SEPTEMBER 16 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2011.
DEPRESSION
DEFINITION:
The state of being depressed; sadness; gloom; dejection; withdrawal; a low state.
SCRIPTURE:
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my heart.” Psalm 94:19
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
So many people seemingly are depressed day after day. Depression becomes part of a persons life by his or hers reaction to the “THINGS” of life that bring on a feeling of failure. It begins with anxiety and worry over such “things” as a job situation, a family concern, a financial need, a church conflict, a spousal argument or a conflict with a child.
Worry and anxiety are major problems in the life of many people today. In fact it is known that over 70% of all the visits to the doctor’s office for illness are nothing more than worry or anxiety over one or more issues. This in turn brings on depression for most people and then one feels unwanted and lonely.
So depression is a serious problem for many people but there is a remedy. Depressed people tend to isolate themselves and think no one understands what they are going through. In most cases no one is given a chance to understand and instead they seem to prefer to stay at home and have a “pity party.” Depression is the devil’s tool. It does not come from the Lord.
A depressed person needs to understand that there is someone who cares. The scripture gives us that solution where it reads, “Cast all our care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7). When we are depressed, God expects us to pass those issues of worry and anxiety on to Him and let Him take care of them. But most people do not do this and evidently prefer to carry them alone.
God accepts us as we are but loves us so much as to not to leave us that way. To solve your moments of depression, begin each day by taking time to ask God to take from you the concerns that bother you and ask Him to care for you, because He does care for you.
When we are depressed we need to talk about what is depressing us. It is true that most people do not want to listen to someone’s problems, but God does. You can walk away from God but He will never walk away from you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 5:13.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
PRAYER:
Help my family today, beginning with me, to submit to You and to cast all of our cares and concerns upon You. Help us to resist the devil as he walks around us today, as the scripture says, as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Give me a spirit of hope and not hopelessness, a spirit of humility and not of pride. Thank You for blessings in our lives far beyond our desires.
September 18, 2011
Humility: September 15, 2011
SEPTEMBER 15 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
HUMILITY
DEFINITION:
The quality or state of being humble; modest opinion of one’s own importance; meekness; neither proud nor arrogant.
SCRIPTURE:
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“Therefore as the elect of God, put on tender mercies, kindness, HUMILITY, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another.” Colossians 3:12
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” I Peter 5:6
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Humility does not come naturally or easily. If we are doing what we consider “right” when others are not or if we have had more success than another person, it is easy to think that we are the better person. The Apostle Paul cautions us against that idea by saying that we are to consider others better than ourselves. There are reasons for this.
The goal in this life for all of us who are believers is to become Christ-like and serve the Lord our God. In order to be Christ-like we must have the quality of humility. Jesus humbled Himself, setting aside heavenly glory to become a man to save us from our sins. He said of Himself that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25) As Christians we are Christ’s representatives to the world so we are to be kind, humble, meek, patient and peaceful as Christ was, in order that others will see Christ in us.
As Christians what we are and what successes we have are because of what Christ has done for us and through us. The credit and the honor must go to Him. Success and glory in this world can be fleeting and we can only take pleasure in it for a time. If we get conceited and gloat over our success, God can take it away from us and humble us very quickly.
In Mark 10, James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus for the highest positions in His kingdom. They asked for one to sit on His right and the other to sit on His left. Jesus denied their request and explained that greatness was not achieved by being in a high position but by serving others.
There are two issues concerning humility as it relates to our lives. Our first concern should be that we are humble before God. God expects us to come to Him daily with a humble servant - like attitude. As it states in the verse above the reason for this is so He may exalt us in due time. We should be in awe of God. The magnitude of His power, His love, His Sovereignty, and His blessings should overwhelm us with reverent awe and bring us to our knees in humble adoration. What God thinks of us is more important then what we think of ourselves.
It is amazing what can be accomplished when we do not care who gets the credit. Paul told the church at Corinth, “I planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase.” I Corinthians 3:6-7.
The second issue is how we appear to our family, friends and neighbors. Are we arrogant, proud and boastful? Do we make them feel that we think we are better than they are? When one knows the Lord and has a daily relationship with Him, a humble spirit should be exhibited in the way we relate to others, especially those closest to us.
Our family, friends and associates should see the spirit of Christ through all of our words and deeds. YES, God wants us to be humble so that others can see Christ through us. This will give God all the glory for all that we are and all that we have accomplished.
This is not an easy task. We all have moments when we are successful and we want everyone to know about that success. Can you stay humble while enjoying that success?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 5:13.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by man.”
PRAYER:
Help me this day to get rid of any selfish ambition in my life so that through my words and deeds others may see Christ through me. Give me a humble spirit and a servant’s heart. Open my eyes to see the needs of those around me so that I can show them kindness, love and understanding. Guide my family today and may each of us do all we do today to honor Your name.
HUMILITY
DEFINITION:
The quality or state of being humble; modest opinion of one’s own importance; meekness; neither proud nor arrogant.
SCRIPTURE:
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“Therefore as the elect of God, put on tender mercies, kindness, HUMILITY, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another.” Colossians 3:12
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” I Peter 5:6
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Humility does not come naturally or easily. If we are doing what we consider “right” when others are not or if we have had more success than another person, it is easy to think that we are the better person. The Apostle Paul cautions us against that idea by saying that we are to consider others better than ourselves. There are reasons for this.
The goal in this life for all of us who are believers is to become Christ-like and serve the Lord our God. In order to be Christ-like we must have the quality of humility. Jesus humbled Himself, setting aside heavenly glory to become a man to save us from our sins. He said of Himself that He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25) As Christians we are Christ’s representatives to the world so we are to be kind, humble, meek, patient and peaceful as Christ was, in order that others will see Christ in us.
As Christians what we are and what successes we have are because of what Christ has done for us and through us. The credit and the honor must go to Him. Success and glory in this world can be fleeting and we can only take pleasure in it for a time. If we get conceited and gloat over our success, God can take it away from us and humble us very quickly.
In Mark 10, James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus for the highest positions in His kingdom. They asked for one to sit on His right and the other to sit on His left. Jesus denied their request and explained that greatness was not achieved by being in a high position but by serving others.
There are two issues concerning humility as it relates to our lives. Our first concern should be that we are humble before God. God expects us to come to Him daily with a humble servant - like attitude. As it states in the verse above the reason for this is so He may exalt us in due time. We should be in awe of God. The magnitude of His power, His love, His Sovereignty, and His blessings should overwhelm us with reverent awe and bring us to our knees in humble adoration. What God thinks of us is more important then what we think of ourselves.
It is amazing what can be accomplished when we do not care who gets the credit. Paul told the church at Corinth, “I planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase.” I Corinthians 3:6-7.
The second issue is how we appear to our family, friends and neighbors. Are we arrogant, proud and boastful? Do we make them feel that we think we are better than they are? When one knows the Lord and has a daily relationship with Him, a humble spirit should be exhibited in the way we relate to others, especially those closest to us.
Our family, friends and associates should see the spirit of Christ through all of our words and deeds. YES, God wants us to be humble so that others can see Christ through us. This will give God all the glory for all that we are and all that we have accomplished.
This is not an easy task. We all have moments when we are successful and we want everyone to know about that success. Can you stay humble while enjoying that success?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 5:13.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by man.”
PRAYER:
Help me this day to get rid of any selfish ambition in my life so that through my words and deeds others may see Christ through me. Give me a humble spirit and a servant’s heart. Open my eyes to see the needs of those around me so that I can show them kindness, love and understanding. Guide my family today and may each of us do all we do today to honor Your name.
Forgiveness: September 14, 2011
SEPTEMBER 14 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2011.
FORGIVENESS
DEFINITION:
The act of granting pardon for an offense or sin; acquittal; offering the chance to recover from mistakes.
SCRIPTURE:
“Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the Lord’s Prayer as written in Matthew 6, Jesus said: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” How can we expect to be forgiven when we are unwilling to forgive? This is what forgiveness is all about. When one does wrong it is right for that person to then ask for forgiveness. Unfortunately, that very rarely happens. The reason being is that it is humbling to have to admit we are wrong and have to ask for forgiveness. The end result, if we do not ask for forgiveness, is a rift in a relationship.
Don’t let pride keep you from doing the right thing. How do you feel when you are wronged? Naturally it upsets you and the normal reaction is to want to get even. Most people can give you a score of reasons why they feel they should not forgive someone for a wrong. Excuses are not acceptable to God. God has set the unsurpassable example of forgiveness when He forgave us of our sins by sending His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. Unless we have personally asked God to forgive us our sins and accepted Jesus as our Savior, our un-forgiven-sin stands between us and God.
In Acts 26:18 it reads: “that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those that are sanctified by faith in Me.” What greater inheritance can one have then to spend an eternity with God in heaven? It really is that simple. But we have to make the choice and ask God to forgive us from our sins.
We have given you three scriptures above that make it very clear from God’s Word that we need to have a spirit of forgiveness as believers. This is not an option but is expected by God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 5:13.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
PRAYER:
Today I ask You to forgive me for my sins and for the times I have failed You. Help me to learn afresh to forgive those that sin against me just as You forgave me. Help me to set an example for my family and friends as to what it means to forgive and give my family a spirit of forgiveness to all that have treated us unkindly. Thank You for teaching me to pray as You said: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” Amen
FORGIVENESS
DEFINITION:
The act of granting pardon for an offense or sin; acquittal; offering the chance to recover from mistakes.
SCRIPTURE:
“Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the Lord’s Prayer as written in Matthew 6, Jesus said: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” How can we expect to be forgiven when we are unwilling to forgive? This is what forgiveness is all about. When one does wrong it is right for that person to then ask for forgiveness. Unfortunately, that very rarely happens. The reason being is that it is humbling to have to admit we are wrong and have to ask for forgiveness. The end result, if we do not ask for forgiveness, is a rift in a relationship.
Don’t let pride keep you from doing the right thing. How do you feel when you are wronged? Naturally it upsets you and the normal reaction is to want to get even. Most people can give you a score of reasons why they feel they should not forgive someone for a wrong. Excuses are not acceptable to God. God has set the unsurpassable example of forgiveness when He forgave us of our sins by sending His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. Unless we have personally asked God to forgive us our sins and accepted Jesus as our Savior, our un-forgiven-sin stands between us and God.
In Acts 26:18 it reads: “that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those that are sanctified by faith in Me.” What greater inheritance can one have then to spend an eternity with God in heaven? It really is that simple. But we have to make the choice and ask God to forgive us from our sins.
We have given you three scriptures above that make it very clear from God’s Word that we need to have a spirit of forgiveness as believers. This is not an option but is expected by God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 5:13.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
PRAYER:
Today I ask You to forgive me for my sins and for the times I have failed You. Help me to learn afresh to forgive those that sin against me just as You forgave me. Help me to set an example for my family and friends as to what it means to forgive and give my family a spirit of forgiveness to all that have treated us unkindly. Thank You for teaching me to pray as You said: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” Amen
Patience: September 12, 2011
SEPTEMBER 12 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2011
PATIENCE
DEFINITION:
The power or capacity to endure without complaint something difficult or disagreeable; longsuffering; ability or willingness to suppress restlessness; quiet; steady; even tempered.
SCRIPTURE:
“Make haste to help me O Lord.” Psalm 70:1.
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the first verse above, David showed his lack of patience but in the second verse Isaiah relates to us that we need to develop patience and learn to wait upon the Lord. But like David we do not like to wait. We dislike long lines at the super market, traffic jams, waiting to eat at a restaurant and even waiting for a friend or family member.
We live in a day when everyone wants instant gratification. We want everything now. When we pray and ask God for something and if it does not happen right away, we are like David. We say, “Hurry up Lord and answer my prayer.” We must remember that patience requires perseverance and endurance.
Having the patience to wait on the Lord allows God to work in our lives so we can grow in faith. Waiting is a time of learning. What happens within us in the process is often more important than the attainment of what we are waiting for. Waiting on the Lord takes trust and obedience.
In James 1:2 to 4, James tells us to consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops patience. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Waiting for God to answer a prayer can cause us to doubt. Is God really listening? Does He hear our prayers? We can be assured that God does answer our prayers. His timetable is not the same as ours but His timing is always perfect. Waiting may test our faith, but learning to have patience is part of becoming a mature Christian and being what God wants us to be.
In our family it is a known fact that I [Ken] do not like to wait and basically I am very impatient. It is my nature to want to have things done yesterday. Fortunately my wife, Dottie, is a perfect balance to me because she is always very patient. As I have grown older I have worked hard in trying to be more patient. Through this exercise I have realized the importance of balancing my tendency to be impatient with what God wants me to do spiritually --- wait upon Him.
Several times we have been amused when we think of a statement that the great preacher of years ago said in a sermon on patience. His illustration was completed when he said: By perseverance the snail reached the ark. Now that is patience.
Patience leads to success. Success is largely a matter of holding on after all others have let go. You need patience to make that happen.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 5:13.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by man.”
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, give me patience today and help me to wait upon You to renew my strength. Help me to be patient with those who try to make my life difficult. Help our family to be patient with one another. Give our family today the kind of patience that You will honor by allowing us to run and not be weary and to walk and not be faint.
PATIENCE
DEFINITION:
The power or capacity to endure without complaint something difficult or disagreeable; longsuffering; ability or willingness to suppress restlessness; quiet; steady; even tempered.
SCRIPTURE:
“Make haste to help me O Lord.” Psalm 70:1.
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the first verse above, David showed his lack of patience but in the second verse Isaiah relates to us that we need to develop patience and learn to wait upon the Lord. But like David we do not like to wait. We dislike long lines at the super market, traffic jams, waiting to eat at a restaurant and even waiting for a friend or family member.
We live in a day when everyone wants instant gratification. We want everything now. When we pray and ask God for something and if it does not happen right away, we are like David. We say, “Hurry up Lord and answer my prayer.” We must remember that patience requires perseverance and endurance.
Having the patience to wait on the Lord allows God to work in our lives so we can grow in faith. Waiting is a time of learning. What happens within us in the process is often more important than the attainment of what we are waiting for. Waiting on the Lord takes trust and obedience.
In James 1:2 to 4, James tells us to consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops patience. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Waiting for God to answer a prayer can cause us to doubt. Is God really listening? Does He hear our prayers? We can be assured that God does answer our prayers. His timetable is not the same as ours but His timing is always perfect. Waiting may test our faith, but learning to have patience is part of becoming a mature Christian and being what God wants us to be.
In our family it is a known fact that I [Ken] do not like to wait and basically I am very impatient. It is my nature to want to have things done yesterday. Fortunately my wife, Dottie, is a perfect balance to me because she is always very patient. As I have grown older I have worked hard in trying to be more patient. Through this exercise I have realized the importance of balancing my tendency to be impatient with what God wants me to do spiritually --- wait upon Him.
Several times we have been amused when we think of a statement that the great preacher of years ago said in a sermon on patience. His illustration was completed when he said: By perseverance the snail reached the ark. Now that is patience.
Patience leads to success. Success is largely a matter of holding on after all others have let go. You need patience to make that happen.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 5:13.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by man.”
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, give me patience today and help me to wait upon You to renew my strength. Help me to be patient with those who try to make my life difficult. Help our family to be patient with one another. Give our family today the kind of patience that You will honor by allowing us to run and not be weary and to walk and not be faint.
Service: September 13, 2011
SEPTEMBER 13 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2011.
SERVICE
DEFINITION:
An act of helpful activity; meeting the needs of and subjecting one’s will to that of another; the serving of God by obedience.
SCRIPTURE:
“Make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5.
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1.
“– doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” Ephesians 6:7
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to buy our redemption at a great price. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, suffered and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins so that we do not have to pay that penalty. Is it not reasonable then that in return for what He did for us that we owe the Lord our God our loyal and faithful service (Romans 12:1) out of gratitude for what He did for us? To serve the Lord we must willingly give ourselves to Him, putting aside our selfish desires and in obedience submit ourselves to the Lord’s guidance for our life.
God has given each of us natural abilities that He expects us to use for His glory. He also has given believer’s spiritual gifts for the purpose of doing His work here on earth. He has given believers the responsibility of spreading the good news of the gospel message to all the world. It is very important to recognize that God does not use the unwilling. He will not force us to serve Him but His desire is for us to be totally committed to do His will. He will equip us (Ephesians 4:11-13) and will empower and prepare us for service. Our part is to be faithful, obedient and available.
God gives us opportunities everyday to serve. The problem is that we seem to find ways not to respond to these opportunities of service. How easy it is to avoid serving the Lord using that wonderful excuse: “I am so busy.” We urge you to look for opportunities that come your way and then act on them. Paul tells us to “make the most of every opportunity.”
Be faithful in your desire to serve God and leave the results to Him. The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve ourselves. God uses ordinary people like you and us to do extra ordinary work. When you think of serving God, start with something you can do; but do not stop because you cannot do it. Pray and ask God to enable you and then God will take over.
We are witnessing this truth with these FREE FAMILY DEVOTIONALS that we send out each week day by E mail. Just recently a new friend who found our devotionals while searching the web, asked if he could link these devotionals to his ministry link? Of course we agreed and now because of this dedicated evangelist in Pakistan many hundreds of new Christians who can read English are reading these devotionals in far away places where we cannot go. We started with something we could do and then God took over and expanded what we are doing.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 5:13.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
PRAYER:
Give us a heart, dear Lord that will be committed to serve You every moment of this day. Help us to be willing to serve our God, our family, our neighbors and our friends. Draw us close today to people that need You and then may our words and actions glorify Your name.
SERVICE
DEFINITION:
An act of helpful activity; meeting the needs of and subjecting one’s will to that of another; the serving of God by obedience.
SCRIPTURE:
“Make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5.
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1.
“– doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” Ephesians 6:7
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to buy our redemption at a great price. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, suffered and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins so that we do not have to pay that penalty. Is it not reasonable then that in return for what He did for us that we owe the Lord our God our loyal and faithful service (Romans 12:1) out of gratitude for what He did for us? To serve the Lord we must willingly give ourselves to Him, putting aside our selfish desires and in obedience submit ourselves to the Lord’s guidance for our life.
God has given each of us natural abilities that He expects us to use for His glory. He also has given believer’s spiritual gifts for the purpose of doing His work here on earth. He has given believers the responsibility of spreading the good news of the gospel message to all the world. It is very important to recognize that God does not use the unwilling. He will not force us to serve Him but His desire is for us to be totally committed to do His will. He will equip us (Ephesians 4:11-13) and will empower and prepare us for service. Our part is to be faithful, obedient and available.
God gives us opportunities everyday to serve. The problem is that we seem to find ways not to respond to these opportunities of service. How easy it is to avoid serving the Lord using that wonderful excuse: “I am so busy.” We urge you to look for opportunities that come your way and then act on them. Paul tells us to “make the most of every opportunity.”
Be faithful in your desire to serve God and leave the results to Him. The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve ourselves. God uses ordinary people like you and us to do extra ordinary work. When you think of serving God, start with something you can do; but do not stop because you cannot do it. Pray and ask God to enable you and then God will take over.
We are witnessing this truth with these FREE FAMILY DEVOTIONALS that we send out each week day by E mail. Just recently a new friend who found our devotionals while searching the web, asked if he could link these devotionals to his ministry link? Of course we agreed and now because of this dedicated evangelist in Pakistan many hundreds of new Christians who can read English are reading these devotionals in far away places where we cannot go. We started with something we could do and then God took over and expanded what we are doing.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Matthew 5:13.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
PRAYER:
Give us a heart, dear Lord that will be committed to serve You every moment of this day. Help us to be willing to serve our God, our family, our neighbors and our friends. Draw us close today to people that need You and then may our words and actions glorify Your name.
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