Today's Word for Friday July 9, 2010
DEAL
DEFINITION
Negotiate; trade; do business with; an agreement.
SCRIPTURE
"I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me one of your hired servants." Luke 15:19
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
All of us like to make a good deal. This is especially true in bargain shopping. Many, trying to make a good deal for themselves, do their best to not give up anything in return or at least very little. We travel a lot and see little items that we would like to get to take home with us as a reminder of our visit to that locale. Dottie constantly reminds Ken, who is the bargainer, that these people who are selling their wares are relying on what we give them to live.
If you can identify with what we are saying about deals then you can understand what the prodigal son was trying to do when he arrived home. Basically he had made a fool of himself and lost everything and now wanted to come home and make a deal with his father.
There were three kinds of servants in that day. There were day workers that were paid on a day by day basis. There were hired servants that worked very long hours on the estate that they worked on but lived in town so they had their own independence. And there were bond servants that lived on the estate and gave all of themselves, day and night, to serving the family.
It is interesting that when the prodigal son hit rock bottom and came home with his planned apology, he was going to ask if he could become a hired servant. In light of this possibility he was trying to negotiate a deal so that he could get a paycheck and continue his independence. Why did he not ask to be a bond servant and be willing to serve his father all the time?
Often we approach God in this manner. We try to make a deal with God. Have you ever said to God that you would serve Him but please God do not take away my freedom? Let us remind you that that may seem a good deal at the time but God's deal is always so much better. The prodigal son thought it would be a good deal for him if he could just be one of his father's hired servants. His father had an even better deal for him. He received him back as his son. Just like the prodigal's son's father, Jesus has his arms wide open ready and willing to receive repentant sinners as part of His family. There could be no better deal for any of us than to rush today to His open arms and accept His gift of forgiveness and salvation.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
PRAYER
Thank You dear Lord for the deal You have given me. Thank You that You have given Your Son to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank You that You have given me salvation. Give me a desire to serve You with all my heart and all of my strength. Help me to share my love for You by all I do and say.
July 11, 2010
Show Up: July 8, 2010
Today's Word for Thursday July 8, 2010
SHOW UP
DEFINITION
Allow to be seen; exhibit; appear; perform.
SCRIPTURE
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
There was a time that a certain city in America (we will leave it nameless) was known as one of the most hostile cities toward the preaching of the gospel. Talking about Jesus was taboo and witchcraft was promoted. Posters in coffee shops advertized witchcraft meetings where you could learn to cast a spell on your enemies.
Literally on every corner there were porno shops and evil was rampant. It was such a challenging environment for the people that lived there. The schools were affected; their officials that won elections were ungodly and immoral. The churches struggled because they were unable to announce their programs outside of their church buildings and they could not get building permits. There was a lot of "woe is me" talk among the church leaders. When Satan is in control evil abounds.
Finally, a group of pastors decided to meet together each morning to pray for their city and the people that lived in the city. Soon as a group they felt that God was leading them to SHOW UP to their city and start ministries to the homeless, the victims of AIDS and to teens at risk. Faithfully and intentionally they brought the love of Jesus to the needs of hurting people. Simply said they decided TO SHOW UP BEFORE THEY SPOKE UP.
They soon learned that if they practiced what they believed to be God's first and foremost desire, to reach out to help the poor, that their actions and their prayers brought positive results for the churches and for the Lord. Their positive actions touched enough lives in their community that soon they had a voice that many listened to and they began to make a spiritual impact on that community.
Now how does this apply to our lives today? No one really wants to hear what we say about the Love of Jesus until they have seen it in our lives. That is what Jesus is telling us in the verse we have written above from Matthew. When you let your light shine so others can see Jesus through your words and actions then they will listen as you tell them about Jesus. Your consistent and positive God honoring words and deeds will allow you to SHOW UP with authority that only God can give you.
Let us remind you that light does not shine to be seen, but to enable others to see. For us to let our light shine we do it not that our lives are to be seen but that others may see Christ through us. Jesus said, as recorded in Matthew 5:14 that, "You are the light of the world." We should let our light shine so others see Christ through us and not who and what we are.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
PRAYER
Help me to understand afresh the concept that I am to be the light of my world to glorify Your name. May I be like that city on a hill whose light cannot be hidden because my light shines so brightly as a testimony of who You are.
SHOW UP
DEFINITION
Allow to be seen; exhibit; appear; perform.
SCRIPTURE
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
There was a time that a certain city in America (we will leave it nameless) was known as one of the most hostile cities toward the preaching of the gospel. Talking about Jesus was taboo and witchcraft was promoted. Posters in coffee shops advertized witchcraft meetings where you could learn to cast a spell on your enemies.
Literally on every corner there were porno shops and evil was rampant. It was such a challenging environment for the people that lived there. The schools were affected; their officials that won elections were ungodly and immoral. The churches struggled because they were unable to announce their programs outside of their church buildings and they could not get building permits. There was a lot of "woe is me" talk among the church leaders. When Satan is in control evil abounds.
Finally, a group of pastors decided to meet together each morning to pray for their city and the people that lived in the city. Soon as a group they felt that God was leading them to SHOW UP to their city and start ministries to the homeless, the victims of AIDS and to teens at risk. Faithfully and intentionally they brought the love of Jesus to the needs of hurting people. Simply said they decided TO SHOW UP BEFORE THEY SPOKE UP.
They soon learned that if they practiced what they believed to be God's first and foremost desire, to reach out to help the poor, that their actions and their prayers brought positive results for the churches and for the Lord. Their positive actions touched enough lives in their community that soon they had a voice that many listened to and they began to make a spiritual impact on that community.
Now how does this apply to our lives today? No one really wants to hear what we say about the Love of Jesus until they have seen it in our lives. That is what Jesus is telling us in the verse we have written above from Matthew. When you let your light shine so others can see Jesus through your words and actions then they will listen as you tell them about Jesus. Your consistent and positive God honoring words and deeds will allow you to SHOW UP with authority that only God can give you.
Let us remind you that light does not shine to be seen, but to enable others to see. For us to let our light shine we do it not that our lives are to be seen but that others may see Christ through us. Jesus said, as recorded in Matthew 5:14 that, "You are the light of the world." We should let our light shine so others see Christ through us and not who and what we are.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
PRAYER
Help me to understand afresh the concept that I am to be the light of my world to glorify Your name. May I be like that city on a hill whose light cannot be hidden because my light shines so brightly as a testimony of who You are.
Snail: July 7, 2010
Today's Word for Wednesday July 7, 2010
SNAIL
DEFINITION
A slow mover - a mollusk with a spiral shell.
SCRIPTURE
"But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
One of our earliest childhood experiences was watching snails crawl around in our flower gardens. Even though they were fascinating to watch we were always taken back as to how slow they were. It is noted that a snail can move at about 40 feet an hour. No wonder we often use the phrase, "moving at a snail's pace" when we refer to slow.
One virtue that a slow snail has is perseverance. The great preacher, Charles Spurgeon observed and was quoted in his sermons - By perseverance the snail reached the ark. That is more than the unrighteous accomplished in Noah's day.
So when we think of a snail we think of perseverance. In the verse above, the apostle Paul tells us that perseverance is a key component in character development. Paul says that tribulation produces perseverance and upon that building block goes character and hope.
The original Greek word translated "perseverance" means steadfastness, constancy and endurance. It was used in the scriptures referring to believers who endured in their walk of faith with their Lord. They persevered in spite of their many painful trials.
Look at your life today and respond to these two questions. First, have you developed perseverance in your walk with the Lord? Have setbacks slowed you down to a snail's pace in your walk with the Lord? Secondly, have you learned, despite the many trials you may be facing, to build your daily walk with the Lord with perseverance? Are you being steadfast in your faith knowing that character and hope are building blocks that you can daily use in building up your endurance to serve the Lord with all of your heart, mind and soul?
God does not ask for a quick start or a fast finish. He expects from all of us a consistent persevering progress even if it is at a snail's pace. Great achievement in life demands great perseverance.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
PRAYER
Thank You for teaching me to glory in my tribulations so that I can produce in my life perseverance, character and hope. Give me the fortitude to be the leader You want me to be with my family, friends and neighbors. May they all see in me Your love for them so that they may have a personal relationship with You.
SNAIL
DEFINITION
A slow mover - a mollusk with a spiral shell.
SCRIPTURE
"But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
One of our earliest childhood experiences was watching snails crawl around in our flower gardens. Even though they were fascinating to watch we were always taken back as to how slow they were. It is noted that a snail can move at about 40 feet an hour. No wonder we often use the phrase, "moving at a snail's pace" when we refer to slow.
One virtue that a slow snail has is perseverance. The great preacher, Charles Spurgeon observed and was quoted in his sermons - By perseverance the snail reached the ark. That is more than the unrighteous accomplished in Noah's day.
So when we think of a snail we think of perseverance. In the verse above, the apostle Paul tells us that perseverance is a key component in character development. Paul says that tribulation produces perseverance and upon that building block goes character and hope.
The original Greek word translated "perseverance" means steadfastness, constancy and endurance. It was used in the scriptures referring to believers who endured in their walk of faith with their Lord. They persevered in spite of their many painful trials.
Look at your life today and respond to these two questions. First, have you developed perseverance in your walk with the Lord? Have setbacks slowed you down to a snail's pace in your walk with the Lord? Secondly, have you learned, despite the many trials you may be facing, to build your daily walk with the Lord with perseverance? Are you being steadfast in your faith knowing that character and hope are building blocks that you can daily use in building up your endurance to serve the Lord with all of your heart, mind and soul?
God does not ask for a quick start or a fast finish. He expects from all of us a consistent persevering progress even if it is at a snail's pace. Great achievement in life demands great perseverance.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
PRAYER
Thank You for teaching me to glory in my tribulations so that I can produce in my life perseverance, character and hope. Give me the fortitude to be the leader You want me to be with my family, friends and neighbors. May they all see in me Your love for them so that they may have a personal relationship with You.
Stones: July 6, 2010
Today's Word for Tuesday July 6, 2010
STONES
DEFINITION
A piece or substance of rock; a gem; a hard rounded object.
SCRIPTURE
"I tell you that, if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." Luke 19:40
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
In this verse from Luke, Jesus was making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Luke records these words from Jesus basically telling all that were there that He was God and not to question His deity. He referred to these as the praising crowds of people who if they should hold their peace, the stones would cry out and declare Jesus as God.
But could the stones cry out? Yes they could if God, who opens the mouth of the dumb, should tell them to lift up their voice and talk. If they were to speak, they would have much to say in praise of God who created them by the word of His power. They would proclaim with a loud voice the wisdom and power of their maker who called them into being.
Therefore, should we not speak well of Him who made us anew, and out of stones raised up children unto Abraham? The old rocks could tell of chaos and order, and the handiwork of God in stages of creations drama. Therefore, how can we not talk of God's great work in ancient times, as well as what He continues to do for those that love Him and are His children.
If the stones were to speak, they could tell how He saw that they were taken from the quarry and made to fit perfectly for the temple. So therefore cannot we tell how are hearts were broken with the reading of God's Word that He might build us into a useable representative of Him as one of His children.
If the stones would cry out they would magnify their builder, who polished them and set them carefully in His temple. In the same way should we not cry out to all that will listen to us of our architect and builder, who has made us and placed us where He wants us to be?
Our Savior, Jesus saw that the stone at the door of the tomb was rolled away so we can be certain that Jesus died and paid the penalty for our sins. Take a moment and wonder what that stone would say if it could speak to us today.
As Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem He was encouraging the crowds to be certain that He was their God and their Messiah. And He was telling them that those stones had been there for centuries and if they could speak, they would tell each person that Jesus was their Lord and their Savior.
Some of the Pharisees watching with the crowds were yelling to Jesus to rebuke His disciples. But Jesus honored by some as Lord and Messiah and rejected by others, kept moving on His way to Jerusalem to fulfill all the prophecies concerning Him as God's Son and our redeemer.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
PRAYER
Thank You for this application that we can learn from as we study Your word. If even the stones could recognize Jesus as their creator, how much more should I recognize that You are not only my creator but my Lord and Savior. Thank You Lord for coming to this earth to be my Messiah.
STONES
DEFINITION
A piece or substance of rock; a gem; a hard rounded object.
SCRIPTURE
"I tell you that, if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." Luke 19:40
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
In this verse from Luke, Jesus was making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Luke records these words from Jesus basically telling all that were there that He was God and not to question His deity. He referred to these as the praising crowds of people who if they should hold their peace, the stones would cry out and declare Jesus as God.
But could the stones cry out? Yes they could if God, who opens the mouth of the dumb, should tell them to lift up their voice and talk. If they were to speak, they would have much to say in praise of God who created them by the word of His power. They would proclaim with a loud voice the wisdom and power of their maker who called them into being.
Therefore, should we not speak well of Him who made us anew, and out of stones raised up children unto Abraham? The old rocks could tell of chaos and order, and the handiwork of God in stages of creations drama. Therefore, how can we not talk of God's great work in ancient times, as well as what He continues to do for those that love Him and are His children.
If the stones were to speak, they could tell how He saw that they were taken from the quarry and made to fit perfectly for the temple. So therefore cannot we tell how are hearts were broken with the reading of God's Word that He might build us into a useable representative of Him as one of His children.
If the stones would cry out they would magnify their builder, who polished them and set them carefully in His temple. In the same way should we not cry out to all that will listen to us of our architect and builder, who has made us and placed us where He wants us to be?
Our Savior, Jesus saw that the stone at the door of the tomb was rolled away so we can be certain that Jesus died and paid the penalty for our sins. Take a moment and wonder what that stone would say if it could speak to us today.
As Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem He was encouraging the crowds to be certain that He was their God and their Messiah. And He was telling them that those stones had been there for centuries and if they could speak, they would tell each person that Jesus was their Lord and their Savior.
Some of the Pharisees watching with the crowds were yelling to Jesus to rebuke His disciples. But Jesus honored by some as Lord and Messiah and rejected by others, kept moving on His way to Jerusalem to fulfill all the prophecies concerning Him as God's Son and our redeemer.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
PRAYER
Thank You for this application that we can learn from as we study Your word. If even the stones could recognize Jesus as their creator, how much more should I recognize that You are not only my creator but my Lord and Savior. Thank You Lord for coming to this earth to be my Messiah.
Sought: July 5, 2010
Today's Word for Monday July 5, 2010
SOUGHT
DEFINITION
Go in search or quest of; resort to; attempt; endeavor.
SCRIPTURE
"And they shall be called the Holy people, the redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called sought out, a city not forsaken." Isaiah 62:12
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
In the wonderful grace of God it is seen very clearly that we were not only sought by God but sought out. There is a difference between seeking something with little value and seeking out something with great value. We constantly look for things in the house that we have misplaced or lost. Usually the item is not of great value and is something that could be easily replaced. While we search for this kind of item we usually are not too concerned. Most likely we are only seeking to find the item.
When the item is very valuable our searching is more intense and we go to no ends of trouble and effort in seeking out the item. It is this kind of seeking out that God has done for us. We were lost and because we were so valuable to Him - one of His chosen children - He was seeking us out and doing much more than just looking for us.
Before we knew Christ we were lost. We were wandering in the darkness of our sins and wallowing in the filth of our wickedness. In God's sight we were like a precious piece of gold that had fallen into a sewer. Gold is precious but we are more precious to God than gold and therefore we are sought by Him. In His mercy He came to us while we were wandering, bringing to us the good news of the gospel. We were lost sheep, desperately lost as though we had wandered into another country. We might think we are so lost it would be impossible for the good Shepherd to find us in our wanderings.
But because of God's unconquerable grace, He found us and sought us out to be one of His children. God never relinquishes His search until the "chosen" are sought out effectively. As believers, we are not sought out today and cast away tomorrow.
When you think of the matchless grace of God our Father, even to be willing to seek us out is really beyond reason. When you think of what God has done to seek us out it should lift up your heart in wonder and you should praise the Lord daily that you were sought out.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
PRAYER
Thank You for seeking me out because I was lost in the depth of an ugly and sinful world. Thank You for the salvation You brought to me so that I could become one of Your children.
SOUGHT
DEFINITION
Go in search or quest of; resort to; attempt; endeavor.
SCRIPTURE
"And they shall be called the Holy people, the redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called sought out, a city not forsaken." Isaiah 62:12
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
In the wonderful grace of God it is seen very clearly that we were not only sought by God but sought out. There is a difference between seeking something with little value and seeking out something with great value. We constantly look for things in the house that we have misplaced or lost. Usually the item is not of great value and is something that could be easily replaced. While we search for this kind of item we usually are not too concerned. Most likely we are only seeking to find the item.
When the item is very valuable our searching is more intense and we go to no ends of trouble and effort in seeking out the item. It is this kind of seeking out that God has done for us. We were lost and because we were so valuable to Him - one of His chosen children - He was seeking us out and doing much more than just looking for us.
Before we knew Christ we were lost. We were wandering in the darkness of our sins and wallowing in the filth of our wickedness. In God's sight we were like a precious piece of gold that had fallen into a sewer. Gold is precious but we are more precious to God than gold and therefore we are sought by Him. In His mercy He came to us while we were wandering, bringing to us the good news of the gospel. We were lost sheep, desperately lost as though we had wandered into another country. We might think we are so lost it would be impossible for the good Shepherd to find us in our wanderings.
But because of God's unconquerable grace, He found us and sought us out to be one of His children. God never relinquishes His search until the "chosen" are sought out effectively. As believers, we are not sought out today and cast away tomorrow.
When you think of the matchless grace of God our Father, even to be willing to seek us out is really beyond reason. When you think of what God has done to seek us out it should lift up your heart in wonder and you should praise the Lord daily that you were sought out.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
PRAYER
Thank You for seeking me out because I was lost in the depth of an ugly and sinful world. Thank You for the salvation You brought to me so that I could become one of Your children.
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