JUNE 10 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JUNE 10, 2011
REST
DEFINITION:
Refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor; peace and quiet; freedom from care; a place of quiet.
SCRIPTURE:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.
And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Mark 6:31
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Rest is needed and important. God demonstrated that to us at the time that He created the world as it is written, “On the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day.” If God needs to rest then we surely need to as well. God also ordained for us in the writing of the Ten Commandments that the seventh day be a day of rest and a day of worship. We need to have time to refresh ourselves not only physically but spiritually.
Jesus also needed rest when He ministered here on earth. Jesus and His disciples were followed everywhere by large crowds. It was often difficult for them to find a time and place to rest. In Mark 6:31, Jesus saw that it was time for rest and He called His disciples to come to Him to find a quiet place so that they could rest awhile.
As we walk our Christian walk there is many times that we need to stop a moment and take a rest. Jesus has given us a place to rest. In the verse above from Matthew He says to come to Him and He will give you rest.
We think of the song, “Near to the heart of God.” The verse reads, “There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God. A place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.”
We are told that Cleland McAfee wrote this song in 1901 after the death of his two nieces from diphtheria. The words offered hope to a family that was hurting and needed rest that could only come from God.
Single moms probably need times of rest more than any other group of people today. They carry the heavy burden of working to support their children financially and also need to carry the burden of caring for them physically and emotionally. They are on duty 24-7 so there is little time for physical rest. If you are a single mom let us remind you that Jesus knows you are heavy laden and He calls you to come to Him for physical rest and spiritual refreshment. Just a few moments of quiet time, alone with God, reading His Word and praying will refresh your soul.
Paul tells us in Romans 8:31-39 that nothing is able to separate us from the enduring love of the Lord. Yes, the heart of God is the place for us to rest from the pressures of life. Leave it all to Him for He cares for you, as it is written in I Peter 5:7.
The Psalmist tells us that rest is longed after. In the verse above from Mark taking time for rest is encouraged by Christ. In the verse above from Matthew we find the real source of rest is from our Lord.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in James 4:7.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
PRAYER:
Thank You for the promises from Your Word that when we come unto You that You will give us rest. Help our family to know when it is time to set aside time just to rest in Your love. Keep our hearts open so we can hear Your voice when we have a special need.
June 12, 2011
Judgment: June 9, 2011
JUNE 9 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY JUNE 9, 201
JUDGMENT
DEFINITION:
The act or an instance of judging; the ability to make a decision or form an opinion; to pass sentence upon; condemn.
SCRIPTURE:
The Lord is good. A stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE;
The book of Jonah has the makings of a great movie plot. A runaway prophet; a terrible storm; the prophet swallowed by a great fish, God spares the prophet’s life and then the repentance of a pagan city. This is the account we receive from the book of Jonah and the result was repentance.
But in the book of Nahum the story has a different ending. Nahum ministered in Nineveh about 100 years after Jonah was there. The Ninevites had no interest in the message that Nahum was preaching and no interest in repentance. They rejected repentance and thus chose, by not responding, judgment. They seemed to be willing to welcome judgment into their lives. Finally Nahum condemns Nineveh and on behalf of God pronounces judgment on the people.
God is patient. He withheld His judgment for several decades. God never judges in haste. He patiently waits for repentance but those that defy God will receive His judgment. God fulfilled Nahum’s prophecy of judgment through the nation of Babylon who destroyed Nineveh and toppled the Assyrian empire.
In Nahum 1:3, Nahum preaches to the Ninevites, “The Lord is slow to anger.” In verse 7 (above) he tells the people that the Lord is good. The Ninevites did not listen and the result is that the Ninevites rejected repentance and accepted judgment.
We learn by these two accounts, Jonah and Nahum, that every generation has their individualistic responses to God and His message. In Jonah’s time the people repented and God blessed them. In Nahum’s time they did not repent and thus received God’s judgment. We have the same choice in our lives, repentance or judgment.
When we are told (verse above) that “The Lord delights in those who place their trust in Him.” We are being reminded that this concerns the delight the Lord takes in those who place their trust in Him and His Word, and not on the frail arm of man.
Here in America we are fast becoming like Nineveh. It was not so many years ago that this country respected God. People were allowed to pray in public, and our leaders honored the Christian-Judean principles that this country was founded on. This is not so true today. Will we repent or receive God’s judgment? Remember God honors those that repent of their sins and honor Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in James 4:7.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
PRAYER:
Help my family to learn from these accounts from the Old Testament concerning how the people responded to Your prophets Jonah and Nahum. Thank You that You are patient and compassionate giving us a chance to repent of our sins. Give us the courage to stand up for what we believe and may others be able to see Christ through us so they may escape Your judgment.
JUDGMENT
DEFINITION:
The act or an instance of judging; the ability to make a decision or form an opinion; to pass sentence upon; condemn.
SCRIPTURE:
The Lord is good. A stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE;
The book of Jonah has the makings of a great movie plot. A runaway prophet; a terrible storm; the prophet swallowed by a great fish, God spares the prophet’s life and then the repentance of a pagan city. This is the account we receive from the book of Jonah and the result was repentance.
But in the book of Nahum the story has a different ending. Nahum ministered in Nineveh about 100 years after Jonah was there. The Ninevites had no interest in the message that Nahum was preaching and no interest in repentance. They rejected repentance and thus chose, by not responding, judgment. They seemed to be willing to welcome judgment into their lives. Finally Nahum condemns Nineveh and on behalf of God pronounces judgment on the people.
God is patient. He withheld His judgment for several decades. God never judges in haste. He patiently waits for repentance but those that defy God will receive His judgment. God fulfilled Nahum’s prophecy of judgment through the nation of Babylon who destroyed Nineveh and toppled the Assyrian empire.
In Nahum 1:3, Nahum preaches to the Ninevites, “The Lord is slow to anger.” In verse 7 (above) he tells the people that the Lord is good. The Ninevites did not listen and the result is that the Ninevites rejected repentance and accepted judgment.
We learn by these two accounts, Jonah and Nahum, that every generation has their individualistic responses to God and His message. In Jonah’s time the people repented and God blessed them. In Nahum’s time they did not repent and thus received God’s judgment. We have the same choice in our lives, repentance or judgment.
When we are told (verse above) that “The Lord delights in those who place their trust in Him.” We are being reminded that this concerns the delight the Lord takes in those who place their trust in Him and His Word, and not on the frail arm of man.
Here in America we are fast becoming like Nineveh. It was not so many years ago that this country respected God. People were allowed to pray in public, and our leaders honored the Christian-Judean principles that this country was founded on. This is not so true today. Will we repent or receive God’s judgment? Remember God honors those that repent of their sins and honor Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in James 4:7.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
PRAYER:
Help my family to learn from these accounts from the Old Testament concerning how the people responded to Your prophets Jonah and Nahum. Thank You that You are patient and compassionate giving us a chance to repent of our sins. Give us the courage to stand up for what we believe and may others be able to see Christ through us so they may escape Your judgment.
Gentleness: June 8, 2011
JUNE 8 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 8, 2011
GENTLENESS
DEFINITION:
Mildness combined with tenderness; kind; mild-mannered; meek.
SCRIPTURE:
What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? I Corinthians 4:21.
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. I Timothy 6:11.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
One of the characteristics of Jesus was that when He was on this earth He was gentle. In Matthew we read about His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and it reads that He came as a gentle king.
In Matthew 11:29 Jesus told us to “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
In Isaiah 40:11 the prophet tells of the coming of the Lord and describes Jesus by saying that “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather His lambs with His arms and gently lead those that are young.”
Gentleness is a characteristic missing from lifestyles today. Very rarely will you meet a person that you will characterize as gentle. People are not gentle by nature. The apostle Paul exhorts us in II Timothy 2:24, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach and be patient.”
At times in our everyday lives there seems to be a conflict as to how we are to respond to situations. We must consciously work on responding as the scriptures tell us by being gentle, mild and tender in our response.
In the verse above from I Corinthians Paul makes it very clear to us that we have the option to approach one with a rod or in love. Paul tells Timothy (also in a verse above) to flee from the things that bring ruin and destruction and pursue a life that constantly shows righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness.
God wants us to be gentle to those we meet. Again in the verse above from I Timothy Paul makes it very clear to us that we have a choice. We can follow the Lord and be gentle or we can be harsh and straightforward but we cannot be both. This verse goes on to tell us that when we follow Him the Holy Spirit will bring into our lives such things as gentleness and kindness.
In Proverbs 15:1 it reads that a gentle and kind answer turns away wrath, but a harsh answer stirs up anger. How do you respond to people and situations? Consider responding today to every situation that comes your way with gentleness and see what God does for you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in James 4:7.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
PRAYER:
Help me to learn the secret of being gentle. May the gentleness that I read about in Your Word be transferred to my life. May gentleness, kindness, godliness and meekness become part of my life.
GENTLENESS
DEFINITION:
Mildness combined with tenderness; kind; mild-mannered; meek.
SCRIPTURE:
What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? I Corinthians 4:21.
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. I Timothy 6:11.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
One of the characteristics of Jesus was that when He was on this earth He was gentle. In Matthew we read about His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and it reads that He came as a gentle king.
In Matthew 11:29 Jesus told us to “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
In Isaiah 40:11 the prophet tells of the coming of the Lord and describes Jesus by saying that “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather His lambs with His arms and gently lead those that are young.”
Gentleness is a characteristic missing from lifestyles today. Very rarely will you meet a person that you will characterize as gentle. People are not gentle by nature. The apostle Paul exhorts us in II Timothy 2:24, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach and be patient.”
At times in our everyday lives there seems to be a conflict as to how we are to respond to situations. We must consciously work on responding as the scriptures tell us by being gentle, mild and tender in our response.
In the verse above from I Corinthians Paul makes it very clear to us that we have the option to approach one with a rod or in love. Paul tells Timothy (also in a verse above) to flee from the things that bring ruin and destruction and pursue a life that constantly shows righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness.
God wants us to be gentle to those we meet. Again in the verse above from I Timothy Paul makes it very clear to us that we have a choice. We can follow the Lord and be gentle or we can be harsh and straightforward but we cannot be both. This verse goes on to tell us that when we follow Him the Holy Spirit will bring into our lives such things as gentleness and kindness.
In Proverbs 15:1 it reads that a gentle and kind answer turns away wrath, but a harsh answer stirs up anger. How do you respond to people and situations? Consider responding today to every situation that comes your way with gentleness and see what God does for you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in James 4:7.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
PRAYER:
Help me to learn the secret of being gentle. May the gentleness that I read about in Your Word be transferred to my life. May gentleness, kindness, godliness and meekness become part of my life.
Riches: June 7, 2011
JUNE 7, 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY JUNE 7, 2011.
RICHES
DEFINITION:
Abundant and valuable possessions; wealth.
SCRIPTURE:
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. I Timothy 6:17.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We began early in the lives of our children to teach them to be responsible with their money. We are grateful to our Lord that He provided just enough riches to us to provide our children what they needed. But we were not always able to provide the “wants” they would have liked to have. We explained to our children why we could not and it became a real life learning situation with the result that today they are in the same position with their children.
We encouraged our children to spend their money on their “wants” after they gave their tithe to the Lord. One of our sons said that as a child he didn’t always understand the principle behind what we were teaching but as he matured he came to understand the value of what we were teaching concerning money and tithing.
We also taught our children that 10% of all the money earned or even received as a gift belonged to the Lord. God has proven to all of our family over these years that He will bless us if we honor this commitment to Him. Although our budget was at times tight, we tried to show our children by example the importance of sharing with others a portion of what God blessed us with.
The spiritual handicaps to riches as written in the Bible are referred to as spiritually valueless, inferior, fleeting, unsatisfying, hurtful, deceitful, choking, uncertain and corrupted. This is quite a list and should set off a warning light to one who has an obsessive desire for riches and wealth in this world.
Riches and money are powerful forces in the world we live in today. We work hard for money, we save money, we spend money for our longings and necessities and then desire more. Money can never completely satisfy.
Trusting in wealth and using it to gain power clogs our spiritual arteries and spiritual development. We are told in Deuteronomy 8:17 and 18, “You may say in your heart, my power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth. But you shall remember the Lord your God, it is He who has given you power to get wealth.” Our hope is not to be put in riches but in the Lord.
The apostle Paul tells us in I Timothy 6:17 (above) that those who are rich in this world should not be conceited about their wealth because worldly riches are temporary and cannot be taken with us when we die. Paul also tells us not to put our trust in uncertain riches. He infers in this verse that it is very hard to have riches in this world without having to put some measure of trust in those riches.
It is important for us to remember that riches can be quickly lost and with riches comes responsibility. God expects us to use wisely what He blessed us with.
In verse 18, Paul tells us that if God does bless us with riches that we should be ready to give and willing to share and by doing this (verse 19) you will be laying up treasures, your wealth, in heaven.
God wants us not to put riches first in our lives, not to put our trust in riches and to remember that all riches come from God. It is He who will supply all of our needs. Riches are a blessing only to those who make them a blessing to others.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in James 4:7.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
PRAYER:
Give me the right attitude about riches. Help me not to be jealous of those that have riches. Help me to be the steward of any riches You give me in a way that honors Your name.
RICHES
DEFINITION:
Abundant and valuable possessions; wealth.
SCRIPTURE:
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. I Timothy 6:17.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We began early in the lives of our children to teach them to be responsible with their money. We are grateful to our Lord that He provided just enough riches to us to provide our children what they needed. But we were not always able to provide the “wants” they would have liked to have. We explained to our children why we could not and it became a real life learning situation with the result that today they are in the same position with their children.
We encouraged our children to spend their money on their “wants” after they gave their tithe to the Lord. One of our sons said that as a child he didn’t always understand the principle behind what we were teaching but as he matured he came to understand the value of what we were teaching concerning money and tithing.
We also taught our children that 10% of all the money earned or even received as a gift belonged to the Lord. God has proven to all of our family over these years that He will bless us if we honor this commitment to Him. Although our budget was at times tight, we tried to show our children by example the importance of sharing with others a portion of what God blessed us with.
The spiritual handicaps to riches as written in the Bible are referred to as spiritually valueless, inferior, fleeting, unsatisfying, hurtful, deceitful, choking, uncertain and corrupted. This is quite a list and should set off a warning light to one who has an obsessive desire for riches and wealth in this world.
Riches and money are powerful forces in the world we live in today. We work hard for money, we save money, we spend money for our longings and necessities and then desire more. Money can never completely satisfy.
Trusting in wealth and using it to gain power clogs our spiritual arteries and spiritual development. We are told in Deuteronomy 8:17 and 18, “You may say in your heart, my power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth. But you shall remember the Lord your God, it is He who has given you power to get wealth.” Our hope is not to be put in riches but in the Lord.
The apostle Paul tells us in I Timothy 6:17 (above) that those who are rich in this world should not be conceited about their wealth because worldly riches are temporary and cannot be taken with us when we die. Paul also tells us not to put our trust in uncertain riches. He infers in this verse that it is very hard to have riches in this world without having to put some measure of trust in those riches.
It is important for us to remember that riches can be quickly lost and with riches comes responsibility. God expects us to use wisely what He blessed us with.
In verse 18, Paul tells us that if God does bless us with riches that we should be ready to give and willing to share and by doing this (verse 19) you will be laying up treasures, your wealth, in heaven.
God wants us not to put riches first in our lives, not to put our trust in riches and to remember that all riches come from God. It is He who will supply all of our needs. Riches are a blessing only to those who make them a blessing to others.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in James 4:7.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
PRAYER:
Give me the right attitude about riches. Help me not to be jealous of those that have riches. Help me to be the steward of any riches You give me in a way that honors Your name.
Usefulness: June 6, 2011
JUNE 6 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JUNE 6, 2011
USEFULNESS
DEFINITION:
Having a practical function, purpose or effect; worthwhile. Helpful and serving some purpose; productive.
SCRIPTURE:
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said, the Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. Judges 6:12.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The definition of valor as used here in this verse above is, boldness or determination in facing great danger in battle with courage and bravery. The Lord called Gideon a mighty man of valor and then told him to deliver Israel out of the Midian’s hands. But Gideon replied to the Lord in verse 14 that his family was poor in Manasseh and that he (Gideon) was the least in his father’s house (verse 15). Gideon didn’t feel like a mighty man of valor. All of his family, along with all the other Israelites, were being oppressed by the mighty Midianites who far outnumbered them. The Midianites destroyed their crops and their cattle and kept them living in fear and poverty.
Even after the Lord told Gideon that He would help him defeat the Midians (verse 16), he was still afraid. Gideon then asked God for signs to confirm God’s will and empowerment (Verses 17, 36-40).
Gideon was fearful because he felt inadequate and useless. He wanted to be useful to the Lord but could not and would not believe that God would give him the victory over the Midianites. Gideon looked at his own resources and felt his limitations would keep him from being useful to the Lord. It seemed impossible that even with God’s help that the Midianites could be defeated.
You may ask the question, “Why did the Lord address fearful Gideon as a ‘mighty man of valor?’” The reason was that God knew what kind of man Gideon would become when he put his trust and confidence in God and allowed God to make him useful. Gideon finally put his full trust in God and was given the victory that God had promised.
Just like Gideon we doubt our abilities and potential. We look at projects from only our point of view and forget what God can do through us if we put our trust in Him to lead and guide us. Never doubt what God can do through you. When you put your trust in Him and obey Him you can move mountains. Gideon’s God is the same God we serve today. We can face any doubt or any fear and when we truly believe that the Lord is with us we can be more than useful to God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in James 4:7.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
PRAYER:
Thank You that You can make me useful in all that I do for You if I put my trust in You. As our memory verse for this week says, help me to submit all that I have to You and resist the devil in all that I do as well. Make today a special day of usefulness for me and my family as we do all we can to serve You.
USEFULNESS
DEFINITION:
Having a practical function, purpose or effect; worthwhile. Helpful and serving some purpose; productive.
SCRIPTURE:
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said, the Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. Judges 6:12.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The definition of valor as used here in this verse above is, boldness or determination in facing great danger in battle with courage and bravery. The Lord called Gideon a mighty man of valor and then told him to deliver Israel out of the Midian’s hands. But Gideon replied to the Lord in verse 14 that his family was poor in Manasseh and that he (Gideon) was the least in his father’s house (verse 15). Gideon didn’t feel like a mighty man of valor. All of his family, along with all the other Israelites, were being oppressed by the mighty Midianites who far outnumbered them. The Midianites destroyed their crops and their cattle and kept them living in fear and poverty.
Even after the Lord told Gideon that He would help him defeat the Midians (verse 16), he was still afraid. Gideon then asked God for signs to confirm God’s will and empowerment (Verses 17, 36-40).
Gideon was fearful because he felt inadequate and useless. He wanted to be useful to the Lord but could not and would not believe that God would give him the victory over the Midianites. Gideon looked at his own resources and felt his limitations would keep him from being useful to the Lord. It seemed impossible that even with God’s help that the Midianites could be defeated.
You may ask the question, “Why did the Lord address fearful Gideon as a ‘mighty man of valor?’” The reason was that God knew what kind of man Gideon would become when he put his trust and confidence in God and allowed God to make him useful. Gideon finally put his full trust in God and was given the victory that God had promised.
Just like Gideon we doubt our abilities and potential. We look at projects from only our point of view and forget what God can do through us if we put our trust in Him to lead and guide us. Never doubt what God can do through you. When you put your trust in Him and obey Him you can move mountains. Gideon’s God is the same God we serve today. We can face any doubt or any fear and when we truly believe that the Lord is with us we can be more than useful to God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in James 4:7.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
PRAYER:
Thank You that You can make me useful in all that I do for You if I put my trust in You. As our memory verse for this week says, help me to submit all that I have to You and resist the devil in all that I do as well. Make today a special day of usefulness for me and my family as we do all we can to serve You.
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