GEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SATURDAY OCTOBER 20, 2012
PROVERB:
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4: 18-19.
PROMISE:
When Jesus spoke again to the people He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.
PRAISE:
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning, my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28.
October 21, 2012
Works: October 19, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2012.
WORKS
DEFINITION:
Effort put forth; labor; toil; be employed; perform labor; useless human efforts to gain acceptance from God.
SCRIPTURE:
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14
"For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9.
"As the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We were taught as children and we taught our children as well, that the most important decision one will make in life is whether to accept or reject Jesus as their Savior. We taught them, as we were taught and as the scripture says (above in Ephesians) that we were saved by grace through faith. After we accepted Jesus as our Savior then we were commanded by our Lord to "work" for Him.
Many people we talk to really believe that their "GOOD WORKS" will get them into heaven where they can spend an eternity with God. Most of these people are good people and live a clean life. They are the kind of "neighbors" you would love to have living next door to you. They are also the hardest to talk to about their need for a Savior. They truly believe that their good works, clean living and being kind to everyone will get them into heaven.
We remember several conversations we had with a friend who was very generous with his time and talent with our ministry. When we talked to him about his relationship with Jesus he always talked about his good works and told us not to be concerned about him because he would see us in heaven. We continued to talk to him about why we accepted Jesus but he always reminded us that because of his clean living he would see us in heaven. We can present the gospel message that redemption from our sins comes by accepting Christ as our Savior but only the Holy Spirit can convict of sin. This is why praying for someone who is unsaved is so vital.
Some people find the two verses that we have listed above from Ephesians and James contradictory. They ask: Is salvation simply by grace through faith alone or do we have to work for it? Paul wants us to understand that there is nothing we can do to merit or earn our salvation. Keeping all the laws in the Bible will not earn us salvation, it is only by the grace of God through faith that we can be saved.
Paul in Ephesians talks about salvation through faith. James in James 2:14 says faith without deeds (WORKS) is dead. They do not contradict each other, actually they supplement one another. James would never argue against Paul's assertion that salvation is by faith but James presupposes that we understand these doctrines that are so clearly stated in Paul's letters. James goes a step further by saying that a commitment to Christ is expressed through our actions.
WORKS IS AN EVIDENCE OF YOUR FAITH!
Martin Luther puts it this way: “A man is justified (declared righteous before God) by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone. Genuine faith will produce good deeds, but only faith in Christ saves.”
God is expecting us as believers to work hard until His return. Some have asked us the big question: When are you going to retire? Our answer is very clear and simple -- NEVER.
God has put each one of us on this earth for a purpose. When we consider the great price God and His Son Jesus paid for our salvation, we cannot sit back and retire. We are committed for a life time to work for Him. We firmly believe that God will take us to be with Him when we have completed "the good works" that God has for us on this earth. Our prayer today is that you will join us by doing the "good works" that God has for you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
Help us as a family to share our faith with those our life touches daily so they can know You as their Savior. Help us to also "WORK" daily to do Your will, so that our actions will show others the evidence of our faith in You.
WORKS
DEFINITION:
Effort put forth; labor; toil; be employed; perform labor; useless human efforts to gain acceptance from God.
SCRIPTURE:
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14
"For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9.
"As the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We were taught as children and we taught our children as well, that the most important decision one will make in life is whether to accept or reject Jesus as their Savior. We taught them, as we were taught and as the scripture says (above in Ephesians) that we were saved by grace through faith. After we accepted Jesus as our Savior then we were commanded by our Lord to "work" for Him.
Many people we talk to really believe that their "GOOD WORKS" will get them into heaven where they can spend an eternity with God. Most of these people are good people and live a clean life. They are the kind of "neighbors" you would love to have living next door to you. They are also the hardest to talk to about their need for a Savior. They truly believe that their good works, clean living and being kind to everyone will get them into heaven.
We remember several conversations we had with a friend who was very generous with his time and talent with our ministry. When we talked to him about his relationship with Jesus he always talked about his good works and told us not to be concerned about him because he would see us in heaven. We continued to talk to him about why we accepted Jesus but he always reminded us that because of his clean living he would see us in heaven. We can present the gospel message that redemption from our sins comes by accepting Christ as our Savior but only the Holy Spirit can convict of sin. This is why praying for someone who is unsaved is so vital.
Some people find the two verses that we have listed above from Ephesians and James contradictory. They ask: Is salvation simply by grace through faith alone or do we have to work for it? Paul wants us to understand that there is nothing we can do to merit or earn our salvation. Keeping all the laws in the Bible will not earn us salvation, it is only by the grace of God through faith that we can be saved.
Paul in Ephesians talks about salvation through faith. James in James 2:14 says faith without deeds (WORKS) is dead. They do not contradict each other, actually they supplement one another. James would never argue against Paul's assertion that salvation is by faith but James presupposes that we understand these doctrines that are so clearly stated in Paul's letters. James goes a step further by saying that a commitment to Christ is expressed through our actions.
WORKS IS AN EVIDENCE OF YOUR FAITH!
Martin Luther puts it this way: “A man is justified (declared righteous before God) by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone. Genuine faith will produce good deeds, but only faith in Christ saves.”
God is expecting us as believers to work hard until His return. Some have asked us the big question: When are you going to retire? Our answer is very clear and simple -- NEVER.
God has put each one of us on this earth for a purpose. When we consider the great price God and His Son Jesus paid for our salvation, we cannot sit back and retire. We are committed for a life time to work for Him. We firmly believe that God will take us to be with Him when we have completed "the good works" that God has for us on this earth. Our prayer today is that you will join us by doing the "good works" that God has for you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
Help us as a family to share our faith with those our life touches daily so they can know You as their Savior. Help us to also "WORK" daily to do Your will, so that our actions will show others the evidence of our faith in You.
Memorial: October 18, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY OCTOBER 18, 2012.
MEMORIAL
DEFINITION:
Something designed to preserve the memory of a person or event.
SCRIPTURE:
"In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. When it (the Ark) crossed the Jordan the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Joshua 4:6-7.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Our memories tend to be very short. Memorials are a way of preserving and perpetuating the memory of people or of events that were important to us.
Memorials are very important to those that lose loved ones and family. Memorials serve to remember great events and people in public life. Throughout the Bible we read about memorials that were erected at locations where God had done something special. Those memorials are very important for us to study today because they are reminders of how God worked in the lives of those who loved Him and how He protected and blessed them.
After crossing the Jordan River the first thing that God instructed Joshua to do was to build a memorial. While the priests who were holding the Ark of the Covenant were still standing in the middle of the Jordan River, Joshua, in obedience to God, instructed one man from each of the twelve tribes to take a stone from the Jordan river at the spot where the priests were standing. These twelve men then carried the stones to the place where they were to camp the first night in the Promised Land.
There at Gilgal, Joshua set up a monument as a memorial to remind future generations of the miracle God had done in parting the Jordan River. Children who were born after the crossing of the river would see the stones and ask what the stones meant? Their parents would have the opportunity to tell them the story and teach them about God and what He had done for them.
The memorial served as a reminder to all the people of the earth, past, present and future that the God of Israel is powerful and a God of miracles.
We took our children across America to Washington D.C. to see all the memorials and historical places in our nation's capital. As we visited the Washington memorial, the Lincoln memorial and others, we had the opportunity to teach our children about who these men were, what they believed and what they had done for our country. We were able to point out to them the impact that God had on their lives and in the forming of America.
Reminders of God are rapidly being banned by our government leaders here in America and this could well bring about the fall of our country. Prayer is no longer allowed in schools. The Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in schools or government office locations. When children and youth go to our nation's capital and see all the memorials today they do not understand the significant role God had in the founding of our country.
The reason is very clear to us. Parents, teachers and even churches are not teaching our children about why America has been great. The reason it has been great is because God was involved. Children also have not been taught the reasons for memorials and why they are where they are. It is up to us as Christian parents and grandparents today to teach our children and grandchildren to trust in God and work to keep America a nation that puts God in the center of all its activities.
Children love to ask questions and as parents we need to be ready to give an answer. Many questions can be answered by referring to our heritage here in America and the memorials that are standing to remind us of that heritage and the role God had in the founding of our country. Of greater concern is the lack of teaching that our children receive about the Biblical memorials. These memorials were built to show how great a God we have, and to show us how much He loves us.
Children often ask questions about God and heaven. Parents that do not know God and who have never read the Bible cannot answer because they do not know the answer. If your child were to ask you a question about God or Jesus, could you give them an answer from God’s Word? When your children ask you about God, do you take the time to talk to them about who God is and what He has done for you? Do you share with them how God has blessed you and this country and how He has answered your prayers and how He continues to meet your needs? Telling your children about God is one of the keys to having a happy family.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for all that You have done in my life. Help me to always take time to talk to my children about God so that they can know Him and understand all that He has done for me and know that He will do the same for them.
MEMORIAL
DEFINITION:
Something designed to preserve the memory of a person or event.
SCRIPTURE:
"In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. When it (the Ark) crossed the Jordan the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Joshua 4:6-7.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Our memories tend to be very short. Memorials are a way of preserving and perpetuating the memory of people or of events that were important to us.
Memorials are very important to those that lose loved ones and family. Memorials serve to remember great events and people in public life. Throughout the Bible we read about memorials that were erected at locations where God had done something special. Those memorials are very important for us to study today because they are reminders of how God worked in the lives of those who loved Him and how He protected and blessed them.
After crossing the Jordan River the first thing that God instructed Joshua to do was to build a memorial. While the priests who were holding the Ark of the Covenant were still standing in the middle of the Jordan River, Joshua, in obedience to God, instructed one man from each of the twelve tribes to take a stone from the Jordan river at the spot where the priests were standing. These twelve men then carried the stones to the place where they were to camp the first night in the Promised Land.
There at Gilgal, Joshua set up a monument as a memorial to remind future generations of the miracle God had done in parting the Jordan River. Children who were born after the crossing of the river would see the stones and ask what the stones meant? Their parents would have the opportunity to tell them the story and teach them about God and what He had done for them.
The memorial served as a reminder to all the people of the earth, past, present and future that the God of Israel is powerful and a God of miracles.
We took our children across America to Washington D.C. to see all the memorials and historical places in our nation's capital. As we visited the Washington memorial, the Lincoln memorial and others, we had the opportunity to teach our children about who these men were, what they believed and what they had done for our country. We were able to point out to them the impact that God had on their lives and in the forming of America.
Reminders of God are rapidly being banned by our government leaders here in America and this could well bring about the fall of our country. Prayer is no longer allowed in schools. The Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in schools or government office locations. When children and youth go to our nation's capital and see all the memorials today they do not understand the significant role God had in the founding of our country.
The reason is very clear to us. Parents, teachers and even churches are not teaching our children about why America has been great. The reason it has been great is because God was involved. Children also have not been taught the reasons for memorials and why they are where they are. It is up to us as Christian parents and grandparents today to teach our children and grandchildren to trust in God and work to keep America a nation that puts God in the center of all its activities.
Children love to ask questions and as parents we need to be ready to give an answer. Many questions can be answered by referring to our heritage here in America and the memorials that are standing to remind us of that heritage and the role God had in the founding of our country. Of greater concern is the lack of teaching that our children receive about the Biblical memorials. These memorials were built to show how great a God we have, and to show us how much He loves us.
Children often ask questions about God and heaven. Parents that do not know God and who have never read the Bible cannot answer because they do not know the answer. If your child were to ask you a question about God or Jesus, could you give them an answer from God’s Word? When your children ask you about God, do you take the time to talk to them about who God is and what He has done for you? Do you share with them how God has blessed you and this country and how He has answered your prayers and how He continues to meet your needs? Telling your children about God is one of the keys to having a happy family.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for all that You have done in my life. Help me to always take time to talk to my children about God so that they can know Him and understand all that He has done for me and know that He will do the same for them.
Money: October 17, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 17, 2012.
MONEY
DEFINITION:
Any circulating medium of exchange; means of payment; measure of wealth.
SCRIPTURE:
"For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." I Timothy 6:10
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
A recent survey taken in America asked the question: "What is your greatest desire in life?" Over 74% said money. The sad thing about this survey was that only 14% listed having a happy family relationship. Probably most concerning was that only 6% wanted to have God in their lives. This is a strong reminder and a real indication that money has become the "god" for many people in America. These people are convinced that money can buy happiness, success and popularity.
People that have money and have acquired success and popularity soon realize that it is not the source of happiness. Money will only bring happiness if it is used to honor God.
It is important for us to realize that it is the LOVE OF MONEY that is the root of all kinds of evil. Timothy tells us in I Timothy 6:10 (above) that not money itself, but the love of money leads to greed. Greed leads to an all consuming desire to get rich by any and all means. People can be so driven by their love for money that they will steal, cheat and participate in all manner of evil things. Timothy warns the believers that the love of money can cause them to stray from their faith and bring on sorrow in their lives. Having money is not the problem; it is how we use it and the importance we attach to it.
We believe that God blesses some people with money because He knows that they will use it for His glory. We have shared with you in the past about our dear friend of some years ago, Lawrence Young. This man was a wonderful example for us and we learned many important life principles from him. No one really knew for sure how wealthy he was but he and his wife were very well off financially. They lived humble and unpretentious lives. Their desire was not for material things of this world. Their desire was to serve the Lord using the blessings God gave them.
Several times he invited me (Ken) to drive with him so we could talk about our mission and its needs. As he collected rent money on his many pieces of property, he would give advice and counsel that was always valuable. His business counseling and tutoring assisted me in making wise and good decisions later in life.
He converted an old school bus into his "CAMPER" which he used to take his 7th grade Sunday school kids on outings. He taught 7th grade Sunday school at Hollywood Presbyterian Church for well over 40 years and never missed a year taking "his kids" camping. He owned a printing press and did the printing for literally scores of Christian ministries at his cost and many times at no cost to the ministry.
At World Opportunities, the missionary organization we helped establish in 1961, needed warehouse space. We shared this need with him and several weeks later he found just the right building to meet our needs. He not only found the building but he and his wife gave the necessary funds as a loan to purchase the building. God honored these dear people with money and they used what God gave them for His glory.
As you can see, God blessed Lawrence and Ruth with money and this is the ministry that God entrusted to them. They were faithful stewards and by their overwhelming generosity, honored God with what God had blessed them with. We witnessed that down through the years the more they helped ministries the more God blessed them.
Lawrence Young is a great example for each of us, reminding us that when God blesses one with money He expects it to be used for His glory. Mr. and Mrs. Young lacked for nothing and because they honored God, He continued to pour His blessings upon them. If they had lived for the love of money, the scripture tells us that would be the beginning of evil things that would not be of God.
God does not bless us all with financial wealth but He does bless us in so many other ways. God does not promise to give us what we want but what we need. We have not been blessed with financial wealth but God has blessed us with certain abilities, talents and time that He has given to us to use to serve Him. All along the way He has supplied our every need because we have tried to be faithful to Him. God is faithful and will reward those that honor Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32:
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
Thank You for guiding me and my family in the use of the money You bless us with. Keep us from allowing money and wealth to be our all consuming goal in life. Keep our eyes on You so that our desire will be to store up treasure in heaven rather than treasures here on earth.
MONEY
DEFINITION:
Any circulating medium of exchange; means of payment; measure of wealth.
SCRIPTURE:
"For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." I Timothy 6:10
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
A recent survey taken in America asked the question: "What is your greatest desire in life?" Over 74% said money. The sad thing about this survey was that only 14% listed having a happy family relationship. Probably most concerning was that only 6% wanted to have God in their lives. This is a strong reminder and a real indication that money has become the "god" for many people in America. These people are convinced that money can buy happiness, success and popularity.
People that have money and have acquired success and popularity soon realize that it is not the source of happiness. Money will only bring happiness if it is used to honor God.
It is important for us to realize that it is the LOVE OF MONEY that is the root of all kinds of evil. Timothy tells us in I Timothy 6:10 (above) that not money itself, but the love of money leads to greed. Greed leads to an all consuming desire to get rich by any and all means. People can be so driven by their love for money that they will steal, cheat and participate in all manner of evil things. Timothy warns the believers that the love of money can cause them to stray from their faith and bring on sorrow in their lives. Having money is not the problem; it is how we use it and the importance we attach to it.
We believe that God blesses some people with money because He knows that they will use it for His glory. We have shared with you in the past about our dear friend of some years ago, Lawrence Young. This man was a wonderful example for us and we learned many important life principles from him. No one really knew for sure how wealthy he was but he and his wife were very well off financially. They lived humble and unpretentious lives. Their desire was not for material things of this world. Their desire was to serve the Lord using the blessings God gave them.
Several times he invited me (Ken) to drive with him so we could talk about our mission and its needs. As he collected rent money on his many pieces of property, he would give advice and counsel that was always valuable. His business counseling and tutoring assisted me in making wise and good decisions later in life.
He converted an old school bus into his "CAMPER" which he used to take his 7th grade Sunday school kids on outings. He taught 7th grade Sunday school at Hollywood Presbyterian Church for well over 40 years and never missed a year taking "his kids" camping. He owned a printing press and did the printing for literally scores of Christian ministries at his cost and many times at no cost to the ministry.
At World Opportunities, the missionary organization we helped establish in 1961, needed warehouse space. We shared this need with him and several weeks later he found just the right building to meet our needs. He not only found the building but he and his wife gave the necessary funds as a loan to purchase the building. God honored these dear people with money and they used what God gave them for His glory.
As you can see, God blessed Lawrence and Ruth with money and this is the ministry that God entrusted to them. They were faithful stewards and by their overwhelming generosity, honored God with what God had blessed them with. We witnessed that down through the years the more they helped ministries the more God blessed them.
Lawrence Young is a great example for each of us, reminding us that when God blesses one with money He expects it to be used for His glory. Mr. and Mrs. Young lacked for nothing and because they honored God, He continued to pour His blessings upon them. If they had lived for the love of money, the scripture tells us that would be the beginning of evil things that would not be of God.
God does not bless us all with financial wealth but He does bless us in so many other ways. God does not promise to give us what we want but what we need. We have not been blessed with financial wealth but God has blessed us with certain abilities, talents and time that He has given to us to use to serve Him. All along the way He has supplied our every need because we have tried to be faithful to Him. God is faithful and will reward those that honor Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32:
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
Thank You for guiding me and my family in the use of the money You bless us with. Keep us from allowing money and wealth to be our all consuming goal in life. Keep our eyes on You so that our desire will be to store up treasure in heaven rather than treasures here on earth.
Holy: October 16, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY OCTOBER 16, 2012.
HOLY
DEFINITION:
Worthy of worship; sacred; characteristic of God; spiritually pure; devoted to the service of God; religious; devout.
SCRIPTURE:
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3
Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His Holy Hill; for the Lord our God is holy. Psalm 99:9
It is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." I Peter 1:16
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When people hear about something out of the ordinary, we often hear them say, "holy smoke," or "holy moley," or "holy mackerel" to indicate that they are surprised to hear it. We also have often heard the term, "holy terror" to describe an out of control child. When these expressions are used there is really nothing "holy" about what is being referred to as "holy."
Only God is truly holy. God is perfect in goodness and righteousness and without sin. He alone is worthy of our worship and devotion. As the psalmist says, we exalt the Lord our God and worship Him because He is our God and He is holy. In reality the word "holy" should only be used to refer to God Himself and His Holy Word and to those things that relate to God.
The word "HOLY" also means to be dedicated or set apart. When applying the word "HOLY" to places, persons or things it means being set apart for the service of God and thus sacred and removed from the realm of ordinary. In the Old Testament everything associated with worship was set apart in this manner, and thus was considered sacred or "holy." "HOLY" is God's realm and God was to be honored supremely so everything designated as "HOLY" was to be treated with the utmost of respect and care.
God’s purpose of His laws and regulations in the Old Testament was to set His people apart from the pagan nations of the world. He wanted them to separate from the corruption of the world and be holy, because He is holy. Leviticus 11:45.
Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, we no longer worship God with the Old Testament rituals. These Old Testament rituals were regarded as "HOLY" because of their association with God. These rituals of worship were led by the priests.
Today we, as believers who are in Christ, are called to His royal priesthood and serve as His priests to carry on His ministry. God has the same desire for us today as He did for the Israelites. He wants us to be holy and set apart from the world. In the verse above from I Peter the same commandments given in Leviticus is given to us: “Be Holy for I am holy.”
So how do we who are unholy become holy? The believer in Jesus Christ becomes holy by being obedient to all of God's commandments and following Christ's example. As believers it is necessary to separate ourselves from the evil ways of the world. We should "stand out in the crowd' because our life exemplifies Christ-like qualities. As believers we are set apart from this world and should be totally dedicated to serving our "HOLY" God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32.
And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
Help me to be aware daily that I serve a "HOLY" God. Keep me faithful so that I set myself apart from the things of this world so that I can serve You in all that I do. Help me to be obedient to Your commandments and to live my life according to Christ's example.
HOLY
DEFINITION:
Worthy of worship; sacred; characteristic of God; spiritually pure; devoted to the service of God; religious; devout.
SCRIPTURE:
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3
Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His Holy Hill; for the Lord our God is holy. Psalm 99:9
It is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." I Peter 1:16
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When people hear about something out of the ordinary, we often hear them say, "holy smoke," or "holy moley," or "holy mackerel" to indicate that they are surprised to hear it. We also have often heard the term, "holy terror" to describe an out of control child. When these expressions are used there is really nothing "holy" about what is being referred to as "holy."
Only God is truly holy. God is perfect in goodness and righteousness and without sin. He alone is worthy of our worship and devotion. As the psalmist says, we exalt the Lord our God and worship Him because He is our God and He is holy. In reality the word "holy" should only be used to refer to God Himself and His Holy Word and to those things that relate to God.
The word "HOLY" also means to be dedicated or set apart. When applying the word "HOLY" to places, persons or things it means being set apart for the service of God and thus sacred and removed from the realm of ordinary. In the Old Testament everything associated with worship was set apart in this manner, and thus was considered sacred or "holy." "HOLY" is God's realm and God was to be honored supremely so everything designated as "HOLY" was to be treated with the utmost of respect and care.
God’s purpose of His laws and regulations in the Old Testament was to set His people apart from the pagan nations of the world. He wanted them to separate from the corruption of the world and be holy, because He is holy. Leviticus 11:45.
Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, we no longer worship God with the Old Testament rituals. These Old Testament rituals were regarded as "HOLY" because of their association with God. These rituals of worship were led by the priests.
Today we, as believers who are in Christ, are called to His royal priesthood and serve as His priests to carry on His ministry. God has the same desire for us today as He did for the Israelites. He wants us to be holy and set apart from the world. In the verse above from I Peter the same commandments given in Leviticus is given to us: “Be Holy for I am holy.”
So how do we who are unholy become holy? The believer in Jesus Christ becomes holy by being obedient to all of God's commandments and following Christ's example. As believers it is necessary to separate ourselves from the evil ways of the world. We should "stand out in the crowd' because our life exemplifies Christ-like qualities. As believers we are set apart from this world and should be totally dedicated to serving our "HOLY" God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32.
And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
Help me to be aware daily that I serve a "HOLY" God. Keep me faithful so that I set myself apart from the things of this world so that I can serve You in all that I do. Help me to be obedient to Your commandments and to live my life according to Christ's example.
Call: October 15, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY OCTOBER 15, 2012.
CALL
DEFINITION:
To cry out in a loud voice; to summon or invite to come; to announce authoritatively; proclaim; to cause to come; to make a request or demand; a divine summons.
SCRIPTURE:
"Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6.
"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:14.
"The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it." I Thessalonians 5:24.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
As Christians we have a most wonderful and reliable source to call on every moment of every day. God has promised to be with us through every trial and tribulation we have. And He has also promised to be with us through all the good times. All we have to do is call on Him and He is there for us. He is near and He can be found.
When we consider the word "CALL" as referred to in the scriptures there are several considerations for us.
In 1 Samuel chapter three we read of the account of God’s call to Samuel. From the time he was a young child Samuel had ministered in the temple under Eli, the high priest. Samuel was woken up in a dream and heard a voice calling his name. He first thought it was Eli, who was very old and Samuel thought he was calling because he needed him. But Eli told him to go back to his bed.
God called Samuel three times and after the third time Eli realized that it was the Lord calling and he told Samuel that if you are called again, respond by saying: "Speak Lord, for your servant hears." And that day Samuel was called to serve God as a prophet, priest and judge of Israel. When God calls you, are you ready to answer as Samuel did, "speak Lord your servant hears?"
God blesses those who answer His call, as Samuel did, and makes them a blessing to others. The scripture tells us that those who reject God's call will be held accountable. In Isaiah Chapter 66:4 it reads: "Because when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke you did not hear." Then the Lord will bring judgment and "you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and wail for grief of spirit" (Isaiah 65:14). And in Psalms 81:11-12 we are told that when "My people would not heed my voice [call]; I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels." And finally in Jeremiah 7:13 and 15 we read that the Lord said: "but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, and so I will cast you out of My sight."
God is patient and gives us ample opportunity to respond to His call. When we continually reject His call, He lets us continue in our stubborn ways satisfying our evil desires but there are always consequences when we turn a deaf ear to God. We not only lose God's blessings on our life, but we bring God's judgment on our lives.
In contrast to those who do not respond to God's call we read about how the disciples responded [Mark 1 and 2] to the call of God. They did not ask questions. They immediately left what they were doing and followed Jesus. They were moved by the call of God and responded not knowing all that Jesus had for them. They responded as Samuel did --- YES LORD, HERE AM I.
And we are told in the book of Acts 16:9-10 how Paul responded to the vision calling him to Macedonia to preach the gospel. Paul answered the call of God without reservation. He got ready at once and left for Macedonia to preach the gospel.
When God calls we can be sure that "He is faithful and will do all that He has promised" (I Thessalonians 5:24). How we respond to God's call is a matter of our will. We can stubbornly cling to our will to do what we want to do or we can respond to God's call to follow His will for our life. Now it is your decision as to how you respond when God calls you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
I commit my life to You today, dear Lord, willing to answer Your call for my life. Give me an open heart to listen and a willing heart to respond. Unite my family as together we yield to Your call to follow You. Bless us, challenge us and lead us in the paths of Your righteousness today.
CALL
DEFINITION:
To cry out in a loud voice; to summon or invite to come; to announce authoritatively; proclaim; to cause to come; to make a request or demand; a divine summons.
SCRIPTURE:
"Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6.
"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:14.
"The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it." I Thessalonians 5:24.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
As Christians we have a most wonderful and reliable source to call on every moment of every day. God has promised to be with us through every trial and tribulation we have. And He has also promised to be with us through all the good times. All we have to do is call on Him and He is there for us. He is near and He can be found.
When we consider the word "CALL" as referred to in the scriptures there are several considerations for us.
In 1 Samuel chapter three we read of the account of God’s call to Samuel. From the time he was a young child Samuel had ministered in the temple under Eli, the high priest. Samuel was woken up in a dream and heard a voice calling his name. He first thought it was Eli, who was very old and Samuel thought he was calling because he needed him. But Eli told him to go back to his bed.
God called Samuel three times and after the third time Eli realized that it was the Lord calling and he told Samuel that if you are called again, respond by saying: "Speak Lord, for your servant hears." And that day Samuel was called to serve God as a prophet, priest and judge of Israel. When God calls you, are you ready to answer as Samuel did, "speak Lord your servant hears?"
God blesses those who answer His call, as Samuel did, and makes them a blessing to others. The scripture tells us that those who reject God's call will be held accountable. In Isaiah Chapter 66:4 it reads: "Because when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke you did not hear." Then the Lord will bring judgment and "you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and wail for grief of spirit" (Isaiah 65:14). And in Psalms 81:11-12 we are told that when "My people would not heed my voice [call]; I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels." And finally in Jeremiah 7:13 and 15 we read that the Lord said: "but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, and so I will cast you out of My sight."
God is patient and gives us ample opportunity to respond to His call. When we continually reject His call, He lets us continue in our stubborn ways satisfying our evil desires but there are always consequences when we turn a deaf ear to God. We not only lose God's blessings on our life, but we bring God's judgment on our lives.
In contrast to those who do not respond to God's call we read about how the disciples responded [Mark 1 and 2] to the call of God. They did not ask questions. They immediately left what they were doing and followed Jesus. They were moved by the call of God and responded not knowing all that Jesus had for them. They responded as Samuel did --- YES LORD, HERE AM I.
And we are told in the book of Acts 16:9-10 how Paul responded to the vision calling him to Macedonia to preach the gospel. Paul answered the call of God without reservation. He got ready at once and left for Macedonia to preach the gospel.
When God calls we can be sure that "He is faithful and will do all that He has promised" (I Thessalonians 5:24). How we respond to God's call is a matter of our will. We can stubbornly cling to our will to do what we want to do or we can respond to God's call to follow His will for our life. Now it is your decision as to how you respond when God calls you.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 8:32.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
PRAYER:
I commit my life to You today, dear Lord, willing to answer Your call for my life. Give me an open heart to listen and a willing heart to respond. Unite my family as together we yield to Your call to follow You. Bless us, challenge us and lead us in the paths of Your righteousness today.
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