JULY 8 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JULY 8, 2011.
SATISFACTION
DEFINITION:
A feeling of contentment, gratification or fulfillment.
SCRIPTURE:
And My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord. Jeremiah 31:14
A good man will be satisfied from above. Proverbs 14:14.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Receiving the feeling of satisfaction for a successful accomplishment is a something that every person we know hopes to receive. Children, young people and adults are constantly looking for satisfaction.
A child receives satisfaction when he or she realizes that they have taken their first step. And then when they put steps together and begin to walk the satisfaction is expressed so clearly with their big smiles. And when a parent cheers them on and shows how excited they are, the satisfaction is even greater.
For young people satisfaction comes by such things as being accepted by their peers and complimented for a deed done well. A good grade on a test, or a good play in a game, and even being on a team that wins a game brings great satisfaction to a young person. Graduating from high school or college is a milestone in every student’s life that is long remembered as a special time of satisfaction.
Adults also look for satisfaction in accomplishments in their own lives. When a job or project is completed successfully satisfaction abounds. When a spouse solves a family concern satisfaction is felt by everyone.
But all the satisfaction we may receive on this earth is nothing like the satisfaction that our Lord has when one person comes to find Him as their Lord and Savior. The scriptures tell us that the angels will sing and rejoice when one person comes to Jesus.
The verse from Proverbs (above) says that a good man will be satisfied from above. The only way anyone can become a good man is by accepting Jesus as their Savior and asking Him to forgive our sins. When we accept Jesus we are a child of God. Children depend on their parents to satisfy their needs. God, our heavenly Father will not only satisfy all of our needs but will reward us from above if we are faithful to Him. The Lord satisfies us with His “goodness.” (Jeremiah 31:4) The Lord’s goodness gives us true and lasting contentment, more satisfying than anything we receive from this world we live in. Make sure today that your satisfaction comes from above and be assured that your satisfaction comes from the goodness of God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 13:4.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
PRAYER:
We praise You for the satisfaction You give us each and every day that comes from Your goodness. As children of God make us examples that others can see our satisfaction in You so that they will want to know You as their Lord and Savior. Make us Godly vessels to be used by You .
July 10, 2011
Steadfastness: July 7, 2011
JULY 7 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY JULY 7, 2011.
STEADFASTNESS
DEFINITION:
Firm and resolute in purpose, faith, adherence etc; unwavering.
SCRIPTURE:
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:58.
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
One of our many concerns when we were raising our children was that we would be consistent in encouraging them to be steadfast (firm) in their faith in God. We alerted them often that their steadfastness would be expressed in the way that they walked and talked.
This is a difficult assignment in our world today. For young people there are many outside pressures and influences on them continually. Most of them are negative and if they are not resisted it is difficult for young people to remain steadfast in their Christian standards.
This is also true for parents and adults without children. Negative influences that many people dismiss as the norm because everyone is doing those things can tempt one to waver from their steadfastness in their beliefs.
In the first verse above, the apostle Paul was talking to the believers of Jesus in the church at Corinth. His words to them should be seriously taken by us today. He challenged them to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. If we live according to this challenge we will be a shining light in a dark world to all who know us. Paul closes out this verse by reminding them and us that when we are steadfast in our faith that our labor will not be in vain.
Although at times we may not see the results of our labor for the Lord, we should remain steadfast in our faith and not be discouraged because anything done for the Lord is never useless. God will reward us, you can be sure, and the reward we receive in heaven will be greater than anything we could obtain on this earth.
In the second verse above Paul is speaking to the believers in the church at Colossi. He hears that they are walking with the Lord and daily working on establishing their faith. So he is congratulating them for their steadfastness in remaining strong in their faith. Their unwavering faith caused the apostle Paul to rejoice.
Our desire as a believer should be to stay steadfast and strong in our faith so that we are a cause for our Lord to rejoice about.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 13:4.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
PRAYER:
Help me and my family to grow daily in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. May we be steadfast, firm and resolute in our stand for our Lord. We praise you for our salvation and the assurance we have, as one of your children, that we will spend eternity with You.
STEADFASTNESS
DEFINITION:
Firm and resolute in purpose, faith, adherence etc; unwavering.
SCRIPTURE:
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:58.
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
One of our many concerns when we were raising our children was that we would be consistent in encouraging them to be steadfast (firm) in their faith in God. We alerted them often that their steadfastness would be expressed in the way that they walked and talked.
This is a difficult assignment in our world today. For young people there are many outside pressures and influences on them continually. Most of them are negative and if they are not resisted it is difficult for young people to remain steadfast in their Christian standards.
This is also true for parents and adults without children. Negative influences that many people dismiss as the norm because everyone is doing those things can tempt one to waver from their steadfastness in their beliefs.
In the first verse above, the apostle Paul was talking to the believers of Jesus in the church at Corinth. His words to them should be seriously taken by us today. He challenged them to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. If we live according to this challenge we will be a shining light in a dark world to all who know us. Paul closes out this verse by reminding them and us that when we are steadfast in our faith that our labor will not be in vain.
Although at times we may not see the results of our labor for the Lord, we should remain steadfast in our faith and not be discouraged because anything done for the Lord is never useless. God will reward us, you can be sure, and the reward we receive in heaven will be greater than anything we could obtain on this earth.
In the second verse above Paul is speaking to the believers in the church at Colossi. He hears that they are walking with the Lord and daily working on establishing their faith. So he is congratulating them for their steadfastness in remaining strong in their faith. Their unwavering faith caused the apostle Paul to rejoice.
Our desire as a believer should be to stay steadfast and strong in our faith so that we are a cause for our Lord to rejoice about.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 13:4.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
PRAYER:
Help me and my family to grow daily in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. May we be steadfast, firm and resolute in our stand for our Lord. We praise you for our salvation and the assurance we have, as one of your children, that we will spend eternity with You.
Zeal: July 6, 2011
JULY 6 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JULY 6, 2011.
ZEAL
DEFINITION:
Eagerness; enthusiasm; diligence.
SCRIPTURE:
Then he said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.” II Kings 10:16
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
How many people do you know that you would say show real zeal for what they are doing or what they believe day after day? If you are like us you will respond by saying, “Not too many.”
We have often seen new converts express their joy with real zeal after their conversion. This might be in a church giving their testimony or even an entertainer on a television or radio program expressing their new found faith in Christ. But so often after a few months their passion for the Lord begins to dwindle.
The Lord expects us as believers to show this kind of exciting zeal for our Lord every day of our life. If we are excited about our faith and looking forward to the soon return of Jesus to take us to heaven, it should be expected that we would show excitement and zeal in our daily walk?
In the verse from II Kings above, we read about Jehu who was anointed King of Israel by the prophet Elisha. After Elisha anointed Jehu to become king he gave him instructions from God that Jehu was to destroy all the household of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. Jehu was chosen by God to fulfill the prophecy of Elijah that all of Ahab’s descendants would be destroyed because of Ahab’s many sins against God and because he killed God’s prophets.
Jehu set out immediately to fulfill his commission. After killing all of Ahab’s family in Jezreel he set out for Samaria to kill the rest of Ahab’s family. On the way he met Jehonadab who was zealous in following the Lord.
Jehu asked him if he was in agreement with what Jehu had to do. He responded favorably so he was invited to ride in the chariot with Jehu. Jehu said to him, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.” When God directs us to do something it is important that we do it with zeal but more importantly to do it with His guidance.
As a result of Jehu doing what God asked of him with zeal, we read in II Kings 10:30 that God said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and done to the house of Ahab all that I had in mind to do, your children to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” God always honors those that show continuously their zeal for Him. This is an example that we can learn from. When we show our zeal for the Lord and honor Him in all we do, He will honor us.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for today is found in I Corinthians 13:4:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
PRAYER:
Give me and my family a new zeal for You today. Help us to get excited about what You have done for us. May the light of Your salvation shine brightly through our lives drawing others closer to You.
ZEAL
DEFINITION:
Eagerness; enthusiasm; diligence.
SCRIPTURE:
Then he said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.” II Kings 10:16
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
How many people do you know that you would say show real zeal for what they are doing or what they believe day after day? If you are like us you will respond by saying, “Not too many.”
We have often seen new converts express their joy with real zeal after their conversion. This might be in a church giving their testimony or even an entertainer on a television or radio program expressing their new found faith in Christ. But so often after a few months their passion for the Lord begins to dwindle.
The Lord expects us as believers to show this kind of exciting zeal for our Lord every day of our life. If we are excited about our faith and looking forward to the soon return of Jesus to take us to heaven, it should be expected that we would show excitement and zeal in our daily walk?
In the verse from II Kings above, we read about Jehu who was anointed King of Israel by the prophet Elisha. After Elisha anointed Jehu to become king he gave him instructions from God that Jehu was to destroy all the household of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. Jehu was chosen by God to fulfill the prophecy of Elijah that all of Ahab’s descendants would be destroyed because of Ahab’s many sins against God and because he killed God’s prophets.
Jehu set out immediately to fulfill his commission. After killing all of Ahab’s family in Jezreel he set out for Samaria to kill the rest of Ahab’s family. On the way he met Jehonadab who was zealous in following the Lord.
Jehu asked him if he was in agreement with what Jehu had to do. He responded favorably so he was invited to ride in the chariot with Jehu. Jehu said to him, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.” When God directs us to do something it is important that we do it with zeal but more importantly to do it with His guidance.
As a result of Jehu doing what God asked of him with zeal, we read in II Kings 10:30 that God said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and done to the house of Ahab all that I had in mind to do, your children to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” God always honors those that show continuously their zeal for Him. This is an example that we can learn from. When we show our zeal for the Lord and honor Him in all we do, He will honor us.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for today is found in I Corinthians 13:4:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
PRAYER:
Give me and my family a new zeal for You today. Help us to get excited about what You have done for us. May the light of Your salvation shine brightly through our lives drawing others closer to You.
Simplicity: July 5, 2011
JULY 5 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY JULY 5, 2011.
SIMPLICITY
DEFINITION:
The condition of being simple, not complicated; plain; pure; absolute; unaffected and humble.
SCRIPTURE:
For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God. II Corinthians 1:12.
But I fear, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, that your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. II Corinthians 11:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We tend to make issues that we face very complicated. In fact most people today live complicated lives and get overwhelmed when they need to face the daily issues of life. How do I pay all these bills? How do I handle my child? Why is my spouse upset with me? How do I get all this work done that my boss has given me to do? Do these questions sound relative to you?
People complicate their lives by succumbing to worldly pressures to have material things, such as bigger houses, new cars, the latest electronic devices, and on and on it goes. For those raising children there is the added pressures of parenting. There are many activities available for children to participate in and parents are hard pressed to fit their children’s schedules into their already busy schedules. Life is no longer simple. The hazard of today’s complicated lifestyle is that it causes us to neglect our relationship with our Lord.
The apostle Paul lived a life that was uncomplicated by worldly distractions. He did not live by worldly wisdom but by the grace of God, as written in the above verse. Paul was concerned about the Christians in Corinth because he had heard they were complicating the simplicity of the gospel message with false teaching.
Paul talks about the simplicity of our salvation (verses above). God did not make receiving Jesus into our hearts complicated. Paul preached the clear and simple plan of salvation given by Jesus in the third chapter of John (verses 2-19). In John 3, beginning in verse 2, we read about Nicodemus coming to Jesus and asking Him how to know God. Jesus responded very simply by saying, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Perhaps you are like Nicodemus and do not understand what “born again” means. Here is what it means to be born again according to the words of Jesus. One must first realize that he was born a sinner and must pay the debt for his sins. Secondly, one must ask God for forgiveness and then ask Jesus to come into his or her heart, acknowledging that He paid the penalty, the debt, for your sins by dying on the cross. All those who believe in Jesus have eternal life.
This is the simplicity of the gospel. Jesus did the tough part. After you receive Jesus as your Savior you then must communicate with God daily by reading His Word and praying to Him. He is your new friend and as with all friends you should have a desire to communicate with Him. Then you give your issues to the Lord in prayer and seek His guidance in changing your standards in life so that you honor God in all you do.
The writer of Hebrews warns us that there is no alternative in order to escape God’s condemnation of our sins. He wrote in Hebrews 2:3, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which was first spoken of by the Lord (when He was on this earth), and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians13:4:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
PRAYER:
Thank You for the simplicity of the salvation that You offer to every person that desires to know You (have eternal life) and responds to Your offer. Help many today to respond favorably and not ignore how great a salvation we have when we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
SIMPLICITY
DEFINITION:
The condition of being simple, not complicated; plain; pure; absolute; unaffected and humble.
SCRIPTURE:
For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God. II Corinthians 1:12.
But I fear, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, that your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. II Corinthians 11:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We tend to make issues that we face very complicated. In fact most people today live complicated lives and get overwhelmed when they need to face the daily issues of life. How do I pay all these bills? How do I handle my child? Why is my spouse upset with me? How do I get all this work done that my boss has given me to do? Do these questions sound relative to you?
People complicate their lives by succumbing to worldly pressures to have material things, such as bigger houses, new cars, the latest electronic devices, and on and on it goes. For those raising children there is the added pressures of parenting. There are many activities available for children to participate in and parents are hard pressed to fit their children’s schedules into their already busy schedules. Life is no longer simple. The hazard of today’s complicated lifestyle is that it causes us to neglect our relationship with our Lord.
The apostle Paul lived a life that was uncomplicated by worldly distractions. He did not live by worldly wisdom but by the grace of God, as written in the above verse. Paul was concerned about the Christians in Corinth because he had heard they were complicating the simplicity of the gospel message with false teaching.
Paul talks about the simplicity of our salvation (verses above). God did not make receiving Jesus into our hearts complicated. Paul preached the clear and simple plan of salvation given by Jesus in the third chapter of John (verses 2-19). In John 3, beginning in verse 2, we read about Nicodemus coming to Jesus and asking Him how to know God. Jesus responded very simply by saying, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Perhaps you are like Nicodemus and do not understand what “born again” means. Here is what it means to be born again according to the words of Jesus. One must first realize that he was born a sinner and must pay the debt for his sins. Secondly, one must ask God for forgiveness and then ask Jesus to come into his or her heart, acknowledging that He paid the penalty, the debt, for your sins by dying on the cross. All those who believe in Jesus have eternal life.
This is the simplicity of the gospel. Jesus did the tough part. After you receive Jesus as your Savior you then must communicate with God daily by reading His Word and praying to Him. He is your new friend and as with all friends you should have a desire to communicate with Him. Then you give your issues to the Lord in prayer and seek His guidance in changing your standards in life so that you honor God in all you do.
The writer of Hebrews warns us that there is no alternative in order to escape God’s condemnation of our sins. He wrote in Hebrews 2:3, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which was first spoken of by the Lord (when He was on this earth), and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians13:4:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
PRAYER:
Thank You for the simplicity of the salvation that You offer to every person that desires to know You (have eternal life) and responds to Your offer. Help many today to respond favorably and not ignore how great a salvation we have when we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Patriotism: July 4, 2011
JULY 4 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JULY 4, 2011.
PATRIOTISM
DEFINITION:
Devoted, love, support and defense of one’s country.
SCRIPTURE:
But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Today is the 235th anniversary of the official founding of the United States of America. Our forefathers, who were the signers of the Declaration of Independence, were patriots who were willing to give their lives in the fight to obtain freedom from the British. They had a cause, they were united and they were willing to sacrifice to be successful.
The freedom we enjoy here in America came at a heavy cost. The courage and patriotism of all those who have put their lives on the line for all of us, both in the past and in the present, should inspire patriotic loyalty to our country.
The heart of the foundation of America was the faith our founding fathers had in God. They built this country on Judeo/Christian principles and God honored them for their faith.
Over these 235 years there have been great changes, especially over the last few years. It could be said that America is no longer a nation that honors God. What has happened to prayer in the schools and in government? What has happened to the standards and beliefs of our leaders? What has happened to honesty and integrity in our government?
Our country is far from perfect, but fortunately, for believers, this world is only our temporary home. We have a better country to look forward to (read the above verse from Hebrews). God paid a heavy cost to give us our heavenly home. He sent His only Son to die on the cross to give us freedom from eternal death so that we could spend eternity with Him in the heavenly country He is preparing for us.
It is our challenge today, no matter what country we live in, to be loyal and courageous in our faith in our “Heavenly Country” and our Lord. We are not to be ashamed of our faith knowing that our God is preparing a city, with a home for us, in our heavenly country.
Patriotism may come and go in this world. Events and situations will affect the patriotism of many people but our patriotism to our Lord and heavenly country should never waver. Our trust and patriotism will grow in the Lord as we put our complete trust in Him. Our foundation for our belief in God, our saving faith, is the infallible Word of God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 13:4:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
PRAYER:
We thank You for the freedom we have to worship You in spirit and in truth. May our patriotism to our heavenly country and, more importantly, to our Lord be strengthened daily. May we be courageous and bold in defending our faith to all that we walk with and talk with today.
PATRIOTISM
DEFINITION:
Devoted, love, support and defense of one’s country.
SCRIPTURE:
But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Today is the 235th anniversary of the official founding of the United States of America. Our forefathers, who were the signers of the Declaration of Independence, were patriots who were willing to give their lives in the fight to obtain freedom from the British. They had a cause, they were united and they were willing to sacrifice to be successful.
The freedom we enjoy here in America came at a heavy cost. The courage and patriotism of all those who have put their lives on the line for all of us, both in the past and in the present, should inspire patriotic loyalty to our country.
The heart of the foundation of America was the faith our founding fathers had in God. They built this country on Judeo/Christian principles and God honored them for their faith.
Over these 235 years there have been great changes, especially over the last few years. It could be said that America is no longer a nation that honors God. What has happened to prayer in the schools and in government? What has happened to the standards and beliefs of our leaders? What has happened to honesty and integrity in our government?
Our country is far from perfect, but fortunately, for believers, this world is only our temporary home. We have a better country to look forward to (read the above verse from Hebrews). God paid a heavy cost to give us our heavenly home. He sent His only Son to die on the cross to give us freedom from eternal death so that we could spend eternity with Him in the heavenly country He is preparing for us.
It is our challenge today, no matter what country we live in, to be loyal and courageous in our faith in our “Heavenly Country” and our Lord. We are not to be ashamed of our faith knowing that our God is preparing a city, with a home for us, in our heavenly country.
Patriotism may come and go in this world. Events and situations will affect the patriotism of many people but our patriotism to our Lord and heavenly country should never waver. Our trust and patriotism will grow in the Lord as we put our complete trust in Him. Our foundation for our belief in God, our saving faith, is the infallible Word of God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 13:4:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
PRAYER:
We thank You for the freedom we have to worship You in spirit and in truth. May our patriotism to our heavenly country and, more importantly, to our Lord be strengthened daily. May we be courageous and bold in defending our faith to all that we walk with and talk with today.
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