March 10. TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY MARCH 10, 2010
FRIEND
DEFINITION:
A person attached to another person by feelings or affection; a person on intimate or friendly terms with another; a person who gives assistance; a supporter or well wisher.
SCRIPTURE:
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18: 24.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
It is important before you choose your friends that you know what qualities you are looking for in a friend. Make sure you take time to really know the person you are considering being a true friend before you choose that person as a friend.
It is also important for you to know the difference between a friend and acquaintance. You can spend a lot of time with an acquaintance and not consider that person a friend who you trust and confide in.
Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are. All of us want friends in our lives and some seem to have many more than others. We develop friends in the activities we are involved in on a regular basis. Some of the locations were friendships are developed is at your work place, your church and your neighborhood.
Your children will develop friends at school, at their church and through sports or other activities. As parents you need daily communication with your children to make sure that they are choosing the right friends. Children need counsel today on choosing their friends. When you listen carefully to your child concerning their friends you will pick up comments of concern that should serve as red flags to you. We advise you to be slow in choosing a friend and to advise your children the same and then make sure you realize that if the friend you have chosen is a loyal and true friend then be a friend, in return, that is loyal and true.
William Penn said that a true friend advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously and continues to be a friend unchangeably. Your actions, words and interests will attract similar type friends to you. Be sure you know your friend well before you choose to have them as a close friend that you can share your concerns with.
When you develop a real friend make sure your actions and words keep that person as a friend and make sure their words and actions match yours. Do not commit errors that will hurt relationships. These two verses from Proverbs give us excellent thoughts and even guidelines in choosing friends.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17. A good friend often treats his or her friend better than one of his or her own family member
Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. Proverbs 27:10
In the scripture verse that we have written above from Proverbs it closes with these words: “but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” That friend is Jesus and He is a friend to all that claim His name as a friend, Lord and Savior. We do need to be reminded that we can lose Jesus as a friend when you neglect Him just as you would your friend in this world.
Friends need daily communication with each other and Jesus requires the same from us. We communicate to Him through prayer and he communicates to us through our reading of His Word. Friends in this life will come and go but Jesus will be your friend for eternity.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 22:37.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
PRAYER:
Thank You for being my friend. Help me to stay true to You every moment of every day. Thank You for leading me to friends that I can trust in this world. Help me to be a witness to these friends of Your love and friendship with me. Help my children to choose friends that honor You and that have a good influence on them.
March 14, 2011
March 13, 2011
Communication Part 2: March 11, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY MARCH 11, 2011.
COMMUNICATION
TODAY WE READ THE WORDS FROM ONE OF OUR GRANDCHILDREN PART TWO.
DEFINITION:
To give or interchange thoughts, feelings, or information by speaking or writing; to express ideas or feelings effectively.
SCRIPTURE:
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Yesterday we introduced to you our oldest grandchild and her husband. They shared with us in their own words a few thoughts on one of the ten stepping stones we have developed to have a happier family. They continue today sharing their thoughts on Communication.
Most recently we have begun to learn the importance of communication in marriage. We both have often found ourselves making assumptions about the other person’s feelings and opinions, and we have quickly discovered that assumptions cannot and should not take the place of communication. Part of marriage involves the two of us becoming “one” and without communication, it is impossible to blend two lives into one.
Through changes in plans, differing schedules, and a variety of separate interests, keeping each other informed is essential to harmony within our relationship. Most importantly, we have learned the importance of having corresponding ideas about our faith, values, and our future dreams and goals. Staying current in our exchange of ideas now will help us ensure that we will always work together towards these same ideals.
Communication has been of upmost importance in all areas of our lives. Having the value of communication from a young age, we have been able to appreciate the worth of a strong family unit, the enrichment that lasting friendships can provide, and the joy that communication can bring to a marriage. The two-way street of communication is truly a more blissful path than any one-way street.
We thank our granddaughter and her husband for their encouraging words on Communication these past two days. We pray their thoughts have blessed your heart as they have blessed ours.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20.
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Help us as spouses and as parents to be strong in the Lord and show courage in communicating the love of our Lord and Savior. May our communication be strengthened daily because of the assurance that You give us that You will never forsake us but will always be with us.
COMMUNICATION
TODAY WE READ THE WORDS FROM ONE OF OUR GRANDCHILDREN PART TWO.
DEFINITION:
To give or interchange thoughts, feelings, or information by speaking or writing; to express ideas or feelings effectively.
SCRIPTURE:
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Yesterday we introduced to you our oldest grandchild and her husband. They shared with us in their own words a few thoughts on one of the ten stepping stones we have developed to have a happier family. They continue today sharing their thoughts on Communication.
Most recently we have begun to learn the importance of communication in marriage. We both have often found ourselves making assumptions about the other person’s feelings and opinions, and we have quickly discovered that assumptions cannot and should not take the place of communication. Part of marriage involves the two of us becoming “one” and without communication, it is impossible to blend two lives into one.
Through changes in plans, differing schedules, and a variety of separate interests, keeping each other informed is essential to harmony within our relationship. Most importantly, we have learned the importance of having corresponding ideas about our faith, values, and our future dreams and goals. Staying current in our exchange of ideas now will help us ensure that we will always work together towards these same ideals.
Communication has been of upmost importance in all areas of our lives. Having the value of communication from a young age, we have been able to appreciate the worth of a strong family unit, the enrichment that lasting friendships can provide, and the joy that communication can bring to a marriage. The two-way street of communication is truly a more blissful path than any one-way street.
We thank our granddaughter and her husband for their encouraging words on Communication these past two days. We pray their thoughts have blessed your heart as they have blessed ours.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20.
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Help us as spouses and as parents to be strong in the Lord and show courage in communicating the love of our Lord and Savior. May our communication be strengthened daily because of the assurance that You give us that You will never forsake us but will always be with us.
Communication Part 1: March 10, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY MARCH 10, 2011
COMMUNICATION
TODAY WE READ THE WORDS FROM ONE OF OUR GRANDCHILDREN
DEFINITION:
To give or interchange thoughts, feelings, or information by speaking or writing; to express ideas of feelings effectively.
SCRIPTURE:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not love, I am become as sounding brass or a tingling cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1.
By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established. Proverbs 24:3
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We have asked any of our grandchildren that wished to do so to write a devotional on one of the stepping stones that we have developed to have a happier family. This is the first one we are presenting as a devotional. Our oldest grandchild and her husband have chosen to write on COMMUNICATION the word for today.
If you have ever found yourself driving in a downtown area, you are well aware how difficult one-way streets can be to navigate on. You may have to circle around and around to get to a spot that was only a few yards away. The same is true when there is a lack of communication among two people. Just as a two-way street can help alleviate stress and create a variety of paths and a multitude of options, communication can open up doors for all types of relationships including families, friendships and marriages.
We have found that open communication is absolutely essential to the formation of a strong family unit. A vivid memory for both of us included our end-of-the-day family time at the dinner table. After a long and hard day of work and school, each member of the family was able to share about the events of the day. Through this open and warm environment, each person felt loved and encouraged and often received guidance and support through a difficult situation they might have encountered.
In both of our lives, we have also found actions to be some of the strongest venues for communication. From the sharing of toys with siblings, to the amount of time and effort our parents contributed to being at our special events, these actions were often able to communicate in a way that was deeper than words. Through each of these forms of communication, our families grew stronger in the love that we had for each other.
Communication is also one of the most valuable components in building a meaningful friendship. The sharing of common experiences, personal goals, and deep thoughts lead to a strong and lasting bond. We have both found that friendships that lack strong and consistent communication often fall apart in times of conflict or hardship. Even some of our seemingly strongest friendships have suffered when one or both friends discontinue efforts to keep in touch.
We want to thank our grandchild and her husband for these words on Communication. They have more to share with us tomorrow. We look forward to what they have to share with us just as we hope you do.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20.
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Keep me faithful in communicating with You, Lord. Help me to teach my children the importance of prayer and their need to communicate with You each and every day. Help us to communicate Your love to others not just by words but also by our actions.
COMMUNICATION
TODAY WE READ THE WORDS FROM ONE OF OUR GRANDCHILDREN
DEFINITION:
To give or interchange thoughts, feelings, or information by speaking or writing; to express ideas of feelings effectively.
SCRIPTURE:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not love, I am become as sounding brass or a tingling cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1.
By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established. Proverbs 24:3
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We have asked any of our grandchildren that wished to do so to write a devotional on one of the stepping stones that we have developed to have a happier family. This is the first one we are presenting as a devotional. Our oldest grandchild and her husband have chosen to write on COMMUNICATION the word for today.
If you have ever found yourself driving in a downtown area, you are well aware how difficult one-way streets can be to navigate on. You may have to circle around and around to get to a spot that was only a few yards away. The same is true when there is a lack of communication among two people. Just as a two-way street can help alleviate stress and create a variety of paths and a multitude of options, communication can open up doors for all types of relationships including families, friendships and marriages.
We have found that open communication is absolutely essential to the formation of a strong family unit. A vivid memory for both of us included our end-of-the-day family time at the dinner table. After a long and hard day of work and school, each member of the family was able to share about the events of the day. Through this open and warm environment, each person felt loved and encouraged and often received guidance and support through a difficult situation they might have encountered.
In both of our lives, we have also found actions to be some of the strongest venues for communication. From the sharing of toys with siblings, to the amount of time and effort our parents contributed to being at our special events, these actions were often able to communicate in a way that was deeper than words. Through each of these forms of communication, our families grew stronger in the love that we had for each other.
Communication is also one of the most valuable components in building a meaningful friendship. The sharing of common experiences, personal goals, and deep thoughts lead to a strong and lasting bond. We have both found that friendships that lack strong and consistent communication often fall apart in times of conflict or hardship. Even some of our seemingly strongest friendships have suffered when one or both friends discontinue efforts to keep in touch.
We want to thank our grandchild and her husband for these words on Communication. They have more to share with us tomorrow. We look forward to what they have to share with us just as we hope you do.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20.
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Keep me faithful in communicating with You, Lord. Help me to teach my children the importance of prayer and their need to communicate with You each and every day. Help us to communicate Your love to others not just by words but also by our actions.
Prayer: March 9, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2011
PRAYER
DEFINITION:
Spiritual communication with God; A devout petition to God or an object of worship; the act or practice of praying to God or an object of worship; a petition.
SCRIPTURE:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22
“I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask for in My name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16: 23-24.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Do you find it difficult to pray? It is often said by people that they spend time praying to God but never really hear God respond. There are many reasons that could cause one to feel that way. But the important thing first about prayer is that God wants us to pray daily and, in fact, He says in his Word to pray without ceasing. That means to always be in a spirit or attitude of prayer.
Prayer is one of the pillars of the Christian faith. When we pray we communicate with our Heavenly father and it is a privilege to take all of our burdens, requests and praise to almighty God.
When you pray as God commands us to pray He will respond. Let’s look at these six vital lessons for us to learn about prayer:
First, we must pray as the Lord prayed. He gave us an example with what we familiarly call the Lord’s Prayer. (Luke 11:1-4) Take time to memorize the Lord’s Prayer and pray it daily until it becomes a vital part of your daily life.
Secondly, we are to pray in the Spirit. Jude tells us in Jude 20 that we are to “pray in the Holy Spirit.” He will guide and assists in our prayers. We need the intercession that the Holy Spirit can give us to speak to the father. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray unselfishly, purely and correctly. Sometimes we are at a loss to know how to pray. Paul tells us in those times of great need that “the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26.
Thirdly, we are to pray according to God’s will. In Romans 12:2 we are told that God’s will for the Christian believer is good, acceptable and perfect. We learn what God’s will is by reading the scriptures, and by the leading of the Holy Spirit from within us and by the circumstances which God allows to occur in our lives.
Fourthly, we are to pray without ceasing. In I Thessalonians 5:17 and 18, we are told to pray without ceasing, continually and with thanksgiving. God desires your fellowship. He desires for you to have His forgiveness, peace, guidance and His rest in your soul. Praying without ceasing means having an attitude of prayer in all you do, as we mentioned above. Thank God for His guidance in every step you take and every word you say and thing you do, because when you are in an attitude of prayer God is guiding you.
Fifthly, we are to pray believing. In Matthew 21:21 and 22 we are told to believe in God’s almighty ability and desire to answer our prayers from the evidence He has given us in the scriptures. We can ask in prayer and we need to ask “believing.” If you still do not feel God is answering your prayers then you need to ask yourself, “Do I really believe that God can answer my prayers?”
Sixthly, we are to pray in Jesus’ name. Christ teaches us in John 16:23 and 24 to pray to the Father in His name. We are sinners, but when we accept Jesus we are cleansed of our sins and are robed in His righteousness and we come before Him in prayer as children of the King and can expect mountains to be moved. He assures us that if we pray in His name, He will answer. Christ teaches that we must ask in His name and then He will answer and our joy will be full.
These six lessons if studied and practiced will give us a prayer life that honors God and will bring blessing to our lives as we allow God to work in our lives and answer our prayers. Years ago our very good friend Rev Peter Dyneka, who was a real prayer warrior and a Russian evangelist told us many times in public meetings and personally: NO PRAYER NO POWER! That says it all for us today.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20:
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Teach me today O Lord how to pray. As the disciples asked nearly 2000 years ago, I ask of You today for a new and exciting prayer life. Give me a burden to pray without ceasing for my family and friends. May I have a new burden to pray for those in need. Thank You for the blessing You will give me in answer to my prayers.
PRAYER
DEFINITION:
Spiritual communication with God; A devout petition to God or an object of worship; the act or practice of praying to God or an object of worship; a petition.
SCRIPTURE:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22
“I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask for in My name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16: 23-24.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Do you find it difficult to pray? It is often said by people that they spend time praying to God but never really hear God respond. There are many reasons that could cause one to feel that way. But the important thing first about prayer is that God wants us to pray daily and, in fact, He says in his Word to pray without ceasing. That means to always be in a spirit or attitude of prayer.
Prayer is one of the pillars of the Christian faith. When we pray we communicate with our Heavenly father and it is a privilege to take all of our burdens, requests and praise to almighty God.
When you pray as God commands us to pray He will respond. Let’s look at these six vital lessons for us to learn about prayer:
First, we must pray as the Lord prayed. He gave us an example with what we familiarly call the Lord’s Prayer. (Luke 11:1-4) Take time to memorize the Lord’s Prayer and pray it daily until it becomes a vital part of your daily life.
Secondly, we are to pray in the Spirit. Jude tells us in Jude 20 that we are to “pray in the Holy Spirit.” He will guide and assists in our prayers. We need the intercession that the Holy Spirit can give us to speak to the father. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray unselfishly, purely and correctly. Sometimes we are at a loss to know how to pray. Paul tells us in those times of great need that “the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26.
Thirdly, we are to pray according to God’s will. In Romans 12:2 we are told that God’s will for the Christian believer is good, acceptable and perfect. We learn what God’s will is by reading the scriptures, and by the leading of the Holy Spirit from within us and by the circumstances which God allows to occur in our lives.
Fourthly, we are to pray without ceasing. In I Thessalonians 5:17 and 18, we are told to pray without ceasing, continually and with thanksgiving. God desires your fellowship. He desires for you to have His forgiveness, peace, guidance and His rest in your soul. Praying without ceasing means having an attitude of prayer in all you do, as we mentioned above. Thank God for His guidance in every step you take and every word you say and thing you do, because when you are in an attitude of prayer God is guiding you.
Fifthly, we are to pray believing. In Matthew 21:21 and 22 we are told to believe in God’s almighty ability and desire to answer our prayers from the evidence He has given us in the scriptures. We can ask in prayer and we need to ask “believing.” If you still do not feel God is answering your prayers then you need to ask yourself, “Do I really believe that God can answer my prayers?”
Sixthly, we are to pray in Jesus’ name. Christ teaches us in John 16:23 and 24 to pray to the Father in His name. We are sinners, but when we accept Jesus we are cleansed of our sins and are robed in His righteousness and we come before Him in prayer as children of the King and can expect mountains to be moved. He assures us that if we pray in His name, He will answer. Christ teaches that we must ask in His name and then He will answer and our joy will be full.
These six lessons if studied and practiced will give us a prayer life that honors God and will bring blessing to our lives as we allow God to work in our lives and answer our prayers. Years ago our very good friend Rev Peter Dyneka, who was a real prayer warrior and a Russian evangelist told us many times in public meetings and personally: NO PRAYER NO POWER! That says it all for us today.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20:
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Teach me today O Lord how to pray. As the disciples asked nearly 2000 years ago, I ask of You today for a new and exciting prayer life. Give me a burden to pray without ceasing for my family and friends. May I have a new burden to pray for those in need. Thank You for the blessing You will give me in answer to my prayers.
Salvation: March 8, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY MARCH 8, 2011
SALVATION
DEFINITION:
The act of saving or protecting from harm; risk or loss; the state of being saved or protected; deliverance from the power and penalty of sin.
SCRIPTURE:
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:3
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Acts 16:3
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Many non-believers do not understand us when we talk about salvation. They do not understand the biblical meaning of the word and cannot relate it to their personal lives. They often just think that if they are in some sort of a “harm” situation they can look for relief (salvation) from that harm. For the believer, salvation is the process that one goes through to be saved from paying the penalty for the sins we have committed.
Salvation is the gift of God that He has given to us through His Son Jesus. This salvation is available to everyone. Our hearts are broken that so very few people today feel any need for God and the salvation that He has offered everyone. Many people here in America today feel this way because for several generations now we have taken off our agenda the need for having God in our lives. This has been done through our schools and by the decision makers in our government and judicial system.
In our family, salvation is what is most important above all else which is the case in the families of all believers. One of the greatest thrills we have had in life, if not the greatest, is when our children and now our grandchildren tell us that they have accepted Jesus as their Savior. By taking Jesus into their hearts they accepted God’s gift of salvation.
Jesus began His ministry on earth with the marvelous message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) He never gave us an option. His message was simple and clear --- “REPENT.”
It is also written in Acts 16:30 that the Philippians jailer, who was in great fear when God caused an earthquake to open the prison doors of the jail for Paul and Silas to escape, asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what can I do to be saved?” The answer was given clearly and simply: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved, you and your household.” This is SALVATION!
Salvation is more than great, but it says in the scripture above that it is “SO GREAT.” Salvation in Jesus Christ is so great because:
• It was from God and through His Son Jesus Christ. John 3:16 reads, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
• It comes at a great cost. 1 John 3:16 reads, “Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.”
• It is complete and for all time. 1 Peter 3:18 reads, “For Christ died for our sins once and for all.”
• It is the only way to God and eternal life. John 14:6 reads, Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.”
Salvation is the eternal life that God has given us. The Philippian jailer never asked what he could do to be “LOST.” He knew that answer: You do not have to do anything to be lost because we are all born sinners and are condemned because of our sins to eternal damnation. The only way to receive eternal life in heaven is the SALVATION that God has offered us to accept through His Son Jesus.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20:
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Thank You Almighty God for the “GREAT SALVATION” that You have provided for me through Your Son, Jesus. Give me the strength today to live my life honoring You in all that I do and say. Help me to share “my great salvation” with others.
SALVATION
DEFINITION:
The act of saving or protecting from harm; risk or loss; the state of being saved or protected; deliverance from the power and penalty of sin.
SCRIPTURE:
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:3
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Acts 16:3
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Many non-believers do not understand us when we talk about salvation. They do not understand the biblical meaning of the word and cannot relate it to their personal lives. They often just think that if they are in some sort of a “harm” situation they can look for relief (salvation) from that harm. For the believer, salvation is the process that one goes through to be saved from paying the penalty for the sins we have committed.
Salvation is the gift of God that He has given to us through His Son Jesus. This salvation is available to everyone. Our hearts are broken that so very few people today feel any need for God and the salvation that He has offered everyone. Many people here in America today feel this way because for several generations now we have taken off our agenda the need for having God in our lives. This has been done through our schools and by the decision makers in our government and judicial system.
In our family, salvation is what is most important above all else which is the case in the families of all believers. One of the greatest thrills we have had in life, if not the greatest, is when our children and now our grandchildren tell us that they have accepted Jesus as their Savior. By taking Jesus into their hearts they accepted God’s gift of salvation.
Jesus began His ministry on earth with the marvelous message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) He never gave us an option. His message was simple and clear --- “REPENT.”
It is also written in Acts 16:30 that the Philippians jailer, who was in great fear when God caused an earthquake to open the prison doors of the jail for Paul and Silas to escape, asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what can I do to be saved?” The answer was given clearly and simply: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved, you and your household.” This is SALVATION!
Salvation is more than great, but it says in the scripture above that it is “SO GREAT.” Salvation in Jesus Christ is so great because:
• It was from God and through His Son Jesus Christ. John 3:16 reads, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
• It comes at a great cost. 1 John 3:16 reads, “Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.”
• It is complete and for all time. 1 Peter 3:18 reads, “For Christ died for our sins once and for all.”
• It is the only way to God and eternal life. John 14:6 reads, Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.”
Salvation is the eternal life that God has given us. The Philippian jailer never asked what he could do to be “LOST.” He knew that answer: You do not have to do anything to be lost because we are all born sinners and are condemned because of our sins to eternal damnation. The only way to receive eternal life in heaven is the SALVATION that God has offered us to accept through His Son Jesus.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20:
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Thank You Almighty God for the “GREAT SALVATION” that You have provided for me through Your Son, Jesus. Give me the strength today to live my life honoring You in all that I do and say. Help me to share “my great salvation” with others.
Money: March 7, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY MARCH 7, 2011
MONEY
DEFINITION:
Any circulating medium of exchange; means of payment; measure of wealth.
SCRIPTURE:
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” I Timothy 6:10
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
A recent survey taken in America asked the question: “What is your greatest desire in life?” Over 74% said money was there greatest desire. The sad thing about this survey was that only 14% listed having a happy family relationship. Probably most concerning was that only 6% wanted to have God in their lives. This is a strong reminder and a real indication that money has become the “god” for many people in America. These people are convinced that money can buy happiness, success and popularity.
People that have money and have acquired success and popularity for a season soon realize that they are not happy. Money will only bring happiness if it is used to honor God.
It is important for us to realize that it is the LOVE OF MONEY that is the root of all kinds of evil. Timothy tells us in 1 Timothy 6:10 (above) that not money itself, but the love of money leads to greed. Greed leads to an all consuming desire to get rich by any and all means. People can be so driven by their love for money that they will steal, cheat and participate in all manner of evil things. Timothy warns the believers that the love of money can cause them to stray from their faith and bring on sorrow in their lives. Having money is not the problem; it is how we use it and the importance we attach to it.
We believe that God blesses some people with money because He knows that they will use it for His glory. We have shared with you in the past about our dear friend of some years ago named Lawrence Young. This man was a wonderful example for us and we learned many important life principles from him. No one really knew for sure how wealthy he was but he and his wife were very well off financially. They lived humble and unpretentious lives.
Several times he invited me (Ken) to drive with him so we could talk about our mission and its needs. As he collected rent money on his many pieces of property, he would give advice and counsel that was always valuable. His business counseling and tutoring assisted me in making wise and good decisions later in life.
He used his money to help others. He drove an old car that always ran well but to look at it you would wonder if it would make it to his next appointment. He converted an old school bus into his “CAMPER” which he used to take his 7th grade Sunday school kids every year on outings. He taught 7th grade Sunday school at Hollywood Presbyterian Church for well over 40 years and never missed a year taking “his kids” camping. He owned a printing press and did the printing for literally scores of Christian ministries at his cost and many times at no cost to the ministry.
At World Opportunities, the missionary organization we helped establish in 1961, we needed warehouse space. We shared this need with him and several weeks later he found just the right building to meet our needs. He not only found the building but he and his wife gave the necessary funds as a loan for us to purchase the building. God honored these dear people with money and they used what God gave them for His glory.
As you can see, God blessed Lawrence and Ruth with money and this is the ministry that God entrusted to them. They were faithful stewards and by their overwhelming generosity, honored God with what God had blessed them with. We noted that down through the years the more they helped ministries the more God blessed them.
Lawrence Young is a great example for each of us reminding us that when God blesses one with money, He expects it to be used for His glory. Mr. and Mrs. Young lacked for nothing and because they honored God, He continued to pour His blessings upon them. If they had lived for the love of money, the scripture tells us that that would be the beginning of evil things that would not be of God.
God does not bless us all with financial wealth but He does bless us in so many other ways. God does not promise to give us what we want but what we need. We have not been blessed with financial wealth but God has blessed us with certain abilities, talents and time that He has given to us to use as we serve Him. All along the way He has supplied our every need because we have tried to be faithful to Him. God is faithful and will reward those that honor Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20.
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Thank You for guiding me and my family in the use of the money You bless us with. Keep us from allowing money and wealth to be our all consuming goal in life. Keep our eyes on You so that our desire will be to store up treasure in heaven rather than treasures here on earth.
MONEY
DEFINITION:
Any circulating medium of exchange; means of payment; measure of wealth.
SCRIPTURE:
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” I Timothy 6:10
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
A recent survey taken in America asked the question: “What is your greatest desire in life?” Over 74% said money was there greatest desire. The sad thing about this survey was that only 14% listed having a happy family relationship. Probably most concerning was that only 6% wanted to have God in their lives. This is a strong reminder and a real indication that money has become the “god” for many people in America. These people are convinced that money can buy happiness, success and popularity.
People that have money and have acquired success and popularity for a season soon realize that they are not happy. Money will only bring happiness if it is used to honor God.
It is important for us to realize that it is the LOVE OF MONEY that is the root of all kinds of evil. Timothy tells us in 1 Timothy 6:10 (above) that not money itself, but the love of money leads to greed. Greed leads to an all consuming desire to get rich by any and all means. People can be so driven by their love for money that they will steal, cheat and participate in all manner of evil things. Timothy warns the believers that the love of money can cause them to stray from their faith and bring on sorrow in their lives. Having money is not the problem; it is how we use it and the importance we attach to it.
We believe that God blesses some people with money because He knows that they will use it for His glory. We have shared with you in the past about our dear friend of some years ago named Lawrence Young. This man was a wonderful example for us and we learned many important life principles from him. No one really knew for sure how wealthy he was but he and his wife were very well off financially. They lived humble and unpretentious lives.
Several times he invited me (Ken) to drive with him so we could talk about our mission and its needs. As he collected rent money on his many pieces of property, he would give advice and counsel that was always valuable. His business counseling and tutoring assisted me in making wise and good decisions later in life.
He used his money to help others. He drove an old car that always ran well but to look at it you would wonder if it would make it to his next appointment. He converted an old school bus into his “CAMPER” which he used to take his 7th grade Sunday school kids every year on outings. He taught 7th grade Sunday school at Hollywood Presbyterian Church for well over 40 years and never missed a year taking “his kids” camping. He owned a printing press and did the printing for literally scores of Christian ministries at his cost and many times at no cost to the ministry.
At World Opportunities, the missionary organization we helped establish in 1961, we needed warehouse space. We shared this need with him and several weeks later he found just the right building to meet our needs. He not only found the building but he and his wife gave the necessary funds as a loan for us to purchase the building. God honored these dear people with money and they used what God gave them for His glory.
As you can see, God blessed Lawrence and Ruth with money and this is the ministry that God entrusted to them. They were faithful stewards and by their overwhelming generosity, honored God with what God had blessed them with. We noted that down through the years the more they helped ministries the more God blessed them.
Lawrence Young is a great example for each of us reminding us that when God blesses one with money, He expects it to be used for His glory. Mr. and Mrs. Young lacked for nothing and because they honored God, He continued to pour His blessings upon them. If they had lived for the love of money, the scripture tells us that that would be the beginning of evil things that would not be of God.
God does not bless us all with financial wealth but He does bless us in so many other ways. God does not promise to give us what we want but what we need. We have not been blessed with financial wealth but God has blessed us with certain abilities, talents and time that He has given to us to use as we serve Him. All along the way He has supplied our every need because we have tried to be faithful to Him. God is faithful and will reward those that honor Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20.
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, for the Lord God, my God, will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
PRAYER:
Thank You for guiding me and my family in the use of the money You bless us with. Keep us from allowing money and wealth to be our all consuming goal in life. Keep our eyes on You so that our desire will be to store up treasure in heaven rather than treasures here on earth.
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