Today's Word for Monday APRIL 22, 2013.
PATIENCE
DEFINITION:
The power or capacity to endure without complaint something difficult or disagreeable; longsuffering; ability or willingness to suppress restlessness; quiet; steady; even tempered.
SCRIPTURE:
Make haste to help me O Lord. Psalm 70:1.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the first verse above, David showed his lack of patience but in the second verse Isaiah relates to us that we need to develop patience and learn to wait upon the Lord. But like David we do not like to wait. We dislike long lines at the super market, traffic jams, waiting to eat at a restaurant and even waiting for a friend or family member.
We live in a day when everyone wants instant gratification. We want everything now. When we pray and ask God for something and if it does not happen right away, we are like David. We say, "Hurry up Lord and answer my prayer." We must remember that patience requires perseverance and endurance.
Having the patience to wait on the Lord allows God to work in our lives so we can grow in faith. Waiting is a time of learning. What happens within us in the process is often more important than the attainment of what we are waiting for. Waiting on the Lord takes trust and obedience.
In James 1:2 to 4, James tells us to consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops patience. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Waiting for God to answer a prayer can cause us to doubt. Is God really listening? Does He hear our prayers? We can be assured that God does answer our prayers. His timetable is not the same as ours, but His timing is always perfect. Waiting may test our faith, but learning to have patience is part of becoming a mature Christian and being what God wants us to be.
In our family it is a known fact that I [Ken] do not like to wait and basically I am very impatient. It is my nature to want to have things done yesterday. Fortunately my wife, Dottie, is a perfect balance to me because she is always very patient. As I have grown older I have worked hard in trying to be more patient. Through this exercise I have realized the importance of balancing my tendency to be impatient with what God wants me to do spiritually --- wait upon Him.
Several times we have been amused when we think of a statement that the great preacher of years ago said in a sermon on patience. His illustration was completed when he said: By perseverance the snail reached the ark. Now that is patience.
Patience leads to success. Success is largely a matter of holding on after all others have let go. You need patience to make that happen.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:3.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, give me patience today and help me to wait upon You to renew my strength. Help me to be patient with those who try to make my life difficult. Help our family to be patient with one another. Give our family today the patient endurance that will enable us to run and not be weary and to walk and not be faint.
April 14, 2013
Gems of Encouragement: April 13, 2013
GEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR APRIL 13, 2013
PROVERB:
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
PROMISE:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
PRAISE:
I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He. Deuteronomy 32: 3-4.
PROVERB:
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
PROMISE:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
PRAISE:
I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He. Deuteronomy 32: 3-4.
Worry: April 12, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2013
WORRY
DEFINITION:
To feel uneasy or anxious; to fret; to torment oneself or suffer from disturbing thoughts.
SCRIPTURE:
Therefore I say unto you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more important than food and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25.
Therefore do not worry, saying, what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or what shall we wear? for your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Matthew 6:31.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
No one knows us better than the one who created us. When Jesus was on this earth He spoke to issues that He knew we all will deal with in life. He taught concerning many of these concerns we have in what we know today as the “Sermon on the Mount.” He began with the beatitudes. You can read these in Matthew chapter five. In Chapter six, Jesus instructs us on why we should not worry.
Just as today, many people listening to Jesus had reasons that they believed were valid reasons to worry. But Jesus started out His comments on worry by saying not to worry about one’s life. He said not to worry about the necessities of life like food, drink, and clothing.
Jesus is not suggesting that one does not prepare for life. He tells us that one is not to be lazy and thoughtless with a no care attitude. God will not pamper slothfulness and a lack of initiative, effort or planning. He expects us to look after our responsibilities, work to eat and in fact to work extra to have enough to give to others.
In this verse, Jesus is talking to us about being so wrapped up in securing the “things” in life that we become anxious, disturbed and sleepless. We need to be consumed by thinking about and working for the Lord and not “things.” Worry is not necessary when we are trusting God.
He loved us enough to create us and then send His Son, Jesus, to die for us. So surely we can trust Him to provide for us. The second thing Jesus said to not worry about is tomorrow. (Matthew 6:34)
People worry about major problems that more than often will never happen. WORRY IS THE INTEREST YOU PAY ON BORROWED TROUBLE. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus says to us, “Who of you by worrying can add a simple hour to his life?”
These words are very relative for today. Doctors tell us that worry is an underlying cause of many illnesses, in fact more than 60% of illnesses relate to worry. It is also a known fact that worry leads to emotional turmoil in family relationships.
Why do people today worry so much? Possibly one reason is that they do not feel good about what they are doing in their life. Whether someone is a Christian or not a Christian they know the difference between right and wrong. People are also concerned about being questioned about a past issue or action that was not truthful. They are living with a weight of guilt and in fear that at any moment their world could come crashing in on them. In other words, our own actions give us cause to worry.
Real life happenings are often the cause of worry. A loss of a job, a home foreclosure, expenses running higher than the income being received or even a troubled family relationship, all cause people to worry. But the scripture tells us that when these things come to pass, a Christian needs to respond just as Jesus said in His “Sermon on the Mount.” He reminds us that He knows all of our needs and He is willing to meet those needs if we have our priorities straight. He said: “Seek you first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added onto you. He wants us not to worry about our physical needs but to worry about our spiritual needs.
The Apostle said in Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious (worry) about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
When bad things happen to us, we must do all we can to relieve the issue of worry. We are limited in what we can do, but God is unlimited. He is all powerful, all knowing and always there for us. This is where our trust and faith comes in. We must be willing to let go of our worry and put our trust in Jesus and “SEEK HIM FIRST!”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Thank You that I can give my worries to You with the assurance that if I seek You first that You will provide what I need. I can always be assured that You know better than I as to what I need. Help my family to understand this as well. May each of us do all we can to learn more about You. Help us to read Your Word and to communicate with You through prayer daily. Help me to remember to turn my worries into prayers.
REMINDER: CLICK BELOW TO RECEIVE OUR NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK.
WORRY
DEFINITION:
To feel uneasy or anxious; to fret; to torment oneself or suffer from disturbing thoughts.
SCRIPTURE:
Therefore I say unto you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more important than food and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25.
Therefore do not worry, saying, what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or what shall we wear? for your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Matthew 6:31.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
No one knows us better than the one who created us. When Jesus was on this earth He spoke to issues that He knew we all will deal with in life. He taught concerning many of these concerns we have in what we know today as the “Sermon on the Mount.” He began with the beatitudes. You can read these in Matthew chapter five. In Chapter six, Jesus instructs us on why we should not worry.
Just as today, many people listening to Jesus had reasons that they believed were valid reasons to worry. But Jesus started out His comments on worry by saying not to worry about one’s life. He said not to worry about the necessities of life like food, drink, and clothing.
Jesus is not suggesting that one does not prepare for life. He tells us that one is not to be lazy and thoughtless with a no care attitude. God will not pamper slothfulness and a lack of initiative, effort or planning. He expects us to look after our responsibilities, work to eat and in fact to work extra to have enough to give to others.
In this verse, Jesus is talking to us about being so wrapped up in securing the “things” in life that we become anxious, disturbed and sleepless. We need to be consumed by thinking about and working for the Lord and not “things.” Worry is not necessary when we are trusting God.
He loved us enough to create us and then send His Son, Jesus, to die for us. So surely we can trust Him to provide for us. The second thing Jesus said to not worry about is tomorrow. (Matthew 6:34)
People worry about major problems that more than often will never happen. WORRY IS THE INTEREST YOU PAY ON BORROWED TROUBLE. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus says to us, “Who of you by worrying can add a simple hour to his life?”
These words are very relative for today. Doctors tell us that worry is an underlying cause of many illnesses, in fact more than 60% of illnesses relate to worry. It is also a known fact that worry leads to emotional turmoil in family relationships.
Why do people today worry so much? Possibly one reason is that they do not feel good about what they are doing in their life. Whether someone is a Christian or not a Christian they know the difference between right and wrong. People are also concerned about being questioned about a past issue or action that was not truthful. They are living with a weight of guilt and in fear that at any moment their world could come crashing in on them. In other words, our own actions give us cause to worry.
Real life happenings are often the cause of worry. A loss of a job, a home foreclosure, expenses running higher than the income being received or even a troubled family relationship, all cause people to worry. But the scripture tells us that when these things come to pass, a Christian needs to respond just as Jesus said in His “Sermon on the Mount.” He reminds us that He knows all of our needs and He is willing to meet those needs if we have our priorities straight. He said: “Seek you first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added onto you. He wants us not to worry about our physical needs but to worry about our spiritual needs.
The Apostle said in Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious (worry) about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
When bad things happen to us, we must do all we can to relieve the issue of worry. We are limited in what we can do, but God is unlimited. He is all powerful, all knowing and always there for us. This is where our trust and faith comes in. We must be willing to let go of our worry and put our trust in Jesus and “SEEK HIM FIRST!”
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Thank You that I can give my worries to You with the assurance that if I seek You first that You will provide what I need. I can always be assured that You know better than I as to what I need. Help my family to understand this as well. May each of us do all we can to learn more about You. Help us to read Your Word and to communicate with You through prayer daily. Help me to remember to turn my worries into prayers.
REMINDER: CLICK BELOW TO RECEIVE OUR NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK.
Jealousy: April 11, 2013
Today's Word for Thursday April 11, 2013
JEALOUSY
DEFINITION:
Feelings of envy or bitterness; apprehension of the loss of another’s affection; inclined to suspicious fears or envious resentment; watchful in guarding something.
SCRIPTURE:
For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as cruel as the grave. Song of Solomon 8:6.
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy (jealousy), murder, strife, deceit and malice. Romans 1:29.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the above verse from Romans, Paul is describing the sinful condition of fallen mankind. Right at the top of his list is envy or jealousy. Jealousy is often the root of deceit, malice, strife and even murder.
Jealousy led Cain to slay his brother, Abel. Jealousy caused Joseph's older brothers to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. Jealousy caused Saul to try to kill David. Jealousy caused the Jewish chief priests to seek to have the Romans crucify Jesus.
We cannot be faithful to God and serve Him if we have jealousy in our heart. Jealousy is part of our sinful nature and if we continue to envy and be jealous we are then slaves to our sin. Romans 6:16 says this: "You are slaves to whom you obey, whether you are slaves to sin which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness." Do not let jealousy lead you in the wrong direction.
Jealousy is sin and it grows and intensifies quickly if left unchecked and not dealt with early on. It will lead you into greater sin.
Jealousy is a sin that cannot be hidden and cannot be tolerated. We have mentioned so many times in these daily devotionals that our relationship with the Lord is dramatically affected by choices we make in life. Some of us make choices based on how the world looks at things. Others make choices based on what the Bible teaches us. And some make choices based on advice, both good and bad, given to us by friends and family. You can be sure that jealousy will lead to harmful choices with bad consequences.
We have seen one family member jealous of another family member because they received something that the other did not. Jealousy in a family is a dividing force. We have also seen the success of one individual bring on jealousy from others. Jealousy is a mood feeling that one develops when one feels slighted and cannot accept that someone has more of something than they have. Jealousy leads to resentment and bitterness. A bitter person can never be happy and does not feel good about himself or herself.
In the Song of Solomon, it reads: Jealousy is as cruel as the grave. In other words in plain simple words --- Being jealous is cruel because it hurts us and makes us miserable.
The writer of Hebrews tell us to "be content with what you have because God has said, 'never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Jealously leads to discontent. True contentment is in knowing and trusting in the Lord.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Keep me from being jealous of others who may be more successful or may have more than I do. Make me thankful for all that You have given me so others may see Christ in me. Help me to realize what abilities You have given me and may I rejoice in them. May I be known today as a person that is committed to You in all that I do and in all that I say.
JEALOUSY
DEFINITION:
Feelings of envy or bitterness; apprehension of the loss of another’s affection; inclined to suspicious fears or envious resentment; watchful in guarding something.
SCRIPTURE:
For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as cruel as the grave. Song of Solomon 8:6.
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy (jealousy), murder, strife, deceit and malice. Romans 1:29.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In the above verse from Romans, Paul is describing the sinful condition of fallen mankind. Right at the top of his list is envy or jealousy. Jealousy is often the root of deceit, malice, strife and even murder.
Jealousy led Cain to slay his brother, Abel. Jealousy caused Joseph's older brothers to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. Jealousy caused Saul to try to kill David. Jealousy caused the Jewish chief priests to seek to have the Romans crucify Jesus.
We cannot be faithful to God and serve Him if we have jealousy in our heart. Jealousy is part of our sinful nature and if we continue to envy and be jealous we are then slaves to our sin. Romans 6:16 says this: "You are slaves to whom you obey, whether you are slaves to sin which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness." Do not let jealousy lead you in the wrong direction.
Jealousy is sin and it grows and intensifies quickly if left unchecked and not dealt with early on. It will lead you into greater sin.
Jealousy is a sin that cannot be hidden and cannot be tolerated. We have mentioned so many times in these daily devotionals that our relationship with the Lord is dramatically affected by choices we make in life. Some of us make choices based on how the world looks at things. Others make choices based on what the Bible teaches us. And some make choices based on advice, both good and bad, given to us by friends and family. You can be sure that jealousy will lead to harmful choices with bad consequences.
We have seen one family member jealous of another family member because they received something that the other did not. Jealousy in a family is a dividing force. We have also seen the success of one individual bring on jealousy from others. Jealousy is a mood feeling that one develops when one feels slighted and cannot accept that someone has more of something than they have. Jealousy leads to resentment and bitterness. A bitter person can never be happy and does not feel good about himself or herself.
In the Song of Solomon, it reads: Jealousy is as cruel as the grave. In other words in plain simple words --- Being jealous is cruel because it hurts us and makes us miserable.
The writer of Hebrews tell us to "be content with what you have because God has said, 'never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Jealously leads to discontent. True contentment is in knowing and trusting in the Lord.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Keep me from being jealous of others who may be more successful or may have more than I do. Make me thankful for all that You have given me so others may see Christ in me. Help me to realize what abilities You have given me and may I rejoice in them. May I be known today as a person that is committed to You in all that I do and in all that I say.
Worldliness: April 10, 2013
Today's Word for Wednesday April 10 2013
WORLDLINESS
DEFINITION:
Pertaining to this world as contrasted to heaven; devoted to, directed toward, or connected with the affairs, interests or pleasures of this world; the world's value system.
SCRIPTURE:
And Jesus said unto them, You are from beneath; I am from above, You are of this world; I am not of this world. John 8:23.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In this modern day age of telecommunication we can hear and see what is happening in all parts of the world almost instantly right in the comfort of our own home. Unfortunately, what we see of the world on television and hear on the radio is more evils of the world than the good of the world.
It is very easy for a person to succumb to the evils of this world. It is a constant temptation because evil is made to look so glamorous and enticing by the evil one. Satan is continually looking for weaknesses in our daily living and uses the enticement of worldliness so that he can woo us away from our love for the Lord. The satisfaction that comes from worldliness is here today and gone tomorrow.
Worldliness is temporary and superficial to say the least. The happiness and the excitement that worldliness brings may sometimes be thrilling but only for a short time. Worldliness captivates you by bright lights, great promises and the glitter of being popular. You can meet friends when you are involved in worldly activities but soon you will find out that those friendships are shallow and temporary.
In Luke 15: 11-32 we read the well known account of the prodigal son. This son, the youngest of his sons, asked his father for his portion of his inheritance and then left home, journeying to a far away country, for the life of worldliness that he desired and thought he must have. The scripture says that soon he wasted all his possessions (his inheritance) with wild living. He ended up with nothing: no food, no friends and nowhere to stay.
The son had to hit the very bottom before he could see the futility and hopelessness of worldly living.
Jesus in this parable tells of the son coming home, repenting and being accepted by his father who welcomed him back with a great feast and celebration. What wonderful hope and assurance there is in the message of this parable for those who have reached the point of despair in living a life of worldliness. Our Heavenly Father is waiting with welcoming arms for all who repent of their worldliness and come to Him.
Look with us at several verses from the Bible concerning worldliness as we know it today and what God has for us in its place. In John 15:18-19 Jesus tells us, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world (worldliness), the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world (as a believer in Jesus), but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
God calls believers to leave worldliness behind. Once we become a believer we can no longer live according to the world's value system, therefore the world will hate us because we live by a higher standard --- God's standard.
Worldliness is a real problem for new believers. They are easily tempted by Satan to want to hold on to some of their worldly sinful pursuits. John tells us in I John 2:15-17 that this will not work. John says. "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world." There is no middle ground. When any believer genuinely loves the Lord the evil ways of the world will no longer appeal to him or her. The things of the world will pass away. Verse 17 tells us that whoever does the will of God lives forever. What a wonderful promise!
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Help each of us in our family to be able to distinguish clearly the difference between worldly ideas and spiritual ideas. Help us not to be tempted by Satan's bright lights and glamour. Make our family instruments of blessing that You can use to bring honor and glory to Your name.
WORLDLINESS
DEFINITION:
Pertaining to this world as contrasted to heaven; devoted to, directed toward, or connected with the affairs, interests or pleasures of this world; the world's value system.
SCRIPTURE:
And Jesus said unto them, You are from beneath; I am from above, You are of this world; I am not of this world. John 8:23.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In this modern day age of telecommunication we can hear and see what is happening in all parts of the world almost instantly right in the comfort of our own home. Unfortunately, what we see of the world on television and hear on the radio is more evils of the world than the good of the world.
It is very easy for a person to succumb to the evils of this world. It is a constant temptation because evil is made to look so glamorous and enticing by the evil one. Satan is continually looking for weaknesses in our daily living and uses the enticement of worldliness so that he can woo us away from our love for the Lord. The satisfaction that comes from worldliness is here today and gone tomorrow.
Worldliness is temporary and superficial to say the least. The happiness and the excitement that worldliness brings may sometimes be thrilling but only for a short time. Worldliness captivates you by bright lights, great promises and the glitter of being popular. You can meet friends when you are involved in worldly activities but soon you will find out that those friendships are shallow and temporary.
In Luke 15: 11-32 we read the well known account of the prodigal son. This son, the youngest of his sons, asked his father for his portion of his inheritance and then left home, journeying to a far away country, for the life of worldliness that he desired and thought he must have. The scripture says that soon he wasted all his possessions (his inheritance) with wild living. He ended up with nothing: no food, no friends and nowhere to stay.
The son had to hit the very bottom before he could see the futility and hopelessness of worldly living.
Jesus in this parable tells of the son coming home, repenting and being accepted by his father who welcomed him back with a great feast and celebration. What wonderful hope and assurance there is in the message of this parable for those who have reached the point of despair in living a life of worldliness. Our Heavenly Father is waiting with welcoming arms for all who repent of their worldliness and come to Him.
Look with us at several verses from the Bible concerning worldliness as we know it today and what God has for us in its place. In John 15:18-19 Jesus tells us, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world (worldliness), the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world (as a believer in Jesus), but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
God calls believers to leave worldliness behind. Once we become a believer we can no longer live according to the world's value system, therefore the world will hate us because we live by a higher standard --- God's standard.
Worldliness is a real problem for new believers. They are easily tempted by Satan to want to hold on to some of their worldly sinful pursuits. John tells us in I John 2:15-17 that this will not work. John says. "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world." There is no middle ground. When any believer genuinely loves the Lord the evil ways of the world will no longer appeal to him or her. The things of the world will pass away. Verse 17 tells us that whoever does the will of God lives forever. What a wonderful promise!
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Help each of us in our family to be able to distinguish clearly the difference between worldly ideas and spiritual ideas. Help us not to be tempted by Satan's bright lights and glamour. Make our family instruments of blessing that You can use to bring honor and glory to Your name.
Courage: April 9, 2013
Today's Word for Tuesday April 9, 2013
COURAGE
DEFINITION:
Lack of fear; bravery; valor.
SCRIPTURE:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In today's society we have noticed that we hear of fewer illustrations of people showing courage. There are exceptions. We know people and have read about many others that have been diagnosed with illnesses, sicknesses and/or diseases who have shown unbelievable courage in their fight for survival. We also must mention the men and women that serve in our armed forces because they really show courage. They are trained to be courageous and they respond so bravely to their call to duty. They are truly amazing men and women and we salute them.
But our concern is for the people we see in our neighborhoods, work places and even in our churches. Courage as we saw it years ago has diminished. Throughout history we have read about many people who have shown unbelievable courage in so many areas of life. This includes our founding fathers, government leaders, generals and many just average people from all walks of life that you might meet on the street.
God has given us many illustrations in His Word about people that showed courage and how God stood with them and blessed them from beginning to the end of the task that they were trying to accomplish.
This verse in Joshua 1:9, that we have written above, contains the final words to Joshua in God's commission to him as he takes over the leadership of the Children of Israel. There is no doubt that Joshua was overwhelmed and even fearful of his new responsibility. We need to consider what God said to Joshua and apply these things to our lives.
Three times God said to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9) But along with the command God gave Joshua the promise: "I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." This same command God gives us as believers to remember as we serve Him today. We are to be strong and have courage and not to be afraid as we face difficult and fearful situations in our everyday life because He also has given us the same promise He gave Joshua. God will never leave us. Jesus said, "I am with you always even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20)
Take a look with us at four illustrations in the Bible of men who showed great faith and courage in serving the Lord.
They are:
Joshua who lead the Children of Israel in the conquest of the Promised Land.
Daniel who refused to compromise his faith in God even when he was thrown into the lion’s den.
The disciples of Jesus who faithfully continued to spread the message of salvation through Jesus Christ in spite of the danger of losing their lives.
Paul, who never let beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks and hardships of any kind keep him from his missionary journeys to take the gospel to the Gentiles.
Here is what we can learn from them. They all loved God first and foremost. They all were obedient to the Lord and did what the Lord asked of them even in life threatening situations that required real bravery. And each one needed the spiritual strength that could only come from God in order for them to face the crises they had without retreating.
We can learn so much from Joshua. He was appointed by God to lead the Children of Israel into the Promised Land. Just think how he must have felt to have such a difficult assignment. Two of his responses were, "Who am I to follow in Moses footsteps?" "What if the people won't support my leadership?"
Joshua accepted the challenge that God gave him and proceeded and built his courage on two promises. First, he knew that God would be beside him. God had made this promise to Joshua. God makes the same promise to us in Hebrews 13:5 where He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." God has kept this promise by sending His Holy Spirit to live within us so we have no excuse not to respond to what God leads us to do.
The second promise that Joshua built his courage on was that God would always go before him. He promised Joshua that He would take care of the enemies they must face going to the Promised Land. God said to Joshua, “No one will be able to stand up against you.” (Joshua 1:5) The Israelites would still have to battle but God would give them victory. God has given us the same promise. He will go before us and take care of all the enemies we might face if we are obedient to Him.
The key for Joshua and the Children of Israel was that they were to have complete faith in God and obey His every command. We as believers must do the same. We must daily have complete faith in our Lord and obey His every command. Jesus has gone before us to heaven having won all Spiritual battles on this earth before He left. He did this for us as believers.
Our redemption has been secured, our place in God's family established and our heavenly inheritance has been guaranteed. We can assure you that earthly trials will continue for all of us but they are only temporary. What kind of courage do you have today? If you have fears or doubts, look to the life of Joshua and how he responded to God's call. If you still have some doubt take the time to read about Daniel and Paul in the scriptures.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1.
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Thank You for the illustrations You have given us in Your Word as to how we can develop courage in our lives. Reassure me today that you will not only walk right beside me but that You will go before me and open all the doors for me.
REMINDER: CLICK BELOW TO RECEIVE OUR NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK
COURAGE
DEFINITION:
Lack of fear; bravery; valor.
SCRIPTURE:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
In today's society we have noticed that we hear of fewer illustrations of people showing courage. There are exceptions. We know people and have read about many others that have been diagnosed with illnesses, sicknesses and/or diseases who have shown unbelievable courage in their fight for survival. We also must mention the men and women that serve in our armed forces because they really show courage. They are trained to be courageous and they respond so bravely to their call to duty. They are truly amazing men and women and we salute them.
But our concern is for the people we see in our neighborhoods, work places and even in our churches. Courage as we saw it years ago has diminished. Throughout history we have read about many people who have shown unbelievable courage in so many areas of life. This includes our founding fathers, government leaders, generals and many just average people from all walks of life that you might meet on the street.
God has given us many illustrations in His Word about people that showed courage and how God stood with them and blessed them from beginning to the end of the task that they were trying to accomplish.
This verse in Joshua 1:9, that we have written above, contains the final words to Joshua in God's commission to him as he takes over the leadership of the Children of Israel. There is no doubt that Joshua was overwhelmed and even fearful of his new responsibility. We need to consider what God said to Joshua and apply these things to our lives.
Three times God said to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9) But along with the command God gave Joshua the promise: "I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." This same command God gives us as believers to remember as we serve Him today. We are to be strong and have courage and not to be afraid as we face difficult and fearful situations in our everyday life because He also has given us the same promise He gave Joshua. God will never leave us. Jesus said, "I am with you always even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20)
Take a look with us at four illustrations in the Bible of men who showed great faith and courage in serving the Lord.
They are:
Joshua who lead the Children of Israel in the conquest of the Promised Land.
Daniel who refused to compromise his faith in God even when he was thrown into the lion’s den.
The disciples of Jesus who faithfully continued to spread the message of salvation through Jesus Christ in spite of the danger of losing their lives.
Paul, who never let beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks and hardships of any kind keep him from his missionary journeys to take the gospel to the Gentiles.
Here is what we can learn from them. They all loved God first and foremost. They all were obedient to the Lord and did what the Lord asked of them even in life threatening situations that required real bravery. And each one needed the spiritual strength that could only come from God in order for them to face the crises they had without retreating.
We can learn so much from Joshua. He was appointed by God to lead the Children of Israel into the Promised Land. Just think how he must have felt to have such a difficult assignment. Two of his responses were, "Who am I to follow in Moses footsteps?" "What if the people won't support my leadership?"
Joshua accepted the challenge that God gave him and proceeded and built his courage on two promises. First, he knew that God would be beside him. God had made this promise to Joshua. God makes the same promise to us in Hebrews 13:5 where He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." God has kept this promise by sending His Holy Spirit to live within us so we have no excuse not to respond to what God leads us to do.
The second promise that Joshua built his courage on was that God would always go before him. He promised Joshua that He would take care of the enemies they must face going to the Promised Land. God said to Joshua, “No one will be able to stand up against you.” (Joshua 1:5) The Israelites would still have to battle but God would give them victory. God has given us the same promise. He will go before us and take care of all the enemies we might face if we are obedient to Him.
The key for Joshua and the Children of Israel was that they were to have complete faith in God and obey His every command. We as believers must do the same. We must daily have complete faith in our Lord and obey His every command. Jesus has gone before us to heaven having won all Spiritual battles on this earth before He left. He did this for us as believers.
Our redemption has been secured, our place in God's family established and our heavenly inheritance has been guaranteed. We can assure you that earthly trials will continue for all of us but they are only temporary. What kind of courage do you have today? If you have fears or doubts, look to the life of Joshua and how he responded to God's call. If you still have some doubt take the time to read about Daniel and Paul in the scriptures.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1.
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Thank You for the illustrations You have given us in Your Word as to how we can develop courage in our lives. Reassure me today that you will not only walk right beside me but that You will go before me and open all the doors for me.
REMINDER: CLICK BELOW TO RECEIVE OUR NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK
Confrontation: April 8, 2013
Today's Word for Monday April 8, 2013
CONFRONTATION
DEFINITION:
To stand or come in front of; to be in ones way; oppose; face to face; an open conflict of opposing ideas; to face in hostility.
SCRIPTURE:
You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, but I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. Matthew 5:38-39
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Far too often we are faced with situations that in our mind, invite confrontation. Before you confront someone for something said or done you need to carefully read what Jesus said about confrontation. It is our natural reaction to want to retaliate and confront the one that treats us badly or speaks some untruth about us, but that is not what God wants from us as believers in Him.
We had a very good minister friend that had a large church in south Los Angeles some years ago. His name was Rev. E.V. Hill and he was known all across America. We can remember him telling us what he had said to his congregation the Sunday after there was a disturbance close to his church. He said, "Some people believe in an eye for an eye, but in this neighborhood it is two eyes for an eye." He went on to preach that you can never even the score you can only raise the stakes.
It happens every day. On a school playground a student gets pushed. In a home a sibling wants what another sibling has and takes it. A driver in a car forces you out of your lane. All of these situations are minor things but they often grow quickly into a fight. It is a process of retaliation, confrontation and escalation that results from an attitude of revenge. Revenge is the desire to even the score.
Most children get into fights because they feel they must even the score for some issue that they did not like. What parent hasn't heard these words: "He (or she) started it. I hit him because he hit me first" When adults take actions of revenge they justify their response with the excuse of doing only what was done to them.
In Matthew 5 (above verse) Jesus tackles this key relational issue. He tells us to accept personal affronts without retaliation. The person who slaps with his right hand, which most people do, has to strike with the back of his hand in order to slap the right cheek. In Jesus day hitting with the back of a hand was a way to insult or show disrespect rather than for the purpose of physically hurting or injuring. This adds insult to injury. When you refuse to retaliate and turn the other cheek you send the message that you are following Christ's example and returning good for evil. Before He was crucified Jesus was insulted, mocked, spit upon and beaten and yet He never retaliated.
By reacting in this manner the message you send is one of love and forgiveness. Someone once said that to return good for good is natural but to return good for evil is supernatural. When we are confronted with evil and treated badly we will only escalate the situation if we try to get even. Instead we must turn the matter over to God and allow Him to bring justice and healing in the relationship.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1.
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me not to retaliate when someone wants to pick a fight by harassing me or insulting me. Instead give me the strength and faith to turn the other cheek and show Your love through me and then do what is right. May my response be a testimony of Your love to those that witness how I respond.
CONFRONTATION
DEFINITION:
To stand or come in front of; to be in ones way; oppose; face to face; an open conflict of opposing ideas; to face in hostility.
SCRIPTURE:
You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, but I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. Matthew 5:38-39
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Far too often we are faced with situations that in our mind, invite confrontation. Before you confront someone for something said or done you need to carefully read what Jesus said about confrontation. It is our natural reaction to want to retaliate and confront the one that treats us badly or speaks some untruth about us, but that is not what God wants from us as believers in Him.
We had a very good minister friend that had a large church in south Los Angeles some years ago. His name was Rev. E.V. Hill and he was known all across America. We can remember him telling us what he had said to his congregation the Sunday after there was a disturbance close to his church. He said, "Some people believe in an eye for an eye, but in this neighborhood it is two eyes for an eye." He went on to preach that you can never even the score you can only raise the stakes.
It happens every day. On a school playground a student gets pushed. In a home a sibling wants what another sibling has and takes it. A driver in a car forces you out of your lane. All of these situations are minor things but they often grow quickly into a fight. It is a process of retaliation, confrontation and escalation that results from an attitude of revenge. Revenge is the desire to even the score.
Most children get into fights because they feel they must even the score for some issue that they did not like. What parent hasn't heard these words: "He (or she) started it. I hit him because he hit me first" When adults take actions of revenge they justify their response with the excuse of doing only what was done to them.
In Matthew 5 (above verse) Jesus tackles this key relational issue. He tells us to accept personal affronts without retaliation. The person who slaps with his right hand, which most people do, has to strike with the back of his hand in order to slap the right cheek. In Jesus day hitting with the back of a hand was a way to insult or show disrespect rather than for the purpose of physically hurting or injuring. This adds insult to injury. When you refuse to retaliate and turn the other cheek you send the message that you are following Christ's example and returning good for evil. Before He was crucified Jesus was insulted, mocked, spit upon and beaten and yet He never retaliated.
By reacting in this manner the message you send is one of love and forgiveness. Someone once said that to return good for good is natural but to return good for evil is supernatural. When we are confronted with evil and treated badly we will only escalate the situation if we try to get even. Instead we must turn the matter over to God and allow Him to bring justice and healing in the relationship.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 81:1.
Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me not to retaliate when someone wants to pick a fight by harassing me or insulting me. Instead give me the strength and faith to turn the other cheek and show Your love through me and then do what is right. May my response be a testimony of Your love to those that witness how I respond.
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