indicates they were hungry for the message that He had for them and that they were acknowledging their great need. This chapter outlines for us the three parables that Jesus used in His speech to these people, the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son.
The parable of the Lost Son, better known to us as the Prodigal Son, has many messages for us. There are five stages in the life of the prodigal son that we can learn from.
As the story begins we first see a wayward son. The scripture indicates that he was selfish, hard hearted, independent, stubborn and worldly. He was the son of his father by birth but did not belong to his father in heart, mind and spirit as God wants us to belong to Him. The son demanded from his father his inheritance by saying, "Give me the portion of goods that belongs to me." Even though he had not earned his portion or even deserved it, he demanded it, and was only thinking about himself and what he was wanting to do. He did not take into consideration how it would hurt his father's estate because that mattered very little to the son. The father gave his son his freedom and his possessions and the son was free to do what he wanted to do with his life and goods.
Secondly, we read that the son wasted his life in riotous living. He rebelled, revolted and journeyed into a far away country (verse 13). Finally he met the day when all began to go wrong. He had been living a worldly life, living for the pleasure of the moment. When his money was gone he was left with the fruits of his life of sin: poverty, bondage, enslavement, suffering, no friends, dissatisfaction, emptiness, destitution and hunger. He was alone, broken, humiliated, and facing starvation. You see when you get into the position that he was in without his father, he had no one to turn to who would help him.
In the third stage the young prodigal sees himself as he really is. He came to himself and snapped out of his insanity and remembered how good life was in the home of his father. He thought of his father and his enormous provision that he had given him. He evaluated what his life was like now. No man would help him. His life had been reduced to feeding swine. He knew that he needed to humble himself and repent and confess his sin and unworthiness to his father.
So fourthly, he responded to the conviction in his heart and took action. He got up and returned to his father. When the father came running to meet the son he repented and confessed his sin and unworthiness.
At the final stage we see a restored son, forgiven by a loving father. When the father saw his prodigal son returning, he ran out to met him and greet him with a loving embrace. The father had already forgiven him, even before the son had a chance to give his confession of sin. The father not only accepted the son's repentance and forgave him, but he restored him to his place in the family.
What a story (parable) for us to learn from. We are the prodigal son. We have turned and left God to live a life of sin. When we leave God, our father, we are like the prodigal son with no one to help us. Our Father is waiting for us to repent and return to the loving embrace of His arms and the forgiveness of our sins. He wants to restore us to our position in His family as one of His children. God wants us to always trust Him but if we fall away, He is big enough to accept us if we will return to Him. In verse 31 the father said to the son, "You are always with me, and all that I have is yours." That is what our heavenly Father says to each of us. That is the God we serve. He is an awesome God.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 5:8.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
PRAYER
Thank You that You are my God and with me every day. Help me to keep on track to do the things and to live the life that honors and blesses Your name. Help me be the leader in my family so that they can see through my words and deeds what it means to serve You.
Leave: June 7, 2010
Today's Word for Monday June 7, 2010
LEAVE
DEFINITION
Go away from; abandon; quit; omit; stop doing; postpone; desist from.
SCRIPTURE
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
The one thing that we remember vividly from when we were small children was that we did not like to be left alone. Both of us, as most children are, were attached to our mothers and when they left to go somewhere we experienced what they call separation anxiety. Usually it was acceptable if our father or someone we knew well was there. There was a sense of security when our parents were with us so when they left it was scary.
When we were raising our children we witnessed the same fear when we had to leave them, even for a few moments. When our fifth child was in kindergarten, Dottie was delayed in picking him up from school due to an accident that blocked the freeway. We did not have cell phones so there was no way to communicate to the school that she was on the way but was going to be late. Dottie was always early so this was the first time that she was not sitting there waiting. By the time she got to the school our son was in tears. As they were headed home he said to Dottie that he thought she had forgotten him and was not coming. All the way home she needed to assure him that he would never be forgotten nor would she ever leave him. As believers we can have that same assurance because our Father in heaven has promised that He will never leave us.
In this promise that we have in Hebrews (above) when God says He will never leave us nor forsake us He means that we have at all times all that he has and is. Just think what that means. God gives to those that believe in Him everything. He is almighty, all powerful, all knowing and thus all of His attributes are with us at all times because He is always with us. As children of God, no attribute of God can be kept away from us.
It is also important to note that when God makes a promise and says He will never leave us, He keeps it and it is intended for all who believe in Him. Yes, whatever God said to one person, He has said to all the generations that followed.
Just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses gave them this same promise from the Lord. He said in Deuteronomy 31:5-6, "Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."God then gave this same promise to Joshua telling him, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5.
What wonderful assurance for us, just as God promised to never leave Moses, Joshua or the Children of Israel as they faced the tough job of conquering the Promised Land, He will never leave us in the challenges we face in the evil world we live in.
When God opens a well for one to drink from, He opens it to all who accept it. Whether He gave the Word to Abraham or the Ten Commandments to Moses, He gave it to all. God is not a respecter of certain people only. He wants us all to partake of His Love and He will never leave us.
There is not a blessing that God has given that is too high, too large or too big for anyone who will accept it. We need to climb to the highest mountain, as Moses did to view the Promised Land, and then look to the north, to the south, to the east and to the west and just stand there in awe and view the vastness of what God has given us for the land is all ours. There is not a brook of living water that we cannot drink from and if the land is flowing with milk and honey, we can partake of it.
Whatever attributes compose the character of God is ours because He is with us always and will never leave us. There is nothing you may want, nothing that you may ask for or nothing you need that cannot be yours because God has promised that for those that believe on Him, serve Him and honor and praise Him, he will never leave you nor forsake you.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 5:8.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
PRAYER
Thank You for never leaving me nor forsaking me. Thank You for this promise and the assurance that I have in my heart as to its truth. May my life radiate this day thy love so that those I meet and see may enjoy the same assurance that I enjoy. Make this a special day in my life.
LEAVE
DEFINITION
Go away from; abandon; quit; omit; stop doing; postpone; desist from.
SCRIPTURE
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
The one thing that we remember vividly from when we were small children was that we did not like to be left alone. Both of us, as most children are, were attached to our mothers and when they left to go somewhere we experienced what they call separation anxiety. Usually it was acceptable if our father or someone we knew well was there. There was a sense of security when our parents were with us so when they left it was scary.
When we were raising our children we witnessed the same fear when we had to leave them, even for a few moments. When our fifth child was in kindergarten, Dottie was delayed in picking him up from school due to an accident that blocked the freeway. We did not have cell phones so there was no way to communicate to the school that she was on the way but was going to be late. Dottie was always early so this was the first time that she was not sitting there waiting. By the time she got to the school our son was in tears. As they were headed home he said to Dottie that he thought she had forgotten him and was not coming. All the way home she needed to assure him that he would never be forgotten nor would she ever leave him. As believers we can have that same assurance because our Father in heaven has promised that He will never leave us.
In this promise that we have in Hebrews (above) when God says He will never leave us nor forsake us He means that we have at all times all that he has and is. Just think what that means. God gives to those that believe in Him everything. He is almighty, all powerful, all knowing and thus all of His attributes are with us at all times because He is always with us. As children of God, no attribute of God can be kept away from us.
It is also important to note that when God makes a promise and says He will never leave us, He keeps it and it is intended for all who believe in Him. Yes, whatever God said to one person, He has said to all the generations that followed.
Just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses gave them this same promise from the Lord. He said in Deuteronomy 31:5-6, "Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."God then gave this same promise to Joshua telling him, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5.
What wonderful assurance for us, just as God promised to never leave Moses, Joshua or the Children of Israel as they faced the tough job of conquering the Promised Land, He will never leave us in the challenges we face in the evil world we live in.
When God opens a well for one to drink from, He opens it to all who accept it. Whether He gave the Word to Abraham or the Ten Commandments to Moses, He gave it to all. God is not a respecter of certain people only. He wants us all to partake of His Love and He will never leave us.
There is not a blessing that God has given that is too high, too large or too big for anyone who will accept it. We need to climb to the highest mountain, as Moses did to view the Promised Land, and then look to the north, to the south, to the east and to the west and just stand there in awe and view the vastness of what God has given us for the land is all ours. There is not a brook of living water that we cannot drink from and if the land is flowing with milk and honey, we can partake of it.
Whatever attributes compose the character of God is ours because He is with us always and will never leave us. There is nothing you may want, nothing that you may ask for or nothing you need that cannot be yours because God has promised that for those that believe on Him, serve Him and honor and praise Him, he will never leave you nor forsake you.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 5:8.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
PRAYER
Thank You for never leaving me nor forsaking me. Thank You for this promise and the assurance that I have in my heart as to its truth. May my life radiate this day thy love so that those I meet and see may enjoy the same assurance that I enjoy. Make this a special day in my life.
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