APRIL 1. TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY APRIL 1, 2011
CONFESSION
DEFINITION:
Acknowledgment or disclosure of sin; admission; something that is confessed; a formal profession of religious belief.
SCRIPTURE:
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:10.
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” I Timothy 6:12.
Confess your faults (sins) one to another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. James 5:16.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we worked with Billy Graham years ago we witnessed at every church meeting where we showed a Billy Graham film and at every crusade meeting where Billy Graham preached, an invitation at the conclusion of his message for one to accept Jesus as their Savior. When one was ready to make that decision they were invited to come to the front of the stadium or building to confess their sins and make their decision to receive Jesus into their heart in front of witnesses. This is what Timothy is saying in the above verse. God wants us to tell the world about our confession of being a sinner and our new found faith in Him and we begin by making a formal decision in front of witnesses.
The scripture is also very clear that in order for us to have a relationship with Jesus there is two requirements. We must believe in our heart that Jesus is Lord and Savior and then confess to Him that we are a sinner and ask for forgiveness. God’s response is immediate --- we are saved! (Romans 10:10).
The Bible is clear that we are expected to confess before men our decision to follow Christ. This is why we encourage you to get involved in a Christ honoring, Bible believing church that gives people the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior and to confess this before those in the church. Unfortunately, not many churches today will give this opportunity, but many do and we encourage you to be part of such a church and then you will grow in Him.
Confession is also important in family life. All of us, parents and children, need to be willing to confess and apologize to family members when we do them wrong. Confession is hard and many people struggle to admit guilt or any wrong.
For us as parents we are so very thankful that we had the blessed experience of hearing each of our children make their confession of faith and ask the Lord to forgive them of their sins and to come into their heart. Although, we have not been with our grandchildren at the moment they made their decision to accept Christ we can’t begin to tell you how thrilled we have been to get their telephone call saying: “Grandma and Grandpa, I asked Jesus into my heart today.”
Nothing heals better then confession. Often situations would arise with our children when an argument developed between two or three of them. When we got involved in the process of helping to solve the argument, blaming one another was very common. After we sorted out the problem we encouraged the guilty one to confess and say “I am sorry.” Confession is good for the heart and allows both parties to get on with life and they will usually not carry a grudge. As Christians, when we need to confess a wrong doing it is important that we do not procrastinate. Get on with your confession and apology today.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 11:2.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for Your Holy Spirit who convicted my heart and worked in me to accept You as my Savior. Thank You that I can come to You freely to confess my sins and that in turn know that I am forgiven. Keep my faith strong and help me to confess with my mouth what I believe so that others will know that I am a child of God.
April 3, 2011
Compaion: March 31, 2011
MARCH 31. TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY MARCH 31, 2011
COMPANION
DEFINITION:
An associate; a person who frequently associates with or accompanies another; a comrade; a close friend.
SCRIPTURE:
“I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.” Psalm 119:63.
“And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel.” Philippians 4:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
For the most part we are living in a very lonely world. When we talk to people we find out that many do not have friends that they can count on in their time of loneliness or concern. In today’s world with all the conveniences of modern transportation we have been privileged to meet many people across our world. Truly the world has shrunk and this has allowed us so many more opportunities to gain friends, acquaintances and even companions. For this we are so grateful.
Most of you that read these daily devotionals have acquaintances, a few friends but very few companions. Acquaintances are those we meet but possibly do not know very well. Friends are those we know well and have a favorable relationship with. Companions are those we have a close relationship with and spend the most time with. Teenagers say today that these are the ones that we “hang” with. Companions have the same interests and values that you have and this gives you a common bond. A true companion will stand by you and can be counted on for support in times of need.
No matter how self sufficient someone feels, we all have a need for a companion. This is why God instituted marriage because He said that man needed a companion. Marriages that put Christ first in their relationships are marriages that have spouses that share a common bond and a companionship based on God’s love. This provides a solid foundation for their family. When God is in the marriage the spouses will be true companions.
Our choice of companions has a great influence on our life. That is why the writer of Psalms 119:63 said, “I am a companion of all who fear you and of those who keep your precepts (God’s law).” The Psalmist desired to be obedient to God and faithful to keep God’s commandments. He saw the importance of choosing the right companions who shared his same desires to love and obey the Lord. The danger for believers who choose close companions who are not believers is that they will be drawn away from their fellowship with the Lord and be enticed to disobey God’s commandments. The scripture clearly tells us that we cannot serve two masters.
Children today look for companions. Parents have the responsibility to lead their children to choose the right companions. When our children went anywhere without one of us, we made sure that we knew where they were going and with whom they were going. We always encouraged them to go with a trustworthy friend, a companion that would always be there for them. This also gave us assurance as parents that our child would not be alone. The choices of companions can affect ones lifestyle and standards for a lifetime, so this is a vital challenge for parents with their children, especially in the world we live in today.
Jesus wants to be our companion every day in all of our activities. He does not want us to be alone. With the Lord as our companion He gives us the confidence and boldness to live a life honoring the Lord.
In Philippians 4:3 Paul uses the term “true companion.” In another translation it reads “loyal yokefellow.” These words describe the close relationship Paul had with the believers in the church at Philippi, and for that reason Paul could call on them. Paul was concerned for the women who had labored with him when he was with them. Now he is hearing that they were having problems so he wanted to alert his true companions in the church to share his concern for these women and help them on Paul’s behalf.
Through out the scriptures we have many illustrations where Jesus and His disciples required believers as true companions to help those in need. This included the widows, the orphans, the homeless, the sick and the needy.
Being a companion is more than just being a daily friend to another person. It is the giving of yourself to meet their needs. As believers we need to be companions to others to show them through our words and actions that Jesus is our companion and will be their COMPANION who is always available to them if they know Him personally.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 11:2.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
PRAYER:
Thank You for being my COMPANION through out this day. Give me the confidence to walk the walk and talk the talk honoring You every moment of the day. I ask for Your direction as I lead my children today. May they put their total trust in You and rely on Your COMPANIONSHIP as they need You throughout this day.
COMPANION
DEFINITION:
An associate; a person who frequently associates with or accompanies another; a comrade; a close friend.
SCRIPTURE:
“I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.” Psalm 119:63.
“And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel.” Philippians 4:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
For the most part we are living in a very lonely world. When we talk to people we find out that many do not have friends that they can count on in their time of loneliness or concern. In today’s world with all the conveniences of modern transportation we have been privileged to meet many people across our world. Truly the world has shrunk and this has allowed us so many more opportunities to gain friends, acquaintances and even companions. For this we are so grateful.
Most of you that read these daily devotionals have acquaintances, a few friends but very few companions. Acquaintances are those we meet but possibly do not know very well. Friends are those we know well and have a favorable relationship with. Companions are those we have a close relationship with and spend the most time with. Teenagers say today that these are the ones that we “hang” with. Companions have the same interests and values that you have and this gives you a common bond. A true companion will stand by you and can be counted on for support in times of need.
No matter how self sufficient someone feels, we all have a need for a companion. This is why God instituted marriage because He said that man needed a companion. Marriages that put Christ first in their relationships are marriages that have spouses that share a common bond and a companionship based on God’s love. This provides a solid foundation for their family. When God is in the marriage the spouses will be true companions.
Our choice of companions has a great influence on our life. That is why the writer of Psalms 119:63 said, “I am a companion of all who fear you and of those who keep your precepts (God’s law).” The Psalmist desired to be obedient to God and faithful to keep God’s commandments. He saw the importance of choosing the right companions who shared his same desires to love and obey the Lord. The danger for believers who choose close companions who are not believers is that they will be drawn away from their fellowship with the Lord and be enticed to disobey God’s commandments. The scripture clearly tells us that we cannot serve two masters.
Children today look for companions. Parents have the responsibility to lead their children to choose the right companions. When our children went anywhere without one of us, we made sure that we knew where they were going and with whom they were going. We always encouraged them to go with a trustworthy friend, a companion that would always be there for them. This also gave us assurance as parents that our child would not be alone. The choices of companions can affect ones lifestyle and standards for a lifetime, so this is a vital challenge for parents with their children, especially in the world we live in today.
Jesus wants to be our companion every day in all of our activities. He does not want us to be alone. With the Lord as our companion He gives us the confidence and boldness to live a life honoring the Lord.
In Philippians 4:3 Paul uses the term “true companion.” In another translation it reads “loyal yokefellow.” These words describe the close relationship Paul had with the believers in the church at Philippi, and for that reason Paul could call on them. Paul was concerned for the women who had labored with him when he was with them. Now he is hearing that they were having problems so he wanted to alert his true companions in the church to share his concern for these women and help them on Paul’s behalf.
Through out the scriptures we have many illustrations where Jesus and His disciples required believers as true companions to help those in need. This included the widows, the orphans, the homeless, the sick and the needy.
Being a companion is more than just being a daily friend to another person. It is the giving of yourself to meet their needs. As believers we need to be companions to others to show them through our words and actions that Jesus is our companion and will be their COMPANION who is always available to them if they know Him personally.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 11:2.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
PRAYER:
Thank You for being my COMPANION through out this day. Give me the confidence to walk the walk and talk the talk honoring You every moment of the day. I ask for Your direction as I lead my children today. May they put their total trust in You and rely on Your COMPANIONSHIP as they need You throughout this day.
Comfort: March 30, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY MARCH 30, 2011.
COMFORT
DEFINITION:
To sooth, console or reassure; to encourage, help, and strengthen; to comfort someone after a loss; relief in affliction; consolation; a feeling of relief.
SCRIPTURE:
“If you have any encouragement from being unified with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit accord and purpose.” Philippians 2:1-2
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4.
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
None of us go through life without being in need of COMFORT. We all experience sad and hurtful times in our life when we are in need of COMFORT and reassurance. In those times in our life we need to have someone who is there for us, someone we can turn to and receive love and compassion and support.
In recent months we have had communication from many new and old friends that are looking for someone to offer them some sort of comfort because of the trial they are going through. We have responded by assuring them of our prayers and sharing with them scripture that relates to their specific need. Many that we hear from are suffering from persecution because of their faith in Christ. Others are facing deep family concerns such as a loss of a home, all sorts of economic concerns, a troubled marriage, concern for their children and much more.
We can give comforting words to those we meet daily but the only real comfort in our times of concern will come from our Lord. The verses that we have written above all give us the assurance that God our Father will comfort us in all of our troubles. This is an assurance that we all have every day if we are believers and children of God.
In the three verses we have listed above, we look at the word COMFORT from two different perspectives. First, and most important, the COMFORT we receive as believers from Christ. And then the COMFORT that God gives us so we can comfort each other.
God has set a high standard for all believers by saying He is the God of all COMFORT and the one and only source of COMFORT available to all believers. God then expects us, as believers, to COMFORT those we meet and deal with daily. We have the responsibility of comforting others in their time of need, reminding them of the COMFORT God can give them when they turn their lives over to Him. We are also to COMFORT others by reminding them of God’s saving grace and the soon coming again to this earth by Jesus. Where can one receive more COMFORT than with this assurance even in ones worst time of tribulation?
Children, when they are growing up rely heavily on the COMFORT they can receive from a parent, sibling or grand parent. We can remember many times when one of our children would get hurt. They fell down and skinned an elbow or a knee and came into the house crying like they had broken every bone in their body but just sitting on mom’s or dad’s lap healed that hurt in about five minutes.
Our children found comfort in our caring and reassurance that we were there for them and that all was going well. Young people often look for comfort from their peers but it is not always the right kind of comfort. As parents we must be aware of our children’s hurts no matter what age they are and then be there for them to offer uplifting words of comfort and support.
Spouses must be a source of comfort to one another in their times of suffering and sorrow. Many spouses and even children have only a few friends that they can turn to for comfort and there are not many true friends. The Lord is a true friend and the only one who completely understands our need for comfort.
As believers we have the responsibility and privilege to comfort others by sharing the comfort that God has given us. We need COMFORT from others, but God who is the God of all Comfort gives us a COMFORT that is beyond any COMFORT anyone else can give. The Comfort that God gives is sufficient for every situation, need and every detail we may have in our daily activities.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 11:2.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
PRAYER:
I look to You today as I do every day for the COMFORT that only You can give to get me through the tough times in my life and the hurtful things I may encounter today. Give me a new spirit of COMFORT so that I can COMFORT those that I meet today that need reassurance and direction in their lives. Bless my family and draw us closer to You each day that we live.
COMFORT
DEFINITION:
To sooth, console or reassure; to encourage, help, and strengthen; to comfort someone after a loss; relief in affliction; consolation; a feeling of relief.
SCRIPTURE:
“If you have any encouragement from being unified with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit accord and purpose.” Philippians 2:1-2
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4.
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
None of us go through life without being in need of COMFORT. We all experience sad and hurtful times in our life when we are in need of COMFORT and reassurance. In those times in our life we need to have someone who is there for us, someone we can turn to and receive love and compassion and support.
In recent months we have had communication from many new and old friends that are looking for someone to offer them some sort of comfort because of the trial they are going through. We have responded by assuring them of our prayers and sharing with them scripture that relates to their specific need. Many that we hear from are suffering from persecution because of their faith in Christ. Others are facing deep family concerns such as a loss of a home, all sorts of economic concerns, a troubled marriage, concern for their children and much more.
We can give comforting words to those we meet daily but the only real comfort in our times of concern will come from our Lord. The verses that we have written above all give us the assurance that God our Father will comfort us in all of our troubles. This is an assurance that we all have every day if we are believers and children of God.
In the three verses we have listed above, we look at the word COMFORT from two different perspectives. First, and most important, the COMFORT we receive as believers from Christ. And then the COMFORT that God gives us so we can comfort each other.
God has set a high standard for all believers by saying He is the God of all COMFORT and the one and only source of COMFORT available to all believers. God then expects us, as believers, to COMFORT those we meet and deal with daily. We have the responsibility of comforting others in their time of need, reminding them of the COMFORT God can give them when they turn their lives over to Him. We are also to COMFORT others by reminding them of God’s saving grace and the soon coming again to this earth by Jesus. Where can one receive more COMFORT than with this assurance even in ones worst time of tribulation?
Children, when they are growing up rely heavily on the COMFORT they can receive from a parent, sibling or grand parent. We can remember many times when one of our children would get hurt. They fell down and skinned an elbow or a knee and came into the house crying like they had broken every bone in their body but just sitting on mom’s or dad’s lap healed that hurt in about five minutes.
Our children found comfort in our caring and reassurance that we were there for them and that all was going well. Young people often look for comfort from their peers but it is not always the right kind of comfort. As parents we must be aware of our children’s hurts no matter what age they are and then be there for them to offer uplifting words of comfort and support.
Spouses must be a source of comfort to one another in their times of suffering and sorrow. Many spouses and even children have only a few friends that they can turn to for comfort and there are not many true friends. The Lord is a true friend and the only one who completely understands our need for comfort.
As believers we have the responsibility and privilege to comfort others by sharing the comfort that God has given us. We need COMFORT from others, but God who is the God of all Comfort gives us a COMFORT that is beyond any COMFORT anyone else can give. The Comfort that God gives is sufficient for every situation, need and every detail we may have in our daily activities.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 11:2.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
PRAYER:
I look to You today as I do every day for the COMFORT that only You can give to get me through the tough times in my life and the hurtful things I may encounter today. Give me a new spirit of COMFORT so that I can COMFORT those that I meet today that need reassurance and direction in their lives. Bless my family and draw us closer to You each day that we live.
Respect: March 29, 2011
MARCH 29. TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY MARCH 29, 2011
RESPECT
DEFINITION:
Treat with special consideration, high regard and high esteem; courteous and considerate; honor.
SCRIPTURE:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise. Ephesians 6:1-2.
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3: 1-2.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
TODAY WE READ THE WORDS OF ONE OF OUR TEENAGE GRANDDAUGHTERS.
Respect is often a difficult topic to discuss, but with the ground rules set by God in the Bible, respect is easier to understand. Having a basis for respect will help families develop a much more honorable family and ultimately a closer relationship with God. Respect needs to be shown towards parents, teachers, oneself, opponents, coaches and government officials.
As one thinks of respect, respect towards parents is most likely the first thing that comes to mind. In Ephesians 6:2 (above) it says, “Honor your father and mother.” This is a commandment that one does not get a choice to obey or not. As a child I am to respect my authorities, especially my parents. We all go through a stage in our lives when respecting our parents is not the easiest thing to do. We argue, disagree, and share different opinions, but this doesn’t mean we can’t still respect our parents. I know from personal experience, that if I did not get my way, I would be very disrespectful towards my parents with my attitude and words. Having respect towards parents will help me be much more respectful towards other people that come into my life.
A teacher is another person to be respectful towards. When students are respectful towards their teachers, a stronger relationship will form between student and teacher. A teacher will be more willing to help their students succeed when he/she has a classroom full of respectful students that are ready to learn.
Before I can respect others, I have to respect myself. Self-respect will lead to respecting my peers and higher authorities. When I respect myself, I have a better self image. A key to a good self image is realizing that I am a child of God and a part of God’s creation. Once I have a respect for myself and others I will be able to show Christ’s love through my words and deeds.
As an athlete, I have learned that I have to respect the other team in both wins and losses. I have lost to many teams that are not respectful which is unsportsmanlike and causes a feeling of hurt. Coaches have also been a huge factor in my life. I played volleyball for a club team in which my coach tore me and my teammates down. It took me all season to realize no matter how horribly she treated us; I still had to respect her because she was an authority to me. By having respect for her and showing compassion, I was able to be a witness and live out Christ’s love.
Sometimes respect needs to be shown to authority that we may not encounter in our daily lives such as government officials. Even though we may not agree with the way things are done in this country, we have to trust that God is the ultimate official and He has put those people in charge for a reason, whether it be good or bad.
Showing respect can be very difficult at times. When we are respectful, we are able to show love towards others which glorifies God. Respecting each of these earthly people teaches us to ultimately respect God. If we can’t respect people we can see, how can we respect someone we can’t see?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 11:2.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
PRAYER:
We thank You for grandchildren who have learned the meaning of respect. We thank You that our grandchildren respect You as their Lord and their parents, peers, siblings, teachers and others in life. Give us all today a new respect for what we have in You, our God and Savior.
RESPECT
DEFINITION:
Treat with special consideration, high regard and high esteem; courteous and considerate; honor.
SCRIPTURE:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise. Ephesians 6:1-2.
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3: 1-2.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
TODAY WE READ THE WORDS OF ONE OF OUR TEENAGE GRANDDAUGHTERS.
Respect is often a difficult topic to discuss, but with the ground rules set by God in the Bible, respect is easier to understand. Having a basis for respect will help families develop a much more honorable family and ultimately a closer relationship with God. Respect needs to be shown towards parents, teachers, oneself, opponents, coaches and government officials.
As one thinks of respect, respect towards parents is most likely the first thing that comes to mind. In Ephesians 6:2 (above) it says, “Honor your father and mother.” This is a commandment that one does not get a choice to obey or not. As a child I am to respect my authorities, especially my parents. We all go through a stage in our lives when respecting our parents is not the easiest thing to do. We argue, disagree, and share different opinions, but this doesn’t mean we can’t still respect our parents. I know from personal experience, that if I did not get my way, I would be very disrespectful towards my parents with my attitude and words. Having respect towards parents will help me be much more respectful towards other people that come into my life.
A teacher is another person to be respectful towards. When students are respectful towards their teachers, a stronger relationship will form between student and teacher. A teacher will be more willing to help their students succeed when he/she has a classroom full of respectful students that are ready to learn.
Before I can respect others, I have to respect myself. Self-respect will lead to respecting my peers and higher authorities. When I respect myself, I have a better self image. A key to a good self image is realizing that I am a child of God and a part of God’s creation. Once I have a respect for myself and others I will be able to show Christ’s love through my words and deeds.
As an athlete, I have learned that I have to respect the other team in both wins and losses. I have lost to many teams that are not respectful which is unsportsmanlike and causes a feeling of hurt. Coaches have also been a huge factor in my life. I played volleyball for a club team in which my coach tore me and my teammates down. It took me all season to realize no matter how horribly she treated us; I still had to respect her because she was an authority to me. By having respect for her and showing compassion, I was able to be a witness and live out Christ’s love.
Sometimes respect needs to be shown to authority that we may not encounter in our daily lives such as government officials. Even though we may not agree with the way things are done in this country, we have to trust that God is the ultimate official and He has put those people in charge for a reason, whether it be good or bad.
Showing respect can be very difficult at times. When we are respectful, we are able to show love towards others which glorifies God. Respecting each of these earthly people teaches us to ultimately respect God. If we can’t respect people we can see, how can we respect someone we can’t see?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 11:2.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
PRAYER:
We thank You for grandchildren who have learned the meaning of respect. We thank You that our grandchildren respect You as their Lord and their parents, peers, siblings, teachers and others in life. Give us all today a new respect for what we have in You, our God and Savior.
Meditation: March 28, 2011
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY MARCH 28, 2011
MEDITATION
DEFINITION:
Continued or extended thought; thoughtful and careful contemplation; devout religious or spiritual introspection.
SCRIPTURE:
“Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8.
“But the way of the righteous is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2
“The book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When you are out walking, riding the bus, driving the car or just sitting and relaxing, where does your mind wander to? Are you thinking about all your problems, family issues, all the work stacked up on your desk, someone or something that annoys you, envy, jealousy of someone who has something that you do not have, the frustration of traffic and the aggressive drivers who are always cutting you off or just plain day dreaming? You, no doubt, have a list of your own.
These verses that we have listed above remind us to meditate on God’s Word day and night. This means thinking about what you read in the Bible. Of course, you must first read God’s Word before you can meditate on it. Please do not pass over this statement. Again we say --- as a believer you must read the Bible each morning before you can meditate on it during the day. How else can God speak to you? Each day after you read the Bible take a few minutes to think about what you have read and apply it to your life. As you meditate ask yourself how the life you are living stacks up against God’s principles that you have read about. You cannot miss His principles because they are on every page of the Bible. You need to take a hard look at what changes you need in your life.
After the death of Moses, Joshua became Israel’s leader and had the responsibility to lead two million people to the Promised Land. God spoke to Joshua and reassured him that just as He had been with Moses, He would be with Joshua. In Joshua 1:8 (as written above) God gave a commandment to Joshua to be obedient to God’s law and instructed Joshua to meditate on God’s Word day and night. God expects the same from us today.
Most believers would agree it is important to read God’s Word but many do not really meditate on the Word of God and think about how it applies to their daily life. When you read God’s Word do you take time to really understand what you have read and reflect on what God is saying to you? God speaks to us through His Word.
Our thoughts have a profound influence on the way we live our lives. What we allow to occupy our minds will sooner or later come out in what we say or do. If we dwell on our anger eventually we will erupt with angry words or even worse with angry actions. If our thoughts are evil our deeds will be evil. Our thoughts reflect our character and meditating on God’s Word will make a difference in our thinking, our attitudes and our actions.
Paul, before he found Christ as his Savior, had allowed his hate for those who believed in Jesus to drive him to persecute them and to have them thrown into prison. Paul well understood how thoughts influence what we do and how they determine the kind of person we really are. If you want to change your life, Paul after he found Jesus, offers a solution as to how to change our thinking. In Philippians 4:8 (above) we are given his list of things that will lead us to a God honoring thought pattern which will lead to a positive change in how we live our lives. When we have God in our life and we are meditating on His Word, God changes “things” because He changes us.
Just think how your outlook on life might change if you would spend your time meditating day and night on God’s Word instead of worrying about all the things that are troubling you.
Would your life style change? Would your thinking change? What would happen to all your problems in life? What role would worry play in your life? How would your family treat you and how would you treat your family?
The Apostle Paul tells us that we are to spend our time thinking on things that are pure, noble, just, lovely, praiseworthy and things of good report. Your life will change if you would meditate day and night on these things.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 11:2.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
PRAYER:
Help me today to learn how to meditate on Your Word and make my heart receptive to Your instruction. Thank You for changing my thought patterns so that I can think on those things that honor and glorify Your name.
MEDITATION
DEFINITION:
Continued or extended thought; thoughtful and careful contemplation; devout religious or spiritual introspection.
SCRIPTURE:
“Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8.
“But the way of the righteous is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2
“The book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When you are out walking, riding the bus, driving the car or just sitting and relaxing, where does your mind wander to? Are you thinking about all your problems, family issues, all the work stacked up on your desk, someone or something that annoys you, envy, jealousy of someone who has something that you do not have, the frustration of traffic and the aggressive drivers who are always cutting you off or just plain day dreaming? You, no doubt, have a list of your own.
These verses that we have listed above remind us to meditate on God’s Word day and night. This means thinking about what you read in the Bible. Of course, you must first read God’s Word before you can meditate on it. Please do not pass over this statement. Again we say --- as a believer you must read the Bible each morning before you can meditate on it during the day. How else can God speak to you? Each day after you read the Bible take a few minutes to think about what you have read and apply it to your life. As you meditate ask yourself how the life you are living stacks up against God’s principles that you have read about. You cannot miss His principles because they are on every page of the Bible. You need to take a hard look at what changes you need in your life.
After the death of Moses, Joshua became Israel’s leader and had the responsibility to lead two million people to the Promised Land. God spoke to Joshua and reassured him that just as He had been with Moses, He would be with Joshua. In Joshua 1:8 (as written above) God gave a commandment to Joshua to be obedient to God’s law and instructed Joshua to meditate on God’s Word day and night. God expects the same from us today.
Most believers would agree it is important to read God’s Word but many do not really meditate on the Word of God and think about how it applies to their daily life. When you read God’s Word do you take time to really understand what you have read and reflect on what God is saying to you? God speaks to us through His Word.
Our thoughts have a profound influence on the way we live our lives. What we allow to occupy our minds will sooner or later come out in what we say or do. If we dwell on our anger eventually we will erupt with angry words or even worse with angry actions. If our thoughts are evil our deeds will be evil. Our thoughts reflect our character and meditating on God’s Word will make a difference in our thinking, our attitudes and our actions.
Paul, before he found Christ as his Savior, had allowed his hate for those who believed in Jesus to drive him to persecute them and to have them thrown into prison. Paul well understood how thoughts influence what we do and how they determine the kind of person we really are. If you want to change your life, Paul after he found Jesus, offers a solution as to how to change our thinking. In Philippians 4:8 (above) we are given his list of things that will lead us to a God honoring thought pattern which will lead to a positive change in how we live our lives. When we have God in our life and we are meditating on His Word, God changes “things” because He changes us.
Just think how your outlook on life might change if you would spend your time meditating day and night on God’s Word instead of worrying about all the things that are troubling you.
Would your life style change? Would your thinking change? What would happen to all your problems in life? What role would worry play in your life? How would your family treat you and how would you treat your family?
The Apostle Paul tells us that we are to spend our time thinking on things that are pure, noble, just, lovely, praiseworthy and things of good report. Your life will change if you would meditate day and night on these things.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 11:2.
When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.
PRAYER:
Help me today to learn how to meditate on Your Word and make my heart receptive to Your instruction. Thank You for changing my thought patterns so that I can think on those things that honor and glorify Your name.
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