GEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SATURDAY JANUARY 19. 2013.
PROVERBS:
Preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Proverbs 3:21-22.
PROMISE:
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5.
PRAISE:
To the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:6-8
January 20, 2013
Chasten: January 18, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JANUARY 18, 2013
CHASTEN
DEFINITION:
Punish; reprimand; make chaste; to inflict suffering or punishment upon; to humble or improve; discipline; to refine.
SCRIPTURE:
If you endure chastening, God deals with you just as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? Hebrews 12:7
Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction. Proverbs 19: 18
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The word chasten as used in the Bible means to use methods of discipline for the purpose of teaching or improving a person. God is our heavenly Father and He deals with us as His children. As our father He desires that we love Him and be obedient to Him. We are all sinners and we are not naturally inclined to be obedient. God must chasten us just as a parent must chasten a child. He must correct us when we sin in order to improve our character. When we break God's laws, God chastens us by allowing us to suffer the consequences of our sin.
As parents we chasten our children when they break rules or cross boundaries. We call chastening punishment or a reprimand. We can remember many times, having six children, when we had to reprimand or punish one of our children. When our children were young they often could not understand what they did wrong. So it was our responsibility as parents to teach them. Most often children know immediately that they have done wrong and are ready with an excuse.
As our children got older each one was different. We had children that would press right to the brink of breaking the rules. They would think that possibly if they went only slightly over the brink, we would let it slide by. We had others, especially the younger ones, that learned by watching and listening and therefore knew what the limits were.
One of the rules that were constantly disputed in our family was the curfew we set for the time when they must be home. Several of our children were masters at coming in just a minute or so late and if we said they were late they would ask to compare watches and clocks. Others were often late and, of course, they always had an excuse.
There were no cell phones in those days so there was no way for us to contact them. It was hard for them to understand that when they did not come home on time we worried about their safety. Of course, now that they are parents, they understand. God is our heavenly Father and He is concerned about us as His children. He wants what is best for us.
As parents we not only set the rules but we established that there would be consequences if the rules were broken. God does the same thing with us as children of God. In the verse above from Hebrews, we are reminded that God will deal with us as His sons just as a father chastens his son (or daughter). We need the discipline of God in our lives. When we break His rules we will be chastened by God. This is certain and not a maybe and cannot be negotiated.
The prophet Hosea (Hosea 10:10) tells about God chastening the Children of Israel. He says, "When it is My desire, I will chasten them. Peoples shall be gathered against them when I bind them for their two transgressions" (multiple transgressions). Hosea does not say maybe God will respond but he says that He will respond when it is His desire.
We all know that we learned to do what was right through the punishments and reprimands from our parents. God is not vindictive when He chastens us, but it will not be a pleasant experience. He chastens to correct us and to refine us. When God chooses to chasten us it should be a learning experience that molds us into being more Christ-like.
The writer of Hebrews gives parents two warnings concerning chastening their children. The first warning is not to wait until it is too late to chasten your child. Parents must correct and discipline their children at an early age while there is still hope that the parent's instruction can have an impact on their life.
The second warning is that parents who over-indulge their child and refuse to correct them can bring about their child's destruction. It has been discovered that children who are not disciplined by their parents, feel their parents do not really love them because they do not care what they do.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
Thank You that I can learn through the chastening You choose to give me. Help me to learn through these experiences to be more Christ-like in order that my life might be a testimony of Your love to a world that needs you.
CHASTEN
DEFINITION:
Punish; reprimand; make chaste; to inflict suffering or punishment upon; to humble or improve; discipline; to refine.
SCRIPTURE:
If you endure chastening, God deals with you just as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? Hebrews 12:7
Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction. Proverbs 19: 18
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The word chasten as used in the Bible means to use methods of discipline for the purpose of teaching or improving a person. God is our heavenly Father and He deals with us as His children. As our father He desires that we love Him and be obedient to Him. We are all sinners and we are not naturally inclined to be obedient. God must chasten us just as a parent must chasten a child. He must correct us when we sin in order to improve our character. When we break God's laws, God chastens us by allowing us to suffer the consequences of our sin.
As parents we chasten our children when they break rules or cross boundaries. We call chastening punishment or a reprimand. We can remember many times, having six children, when we had to reprimand or punish one of our children. When our children were young they often could not understand what they did wrong. So it was our responsibility as parents to teach them. Most often children know immediately that they have done wrong and are ready with an excuse.
As our children got older each one was different. We had children that would press right to the brink of breaking the rules. They would think that possibly if they went only slightly over the brink, we would let it slide by. We had others, especially the younger ones, that learned by watching and listening and therefore knew what the limits were.
One of the rules that were constantly disputed in our family was the curfew we set for the time when they must be home. Several of our children were masters at coming in just a minute or so late and if we said they were late they would ask to compare watches and clocks. Others were often late and, of course, they always had an excuse.
There were no cell phones in those days so there was no way for us to contact them. It was hard for them to understand that when they did not come home on time we worried about their safety. Of course, now that they are parents, they understand. God is our heavenly Father and He is concerned about us as His children. He wants what is best for us.
As parents we not only set the rules but we established that there would be consequences if the rules were broken. God does the same thing with us as children of God. In the verse above from Hebrews, we are reminded that God will deal with us as His sons just as a father chastens his son (or daughter). We need the discipline of God in our lives. When we break His rules we will be chastened by God. This is certain and not a maybe and cannot be negotiated.
The prophet Hosea (Hosea 10:10) tells about God chastening the Children of Israel. He says, "When it is My desire, I will chasten them. Peoples shall be gathered against them when I bind them for their two transgressions" (multiple transgressions). Hosea does not say maybe God will respond but he says that He will respond when it is His desire.
We all know that we learned to do what was right through the punishments and reprimands from our parents. God is not vindictive when He chastens us, but it will not be a pleasant experience. He chastens to correct us and to refine us. When God chooses to chasten us it should be a learning experience that molds us into being more Christ-like.
The writer of Hebrews gives parents two warnings concerning chastening their children. The first warning is not to wait until it is too late to chasten your child. Parents must correct and discipline their children at an early age while there is still hope that the parent's instruction can have an impact on their life.
The second warning is that parents who over-indulge their child and refuse to correct them can bring about their child's destruction. It has been discovered that children who are not disciplined by their parents, feel their parents do not really love them because they do not care what they do.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
Thank You that I can learn through the chastening You choose to give me. Help me to learn through these experiences to be more Christ-like in order that my life might be a testimony of Your love to a world that needs you.
Brag: January 17, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY JANUARY 17, 2013
BRAG
DEFINITION:
To declare boastfully; to speak with excessive pride.
SCRIPTURE:
"His brothers said to him (Joseph), 'Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?' And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he said." Genesis 37:8
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Joseph was the favorite son of his father, Jacob, and he knew it. Joseph had a dream in which he and brothers were binding sheaves and his brothers' sheaves bowed down to his sheaf. Apparently, Joseph couldn't keep from doing a little bragging and couldn't resist telling his brothers his dream. It didn't sit well with his brothers. They were outraged and asked him who he thought he was that he should reign over them.
Then Joseph had a second dream in which the sun, the moon and the stars all bowed to him. When Joseph shared this one, his father rebuked him for having the audacity to think that not only his brothers but that his mother and father would bow down to him. After sharing his dreams, his brothers were even more jealous and hated him even more.
No one likes a braggart. Joseph was young and perhaps no different than most young children who do like to brag. We have heard our children brag about something they thought they were better at than others. The usual response of their siblings was, "Yeah, right. In your dreams!" This is just what Joseph's brothers felt.
We have all known people who like to brag about themselves, and how successful they are, how much money they have, how prestigious they are, how intelligent they are, and on and on. All our abilities, all our knowledge and all that we have comes from God. We should be thankful to God for the abilities and things we have. We should not brag about them. When we brag we give ourselves the glory. God is the one who should receive the praise and the glory for what we have.
When we are tempted to brag we should remember the words of Paul in Romans 11:36. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever."
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
I acknowledge that all that I have and all that I am comes from You. I give You the glory and I thank You for all You have given me. Help me to teach my children to understand that everything they have comes from God and they should never brag about what they have or how much better they think they are than others.
BRAG
DEFINITION:
To declare boastfully; to speak with excessive pride.
SCRIPTURE:
"His brothers said to him (Joseph), 'Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?' And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he said." Genesis 37:8
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Joseph was the favorite son of his father, Jacob, and he knew it. Joseph had a dream in which he and brothers were binding sheaves and his brothers' sheaves bowed down to his sheaf. Apparently, Joseph couldn't keep from doing a little bragging and couldn't resist telling his brothers his dream. It didn't sit well with his brothers. They were outraged and asked him who he thought he was that he should reign over them.
Then Joseph had a second dream in which the sun, the moon and the stars all bowed to him. When Joseph shared this one, his father rebuked him for having the audacity to think that not only his brothers but that his mother and father would bow down to him. After sharing his dreams, his brothers were even more jealous and hated him even more.
No one likes a braggart. Joseph was young and perhaps no different than most young children who do like to brag. We have heard our children brag about something they thought they were better at than others. The usual response of their siblings was, "Yeah, right. In your dreams!" This is just what Joseph's brothers felt.
We have all known people who like to brag about themselves, and how successful they are, how much money they have, how prestigious they are, how intelligent they are, and on and on. All our abilities, all our knowledge and all that we have comes from God. We should be thankful to God for the abilities and things we have. We should not brag about them. When we brag we give ourselves the glory. God is the one who should receive the praise and the glory for what we have.
When we are tempted to brag we should remember the words of Paul in Romans 11:36. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever."
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
I acknowledge that all that I have and all that I am comes from You. I give You the glory and I thank You for all You have given me. Help me to teach my children to understand that everything they have comes from God and they should never brag about what they have or how much better they think they are than others.
Beware: January 16, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16, 2013
BEWARE
DEFINITION:
Be wary, cautious or vigilant.
SCRIPTURE:
"Beware of the scribes, who love to go around in long robes and love greetings in the marketplace." Mark 12:38
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we hear the word beware there is usually an association with something being dangerous. In our scripture for today, Jesus said to beware of the scribes. Our immediate reaction must be: why would these scribes be dangerous?
Several times in the scriptures we read about times when Jesus and the scribes met. The scribes were experts in the Jewish laws and traditions of the temple. They rejected Jesus as the Messiah and were always looking for opportunities to trap Him with their questions. They were lawyers and knew well how to mislead and argue. Here in Mark chapter 12: 35 -44 after being questioned by the scribes, Jesus spoke a word of warning to the crowd.
Jesus saw right through the outer appearances of the scribes into their sinful hearts. Jesus was telling the people to be aware of the scribes because they were an evil influence and hypocrites who made a show of being very religious. They used their position to exploit the poor and take advantage of people. In reality, they had no love for God or for others. A long robe signified the wearer was a devout and noted scholar. The scribes dressed in their long robes and walked through the market place to gain recognition and esteem.
Jesus condemned the scribes for always sitting in the best seats in the Synagogue and high places of honor at the feasts just so they may be seen. He was pointing out to the crowd that true religion in God's sight is to be humble and servants of their Lord.
Jesus went on to tell the crowd that the scribes also committed sin when they devoured widows' estates for their own personal gain and made a pretense of long prayers in order to impress the people and show their piety. His warning to the people was to beware of the scribes because of their impure motives. They were not what they appeared to be. Their condemnation was coming and they would be severely punished.
Jesus was giving us warning that we are not to glory in our titles or our success to bring honor to ourselves. We are not to show pride and a self-righteous attitude because we go to church. All of us who believe in Jesus are just sinners saved by grace.
Jesus sat then in the Synagogue, near the treasury, and watched the people bring in their tithes and offerings. He saw the rich making a show of their wealth by giving large amounts and the widow putting in two small coins, giving her all. Jesus said that the widow’s was the greater gift because it was all she had. True religion is being faithful to God and giving Him our all.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
Help me to beware of those people around me that are self-righteous and make a show of being religious but are not true followers of Jesus. May my family put Christ first in all that we do and may we serve You in a way that honors You. Keep us humble and willing to help those that are in need of a special touch from You.
BEWARE
DEFINITION:
Be wary, cautious or vigilant.
SCRIPTURE:
"Beware of the scribes, who love to go around in long robes and love greetings in the marketplace." Mark 12:38
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When we hear the word beware there is usually an association with something being dangerous. In our scripture for today, Jesus said to beware of the scribes. Our immediate reaction must be: why would these scribes be dangerous?
Several times in the scriptures we read about times when Jesus and the scribes met. The scribes were experts in the Jewish laws and traditions of the temple. They rejected Jesus as the Messiah and were always looking for opportunities to trap Him with their questions. They were lawyers and knew well how to mislead and argue. Here in Mark chapter 12: 35 -44 after being questioned by the scribes, Jesus spoke a word of warning to the crowd.
Jesus saw right through the outer appearances of the scribes into their sinful hearts. Jesus was telling the people to be aware of the scribes because they were an evil influence and hypocrites who made a show of being very religious. They used their position to exploit the poor and take advantage of people. In reality, they had no love for God or for others. A long robe signified the wearer was a devout and noted scholar. The scribes dressed in their long robes and walked through the market place to gain recognition and esteem.
Jesus condemned the scribes for always sitting in the best seats in the Synagogue and high places of honor at the feasts just so they may be seen. He was pointing out to the crowd that true religion in God's sight is to be humble and servants of their Lord.
Jesus went on to tell the crowd that the scribes also committed sin when they devoured widows' estates for their own personal gain and made a pretense of long prayers in order to impress the people and show their piety. His warning to the people was to beware of the scribes because of their impure motives. They were not what they appeared to be. Their condemnation was coming and they would be severely punished.
Jesus was giving us warning that we are not to glory in our titles or our success to bring honor to ourselves. We are not to show pride and a self-righteous attitude because we go to church. All of us who believe in Jesus are just sinners saved by grace.
Jesus sat then in the Synagogue, near the treasury, and watched the people bring in their tithes and offerings. He saw the rich making a show of their wealth by giving large amounts and the widow putting in two small coins, giving her all. Jesus said that the widow’s was the greater gift because it was all she had. True religion is being faithful to God and giving Him our all.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
Help me to beware of those people around me that are self-righteous and make a show of being religious but are not true followers of Jesus. May my family put Christ first in all that we do and may we serve You in a way that honors You. Keep us humble and willing to help those that are in need of a special touch from You.
Crown: January 15, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY JANUARY 15, 2013
CROWN
DEFINITION:
Any of various types of headgear worn by a king or monarch as a symbol of sovereignty or royalty; an award for a great achievement.
SCRIPTURE:
There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. II Timothy 4:8
He will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. I Peter 5:4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
James tells us, all who love the Lord, will receive the crown of life, and Timothy says, that we have a crown of righteousness waiting for us, and Peter declares we will receive a crown of glory. In ancient Greece crown-like wreaths were awarded to the victors in athletic events.
The crown of life, which James refers to, is eternal life that will be the ultimate award for all believers. The crown of life is a crown of victory. On the cross of Calvary Jesus defeated Satan and won the victory over death. When God decides our time on earth is over, we who have accepted Jesus will defeat death. Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57
The crown of righteousness represents the eternal righteousness we receive through Jesus Christ as a result of our Salvation. The crown of glory is the reward Christ will award at His second coming, when all must appear before Him at the judgment seat where He will evaluate the faithful service of believers. What a glorious day that will be!
How many times have you either wondered or silently said to yourself "I fear I shall never enter heaven?" Are you one that doubts? Fear not because every person in our world who put his or her trust in the Lord shall enter heaven and has no reason to fear.
Recently, we read of the remarks made by a man who was dying. He said that he had no fear about going to heaven and in addition he said he had sent before him all the things of importance. God, he said, had forgiven his sins and he had accepted Jesus as his Savior so he was on his way to heaven. He also said that God had His finger on the latch of his hearts door and he was ready for Him to enter and take him home.
Then someone said to this elderly man, "Aren't you concerned about losing your inheritance?" “NO, NO, NO, NO,” he responded. He went on to respond further by saying that he sent his inheritance ahead of him and there is one crown in heaven that “God has made for me and it will only fit my head and even the apostle Paul cannot wear it because it fits only me.”
This little story, which is a true story, serves as a reminder to us that as children of God, we cannot lose our inheritance and crown that God has for us in heaven. In Revelation 3:11 we read to “Hold fast what you have, so that no one may take your crown.” No one can take our crown away if we are faithful and hold fast to our faith in Jesus Christ. If you have repented of your sins, believe in the Lord Jesus, and have asked Him into your heart, there is not only a place reserved for you in heaven, but you will be crowned with crowns that are more majestic and more beautiful and certainly more valuable than any earthly crown.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for the valuable inheritance which will be mine in heaven. Help me today to make a priority of doing what God expects of me to receive my crown when I arrive in heaven. Help me and my family to put our priorities in the things and issues that count for eternity.
CROWN
DEFINITION:
Any of various types of headgear worn by a king or monarch as a symbol of sovereignty or royalty; an award for a great achievement.
SCRIPTURE:
There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. II Timothy 4:8
He will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. I Peter 5:4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
James tells us, all who love the Lord, will receive the crown of life, and Timothy says, that we have a crown of righteousness waiting for us, and Peter declares we will receive a crown of glory. In ancient Greece crown-like wreaths were awarded to the victors in athletic events.
The crown of life, which James refers to, is eternal life that will be the ultimate award for all believers. The crown of life is a crown of victory. On the cross of Calvary Jesus defeated Satan and won the victory over death. When God decides our time on earth is over, we who have accepted Jesus will defeat death. Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57
The crown of righteousness represents the eternal righteousness we receive through Jesus Christ as a result of our Salvation. The crown of glory is the reward Christ will award at His second coming, when all must appear before Him at the judgment seat where He will evaluate the faithful service of believers. What a glorious day that will be!
How many times have you either wondered or silently said to yourself "I fear I shall never enter heaven?" Are you one that doubts? Fear not because every person in our world who put his or her trust in the Lord shall enter heaven and has no reason to fear.
Recently, we read of the remarks made by a man who was dying. He said that he had no fear about going to heaven and in addition he said he had sent before him all the things of importance. God, he said, had forgiven his sins and he had accepted Jesus as his Savior so he was on his way to heaven. He also said that God had His finger on the latch of his hearts door and he was ready for Him to enter and take him home.
Then someone said to this elderly man, "Aren't you concerned about losing your inheritance?" “NO, NO, NO, NO,” he responded. He went on to respond further by saying that he sent his inheritance ahead of him and there is one crown in heaven that “God has made for me and it will only fit my head and even the apostle Paul cannot wear it because it fits only me.”
This little story, which is a true story, serves as a reminder to us that as children of God, we cannot lose our inheritance and crown that God has for us in heaven. In Revelation 3:11 we read to “Hold fast what you have, so that no one may take your crown.” No one can take our crown away if we are faithful and hold fast to our faith in Jesus Christ. If you have repented of your sins, believe in the Lord Jesus, and have asked Him into your heart, there is not only a place reserved for you in heaven, but you will be crowned with crowns that are more majestic and more beautiful and certainly more valuable than any earthly crown.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for the valuable inheritance which will be mine in heaven. Help me today to make a priority of doing what God expects of me to receive my crown when I arrive in heaven. Help me and my family to put our priorities in the things and issues that count for eternity.
Accepted: January 14, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JANUARY 14, 2013.
ACCEPTED
DEFINITION:
Generally approved; widely regarded as normal.
SCRIPTURE:
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6.
Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
While we were raising our children we saw firsthand the pressures that were on our children to be accepted by their peers. It seems that “THE WORLD” thrives on being accepted. And when you stop and think, the way a non-believer thinks, ask yourself the question, “What do they rely on to obtain acceptance?” Usually it means following the crowd, doing what they do and saying what they want to hear.
Everywhere that the Apostle Paul went among believers he was accepted, but that was not true from the world of non-believers that he ministered to daily. He was persecuted verbally and physically for his preaching Christ and Him crucified. In his “world” centuries ago Paul was not accepted among non-believers, because not only did he not do what they did, he spoke against the sinful things that they did and he did not say what they wanted to hear.
Today we see crowds of protestors on the street to take a stand against what is not acceptable to them. The world of non-believers is quick to react against something or some person they do not accept, especially if it goes against what they seem to believe or against what they live by in their “ME” philosophy. We all have our own ideas and we find it hard to accept what does not conform to our way of thinking.
We also see the problem of acceptance, at times, in the church. If someone different attends a service --- maybe his dress, his actions or his beliefs are different --- he or she is often looked upon negatively and not accepted. The same happens for children in school. If a child is different than his or her peers by the way she or he dresses or acts or thinks, he or she is not accepted by “the group.” Think what this does to the self-esteem of the one not accepted.
The scripture is clear. We are all sinners and as sinners we are unacceptable to God, but Ephesians 1:6 tells us that God has provided a way for us to be acceptable. By His grace God gave us His Son Jesus to provide that way. “He made us accepted in His beloved.”
We may look different, think differently or talk differently, but God loves us all and all that accept His Son are made acceptable to God. Jesus died for all of us. Romans 5:8 tells us that “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners.”
If God could love us when we were still unacceptable, and what is even more incredible, love us so much that He was willing to give His only Son to die to pay the penalty for our sins, how much more should we be willing to accept others.
All of us are surrounded with people who commit acts of wrong doing and whose behavior is unacceptable. We can show kindness to them without accepting their unacceptable behavior.
Children can be very cruel to other children who are different in some way. They can be unmerciful in mocking and teasing those who do not fit in. As parents we must teach our children to accept others no matter who they are or what they represent. To do this we must look at ourselves first and evaluate how we accept others. Our children will learn from our actions more than our words.
Dottie was with one of our grandchildren and knocked something over. In reaction she said: “That was stupid of me.” Our 4 year old grandchild replied by saying, “Grandma, we do not say stupid.” The thought hit Dottie immediately how important our words are. It also brought home the fact that our words have an impact on children. They hear us. What if I had called someone else stupid? Our grandchild was being taught not to call other people stupid just as we had taught our children. Our grandchild’s reprimand demonstrates that children hold us as parents and adults accountable to live up to what we teach them.
What a thrill it is to our hearts when we see our grandchildren making Godly principles part of their lives. It also makes us so thankful that our children are raising their children to do what is acceptable in God’s sight.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
Help me to accept each person that I meet today as one that You love and care for. Help me, both by example and with my words, to teach my children to accept others and to never be cruel to others who are different.
ACCEPTED
DEFINITION:
Generally approved; widely regarded as normal.
SCRIPTURE:
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6.
Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
While we were raising our children we saw firsthand the pressures that were on our children to be accepted by their peers. It seems that “THE WORLD” thrives on being accepted. And when you stop and think, the way a non-believer thinks, ask yourself the question, “What do they rely on to obtain acceptance?” Usually it means following the crowd, doing what they do and saying what they want to hear.
Everywhere that the Apostle Paul went among believers he was accepted, but that was not true from the world of non-believers that he ministered to daily. He was persecuted verbally and physically for his preaching Christ and Him crucified. In his “world” centuries ago Paul was not accepted among non-believers, because not only did he not do what they did, he spoke against the sinful things that they did and he did not say what they wanted to hear.
Today we see crowds of protestors on the street to take a stand against what is not acceptable to them. The world of non-believers is quick to react against something or some person they do not accept, especially if it goes against what they seem to believe or against what they live by in their “ME” philosophy. We all have our own ideas and we find it hard to accept what does not conform to our way of thinking.
We also see the problem of acceptance, at times, in the church. If someone different attends a service --- maybe his dress, his actions or his beliefs are different --- he or she is often looked upon negatively and not accepted. The same happens for children in school. If a child is different than his or her peers by the way she or he dresses or acts or thinks, he or she is not accepted by “the group.” Think what this does to the self-esteem of the one not accepted.
The scripture is clear. We are all sinners and as sinners we are unacceptable to God, but Ephesians 1:6 tells us that God has provided a way for us to be acceptable. By His grace God gave us His Son Jesus to provide that way. “He made us accepted in His beloved.”
We may look different, think differently or talk differently, but God loves us all and all that accept His Son are made acceptable to God. Jesus died for all of us. Romans 5:8 tells us that “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners.”
If God could love us when we were still unacceptable, and what is even more incredible, love us so much that He was willing to give His only Son to die to pay the penalty for our sins, how much more should we be willing to accept others.
All of us are surrounded with people who commit acts of wrong doing and whose behavior is unacceptable. We can show kindness to them without accepting their unacceptable behavior.
Children can be very cruel to other children who are different in some way. They can be unmerciful in mocking and teasing those who do not fit in. As parents we must teach our children to accept others no matter who they are or what they represent. To do this we must look at ourselves first and evaluate how we accept others. Our children will learn from our actions more than our words.
Dottie was with one of our grandchildren and knocked something over. In reaction she said: “That was stupid of me.” Our 4 year old grandchild replied by saying, “Grandma, we do not say stupid.” The thought hit Dottie immediately how important our words are. It also brought home the fact that our words have an impact on children. They hear us. What if I had called someone else stupid? Our grandchild was being taught not to call other people stupid just as we had taught our children. Our grandchild’s reprimand demonstrates that children hold us as parents and adults accountable to live up to what we teach them.
What a thrill it is to our hearts when we see our grandchildren making Godly principles part of their lives. It also makes us so thankful that our children are raising their children to do what is acceptable in God’s sight.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER:
Help me to accept each person that I meet today as one that You love and care for. Help me, both by example and with my words, to teach my children to accept others and to never be cruel to others who are different.
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