Today's Word for FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2013
CONSIDERATE
DEFINITION:
Thoughtful or sympathetic; showing regard or respect for others; courteous.
SCRIPTURE:
Now therefore says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Haggai 1:5
To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, considerate, gentile, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:2.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
It is more and more evident that society is on a downward spiral as people are becoming less and less considerate of others. It is seen in everyday activities. People push and shove to get ahead in a line. Drivers recklessly change lanes cutting off other drivers to pass other cars. People criticize others and speak rudely with no consideration for their feelings.
In his letter to Titus (above verse), the Apostle Paul instructs Titus to remind those who believe in Jesus of the Christian principles that should be evident in a Christian's life. Being considerate is one of them. Do you live a life having consideration for others?
We are living in a "ME" generation and most people today, especially young people, give very little consideration to others. To be considerate of others requires putting others before ourselves. It is inherent in our sinful nature that people really are only concerned about themselves and care very little about other people's concerns. Let us share one example that every one of us experiences every day. We see someone and ask, "How are you?" But do we really care how they are doing? Most people do not care. They ask because that is what has become a routine question.
Take a moment today and evaluate how considerate you are to others. The prophet Haggai (above) tells us to "Consider our ways." Look back to yesterday. Were you considerate to those you met and/or talked to? Were you considerate to your spouse and children? If there were issues to deal with, what kind of attitude did you have? Was it Christ-like? When faced with an issue, did you take into consideration the feelings of others that may be involved in that issue?
Before you react to an issue or concern, take a moment and think about how Jesus would have responded. Think of ways today as to how you can be more considerate to your spouse and children. Consider your attitude, your thought process and your decision making style. To be considerate of others in the way Jesus would have us do means we must humble ourselves and be willing to have a servant attitude toward others. We are Christ’s representative here on earth. Being considerate of others is a significant way that we can show the love of Jesus to others.
Our genuine concern and compassion for others is a true measure of the depth of our relationship with our Lord. Our good works cannot save us. We are saved by our faith but if our faith is genuine we will reach out to others. Our considerate treatment of others honors our Lord.
In Isaiah 58:7, Isaiah tells us what truly honors God: "It is to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter. When you see the naked, clothe him and do not turn away from your own flesh and blood." The writer of Proverbs tells us in Proverbs 14:31 that "whoever is kind to the needy honors God."
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.
My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER:
Enable me to have a servant heart today and to be kind and considerate of others. Help me to be loving and kind to my spouse, my children, and my parents and to all that I meet and talk to today. May others see Jesus through me in all that I do.
April 21, 2013
Gems of Encouragement: April 20, 2013
GEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT APRIL 20 2013
PROVERB:
Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. Proverbs 24:1-2.
PROMISE:
When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. Proverbs 11:7.
PRAISE:
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous, it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the Lord … sing to Him a new song; shout for joy for the Word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. Psalm 33:1-5.
PROVERB:
Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. Proverbs 24:1-2.
PROMISE:
When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. Proverbs 11:7.
PRAISE:
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous, it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the Lord … sing to Him a new song; shout for joy for the Word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. Psalm 33:1-5.
Persecution: April 18, 2013
Today's Word for THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2013
PERSECUTION
DEFINITION:
Subject to harassing or cruel treatment as a result of religion, race, or beliefs; to annoy or trouble persistently; oppress.
SCRIPTURE:
Bless those that persecute you. Romans 12:14.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven Matthew 5:11-12.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We receive literally scores of emails monthly from fellow believers, who receive our devotionals, telling us about the persecution they are facing because of their faith in the Lord. Some have lost jobs, some have been disowned by their family, others have had their homes burned, and many live in great fear. We are deeply concerned when we receive these reports and it compels us to pray for each one involved.
We live in a world where Satan and his evil influences are doing all they can to drive believers away from God. As believers we can expect persecution because we live in a world that has turned its back on God. Satan and evil will not win because we serve a Savior who has conquered sin and has paid the penalty for our sins and has promised that “great is our reward in heaven.” Isn’t that wonderful!
Many times non-acceptance comes as a result of one's strong stand for Christian standards and beliefs. Christians are often ridiculed and discriminated against. Jesus taught that we should consider ourselves blessed when we are persecuted if it is because of our faith. Those who are persecuted are not alone. Jesus certainly was persecuted and so were His disciples, other prophets and many that we read about in the Old and New Testament. If we are persecuted for our faith it means that we are doing what is right in God's sight and that we are being faithful to our belief in the Lord.
Jesus said we are blessed when people revile and persecute us. It is difficult to feel blessed when we are persecuted, so why does Jesus say we are blessed? He tells us that it is because "great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:11-12 above)
Recently we read that over 70 million Christians have been martyred in the last 20 centuries because of their Christian faith. But, the more startling fact is that more than 50% of these 70 million have been martyred in the last 60 years.
Persecution severely tests our faith. When we consider how these martyrs were willing to suffer for their faith, we must ask ourselves how much we would be willing to suffer to stand up for our Lord and Savior. It takes great faith to stand strong in the face of persecution.
We urge you to be faithful in reading God's Word and these "Today's Word" devotionals which will help you know and understand how God wants you to deal with issues you face in life. It is only as we grow in our knowledge and understanding of God's Word that we grow in our relationship with God and with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The closer our relationship with our Lord the stronger will be our faith. Only with strong faith will we be able to endure persecution.
Here in America many feel that we are turning away from our spiritual principles that our country was founded on. One of the reasons we feel this way is that Christians are silent about their faith. Even though we may risk some persecution from others we need to speak up and be heard. When persecution comes upon us we must remember the persecution that Jesus went through for our salvation and be assured that a great reward waits us in heaven.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.
My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for what You did for me by dying on the cross. Strengthen my faith day by day so that I will be able to remain faithful to You when I face persecution from this evil world. Help me to challenge my family and Christian friends to join me in standing tall for You.
PERSECUTION
DEFINITION:
Subject to harassing or cruel treatment as a result of religion, race, or beliefs; to annoy or trouble persistently; oppress.
SCRIPTURE:
Bless those that persecute you. Romans 12:14.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven Matthew 5:11-12.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We receive literally scores of emails monthly from fellow believers, who receive our devotionals, telling us about the persecution they are facing because of their faith in the Lord. Some have lost jobs, some have been disowned by their family, others have had their homes burned, and many live in great fear. We are deeply concerned when we receive these reports and it compels us to pray for each one involved.
We live in a world where Satan and his evil influences are doing all they can to drive believers away from God. As believers we can expect persecution because we live in a world that has turned its back on God. Satan and evil will not win because we serve a Savior who has conquered sin and has paid the penalty for our sins and has promised that “great is our reward in heaven.” Isn’t that wonderful!
Many times non-acceptance comes as a result of one's strong stand for Christian standards and beliefs. Christians are often ridiculed and discriminated against. Jesus taught that we should consider ourselves blessed when we are persecuted if it is because of our faith. Those who are persecuted are not alone. Jesus certainly was persecuted and so were His disciples, other prophets and many that we read about in the Old and New Testament. If we are persecuted for our faith it means that we are doing what is right in God's sight and that we are being faithful to our belief in the Lord.
Jesus said we are blessed when people revile and persecute us. It is difficult to feel blessed when we are persecuted, so why does Jesus say we are blessed? He tells us that it is because "great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:11-12 above)
Recently we read that over 70 million Christians have been martyred in the last 20 centuries because of their Christian faith. But, the more startling fact is that more than 50% of these 70 million have been martyred in the last 60 years.
Persecution severely tests our faith. When we consider how these martyrs were willing to suffer for their faith, we must ask ourselves how much we would be willing to suffer to stand up for our Lord and Savior. It takes great faith to stand strong in the face of persecution.
We urge you to be faithful in reading God's Word and these "Today's Word" devotionals which will help you know and understand how God wants you to deal with issues you face in life. It is only as we grow in our knowledge and understanding of God's Word that we grow in our relationship with God and with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The closer our relationship with our Lord the stronger will be our faith. Only with strong faith will we be able to endure persecution.
Here in America many feel that we are turning away from our spiritual principles that our country was founded on. One of the reasons we feel this way is that Christians are silent about their faith. Even though we may risk some persecution from others we need to speak up and be heard. When persecution comes upon us we must remember the persecution that Jesus went through for our salvation and be assured that a great reward waits us in heaven.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.
My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for what You did for me by dying on the cross. Strengthen my faith day by day so that I will be able to remain faithful to You when I face persecution from this evil world. Help me to challenge my family and Christian friends to join me in standing tall for You.
Character: April 17, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2013
CHARACTER
DEFINITION:
The aggregate of properties and qualities that distinguishes one person or thing from another.
SCRIPTURE:
But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Romans 5: 3-4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Nothing is more important in life then to have proven character that is honest and worthy. When a person’s character is questioned it is very difficult to ever be completely trusted. As a believer we have a greater responsibility to have an upright character because what we do and what we say affects what others see in us and how we represent our Lord.
When we think of character we think of Job. In the book of Job we read about a man of upright character and great faith in God. He was also very prosperous. Satan came before God and challenged that Job’s faith was related to his prosperity. God allowed Satan to test Job. Then Satan took away all of Job’s flocks, all of his possessions, all of his servants, and even all of his children. When all that did not cause Job to turn against God, Satan afflicted him physically. Even then Job’s faith did not waver.
God commended Job for his character. In Job 1:8 God said to Satan: “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and shuns evil.”
Our character is the sum total of our personal values and qualities. Character is a large factor in determining the life we lead here on earth. In Genesis 49 we find Jacob gathering all of his twelve sons together to give them his blessing before he died. He made a prediction on their future based on the way they had lived and the character they portrayed. Of the twelve, only Joseph was described as having a commendable character. Joseph was the only son that Jacob predicted would have God’s blessing in the future.
The Bible also tells us about great men of virtuous and Godly character such as Abraham, Enoch and Noah. All of them were known to walk with God. These men knew that character was highly important in God’s sight.
Our dear friend Warren Wiersbe, former pastor of the famous Moody Bible Church in Chicago tells the story of a pious church member who, upon visiting the sixth grade Sunday school class, asked the children: “Why do you think people call me a Christian?” There was an embarrassing silence and then a small voice from the back of the class said, “Because they don’t know you.”
This was a humbling statement coming from the voice of a child, yet it could be true of most of us some time or another. The term “Christian” literally means “little Christ.” This term was first given to the believers at Antioch, because of their great moral fortitude and backbone that in all they did they appeared Christ-like. When you tell someone that you are a Christian, do they see you as Christ-like? Do you have a Christ-like character?
Have you ever given thought about whether God would be glorified by your character or would He be ashamed of your character? What a tragedy it is for anyone with an ungodly character to proclaim to be a Christian. Is it time for a character analysis in your life?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.
My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, enable me to have an upright character and to do what is always right. Help me every moment of this day to be worthy of Your name. It is my prayer that others might see Christ in me and that my desire will be to honor Him by having an upright and honest character.
CHARACTER
DEFINITION:
The aggregate of properties and qualities that distinguishes one person or thing from another.
SCRIPTURE:
But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Romans 5: 3-4
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Nothing is more important in life then to have proven character that is honest and worthy. When a person’s character is questioned it is very difficult to ever be completely trusted. As a believer we have a greater responsibility to have an upright character because what we do and what we say affects what others see in us and how we represent our Lord.
When we think of character we think of Job. In the book of Job we read about a man of upright character and great faith in God. He was also very prosperous. Satan came before God and challenged that Job’s faith was related to his prosperity. God allowed Satan to test Job. Then Satan took away all of Job’s flocks, all of his possessions, all of his servants, and even all of his children. When all that did not cause Job to turn against God, Satan afflicted him physically. Even then Job’s faith did not waver.
God commended Job for his character. In Job 1:8 God said to Satan: “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and shuns evil.”
Our character is the sum total of our personal values and qualities. Character is a large factor in determining the life we lead here on earth. In Genesis 49 we find Jacob gathering all of his twelve sons together to give them his blessing before he died. He made a prediction on their future based on the way they had lived and the character they portrayed. Of the twelve, only Joseph was described as having a commendable character. Joseph was the only son that Jacob predicted would have God’s blessing in the future.
The Bible also tells us about great men of virtuous and Godly character such as Abraham, Enoch and Noah. All of them were known to walk with God. These men knew that character was highly important in God’s sight.
Our dear friend Warren Wiersbe, former pastor of the famous Moody Bible Church in Chicago tells the story of a pious church member who, upon visiting the sixth grade Sunday school class, asked the children: “Why do you think people call me a Christian?” There was an embarrassing silence and then a small voice from the back of the class said, “Because they don’t know you.”
This was a humbling statement coming from the voice of a child, yet it could be true of most of us some time or another. The term “Christian” literally means “little Christ.” This term was first given to the believers at Antioch, because of their great moral fortitude and backbone that in all they did they appeared Christ-like. When you tell someone that you are a Christian, do they see you as Christ-like? Do you have a Christ-like character?
Have you ever given thought about whether God would be glorified by your character or would He be ashamed of your character? What a tragedy it is for anyone with an ungodly character to proclaim to be a Christian. Is it time for a character analysis in your life?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.
My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, enable me to have an upright character and to do what is always right. Help me every moment of this day to be worthy of Your name. It is my prayer that others might see Christ in me and that my desire will be to honor Him by having an upright and honest character.
Obey: April 16, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY APRIL 16, 2013
OBEY
DEFINITION:
To comply with instruction or commands; to follow; to respond readily; to submit or conform to; to be obedient.
SCRIPTURE:
Be doers of the Word and not hearers only. James 1:22.
If you obey my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
John 15:9
But if anyone obeys His Word, God’s love is truly made complete in Him. I John 2:5-6.
What does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
This is love that we walk according to His commandments. II John 1:6.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Take a few moments to begin with today to read carefully the verses we have written for you above. Notice that these verses tell us to obey God by reading and studying His Word. Then we are to obey what we read and the result will be that the love of God will radiate through us. We are to daily walk humbly with our Lord, do just things, love mercy and walk according to His commandments.
Obedience is the result of love and loyalty and they cannot be separated. Obedience to God is a demonstration of our love for Him. Obedience is doing what Christ has commanded us to do and living as He wants us to live. Jesus set the example for us. He was obedient to His father and obeyed His commands. By experience we know that obedience brings reward and disobedience has consequences.
We read in Numbers 20:7-12 that Moses struck the rock to get water rather then to just speak to the rock as God commanded him to do. Moses did not obey God and therefore forfeited his privilege of entering the promised land with the children of Israel, whom he had led for years. Think how painful it must have been for Moses after leading the Israelites out of Egypt and all through the wilderness for forty years and then not to be able to enter the promised land with them.
When we obey God, He uses ordinary people to do extra ordinary things. The disciples obeyed when Jesus said: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:17.
Trusting and obeying the Lord brings to one’s life true happiness. The noted author Philip Yancey wrote: “Obedience to God and only obedience offers the way out of futility.” The way of obedience is the way of blessing. We must learn to obey.
Have you noticed that children never need to be taught to disobey? Disobedience is a result of our sinful nature and each one of us --- parents, teenagers, adults and children --- need to learn to obey.
We learned as we were raising our children that the best way to teach obedience was to first set clearly the standards. Then when these standards were not honored and when we had given fair reminders, we would give an appropriate punishment such as taking away a privilege that was important to the child, for not obeying. The punishment had to have significance in the child’s mind, so it had to be painful in the same manner as God’s punishment of Moses was painful and a significant loss and disappointment to him. We also learned that it did not help to yell or threaten; this only built up resentment and never had good results. When giving out punishment for not obeying it is very important to be consistent as well.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.
My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER:
Help me this day to obey Your Word and to be faithful in studying Your Word so that I may do a better job of obeying Your commands. Enable me to first, personally understand, and then to help my children to understand the importance of being obedient to God’s Word. Protect my children from being led astray by the temptations of Satan.
OBEY
DEFINITION:
To comply with instruction or commands; to follow; to respond readily; to submit or conform to; to be obedient.
SCRIPTURE:
Be doers of the Word and not hearers only. James 1:22.
If you obey my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
John 15:9
But if anyone obeys His Word, God’s love is truly made complete in Him. I John 2:5-6.
What does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
This is love that we walk according to His commandments. II John 1:6.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Take a few moments to begin with today to read carefully the verses we have written for you above. Notice that these verses tell us to obey God by reading and studying His Word. Then we are to obey what we read and the result will be that the love of God will radiate through us. We are to daily walk humbly with our Lord, do just things, love mercy and walk according to His commandments.
Obedience is the result of love and loyalty and they cannot be separated. Obedience to God is a demonstration of our love for Him. Obedience is doing what Christ has commanded us to do and living as He wants us to live. Jesus set the example for us. He was obedient to His father and obeyed His commands. By experience we know that obedience brings reward and disobedience has consequences.
We read in Numbers 20:7-12 that Moses struck the rock to get water rather then to just speak to the rock as God commanded him to do. Moses did not obey God and therefore forfeited his privilege of entering the promised land with the children of Israel, whom he had led for years. Think how painful it must have been for Moses after leading the Israelites out of Egypt and all through the wilderness for forty years and then not to be able to enter the promised land with them.
When we obey God, He uses ordinary people to do extra ordinary things. The disciples obeyed when Jesus said: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:17.
Trusting and obeying the Lord brings to one’s life true happiness. The noted author Philip Yancey wrote: “Obedience to God and only obedience offers the way out of futility.” The way of obedience is the way of blessing. We must learn to obey.
Have you noticed that children never need to be taught to disobey? Disobedience is a result of our sinful nature and each one of us --- parents, teenagers, adults and children --- need to learn to obey.
We learned as we were raising our children that the best way to teach obedience was to first set clearly the standards. Then when these standards were not honored and when we had given fair reminders, we would give an appropriate punishment such as taking away a privilege that was important to the child, for not obeying. The punishment had to have significance in the child’s mind, so it had to be painful in the same manner as God’s punishment of Moses was painful and a significant loss and disappointment to him. We also learned that it did not help to yell or threaten; this only built up resentment and never had good results. When giving out punishment for not obeying it is very important to be consistent as well.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.
My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER:
Help me this day to obey Your Word and to be faithful in studying Your Word so that I may do a better job of obeying Your commands. Enable me to first, personally understand, and then to help my children to understand the importance of being obedient to God’s Word. Protect my children from being led astray by the temptations of Satan.
Happy: April 15, 2013
TODAY’S WORD FOR MONDAY APRIL 15, 2013.
HAPPY
DEFINITION:
Contented; joyous; ecstatic; glad.
SCRIPTURE:
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18.
Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves. Job 5:17.
Let the righteous be glad; let them exalt before God; Yes, let them rejoice with gladness. Psalm 68:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We have noticed recently how unhappy people seem to be. It seems to us that as we talk to children, youth and adults that their unhappiness comes from feeling discontent.
Many people have grabbed on to the “ME” generation philosophy thinking it will give them satisfaction and make them happy. It is the concept that if I can just get more of what I want I will be happy and “me, myself and I” will do whatever it takes to get what I want. Life becomes all about “me” and what “me” wants. When it doesn’t happen they begin to struggle both personally and economically and they begin to fail. When families begin to fall apart, jobs are lost and homes go into foreclosure, where do they turn to find hope and support?
Happiness comes from God. God wants us to be happy. Discontent comes from Satan.
We want to challenge you today to show others what your faith provides you to overcome situations of all kinds in your life. There are passages in the scripture that can give you what to say to these people. Read the two verses we have written above and share these verses with others.
First of all we must remind you that HAPPY IS HE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD. Notice carefully that those in the “ME” generation feel that their God is “ME”. They are the unrestrained spoken of in Proverbs 29:18 (above). Those who love and honor God find happiness by keeping God’s law. It is through God’s law that He corrects (reproves) us and keeps us from evil which leads to unhappiness.
Eve was living in the Garden of Eden where God had provided all she needed to be happy and content. Then Satan showed up and pointed out that she should be unhappy and discontent because she couldn’t have one thing --- the forbidden fruit (What God had told her). Eve sinned against God and found out what real unhappiness is.
We can live a happy life when we have put our complete trust in God. It is very simple to understand that if one does not have a support system in life, he or she cannot survive. Our support, as believers in Jesus, comes from our relationship with Him. Without Jesus being with us through the Holy Spirit we will not find the happiness that God wants us to have.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.
My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord that You alone can provide all I need for true happiness. Help me to be content with what You have given me. I praise You and thank You for Your many blessings.
HAPPY
DEFINITION:
Contented; joyous; ecstatic; glad.
SCRIPTURE:
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18.
Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves. Job 5:17.
Let the righteous be glad; let them exalt before God; Yes, let them rejoice with gladness. Psalm 68:3.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We have noticed recently how unhappy people seem to be. It seems to us that as we talk to children, youth and adults that their unhappiness comes from feeling discontent.
Many people have grabbed on to the “ME” generation philosophy thinking it will give them satisfaction and make them happy. It is the concept that if I can just get more of what I want I will be happy and “me, myself and I” will do whatever it takes to get what I want. Life becomes all about “me” and what “me” wants. When it doesn’t happen they begin to struggle both personally and economically and they begin to fail. When families begin to fall apart, jobs are lost and homes go into foreclosure, where do they turn to find hope and support?
Happiness comes from God. God wants us to be happy. Discontent comes from Satan.
We want to challenge you today to show others what your faith provides you to overcome situations of all kinds in your life. There are passages in the scripture that can give you what to say to these people. Read the two verses we have written above and share these verses with others.
First of all we must remind you that HAPPY IS HE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD. Notice carefully that those in the “ME” generation feel that their God is “ME”. They are the unrestrained spoken of in Proverbs 29:18 (above). Those who love and honor God find happiness by keeping God’s law. It is through God’s law that He corrects (reproves) us and keeps us from evil which leads to unhappiness.
Eve was living in the Garden of Eden where God had provided all she needed to be happy and content. Then Satan showed up and pointed out that she should be unhappy and discontent because she couldn’t have one thing --- the forbidden fruit (What God had told her). Eve sinned against God and found out what real unhappiness is.
We can live a happy life when we have put our complete trust in God. It is very simple to understand that if one does not have a support system in life, he or she cannot survive. Our support, as believers in Jesus, comes from our relationship with Him. Without Jesus being with us through the Holy Spirit we will not find the happiness that God wants us to have.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.
My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord that You alone can provide all I need for true happiness. Help me to be content with what You have given me. I praise You and thank You for Your many blessings.
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