CHRISTMAS 2011
PART TWO
DEFINITION:
The celebration of the birth of Jesus.
SCRIPTURE:
And she brought forth her first born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the Inn. Luke 2:7.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
As we prepare our hearts for tomorrow (Christmas Eve) and Sunday (Christmas) we want to share with you several of the most unusual events involved in the coming into this world by Jesus Christ the Messiah (Shiloh).
We talked yesterday about the miraculous timing of the taxation in the land. Another significant circumstance was the location that God chose for our Saviors place of birth. He was born in a smelly stable. He was laid in a manger which is a feeding trough for animals. This is certainly not the kind of place that anyone, even in their wildest imagination, would expect to be the place of birth for the Christ-child, the promised Messiah, and the very Son of God. His birth is covered in the scriptures in one simple verse but there is so much that could be said about the humble circumstances of His birth and birth place.
He was neglected and turned away by men from the very beginning of His life. There was no room for them in the inn but if someone had cared, room could have been made for Mary and Joseph. Jesus was born in poverty. If Mary and Joseph had the money they could have bought a room for the night, but they were too poor.
Jesus was born in obscurity and loneliness. The birth took place away from people, all alone. Note that the scripture says that Mary wrapped the Babe in swaddling clothes. No one was near her to help. There was no hospital, no doctor, no family or friends. They were under the stars of heaven in a smelly stable, really the lowest imaginable place someone could be born.
Another unusual event was the appearance of an angel to the shepherds. In the eyes of many an angel would never appear to a shepherd. Shepherds would seldom be seen or heard praising and worshipping God. Their reputation was lowly at best and religious people snubbed them and ignored them. They were despised because they were unable to attend services and keep the ceremonial laws of washing and cleansing. Their flocks demanded all their time and they were just too busy. Yet God gave His first message of the birth of the Messiah to the common shepherds, those looked upon as sinners.
And then there were the Angels. What a spectacular event it must have been to see THE HEAVENLY HOST --- ten thousand times ten thousand --- singing GLORY TO GOD! The angels did two things. They sang for Glory to be lifted to God and they cried out for peace and good will toward all men. The alienation and separation, restlessness and fear, struggles and divisiveness caused by sin needed to be solved. And the Angels were singing that now there was true hope for peace and joy in the world. The MESSIAH, THE PRINCE OF PEACE HAS COME!!
It is our prayer that this Christmas 2011 will be a most blessed Christmas for you and yours. Make Christmas special in your home by worshiping the Messiah that God sent to this world to pay the penalty of our sins. We are excited because we are looking toward that day when we will meet Him in the air and spend all eternity with Him. Make sure you are prepared to join us.
LEARNING:
Memorize these verses today if you have not already:
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
PRAYER:
Help me to recognize that the unique events concerning the birth of Jesus were part of God’s divine plan to bring mercy and forgiveness to sinners like me so that I may know Jesus as my personal Savior. May this Christmas have a special blessed meaning for me and my family.
December 25, 2011
Christmas 2011 Part One: December 22, 2011
CHRISTMAS 2011
PART ONE
DEFINITION:
The celebration of the birth of Jesus.
SCRIPTURE:
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
There were some unusual events that happened in the world when Jesus was born. These events had a dramatic effect on history.
Way back in the book of Genesis Jacob gave us a prophecy of the birth of Jesus. In Genesis 49:10 Jacob said, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh (the Messiah) come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.”
When Jesus was born this prophecy was being fulfilled. The scepter of rule had departed from Judea and they were now under the rule of Rome with Caesar Augustus reigning as emperor. Cyrenius was governor of Syria and Judea was part of the province of Syria. Herod was now King of Judea. So you see that a foreign, alien power, now ruled over Judea.
With the birth of Jesus, the prophecy of The Messiah coming was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was the Messiah (Shiloh) and His coming into the world not only fulfilled prophecy but was surrounded by the most unusual events.
One of these unusual events was the unexpected taxation. It had been prophesied that Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem and this scripture had to be fulfilled. Joseph and Mary lived in Galilee and as the scripture says, “Mary was now great with child.” The taxation happened just at the right time and in the right way. Every one needed to return to the city of his family ancestry to register and pay his taxes. God was controlling these events so that all things worked so that He might fulfill His promise to send the Savior into the world.
Joseph and Mary were both descendants of David so the taxation forced Joseph to take Mary and to go to Bethlehem. The city of Bethlehem was prophesied to be the city of the Messiah’s birth. The taxation led to the fulfillment of Scripture. Without the taxation decree Joseph and Mary would certainly have not had any reason to make such a long difficult journey of more than 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, especially with a baby on the verge of being born.
The Scribes understood where Jesus the Messiah was to be born (Matthew 2:5-6). The common people understood where Jesus was to be born (John 7:42).
Jesus had to be born in Bethlehem because it was prophesied that the Messiah was to be the Son of David. David had been born in Bethlehem therefore it was necessary for Jesus the Son of David to be born there. The “Son of David” was the most common Messianic title used to refer to Jesus in His day. And finally the scripture prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)
How can we not only be amazed but also have our hearts blessed when we consider how God miraculously worked out His plan of Salvation for us? Caesar Augustus could never have imagined that he played a role in fulfilling prophecy concerning Christ our Messiah.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this Christmas week is found in Luke 2:14-15.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
PRAYER
Help me today to realize the significance of how God prepared the world for the birth of Jesus. Thank You that I serve a miracle working God and may this Christmas season be a time of miracles in my life as well as in the lives of my family.
PART ONE
DEFINITION:
The celebration of the birth of Jesus.
SCRIPTURE:
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
There were some unusual events that happened in the world when Jesus was born. These events had a dramatic effect on history.
Way back in the book of Genesis Jacob gave us a prophecy of the birth of Jesus. In Genesis 49:10 Jacob said, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh (the Messiah) come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.”
When Jesus was born this prophecy was being fulfilled. The scepter of rule had departed from Judea and they were now under the rule of Rome with Caesar Augustus reigning as emperor. Cyrenius was governor of Syria and Judea was part of the province of Syria. Herod was now King of Judea. So you see that a foreign, alien power, now ruled over Judea.
With the birth of Jesus, the prophecy of The Messiah coming was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was the Messiah (Shiloh) and His coming into the world not only fulfilled prophecy but was surrounded by the most unusual events.
One of these unusual events was the unexpected taxation. It had been prophesied that Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem and this scripture had to be fulfilled. Joseph and Mary lived in Galilee and as the scripture says, “Mary was now great with child.” The taxation happened just at the right time and in the right way. Every one needed to return to the city of his family ancestry to register and pay his taxes. God was controlling these events so that all things worked so that He might fulfill His promise to send the Savior into the world.
Joseph and Mary were both descendants of David so the taxation forced Joseph to take Mary and to go to Bethlehem. The city of Bethlehem was prophesied to be the city of the Messiah’s birth. The taxation led to the fulfillment of Scripture. Without the taxation decree Joseph and Mary would certainly have not had any reason to make such a long difficult journey of more than 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, especially with a baby on the verge of being born.
The Scribes understood where Jesus the Messiah was to be born (Matthew 2:5-6). The common people understood where Jesus was to be born (John 7:42).
Jesus had to be born in Bethlehem because it was prophesied that the Messiah was to be the Son of David. David had been born in Bethlehem therefore it was necessary for Jesus the Son of David to be born there. The “Son of David” was the most common Messianic title used to refer to Jesus in His day. And finally the scripture prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)
How can we not only be amazed but also have our hearts blessed when we consider how God miraculously worked out His plan of Salvation for us? Caesar Augustus could never have imagined that he played a role in fulfilling prophecy concerning Christ our Messiah.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this Christmas week is found in Luke 2:14-15.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
PRAYER
Help me today to realize the significance of how God prepared the world for the birth of Jesus. Thank You that I serve a miracle working God and may this Christmas season be a time of miracles in my life as well as in the lives of my family.
Think: December 21, 2011
THINK
DEFINITION:
Form a mental concept of; hold as a belief or opinion; exercise the mind; to employ one’s mind rationally in evaluating a situation.
SCRIPTURE:
For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We are often asked how to develop a Godly attitude in our daily living. Much of our actions and our desires are controlled by the way we think. Our thoughts motivate us to do the things we do. Many people we talk to have an inferior feeling due to fear that has come from sin in their life and they have a constant fear and want to overcome this fear.
Following are a few principles that if they become part of your daily thinking they will motivate a change in your attitude from fear to faith. Allowing these principles to guide your daily thought process will soon help you to develop a positive Godly mental attitude.
Here are eight constructive suggestions that you can think about daily and apply then to your life as necessary.
• Today I will think like a dynamic servant of God because as the scripture says (above), I am what I think.
• I am not always what I think I am; I am what I think.
• I am not what I eat; I am what I think.
• Clothes do not make the man or woman; thinking makes the man or woman.
• I will keep my thought processes active and open to the voice of God.
• God did not call me to a life of failure, but to a life of success.
• I cannot fail as long as I do His will. I will allow Him to work in and through me today, motivating my every thought.
• Because my God is a great God, I will think with confidence on every issue that comes my way knowing that my thoughts never can be greater than my God’s.
Make your commitment today to think like a dynamic servant of God. A dynamic servant of God thinks by faith and not with or by fear. You think by choice. You can think good or you can think evil. It is your choice but remember you cannot have it both ways, by thinking good and evil at the same time. We really have two ways to think, the righteous way or the unrighteous way.
In Isaiah 55:8-9 it reads: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” When you really want to work at your thinking process remember to keep your thought process, your thinking, focused on the Word of God and open to the voice of God. Learn to listen for God’s voice.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week helps to prepare us for Christmas and is found in Luke 2:13-14.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
PRAYER:
Help me to consistently work on my “thought process” and allow You to mold me into a vessel that can be used by You. Help me to keep my heart open to Your voice and may I learn to listen to what You have for me and apply it to my life.
DEFINITION:
Form a mental concept of; hold as a belief or opinion; exercise the mind; to employ one’s mind rationally in evaluating a situation.
SCRIPTURE:
For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We are often asked how to develop a Godly attitude in our daily living. Much of our actions and our desires are controlled by the way we think. Our thoughts motivate us to do the things we do. Many people we talk to have an inferior feeling due to fear that has come from sin in their life and they have a constant fear and want to overcome this fear.
Following are a few principles that if they become part of your daily thinking they will motivate a change in your attitude from fear to faith. Allowing these principles to guide your daily thought process will soon help you to develop a positive Godly mental attitude.
Here are eight constructive suggestions that you can think about daily and apply then to your life as necessary.
• Today I will think like a dynamic servant of God because as the scripture says (above), I am what I think.
• I am not always what I think I am; I am what I think.
• I am not what I eat; I am what I think.
• Clothes do not make the man or woman; thinking makes the man or woman.
• I will keep my thought processes active and open to the voice of God.
• God did not call me to a life of failure, but to a life of success.
• I cannot fail as long as I do His will. I will allow Him to work in and through me today, motivating my every thought.
• Because my God is a great God, I will think with confidence on every issue that comes my way knowing that my thoughts never can be greater than my God’s.
Make your commitment today to think like a dynamic servant of God. A dynamic servant of God thinks by faith and not with or by fear. You think by choice. You can think good or you can think evil. It is your choice but remember you cannot have it both ways, by thinking good and evil at the same time. We really have two ways to think, the righteous way or the unrighteous way.
In Isaiah 55:8-9 it reads: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” When you really want to work at your thinking process remember to keep your thought process, your thinking, focused on the Word of God and open to the voice of God. Learn to listen for God’s voice.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week helps to prepare us for Christmas and is found in Luke 2:13-14.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
PRAYER:
Help me to consistently work on my “thought process” and allow You to mold me into a vessel that can be used by You. Help me to keep my heart open to Your voice and may I learn to listen to what You have for me and apply it to my life.
Conscience: December 20, 2011
CONSCIENCE
DEFINITION:
One’s moral sense of right or wrong.
SCRIPTURE:
This charge I commit to you – having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. I Timothy 1:18-20.
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. I Timothy 1: 5
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
God gave everyone a conscience. It is an inner sense which is like a radar system meant to send warnings when a behavior or decision might be harmful. This alarm system that God has given us allows people to clearly distinguish what is morally right and morally wrong, especially as it applies to one’s own life.
Any action that is morally wrong will prick our conscience and produce an inner feeling of guilt and shame. If one ignores his or her conscience he or she does it at their own peril. Continually ignoring one’s conscience hardens a person’s heart and they become numb to guilt or shame. Many non-believers just say, “let your conscience be your guide” but can they really trust their conscience?
In a believer the conscience is a tool of the Holy Spirit. He programs our conscience with principles from God’s Word so we can respond quickly. It is important to note that this alarm system we have serves as just a warning. How we respond is up to us. Either we ignore the warning or we stop to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say about the situation we are facing. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s principles so we can make wise decisions about the warning bell that is ringing in our conscience.
The apostle Paul tells us in his letter to Timothy (I Timothy 1:19) that, “having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck.” Paul was very concerned about some in the church who had rejected their good conscience and as a result they had shipwrecked their lives. A good conscience steers us through the rocks and reefs of sin and error and keeps us on the right course. Hymanaeus and Alexander were two of those who had rejected their good consciences and as a result not only shipwrecked their own faith but were teaching false doctrine leading others on the wrong course.
Paul had to remove them from the fellowship of the church because they were being led by Satan. This is a danger we must all keep alert to daily. When our conscience warns us that we are doing wrong we must reject our sinful actions and let our God-given conscience steer us back on course. In other words when something appears on the radar system of a believer that speaks of disobedience toward God, we have to reject that action. If we do not the detection system becomes impaired and will not work right. If we do not listen and respond by doing what we know is right in God’s sight, soon the alarm in our life will go completely silent.
It is important for believers to remember that God has given us the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and offer guidance to us as we make decisions. But we must be careful not to harbor sin in our lives because sin will interfere with the way our morality sensor functions. A trustworthy conscience is programmed with scriptural teaching so when sinful thoughts or choices come our way it will deliver a sharp warning.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week helps to prepare us for Christmas and is found in Luke 2:13-14.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
PRAYER:
Help me to be alert so that when my spiritual alarm goes off that I will be quick to draw back and reject any unwise choices that I face. Help me to realize that my conscience is not designed to be my guide but it is a tool of the Holy Spirit dealing within me. Help me to be submissive to the Holy Spirit so I can conform to the likeness of Christ.
DEFINITION:
One’s moral sense of right or wrong.
SCRIPTURE:
This charge I commit to you – having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. I Timothy 1:18-20.
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. I Timothy 1: 5
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
God gave everyone a conscience. It is an inner sense which is like a radar system meant to send warnings when a behavior or decision might be harmful. This alarm system that God has given us allows people to clearly distinguish what is morally right and morally wrong, especially as it applies to one’s own life.
Any action that is morally wrong will prick our conscience and produce an inner feeling of guilt and shame. If one ignores his or her conscience he or she does it at their own peril. Continually ignoring one’s conscience hardens a person’s heart and they become numb to guilt or shame. Many non-believers just say, “let your conscience be your guide” but can they really trust their conscience?
In a believer the conscience is a tool of the Holy Spirit. He programs our conscience with principles from God’s Word so we can respond quickly. It is important to note that this alarm system we have serves as just a warning. How we respond is up to us. Either we ignore the warning or we stop to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say about the situation we are facing. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s principles so we can make wise decisions about the warning bell that is ringing in our conscience.
The apostle Paul tells us in his letter to Timothy (I Timothy 1:19) that, “having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck.” Paul was very concerned about some in the church who had rejected their good conscience and as a result they had shipwrecked their lives. A good conscience steers us through the rocks and reefs of sin and error and keeps us on the right course. Hymanaeus and Alexander were two of those who had rejected their good consciences and as a result not only shipwrecked their own faith but were teaching false doctrine leading others on the wrong course.
Paul had to remove them from the fellowship of the church because they were being led by Satan. This is a danger we must all keep alert to daily. When our conscience warns us that we are doing wrong we must reject our sinful actions and let our God-given conscience steer us back on course. In other words when something appears on the radar system of a believer that speaks of disobedience toward God, we have to reject that action. If we do not the detection system becomes impaired and will not work right. If we do not listen and respond by doing what we know is right in God’s sight, soon the alarm in our life will go completely silent.
It is important for believers to remember that God has given us the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and offer guidance to us as we make decisions. But we must be careful not to harbor sin in our lives because sin will interfere with the way our morality sensor functions. A trustworthy conscience is programmed with scriptural teaching so when sinful thoughts or choices come our way it will deliver a sharp warning.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week helps to prepare us for Christmas and is found in Luke 2:13-14.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
PRAYER:
Help me to be alert so that when my spiritual alarm goes off that I will be quick to draw back and reject any unwise choices that I face. Help me to realize that my conscience is not designed to be my guide but it is a tool of the Holy Spirit dealing within me. Help me to be submissive to the Holy Spirit so I can conform to the likeness of Christ.
Disaster: December 19, 2011
DISASTER
DEFINITION:
A great misfortune, a catastrophe; a calamitous event occurring suddenly and causing great loss of life, damage or hardship.
SCRIPTURE:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When a disaster strikes many people respond with what they feel are legitimate questions. They include: Why does the Lord let such things happen? Couldn’t God have stopped this? Doesn’t God care? The magnitude of disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis and floods cause death and destruction and our thoughts change from day to day activities to concerns about surviving and wanting explanations for the suffering that results.
Non-believers in our Lord have a most difficult time answering these questions because they have no relationship with God, thus they feel hopeless and alone. They have no frame of reference for understanding God.
Believers in the Lord have the Bible to guide them as they wrestle through the issues they face. Coming to the proper conclusions on issues will depend on one’s knowledge of the Bible and the depth of one’s relationship with God.
We must not allow disasters to cause us to doubt God. When a disaster happens we want to ask, “How could God allow this to happen?” Isaiah reminds us that we cannot know the mind of God. God does not think as we think and His way is not our way. Isaiah assures us, however, that God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are better than our ways.
Many believers have a tendency to design a box in their mind that the Lord will fit into. But if He does not fit into that box we get upset, confused and even angry at God.
We may not know why disasters occur but we have several Biblical truths that we know with absolute certainty that will allow us to trust God in even the greatest times of our suffering.
We know that God is in control. “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19. Nothing in heaven or earth is outside of His control, rule or authority. We can always trust in His goodness and mercy.
The Lord loves people and wants them to be saved. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall never perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. God cares for us, even when we cannot feel it or even will not accept it.
God ordains or permits events for His good purpose. All though we cannot comprehend what God is doing, in every incident, every disaster is a wakeup call for humanity. God is alerting us to repent. Catastrophes open our ears to hear from God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:13-14. These verses will help us prepare for Christmas.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
PRAYER:
Thank You that You are in full control and working out every detail of our world’s issues according to Your good purpose. Help my heart to always be filled with hope no matter how difficult my crises.
DEFINITION:
A great misfortune, a catastrophe; a calamitous event occurring suddenly and causing great loss of life, damage or hardship.
SCRIPTURE:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When a disaster strikes many people respond with what they feel are legitimate questions. They include: Why does the Lord let such things happen? Couldn’t God have stopped this? Doesn’t God care? The magnitude of disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis and floods cause death and destruction and our thoughts change from day to day activities to concerns about surviving and wanting explanations for the suffering that results.
Non-believers in our Lord have a most difficult time answering these questions because they have no relationship with God, thus they feel hopeless and alone. They have no frame of reference for understanding God.
Believers in the Lord have the Bible to guide them as they wrestle through the issues they face. Coming to the proper conclusions on issues will depend on one’s knowledge of the Bible and the depth of one’s relationship with God.
We must not allow disasters to cause us to doubt God. When a disaster happens we want to ask, “How could God allow this to happen?” Isaiah reminds us that we cannot know the mind of God. God does not think as we think and His way is not our way. Isaiah assures us, however, that God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are better than our ways.
Many believers have a tendency to design a box in their mind that the Lord will fit into. But if He does not fit into that box we get upset, confused and even angry at God.
We may not know why disasters occur but we have several Biblical truths that we know with absolute certainty that will allow us to trust God in even the greatest times of our suffering.
We know that God is in control. “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19. Nothing in heaven or earth is outside of His control, rule or authority. We can always trust in His goodness and mercy.
The Lord loves people and wants them to be saved. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall never perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. God cares for us, even when we cannot feel it or even will not accept it.
God ordains or permits events for His good purpose. All though we cannot comprehend what God is doing, in every incident, every disaster is a wakeup call for humanity. God is alerting us to repent. Catastrophes open our ears to hear from God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:13-14. These verses will help us prepare for Christmas.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
PRAYER:
Thank You that You are in full control and working out every detail of our world’s issues according to Your good purpose. Help my heart to always be filled with hope no matter how difficult my crises.
December 18, 2011
Discouragement: December 16, 2011
DISCOURAGEMENT
DEFINITION:
Cause to lose spirit or hope; dishearten; dismay.
SCRIPTURE:
O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “VIOLENCE!” and You will not save. Habakkuk 1:2
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Habakkuk in the verse above expresses his heart just like many believers do today. He was frustrated and baffled as to why God had not corrected the corruption in Judah? God was working but Habakkuk could not see it because it was not the time for Him to answer Habakkuk’s prayers. Habakkuk was discouraged and could not understand why God was delaying.
It is difficult for believers today, as well, to see the injustice and evil that abounds in our world and not be discouraged and wonder if God is paying attention.
Do you feel stuck in discouragement? If so, you are not alone. At some point everyone experiences a disappointment which is an emotional response to a failed expectation. Disappointment is the normal initial reaction to a failed expectation but if you allow it to linger it will turn into discouragement.
The circumstances that bring on disappointment may be unavoidable but we have a choice how we can respond. We can either let it overwhelm us or bring it before the Lord who can help us through it.
Living in constant discouragement can divide the mind, making it hard to focus on anything but our pain. Then anger comes and we look for someone to blame, whether it be God, people around us, or ourself.
Frustration that isn’t handled well may develop into depression, which will turn others away from us. This leads to a low esteem and then we make poor decisions. Choosing this self-destructive path is not God’s best for our lives. Instead of sulking in self-pity, choose to believe God, step out in faith, and climb out of your emotional pit.
Nehemiah is a great example. (Nehemiah 2:1-8) He had every reason to feel defeated, because his people were in trouble. The city wall had been destroyed but he did not allow himself to stay in the low place of discouragement. Instead he cried out to God for direction. Even though Nehemiah knew that sadness in the presence of royalty was punishable by death, the Lord went ahead of Nehemiah and led the king to notice his servant’s sadness and asked what he could do to help.
This miracle led to the rebuilding of the wall and the redemption of God’s people. The Lord can take an impossible situation, just like He did for Nehemiah when He moved the king to talk to Nehemiah, and move in ways mightier than we could ever imagine. Even though we cannot see how God is working we do not need to be discouraged. God is doing His work even when we do not understand why He works as He does.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help me dear Lord, to face the disappointments that I may face today by trusting in You. Help me to remember that there is a divine purpose for everything He allows to touch His children’s lives. Help me to live today with an eager anticipation of what You will do through me.
DEFINITION:
Cause to lose spirit or hope; dishearten; dismay.
SCRIPTURE:
O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “VIOLENCE!” and You will not save. Habakkuk 1:2
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Habakkuk in the verse above expresses his heart just like many believers do today. He was frustrated and baffled as to why God had not corrected the corruption in Judah? God was working but Habakkuk could not see it because it was not the time for Him to answer Habakkuk’s prayers. Habakkuk was discouraged and could not understand why God was delaying.
It is difficult for believers today, as well, to see the injustice and evil that abounds in our world and not be discouraged and wonder if God is paying attention.
Do you feel stuck in discouragement? If so, you are not alone. At some point everyone experiences a disappointment which is an emotional response to a failed expectation. Disappointment is the normal initial reaction to a failed expectation but if you allow it to linger it will turn into discouragement.
The circumstances that bring on disappointment may be unavoidable but we have a choice how we can respond. We can either let it overwhelm us or bring it before the Lord who can help us through it.
Living in constant discouragement can divide the mind, making it hard to focus on anything but our pain. Then anger comes and we look for someone to blame, whether it be God, people around us, or ourself.
Frustration that isn’t handled well may develop into depression, which will turn others away from us. This leads to a low esteem and then we make poor decisions. Choosing this self-destructive path is not God’s best for our lives. Instead of sulking in self-pity, choose to believe God, step out in faith, and climb out of your emotional pit.
Nehemiah is a great example. (Nehemiah 2:1-8) He had every reason to feel defeated, because his people were in trouble. The city wall had been destroyed but he did not allow himself to stay in the low place of discouragement. Instead he cried out to God for direction. Even though Nehemiah knew that sadness in the presence of royalty was punishable by death, the Lord went ahead of Nehemiah and led the king to notice his servant’s sadness and asked what he could do to help.
This miracle led to the rebuilding of the wall and the redemption of God’s people. The Lord can take an impossible situation, just like He did for Nehemiah when He moved the king to talk to Nehemiah, and move in ways mightier than we could ever imagine. Even though we cannot see how God is working we do not need to be discouraged. God is doing His work even when we do not understand why He works as He does.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help me dear Lord, to face the disappointments that I may face today by trusting in You. Help me to remember that there is a divine purpose for everything He allows to touch His children’s lives. Help me to live today with an eager anticipation of what You will do through me.
Obedience: December 15, 2011
OBEDIENCE
DEFINITION:
Submissive to authority; yielding; compliance with.
SCRIPTURE:
But Simon answered and said to Him. Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. Luke 5:5-6.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Many people today take time to pray when they face major situations in their lives. God wants us to be obedient, not just in major situations but also in minor situations. When we obey God in small matters He can bring blessings.
In the first eleven verses of Luke 5 we read of how Simon Peter’s obedience brought blessing. Simon Peter was a fisherman by trade and had worked hard all night without catching any fish. He was on the shore cleaning up his boat when Jesus approached him. The Lord wanted to speak from the boat to the large crowd on shore. Peter agreed to take Jesus in his boat and the crowd was excited and blessed when they could see that Christ was going to speak to them.
This was really not a good time for Simon Peter to do this. He was up all night and was very tired but he responded in obedience to what Jesus asked of him. God’s requests can come to us at inopportune or unexpected moments. We may be tempted to let someone else respond to His call, thinking it will not matter who is the one to comply. But remember that in Jeremiah 29:11 we are told that His plans are designed for our benefit.
Later, Jesus made a second request to Peter. He asked Peter to move the boat into deeper waters and lower down the nets. You see, Jesus saw their need to get some fish. The fishermen commented to Jesus and among themselves that it was unlikely that they would catch any fish. After all they were professional fishermen and knew when to fish. They had fished all night and never got one fish.
But Peter did what Jesus asked him to do. Because of Peter’s obedience an abundance of fish was caught to feed the crowd. Peter didn’t obey to get rewarded but that is precisely what happened. His simple act of obedience led to greater opportunities for service.
Scripture demonstrates that divine plans often defy human logic. For example, who would design a battle strategy that involved only marching and shouting? God told Joshua to conquer Jericho that way and Joshua obeyed and look what happened. (Joshua 6:1-5)
Look at what God did with Moses. Moses felt very unsure about his ability to lead. God told him to throw down his walking stick. When Moses obeyed, God revealed His mighty power to confirm to Moses that he was God’s choice. (Exodus 4:1-3)
Because of obedience Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Look at the simple things that God asked these men to do. Throw the nets into the water, to march and shout, and to throw the walking stick to the ground. Our Father may ask us to do something strange or illogical but as these men did, we must respond in obedience as they did.
It may be taking on more responsibility when we are hoping to reduce our workload. It may be to leave a position we just started and really like. It may be to take on an assignment that we feel we are not equipped to handle. God uses our obedience to accomplish His purpose.
We must press forward every day and be obedient to what God calls us to do regardless how impractical the request may appear. Always make obeying God your priority.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help me to be alert to obeying God even in the little things You ask me to do. Help me to listen carefully to Your voice so I can live in obedience to Your perfect will for my life.
DEFINITION:
Submissive to authority; yielding; compliance with.
SCRIPTURE:
But Simon answered and said to Him. Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. Luke 5:5-6.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Many people today take time to pray when they face major situations in their lives. God wants us to be obedient, not just in major situations but also in minor situations. When we obey God in small matters He can bring blessings.
In the first eleven verses of Luke 5 we read of how Simon Peter’s obedience brought blessing. Simon Peter was a fisherman by trade and had worked hard all night without catching any fish. He was on the shore cleaning up his boat when Jesus approached him. The Lord wanted to speak from the boat to the large crowd on shore. Peter agreed to take Jesus in his boat and the crowd was excited and blessed when they could see that Christ was going to speak to them.
This was really not a good time for Simon Peter to do this. He was up all night and was very tired but he responded in obedience to what Jesus asked of him. God’s requests can come to us at inopportune or unexpected moments. We may be tempted to let someone else respond to His call, thinking it will not matter who is the one to comply. But remember that in Jeremiah 29:11 we are told that His plans are designed for our benefit.
Later, Jesus made a second request to Peter. He asked Peter to move the boat into deeper waters and lower down the nets. You see, Jesus saw their need to get some fish. The fishermen commented to Jesus and among themselves that it was unlikely that they would catch any fish. After all they were professional fishermen and knew when to fish. They had fished all night and never got one fish.
But Peter did what Jesus asked him to do. Because of Peter’s obedience an abundance of fish was caught to feed the crowd. Peter didn’t obey to get rewarded but that is precisely what happened. His simple act of obedience led to greater opportunities for service.
Scripture demonstrates that divine plans often defy human logic. For example, who would design a battle strategy that involved only marching and shouting? God told Joshua to conquer Jericho that way and Joshua obeyed and look what happened. (Joshua 6:1-5)
Look at what God did with Moses. Moses felt very unsure about his ability to lead. God told him to throw down his walking stick. When Moses obeyed, God revealed His mighty power to confirm to Moses that he was God’s choice. (Exodus 4:1-3)
Because of obedience Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Look at the simple things that God asked these men to do. Throw the nets into the water, to march and shout, and to throw the walking stick to the ground. Our Father may ask us to do something strange or illogical but as these men did, we must respond in obedience as they did.
It may be taking on more responsibility when we are hoping to reduce our workload. It may be to leave a position we just started and really like. It may be to take on an assignment that we feel we are not equipped to handle. God uses our obedience to accomplish His purpose.
We must press forward every day and be obedient to what God calls us to do regardless how impractical the request may appear. Always make obeying God your priority.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help me to be alert to obeying God even in the little things You ask me to do. Help me to listen carefully to Your voice so I can live in obedience to Your perfect will for my life.
Integrity: December 14, 2011
INTEGRITY
DEFINITION:
Uncompromising adherence to moral principles; honesty.
SCRIPTURE:
Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart. Psalm 15:1-2.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Integrity does not seem to be a concern among most people today. We were taught as children and teenagers that integrity was one of the most important, if not the most important, trait a person should have. We taught our children the same thing. But in this so called “ME” generation integrity is a “lost art.”
We live in a sinful world whose standards and morals are rapidly disintegrating. Our standards of living must not be based on those of our evil and sick society.
In this 15th chapter of Psalms (above), King David describes the life of integrity that believers are to cultivate. In the five verses of this Psalm we are given guidelines for living a life of integrity:
• Walk uprightly so that you are blameless.
• Do what is right.
• Speak the truth and be honest.
• Do not speak evil of others.
• Treat your neighbor kindly.
• Be accountable for your actions.
• Honor those that love the Lord.
• Do not be greedy for money.
God wants us to daily increase the pursuit of truthfulness, righteousness and honesty.
We are to formulate our beliefs as believers on the basis of scripture. The foundational truths that we are to build our lives on are to begin with, our need for a Savior, our helplessness to save ourselves, Christ’s death on the cross on our behalf, salvation by faith alone, and God’s free gift of eternal life. We must align our actions, our words and thinking with the Bible and never compromise.
We are to submit to Jesus Christ as our Lord. In Mark 8:34, Jesus commands us to deny ourselves and follow Him. Wholehearted commitment to Jesus will give us all we need to stand against temptations that we may face. We as believers must choose righteousness for this to become a reality in our lives.
We should build relationships with individuals who value godly living and not individuals that care only about the things of the world. The influence of mature Christians strengthens us in our dedication and obedience to the Lord. When you build these relationships and then spend any time with those who thrive on worldly pleasures, you will feel very uncomfortable.
Everyone misses the mark at times and makes mistakes. As believers we are to confess any known sin to God and turn away from bad behavior. (I John 1:9)
When we learn these principles that we have outlined above and practice them daily, we will be living a life of integrity.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help our family to recognize that we live in a culture that approves of ungodly values and behaviors. May Your Holy Spirit open our eyes and help us today to recognize right from wrong so that we may live a life of integrity giving all glory to You.
DEFINITION:
Uncompromising adherence to moral principles; honesty.
SCRIPTURE:
Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart. Psalm 15:1-2.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Integrity does not seem to be a concern among most people today. We were taught as children and teenagers that integrity was one of the most important, if not the most important, trait a person should have. We taught our children the same thing. But in this so called “ME” generation integrity is a “lost art.”
We live in a sinful world whose standards and morals are rapidly disintegrating. Our standards of living must not be based on those of our evil and sick society.
In this 15th chapter of Psalms (above), King David describes the life of integrity that believers are to cultivate. In the five verses of this Psalm we are given guidelines for living a life of integrity:
• Walk uprightly so that you are blameless.
• Do what is right.
• Speak the truth and be honest.
• Do not speak evil of others.
• Treat your neighbor kindly.
• Be accountable for your actions.
• Honor those that love the Lord.
• Do not be greedy for money.
God wants us to daily increase the pursuit of truthfulness, righteousness and honesty.
We are to formulate our beliefs as believers on the basis of scripture. The foundational truths that we are to build our lives on are to begin with, our need for a Savior, our helplessness to save ourselves, Christ’s death on the cross on our behalf, salvation by faith alone, and God’s free gift of eternal life. We must align our actions, our words and thinking with the Bible and never compromise.
We are to submit to Jesus Christ as our Lord. In Mark 8:34, Jesus commands us to deny ourselves and follow Him. Wholehearted commitment to Jesus will give us all we need to stand against temptations that we may face. We as believers must choose righteousness for this to become a reality in our lives.
We should build relationships with individuals who value godly living and not individuals that care only about the things of the world. The influence of mature Christians strengthens us in our dedication and obedience to the Lord. When you build these relationships and then spend any time with those who thrive on worldly pleasures, you will feel very uncomfortable.
Everyone misses the mark at times and makes mistakes. As believers we are to confess any known sin to God and turn away from bad behavior. (I John 1:9)
When we learn these principles that we have outlined above and practice them daily, we will be living a life of integrity.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help our family to recognize that we live in a culture that approves of ungodly values and behaviors. May Your Holy Spirit open our eyes and help us today to recognize right from wrong so that we may live a life of integrity giving all glory to You.
Unshakeable: December 13, 2011
UNSHAKEABLE
DEFINITION:
Determined; stable; steady; unwavering; not open to persuasion.
SCRIPTURE:
Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:35, 37.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Our world is literally changing daily. In this changing world many people seek security in wealth, relationships, and power. But what people are finding out is that putting their security in these things is not guaranteed from one day to another. No wonder there is so much despair and fear in our world today.
For believers reality is not based in what we see or feel. Also our foundation for life is not found in this world of uncertainty. We build our trust and hope in the Lord and believe the truth that is in His Word.
The verses we have written above tells us that even in chaotic times like today our certainty is found in our relationship with God. We are His children and He cares for us and tells us that NOTHING CAN TEAR US AWAY FROM THE LOVE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
No matter what circumstances we might be in, and no matter what happens to us, God’s love for us is unshakeable. We can never lose God’s love. Bad things happen to all of us. Many have been abandoned by those who should love them. Children are abandoned by parents and spouses abandon one another.
In tough times, especially, we may feel God has abandoned us, but we can be assured that God will never abandon us nor stop loving us. God proved His love for us when He gave His life for us on the cross. We must not allow our circumstances to shake our faith in our Lord and Savior.
As believers we are in a very unique position today. In the midst of turmoil and trials we have the assurance that our lives are in the grip of almighty God. We can rely not only on His love and presence in our lives but also on His uninterrupted attention, faithfulness and perfect care.
Is your faith in the Lord today unshakeable? When difficulty arises in your life and circumstances seem overwhelming, can you respond with confidence and strength because of your relationship with Jesus? The psalmist said in Psalm 91:2, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help each one of us in my family to be unshakeable in our love for You. Strengthen the foundation of our lives so that we do not waver in our faith. Help us to put our confidence and hope in You.
DEFINITION:
Determined; stable; steady; unwavering; not open to persuasion.
SCRIPTURE:
Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:35, 37.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Our world is literally changing daily. In this changing world many people seek security in wealth, relationships, and power. But what people are finding out is that putting their security in these things is not guaranteed from one day to another. No wonder there is so much despair and fear in our world today.
For believers reality is not based in what we see or feel. Also our foundation for life is not found in this world of uncertainty. We build our trust and hope in the Lord and believe the truth that is in His Word.
The verses we have written above tells us that even in chaotic times like today our certainty is found in our relationship with God. We are His children and He cares for us and tells us that NOTHING CAN TEAR US AWAY FROM THE LOVE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
No matter what circumstances we might be in, and no matter what happens to us, God’s love for us is unshakeable. We can never lose God’s love. Bad things happen to all of us. Many have been abandoned by those who should love them. Children are abandoned by parents and spouses abandon one another.
In tough times, especially, we may feel God has abandoned us, but we can be assured that God will never abandon us nor stop loving us. God proved His love for us when He gave His life for us on the cross. We must not allow our circumstances to shake our faith in our Lord and Savior.
As believers we are in a very unique position today. In the midst of turmoil and trials we have the assurance that our lives are in the grip of almighty God. We can rely not only on His love and presence in our lives but also on His uninterrupted attention, faithfulness and perfect care.
Is your faith in the Lord today unshakeable? When difficulty arises in your life and circumstances seem overwhelming, can you respond with confidence and strength because of your relationship with Jesus? The psalmist said in Psalm 91:2, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help each one of us in my family to be unshakeable in our love for You. Strengthen the foundation of our lives so that we do not waver in our faith. Help us to put our confidence and hope in You.
Waiting: December 12, 2011
WAITING
DEFINITION:
Remain; expecting something; patient anticipation; a delay; a stay.
SCRIPTURE:
But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
God is the one that formed us. He knows our talents and abilities as well as our weaknesses. He knows every detail of our decision making and the potential results of every decision we make. He knows what is best for our life. And when we have our faith in Him He has a plan for us motivated by wisdom and love and He will execute what He has for us in His perfect timing.
This at times can be very difficult for us to accept especially if it involves waiting. For some reason God wants patience to be part of His plans for us. He does this because He wants to teach us to trust and yield our longings to Him. We demonstrate surrender and humility to God when we submit to His timetable. And for most believers this is very difficult.
God also gave us another option which is the free will to choose His plan or do it our way. So many times when life does not go just the way we want it we will try to make things happen in our power. But very rarely does this work and it always leads to disappointment and difficulty which causes us to miss God’s best for our life.
The verse we have put above from Isaiah contains rich promises that we can claim throughout life and God always keeps His Word. As believers we are to believe with faith, anticipate with hope and wait quietly with patience.
Waiting on the Lord takes patience especially when waiting means enduring hardship. David had to endure much hardship waiting on the Lord. While David was just a young boy God directed Samuel to anoint him to be king after Saul. David had to wait many years before taking the throne. During those years David had opportunity to kill Saul and speed up God’s time table. David chose to wait on the Lord. In his Psalm 40:1 David said, “I waited patiently for the Lord.”
We encourage you to embrace whatever situation you are in today. If it is a time for waiting, choose to learn patience, trusting that His plan for your life is always going to be better than your own. Walking in His will requires us to remain sensitive to His voice. He will protect us from making mistakes when we wait upon Him and are ready to listen to Him in His perfect timing.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help me to learn to wait patiently upon You with an attitude of expecting something big to happen for Your glory. Help my family to also learn to wait upon You. Help us to prayerfully make decisions together in our home as You lead us. Give us the strength to wait on You for your perfect timing.
DEFINITION:
Remain; expecting something; patient anticipation; a delay; a stay.
SCRIPTURE:
But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
God is the one that formed us. He knows our talents and abilities as well as our weaknesses. He knows every detail of our decision making and the potential results of every decision we make. He knows what is best for our life. And when we have our faith in Him He has a plan for us motivated by wisdom and love and He will execute what He has for us in His perfect timing.
This at times can be very difficult for us to accept especially if it involves waiting. For some reason God wants patience to be part of His plans for us. He does this because He wants to teach us to trust and yield our longings to Him. We demonstrate surrender and humility to God when we submit to His timetable. And for most believers this is very difficult.
God also gave us another option which is the free will to choose His plan or do it our way. So many times when life does not go just the way we want it we will try to make things happen in our power. But very rarely does this work and it always leads to disappointment and difficulty which causes us to miss God’s best for our life.
The verse we have put above from Isaiah contains rich promises that we can claim throughout life and God always keeps His Word. As believers we are to believe with faith, anticipate with hope and wait quietly with patience.
Waiting on the Lord takes patience especially when waiting means enduring hardship. David had to endure much hardship waiting on the Lord. While David was just a young boy God directed Samuel to anoint him to be king after Saul. David had to wait many years before taking the throne. During those years David had opportunity to kill Saul and speed up God’s time table. David chose to wait on the Lord. In his Psalm 40:1 David said, “I waited patiently for the Lord.”
We encourage you to embrace whatever situation you are in today. If it is a time for waiting, choose to learn patience, trusting that His plan for your life is always going to be better than your own. Walking in His will requires us to remain sensitive to His voice. He will protect us from making mistakes when we wait upon Him and are ready to listen to Him in His perfect timing.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 20:11.
Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
PRAYER:
Help me to learn to wait patiently upon You with an attitude of expecting something big to happen for Your glory. Help my family to also learn to wait upon You. Help us to prayerfully make decisions together in our home as You lead us. Give us the strength to wait on You for your perfect timing.
December 11, 2011
Ambition: December 9, 2011
AMBITION
DEFINITION:
An eager desire for distinction, power or fame.
SCRIPTURE:
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit. Philippians 2:3.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We have been involved in Christian ministries now for over 60 years. During that time we had responsibilities of working with all kinds of people. The one thing we have noticed is that all things being equal, such as talent, ability, and experience, the person that had ambition excelled far and above those that he or she worked with. But we also learned that a person with ambition needed to be watched to make certain that their ambition was not motivated by selfish desires to elevate themselves or by a conceited attitude of superiority.
Probably one of the worst things that one could have on his or her performance review is lack of ambition. When it comes to work, those who lack ambition seldom rise to the top of their profession or ministry. Without a strong desire to achieve something, nothing is accomplished.
But ambition also has a dark side. Often one with ambition is dedicated to elevate themselves to a higher level and not to what the Lord has called them to do. This was the case of many of the kings of Israel, including the first one.
Saul started out with humility and with great ambition but soon Saul grew impatient waiting for God’s leading and he decided to take matters into his own hands (I Samuel 13:8-10). He forgot that he had a special assignment from God to lead His chosen people in a way that would show other nations the way to God.
Not only did Saul disobey God by not allowing God to lead him, but he failed to give God the credit for his victories in battle. After the victory over the Amalekites, Saul set up a monument to honor himself (I Samuel 15:12). We are told in I Samuel 15:30 that when God rejected Saul as king, Saul’s only concern was for his own honor.
We are living in a world where people only think of themselves. Often ambition compels people to do whatever it takes to put themselves in a position of power over others. God calls His people to a different way of living. We are to do nothing out of selfish ambition (verse above).
In addition in Hebrews 12:1 the writer tells us to lay aside the weight of sin that ensnares us. Sin is what causes us to seek our own selfish ambitions instead of seeking the will of God and then to give ourselves the credit and honor for our successes. This is not acceptable in His sight. God should receive the honor for the successes He has given us.
If you want to be someone who truly wants to rise above others that you work with and meet daily, then make your ambition to humbly love and serve God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. God honors those who honor Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Help me to understand that the ambition that people who do not know Jesus strive for is short-sighted. Help me to be ambitious for Your sake, not mine, so I can bring honor to You. May my family be a family that serves You with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength.
DEFINITION:
An eager desire for distinction, power or fame.
SCRIPTURE:
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit. Philippians 2:3.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We have been involved in Christian ministries now for over 60 years. During that time we had responsibilities of working with all kinds of people. The one thing we have noticed is that all things being equal, such as talent, ability, and experience, the person that had ambition excelled far and above those that he or she worked with. But we also learned that a person with ambition needed to be watched to make certain that their ambition was not motivated by selfish desires to elevate themselves or by a conceited attitude of superiority.
Probably one of the worst things that one could have on his or her performance review is lack of ambition. When it comes to work, those who lack ambition seldom rise to the top of their profession or ministry. Without a strong desire to achieve something, nothing is accomplished.
But ambition also has a dark side. Often one with ambition is dedicated to elevate themselves to a higher level and not to what the Lord has called them to do. This was the case of many of the kings of Israel, including the first one.
Saul started out with humility and with great ambition but soon Saul grew impatient waiting for God’s leading and he decided to take matters into his own hands (I Samuel 13:8-10). He forgot that he had a special assignment from God to lead His chosen people in a way that would show other nations the way to God.
Not only did Saul disobey God by not allowing God to lead him, but he failed to give God the credit for his victories in battle. After the victory over the Amalekites, Saul set up a monument to honor himself (I Samuel 15:12). We are told in I Samuel 15:30 that when God rejected Saul as king, Saul’s only concern was for his own honor.
We are living in a world where people only think of themselves. Often ambition compels people to do whatever it takes to put themselves in a position of power over others. God calls His people to a different way of living. We are to do nothing out of selfish ambition (verse above).
In addition in Hebrews 12:1 the writer tells us to lay aside the weight of sin that ensnares us. Sin is what causes us to seek our own selfish ambitions instead of seeking the will of God and then to give ourselves the credit and honor for our successes. This is not acceptable in His sight. God should receive the honor for the successes He has given us.
If you want to be someone who truly wants to rise above others that you work with and meet daily, then make your ambition to humbly love and serve God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. God honors those who honor Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Help me to understand that the ambition that people who do not know Jesus strive for is short-sighted. Help me to be ambitious for Your sake, not mine, so I can bring honor to You. May my family be a family that serves You with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength.
Character: December 8, 2011
CHARACTER
DEFINITION:
The qualities that distinguishes one person or thing from another; a trait; good qualities such as honesty, integrity and fortitude; moral or ethical quality.
SCRIPTURE:
There was a man whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. Job 1:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Many people today appear to have character problems. When faced with a dilemma, they seem to forget the right thing to do and instead choose the easy way out of that dilemma. When this happens it becomes a character issue.
God called Job, in the verse we have written above, a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil. Job was a man of character. He had strong principles and lived his life daily honoring those God given principles.
When you read the book of Job you will see how Satan took everything away that Job had --- his children, his wealth and his health. Despite all of these heart wrenching circumstances, Job refused to deny God. In Job 1:22 we read that “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” You see Satan had challenged God’s assertion of Job’s blameless character because Satan mistakenly thought Job's blameless character was only because of his prosperous circumstances.
Satan was certain that if hardship and suffering were inflicted on Job, then Job would turn against God. Satan was proven wrong because Job stood firm in his belief in God. Terrible circumstances did not change the person that Job was. Through all his pain and suffering he maintained his righteous character.
The writer of Romans tells us, in Romans 5, that faith always triumphs over trouble. Job proved this and the first five verses of Romans 5 tells us to glory in our times of trouble knowing that trouble or tribulations produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces our hope. This is the exciting hope that believers have of spending eternity with our Lord.
Character is who we are. It is not something that we forget. When one has a loss of character one has made a choice. Let us remind you that when wealth is gone, little is lost; when health is gone, something is lost; but when character is gone, all is lost.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me strength to maintain strong faith in You and be of blameless character no matter what my circumstances may be. Help me to be faithful in teaching my children Your principles to enable them to develop a Christ-honoring character.
DEFINITION:
The qualities that distinguishes one person or thing from another; a trait; good qualities such as honesty, integrity and fortitude; moral or ethical quality.
SCRIPTURE:
There was a man whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. Job 1:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Many people today appear to have character problems. When faced with a dilemma, they seem to forget the right thing to do and instead choose the easy way out of that dilemma. When this happens it becomes a character issue.
God called Job, in the verse we have written above, a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil. Job was a man of character. He had strong principles and lived his life daily honoring those God given principles.
When you read the book of Job you will see how Satan took everything away that Job had --- his children, his wealth and his health. Despite all of these heart wrenching circumstances, Job refused to deny God. In Job 1:22 we read that “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” You see Satan had challenged God’s assertion of Job’s blameless character because Satan mistakenly thought Job's blameless character was only because of his prosperous circumstances.
Satan was certain that if hardship and suffering were inflicted on Job, then Job would turn against God. Satan was proven wrong because Job stood firm in his belief in God. Terrible circumstances did not change the person that Job was. Through all his pain and suffering he maintained his righteous character.
The writer of Romans tells us, in Romans 5, that faith always triumphs over trouble. Job proved this and the first five verses of Romans 5 tells us to glory in our times of trouble knowing that trouble or tribulations produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces our hope. This is the exciting hope that believers have of spending eternity with our Lord.
Character is who we are. It is not something that we forget. When one has a loss of character one has made a choice. Let us remind you that when wealth is gone, little is lost; when health is gone, something is lost; but when character is gone, all is lost.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me strength to maintain strong faith in You and be of blameless character no matter what my circumstances may be. Help me to be faithful in teaching my children Your principles to enable them to develop a Christ-honoring character.
Usefulness: December 7, 2011
USEFULNESS
DEFINITION:
Being of use or service or worthwhile; having a practical function, purpose, or effect.
SCRIPTURE:
After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel. Judges 3:31.
So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” Exodus 4:2
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Today is the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. We remember that day even though we were young children. It made an impact on people of all ages. Over the next days, months and years scores of heroic stories surfaced telling of things that the United States servicemen accomplished that day. Many stated that what they did was insignificant but at a time of need they became useful.
One of the stories was what Major Shapley did to save the life of Marine Corporal Nightingale. They were presumably the last two alive on the ARIZONA before it sunk. The Marine Corporal had done all he could to save the lives on the ship but no one survived. As he was preparing to jump into the water an explosion helped put him in the water. The Major was next to him and saw that he was not making it to shore. The Major grabbed the Corporal’s shirt, and even though exhausted, pulled him to shore. The major saw the Corporal’s need and made himself useful in a dire time of need.
All around us today people are perishing in a sea of despair and hopelessness. Like the Corporal they are drowning, not in a sea of water but in a sea of sin. They are in need of rescue. All of us who know the Lord have a God-given responsibility to do all we can to rescue the lost in this world. We have the responsibility to lead them to the Lord so He can do His work in and through them. It should be the desire of our heart to be useful in serving our Lord and Savior who gave His life for us.
Many people are saying today that they just do not have the talent or ability to be useful for the Lord. Conventional wisdom seems to question how much can be accomplished with little. We tend to believe that a lot can be done if we have large financial resources, talented man-power, and innovative ideas. These things just do not matter to God. What does matter to God is the attitude of our heart. Do we desire to serve the Lord and are we willing to let Him use us, no matter what the cost?
We read in Judges 3:31 (the verse above) about a relatively unknown man named “Shamgar” who delivered Israel from the Philistines, single-handedly, with nothing more than an ox goad. This is a stick sharpened on one end to drive slow-moving animals.
In Exodus, when God asked Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, Moses was afraid the people would not listen to him or follow him. So God said in Exodus 4:2, “What is that in your hand.” God knew what it was but needed to convince Moses that this was all he needed. Moses used the “rod” to turn the Nile River into blood, to bring plagues on Egypt, to part the Red Sea, and to perform all the miracles in the wilderness.
The rod of Moses and the ox goad of Shamgar, when dedicated to God, became mighty tools. This helps us see that we can be useful to God with what-ever we have to give to Him. God is not looking for people with great abilities, even though He will use them, but for those who are dedicated to following and obeying Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Help me to realize today that little is much when God is in it. May You use what little I have to do the things You want to accomplish through my life.
DEFINITION:
Being of use or service or worthwhile; having a practical function, purpose, or effect.
SCRIPTURE:
After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel. Judges 3:31.
So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” Exodus 4:2
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Today is the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. We remember that day even though we were young children. It made an impact on people of all ages. Over the next days, months and years scores of heroic stories surfaced telling of things that the United States servicemen accomplished that day. Many stated that what they did was insignificant but at a time of need they became useful.
One of the stories was what Major Shapley did to save the life of Marine Corporal Nightingale. They were presumably the last two alive on the ARIZONA before it sunk. The Marine Corporal had done all he could to save the lives on the ship but no one survived. As he was preparing to jump into the water an explosion helped put him in the water. The Major was next to him and saw that he was not making it to shore. The Major grabbed the Corporal’s shirt, and even though exhausted, pulled him to shore. The major saw the Corporal’s need and made himself useful in a dire time of need.
All around us today people are perishing in a sea of despair and hopelessness. Like the Corporal they are drowning, not in a sea of water but in a sea of sin. They are in need of rescue. All of us who know the Lord have a God-given responsibility to do all we can to rescue the lost in this world. We have the responsibility to lead them to the Lord so He can do His work in and through them. It should be the desire of our heart to be useful in serving our Lord and Savior who gave His life for us.
Many people are saying today that they just do not have the talent or ability to be useful for the Lord. Conventional wisdom seems to question how much can be accomplished with little. We tend to believe that a lot can be done if we have large financial resources, talented man-power, and innovative ideas. These things just do not matter to God. What does matter to God is the attitude of our heart. Do we desire to serve the Lord and are we willing to let Him use us, no matter what the cost?
We read in Judges 3:31 (the verse above) about a relatively unknown man named “Shamgar” who delivered Israel from the Philistines, single-handedly, with nothing more than an ox goad. This is a stick sharpened on one end to drive slow-moving animals.
In Exodus, when God asked Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, Moses was afraid the people would not listen to him or follow him. So God said in Exodus 4:2, “What is that in your hand.” God knew what it was but needed to convince Moses that this was all he needed. Moses used the “rod” to turn the Nile River into blood, to bring plagues on Egypt, to part the Red Sea, and to perform all the miracles in the wilderness.
The rod of Moses and the ox goad of Shamgar, when dedicated to God, became mighty tools. This helps us see that we can be useful to God with what-ever we have to give to Him. God is not looking for people with great abilities, even though He will use them, but for those who are dedicated to following and obeying Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Help me to realize today that little is much when God is in it. May You use what little I have to do the things You want to accomplish through my life.
Helper: December 6, 2011
HELPER
DEFINITION:
One who gives aid, assists in doing or attaining, or brings relief to; one who furnishes another person what is needed.
SCRIPTURE:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:16-19.
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. John 14:16
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Have you ever wished that you could have a 911 number that rang in heaven so that you could call whenever you needed help with a situation or a crisis? We want to remind you that we all have, as believers, divine assistance that is even closer than a phone call. Our helper dwells within us and we know Him as the Holy Spirit. The problem is that many people today are either unaware or just do not care that He is available for us. We miss so many opportunities to benefit from the greatest asset in our Christian life --- the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus knew that when He left this earth, His disciples would be totally inadequate to handle the task that Jesus was giving them. He knew they would need supernatural help and so would we. So He gave us the Holy Spirit who comes to our aid, empowers our service and transforms our lives from inside out. (John 14: 16 above)
The Holy Spirit is a personal Helper. He is a member of the Trinity and coequal with both the Father and Jesus Christ. He is also a practical Helper who involves Himself in every aspect of our lives. He convicts of sin and calls us to repentance. (John 16:8). He guides us into all truth, John 16:9. The Holy Spirit helps us to know the truth of the message of Jesus Christ and He helps us to discern what is right and what is wrong. The Holy Spirit enables us to align our will with our Father’s will so that we will receive God’s best.
The Holy Spirit helps us with our prayer life if we will only involve Him. He burdens us to pray. The Spirit convicts you by giving you a strong sense that you need to pray. He does this because He may know you need strength because of a present difficulty or situation. The Holy Spirit also intercedes for us. Have you been in situations where you just do not know how to pray? When sorrow or helplessness overwhelms us we find it impossible to know what we ought to pray for. The Holy Spirit understands the depth of our thoughts, feelings and needs and He translates them into effective supplication according to God’s will and intercedes for us before God’s throne of grace. The Spirit helps in our weakness and even if we do not know how to pray the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Help me to recognize the power and love of the Holy Spirit that dwells within me each and every day. May Your Spirit comfort, enable, and guide me each and every moment of this day.
DEFINITION:
One who gives aid, assists in doing or attaining, or brings relief to; one who furnishes another person what is needed.
SCRIPTURE:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:16-19.
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. John 14:16
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Have you ever wished that you could have a 911 number that rang in heaven so that you could call whenever you needed help with a situation or a crisis? We want to remind you that we all have, as believers, divine assistance that is even closer than a phone call. Our helper dwells within us and we know Him as the Holy Spirit. The problem is that many people today are either unaware or just do not care that He is available for us. We miss so many opportunities to benefit from the greatest asset in our Christian life --- the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus knew that when He left this earth, His disciples would be totally inadequate to handle the task that Jesus was giving them. He knew they would need supernatural help and so would we. So He gave us the Holy Spirit who comes to our aid, empowers our service and transforms our lives from inside out. (John 14: 16 above)
The Holy Spirit is a personal Helper. He is a member of the Trinity and coequal with both the Father and Jesus Christ. He is also a practical Helper who involves Himself in every aspect of our lives. He convicts of sin and calls us to repentance. (John 16:8). He guides us into all truth, John 16:9. The Holy Spirit helps us to know the truth of the message of Jesus Christ and He helps us to discern what is right and what is wrong. The Holy Spirit enables us to align our will with our Father’s will so that we will receive God’s best.
The Holy Spirit helps us with our prayer life if we will only involve Him. He burdens us to pray. The Spirit convicts you by giving you a strong sense that you need to pray. He does this because He may know you need strength because of a present difficulty or situation. The Holy Spirit also intercedes for us. Have you been in situations where you just do not know how to pray? When sorrow or helplessness overwhelms us we find it impossible to know what we ought to pray for. The Holy Spirit understands the depth of our thoughts, feelings and needs and He translates them into effective supplication according to God’s will and intercedes for us before God’s throne of grace. The Spirit helps in our weakness and even if we do not know how to pray the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Help me to recognize the power and love of the Holy Spirit that dwells within me each and every day. May Your Spirit comfort, enable, and guide me each and every moment of this day.
Focus: December 5, 2011
FOCUS
DEFINITION:
A center of interest and activity; bring into focus a clear vision.
SCRIPTURE:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11.
What then? Notwithstanding in every way, whether in pretense or truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. Philippians 1:18.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In Acts, chapter nine, we are given the account of the Apostle Paul’s conversion. Before Paul was converted to Christianity, his focus had been on the persecuting of Christians. God confronted Paul on the road to Damascus to change his focus. God had temporarily blinded Paul physically so that he could see spiritually. Paul was like an out of focus camera. Before a camera is properly focused the true picture cannot be seen clearly.
When Paul met Jesus he had a clear vision of his out-of focus life. From that point in his life, Paul changed his focus. He focused on Jesus alone and on spreading the message of Jesus’ love and forgiveness that brings salvation to all who believe.
Despite times of great physical discomfort and emotional trials he was consistently focused on the fact that he was under God’s sovereign hand. His focus on the Lord kept him from being resentful and walking away from his faith. He faithfully continued through-out his life to be focused on the Lord and preaching the gospel.
Paul learned early in his walk with the Lord to focus on God’s sovereignty rather than his own will. It is easy to become bitter or feel frustrated with situations that come our way in life. When our focus is not on the Lord, the minute we start thinking that our enemies and difficulties are in control of our circumstances we are in, we are defeated.
In Psalm 103:19, the Psalmist tells us that, “God has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” He is in absolute control and our focus in life needs to be on Him at all times. We may not understand His reasons for permitting hardship or pain in our lives, but His plan is always for our good and His glory. Read the verse we have put above from Jeremiah and this will become clearer to you.
We can learn, as believers, from Paul. He was focused on his godly purpose rather than on personal gain. For example pain, whether in the body or the heart, often absorbs all of our attention. Paul’s words and life style reminds us that there is no victory to be had when we dwell on our hurts. For example, Paul rejoiced when the guards that were guarding him while he was in jail found Christ. That was where his focus was --- not on his situation in that jail.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Help me and my family to focus today on our heavenly Father, and Your love and Your goodness. Keep us from allowing trials and suffering to defeat us and cause us to lose our focus on Jesus and His message of love and salvation.
DEFINITION:
A center of interest and activity; bring into focus a clear vision.
SCRIPTURE:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11.
What then? Notwithstanding in every way, whether in pretense or truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. Philippians 1:18.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In Acts, chapter nine, we are given the account of the Apostle Paul’s conversion. Before Paul was converted to Christianity, his focus had been on the persecuting of Christians. God confronted Paul on the road to Damascus to change his focus. God had temporarily blinded Paul physically so that he could see spiritually. Paul was like an out of focus camera. Before a camera is properly focused the true picture cannot be seen clearly.
When Paul met Jesus he had a clear vision of his out-of focus life. From that point in his life, Paul changed his focus. He focused on Jesus alone and on spreading the message of Jesus’ love and forgiveness that brings salvation to all who believe.
Despite times of great physical discomfort and emotional trials he was consistently focused on the fact that he was under God’s sovereign hand. His focus on the Lord kept him from being resentful and walking away from his faith. He faithfully continued through-out his life to be focused on the Lord and preaching the gospel.
Paul learned early in his walk with the Lord to focus on God’s sovereignty rather than his own will. It is easy to become bitter or feel frustrated with situations that come our way in life. When our focus is not on the Lord, the minute we start thinking that our enemies and difficulties are in control of our circumstances we are in, we are defeated.
In Psalm 103:19, the Psalmist tells us that, “God has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” He is in absolute control and our focus in life needs to be on Him at all times. We may not understand His reasons for permitting hardship or pain in our lives, but His plan is always for our good and His glory. Read the verse we have put above from Jeremiah and this will become clearer to you.
We can learn, as believers, from Paul. He was focused on his godly purpose rather than on personal gain. For example pain, whether in the body or the heart, often absorbs all of our attention. Paul’s words and life style reminds us that there is no victory to be had when we dwell on our hurts. For example, Paul rejoiced when the guards that were guarding him while he was in jail found Christ. That was where his focus was --- not on his situation in that jail.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 19:17.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.
PRAYER:
Help me and my family to focus today on our heavenly Father, and Your love and Your goodness. Keep us from allowing trials and suffering to defeat us and cause us to lose our focus on Jesus and His message of love and salvation.
December 4, 2011
Patience: December 2, 2011
DECEMBER 2 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2011.
PATIENCE
DEFINITION:
Endurance of pain or provocation without complaint; the ability and willingness to wait calmly; quiet and steady perseverance.
SCRIPTURE:
Now we exhort you brethren, be patient with all. I Thessalonians 5:14.
But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. I Peter 2:20.
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans 12:12.
But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Many people miss out on blessings in their lives because they are inpatient and unwilling to wait for His timing. The scriptures encourage believers to be patient but most of us want answers today.
A good example in the scripture for patience is David. He chose not to use violence to take the throne that he knew would someday be his. King Saul had become envious of David’s success in battle and his popularity with the people so he planned to murder the young man. Twice, it was recorded in the scriptures, that David was close enough to kill King Saul during the time Saul and his men were pursuing David to kill him.
The first time David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. On the second occasion David took Saul’s spear and water jug while he was sleeping. Although David had a reason to kill Saul to keep from being killed himself and he had the opportunity he knew it was right to patiently endure and not kill the Lord’s anointed. In both instances he was willing to wait for God’s timing and not take matters into his own hands.
David was patient. His attributes included having a strong faith and he believed that God would gain His victory at the right place, the right time and with the right method. David had values that helped him wait on God. Killing a King would violate his conscience and he did not want to be out of the will of God.
In real life we encounter frustrations and situations such as the slow driver, a mischievous child or an uncooperative co-worker. We may feel like lashing out but God wants us to exercise patience. (I Thessalonians 5:14 above)
As God’s children we are called to live a life worthy of Him characterized by humility, gentleness and patience. (Ephesians 4:1-3) The scripture tells us to be tolerant with one another and to do this we need to be patient. We are to bear one another’s burdens and respond with kindness. In Romans 12:12, above, Paul tells us to be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. When we quietly endure our suffering or frustrations, we find favor with the Lord. (I Peter 2:20)
When you are frustrated with the waiting upon God for a direction or an answer, always seek His wisdom and remember that “those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength.” (Isaiah 40:31 above)
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelation 3:20.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
PRAYER:
May Your Holy Spirit conform me to Your image by developing in me patience. Help me to learn to wait upon You and give me the direction I need to share this need with my family. Help us as a family to learn that a calm demeanor in times of frustration and concern can be a powerful witness to the transforming work of God in our lives.
PATIENCE
DEFINITION:
Endurance of pain or provocation without complaint; the ability and willingness to wait calmly; quiet and steady perseverance.
SCRIPTURE:
Now we exhort you brethren, be patient with all. I Thessalonians 5:14.
But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. I Peter 2:20.
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans 12:12.
But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Many people miss out on blessings in their lives because they are inpatient and unwilling to wait for His timing. The scriptures encourage believers to be patient but most of us want answers today.
A good example in the scripture for patience is David. He chose not to use violence to take the throne that he knew would someday be his. King Saul had become envious of David’s success in battle and his popularity with the people so he planned to murder the young man. Twice, it was recorded in the scriptures, that David was close enough to kill King Saul during the time Saul and his men were pursuing David to kill him.
The first time David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. On the second occasion David took Saul’s spear and water jug while he was sleeping. Although David had a reason to kill Saul to keep from being killed himself and he had the opportunity he knew it was right to patiently endure and not kill the Lord’s anointed. In both instances he was willing to wait for God’s timing and not take matters into his own hands.
David was patient. His attributes included having a strong faith and he believed that God would gain His victory at the right place, the right time and with the right method. David had values that helped him wait on God. Killing a King would violate his conscience and he did not want to be out of the will of God.
In real life we encounter frustrations and situations such as the slow driver, a mischievous child or an uncooperative co-worker. We may feel like lashing out but God wants us to exercise patience. (I Thessalonians 5:14 above)
As God’s children we are called to live a life worthy of Him characterized by humility, gentleness and patience. (Ephesians 4:1-3) The scripture tells us to be tolerant with one another and to do this we need to be patient. We are to bear one another’s burdens and respond with kindness. In Romans 12:12, above, Paul tells us to be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. When we quietly endure our suffering or frustrations, we find favor with the Lord. (I Peter 2:20)
When you are frustrated with the waiting upon God for a direction or an answer, always seek His wisdom and remember that “those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength.” (Isaiah 40:31 above)
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelation 3:20.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
PRAYER:
May Your Holy Spirit conform me to Your image by developing in me patience. Help me to learn to wait upon You and give me the direction I need to share this need with my family. Help us as a family to learn that a calm demeanor in times of frustration and concern can be a powerful witness to the transforming work of God in our lives.
Obstacles: December 1, 2011
DECEMBER 1 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER1, 2011
OBSTACLES
DEFINITION:
An obstruction or hindrance.
SCRIPTURE:
Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. Joshua 6:1
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The Lord has a plan for the life of each believer. To thwart God’s purposes, Satan puts obstacles in the path of believers. There are many different kinds of obstacles. They include a difficult boss, contrary family members and financial concerns. Anything that blocks a desired goal can cause anxiety and frustration. And these can derail what God wants from you. But remember that no obstacle can touch you, be a concern to you, without the consent of God.
Read the verse above concerning the Biblical account that we all know about Joshua and the city of Jericho. The strong fortress around the city of Jericho barred Israel’s entrance into the land. This was an obstacle to God’s plan for the Children of Israel and Joshua to conquer Jericho.
Satan will always put up obstacles --- fortresses --- to hinder our spiritual progress just like He did to Joshua and the Children of Israel. The conquest of Jericho seemed impossible to Israel but not so to God. Joshua’s army was no match for Jericho’s military and the wall was an impossible barrier to cross.
But God had promised the Israelites the land and Joshua believed that God would provide a way for them to get into the city of Jericho. Joshua was not deterred by what seemed impossible but instead he acknowledged God’s power and sought His guidance.
Before Joshua even realized that God was at work, God was already preparing the city for destruction by instilling fear into the hearts of the kings in the region and the people in Jericho. God’s direction was a very unlikely battle plan, but Joshua obeyed and God’s people triumphed.
The apostle Paul understood how to handle obstacles in his life. Even when he was in prison he kept his eyes and full trust on Christ. His days in prison were filled with joy. He wrote the book of Philippians from his jail cell and it was full of expressions of joy. (1:18, 2:18 and 3:1) Paul did not let even prison keep him from sharing the message of salvation.
We can overcome obstacles in our lives by focusing on Christ. This is neither a natural reaction nor an easy one. Our instinct is to dwell on the situation that we are facing in life now. We search for our own solutions and meanwhile we stew over pain and difficulty. Our troubles look insurmountable and overwhelming, but fear and defeat cannot last long in the heart of a believer that has his or her trust in the Lord. The choice is yours just as it was the apostle Paul’s, Joshua and the Children of Israel. We must ask ourselves, “Where is our faith and trust?”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelation 3:20.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
PRAYER:
Help me to cast away the obstacles that I may face in life today. Keep me away from the obstacles that can cause me great heartache. Help me to put my complete trust in You knowing that You care for me and will lead me through every situation I face.
OBSTACLES
DEFINITION:
An obstruction or hindrance.
SCRIPTURE:
Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. Joshua 6:1
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The Lord has a plan for the life of each believer. To thwart God’s purposes, Satan puts obstacles in the path of believers. There are many different kinds of obstacles. They include a difficult boss, contrary family members and financial concerns. Anything that blocks a desired goal can cause anxiety and frustration. And these can derail what God wants from you. But remember that no obstacle can touch you, be a concern to you, without the consent of God.
Read the verse above concerning the Biblical account that we all know about Joshua and the city of Jericho. The strong fortress around the city of Jericho barred Israel’s entrance into the land. This was an obstacle to God’s plan for the Children of Israel and Joshua to conquer Jericho.
Satan will always put up obstacles --- fortresses --- to hinder our spiritual progress just like He did to Joshua and the Children of Israel. The conquest of Jericho seemed impossible to Israel but not so to God. Joshua’s army was no match for Jericho’s military and the wall was an impossible barrier to cross.
But God had promised the Israelites the land and Joshua believed that God would provide a way for them to get into the city of Jericho. Joshua was not deterred by what seemed impossible but instead he acknowledged God’s power and sought His guidance.
Before Joshua even realized that God was at work, God was already preparing the city for destruction by instilling fear into the hearts of the kings in the region and the people in Jericho. God’s direction was a very unlikely battle plan, but Joshua obeyed and God’s people triumphed.
The apostle Paul understood how to handle obstacles in his life. Even when he was in prison he kept his eyes and full trust on Christ. His days in prison were filled with joy. He wrote the book of Philippians from his jail cell and it was full of expressions of joy. (1:18, 2:18 and 3:1) Paul did not let even prison keep him from sharing the message of salvation.
We can overcome obstacles in our lives by focusing on Christ. This is neither a natural reaction nor an easy one. Our instinct is to dwell on the situation that we are facing in life now. We search for our own solutions and meanwhile we stew over pain and difficulty. Our troubles look insurmountable and overwhelming, but fear and defeat cannot last long in the heart of a believer that has his or her trust in the Lord. The choice is yours just as it was the apostle Paul’s, Joshua and the Children of Israel. We must ask ourselves, “Where is our faith and trust?”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelation 3:20.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
PRAYER:
Help me to cast away the obstacles that I may face in life today. Keep me away from the obstacles that can cause me great heartache. Help me to put my complete trust in You knowing that You care for me and will lead me through every situation I face.
Hunger: November 30, 2011
NOVEMBER 30 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2011.
HUNGER
DEFINITION:
A strong desire; a craving for food; a compelling need.
SCRIPTURE:
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The Lord has given us physical appetites, which are essential for our physical survival. And in addition He has created within our hearts a hunger that is spiritual. David knew both physical and spiritual hunger. During the time King Saul was seeking to kill David he fled to the desert to hide. He was alone, hungry and thirsty.
David was a man who recognized and felt a yearning for the Lord in his life. There are many verses in the Psalms, like the one we have written above, where we find David meditating, offering praise, or crying out to God. We have no doubt reading about David that his greatest joy was to be with his Heavenly Father in intimate communion. He had many moments in his life where he fell away from God revealing his human weaknesses. He also knew where to find healing and refuge. With a repentant and hungry heart he sought the Lord’s forgiveness and fellowship.
Hungering for the Lord is a desire to know and draw closer to God. Unfortunately this desire is lacking in many believer’s lives. Most believers are sure they are saved but have very little desire for more of God in their lives.
One of the major reasons for this is that our society is filled with all sorts of things that grab and hold our interest and desires in life. These interests compete with God for our attention and they seem to claim our time and effort more than our hunger to know more about our Lord.
Our prayer is that this devotional will awaken you to see the need in your life for a new hunger for God. But for this to happen it will require changing priorities and pursuits. Let us assure you that you will always get more out of a fresh relationship with God then what you put into it. You will find that as your hunger for Him becomes a priority He will open your heart and mind to understand and desire more of Him. Jesus said, “They who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be satisfied.”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelations 3:20.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to Him and dine with Him, and he with Me.”
PRAYER:
Help me to yearn more for You in my life as David did. Give me a fresh hunger for Your righteousness that drives me to change my priorities and pursuits. Thank You for satisfying my family with contentment and a sense of completeness that You alone can give.
HUNGER
DEFINITION:
A strong desire; a craving for food; a compelling need.
SCRIPTURE:
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The Lord has given us physical appetites, which are essential for our physical survival. And in addition He has created within our hearts a hunger that is spiritual. David knew both physical and spiritual hunger. During the time King Saul was seeking to kill David he fled to the desert to hide. He was alone, hungry and thirsty.
David was a man who recognized and felt a yearning for the Lord in his life. There are many verses in the Psalms, like the one we have written above, where we find David meditating, offering praise, or crying out to God. We have no doubt reading about David that his greatest joy was to be with his Heavenly Father in intimate communion. He had many moments in his life where he fell away from God revealing his human weaknesses. He also knew where to find healing and refuge. With a repentant and hungry heart he sought the Lord’s forgiveness and fellowship.
Hungering for the Lord is a desire to know and draw closer to God. Unfortunately this desire is lacking in many believer’s lives. Most believers are sure they are saved but have very little desire for more of God in their lives.
One of the major reasons for this is that our society is filled with all sorts of things that grab and hold our interest and desires in life. These interests compete with God for our attention and they seem to claim our time and effort more than our hunger to know more about our Lord.
Our prayer is that this devotional will awaken you to see the need in your life for a new hunger for God. But for this to happen it will require changing priorities and pursuits. Let us assure you that you will always get more out of a fresh relationship with God then what you put into it. You will find that as your hunger for Him becomes a priority He will open your heart and mind to understand and desire more of Him. Jesus said, “They who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be satisfied.”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelations 3:20.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to Him and dine with Him, and he with Me.”
PRAYER:
Help me to yearn more for You in my life as David did. Give me a fresh hunger for Your righteousness that drives me to change my priorities and pursuits. Thank You for satisfying my family with contentment and a sense of completeness that You alone can give.
Cross: November 29, 2011
NOVEMBER 29 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2011
CROSS
DEFINITION:
Two intersecting bars or lines; a structure consisting of an upright and a transverse piece upon which prisoners were formally put to death such as the cross upon which Jesus died.
SCRIPTURE:
If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross. Matthew 27:40.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also the Greek. Romans 1:16.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Have you ever stopped to think that the cross that Jesus Christ died on presents us with a dilemma? If God is good and loving, which He is, why would He allow His only Son to endure the agony of a crucifixion? From our human perspective there is nothing loving or good in seeing Christ on the cross.
But if we look beyond what we see visibly, we will see an awesome view of love. To grasp what we see we first must understand that the Lord is absolutely righteous and good. He always does what is right and never acts contrary to His Word. But on the other hand, man is sinful and deserving of eternal punishment because of our sins.
God had several choices. He could have just forgiven us but then He would cease to be just. Justice requires a penalty to be paid for sin. This is true today in our judicial system so it should be easy for us to understand. Either the Lord has to condemn us to suffer His wrath for our sin, or He needed to devise a plan that would satisfy His justice and allow Him to show mercy.
The scene at the cross at which Jesus died demonstrated the power of God in what appears to be the weakest moment in His Son’s life. With hands and feet nailed to the rough wood of the cross, Jesus looked totally helpless. Adding to this seemingly helpless feeling was that He stayed on the cross while the crowd was jeering. They were yelling at Jesus asking, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (Verse above)
Divine love kept Jesus on that cross. Strength is demonstrated in determined endurance. The power of God held Jesus on that cross. We know that with one spoken word He could have been free but Christ hung on that cross until our salvation was attained.
The power of the cross did not end when Jesus finished His suffering and died. His death opened up the door of salvation to all people who walk through it and by faith ask for forgiveness for their sin. This act then assures a place in heaven for all who believe.
God had this plan for us even before the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8. Yes, the sinless Son of God came to earth in human flesh to be our sin bearer. Justice punished the sin and mercy rescued the sinner. There is power in the CROSS!
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelation 3:20.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
PRAYER:
Help my family to let the power of the cross do its work in our lives every day. May we be a family that with every step we take and every word we say be motivated by the mighty work of God in our lives.
CROSS
DEFINITION:
Two intersecting bars or lines; a structure consisting of an upright and a transverse piece upon which prisoners were formally put to death such as the cross upon which Jesus died.
SCRIPTURE:
If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross. Matthew 27:40.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also the Greek. Romans 1:16.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Have you ever stopped to think that the cross that Jesus Christ died on presents us with a dilemma? If God is good and loving, which He is, why would He allow His only Son to endure the agony of a crucifixion? From our human perspective there is nothing loving or good in seeing Christ on the cross.
But if we look beyond what we see visibly, we will see an awesome view of love. To grasp what we see we first must understand that the Lord is absolutely righteous and good. He always does what is right and never acts contrary to His Word. But on the other hand, man is sinful and deserving of eternal punishment because of our sins.
God had several choices. He could have just forgiven us but then He would cease to be just. Justice requires a penalty to be paid for sin. This is true today in our judicial system so it should be easy for us to understand. Either the Lord has to condemn us to suffer His wrath for our sin, or He needed to devise a plan that would satisfy His justice and allow Him to show mercy.
The scene at the cross at which Jesus died demonstrated the power of God in what appears to be the weakest moment in His Son’s life. With hands and feet nailed to the rough wood of the cross, Jesus looked totally helpless. Adding to this seemingly helpless feeling was that He stayed on the cross while the crowd was jeering. They were yelling at Jesus asking, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (Verse above)
Divine love kept Jesus on that cross. Strength is demonstrated in determined endurance. The power of God held Jesus on that cross. We know that with one spoken word He could have been free but Christ hung on that cross until our salvation was attained.
The power of the cross did not end when Jesus finished His suffering and died. His death opened up the door of salvation to all people who walk through it and by faith ask for forgiveness for their sin. This act then assures a place in heaven for all who believe.
God had this plan for us even before the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8. Yes, the sinless Son of God came to earth in human flesh to be our sin bearer. Justice punished the sin and mercy rescued the sinner. There is power in the CROSS!
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelation 3:20.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
PRAYER:
Help my family to let the power of the cross do its work in our lives every day. May we be a family that with every step we take and every word we say be motivated by the mighty work of God in our lives.
Trouble: November 28, 2011
NOVEMBER 28 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2011.
TROUBLE
DEFINITION:
A condition or cause of distress and concern; annoy; worry; put to inconvenience.
SCRIPTURE:
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the third chapter of Daniel you can read about the trouble that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had because they refused to bow to the golden image that their King Nebuchadnezzar required all to bow to. The scripture tells us that the King was furious and in a rage and gave the command to bring these three men before him. The King asked them if it was true that they would not serve his gods or worship the gold image that he had set up.
The King told them to bow now or that they would be thrown into a burning furnace. Now it would seem that these men were in more trouble than they could handle. They had to choose the path to righteousness or the path of wickedness. They knew, as believers in God, it would be disobedient to God if they bowed down to false images or gods, however if they did not bow to the image they would be disobedient to the King and it would cost them their lives.
But they now knew they had to make a choice and answer the King. They must either bow down or face death in the fiery furnace. They did not hesitate in giving the King their answer. They would not bow down to the image. They believed God could save them but even if God chose not to save them they could not worship false gods.
The King was now really full of fury and ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than normal. Now these three men really were in trouble. The King had the three men bound and thrown into the furnace. These men knew their only hope was their total trust in God and that God was with them in this time of trouble in their lives.
Then the King was astonished at what he saw. He asked his counselors if they only put three men into the furnace because he could now see four. Then the King said that the fourth man is like the Son of God. He ordered the men taken out of the furnace and then said to the men who came out of the furnace to come to him. Then the King said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego” and the King decreed that no man should speak against the God of these men or if they did that they would be sliced to pieces.
The King acknowledged that their God was the true God with these words: “For no other God can save this way.”
In times of trouble we may feel like we are in the fiery furnace and we wonder why does God allow believers to experience so much trouble. The reality is that God does allow believers to be in the fire for reasons we do not know; however this we do know, that when any of His children are in the fire, He is right there with them.
What a wonderful illustration and example God has given us in this event. If God could help these men in their time of trouble, surely He can be with us in our times of trouble. Remember that it is the troubles of life that helps shape us into what God wants us to be.
LEARNING: Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelation 3: 20.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
PRAYER:
Thank You for this example and illustration that You have given us in Your Word. Help me to learn from this so that my life will become a life that glorifies Your name. When trouble comes our way may we set aside our desires and put our trust in You. As we worship You daily may we worship You in Spirit and in truth.
TROUBLE
DEFINITION:
A condition or cause of distress and concern; annoy; worry; put to inconvenience.
SCRIPTURE:
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the third chapter of Daniel you can read about the trouble that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had because they refused to bow to the golden image that their King Nebuchadnezzar required all to bow to. The scripture tells us that the King was furious and in a rage and gave the command to bring these three men before him. The King asked them if it was true that they would not serve his gods or worship the gold image that he had set up.
The King told them to bow now or that they would be thrown into a burning furnace. Now it would seem that these men were in more trouble than they could handle. They had to choose the path to righteousness or the path of wickedness. They knew, as believers in God, it would be disobedient to God if they bowed down to false images or gods, however if they did not bow to the image they would be disobedient to the King and it would cost them their lives.
But they now knew they had to make a choice and answer the King. They must either bow down or face death in the fiery furnace. They did not hesitate in giving the King their answer. They would not bow down to the image. They believed God could save them but even if God chose not to save them they could not worship false gods.
The King was now really full of fury and ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than normal. Now these three men really were in trouble. The King had the three men bound and thrown into the furnace. These men knew their only hope was their total trust in God and that God was with them in this time of trouble in their lives.
Then the King was astonished at what he saw. He asked his counselors if they only put three men into the furnace because he could now see four. Then the King said that the fourth man is like the Son of God. He ordered the men taken out of the furnace and then said to the men who came out of the furnace to come to him. Then the King said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego” and the King decreed that no man should speak against the God of these men or if they did that they would be sliced to pieces.
The King acknowledged that their God was the true God with these words: “For no other God can save this way.”
In times of trouble we may feel like we are in the fiery furnace and we wonder why does God allow believers to experience so much trouble. The reality is that God does allow believers to be in the fire for reasons we do not know; however this we do know, that when any of His children are in the fire, He is right there with them.
What a wonderful illustration and example God has given us in this event. If God could help these men in their time of trouble, surely He can be with us in our times of trouble. Remember that it is the troubles of life that helps shape us into what God wants us to be.
LEARNING: Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelation 3: 20.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
PRAYER:
Thank You for this example and illustration that You have given us in Your Word. Help me to learn from this so that my life will become a life that glorifies Your name. When trouble comes our way may we set aside our desires and put our trust in You. As we worship You daily may we worship You in Spirit and in truth.
November 27, 2011
Goal: November 22, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2011.
GOAL
DEFINITION:
The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.
SCRIPTURE:
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
During one’s lifetime we have many opportunities to set goals. We set these goals, some consciously and some unconsciously. For example as a child we unconsciously set a goal to quit crawling and start walking. As students in school we set goals in classes, in sports and in activities.
As we grew older we set goals for advance schooling or job selections. We set goals for leaving home and living on our own. We set goals in our married life and then years later as we retired. The point we are making is that every day we live we have opportunities to set goals. The importance of a goal is that it motivates us to achieve.
Years ago I (Ken) developed the habit of writing out a list every night outlining my goals for the next day. I still do that now after all these years. We believe that people accomplish more when they set goals in life.
But the most important goals that we need to set are the spiritual goals in our lives. Some of these include the goals we set after we have accepted Jesus as our Savior. The goals we should set are to read the Bible and pray every day. We, as believers, need to set goals for our spiritual growth that includes studying God’s Word and praying for our role in reaching the world we live in.
The Apostle Paul clearly states his most important goal in the verse we have put at the top of this devotional. He tells us that he presses toward that goal. It is not instantly attained. It is a process. In other words everyday he pushes himself to the commitment he made in his life to know Christ Jesus and to be more like Jesus every day. And part of this commitment was his communication with God, asking Him for direction and wisdom to keep him obedient to God’s leading in his life.
Paul goes on in this verse to tell us that his goal was the prize of the upward call of Jesus. He daily looked forward to the day he would be in heaven with his Lord. What a clear directive Paul gives to all believers in this verse. Now it is our responsibility to act. It is our responsibility to set Paul’s goal as ours.
Are there things in your life that you must change because they are hindering your goal to be more like Jesus Christ? We urge you to learn to set goals for your daily life. As a believer in Jesus, what are you doing to be a witness for Him? We are commanded as believers to “GO.” If we are not reaching out to others to show our love for Jesus we are failing. God wants us to set goals and then act on them. When you include God in setting your spiritual goals, watch out what He will do for you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to be aware of those things that are hindering my relationship with You. Help me set goals today that will make me fruitful for You. May my family join me as together we can make an impact for You as we press toward the prize of spending an eternity with You.
GOAL
DEFINITION:
The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.
SCRIPTURE:
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
During one’s lifetime we have many opportunities to set goals. We set these goals, some consciously and some unconsciously. For example as a child we unconsciously set a goal to quit crawling and start walking. As students in school we set goals in classes, in sports and in activities.
As we grew older we set goals for advance schooling or job selections. We set goals for leaving home and living on our own. We set goals in our married life and then years later as we retired. The point we are making is that every day we live we have opportunities to set goals. The importance of a goal is that it motivates us to achieve.
Years ago I (Ken) developed the habit of writing out a list every night outlining my goals for the next day. I still do that now after all these years. We believe that people accomplish more when they set goals in life.
But the most important goals that we need to set are the spiritual goals in our lives. Some of these include the goals we set after we have accepted Jesus as our Savior. The goals we should set are to read the Bible and pray every day. We, as believers, need to set goals for our spiritual growth that includes studying God’s Word and praying for our role in reaching the world we live in.
The Apostle Paul clearly states his most important goal in the verse we have put at the top of this devotional. He tells us that he presses toward that goal. It is not instantly attained. It is a process. In other words everyday he pushes himself to the commitment he made in his life to know Christ Jesus and to be more like Jesus every day. And part of this commitment was his communication with God, asking Him for direction and wisdom to keep him obedient to God’s leading in his life.
Paul goes on in this verse to tell us that his goal was the prize of the upward call of Jesus. He daily looked forward to the day he would be in heaven with his Lord. What a clear directive Paul gives to all believers in this verse. Now it is our responsibility to act. It is our responsibility to set Paul’s goal as ours.
Are there things in your life that you must change because they are hindering your goal to be more like Jesus Christ? We urge you to learn to set goals for your daily life. As a believer in Jesus, what are you doing to be a witness for Him? We are commanded as believers to “GO.” If we are not reaching out to others to show our love for Jesus we are failing. God wants us to set goals and then act on them. When you include God in setting your spiritual goals, watch out what He will do for you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to be aware of those things that are hindering my relationship with You. Help me set goals today that will make me fruitful for You. May my family join me as together we can make an impact for You as we press toward the prize of spending an eternity with You.
Treasure: November 23, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2011.
TREASURE
DEFINITION:
An accumulation of money or jewels; anything prized highly; to regard or treat as precious; to cherish.
SCRIPTURE:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupts, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In this verse above from Matthew Jesus was teaching the disciples and the crowds that came to listen to Him about our heart and where the interest of our heart really is and should be. The heart is the central part or core of something. Our heart is the innermost core of our emotions. In this scripture above from Matthew, Jesus is in essence telling us to give ourselves a heart check-up. Things that are nearest and dearest to our heart are the things we treasure and most desire. There are earthly (material) treasures and there are heavenly (spiritual) treasures. We must examine our hearts to see what it is we treasure.
There is a problem with earthly treasures. Earthly treasures are subject to deterioration and can be stolen from us. Heavenly treasures cannot be taken away. They are eternal.
Someone once said, “What I hoard in this life, I lose; but what I give in this life, I keep.” We cannot take our earthly treasures with us when we die, but we can send them ahead by sharing and caring for others and supporting kingdom work.
If your riches are here on this earth, your heart will be bound to this world’s system. If your riches are in heaven, you will seek those things which are above and use the things of this world to the glory of God.
The Apostle Paul adds to these thoughts from Matthew when he writes to the church in Colossae, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2.
When we were children we were blessed with godly parents who not only taught us to build up our treasures in heaven and not on this earth, but also practiced what they preached. Earthly riches basically were never in our vocabulary. Our parents worked hard and God provided all we needed, and at the same time they invested their time, talents and treasures in heavenly things. We continued this practice with our children and God has blessed us abundantly with all we ever needed on this earth. It is our prayer that every day we invest our time and talent to build our treasures in Heaven.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
PRAYER:
Help our family today to make every moment a time when we are investing our treasure in heavenly projects. Help us to realize that where our heart is that that is where our treasure is. May Your Holy Spirit move mightily in our hearts so that we will honor and glorify Your name.
TREASURE
DEFINITION:
An accumulation of money or jewels; anything prized highly; to regard or treat as precious; to cherish.
SCRIPTURE:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupts, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In this verse above from Matthew Jesus was teaching the disciples and the crowds that came to listen to Him about our heart and where the interest of our heart really is and should be. The heart is the central part or core of something. Our heart is the innermost core of our emotions. In this scripture above from Matthew, Jesus is in essence telling us to give ourselves a heart check-up. Things that are nearest and dearest to our heart are the things we treasure and most desire. There are earthly (material) treasures and there are heavenly (spiritual) treasures. We must examine our hearts to see what it is we treasure.
There is a problem with earthly treasures. Earthly treasures are subject to deterioration and can be stolen from us. Heavenly treasures cannot be taken away. They are eternal.
Someone once said, “What I hoard in this life, I lose; but what I give in this life, I keep.” We cannot take our earthly treasures with us when we die, but we can send them ahead by sharing and caring for others and supporting kingdom work.
If your riches are here on this earth, your heart will be bound to this world’s system. If your riches are in heaven, you will seek those things which are above and use the things of this world to the glory of God.
The Apostle Paul adds to these thoughts from Matthew when he writes to the church in Colossae, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2.
When we were children we were blessed with godly parents who not only taught us to build up our treasures in heaven and not on this earth, but also practiced what they preached. Earthly riches basically were never in our vocabulary. Our parents worked hard and God provided all we needed, and at the same time they invested their time, talents and treasures in heavenly things. We continued this practice with our children and God has blessed us abundantly with all we ever needed on this earth. It is our prayer that every day we invest our time and talent to build our treasures in Heaven.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
PRAYER:
Help our family today to make every moment a time when we are investing our treasure in heavenly projects. Help us to realize that where our heart is that that is where our treasure is. May Your Holy Spirit move mightily in our hearts so that we will honor and glorify Your name.
Thanksgiving 2011: November 24, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2011.
THANKSGIVING 2011
DEFINITION:
The act of giving thanks; an expression of thanks especially to God.
SCRIPTURE:
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Psalm 100:4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, “In everything give thanks. (I Thessalonians 5:18) This does not mean that we have to be thankful for everything. We do not have to be thankful for bad circumstances or issues. But the Lord can use the resulting difficulties from these issues for good. The scriptures tell us is that our praise and thanksgiving to God should not depend on our circumstances.
In his letter to Philemon the Apostle Paul writes about his runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus had met Paul and found the Lord. When Paul was imprisoned, Onesimus had helped Paul. It was a disappointment to Philemon that Onesimus ran away and Paul wanted Philemon to see how the Lord turned the situation into good. He wanted Philemon, who was also a Christian, to be thankful for this situation. Paul wrote to Philemon, “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good, no longer as a slave, but a dear brother.”
Knowing that God can use all things for good is more than enough for us to give thanks to Him for everything. God has not promised to keep us from the storms of life but He will keep us as we go through them.
When the American colonies were being developed, one man said to the pioneers that they were spending way too much time on their problems. He said it was time for them to focus on their blessings thus the first Thanksgiving Day came to pass. As believers we need to take time not only today, but every day, to focus on our blessings and not on our problems that we may be facing. If we do this, God will give us a joyful spirit and a thankful heart.
In Deuteronomy 9, we read of God’s reminder to Israel that He was leading them into the Promised Land to fulfill His purpose and promises. He reminded them that they would succeed because of Him and not because of their own righteousness. He knew that they would be tempted to give themselves the credit and not to be grateful for their prosperity.
Ungratefulness is a problem and a temptation for us today. If our endeavors are successful we need to make certain that we make our THANKFULNESS TO GOD a priority and give Him the glory. We need to thank God for His goodness, help and blessing. We do not need more to be thankful for, we just need to be more thankful.
Here are several scriptures to remind you today to give thanks to God. In I Corinthians 15:57 it says for us to say thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. In II Corinthians 2:14 it says we are to give thanks to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. In II Corinthians 9:15 Paul says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” And finally in Hebrews 12:28 we read, “let us be thankful, and so worship God.”
Yes, we have so much to thank the Lord for and it is in our giving thanks and glory to the Lord for all that He has done for us, that we worship Him. Read the verse that we have put above under our scripture for today. Start today by entering into His gates with thanksgiving. Begin with a personal time of prayer and reading the Word of God and then throughout the whole day be thankful for all that God has done and is doing for you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
PRAYER:
We thank You for Your creation, for the stars in the sky and the waters in the sea. We thank You for the blessings in life that You continually bestow upon us and for Your overwhelming goodness. We thank You for sending Your Son to pay the penalty for our sins. Thank You for preparing now a place for us to spend eternity with You.
THANKSGIVING 2011
DEFINITION:
The act of giving thanks; an expression of thanks especially to God.
SCRIPTURE:
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Psalm 100:4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, “In everything give thanks. (I Thessalonians 5:18) This does not mean that we have to be thankful for everything. We do not have to be thankful for bad circumstances or issues. But the Lord can use the resulting difficulties from these issues for good. The scriptures tell us is that our praise and thanksgiving to God should not depend on our circumstances.
In his letter to Philemon the Apostle Paul writes about his runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus had met Paul and found the Lord. When Paul was imprisoned, Onesimus had helped Paul. It was a disappointment to Philemon that Onesimus ran away and Paul wanted Philemon to see how the Lord turned the situation into good. He wanted Philemon, who was also a Christian, to be thankful for this situation. Paul wrote to Philemon, “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good, no longer as a slave, but a dear brother.”
Knowing that God can use all things for good is more than enough for us to give thanks to Him for everything. God has not promised to keep us from the storms of life but He will keep us as we go through them.
When the American colonies were being developed, one man said to the pioneers that they were spending way too much time on their problems. He said it was time for them to focus on their blessings thus the first Thanksgiving Day came to pass. As believers we need to take time not only today, but every day, to focus on our blessings and not on our problems that we may be facing. If we do this, God will give us a joyful spirit and a thankful heart.
In Deuteronomy 9, we read of God’s reminder to Israel that He was leading them into the Promised Land to fulfill His purpose and promises. He reminded them that they would succeed because of Him and not because of their own righteousness. He knew that they would be tempted to give themselves the credit and not to be grateful for their prosperity.
Ungratefulness is a problem and a temptation for us today. If our endeavors are successful we need to make certain that we make our THANKFULNESS TO GOD a priority and give Him the glory. We need to thank God for His goodness, help and blessing. We do not need more to be thankful for, we just need to be more thankful.
Here are several scriptures to remind you today to give thanks to God. In I Corinthians 15:57 it says for us to say thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. In II Corinthians 2:14 it says we are to give thanks to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. In II Corinthians 9:15 Paul says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” And finally in Hebrews 12:28 we read, “let us be thankful, and so worship God.”
Yes, we have so much to thank the Lord for and it is in our giving thanks and glory to the Lord for all that He has done for us, that we worship Him. Read the verse that we have put above under our scripture for today. Start today by entering into His gates with thanksgiving. Begin with a personal time of prayer and reading the Word of God and then throughout the whole day be thankful for all that God has done and is doing for you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
PRAYER:
We thank You for Your creation, for the stars in the sky and the waters in the sea. We thank You for the blessings in life that You continually bestow upon us and for Your overwhelming goodness. We thank You for sending Your Son to pay the penalty for our sins. Thank You for preparing now a place for us to spend eternity with You.
Blessings: November 21, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2011.
BLESSING
DEFINITION:
Devine favor; a fortunate occurrence; approval; benediction; a short prayer for divine approval.
SCRIPTURE:
Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? Job 2:10.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we mention the word blessing to many people they think of the prayer that they say before a meal or the prayer that a minister gives at the end of a service. These are called blessings but we want to look at the word from the perspective of the blessings that God has for us as believers in Him.
We are convinced that God gives us the greatest blessings in our lives when we invest our time, talent or treasures in other people or projects that benefit people. Let us share with you just one example. One of the ministries that we have worked with for years is a ministry called CERT. They recruit doctors, dentists, nurses and other professionals to give a week or two of their time and talent to go on a mission trip to a remote area of our world where the people have no access to medical or dental help.
The President of CERT promises the volunteers hardship and discomfort. He warns them that they will not receive financial help but they have to pay their own expenses. But he does promise them that they will receive one of the greatest blessings that they have ever experienced. A doctor who accepted that challenge (and over 100 do every year) came back from the trip he went on and said, “I never knew that life in a remote third world country could be so bad but the blessings that I received from this trip has driven me to look for ways every day for me to share my talents, treasures and time into the life of someone that needs help.”
Take the Apostle Paul’s encouragement that we wrote in the verse above from Galatians to do good to all and do not grow weary. In the verse above from Job we are asked the question about receiving good (blessings) from God. Sometimes we feel a little guilty when God blesses us so abundantly when others have so little. As Job asked his wife (above verse) if they should accept good (blessings) from God and not accept adversity?
When things are going well in our life most believers are happy to acknowledge God as the source of their blessings. Often, however, when trouble comes their faith wavers and they blame God. Satan uses difficult times in life to cause us to doubt God. Job and his wife suffered great disappointments but Jobs faith never wavered. The principle here is for us to be grateful for the blessings that God gives us and to be strong in our faith in both the good times and the bad times in our life.
The Apostle Paul tells us how he learned to rejoice in plenty and in want (Philippians 4:10-13). God has an interest in teaching us to be content both in blessings and in losses. The message for us today is to know that we are at our best when we serve others and we are to accept what God gives us in all circumstances.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
PRAYER:
It is our prayer today that You would make our family a channel of blessing to others as we reach out to serve those that need a special touch from You. May we be grateful for every blessing that You send our way and through these blessings always praise Your name.
BLESSING
DEFINITION:
Devine favor; a fortunate occurrence; approval; benediction; a short prayer for divine approval.
SCRIPTURE:
Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? Job 2:10.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we mention the word blessing to many people they think of the prayer that they say before a meal or the prayer that a minister gives at the end of a service. These are called blessings but we want to look at the word from the perspective of the blessings that God has for us as believers in Him.
We are convinced that God gives us the greatest blessings in our lives when we invest our time, talent or treasures in other people or projects that benefit people. Let us share with you just one example. One of the ministries that we have worked with for years is a ministry called CERT. They recruit doctors, dentists, nurses and other professionals to give a week or two of their time and talent to go on a mission trip to a remote area of our world where the people have no access to medical or dental help.
The President of CERT promises the volunteers hardship and discomfort. He warns them that they will not receive financial help but they have to pay their own expenses. But he does promise them that they will receive one of the greatest blessings that they have ever experienced. A doctor who accepted that challenge (and over 100 do every year) came back from the trip he went on and said, “I never knew that life in a remote third world country could be so bad but the blessings that I received from this trip has driven me to look for ways every day for me to share my talents, treasures and time into the life of someone that needs help.”
Take the Apostle Paul’s encouragement that we wrote in the verse above from Galatians to do good to all and do not grow weary. In the verse above from Job we are asked the question about receiving good (blessings) from God. Sometimes we feel a little guilty when God blesses us so abundantly when others have so little. As Job asked his wife (above verse) if they should accept good (blessings) from God and not accept adversity?
When things are going well in our life most believers are happy to acknowledge God as the source of their blessings. Often, however, when trouble comes their faith wavers and they blame God. Satan uses difficult times in life to cause us to doubt God. Job and his wife suffered great disappointments but Jobs faith never wavered. The principle here is for us to be grateful for the blessings that God gives us and to be strong in our faith in both the good times and the bad times in our life.
The Apostle Paul tells us how he learned to rejoice in plenty and in want (Philippians 4:10-13). God has an interest in teaching us to be content both in blessings and in losses. The message for us today is to know that we are at our best when we serve others and we are to accept what God gives us in all circumstances.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
PRAYER:
It is our prayer today that You would make our family a channel of blessing to others as we reach out to serve those that need a special touch from You. May we be grateful for every blessing that You send our way and through these blessings always praise Your name.
Meekness: November 25, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2011
MEEKNESS
DEFINITION:
Submissive; humble; gentleness.
SCRIPTURE:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5.
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Jesus spoke to the multitudes and said “Blessed are the meek.” When He used the word meek He was talking about being gentle and humble. The meek prosper in this world because they are the ones who have power under control.
Many believers today often forget God in their daily decision making and try to live their life by using their own power. When this happens, we as believers need to ask God to teach us meekness so that we can live in, and depend on, His strength.
Moses thought he could use his power to bring about deliverance for God’s people from slavery. He misused his power by killing an Egyptian, which only dissipated his power because he lost the respect of his own people. (Exodus 2: 11-15) God had to teach him meekness and in Numbers 12:3 we read that after Moses learned his lesson by trying to operate on his own power that Moses became very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.
It is important for us to understand that power without control dissipates into useless energy. Some time ago we spent a few relaxing days at Niagara Falls. This is one of the most spectacular sights we have ever seen. We watched and listened to the roar of 6 million cubic feet of water come over those falls every minute. This makes it the most powerful waterfall in North America.
But very few people know that more than 50% of the river’s water is diverted before it reaches the falls via four huge tunnels. The diverted water passes through hydroelectric turbines that supplies power to nearby areas of Canada and the United States before it returns to the river well past the falls.
This is a marvelous example for us to understand that power without control will most often go into useless energy. We as believers need to let go of our personal power and let God’s power flow through our lives. Nothing is more powerful than the power that we can have when under God’s control.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
PRAYER:
Help us to strive to do Your will so that we may experience Your power in our lives. When we struggle to succeed and realize we might fail in our own power, help us to realize that it is by Your strength that we need to succeed.
MEEKNESS
DEFINITION:
Submissive; humble; gentleness.
SCRIPTURE:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5.
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Jesus spoke to the multitudes and said “Blessed are the meek.” When He used the word meek He was talking about being gentle and humble. The meek prosper in this world because they are the ones who have power under control.
Many believers today often forget God in their daily decision making and try to live their life by using their own power. When this happens, we as believers need to ask God to teach us meekness so that we can live in, and depend on, His strength.
Moses thought he could use his power to bring about deliverance for God’s people from slavery. He misused his power by killing an Egyptian, which only dissipated his power because he lost the respect of his own people. (Exodus 2: 11-15) God had to teach him meekness and in Numbers 12:3 we read that after Moses learned his lesson by trying to operate on his own power that Moses became very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.
It is important for us to understand that power without control dissipates into useless energy. Some time ago we spent a few relaxing days at Niagara Falls. This is one of the most spectacular sights we have ever seen. We watched and listened to the roar of 6 million cubic feet of water come over those falls every minute. This makes it the most powerful waterfall in North America.
But very few people know that more than 50% of the river’s water is diverted before it reaches the falls via four huge tunnels. The diverted water passes through hydroelectric turbines that supplies power to nearby areas of Canada and the United States before it returns to the river well past the falls.
This is a marvelous example for us to understand that power without control will most often go into useless energy. We as believers need to let go of our personal power and let God’s power flow through our lives. Nothing is more powerful than the power that we can have when under God’s control.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 8:14.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
PRAYER:
Help us to strive to do Your will so that we may experience Your power in our lives. When we struggle to succeed and realize we might fail in our own power, help us to realize that it is by Your strength that we need to succeed.
November 20, 2011
Giving: November 17, 2011
NOVEMBER 17 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2011.
GIVING
DEFINITION:
Make a present of; donate; convey; bestow.
SCRIPTURE:
Jesus said, “This poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury.” Mark 12:43.
When you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
These two verses that we have put above give us two very important principles that apply to our spirit of giving to the Lord. The first principle is that it is not the size of the gift that matters.
In Mark 12:41-44, Mark relates the incident that took place when Jesus was with His disciples in the temple area where people brought their gifts of money. A poor widow put in two small coins. These were very little gifts in comparison to the large amounts given by others. Yet, Jesus said to His disciples that the widow had put in more than all the others. The reason He said this was that the others gave out of their surplus, but the widow gave sacrificially-all that she owned.
Even if we have only a small amount to give, when it is given to the Lord He will bless it. We learned this as children when we had little to give but we always gave a minimum of ten percent of every dollar we received. It became part of our life style and we never quit giving this way and God has blessed us overwhelming.
The second principle that our Lord gave us as written in the above verse from Matthew is that we need to give without fanfare. In other words we do not need to announce what we give to anyone. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand gives. We are giving unto the Lord, not to gain favor from others on this earth.
Giving is much more than giving of our income. As believers we need to have a heart for giving. In James 1:22 James tells us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. But he does not stop by telling us only to obey by being a doer of the Word but He gives us specific instructions as to how we can be a doer of the Word. He does this by giving us practical ways to be a doer. In James 1: 27 he says for us to “Visit orphans and widows in their trouble.” In other words we are to give not only of our treasures but of our time and talents. God expects us to have a heart of compassion and caring for the less fortunate among us.
We recently read about a young girl who kept coming home without her winter gloves. Her mother was driven, what we may say, crazy having to continually buy her new gloves. She finally told her daughter that she needed to be more responsible and bring home her gloves every night. The young girl responded by crying and through her tears told her mom that as long as she kept getting new gloves she could give them away to someone who did not have any and could not afford to get some.
The story went on that when this young girl grew up her hobbies included volunteering in the community and helping to mentor inner city children. You see that as a child she developed the habit of giving and as she grew up it became part of her life style.
We all need to ask God for a heart like this young girl. Out of love for God, then we need to obey Him by doing what He tells us to do. This is what we are supposed to be doing as believers in Jesus.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Hebrews 10:36.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
PRAYER:
May we as a family learn today the importance of giving all that we should be giving of our treasures, our time and our talent to You so that You can use them for Your glory.
GIVING
DEFINITION:
Make a present of; donate; convey; bestow.
SCRIPTURE:
Jesus said, “This poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury.” Mark 12:43.
When you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
These two verses that we have put above give us two very important principles that apply to our spirit of giving to the Lord. The first principle is that it is not the size of the gift that matters.
In Mark 12:41-44, Mark relates the incident that took place when Jesus was with His disciples in the temple area where people brought their gifts of money. A poor widow put in two small coins. These were very little gifts in comparison to the large amounts given by others. Yet, Jesus said to His disciples that the widow had put in more than all the others. The reason He said this was that the others gave out of their surplus, but the widow gave sacrificially-all that she owned.
Even if we have only a small amount to give, when it is given to the Lord He will bless it. We learned this as children when we had little to give but we always gave a minimum of ten percent of every dollar we received. It became part of our life style and we never quit giving this way and God has blessed us overwhelming.
The second principle that our Lord gave us as written in the above verse from Matthew is that we need to give without fanfare. In other words we do not need to announce what we give to anyone. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand gives. We are giving unto the Lord, not to gain favor from others on this earth.
Giving is much more than giving of our income. As believers we need to have a heart for giving. In James 1:22 James tells us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. But he does not stop by telling us only to obey by being a doer of the Word but He gives us specific instructions as to how we can be a doer of the Word. He does this by giving us practical ways to be a doer. In James 1: 27 he says for us to “Visit orphans and widows in their trouble.” In other words we are to give not only of our treasures but of our time and talents. God expects us to have a heart of compassion and caring for the less fortunate among us.
We recently read about a young girl who kept coming home without her winter gloves. Her mother was driven, what we may say, crazy having to continually buy her new gloves. She finally told her daughter that she needed to be more responsible and bring home her gloves every night. The young girl responded by crying and through her tears told her mom that as long as she kept getting new gloves she could give them away to someone who did not have any and could not afford to get some.
The story went on that when this young girl grew up her hobbies included volunteering in the community and helping to mentor inner city children. You see that as a child she developed the habit of giving and as she grew up it became part of her life style.
We all need to ask God for a heart like this young girl. Out of love for God, then we need to obey Him by doing what He tells us to do. This is what we are supposed to be doing as believers in Jesus.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Hebrews 10:36.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
PRAYER:
May we as a family learn today the importance of giving all that we should be giving of our treasures, our time and our talent to You so that You can use them for Your glory.
Gossip: November 16, 2011
NOVEMBER 16 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2011.
GOSSIP
DEFINITION:
A rumor; revealing personal or sensational facts about others; Trifling talk about other people; an idle talker; discussing other peoples affairs.
SCRIPTURE:
A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and an arrow. Proverbs 25:18.
A perverse man stirs up dissension and a gossip separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Gossip defined really is the act of someone sharing with another party information about a third party that is most often just a rumor that is not true or at least stretching the truth. Most certainly it is not complimentary to the third party and is most often very hurtful.
Our sinful nature causes us to relish juicy tidbits of gossip. We love to hear about someone’s rumored indiscretion and we can’t wait to tell others. The most prevalent place for gossip is in the work place. In fact it has gotten so bad that now a person can get fired for gossiping in certain workplaces. According to a recent poll, the average employee gossips 65 hours a year. Notice that this includes all employees --- that is over ¾ of an hour each and every week if someone works 50 weeks a year.
There are some work places that take corrective approaches to gossip. They range from firing the one that gossips to a group in the entertainment industry that takes the time to pray for a person who is making bad choices rather than spreading the facts or rumors to more people.
There is no place in the life of a believer for gossip. As believers it is clear what God wants from us concerning gossiping. Exodus 20:16 reads, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” That is quite clear and simple to understand. In the verse we wrote above from Proverbs it is stated very strongly that the use of our words in a gossiping situation is like a club, a sword and a sharp arrow.
Clubs, swords and sharp arrows are weapons that cause great pain and harm. Like a weapon, gossip causes pain and does great harm. The writer of Proverbs 16:28 tells us that gossip is harmful because it stirs up dissension and separates close friends.
Unfortunately, we have heard many people gossip in church. Of all places this is a place that should not be a place for gossip. Gossip feeds into our natural desires to feel superior to others and to belong or fit in with the crowd. If you choose to love others and be concerned about others you will live in a Gossip free zone. You can never justify gossip. It is better to pray for someone. If you are praying for a person you will find it difficult to gossip about them.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Hebrews 10:36.
For you have need for endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for speaking carelessly about others to make myself look better. Help me to think before I speak and show a Christ-like love to all that I talk to. Teach me to be loving in my words.
GOSSIP
DEFINITION:
A rumor; revealing personal or sensational facts about others; Trifling talk about other people; an idle talker; discussing other peoples affairs.
SCRIPTURE:
A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and an arrow. Proverbs 25:18.
A perverse man stirs up dissension and a gossip separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Gossip defined really is the act of someone sharing with another party information about a third party that is most often just a rumor that is not true or at least stretching the truth. Most certainly it is not complimentary to the third party and is most often very hurtful.
Our sinful nature causes us to relish juicy tidbits of gossip. We love to hear about someone’s rumored indiscretion and we can’t wait to tell others. The most prevalent place for gossip is in the work place. In fact it has gotten so bad that now a person can get fired for gossiping in certain workplaces. According to a recent poll, the average employee gossips 65 hours a year. Notice that this includes all employees --- that is over ¾ of an hour each and every week if someone works 50 weeks a year.
There are some work places that take corrective approaches to gossip. They range from firing the one that gossips to a group in the entertainment industry that takes the time to pray for a person who is making bad choices rather than spreading the facts or rumors to more people.
There is no place in the life of a believer for gossip. As believers it is clear what God wants from us concerning gossiping. Exodus 20:16 reads, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” That is quite clear and simple to understand. In the verse we wrote above from Proverbs it is stated very strongly that the use of our words in a gossiping situation is like a club, a sword and a sharp arrow.
Clubs, swords and sharp arrows are weapons that cause great pain and harm. Like a weapon, gossip causes pain and does great harm. The writer of Proverbs 16:28 tells us that gossip is harmful because it stirs up dissension and separates close friends.
Unfortunately, we have heard many people gossip in church. Of all places this is a place that should not be a place for gossip. Gossip feeds into our natural desires to feel superior to others and to belong or fit in with the crowd. If you choose to love others and be concerned about others you will live in a Gossip free zone. You can never justify gossip. It is better to pray for someone. If you are praying for a person you will find it difficult to gossip about them.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Hebrews 10:36.
For you have need for endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for speaking carelessly about others to make myself look better. Help me to think before I speak and show a Christ-like love to all that I talk to. Teach me to be loving in my words.
Conviction: November 15, 2011
NOVEMBER 15 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2011.
CONVICTION
DEFINITION:
A firm belief; feelings of guilt; the state of being convinced.
SCRIPTURE:
The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Most people respond when you ask what the word conviction means by saying that it refers to a criminal being convicted. But there is another definition of the word conviction that deals with the response that our hearts have to wrong and evil in our lives and in the world.
Modern technology has provided doctors with instruments that are used in procedures to see, inside our bodies, what cannot be seen from the outside. One such procedure is called a Laryngoscopy which views the throat and vocal chords. The doctor takes a very small camera with a light on the end and puts it down the throat of a person to try and find out what is causing the problem.
God’s Word is like a Laryngoscopy. It invades the unseen areas of our lives and exposes to us the areas of spiritual failures that fill our lives. This can be an uncomfortable procedure that God does on our lives but if we are willing to respond in obedience we will grow in our relationship with God.
In John 3:20 Jesus said to us, “Everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” Jesus is that light that exposes the evil in our lives just like the light on the camera that the doctor uses. God’s internal intrusions into our lives convict us and we do not feel good about the conviction, but do you really want the disease that God exposes in our lives?
We need to daily welcome God into the deep, dark places of our hearts because it is the only way we can find true healing and spiritual health that we should be longing for daily. And in order for God to do this we must communicate with Him daily by reading God’s Word and praying. Through what we read God will expose to us our personal problems and through prayer we can ask Him for victory over our sinful desires and our evil acts.
With God’s Word you do not need an appointment to get going and finding God’s diagnosis. The divine surgeon is ready when you are ready and He is just waiting for you to come to Him. Let God’s Word explore your inner being.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Hebrews 10:36.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
PRAYER:
Lord, speak to me today through Your Word and convict me of my sins. Thank You for the assurance that You are always present and my truest friend. Guide me this day as I search the Word of God so that it becomes both my shield and sword.
CONVICTION
DEFINITION:
A firm belief; feelings of guilt; the state of being convinced.
SCRIPTURE:
The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Most people respond when you ask what the word conviction means by saying that it refers to a criminal being convicted. But there is another definition of the word conviction that deals with the response that our hearts have to wrong and evil in our lives and in the world.
Modern technology has provided doctors with instruments that are used in procedures to see, inside our bodies, what cannot be seen from the outside. One such procedure is called a Laryngoscopy which views the throat and vocal chords. The doctor takes a very small camera with a light on the end and puts it down the throat of a person to try and find out what is causing the problem.
God’s Word is like a Laryngoscopy. It invades the unseen areas of our lives and exposes to us the areas of spiritual failures that fill our lives. This can be an uncomfortable procedure that God does on our lives but if we are willing to respond in obedience we will grow in our relationship with God.
In John 3:20 Jesus said to us, “Everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” Jesus is that light that exposes the evil in our lives just like the light on the camera that the doctor uses. God’s internal intrusions into our lives convict us and we do not feel good about the conviction, but do you really want the disease that God exposes in our lives?
We need to daily welcome God into the deep, dark places of our hearts because it is the only way we can find true healing and spiritual health that we should be longing for daily. And in order for God to do this we must communicate with Him daily by reading God’s Word and praying. Through what we read God will expose to us our personal problems and through prayer we can ask Him for victory over our sinful desires and our evil acts.
With God’s Word you do not need an appointment to get going and finding God’s diagnosis. The divine surgeon is ready when you are ready and He is just waiting for you to come to Him. Let God’s Word explore your inner being.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Hebrews 10:36.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
PRAYER:
Lord, speak to me today through Your Word and convict me of my sins. Thank You for the assurance that You are always present and my truest friend. Guide me this day as I search the Word of God so that it becomes both my shield and sword.
Reconciliation: November 14, 2011
NOVEMBER 14 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2011.
RECONCILIATION
DEFINITION:
Restore to union and friendship after estrangement; adjust; settle; bring to agreement.
SCRIPTURE:
First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:24.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In Judaism, the holiest day of the year is YOM KIPPER, the Day of Atonement. On that day the people seek God’s forgiveness for their sins both personal and national. The day before is called EREV YOM KIPPER and is the last opportunity to seek forgiveness from other people before Yom Kipper begins. This is important because in the Jewish tradition you must seek forgiveness from other people before you can seek the forgiveness of God.
If we have wronged someone so that there is a broken relationship it can hinder our relationship with the Lord. If you wonder why this is so, it is because issues that are left unresolved fester and grow which often leads to bitterness and escalating acts of retaliation. This is sin in God’s eyes. Sin separates us from God. Jesus pointed out that in order to worship Him with all of our heart, and a pure heart, we first need to resolve matters with others. Jesus states this clearly in Matthew 5:24 (above).
Our ability to truly worship God is hindered by our broken relationships with others. As believers we need to understand and practice reconciliation in our lives. Broken relationships are caused by wrong actions, bad attitudes and destructive words and these are all issues that God expects us to make right before we should come to Him. If we do not, how can God bless us?
It is tough, and for some tougher than for others, to get up the courage necessary to go to a person we have wronged and admit that we were wrong and ask forgiveness, which is part of the process of reconciliation. As believers we have no choice, if we want to be obedient to God and used of God, but to act and act swiftly and completely.
Are you concerned enough that your worship with God will be pleasing and acceptable to Him to take the necessary action to reconcile the issues in your life with those who have been affected by your actions? Remember what someone once said: Am offense against your neighbor is a fence between you and God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in HEBREWS 10:36.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise,
PRAYER:
Give me the strength today if I have hurt a friend or relative to go at once and make things right. Help me to learn to be able to ask forgiveness knowing that these words bring delight to Your heart.
RECONCILIATION
DEFINITION:
Restore to union and friendship after estrangement; adjust; settle; bring to agreement.
SCRIPTURE:
First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:24.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In Judaism, the holiest day of the year is YOM KIPPER, the Day of Atonement. On that day the people seek God’s forgiveness for their sins both personal and national. The day before is called EREV YOM KIPPER and is the last opportunity to seek forgiveness from other people before Yom Kipper begins. This is important because in the Jewish tradition you must seek forgiveness from other people before you can seek the forgiveness of God.
If we have wronged someone so that there is a broken relationship it can hinder our relationship with the Lord. If you wonder why this is so, it is because issues that are left unresolved fester and grow which often leads to bitterness and escalating acts of retaliation. This is sin in God’s eyes. Sin separates us from God. Jesus pointed out that in order to worship Him with all of our heart, and a pure heart, we first need to resolve matters with others. Jesus states this clearly in Matthew 5:24 (above).
Our ability to truly worship God is hindered by our broken relationships with others. As believers we need to understand and practice reconciliation in our lives. Broken relationships are caused by wrong actions, bad attitudes and destructive words and these are all issues that God expects us to make right before we should come to Him. If we do not, how can God bless us?
It is tough, and for some tougher than for others, to get up the courage necessary to go to a person we have wronged and admit that we were wrong and ask forgiveness, which is part of the process of reconciliation. As believers we have no choice, if we want to be obedient to God and used of God, but to act and act swiftly and completely.
Are you concerned enough that your worship with God will be pleasing and acceptable to Him to take the necessary action to reconcile the issues in your life with those who have been affected by your actions? Remember what someone once said: Am offense against your neighbor is a fence between you and God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in HEBREWS 10:36.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise,
PRAYER:
Give me the strength today if I have hurt a friend or relative to go at once and make things right. Help me to learn to be able to ask forgiveness knowing that these words bring delight to Your heart.
Honest: November 18, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2011
HONESTY
DEFINITION:
Having a sense of honor; uprighteousness; sincere; truthful; genuine.
SCRIPTURE:
Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. Acts 5:4.
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. Psalm 12:22.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the book of Acts (above), God gave us a sobering example of how He views dishonesty. Some believers had sold their land and shared all the proceeds with the church. Ananias and Sapphira decided to do likewise. But the couple kept some money back declaring that they had given the whole amount to the church.
We need to note that the dishonesty was not that they did not give all to the church. The dishonesty was that they said that they gave all to the church. That was why God did what He did. Both Ananias and Sapphira expected commendation for their generous giving but instead God struck them dead for lying about what they did.
Some may say that God was too harsh. After all it was just a little lie and it was not life threatening to anybody. But in Proverbs 25:14 the scripture says that “Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and winds without rain.” The apostle Peter in Acts 5:3 asked Ananias, “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?” Peter strongly rebuked him saying, “You have not lied to men, but to God.” Peter’s strong words of condemnation leave no doubt about the seriousness of Ananias’s dishonesty.
One of the Ten Commandments that God gave Moses and to us, as well, is simply and clearly stated that we shall not bear false witness --- LIE. There are no degrees of honesty. You are either an honest person or a dishonest person.
An understanding of honesty begins when we recognize that God, who is our ultimate example, is truth and that He cannot lie. God hates falsehoods and makes it clear in the scriptures that Satan is the originator of all lies. He began lying in the Garden of Eden. In Proverbs 13:5 we read that a righteous man hates lying. In I Corinthians 13:6 we read that love rejoices in truth. People who trust the Word of God should be people whose word can be trusted. Where do you stand on honesty?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Hebrews 10:36.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
PRAYER:
Help me and my family today to be honest and true in all that we do and say. Give us the courage to do what is right and always tell the truth so that we can bring to the world we live in a glimpse of Your light and glory.
HONESTY
DEFINITION:
Having a sense of honor; uprighteousness; sincere; truthful; genuine.
SCRIPTURE:
Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. Acts 5:4.
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. Psalm 12:22.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the book of Acts (above), God gave us a sobering example of how He views dishonesty. Some believers had sold their land and shared all the proceeds with the church. Ananias and Sapphira decided to do likewise. But the couple kept some money back declaring that they had given the whole amount to the church.
We need to note that the dishonesty was not that they did not give all to the church. The dishonesty was that they said that they gave all to the church. That was why God did what He did. Both Ananias and Sapphira expected commendation for their generous giving but instead God struck them dead for lying about what they did.
Some may say that God was too harsh. After all it was just a little lie and it was not life threatening to anybody. But in Proverbs 25:14 the scripture says that “Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and winds without rain.” The apostle Peter in Acts 5:3 asked Ananias, “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?” Peter strongly rebuked him saying, “You have not lied to men, but to God.” Peter’s strong words of condemnation leave no doubt about the seriousness of Ananias’s dishonesty.
One of the Ten Commandments that God gave Moses and to us, as well, is simply and clearly stated that we shall not bear false witness --- LIE. There are no degrees of honesty. You are either an honest person or a dishonest person.
An understanding of honesty begins when we recognize that God, who is our ultimate example, is truth and that He cannot lie. God hates falsehoods and makes it clear in the scriptures that Satan is the originator of all lies. He began lying in the Garden of Eden. In Proverbs 13:5 we read that a righteous man hates lying. In I Corinthians 13:6 we read that love rejoices in truth. People who trust the Word of God should be people whose word can be trusted. Where do you stand on honesty?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Hebrews 10:36.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
PRAYER:
Help me and my family today to be honest and true in all that we do and say. Give us the courage to do what is right and always tell the truth so that we can bring to the world we live in a glimpse of Your light and glory.
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