Today's Word for Friday July 23, 2010
DISCOURAGEMENT
DEFINITION
An act or instance of discouraging; the state of being discouraged; to deprive of courage; hope or confidence.
SCRIPTURE
"But God, who comforts those that are downcast, comforts us." II Corinthians 7:6
"Fathers do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." Ephesians 6:4
"Why are you downcast O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Here in America we live in discouraging times. Nothing is more discouraging to a person than the news they see on the television or read in the newspaper. The unemployment rate is high and even those that have jobs are fearful of losing them. Oil is ruining the environment in the gulf. Many people are losing their homes and the future of a quick turnaround to our economic situation doesn't seem promising. So you see that there are plenty of reasons, humanly speaking, in our world to feel discouraged.
All families have to deal with discouragement at times. A child can be discouraged when he cannot find good friends, was not chosen for some role hoped for at school, or because of a grade on a test. For parents discouragement is a result of a souring relationship, an unhappy job situation, money concerns for the family, just to name a few. Discouragement does deprive one of courage, hope and confidence and there are many reasons in life for discouragement.
How we deal with our discouragement has a lot to do with our attitude. From the moment each of our children was born we were, as parents, committed to teach and train each child to live with a positive attitude. We were committed to provide them an environment of love and support. It was important to us as parents to make sure that our children were involved in church, in school, in sports and with their daily "household jobs" because being involved in positive activities is an important part in nurturing a child. It helps them learn, to develop relationships, keeps them active and busy. When any of us are involved in doing something positive we are less likely to be discouraged.
What we all need to do when discouragement comes our way is to look to the Bible for strength and answers for our concerns. God told Joshua to always be strong, have courage, do not be afraid and do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. [Joshua 1:9] This verse should be read every time you become discouraged.
Do something positive when you begin to feel discouraged. Eliminate negative thoughts in your life. Each day give something, like a kind word, to someone you do not know. David said to Solomon, his son: "Be strong and of a good courage." As parents we need to remind not only ourselves but also our children to be strong in the Lord. Paul writes in Philippines 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Christ is our hope and through Him we can face life and our discouragements. One of the best ways to brighten any day, if you are discouraged, is to STOP for a few minutes and think about the blessings, the good things, that you have and then thank God for those blessings.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank You for a new day and I ask for Your blessing on my life. Help me to not be discouraged today but to face each moment knowing that You are my God and that You are with me every moment of today. Bless my family, friends and those that need a special touch from You this day.
July 25, 2010
Commitment: July 22, 2010
Today's Word for Thursday July 22, 2010
COMMITMENT
DEFINITION
The act of committing; pledging or engaging oneself; a promise; obligation.
SCRIPTURE
"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." Proverbs 16:3
Jesus said: "Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin." John 8:34
"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." II Timothy 2:2
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
These three scripture verses give us three ways to look at the word COMMITMENT. First, we are to commit our works to the Lord daily. Secondly, they are a reminder to us that when we commit sin we become a slave to sin. And finally, we are told in these verses that what we learn from studying God's Word we should commit or give these words to others who can then teach others.
There are numerous times every day when a commitment to or for something is necessary. The most important commitment that one can make in a lifetime is a firm commitment to God. This is the first step in living a life that is pleasing to God. Making a commitment to God is more then going to church, reading the Bible or even praying. A commitment to God is having a relationship with God's Son, Jesus Christ. This is what makes Christianity meaningful, unique and different from all other religions. As we develop a closer relationship with God, He will be able to work in and through us and then we can experience God's blessings.
Other commitments that are important to make in life is a commitment to your spouse, your family, your neighbors, your church, your school and your job. These commitments are vital for one to live a rewarding and fulfilled life. It means more then a promise. A commitment requires action and consistency.
We remember when one of our children was in high school and she was very active in sports as well as being her high schools student body president. Frankly, she came to a point in her life in her senior year when she was "burned out" with sports and she wanted to quit. She had made a commitment to be on the team and she had a leadership role to play on the team. As parents it was our responsibility to remind her that she had made a promise to her school, her coaches and her teams, and she needed to realize that she had an obligation to fulfill that commitment.
She decided to honor her commitments and in return God honored her with success. She never quit and she gave her best to fulfill all of her commitments. This is what commitments are all about. Everyday we make commitments. How many do you honor? Commitments are a promise and an obligation.
As Christians we have committed our lives to Jesus and we have a responsibility to share our faith and spread the good news of the gospel. If all Christians were truly committed to doing this, our churches would be full and overflowing. What about your own family? Are you committed to sharing your faith and teaching your children about Jesus and His gift of salvation to them?
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
We come to You today Lord, to renew our commitment to You to live this day honoring Your name. We ask for strength that only You can give for us to meet every commitment we have made for today. We commit our works, our deeds and our thoughts to You. We pray that You will give us opportunities to help others to know You as their Lord. We ask You to bless our family, our friends, our church and the world we live in with a special blessing today.
COMMITMENT
DEFINITION
The act of committing; pledging or engaging oneself; a promise; obligation.
SCRIPTURE
"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." Proverbs 16:3
Jesus said: "Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin." John 8:34
"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." II Timothy 2:2
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
These three scripture verses give us three ways to look at the word COMMITMENT. First, we are to commit our works to the Lord daily. Secondly, they are a reminder to us that when we commit sin we become a slave to sin. And finally, we are told in these verses that what we learn from studying God's Word we should commit or give these words to others who can then teach others.
There are numerous times every day when a commitment to or for something is necessary. The most important commitment that one can make in a lifetime is a firm commitment to God. This is the first step in living a life that is pleasing to God. Making a commitment to God is more then going to church, reading the Bible or even praying. A commitment to God is having a relationship with God's Son, Jesus Christ. This is what makes Christianity meaningful, unique and different from all other religions. As we develop a closer relationship with God, He will be able to work in and through us and then we can experience God's blessings.
Other commitments that are important to make in life is a commitment to your spouse, your family, your neighbors, your church, your school and your job. These commitments are vital for one to live a rewarding and fulfilled life. It means more then a promise. A commitment requires action and consistency.
We remember when one of our children was in high school and she was very active in sports as well as being her high schools student body president. Frankly, she came to a point in her life in her senior year when she was "burned out" with sports and she wanted to quit. She had made a commitment to be on the team and she had a leadership role to play on the team. As parents it was our responsibility to remind her that she had made a promise to her school, her coaches and her teams, and she needed to realize that she had an obligation to fulfill that commitment.
She decided to honor her commitments and in return God honored her with success. She never quit and she gave her best to fulfill all of her commitments. This is what commitments are all about. Everyday we make commitments. How many do you honor? Commitments are a promise and an obligation.
As Christians we have committed our lives to Jesus and we have a responsibility to share our faith and spread the good news of the gospel. If all Christians were truly committed to doing this, our churches would be full and overflowing. What about your own family? Are you committed to sharing your faith and teaching your children about Jesus and His gift of salvation to them?
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
We come to You today Lord, to renew our commitment to You to live this day honoring Your name. We ask for strength that only You can give for us to meet every commitment we have made for today. We commit our works, our deeds and our thoughts to You. We pray that You will give us opportunities to help others to know You as their Lord. We ask You to bless our family, our friends, our church and the world we live in with a special blessing today.
Lonely: July 21, 2010
Today's Word for Wednesday July 21, 2010
LONELY
DEFINITION
A depressing feeling about being alone; destitute of sympathetic or friendly companionship; without company; isolated.
SCRIPTURE
"No one stood with me, but all forsook me. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me." II Timothy 4: 16-17a
"For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul." Psalm 142:4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
How many times in life have you felt lonely? Many people across our world today are lonely because they feel no one cares about them and they have lost hope. As kids we used to say. "They have no life." And that is exactly how one feels when they are lonely and do not know Jesus as their Savior. Life has many opportunities for loneliness for those that do not know Jesus. Separation from a spouse, family or a friend brings on loneliness.
In Psalm 142, David describes his feelings of being lonely. At the time he composed the Psalm he was on the run from Saul and he was all alone in a cave.
Paul also knew what it was to be lonely. Paul was writing from prison and felt all alone because everyone had deserted him. Not only did Paul and David feel lonely but they knew people wanted them killed. However in their loneliness they knew they had someone they could count on. Paul said. "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me." As we read further in Psalms 142 verse five we find David saying, "I cry to You, O Lord. I say, You are my refuge."
Over the years we have learned, as we say above, that the loneliest people are those that do not have a relationship with God. This is easy to understand because having faith in the Lord gives you the assurance that God is with you and gives you hope for today tomorrow and the future.
When you do not have a relationship with God, where is your hope? Is it found by watching TV, listening to the radio, going to a movie, visiting with a friend or something else in your life? These "things" are superficial. They have no substance or lasting value, and cannot provide real satisfaction or sense of fulfillment. This is when loneliness sets in. Someone once said that "Only what is done for Christ will last."
We have had the opportunity to travel to almost every corner of the world. And in these travels we have noticed the dramatic difference between people that have much and people that have so very little. Possessions do not satisfy or give comfort to loneliness. But we have noticed the difference between people that have a relationship with God [their lives radiate joy] and those who do not [they are mostly lonely, hurting and concerned about their tomorrows]. The contrast is overwhelming.
"Things" do not relieve one's loneliness but God does. Without God there is no smile, no hope and nothing but sadness. With God there is a big smile, singing, giving glory to God and excitement just for the opportunity of life. What a contrast to see but a contrast that reminds us that one will always ultimately be lonely without a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.
We have seen lonely people. We have seen the little boy that has been orphaned because both parents have died. We have seen the lonely mother sobbing because her child had just died because there was no medicine to give her dying child. We just this year saw the young boy, living in the Amazon, who never knew his father - and his mother, just died of an illness because she could not get to a hospital on time. These people are lonely and like Paul and David must feel that no one cares. God cares and Jesus cares. God cared enough to give His only Son for us. Jesus cared enough to die for us. Jesus understands what it is to be lonely because He was lonely on this earth.
Think about the loneliness of Jesus as He was alone in the Garden of Gethsemane just hours before His death on the cross. Just think of His loneliness when He cried out to God on the cross: "My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?" He was lonely because He knew that He was going to die all alone on that cross to pay the penalty of sin for you and me just to give us the Blessed Hope of eternal life that He had promised.
In His hours of total aloneness in the Garden of Gethsemane, who did Jesus turn to? His disciples had let Him down by going to sleep. They were not there for Him in His time of need. If you are feeling all alone and feel no one is there for you, do you know who to turn to? Jesus is waiting and He will not let you down.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
When I am lonely, Lord, keep me looking to You for strength and comfort. Thank You Lord for the sacrifice You made for me by dying on the cross to pay for my sins. And thank You Lord for rising again out of the grave so I can serve a risen Savior. Help me this day to be an encouragement to someone who is lonely. Help me to learn to pray for a world that needs to know Jesus. Bless my family today and thank You for providing for me far beyond what I deserve.
LONELY
DEFINITION
A depressing feeling about being alone; destitute of sympathetic or friendly companionship; without company; isolated.
SCRIPTURE
"No one stood with me, but all forsook me. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me." II Timothy 4: 16-17a
"For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul." Psalm 142:4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
How many times in life have you felt lonely? Many people across our world today are lonely because they feel no one cares about them and they have lost hope. As kids we used to say. "They have no life." And that is exactly how one feels when they are lonely and do not know Jesus as their Savior. Life has many opportunities for loneliness for those that do not know Jesus. Separation from a spouse, family or a friend brings on loneliness.
In Psalm 142, David describes his feelings of being lonely. At the time he composed the Psalm he was on the run from Saul and he was all alone in a cave.
Paul also knew what it was to be lonely. Paul was writing from prison and felt all alone because everyone had deserted him. Not only did Paul and David feel lonely but they knew people wanted them killed. However in their loneliness they knew they had someone they could count on. Paul said. "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me." As we read further in Psalms 142 verse five we find David saying, "I cry to You, O Lord. I say, You are my refuge."
Over the years we have learned, as we say above, that the loneliest people are those that do not have a relationship with God. This is easy to understand because having faith in the Lord gives you the assurance that God is with you and gives you hope for today tomorrow and the future.
When you do not have a relationship with God, where is your hope? Is it found by watching TV, listening to the radio, going to a movie, visiting with a friend or something else in your life? These "things" are superficial. They have no substance or lasting value, and cannot provide real satisfaction or sense of fulfillment. This is when loneliness sets in. Someone once said that "Only what is done for Christ will last."
We have had the opportunity to travel to almost every corner of the world. And in these travels we have noticed the dramatic difference between people that have much and people that have so very little. Possessions do not satisfy or give comfort to loneliness. But we have noticed the difference between people that have a relationship with God [their lives radiate joy] and those who do not [they are mostly lonely, hurting and concerned about their tomorrows]. The contrast is overwhelming.
"Things" do not relieve one's loneliness but God does. Without God there is no smile, no hope and nothing but sadness. With God there is a big smile, singing, giving glory to God and excitement just for the opportunity of life. What a contrast to see but a contrast that reminds us that one will always ultimately be lonely without a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.
We have seen lonely people. We have seen the little boy that has been orphaned because both parents have died. We have seen the lonely mother sobbing because her child had just died because there was no medicine to give her dying child. We just this year saw the young boy, living in the Amazon, who never knew his father - and his mother, just died of an illness because she could not get to a hospital on time. These people are lonely and like Paul and David must feel that no one cares. God cares and Jesus cares. God cared enough to give His only Son for us. Jesus cared enough to die for us. Jesus understands what it is to be lonely because He was lonely on this earth.
Think about the loneliness of Jesus as He was alone in the Garden of Gethsemane just hours before His death on the cross. Just think of His loneliness when He cried out to God on the cross: "My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?" He was lonely because He knew that He was going to die all alone on that cross to pay the penalty of sin for you and me just to give us the Blessed Hope of eternal life that He had promised.
In His hours of total aloneness in the Garden of Gethsemane, who did Jesus turn to? His disciples had let Him down by going to sleep. They were not there for Him in His time of need. If you are feeling all alone and feel no one is there for you, do you know who to turn to? Jesus is waiting and He will not let you down.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
When I am lonely, Lord, keep me looking to You for strength and comfort. Thank You Lord for the sacrifice You made for me by dying on the cross to pay for my sins. And thank You Lord for rising again out of the grave so I can serve a risen Savior. Help me this day to be an encouragement to someone who is lonely. Help me to learn to pray for a world that needs to know Jesus. Bless my family today and thank You for providing for me far beyond what I deserve.
Anger: July 20, 2010
Today's Word for Tuesday July 20, 2010
ANGER
DEFINITION
A strong feeling of displeasure aroused by a real or supposed wrong; wrath; a sudden violent displeasure accompanied by an impulse to retaliate.
SCRIPTURE
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy" Psalm 103:8
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you." Ephesians 4:31
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
It takes an unusual temperament for a person not to show ANGER at some point in his or her life. One of the concepts we attempted to teach our children, using verses from the Bible, was that when one was angry he or she never came out a winner. Families constantly face situations that can erupt in anger. Parents get upset at children over an issue. Children get upset with parents over set boundaries. Children get upset at their siblings over "things". Husbands and wives get upset at each other over small and large concerns.
Anger is a destructive emotion and nothing good comes from it. Anger affects us physically. No one ever comes out feeling good after an angry fight. Anger severs relationships. Nothing good ever comes from it. That is why Paul strongly advises us in Ephesians 4:31 to put away all our anger. In other words, get rid of it.
The scripture gives us clear guidelines as to how we should handle those "ANGRY MOMENTS." In Proverbs 17:27 it reads: "He who has knowledge spares his words". This means that we need to keep to ourselves opinions that we know could ignite anger in others. Certain personalities have trouble with this concept because just by their nature they want to stir up conflict. It is human nature to want to "have the last word." We must learn to think before we speak and remember God's admonition from Proverbs to SPARE OUR WORDS.
In Proverbs 17:27 the Lord gives us another concept. "A man of understanding is of a calm spirit". This verse gives us counsel concerning the emotional side of anger. A mature person, one that lives by God's Word, always exhibits understanding by keeping cool in a time of conflict. Problem solving is always enhanced by an even tempered approach. The key to controlling anger is to STOP when a conflict begins and ask God for a calm spirit and a cool head. The best time to stop an argument is before it starts. Remember "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" Proverbs 15:1.
Today is a good day to commit to eliminating anger in your life. When you spend time every day reading the Bible and communicating to God through prayer, God will give you understanding and a calm spirit to enable you to control your anger.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
Thank You, dear Lord, for giving to me this day, self control in all of my words and deeds. Help me to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life today and may others see through me the fruits of the Spirit controlling my life. Help me to honor God, my family, my neighbors and my friends today in all that I do and say.
ANGER
DEFINITION
A strong feeling of displeasure aroused by a real or supposed wrong; wrath; a sudden violent displeasure accompanied by an impulse to retaliate.
SCRIPTURE
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy" Psalm 103:8
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you." Ephesians 4:31
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
It takes an unusual temperament for a person not to show ANGER at some point in his or her life. One of the concepts we attempted to teach our children, using verses from the Bible, was that when one was angry he or she never came out a winner. Families constantly face situations that can erupt in anger. Parents get upset at children over an issue. Children get upset with parents over set boundaries. Children get upset at their siblings over "things". Husbands and wives get upset at each other over small and large concerns.
Anger is a destructive emotion and nothing good comes from it. Anger affects us physically. No one ever comes out feeling good after an angry fight. Anger severs relationships. Nothing good ever comes from it. That is why Paul strongly advises us in Ephesians 4:31 to put away all our anger. In other words, get rid of it.
The scripture gives us clear guidelines as to how we should handle those "ANGRY MOMENTS." In Proverbs 17:27 it reads: "He who has knowledge spares his words". This means that we need to keep to ourselves opinions that we know could ignite anger in others. Certain personalities have trouble with this concept because just by their nature they want to stir up conflict. It is human nature to want to "have the last word." We must learn to think before we speak and remember God's admonition from Proverbs to SPARE OUR WORDS.
In Proverbs 17:27 the Lord gives us another concept. "A man of understanding is of a calm spirit". This verse gives us counsel concerning the emotional side of anger. A mature person, one that lives by God's Word, always exhibits understanding by keeping cool in a time of conflict. Problem solving is always enhanced by an even tempered approach. The key to controlling anger is to STOP when a conflict begins and ask God for a calm spirit and a cool head. The best time to stop an argument is before it starts. Remember "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" Proverbs 15:1.
Today is a good day to commit to eliminating anger in your life. When you spend time every day reading the Bible and communicating to God through prayer, God will give you understanding and a calm spirit to enable you to control your anger.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
Thank You, dear Lord, for giving to me this day, self control in all of my words and deeds. Help me to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life today and may others see through me the fruits of the Spirit controlling my life. Help me to honor God, my family, my neighbors and my friends today in all that I do and say.
Anger: July 20, 2010
Today's Word for Tuesday July 20, 2010
ANGER
DEFINITION
A strong feeling of displeasure aroused by a real or supposed wrong; wrath; a sudden violent displeasure accompanied by an impulse to retaliate.
SCRIPTURE
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy" Psalm 103:8
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you." Ephesians 4:31
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
It takes an unusual temperament for a person not to show ANGER at some point in his or her life. One of the concepts we attempted to teach our children, using verses from the Bible, was that when one was angry he or she never came out a winner. Families constantly face situations that can erupt in anger. Parents get upset at children over an issue. Children get upset with parents over set boundaries. Children get upset at their siblings over "things". Husbands and wives get upset at each other over small and large concerns.
Anger is a destructive emotion and nothing good comes from it. Anger affects us physically. No one ever comes out feeling good after an angry fight. Anger severs relationships. Nothing good ever comes from it. That is why Paul strongly advises us in Ephesians 4:31 to put away all our anger. In other words, get rid of it.
The scripture gives us clear guidelines as to how we should handle those "ANGRY MOMENTS." In Proverbs 17:27 it reads: "He who has knowledge spares his words". This means that we need to keep to ourselves opinions that we know could ignite anger in others. Certain personalities have trouble with this concept because just by their nature they want to stir up conflict. It is human nature to want to "have the last word." We must learn to think before we speak and remember God's admonition from Proverbs to SPARE OUR WORDS.
In Proverbs 17:27 the Lord gives us another concept. "A man of understanding is of a calm spirit". This verse gives us counsel concerning the emotional side of anger. A mature person, one that lives by God's Word, always exhibits understanding by keeping cool in a time of conflict. Problem solving is always enhanced by an even tempered approach. The key to controlling anger is to STOP when a conflict begins and ask God for a calm spirit and a cool head. The best time to stop an argument is before it starts. Remember "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" Proverbs 15:1.
Today is a good day to commit to eliminating anger in your life. When you spend time every day reading the Bible and communicating to God through prayer, God will give you understanding and a calm spirit to enable you to control your anger.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
Thank You, dear Lord, for giving to me this day, self control in all of my words and deeds. Help me to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life today and may others see through me the fruits of the Spirit controlling my life. Help me to honor God, my family, my neighbors and my friends today in all that I do and say.
ANGER
DEFINITION
A strong feeling of displeasure aroused by a real or supposed wrong; wrath; a sudden violent displeasure accompanied by an impulse to retaliate.
SCRIPTURE
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy" Psalm 103:8
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you." Ephesians 4:31
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
It takes an unusual temperament for a person not to show ANGER at some point in his or her life. One of the concepts we attempted to teach our children, using verses from the Bible, was that when one was angry he or she never came out a winner. Families constantly face situations that can erupt in anger. Parents get upset at children over an issue. Children get upset with parents over set boundaries. Children get upset at their siblings over "things". Husbands and wives get upset at each other over small and large concerns.
Anger is a destructive emotion and nothing good comes from it. Anger affects us physically. No one ever comes out feeling good after an angry fight. Anger severs relationships. Nothing good ever comes from it. That is why Paul strongly advises us in Ephesians 4:31 to put away all our anger. In other words, get rid of it.
The scripture gives us clear guidelines as to how we should handle those "ANGRY MOMENTS." In Proverbs 17:27 it reads: "He who has knowledge spares his words". This means that we need to keep to ourselves opinions that we know could ignite anger in others. Certain personalities have trouble with this concept because just by their nature they want to stir up conflict. It is human nature to want to "have the last word." We must learn to think before we speak and remember God's admonition from Proverbs to SPARE OUR WORDS.
In Proverbs 17:27 the Lord gives us another concept. "A man of understanding is of a calm spirit". This verse gives us counsel concerning the emotional side of anger. A mature person, one that lives by God's Word, always exhibits understanding by keeping cool in a time of conflict. Problem solving is always enhanced by an even tempered approach. The key to controlling anger is to STOP when a conflict begins and ask God for a calm spirit and a cool head. The best time to stop an argument is before it starts. Remember "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" Proverbs 15:1.
Today is a good day to commit to eliminating anger in your life. When you spend time every day reading the Bible and communicating to God through prayer, God will give you understanding and a calm spirit to enable you to control your anger.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
Thank You, dear Lord, for giving to me this day, self control in all of my words and deeds. Help me to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life today and may others see through me the fruits of the Spirit controlling my life. Help me to honor God, my family, my neighbors and my friends today in all that I do and say.
Determination: July 19, 2010
Today's Word for Monday July 19, 2010
DETERMINATION
DEFINITION
Definite decision; firmness; resolve; a fixed purpose of intention.
SCRIPTURE
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Some people have a great deal of determination in running their lives and others have very little. You can see different levels of determination in the same family. One's level of determination stems from the intensity of one's desire. One of our deep concerns today is the lack of determination that people have to serve the Lord with all of their hearts.
Apparently this was a concern that Paul had for the Christian's in the church at Rome when he wrote them and instructed them to never be lacking in their zeal to serve the Lord.
The story is told of a student in the late 19th century, Mary McLeod Bethune. She spent two years training at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago to become a missionary in Africa. After she graduated, no mission board would take her as an African-American woman to serve under their mission.
Unable to fulfill her dream, and seemingly what was a calling from God, she did not give up because she was determined to serve Jesus. She went to Florida and started a small school for African-American girls here in America. This small school, because of her determination, became Bethune-Cookman College and she became a powerful force for change in the status of women.
Mary's legacy came about because of her determination to serve her Lord. Her dream of going to Africa did not become a reality because God had something better for her. Her determination, to think big, allowed God to do His thing.
In our recent travels we have often commented on the fact that we do not see near the amount of determined people than we saw even 25 years ago. People are satisfied with the status quo. Worse yet they seem to want everything given to them.
We as parents and as believers need to develop a new determination to give all that we have to serving the Lord. We need more believers outwardly serving Jesus. We need to stand for our faith and for the moral standards that God has given us in His Word. The world, not only America, needs people with a new and vibrant determination to do the impossible. Let us challenge you to step up and let God do His thing through you.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
Give me a new determination to serve You with vigor today. May the determination that You give me help me to lead my family, friends and neighbors to a relationship with You. May my determination be strong enough to be the tool that You need to accomplish Your purpose through me.
DETERMINATION
DEFINITION
Definite decision; firmness; resolve; a fixed purpose of intention.
SCRIPTURE
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Some people have a great deal of determination in running their lives and others have very little. You can see different levels of determination in the same family. One's level of determination stems from the intensity of one's desire. One of our deep concerns today is the lack of determination that people have to serve the Lord with all of their hearts.
Apparently this was a concern that Paul had for the Christian's in the church at Rome when he wrote them and instructed them to never be lacking in their zeal to serve the Lord.
The story is told of a student in the late 19th century, Mary McLeod Bethune. She spent two years training at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago to become a missionary in Africa. After she graduated, no mission board would take her as an African-American woman to serve under their mission.
Unable to fulfill her dream, and seemingly what was a calling from God, she did not give up because she was determined to serve Jesus. She went to Florida and started a small school for African-American girls here in America. This small school, because of her determination, became Bethune-Cookman College and she became a powerful force for change in the status of women.
Mary's legacy came about because of her determination to serve her Lord. Her dream of going to Africa did not become a reality because God had something better for her. Her determination, to think big, allowed God to do His thing.
In our recent travels we have often commented on the fact that we do not see near the amount of determined people than we saw even 25 years ago. People are satisfied with the status quo. Worse yet they seem to want everything given to them.
We as parents and as believers need to develop a new determination to give all that we have to serving the Lord. We need more believers outwardly serving Jesus. We need to stand for our faith and for the moral standards that God has given us in His Word. The world, not only America, needs people with a new and vibrant determination to do the impossible. Let us challenge you to step up and let God do His thing through you.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
PRAYER
Give me a new determination to serve You with vigor today. May the determination that You give me help me to lead my family, friends and neighbors to a relationship with You. May my determination be strong enough to be the tool that You need to accomplish Your purpose through me.
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