GEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 8, 2012
PROVERB:
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Proverbs 12:18-19
PROMISE:
You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the Lord abhors. Psalm 5:6
PRAISE:
I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hands in innocence and go about Your altar, O Lord, proclaiming aloud Your praise and telling of all Your wonderful deeds. Psalm 26:4-7
December 9, 2012
Bless: December 7, 2012
DECEMBER 7. TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 2012.
BLESS
DEFINITION:
Consecrate by a religious rite; invoke God’s favor upon; make happy; to make fortunate or prosperous; praise.
SCRIPTURE:
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His only name! Psalm 103:1.
Bless those that curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. Luke 6:28
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we think of the word “bless,” we think of probably one of the most significant verses in the Old Testament. Let us explain. In Genesis Chapter 12, God made this promise to Abraham. “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” God fulfilled His promise to Abraham. Abraham fathered a great nation and God did make his name great. There are not many who do not know about Abraham.
And God goes on to promise: “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.” This nation Abraham fathered is Israel, and God is promising us as individuals that He will bless each one of us that bless Israel. In Acts 3:25 Peter preaches to the people, quoting Moses, “And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Have you thought about how all the world has been blessed through Abraham? First of all, God chose him and his descendants to represent God to the world. God’s Word, the Bible was given through Abraham to the children of Israel. And the greatest blessing the world has ever received is Jesus Christ who was given to us through the lineage of Abraham. The first chapter of Matthew lists the ancestors of Jesus. The list starts with Abraham.
In Psalm 115:13, the Psalmist says that God will bless those who fear the Lord. Our daily strength comes from God and we can expect His blessing upon our lives when we fear the Lord. God does not give us a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7), but expects us to be obedient to His Word. When God promised to bless Abraham, He put a requirement on receiving the blessing. Abraham had to leave his homeland and go where the Lord led him. He obeyed God and therefore was blessed by God.
The instruction in Luke 6:28 is to bless those who treat you badly and this is very tough to do. Jesus wants us to follow His example and love our enemies. It takes a conscious effort on our part to want to bless those who spitefully use us and to pray for them. A kind word softens anger and prayer does change things. If we can bring ourselves to pray for an enemy our attitude toward them will change. Prayer works because it brings God into the situation and God can change the hardest of hearts.
Our Lord is a God of love and He loves to bless us. In Mark 10: 13 to 16 is the account of Jesus taking the children into His arms, laying His hands on them and blessing them. The disciples had tried to keep the children away from Jesus and when Jesus saw it He invited the children to come to Him. When He blessed the children He demonstrated that His blessings are freely given and all are invited to come to Him and He will bless them freely. God “richly blesses all who call upon Him.” (Romans 10:12)
A group of doctors, dentists and nurses donated their time and paid their own expenses to go for two weeks into the jungles of the Amazon to operate a medical/dental clinic for one of my ministry clients. They were promised difficulty, hardship and discomfort and they were told it would not be a vacation experience.
Upon her return, one of the nurses said that she had never known that life was anything more than what one could get out of it. She went on to say: “Now I know that the real blessing in life lies in seeing how much I can put into someone else’s life. Never have I experienced such a blessing.”
Our friend, Dr. Vernon Grounds said: “Put yourself into the lives of others for Jesus sake. You will then experience a fulfillment and a blessing from God beyond compare.”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Help me to bless people today. Thank You for the abundant blessings You give to me and my family which are more than I could ask or even imagine. May my life be an instrument that You can use to give a special blessing to someone in need today.
BLESS
DEFINITION:
Consecrate by a religious rite; invoke God’s favor upon; make happy; to make fortunate or prosperous; praise.
SCRIPTURE:
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His only name! Psalm 103:1.
Bless those that curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. Luke 6:28
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we think of the word “bless,” we think of probably one of the most significant verses in the Old Testament. Let us explain. In Genesis Chapter 12, God made this promise to Abraham. “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” God fulfilled His promise to Abraham. Abraham fathered a great nation and God did make his name great. There are not many who do not know about Abraham.
And God goes on to promise: “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.” This nation Abraham fathered is Israel, and God is promising us as individuals that He will bless each one of us that bless Israel. In Acts 3:25 Peter preaches to the people, quoting Moses, “And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Have you thought about how all the world has been blessed through Abraham? First of all, God chose him and his descendants to represent God to the world. God’s Word, the Bible was given through Abraham to the children of Israel. And the greatest blessing the world has ever received is Jesus Christ who was given to us through the lineage of Abraham. The first chapter of Matthew lists the ancestors of Jesus. The list starts with Abraham.
In Psalm 115:13, the Psalmist says that God will bless those who fear the Lord. Our daily strength comes from God and we can expect His blessing upon our lives when we fear the Lord. God does not give us a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7), but expects us to be obedient to His Word. When God promised to bless Abraham, He put a requirement on receiving the blessing. Abraham had to leave his homeland and go where the Lord led him. He obeyed God and therefore was blessed by God.
The instruction in Luke 6:28 is to bless those who treat you badly and this is very tough to do. Jesus wants us to follow His example and love our enemies. It takes a conscious effort on our part to want to bless those who spitefully use us and to pray for them. A kind word softens anger and prayer does change things. If we can bring ourselves to pray for an enemy our attitude toward them will change. Prayer works because it brings God into the situation and God can change the hardest of hearts.
Our Lord is a God of love and He loves to bless us. In Mark 10: 13 to 16 is the account of Jesus taking the children into His arms, laying His hands on them and blessing them. The disciples had tried to keep the children away from Jesus and when Jesus saw it He invited the children to come to Him. When He blessed the children He demonstrated that His blessings are freely given and all are invited to come to Him and He will bless them freely. God “richly blesses all who call upon Him.” (Romans 10:12)
A group of doctors, dentists and nurses donated their time and paid their own expenses to go for two weeks into the jungles of the Amazon to operate a medical/dental clinic for one of my ministry clients. They were promised difficulty, hardship and discomfort and they were told it would not be a vacation experience.
Upon her return, one of the nurses said that she had never known that life was anything more than what one could get out of it. She went on to say: “Now I know that the real blessing in life lies in seeing how much I can put into someone else’s life. Never have I experienced such a blessing.”
Our friend, Dr. Vernon Grounds said: “Put yourself into the lives of others for Jesus sake. You will then experience a fulfillment and a blessing from God beyond compare.”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Help me to bless people today. Thank You for the abundant blessings You give to me and my family which are more than I could ask or even imagine. May my life be an instrument that You can use to give a special blessing to someone in need today.
Time: December 6, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 6, 2012.
TIME
DEFINITION:
A continuous duration as that in which events succeed one another; a limited period or interval as between two events; a particular period.
SCRIPTURE:
To everything there is a season, a time for every person under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but TIME and CHANCE happen to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Near the end of his life Solomon reflected back on his life and wrote down his analysis of his life in the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon is known as the wisest man who ever lived. He not only had wisdom but he had fame and fortune. However, he recognized that there was one thing that he had no more of than anyone and that is “TIME.” In Ecclesiastes he wrote, “Time and chance happen to them all.” (Second verse above)
God has given time to us on this earth so that we can come to know Him and then to be a witness of Him to a world that needs to know Jesus. Time to God is different than time to us. In Psalm 90:4, the Psalmist says that “For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.” (A “watch” was four hours long.) One day on God’s calendar is like a thousand years on ours.
With all the evil present in our world today it is no wonder that people wonder why God withholds His judgment. There is a reason. God wants everyone to have TIME to repent and be saved. God’s time table is not our time table.
After analyzing his life, Solomon came to his conclusion as to what is the most important priority of life for him, and not only for him, but for all of us as well. Solomon said, “Here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
One of the major reasons we made a decision early in our ministry to work with children was because we felt that reaching a child for Jesus at an early age gave that child a lifetime of opportunity to serve the Lord.
The question for us as Christians: “How do we spend our time when we know the Lord?” One of the great failings of Christians today is not making adequate time to give to God. In order for us to be in tune with God it demands time on our part. Specifically, it demands that we spend time daily reading God’s Word, the Bible. This is how God communicates to us and how we learn how God wants us to live.
Secondly, God desires us to communicate with Him through prayer. Most Christians do not take the time to pray each day. Oh yes, some will say that they pray before each meal and before they go to bed each night. God wants more than that from us. He wants us to give Him time with our prayers so we can make known to Him our requests and our needs. And more importantly, He wants us to thank Him and give Him our praise for all that He has done for us.
Time is a valuable asset to each of us every day. How we spend our time depends on our priorities and we all have different priorities. Choosing how we use our time becomes a moral and spiritual issue. We always find time to give to what is important to us.
One of the major reasons for the breakdown of family unity is because parents and children do not spend time together. Time needs to be spent together talking, praying, and reading God’s Word. Time also is needed for a family to play and relax together. We urge all parents to reevaluate today how you spend your time.
We are reminded of the life of George Mueller. He was used of God in a very special way, establishing orphanages for children. He spent at least six hours each morning in prayer asking God for His leading and direction for the day. Some might say that spending six hours in prayer was a waste of time. George Mueller saw it differently. He saw prayer as preparation of his heart for God to use and bless him and to give him strength and wisdom to go and knock on doors asking for assistance for his orphanage. George knew that he could not do it alone. Through prayer God not only prepared his heart but the hearts of those he would visit. As a result of George Mueller’s faithful prayers God blessed him and supplied what he needed to establish and maintain the orphanages.
We encourage you to make communication with God a priority. Make time to pray to God and read the Bible daily so God can respond to you through His Word. If you do this you will be surprised at how God will change you and work in your life.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Thank You for the time You have given me to live on this earth. Help me today to reevaluate how I spend my time. Give me the will and dedication to spend more time with You. Help me to take time daily to study Your Word and to communicate to You through prayer. Honor our family with Your blessing and help us to rededicate our time to better serve You.
TIME
DEFINITION:
A continuous duration as that in which events succeed one another; a limited period or interval as between two events; a particular period.
SCRIPTURE:
To everything there is a season, a time for every person under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but TIME and CHANCE happen to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Near the end of his life Solomon reflected back on his life and wrote down his analysis of his life in the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon is known as the wisest man who ever lived. He not only had wisdom but he had fame and fortune. However, he recognized that there was one thing that he had no more of than anyone and that is “TIME.” In Ecclesiastes he wrote, “Time and chance happen to them all.” (Second verse above)
God has given time to us on this earth so that we can come to know Him and then to be a witness of Him to a world that needs to know Jesus. Time to God is different than time to us. In Psalm 90:4, the Psalmist says that “For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.” (A “watch” was four hours long.) One day on God’s calendar is like a thousand years on ours.
With all the evil present in our world today it is no wonder that people wonder why God withholds His judgment. There is a reason. God wants everyone to have TIME to repent and be saved. God’s time table is not our time table.
After analyzing his life, Solomon came to his conclusion as to what is the most important priority of life for him, and not only for him, but for all of us as well. Solomon said, “Here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
One of the major reasons we made a decision early in our ministry to work with children was because we felt that reaching a child for Jesus at an early age gave that child a lifetime of opportunity to serve the Lord.
The question for us as Christians: “How do we spend our time when we know the Lord?” One of the great failings of Christians today is not making adequate time to give to God. In order for us to be in tune with God it demands time on our part. Specifically, it demands that we spend time daily reading God’s Word, the Bible. This is how God communicates to us and how we learn how God wants us to live.
Secondly, God desires us to communicate with Him through prayer. Most Christians do not take the time to pray each day. Oh yes, some will say that they pray before each meal and before they go to bed each night. God wants more than that from us. He wants us to give Him time with our prayers so we can make known to Him our requests and our needs. And more importantly, He wants us to thank Him and give Him our praise for all that He has done for us.
Time is a valuable asset to each of us every day. How we spend our time depends on our priorities and we all have different priorities. Choosing how we use our time becomes a moral and spiritual issue. We always find time to give to what is important to us.
One of the major reasons for the breakdown of family unity is because parents and children do not spend time together. Time needs to be spent together talking, praying, and reading God’s Word. Time also is needed for a family to play and relax together. We urge all parents to reevaluate today how you spend your time.
We are reminded of the life of George Mueller. He was used of God in a very special way, establishing orphanages for children. He spent at least six hours each morning in prayer asking God for His leading and direction for the day. Some might say that spending six hours in prayer was a waste of time. George Mueller saw it differently. He saw prayer as preparation of his heart for God to use and bless him and to give him strength and wisdom to go and knock on doors asking for assistance for his orphanage. George knew that he could not do it alone. Through prayer God not only prepared his heart but the hearts of those he would visit. As a result of George Mueller’s faithful prayers God blessed him and supplied what he needed to establish and maintain the orphanages.
We encourage you to make communication with God a priority. Make time to pray to God and read the Bible daily so God can respond to you through His Word. If you do this you will be surprised at how God will change you and work in your life.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Thank You for the time You have given me to live on this earth. Help me today to reevaluate how I spend my time. Give me the will and dedication to spend more time with You. Help me to take time daily to study Your Word and to communicate to You through prayer. Honor our family with Your blessing and help us to rededicate our time to better serve You.
Rebellion: December 5, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 5, 2012
REBELLION
DEFINITION:
Defiance; a spirit of resistance to authority; revolt.
SCRIPTURE:
An evil man seeks only rebellion. Proverbs 17:11.
These people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. Jeremiah 5:23.
For I know how rebellious and stiff necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the Lord while I am alive and with you, how much more will you rebel when I die? Deuteronomy 31:27-29.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We are rebellious by nature all the way back to Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve’s downfall was rebellion against God.
Every parent knows about the terrible “two’s.” Two year olds do not like the word “NO.” Just tell a two year old that he cannot do something or that he cannot have something and he will rebel -- guaranteed. None of us like to be told that we cannot have or cannot do something. We are all rebels by nature just like Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve found out quite quickly how God regards rebellion against Him. Today, we all must deal with God’s penalty for Adam and Eve’s rebellion.
The toughest job of Moses’ job in leading the children of Israel was dealing with their rebellion against God. Moses knew the rebellious nature of the Israelites. Just before handing the leadership of the children of Israel over to Joshua he said he knew how stubborn and rebellious they were and he knew they would rebel even more when he was not with them.
In Deuteronomy chapter 32, we read the song of Moses which was his last message to the Israelites. He reminded them of God’s blessings to them and warned them against rebelling against God and then commanded them to love and honor God and obey His commandments.
Rebellion is caused by pride. We think we know better than God and everyone else. It is especially arrogant to think we know better than God. Adam and Eve found that out the minute they sinned and rebelled against God’s authority.
There was a ship that left the Boston harbor in November 1898 in a blinding storm and never returned. Despite of all the danger signals which were up at the time the ship left and the warning of the government agent at the signal office for it not to depart and to remain in port, it still left the harbor. The owners had commanded the captain not to leave the harbor but the captain rebelled. He had all the answers. He knew better than all the owners and professionals. His rebellion was caused by his pride. He knew that he could be successful and no one has seen him since.
And we all know the story found in Luke 15:11-31 about the prodigal son. He was rebellious and took his share of his inheritance and left home. After he lost everything he had, he recognized the folly of his rebellious nature and headed home. His father saw him coming and went out to meet him and gave him all he needed and more, including a great welcome home feast.
This is what God wants to do for us if we have been rebellious in our words or deeds. He is waiting with open arms to accept us back and all we have to do is come to Him.
Many parents today are concerned because of the rebellion they are witnessing in their children. If this is a problem that you are facing you need to show them at all times that you love them, but that you will not tolerate their rebellion and then give them a fair and just punishment.
Be consistent in keeping the boundaries and standards you have set for them. No matter how rebellious they are, always love them but be firm. The children of Israel were rebellious against God but He never stopped loving them. But He did punish them and they had to suffer the consequences of their sins and rebellion against God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Help me this day to keep my heart tender and open to Your leading so my heart will never harden and lead me into a life of sin. Make my family aware that rebellion is sin. Forgive me of my rebellion and let my life be an example to my family of being obedient to God.
REBELLION
DEFINITION:
Defiance; a spirit of resistance to authority; revolt.
SCRIPTURE:
An evil man seeks only rebellion. Proverbs 17:11.
These people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. Jeremiah 5:23.
For I know how rebellious and stiff necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the Lord while I am alive and with you, how much more will you rebel when I die? Deuteronomy 31:27-29.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We are rebellious by nature all the way back to Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve’s downfall was rebellion against God.
Every parent knows about the terrible “two’s.” Two year olds do not like the word “NO.” Just tell a two year old that he cannot do something or that he cannot have something and he will rebel -- guaranteed. None of us like to be told that we cannot have or cannot do something. We are all rebels by nature just like Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve found out quite quickly how God regards rebellion against Him. Today, we all must deal with God’s penalty for Adam and Eve’s rebellion.
The toughest job of Moses’ job in leading the children of Israel was dealing with their rebellion against God. Moses knew the rebellious nature of the Israelites. Just before handing the leadership of the children of Israel over to Joshua he said he knew how stubborn and rebellious they were and he knew they would rebel even more when he was not with them.
In Deuteronomy chapter 32, we read the song of Moses which was his last message to the Israelites. He reminded them of God’s blessings to them and warned them against rebelling against God and then commanded them to love and honor God and obey His commandments.
Rebellion is caused by pride. We think we know better than God and everyone else. It is especially arrogant to think we know better than God. Adam and Eve found that out the minute they sinned and rebelled against God’s authority.
There was a ship that left the Boston harbor in November 1898 in a blinding storm and never returned. Despite of all the danger signals which were up at the time the ship left and the warning of the government agent at the signal office for it not to depart and to remain in port, it still left the harbor. The owners had commanded the captain not to leave the harbor but the captain rebelled. He had all the answers. He knew better than all the owners and professionals. His rebellion was caused by his pride. He knew that he could be successful and no one has seen him since.
And we all know the story found in Luke 15:11-31 about the prodigal son. He was rebellious and took his share of his inheritance and left home. After he lost everything he had, he recognized the folly of his rebellious nature and headed home. His father saw him coming and went out to meet him and gave him all he needed and more, including a great welcome home feast.
This is what God wants to do for us if we have been rebellious in our words or deeds. He is waiting with open arms to accept us back and all we have to do is come to Him.
Many parents today are concerned because of the rebellion they are witnessing in their children. If this is a problem that you are facing you need to show them at all times that you love them, but that you will not tolerate their rebellion and then give them a fair and just punishment.
Be consistent in keeping the boundaries and standards you have set for them. No matter how rebellious they are, always love them but be firm. The children of Israel were rebellious against God but He never stopped loving them. But He did punish them and they had to suffer the consequences of their sins and rebellion against God.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Help me this day to keep my heart tender and open to Your leading so my heart will never harden and lead me into a life of sin. Make my family aware that rebellion is sin. Forgive me of my rebellion and let my life be an example to my family of being obedient to God.
Compaion: December 4, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2012.
COMPANION
DEFINITION:
An associate; a person who frequently associates with or accompanies another; a comrade; a close friend.
SCRIPTURE:
I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. Psalm 119:63.
And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel. Philippians 4:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
For the most part we are living in a very lonely world. When we talk to people we find out that many do not have family or friends that they can count on in their time of loneliness or concern. In today’s world with all the conveniences of modern transportation we have been privileged to meet many people across our world. Truly the world has shrunk and this has allowed us so many more opportunities to gain friends, acquaintances and even companions. For this we are so grateful.
Most of you that read these daily devotionals have acquaintances, a few friends but very few companions. Acquaintances are those we meet but possibly do not know very well. Friends are those we know well and have a favorable relationship with. Companions are those we have a close relationship with and spend the most time with. Teenagers say today that these are the ones that we “hang” with. Companions have the same interests and values that you have and this gives you a common bond. A true companion will stand by you and can be counted on for support in times of need.
No matter how self sufficient someone feels, we all have a need for a companion. This is why God instituted marriage because He saw that man needed a companion. Marriages that put Christ first in their relationships are marriages that have spouses that share a common bond and a companionship based on God’s love. This provides a solid foundation for their family. When God is in the marriage the spouses will be true companions.
Our choice of companions has a great influence on our life. That is why the writer of Psalms 119:63 said, “I am a companion of all who fear you and of those who keep your precepts (God’s law).” The Psalmist desired to be obedient to God and faithful to keep God’s commandments. He saw the importance of choosing the right companions who shared his same desires to love and obey the Lord. The danger for believers who choose close companions who are not believers is that they will be drawn away from their fellowship with the Lord and be enticed to disobey God’s commandments. The scripture clearly tells us that we cannot serve two masters.
Children today look for companions. Parents have the responsibility to lead their children to choose the right companions. When our children went anywhere without one of us, we made sure that we knew where they were going and with whom they were going. We always encouraged them to go with a trustworthy friend, a companion that would always be there for them. This also gave us assurance as parents that our child would not be alone. The choices of companions can affect ones lifestyle and standards for a lifetime, so this is a vital challenge for parents with their children, especially in the world we live in today.
Jesus wants to be our companion every day in all of our activities. He does not want us to be alone. With the Lord as our companion He gives us the confidence and boldness to live a life honoring the Lord.
In Philippians 4:3 Paul uses the term “true companion.” In another translation it reads “loyal yokefellow.” These words describe the close relationship Paul had with the believers in the church at Philippi, and for that reason Paul could call on them. Paul was concerned for the women who had labored with him when he was with them. Now he is hearing that they were having problems so he wanted to alert his true companions in the church to share his concern for these women and help them on Paul’s behalf.
Through out the scriptures we have many illustrations where Jesus and His disciples required believers, as true companions, to help those in need. This included the widows, the orphans, the homeless, the sick and the needy.
Being a companion is more than just being a daily friend to another person. It is the giving of yourself to meet their needs. As believers we need to be companions to others to show them through our words and actions that Jesus is our companion and will be their COMPANION who is always available to them if they know Him personally.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Thank You for being my companion throughout this day. Give me the confidence to walk the walk and talk the talk honoring You every moment of the day. I ask for Your direction as I lead my children. May they put their total trust in You and rely on You as their true companion to guide them in their daily lives.
COMPANION
DEFINITION:
An associate; a person who frequently associates with or accompanies another; a comrade; a close friend.
SCRIPTURE:
I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. Psalm 119:63.
And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel. Philippians 4:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
For the most part we are living in a very lonely world. When we talk to people we find out that many do not have family or friends that they can count on in their time of loneliness or concern. In today’s world with all the conveniences of modern transportation we have been privileged to meet many people across our world. Truly the world has shrunk and this has allowed us so many more opportunities to gain friends, acquaintances and even companions. For this we are so grateful.
Most of you that read these daily devotionals have acquaintances, a few friends but very few companions. Acquaintances are those we meet but possibly do not know very well. Friends are those we know well and have a favorable relationship with. Companions are those we have a close relationship with and spend the most time with. Teenagers say today that these are the ones that we “hang” with. Companions have the same interests and values that you have and this gives you a common bond. A true companion will stand by you and can be counted on for support in times of need.
No matter how self sufficient someone feels, we all have a need for a companion. This is why God instituted marriage because He saw that man needed a companion. Marriages that put Christ first in their relationships are marriages that have spouses that share a common bond and a companionship based on God’s love. This provides a solid foundation for their family. When God is in the marriage the spouses will be true companions.
Our choice of companions has a great influence on our life. That is why the writer of Psalms 119:63 said, “I am a companion of all who fear you and of those who keep your precepts (God’s law).” The Psalmist desired to be obedient to God and faithful to keep God’s commandments. He saw the importance of choosing the right companions who shared his same desires to love and obey the Lord. The danger for believers who choose close companions who are not believers is that they will be drawn away from their fellowship with the Lord and be enticed to disobey God’s commandments. The scripture clearly tells us that we cannot serve two masters.
Children today look for companions. Parents have the responsibility to lead their children to choose the right companions. When our children went anywhere without one of us, we made sure that we knew where they were going and with whom they were going. We always encouraged them to go with a trustworthy friend, a companion that would always be there for them. This also gave us assurance as parents that our child would not be alone. The choices of companions can affect ones lifestyle and standards for a lifetime, so this is a vital challenge for parents with their children, especially in the world we live in today.
Jesus wants to be our companion every day in all of our activities. He does not want us to be alone. With the Lord as our companion He gives us the confidence and boldness to live a life honoring the Lord.
In Philippians 4:3 Paul uses the term “true companion.” In another translation it reads “loyal yokefellow.” These words describe the close relationship Paul had with the believers in the church at Philippi, and for that reason Paul could call on them. Paul was concerned for the women who had labored with him when he was with them. Now he is hearing that they were having problems so he wanted to alert his true companions in the church to share his concern for these women and help them on Paul’s behalf.
Through out the scriptures we have many illustrations where Jesus and His disciples required believers, as true companions, to help those in need. This included the widows, the orphans, the homeless, the sick and the needy.
Being a companion is more than just being a daily friend to another person. It is the giving of yourself to meet their needs. As believers we need to be companions to others to show them through our words and actions that Jesus is our companion and will be their COMPANION who is always available to them if they know Him personally.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Thank You for being my companion throughout this day. Give me the confidence to walk the walk and talk the talk honoring You every moment of the day. I ask for Your direction as I lead my children. May they put their total trust in You and rely on You as their true companion to guide them in their daily lives.
Blame: December 3, 2012
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2012
BLAME
DEFINITION:
To hold responsible; to find fault with; censure; to place the responsibility of.
SCRIPTURE:
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Ephesians 1:4.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we do something wrong we all are inclined to want to blame something or someone else. When our children were young and we caught them doing something wrong they often blamed one of their brothers or sisters. How often we heard, “it was his (or her) fault or he (or she) started it”. It is very easy to pass blame to someone to cover a wrong behavior or a lie in order to avoid the consequences.
The “blame game” started long ago after God created Adam and Eve. God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis chapter 2-3) and told them not to do only one thing. “Do not eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil” (verse 17). But they did and by doing so they sinned against God and the BLAME GAME began. In Genesis 3:7-13, we read that they first tried to avoid having to take responsibility for their actions and attempted to hide from God. When they were discovered Adam first blamed Eve as to why he ate of the tree (verse 12) and even blamed God because God had given him Eve. Then Eve blamed the serpent (verse 13).
The result is that sin came into the world because Adam and Eve were told one thing not to do and they did it. Rather than admitting what they had done they blamed someone else. To avoid taking responsibility for their own actions, people seem to constantly look for someone to blame.
In Mark 3:2 we read about Jesus and His disciples being in the temple with the Pharisees on the Sabbath. The Pharisees felt that the popularity of Jesus was a threat to them and they wanted to find something that they could blame Jesus for. They were watching Jesus carefully with the intent of criticizing Him for doing something on the Sabbath.
A man with a shriveled hand was in the temple and as the scripture reads: “They watched Jesus closely whether He would heal a man on the Sabbath, so that they may accuse (blame) him.” Jesus was grieved by the hardness of the Pharisees hearts and looked at them with anger and said to the man that needed healing to “Stretch out your hands.” The man obeyed and was healed. The Pharisees immediately left the temple to begin to plot how they might kill Him by blaming Him for healing the man on the Sabbath, thus breaking the Jewish law.
Every parent that has raised children has had to live with the “BLAME GAME.” Some of the time a parent has to be the judge as to who is really telling the truth. The scripture gives us a guideline as to how we should handle blame as it happens with our children. It begins with training. In Proverbs 22:6 it reads: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Children must be taught to accept responsibility for their actions and when they do wrong they should confess it and ask for forgiveness. Blaming someone else is not an option.
God always knows our every action and He always knows who is the blame. We might be able to fool others, but we cannot fool God as Adam and Eve found out very quickly. The opportunity to blame others will constantly pop up in our lives. Satan loves to tempt us in this way. The only way to resist the temptation is to seek the Lord’s help by reading His Word and praying and asking Him to give us the desire and the strength to do what is right. The right thing to do when we sin against God is always admit our sin and repent of it and ask for God’s forgiveness.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Help me today to do all that I can, with Your help, not to blame people for an issue that I have caused. Give me wisdom and the grace that only You can give to live a Christ honoring life in all that I do. Convict me of my sin when I do wrong and help me to do the right thing and seek your forgiveness.
BLAME
DEFINITION:
To hold responsible; to find fault with; censure; to place the responsibility of.
SCRIPTURE:
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Ephesians 1:4.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we do something wrong we all are inclined to want to blame something or someone else. When our children were young and we caught them doing something wrong they often blamed one of their brothers or sisters. How often we heard, “it was his (or her) fault or he (or she) started it”. It is very easy to pass blame to someone to cover a wrong behavior or a lie in order to avoid the consequences.
The “blame game” started long ago after God created Adam and Eve. God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis chapter 2-3) and told them not to do only one thing. “Do not eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil” (verse 17). But they did and by doing so they sinned against God and the BLAME GAME began. In Genesis 3:7-13, we read that they first tried to avoid having to take responsibility for their actions and attempted to hide from God. When they were discovered Adam first blamed Eve as to why he ate of the tree (verse 12) and even blamed God because God had given him Eve. Then Eve blamed the serpent (verse 13).
The result is that sin came into the world because Adam and Eve were told one thing not to do and they did it. Rather than admitting what they had done they blamed someone else. To avoid taking responsibility for their own actions, people seem to constantly look for someone to blame.
In Mark 3:2 we read about Jesus and His disciples being in the temple with the Pharisees on the Sabbath. The Pharisees felt that the popularity of Jesus was a threat to them and they wanted to find something that they could blame Jesus for. They were watching Jesus carefully with the intent of criticizing Him for doing something on the Sabbath.
A man with a shriveled hand was in the temple and as the scripture reads: “They watched Jesus closely whether He would heal a man on the Sabbath, so that they may accuse (blame) him.” Jesus was grieved by the hardness of the Pharisees hearts and looked at them with anger and said to the man that needed healing to “Stretch out your hands.” The man obeyed and was healed. The Pharisees immediately left the temple to begin to plot how they might kill Him by blaming Him for healing the man on the Sabbath, thus breaking the Jewish law.
Every parent that has raised children has had to live with the “BLAME GAME.” Some of the time a parent has to be the judge as to who is really telling the truth. The scripture gives us a guideline as to how we should handle blame as it happens with our children. It begins with training. In Proverbs 22:6 it reads: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Children must be taught to accept responsibility for their actions and when they do wrong they should confess it and ask for forgiveness. Blaming someone else is not an option.
God always knows our every action and He always knows who is the blame. We might be able to fool others, but we cannot fool God as Adam and Eve found out very quickly. The opportunity to blame others will constantly pop up in our lives. Satan loves to tempt us in this way. The only way to resist the temptation is to seek the Lord’s help by reading His Word and praying and asking Him to give us the desire and the strength to do what is right. The right thing to do when we sin against God is always admit our sin and repent of it and ask for God’s forgiveness.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Luke 2:52.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
PRAYER:
Help me today to do all that I can, with Your help, not to blame people for an issue that I have caused. Give me wisdom and the grace that only You can give to live a Christ honoring life in all that I do. Convict me of my sin when I do wrong and help me to do the right thing and seek your forgiveness.
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