GEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SATURDAY JANUARY 26, 2013
PROVERB:
The Lord is far from the wicked but He hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29
PROMISE:
The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18
PRAISE:
Let all who take refuge in You rejoice, let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exalt in You. For You bless the righteous, O Lord, You cover him with favor or with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12.
January 27, 2013
Weakness: January 25, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JANUARY 25, 2013.
WEAKNESS
DEFINITION:
Lack of strength, firmness, vigor or feebleness; an inadequate or shortcoming; not able to withstand temptation; a defective quality.
SCRIPTURE:
And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness." II Corinthians 12:9.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When Peter first met Jesus he was known as Simon, son of John. Jesus first words to Simon were, “You will be called Cephas”( which means Peter) John 1:42. Cephas (Peter) means rock. Throughout the life of Simon Peter he proved to be a fragile stone at times and at other times a solid rock. He displayed, at times, moments of unbelievable courage, but in a moment of time showed spiritual failure. Peter’s weakness often caused him to stumble, but he steadfastly continued to follow Jesus.
After Peter declared Jesus as Christ, the Son of God, Jesus said to him as recorded in Matthew 16:18, "I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
Jesus saw the strength of Peter's faith but He also knew Peter's weaknesses. Peter often reacted on impulse without thinking. When Jesus told the disciples He must suffer and die, Peter took Jesus aside to argue with Him saying, "Never Lord! This shall never happen to You." (Matthew 16:22)
Peter had strong faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, but seemed to think that he knew better than Jesus as to what should happen. Peter was weak in his understanding and in his trust that all things are in God’s control. While Jesus was on trial Peter showed himself to be weak when he denied he knew Jesus, not once, but three times, just as Jesus had warned him that that was what he would do.
Peter proved to be a fragile stone when he tried to dissuade Jesus from going to the cross and when he denied Jesus three times after His arrest. Even though Peter had his weaknesses he was made perfect in God's strength and he went on to do great things for the Lord. Peter proved to be a strong rock as the foundational leader of the church after Jesus’ return to heaven.
Peter’s life reminds us that no amount of personal strength or ability can make us adequate for this life and its challenges. We are all, FRAGILE STONES, and need to put our total dependence on our Lord for our strength. Yes, Christ's strength can empower us in our own weaknesses to be able to deal with the challenges we face in this world.
God uses our weaknesses to reveal to us His sufficiency. It is when we acknowledge our weaknesses that we see our need to rely on God's strength and not our own. This is what the Lord said to Paul in the verse we wrote above, that His grace is sufficient and his strength is made perfect in weakness. Our weaknesses keep us humble and allow God to demonstrate His power.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Help our family today to realize that in the natural we are fragile stones and we need to rely on Your strength and enabling power. Help us to grow spiritually each day by reading Your Word and communicating to You through prayer. Give us a blessed day today.
WEAKNESS
DEFINITION:
Lack of strength, firmness, vigor or feebleness; an inadequate or shortcoming; not able to withstand temptation; a defective quality.
SCRIPTURE:
And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness." II Corinthians 12:9.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When Peter first met Jesus he was known as Simon, son of John. Jesus first words to Simon were, “You will be called Cephas”( which means Peter) John 1:42. Cephas (Peter) means rock. Throughout the life of Simon Peter he proved to be a fragile stone at times and at other times a solid rock. He displayed, at times, moments of unbelievable courage, but in a moment of time showed spiritual failure. Peter’s weakness often caused him to stumble, but he steadfastly continued to follow Jesus.
After Peter declared Jesus as Christ, the Son of God, Jesus said to him as recorded in Matthew 16:18, "I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
Jesus saw the strength of Peter's faith but He also knew Peter's weaknesses. Peter often reacted on impulse without thinking. When Jesus told the disciples He must suffer and die, Peter took Jesus aside to argue with Him saying, "Never Lord! This shall never happen to You." (Matthew 16:22)
Peter had strong faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, but seemed to think that he knew better than Jesus as to what should happen. Peter was weak in his understanding and in his trust that all things are in God’s control. While Jesus was on trial Peter showed himself to be weak when he denied he knew Jesus, not once, but three times, just as Jesus had warned him that that was what he would do.
Peter proved to be a fragile stone when he tried to dissuade Jesus from going to the cross and when he denied Jesus three times after His arrest. Even though Peter had his weaknesses he was made perfect in God's strength and he went on to do great things for the Lord. Peter proved to be a strong rock as the foundational leader of the church after Jesus’ return to heaven.
Peter’s life reminds us that no amount of personal strength or ability can make us adequate for this life and its challenges. We are all, FRAGILE STONES, and need to put our total dependence on our Lord for our strength. Yes, Christ's strength can empower us in our own weaknesses to be able to deal with the challenges we face in this world.
God uses our weaknesses to reveal to us His sufficiency. It is when we acknowledge our weaknesses that we see our need to rely on God's strength and not our own. This is what the Lord said to Paul in the verse we wrote above, that His grace is sufficient and his strength is made perfect in weakness. Our weaknesses keep us humble and allow God to demonstrate His power.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Help our family today to realize that in the natural we are fragile stones and we need to rely on Your strength and enabling power. Help us to grow spiritually each day by reading Your Word and communicating to You through prayer. Give us a blessed day today.
Injustice: January 24, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY JANUARY 24, 2013
INJUSTICE
DEFINITION:
The quality or fact of being unjust or unfair.
SCRIPTURE:
Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Habakkuk 1:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
“IT IS JUST NOT FAIR!” This was usually the response we would hear from our children after we had not ruled in their favor in settling one of the disputes they had with a sibling. We did have rules and we did discipline our children, but we always tried to be fair and just with any necessary punishment. Our children didn’t always see it our way and they always thought they were right and everyone else was wrong.
Unfortunately, there is injustice in this sinful world and the fact is that “life is unfair.” All around us we see injustice, and even our children see it. They see other children getting away with things that they know are wrong. Every day we see people who are living corrupt lives and breaking God’s commandments. Sometimes we think they are getting away with their evil deeds and are prospering in them. Nothing bad ever seems to happen to them. And it is very difficult not to question why God allows those who do evil to prosper and get away with it. It does seem so unfair, especially when we see Christians going through rough times while striving to live a Godly life.
We cannot help but question why God allows those who do evil go unpunished and why is there so much injustice in life.
Habakkuk, who was a prophet of God, had that same question. He took his question directly to God asking Him, “Why do you make me look at injustice?” and “Why do You tolerate wrong?” Habakkuk lived in Judah during the reign of King Jehoiakim. II Kings 22:37 describes Jehoiakim as a man who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Under his rule the people of Judah, although they were God’s chosen people, had turned away from God to worship idols. Habakkuk describes them as corrupt, violent and so lawless that injustice prevailed. Habakkuk could not understand why God did not punish them.
God answered Habakkuk and told him that punishment was on the way but it would come in God’s perfect timing. The Lord tells Habakkuk, “Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly come and I will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:36) This prophecy that God gave Habakkuk was fulfilled when Babylon invaded Judah three times, completely destroying Judah and carrying the people off to exile in Babylon.
God is sovereign and He carries out His plans when and how He chooses. He is a merciful God who wants everyone, even the vilest of sinners to come to repentance and accept His gift of salvation by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. God will delay His judgment to give sinful man every opportunity to turn to Him. So when you see a person doing evil and prospering, be certain his time will come in God’s perfect timing. Until then there will be injustice and life will continue to be unfair.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucifies with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Father, I thank You that You are in control and that even when I cannot understand the injustice I see in the world around me, You are at work to accomplish Your purpose to bring a sinful world to repentance. Thank You that You are faithful to Your promises and that all those who repent and accept Jesus as their Savior will have eternal life.
INJUSTICE
DEFINITION:
The quality or fact of being unjust or unfair.
SCRIPTURE:
Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Habakkuk 1:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
“IT IS JUST NOT FAIR!” This was usually the response we would hear from our children after we had not ruled in their favor in settling one of the disputes they had with a sibling. We did have rules and we did discipline our children, but we always tried to be fair and just with any necessary punishment. Our children didn’t always see it our way and they always thought they were right and everyone else was wrong.
Unfortunately, there is injustice in this sinful world and the fact is that “life is unfair.” All around us we see injustice, and even our children see it. They see other children getting away with things that they know are wrong. Every day we see people who are living corrupt lives and breaking God’s commandments. Sometimes we think they are getting away with their evil deeds and are prospering in them. Nothing bad ever seems to happen to them. And it is very difficult not to question why God allows those who do evil to prosper and get away with it. It does seem so unfair, especially when we see Christians going through rough times while striving to live a Godly life.
We cannot help but question why God allows those who do evil go unpunished and why is there so much injustice in life.
Habakkuk, who was a prophet of God, had that same question. He took his question directly to God asking Him, “Why do you make me look at injustice?” and “Why do You tolerate wrong?” Habakkuk lived in Judah during the reign of King Jehoiakim. II Kings 22:37 describes Jehoiakim as a man who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Under his rule the people of Judah, although they were God’s chosen people, had turned away from God to worship idols. Habakkuk describes them as corrupt, violent and so lawless that injustice prevailed. Habakkuk could not understand why God did not punish them.
God answered Habakkuk and told him that punishment was on the way but it would come in God’s perfect timing. The Lord tells Habakkuk, “Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly come and I will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:36) This prophecy that God gave Habakkuk was fulfilled when Babylon invaded Judah three times, completely destroying Judah and carrying the people off to exile in Babylon.
God is sovereign and He carries out His plans when and how He chooses. He is a merciful God who wants everyone, even the vilest of sinners to come to repentance and accept His gift of salvation by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. God will delay His judgment to give sinful man every opportunity to turn to Him. So when you see a person doing evil and prospering, be certain his time will come in God’s perfect timing. Until then there will be injustice and life will continue to be unfair.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucifies with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Father, I thank You that You are in control and that even when I cannot understand the injustice I see in the world around me, You are at work to accomplish Your purpose to bring a sinful world to repentance. Thank You that You are faithful to Your promises and that all those who repent and accept Jesus as their Savior will have eternal life.
Defy: January 23, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 23, 2013.
DEFY
DEFINITION:
To challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
SCRIPTURE:
Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” I Samuel 17:10.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The Philistine army had gathered its troops to fight the Israelites. The Israelites camped on a hill and the Philistines were on the opposite hill across a valley. In those days two armies often chose their best warriors to fight each other to avoid the bloodshed of an all out war. The army of the winner of the fight between the two warriors was considered the winner of the battle.
Goliath, the Philistine, came out and shouted, to defy the Israelites, to send a warrior out to fight him. Goliath, who was over nine feet tall, was feared by Saul and the Israelites. Goliath was very confident in himself not only because of his height and strength but because of his shield, sword and heavy armor. The scripture tells us that Goliath came out every morning for forty days to defy Israel. No one had the courage to volunteer to fight the giant Goliath.
At that time David had come to visit his brothers who were in Saul’s army. He heard Goliath taunting the Israelites and David reacted by saying, “Who does this Philistine think he is that he can defy the armies of God?’ This was unacceptable in David’s mind. The Israelites army looked at Goliath and saw a heavily armed giant. But David looked at Goliath and saw just a man who had the shameless audacity to defy the armies of the living God.
David went to Saul and told him that he wanted to go and fight the Philistine. Saul offered David his armor and his sword but David chose to go up against Goliath with only his sling shot and five stones. Goliath came to battle in his own name as the giant warrior of the Philistines. David came to battle in the name of the Lord. Goliath looked down on David with contempt. As David looked up at the giant he must have seemed really big but David knew that the God he trusted in was even bigger. David did not focus on the size of the enemy. His focus was on the Lord and David trusted God to give him the victory.
David killed Goliath with just one stone shot from his sling shot. When the Philistines saw their giant warrior was dead they turned and ran. There are two important things that we can learn from David’s victory over Goliath. First, no one can defy God and win. And secondly, no battle is too big for God. With God all things are possible.
Parents find early on in the raising of their children that they will be defiant. Children learn the word “no” very quickly and not long after that they learn to say “I don’t want to.” When children do not want to do something they will find ways to defy their parents. When they find out that saying, “I do not want to” does not work they try tears and the “poor me” tactic. And then when they get older they try arguing. For the last resort they will say, “Oh, alright” and then proceed to do what they want to do and just ignore their parent’s request.
Defiance by our children really tried our patience and it will do the same to most parents. We were consistent and firm and did not let them get away with it. Soon they came to understand that defiance was unacceptable and we would not tolerate it.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Father, help me to be faithful in honoring You in all that I do. Keep me from defying You by refusing to do what You want me to do. Guide me in the raising of my children so that they will be obedient to the Biblical standards and rules that together we require of them.
DEFY
DEFINITION:
To challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly.
SCRIPTURE:
Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” I Samuel 17:10.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The Philistine army had gathered its troops to fight the Israelites. The Israelites camped on a hill and the Philistines were on the opposite hill across a valley. In those days two armies often chose their best warriors to fight each other to avoid the bloodshed of an all out war. The army of the winner of the fight between the two warriors was considered the winner of the battle.
Goliath, the Philistine, came out and shouted, to defy the Israelites, to send a warrior out to fight him. Goliath, who was over nine feet tall, was feared by Saul and the Israelites. Goliath was very confident in himself not only because of his height and strength but because of his shield, sword and heavy armor. The scripture tells us that Goliath came out every morning for forty days to defy Israel. No one had the courage to volunteer to fight the giant Goliath.
At that time David had come to visit his brothers who were in Saul’s army. He heard Goliath taunting the Israelites and David reacted by saying, “Who does this Philistine think he is that he can defy the armies of God?’ This was unacceptable in David’s mind. The Israelites army looked at Goliath and saw a heavily armed giant. But David looked at Goliath and saw just a man who had the shameless audacity to defy the armies of the living God.
David went to Saul and told him that he wanted to go and fight the Philistine. Saul offered David his armor and his sword but David chose to go up against Goliath with only his sling shot and five stones. Goliath came to battle in his own name as the giant warrior of the Philistines. David came to battle in the name of the Lord. Goliath looked down on David with contempt. As David looked up at the giant he must have seemed really big but David knew that the God he trusted in was even bigger. David did not focus on the size of the enemy. His focus was on the Lord and David trusted God to give him the victory.
David killed Goliath with just one stone shot from his sling shot. When the Philistines saw their giant warrior was dead they turned and ran. There are two important things that we can learn from David’s victory over Goliath. First, no one can defy God and win. And secondly, no battle is too big for God. With God all things are possible.
Parents find early on in the raising of their children that they will be defiant. Children learn the word “no” very quickly and not long after that they learn to say “I don’t want to.” When children do not want to do something they will find ways to defy their parents. When they find out that saying, “I do not want to” does not work they try tears and the “poor me” tactic. And then when they get older they try arguing. For the last resort they will say, “Oh, alright” and then proceed to do what they want to do and just ignore their parent’s request.
Defiance by our children really tried our patience and it will do the same to most parents. We were consistent and firm and did not let them get away with it. Soon they came to understand that defiance was unacceptable and we would not tolerate it.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Father, help me to be faithful in honoring You in all that I do. Keep me from defying You by refusing to do what You want me to do. Guide me in the raising of my children so that they will be obedient to the Biblical standards and rules that together we require of them.
Deal: January 22, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY JANUARY 22, 2013
DEAL
DEFINITION:
Negotiate; trade; do business with; an agreement.
SCRIPTURE:
"I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me one of your hired servants." Luke 15:19
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
All of us like to make a good deal. This is especially true in bargain shopping. Many, trying to make a good deal for themselves, do their best to not give up anything in return or at least very little. We travel a lot and see little items that we would like to get to take home with us as a reminder of our visit to that locale. Dottie constantly reminds Ken, who is the bargainer, that these people who are selling their wares are relying on what we give them to live.
If you can identify with what we are saying about deals then you can understand what the prodigal son was trying to do when he arrived home. Basically he had made a fool of himself and lost everything and now wanted to come home and make a deal with his father.
There were three kinds of servants in that day. There were part-time day workers that were paid on a day by day basis. There were hired servants that worked very long hours on the estate that they worked on but lived in town so they had their own independence. And there were bond servants that lived on the estate and gave all of themselves, day and night, to serving the family.
It is interesting that when the prodigal son hit rock bottom and came home with his planned apology, he was going to ask if he could become a hired servant. In light of this possibility he was trying to negotiate a deal so that he could get a paycheck and continue his independence. Why did he not ask to be a bond servant and be willing to serve his father all the time?
Often we approach God in this manner. We try to make a deal with God. Have you ever said to God that you would serve Him but please God do not take away my freedom? Let us remind you that that may seem a good deal at the time but God's deal is always so much better. The prodigal son thought it would be a good deal for him if he could just be one of his father's hired servants. His father had an even better deal for him. He received him back as his son. Just like the prodigal son's father, Jesus has his arms wide open ready and willing to receive repentant sinners as part of His family. There could be no better deal for any of us than to rush today to His open arms and accept His gift of forgiveness and salvation.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Thank You dear Lord for the deal You have given me. Thank You that You have given Your Son to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank You that You have given me salvation. Give me a desire to serve You with all my heart and all of my strength. Help me to share my love for You by all I do and say.
DEAL
DEFINITION:
Negotiate; trade; do business with; an agreement.
SCRIPTURE:
"I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me one of your hired servants." Luke 15:19
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
All of us like to make a good deal. This is especially true in bargain shopping. Many, trying to make a good deal for themselves, do their best to not give up anything in return or at least very little. We travel a lot and see little items that we would like to get to take home with us as a reminder of our visit to that locale. Dottie constantly reminds Ken, who is the bargainer, that these people who are selling their wares are relying on what we give them to live.
If you can identify with what we are saying about deals then you can understand what the prodigal son was trying to do when he arrived home. Basically he had made a fool of himself and lost everything and now wanted to come home and make a deal with his father.
There were three kinds of servants in that day. There were part-time day workers that were paid on a day by day basis. There were hired servants that worked very long hours on the estate that they worked on but lived in town so they had their own independence. And there were bond servants that lived on the estate and gave all of themselves, day and night, to serving the family.
It is interesting that when the prodigal son hit rock bottom and came home with his planned apology, he was going to ask if he could become a hired servant. In light of this possibility he was trying to negotiate a deal so that he could get a paycheck and continue his independence. Why did he not ask to be a bond servant and be willing to serve his father all the time?
Often we approach God in this manner. We try to make a deal with God. Have you ever said to God that you would serve Him but please God do not take away my freedom? Let us remind you that that may seem a good deal at the time but God's deal is always so much better. The prodigal son thought it would be a good deal for him if he could just be one of his father's hired servants. His father had an even better deal for him. He received him back as his son. Just like the prodigal son's father, Jesus has his arms wide open ready and willing to receive repentant sinners as part of His family. There could be no better deal for any of us than to rush today to His open arms and accept His gift of forgiveness and salvation.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Thank You dear Lord for the deal You have given me. Thank You that You have given Your Son to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank You that You have given me salvation. Give me a desire to serve You with all my heart and all of my strength. Help me to share my love for You by all I do and say.
Church: January 21, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JANUARY 21, 2013
CHURCH
DEFINITION:
An edifice for religious worship; a body of Christian believers.
SCRIPTURE:
They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine. Acts 2:42
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The word "church" was first used by Christ when He told Peter that He would build His church upon him. (Matthew 16:18) Just before Jesus ascended into heaven He commissioned His disciples to be His witnesses and add to the body of believers. When Jesus used the word "church," He was referring to all those who believed in Him. Today we use the word "church" not only for believers, but also to identify a building where people meet to worship.
After receiving the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, Peter and the apostles immediately began to carry out Jesus commandment to them and began to preach Christ's message of salvation. On that very day the number of believers grew from 120 to 3000.
The believers were thrilled with awe, excitement and enthusiasm and, as a result, "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47) Most importantly, "they continued steadfastly in the apostles teaching." In other words they lived by all that Jesus had taught the apostles." Their enthusiasm for the Lord was exciting to be part of.
In our churches today, this excitement and devotion does not prevail. Today many people think church people are hypocrites. The Greek word "hupokrites" is where we get our word hypocrites from. In ancient times it referred to actors who displayed changes of emotion by changing the masks they held in front of their face. Their real self was hidden by the mask.
Many church people today fall into this category. They faithfully go to church and give the appearance of a sincere believer. But look at them the next day when they get to their work place and take off their mask, then you will see the real person.
You may ask, as we have many times, why does this happen? It seems such people like to put up a good appearance. They have one foot in the church and one in the world. They cannot completely relinquish their worldly desires and submit their will to the will of God. They do not have a personal relationship with the Lord. Unfortunately many say they do, but their actions tell the real story.
We also notice today that in many church services the excitement is not there as it was years ago. We need to admit that there are times we have been disappointed in going to church. Our concern is that many pastors seem to have lost their enthusiasm. They have lost their excitement in communication and the people feel it. We also have to consider the possibility that we ourselves are at fault because we come to church with the wrong attitude.
What can we do to make every Sunday special and the attending of church exciting? First, we need to go with the anticipation of meeting with God. Many times we do not go prepared. We need to bring our burdens and praises to Him and then see what He does in our life.
Secondly, go with the anticipation that you will learn something new about God. Expect to hear from God and expect to be encouraged by some truth you hear from God's Word. And finally, go to fellowship with other believers. We need others in our Christian journey. Maybe an encouraging word from you or even a smile will affect someone who has come to church very discouraged. Ask God to make you a bright light to those around you and then ask Him to give you something new from His Word.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Show me today along with my family the importance of taking the time to worship God in church. Prepare my heart each week as I attend that I may be ready to hear Your voice as well as being a blessing to those that worship with me.
CHURCH
DEFINITION:
An edifice for religious worship; a body of Christian believers.
SCRIPTURE:
They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine. Acts 2:42
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The word "church" was first used by Christ when He told Peter that He would build His church upon him. (Matthew 16:18) Just before Jesus ascended into heaven He commissioned His disciples to be His witnesses and add to the body of believers. When Jesus used the word "church," He was referring to all those who believed in Him. Today we use the word "church" not only for believers, but also to identify a building where people meet to worship.
After receiving the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, Peter and the apostles immediately began to carry out Jesus commandment to them and began to preach Christ's message of salvation. On that very day the number of believers grew from 120 to 3000.
The believers were thrilled with awe, excitement and enthusiasm and, as a result, "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47) Most importantly, "they continued steadfastly in the apostles teaching." In other words they lived by all that Jesus had taught the apostles." Their enthusiasm for the Lord was exciting to be part of.
In our churches today, this excitement and devotion does not prevail. Today many people think church people are hypocrites. The Greek word "hupokrites" is where we get our word hypocrites from. In ancient times it referred to actors who displayed changes of emotion by changing the masks they held in front of their face. Their real self was hidden by the mask.
Many church people today fall into this category. They faithfully go to church and give the appearance of a sincere believer. But look at them the next day when they get to their work place and take off their mask, then you will see the real person.
You may ask, as we have many times, why does this happen? It seems such people like to put up a good appearance. They have one foot in the church and one in the world. They cannot completely relinquish their worldly desires and submit their will to the will of God. They do not have a personal relationship with the Lord. Unfortunately many say they do, but their actions tell the real story.
We also notice today that in many church services the excitement is not there as it was years ago. We need to admit that there are times we have been disappointed in going to church. Our concern is that many pastors seem to have lost their enthusiasm. They have lost their excitement in communication and the people feel it. We also have to consider the possibility that we ourselves are at fault because we come to church with the wrong attitude.
What can we do to make every Sunday special and the attending of church exciting? First, we need to go with the anticipation of meeting with God. Many times we do not go prepared. We need to bring our burdens and praises to Him and then see what He does in our life.
Secondly, go with the anticipation that you will learn something new about God. Expect to hear from God and expect to be encouraged by some truth you hear from God's Word. And finally, go to fellowship with other believers. We need others in our Christian journey. Maybe an encouraging word from you or even a smile will affect someone who has come to church very discouraged. Ask God to make you a bright light to those around you and then ask Him to give you something new from His Word.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
PRAYER:
Show me today along with my family the importance of taking the time to worship God in church. Prepare my heart each week as I attend that I may be ready to hear Your voice as well as being a blessing to those that worship with me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
