GEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2012.
PROVERB:
When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. Proverbs 11:7.
PROMISE:
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Romans 1:18.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16.
PRAISE:
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving. Psalm 147: 5-7.
November 11, 2012
Distraction: November 9, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2012.
DISTRACTION
DEFINITION:
Act of distracting or being distracted; having the attention or the mind drawn away or diverted.
SCRIPTURE:
Each one is tempted when he is drawn away (distracted) by his own desires and enticed. James 1:14.
KNOWLEDGEAND EXPERIENCE:
Do you know that Satan’s greatest goal for your life is not destruction but distraction? Satan wants to daily distract you from doing what the Lord expects of you. When Satan cannot get you to succumb to out and out temptation he works in more subtle ways to draw you away from the Lord. Corrie Ten Boom said that, “When the devil cannot make us bad he makes us busy.” That is so true.
Consider how busy your life is now. Typically in our homes today both spouses work and many have children to care for along with all that goes into running a household. Then, of course, we have all the electronic diversions to keep us busy when we have a few extra minutes on our hands. We have TV’s, computers, DVD’s, texting, the internet and I-pod’s. Satan can get us so involved in using these devices that we have no time to read God’s Word or to communicate to Him through prayer or to go to church.
Satan will use whatever he can to distract us from having a relationship with the Lord. It is not that everything that consumes our time and keeps us busy is bad in and of itself. What is bad, is letting distractions, like the things we have listed, keep us so busy that we are not spending time with our Lord and Savior.
As you know we raised six children and we were a very active family. We didn’t have all the modern technology so the distractions were different when we were raising our children. As every parent knows raising children is time consuming and makes for a busy schedule. We had to set guidelines on the use of our time to keep from becoming so distracted by family activities and household chores that we neglected to do what was most important, spending time with the Lord. You will have to work at it also.
When Jesus was visiting Martha in her home He had to explain to her the importance of spending time with Him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He was saying. Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made with the arrival of Jesus in their home. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me.” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better.”
James tells us that God is not to blame for our distractions. In James 1:13 it reads; “Let no man say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
So when we are distracted and do not do what God would ordain for our life, who is to blame? The verse above under scripture makes it clear that we are distracted when we are drawn away from the Lord by our own desires. Just as a fisherman uses bait to lure the fish to his hook, the devil uses the bait of our sinful desires to distract us from doing what God wants us to do. As Jesus told Martha, we make the choice.
When we disobey God and make the wrong choice, do not try to shift the blame or justify your actions by saying that the devil made you do it. Instead take the full responsibility, confess your sin and pursue living a Christ exalting life. God will hear you, forgive you and honor you for honoring Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 2:8-9.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
Give me the strength that only You can give today that I might not be distracted to the evil things in this world. Give me wisdom and decisiveness to live a life that totally honors You.
DISTRACTION
DEFINITION:
Act of distracting or being distracted; having the attention or the mind drawn away or diverted.
SCRIPTURE:
Each one is tempted when he is drawn away (distracted) by his own desires and enticed. James 1:14.
KNOWLEDGEAND EXPERIENCE:
Do you know that Satan’s greatest goal for your life is not destruction but distraction? Satan wants to daily distract you from doing what the Lord expects of you. When Satan cannot get you to succumb to out and out temptation he works in more subtle ways to draw you away from the Lord. Corrie Ten Boom said that, “When the devil cannot make us bad he makes us busy.” That is so true.
Consider how busy your life is now. Typically in our homes today both spouses work and many have children to care for along with all that goes into running a household. Then, of course, we have all the electronic diversions to keep us busy when we have a few extra minutes on our hands. We have TV’s, computers, DVD’s, texting, the internet and I-pod’s. Satan can get us so involved in using these devices that we have no time to read God’s Word or to communicate to Him through prayer or to go to church.
Satan will use whatever he can to distract us from having a relationship with the Lord. It is not that everything that consumes our time and keeps us busy is bad in and of itself. What is bad, is letting distractions, like the things we have listed, keep us so busy that we are not spending time with our Lord and Savior.
As you know we raised six children and we were a very active family. We didn’t have all the modern technology so the distractions were different when we were raising our children. As every parent knows raising children is time consuming and makes for a busy schedule. We had to set guidelines on the use of our time to keep from becoming so distracted by family activities and household chores that we neglected to do what was most important, spending time with the Lord. You will have to work at it also.
When Jesus was visiting Martha in her home He had to explain to her the importance of spending time with Him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He was saying. Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made with the arrival of Jesus in their home. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me.” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better.”
James tells us that God is not to blame for our distractions. In James 1:13 it reads; “Let no man say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
So when we are distracted and do not do what God would ordain for our life, who is to blame? The verse above under scripture makes it clear that we are distracted when we are drawn away from the Lord by our own desires. Just as a fisherman uses bait to lure the fish to his hook, the devil uses the bait of our sinful desires to distract us from doing what God wants us to do. As Jesus told Martha, we make the choice.
When we disobey God and make the wrong choice, do not try to shift the blame or justify your actions by saying that the devil made you do it. Instead take the full responsibility, confess your sin and pursue living a Christ exalting life. God will hear you, forgive you and honor you for honoring Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 2:8-9.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
Give me the strength that only You can give today that I might not be distracted to the evil things in this world. Give me wisdom and decisiveness to live a life that totally honors You.
Light: November 8, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2012.
LIGHT
DEFINITION:
Something that makes things visible or affords illumination; exposure to truth.
SCRIPTURE:
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
There is no doubt that we are living in a dark and sinful world. Darkness is a sign of evil and the world today for the most part is evil. Satan, the evil one, is running free in our world. Many people live today in situations where God is not acknowledged, where a Christian’s faith is mocked and godless living is applauded.
In most religions light is a symbol of God and godliness. The Bible is no exception. In I John 1:5, it reads that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Not only is God light but He is the giver of light to the world. In James 1:17, James reminds us that God is the “Father of the heavenly lights.” God created the sun, the moon, and the stars to give physical light to the world. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to give spiritual light to the world. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” In John 1:9 John the Baptist says Jesus was coming into the world to be the true light for everyone. In Psalms 119:105 it reads that His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Without light there is only darkness.
As believers, Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14 that “We are the light of the world.” After we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are no longer in darkness and we are to walk as children of light. God expects us to represent Him in this world. A believer in Christ represents the opposite of evil and darkness and needs to shine as a light in a darkened world. When you as a believer live a life that honors God you are a light in this dark world.
We have been through two major earthquakes. The first one was in 1971 just before the birth of our sixth child. Earthquakes will knock the power out and at night it is really dark after an earthquake. There are many aftershocks following a major earthquake and some of these aftershocks would cause the lights to flicker or sometimes knock the power completely out. Being in total darkness was frightening to our young children. At the first hint of a tremor announcing a new aftershock they would come running and cling on to us for dear life. It was quite some time before they would go to bed unless the light was left on in their room. Fear of the dark is very natural and common among children and adults. Since we live in an earthquake prone area we now keep flashlights and candles readily available.
Darkness basically represents the evil side of life and light represents the good. This is not only true in the Bible but in the world we live in today. The plot of many books and movies today, (like Star Wars), are between good and bad --- between light and darkness.
Darkness and light are completely opposite. They are opposing forces. Darkness blots out the light and depicts evil and light has the power to light up the dark and depicts truth and love. Unfortunately, sinful man loves the darkness because their deeds are evil, and they hate the light of Jesus, because they are afraid it will expose their evil deeds. (John 3:20)
Each year, as our children were growing up we spent our vacation at the ocean. We always were awed by how clear and beautiful it was at night. Without the city lights hundreds of stars could be seen which were never visible in the city. This is a vivid contrast --- the light of the stars with the darkness of the sky is breath taking and always reminded us of the awesomeness of God. As the Psalmist said (Psalms 27:1) “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse this week is found in EPHESIANS 2:8-9.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
Father, I thank You that You are my light and my salvation. Help me to be a bright light for You, shining in a dark world. Guide me in the teaching of my children that they may understand the difference between the light and the darkness of this world. Help them to know that Jesus is our light and sin is darkness. Help me to teach them to walk as children of light.
LIGHT
DEFINITION:
Something that makes things visible or affords illumination; exposure to truth.
SCRIPTURE:
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
There is no doubt that we are living in a dark and sinful world. Darkness is a sign of evil and the world today for the most part is evil. Satan, the evil one, is running free in our world. Many people live today in situations where God is not acknowledged, where a Christian’s faith is mocked and godless living is applauded.
In most religions light is a symbol of God and godliness. The Bible is no exception. In I John 1:5, it reads that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Not only is God light but He is the giver of light to the world. In James 1:17, James reminds us that God is the “Father of the heavenly lights.” God created the sun, the moon, and the stars to give physical light to the world. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to give spiritual light to the world. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” In John 1:9 John the Baptist says Jesus was coming into the world to be the true light for everyone. In Psalms 119:105 it reads that His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Without light there is only darkness.
As believers, Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14 that “We are the light of the world.” After we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are no longer in darkness and we are to walk as children of light. God expects us to represent Him in this world. A believer in Christ represents the opposite of evil and darkness and needs to shine as a light in a darkened world. When you as a believer live a life that honors God you are a light in this dark world.
We have been through two major earthquakes. The first one was in 1971 just before the birth of our sixth child. Earthquakes will knock the power out and at night it is really dark after an earthquake. There are many aftershocks following a major earthquake and some of these aftershocks would cause the lights to flicker or sometimes knock the power completely out. Being in total darkness was frightening to our young children. At the first hint of a tremor announcing a new aftershock they would come running and cling on to us for dear life. It was quite some time before they would go to bed unless the light was left on in their room. Fear of the dark is very natural and common among children and adults. Since we live in an earthquake prone area we now keep flashlights and candles readily available.
Darkness basically represents the evil side of life and light represents the good. This is not only true in the Bible but in the world we live in today. The plot of many books and movies today, (like Star Wars), are between good and bad --- between light and darkness.
Darkness and light are completely opposite. They are opposing forces. Darkness blots out the light and depicts evil and light has the power to light up the dark and depicts truth and love. Unfortunately, sinful man loves the darkness because their deeds are evil, and they hate the light of Jesus, because they are afraid it will expose their evil deeds. (John 3:20)
Each year, as our children were growing up we spent our vacation at the ocean. We always were awed by how clear and beautiful it was at night. Without the city lights hundreds of stars could be seen which were never visible in the city. This is a vivid contrast --- the light of the stars with the darkness of the sky is breath taking and always reminded us of the awesomeness of God. As the Psalmist said (Psalms 27:1) “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse this week is found in EPHESIANS 2:8-9.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
Father, I thank You that You are my light and my salvation. Help me to be a bright light for You, shining in a dark world. Guide me in the teaching of my children that they may understand the difference between the light and the darkness of this world. Help them to know that Jesus is our light and sin is darkness. Help me to teach them to walk as children of light.
Discipline: November 7, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2012.
DISCIPLINE
DEFINITION:
Training to act in accordance with rules; the training affect of experience; punishment; instruction; correction.
SCRIPTURE:
He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. Proverbs 13:24.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In Hebrews chapter twelve there are some wonderful, expressive and powerful words concerning the discipline we need in our lives as believers. The message translation of this passage from the Bible talks about the discipline needed for a long-distance race and relating it to the discipline we need in our daily lives.
The previous chapter gives us the experiences of all the godly men and women in the Old Testament and how they ran their race in life. They achieved victories in their lives in spite of difficulties and oppression. They all had one thing in common --- FAITH! Faith is what we must have to live victorious lives. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and never lose sight of where we are headed. Living the Christian life involves hard work. It takes discipline on our part to keep our eyes on Jesus.
In verses three and four of Hebrews 12, we are reminded that we are in an all out fight against sin and we may have to suffer hardships. Some have suffered more than others but no one more than Jesus. He went through the suffering and agony of crucifixion to save us.
Then, in verse 5 the author of Hebrews reminds us not to feel sorry for ourselves when we get disciplined by God. He asks if we have forgotten how good parents treat their children and that God regards us as His children. He writes: “my dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but do not be crushed by it either. It is the child He loves that he disciplines; the child He embraces, He also corrects.”
These verses go on to remind us that when God disciplines us He is educating us and treating us as dear children whom He loves. He is not punishing us through His discipline but training us just like we as good parents train our children. We respect our parents when they train us so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live a life blessed by God. God is doing what is the very best for us, training us to live God’s holy best.
In verse eleven the purpose of discipline is given to us. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, bur painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
The author of Hebrews goes on to challenge us to not to sit on our hands and drag our feet, but to clear the path of all obstacles that hinder us in living a victorious life in Christ. God’s discipline strengthens us so we can help those who are weak and struggling in their faith and make sure no one gets left out of God’s generous offer of eternal life.
Discipline in our lives make us better people and better representatives of our Lord. Just as God uses discipline to correct and to make us better, parents must discipline their children to correct them and make them better children. God disciplines us because He loves us. Discipline is an act of love. Lack of discipline puts a child on the path to destruction. Discipline must be given justly, lovingly and promptly.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 2:8-9.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
First of all we thank You for the discipline that our parents gave to us. We also praise You that because You love us You discipline us to make us righteous and mold us for the purpose You have for us in our lifetime on this earth. Help me to live for You today and to learn daily from Your teachings and by Your discipline that I may be the servant You desire me to be.
DISCIPLINE
DEFINITION:
Training to act in accordance with rules; the training affect of experience; punishment; instruction; correction.
SCRIPTURE:
He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. Proverbs 13:24.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In Hebrews chapter twelve there are some wonderful, expressive and powerful words concerning the discipline we need in our lives as believers. The message translation of this passage from the Bible talks about the discipline needed for a long-distance race and relating it to the discipline we need in our daily lives.
The previous chapter gives us the experiences of all the godly men and women in the Old Testament and how they ran their race in life. They achieved victories in their lives in spite of difficulties and oppression. They all had one thing in common --- FAITH! Faith is what we must have to live victorious lives. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and never lose sight of where we are headed. Living the Christian life involves hard work. It takes discipline on our part to keep our eyes on Jesus.
In verses three and four of Hebrews 12, we are reminded that we are in an all out fight against sin and we may have to suffer hardships. Some have suffered more than others but no one more than Jesus. He went through the suffering and agony of crucifixion to save us.
Then, in verse 5 the author of Hebrews reminds us not to feel sorry for ourselves when we get disciplined by God. He asks if we have forgotten how good parents treat their children and that God regards us as His children. He writes: “my dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but do not be crushed by it either. It is the child He loves that he disciplines; the child He embraces, He also corrects.”
These verses go on to remind us that when God disciplines us He is educating us and treating us as dear children whom He loves. He is not punishing us through His discipline but training us just like we as good parents train our children. We respect our parents when they train us so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live a life blessed by God. God is doing what is the very best for us, training us to live God’s holy best.
In verse eleven the purpose of discipline is given to us. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, bur painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
The author of Hebrews goes on to challenge us to not to sit on our hands and drag our feet, but to clear the path of all obstacles that hinder us in living a victorious life in Christ. God’s discipline strengthens us so we can help those who are weak and struggling in their faith and make sure no one gets left out of God’s generous offer of eternal life.
Discipline in our lives make us better people and better representatives of our Lord. Just as God uses discipline to correct and to make us better, parents must discipline their children to correct them and make them better children. God disciplines us because He loves us. Discipline is an act of love. Lack of discipline puts a child on the path to destruction. Discipline must be given justly, lovingly and promptly.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 2:8-9.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
First of all we thank You for the discipline that our parents gave to us. We also praise You that because You love us You discipline us to make us righteous and mold us for the purpose You have for us in our lifetime on this earth. Help me to live for You today and to learn daily from Your teachings and by Your discipline that I may be the servant You desire me to be.
Leadership: November 6, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2012.
LEADERSHIP
DEFINITION:
To guide by direction or by example.
SCRIPTURE:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In Hebrews 12, the author likens living the Christian life to running a race. He is challenging us as believers to step out with confidence and run our Christian race with determination and endurance doing all we can to further the good news of the gospel. As believers we run the race by faith that is founded in believing God is who He says He is and will do what He says. He says we have a great crowd of witnesses to lead us and encourage us. He lists, one by one, the great heroes of faith from centuries past in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews.
He talks about the great faith of people like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David and Samuel. They lived by faith and were led by their faith in God. Their great faith gives us reason to follow their leadership.
People like these patriarchs of old, who followed God, serve to lead us today in our race of faith to keep us encouraged to persevere in the right direction. God expects us to follow their example of faith. We will have to struggle against sin and endure hardship just as they did. All these leaders were commended for their faith. If we are faithful in our Christian race of life, we too will be commended by God for our faith.
God also expects us to honor our leaders. Our constant study of God’s Word is a way that we honor the patriarchs of the scripture as we develop our knowledge of the Bible and grow in our faith. Have you noticed the respect that young men and women who are serving in the armed services have today when they are in the public? They have learned to respect those who have trained them and set a good example to lead them in defending our country. Those in leadership deserve our respect unless they are leading us to go against God’s leadership.
Leadership for running the race of life must begin in the home. It is only by faith that parents can be successful leaders in their home. Parents are to be the encouragers of faith in their children’s lives. This requires spending quality time daily with their children and setting a Godly example for them to follow. Parents have the God-given responsibility for spiritual leadership in their home.
We will tell you again, our family had dinner together every night. There was no television or radio on, no telephone calls or other distractions. It was a time to communicate and to bond. The two of us still do this every day although our children are gone and on their own.
Spiritual leadership is lacking today in every area of life. We lack leadership that honors God at the government level, in our schools, in our workplace and, most importantly, in our families and even our churches. Without leadership that honors God our society and families will fail, and they are failing today.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in EPHESIANS 2:8-9:
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
Help me to learn daily from the experiences the patriarchs left for me in Your Word. Enable me to be the spiritual leader I need to be for my family. Help our family to communicate our faith to others that we meet. Give us the courage to tell them that they need You in their hearts so that they can spend an eternity with You in heaven.
LEADERSHIP
DEFINITION:
To guide by direction or by example.
SCRIPTURE:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In Hebrews 12, the author likens living the Christian life to running a race. He is challenging us as believers to step out with confidence and run our Christian race with determination and endurance doing all we can to further the good news of the gospel. As believers we run the race by faith that is founded in believing God is who He says He is and will do what He says. He says we have a great crowd of witnesses to lead us and encourage us. He lists, one by one, the great heroes of faith from centuries past in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews.
He talks about the great faith of people like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David and Samuel. They lived by faith and were led by their faith in God. Their great faith gives us reason to follow their leadership.
People like these patriarchs of old, who followed God, serve to lead us today in our race of faith to keep us encouraged to persevere in the right direction. God expects us to follow their example of faith. We will have to struggle against sin and endure hardship just as they did. All these leaders were commended for their faith. If we are faithful in our Christian race of life, we too will be commended by God for our faith.
God also expects us to honor our leaders. Our constant study of God’s Word is a way that we honor the patriarchs of the scripture as we develop our knowledge of the Bible and grow in our faith. Have you noticed the respect that young men and women who are serving in the armed services have today when they are in the public? They have learned to respect those who have trained them and set a good example to lead them in defending our country. Those in leadership deserve our respect unless they are leading us to go against God’s leadership.
Leadership for running the race of life must begin in the home. It is only by faith that parents can be successful leaders in their home. Parents are to be the encouragers of faith in their children’s lives. This requires spending quality time daily with their children and setting a Godly example for them to follow. Parents have the God-given responsibility for spiritual leadership in their home.
We will tell you again, our family had dinner together every night. There was no television or radio on, no telephone calls or other distractions. It was a time to communicate and to bond. The two of us still do this every day although our children are gone and on their own.
Spiritual leadership is lacking today in every area of life. We lack leadership that honors God at the government level, in our schools, in our workplace and, most importantly, in our families and even our churches. Without leadership that honors God our society and families will fail, and they are failing today.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in EPHESIANS 2:8-9:
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
Help me to learn daily from the experiences the patriarchs left for me in Your Word. Enable me to be the spiritual leader I need to be for my family. Help our family to communicate our faith to others that we meet. Give us the courage to tell them that they need You in their hearts so that they can spend an eternity with You in heaven.
Door: November 5, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2012.
DOOR
DEFINITION:
A moveable barrier for opening and closing an entrance way; any means of access; gate.
SCRIPTURE:
Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the gate of the sheep." John 10:7
I am the gate; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved. John 10:9
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Possibly you have seen the picture of Jesus standing outside a door and knocking. This is the mental picture we get when we read Revelation 3:20 (above). A door is a way in or out and is a barrier between those on the inside and those on the outside. The door must be opened in order to obtain access from one side to the other.
The verse above refers to Jesus standing at the door of our heart waiting for us to invite Him in and dine with Him. This refers to our accepting Jesus as our Savior.
Jesus is knocking at the door of our heart asking to come in. If we do open the door and accept Him and show our love to Him, He will come in and will dine (commune) with us. Jesus is standing ready for all to accept Him and to repent of our sins. He has paid the penalty for our sins and all we have to do is open the door of our heart and let Him come in. Then He opens the door to heaven for us.
In John 10:7, Jesus is called the door of the sheep. Jesus is the good shepherd. A good shepherd kept his sheep in a pen to keep them safe at night. The shepherd then acted as the door to the pen, letting the sheep in so he could watch over them and protect them.
There was only one way for the sheep to access the safety of the sheep pen and that was to enter through the sheep gate. There is only one way for us to access the safety of the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells us in John 10:7 and again in John 10:9 that He is the gate.
Jesus is our door to God. It is only through Jesus that we can come to God. Once we have entered the door of salvation, Jesus becomes our shepherd and as our shepherd He is our protector.
One of the definitions of "door" (above) is: "any means of access." We urge you to open the door of your heart today to let Jesus into your heart, and yield your life to the leading of His Holy Spirit. Jesus wants access to your heart so He can give you eternal life and bring you into God’s eternal kingdom. He is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Do you hear Him?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 2:8-9.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
Thank You for standing and knocking at the door of my heart and giving me the opportunity to receive You into my heart. Thank You for being my shepherd and watching over me and protecting me. Help me to always follow You wherever You may lead me.
DOOR
DEFINITION:
A moveable barrier for opening and closing an entrance way; any means of access; gate.
SCRIPTURE:
Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the gate of the sheep." John 10:7
I am the gate; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved. John 10:9
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Possibly you have seen the picture of Jesus standing outside a door and knocking. This is the mental picture we get when we read Revelation 3:20 (above). A door is a way in or out and is a barrier between those on the inside and those on the outside. The door must be opened in order to obtain access from one side to the other.
The verse above refers to Jesus standing at the door of our heart waiting for us to invite Him in and dine with Him. This refers to our accepting Jesus as our Savior.
Jesus is knocking at the door of our heart asking to come in. If we do open the door and accept Him and show our love to Him, He will come in and will dine (commune) with us. Jesus is standing ready for all to accept Him and to repent of our sins. He has paid the penalty for our sins and all we have to do is open the door of our heart and let Him come in. Then He opens the door to heaven for us.
In John 10:7, Jesus is called the door of the sheep. Jesus is the good shepherd. A good shepherd kept his sheep in a pen to keep them safe at night. The shepherd then acted as the door to the pen, letting the sheep in so he could watch over them and protect them.
There was only one way for the sheep to access the safety of the sheep pen and that was to enter through the sheep gate. There is only one way for us to access the safety of the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells us in John 10:7 and again in John 10:9 that He is the gate.
Jesus is our door to God. It is only through Jesus that we can come to God. Once we have entered the door of salvation, Jesus becomes our shepherd and as our shepherd He is our protector.
One of the definitions of "door" (above) is: "any means of access." We urge you to open the door of your heart today to let Jesus into your heart, and yield your life to the leading of His Holy Spirit. Jesus wants access to your heart so He can give you eternal life and bring you into God’s eternal kingdom. He is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Do you hear Him?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 2:8-9.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
PRAYER:
Thank You for standing and knocking at the door of my heart and giving me the opportunity to receive You into my heart. Thank You for being my shepherd and watching over me and protecting me. Help me to always follow You wherever You may lead me.
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