GEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SATURDAY JUNE 22, 2013.
PROVERB:
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. Proverbs 15:28
PROMISE:
For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12: 34b-37.
PRAISE:
My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of Your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim Your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone.
Psalm 71:15-16.
June 23, 2013
Achievement: June 21, 2013
TODAY’S WORD FOR FRIDAY JUNE 21, 2013.
ACHIEVEMENT
DEFINITION:
Something accomplished, as through great effort, skill, perseverance or courage; the act of attainment or accomplishment.
SCRIPTURE:
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits which God appointed us. II Corinthians 10: 12-13.
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When people think of achievement, they think of successfully accomplishing a goal in life. It might be achieving a certain level of education, getting a job, applying for job advancement, finding a marriage partner or owning a new home. From the world's perspective these achievements are more important than from God's perspective.
God's goal for each of us is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, to live for Him and to strive to achieve all that He wants us to be. He wants us to achieve things while we are on this earth to bring honor to Him. We all need to strive daily to achieve the success that God expects of us in our marital, family, work place and friend relationships.
There are four steps to achievement that we would like to share with you today. Each of These four steps, written by William Ward some years ago, are still relevant for us today. These four thoughts will help you to grade your achievement in spiritual and physical relationships. We have added some personal thoughts following each of Dr. Ward's four steps.
PLAN PURPOSEFULLY: You have a responsibility to plan for yourself, for your family and for your future. In all of your plans you need to have a purpose to achieve success both spiritually and intellectually. It is so important not to forget planning for success spiritually. May we suggest taking time daily to read God's Word and spending time in prayer. Your spiritual achievement requires communication with God. It will not happen if you do not include time for it in your daily schedule.
PREPARE PRAYERFULLY: When you plan you need to pray that God will guide your thinking so that your plans will honor God. You cannot achieve success if God's hand of blessing is not upon you and your plans. Christ must be in the center of all you do if you expect God to give you success. In Proverbs 16:3 we are reminded to "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
PROCEED POSITIVELY: You need to plan your actions so you can achieve your goals with a positive attitude and also with a program for a positive completion.
PURSUE PERSISTENTLY: You must not become discouraged if you have setbacks. If you do not succeed at first you must try again. When you want to achieve a goal that you have set, you must be persistent in all of your efforts to meet that goal and not give up if your first attempt fails.
As you look at your life you must first evaluate your achievements on what you have accomplished for your Lord. Have you set high spiritual standards to live by each day? Have you led your family so that their first priority in life is their relationship with Jesus? Do others that you meet know without a doubt that you have a relationship with the Lord? Positive responses to these questions are all vital in order for you to achieve your goals spiritually in life. If you are right with the Lord, He will bless you and enable you to achieve success in other areas of your life.
As we trained our children we put strong emphasis on their spiritual achievements but along with that emphasis we wanted each one to understand the importance of achievements in their daily activities. When they made commitments in school, in church, in sports or in any other activities they were encouraged to give 100% at all times, so that they would honor God and have the satisfaction that they had given their best.
In life today many people, children and adults, just do enough to get by. This is not acceptable to God but we see it as the norm every day. God wants us to excel in whatever we attempt so that He can receive the honor and glory.
In Ecclesiastics 4:4 it reads: "For all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor." Achievement in life is admired by society, but the only achievement that counts with God is what we do for our Lord.
What are your spiritual goals in this life? Have you achieved each one yet or if not are you working to achieve them? Think also about what you want to achieve while God has you on this earth and then compare that to what you have accomplished.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 1:7.
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His glory.
PRAYER:
Help me today dear Lord, to achieve my goals in life both spiritually and productively. Help me to achieve a special relationship with You. Thank You for Your love, Your support, Your guidance and Your direction today in all that I do.
ACHIEVEMENT
DEFINITION:
Something accomplished, as through great effort, skill, perseverance or courage; the act of attainment or accomplishment.
SCRIPTURE:
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits which God appointed us. II Corinthians 10: 12-13.
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
When people think of achievement, they think of successfully accomplishing a goal in life. It might be achieving a certain level of education, getting a job, applying for job advancement, finding a marriage partner or owning a new home. From the world's perspective these achievements are more important than from God's perspective.
God's goal for each of us is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, to live for Him and to strive to achieve all that He wants us to be. He wants us to achieve things while we are on this earth to bring honor to Him. We all need to strive daily to achieve the success that God expects of us in our marital, family, work place and friend relationships.
There are four steps to achievement that we would like to share with you today. Each of These four steps, written by William Ward some years ago, are still relevant for us today. These four thoughts will help you to grade your achievement in spiritual and physical relationships. We have added some personal thoughts following each of Dr. Ward's four steps.
PLAN PURPOSEFULLY: You have a responsibility to plan for yourself, for your family and for your future. In all of your plans you need to have a purpose to achieve success both spiritually and intellectually. It is so important not to forget planning for success spiritually. May we suggest taking time daily to read God's Word and spending time in prayer. Your spiritual achievement requires communication with God. It will not happen if you do not include time for it in your daily schedule.
PREPARE PRAYERFULLY: When you plan you need to pray that God will guide your thinking so that your plans will honor God. You cannot achieve success if God's hand of blessing is not upon you and your plans. Christ must be in the center of all you do if you expect God to give you success. In Proverbs 16:3 we are reminded to "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
PROCEED POSITIVELY: You need to plan your actions so you can achieve your goals with a positive attitude and also with a program for a positive completion.
PURSUE PERSISTENTLY: You must not become discouraged if you have setbacks. If you do not succeed at first you must try again. When you want to achieve a goal that you have set, you must be persistent in all of your efforts to meet that goal and not give up if your first attempt fails.
As you look at your life you must first evaluate your achievements on what you have accomplished for your Lord. Have you set high spiritual standards to live by each day? Have you led your family so that their first priority in life is their relationship with Jesus? Do others that you meet know without a doubt that you have a relationship with the Lord? Positive responses to these questions are all vital in order for you to achieve your goals spiritually in life. If you are right with the Lord, He will bless you and enable you to achieve success in other areas of your life.
As we trained our children we put strong emphasis on their spiritual achievements but along with that emphasis we wanted each one to understand the importance of achievements in their daily activities. When they made commitments in school, in church, in sports or in any other activities they were encouraged to give 100% at all times, so that they would honor God and have the satisfaction that they had given their best.
In life today many people, children and adults, just do enough to get by. This is not acceptable to God but we see it as the norm every day. God wants us to excel in whatever we attempt so that He can receive the honor and glory.
In Ecclesiastics 4:4 it reads: "For all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor." Achievement in life is admired by society, but the only achievement that counts with God is what we do for our Lord.
What are your spiritual goals in this life? Have you achieved each one yet or if not are you working to achieve them? Think also about what you want to achieve while God has you on this earth and then compare that to what you have accomplished.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 1:7.
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His glory.
PRAYER:
Help me today dear Lord, to achieve my goals in life both spiritually and productively. Help me to achieve a special relationship with You. Thank You for Your love, Your support, Your guidance and Your direction today in all that I do.
Anchor: June 20, 2013
TODAY’S WORD FOR THURSDAY JUNE 20, 2013
ANCHOR
DEFINITION:
A person or thing that can be relied on for support, stability or security; mainstay; any device for holding fast or checking motion.
SCRIPTURE:
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:19.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Both of us love to be on ships. Cruising on the water is relaxing and restful for us. However, being on a ship in the midst of a storm is quite a different matter. We have had times in life when we felt we were being buffeted about by the realities of life much like a ship in a storm is tossed about by the waves.
Yes, when we think of anchors, we usually think of ships or boats. An anchor is lowered to keep the ship in place so it will not float into a dangerous position. In Acts chapter 27, the apostle Paul gives us an account of the time he was on a ship as a prisoner being moved with other prisoners to their trial. He tells of sailing into a terrible storm and the crew having to put the anchor out to keep the ship wrecked vessel from being dashed to pieces on the rocks.
Thinking of ships and boats, we remember going out in a small boat with an outboard motor with my (Ken) mother and step father. We had our six children with us and we went out probably no more than a mile into the Pacific Ocean. All of a sudden we noticed that the boat was slowly beginning to fill with water. Since we had young children on board my step father radioed the Coast Guard for help. We knew an anchor would not help and a bucket bailing the water out of the boat was not sufficient. We knew that now was the time to pray. We all were praying and bailing and doing all we could to help get rid of the water at the same time.
Soon we saw a Coast Guard ship getting close. To say the least it was huge. We thought the whole American Navy was coming. They responded quickly because they knew there were small children on board. To make a long story short the Coast Guard got us and the boat safely back to shore.
That day, in our situation, a boat anchor was not what we needed. It was the anchor of hope in Jesus Christ that we relied on and that is why we all prayed. Instead of looking at a useless anchor in the middle of the ocean we knew that our Lord was the anchor we needed.
As Christians, our hope in Jesus is the anchor for our soul and it is sure and steadfast so we will not drift away. In the storms of life we are like a ship at sea that is tossed and battered and in danger of being dashed to pieces. Our anchor, Jesus Christ, is always with us keeping us safe, stable and holding us fast so we do not float away into worldly problems.
When you face each day in life, make sure your anchor of faith in Jesus is steadfast and sure. Seek the Lord daily to keep your anchor firm and put your trust in Him to keep you steady in the storms of life. He wants to be your anchor and will be there with you every moment of the day through all the ups and downs of life.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 1:7.
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
PRAYER:
As I face this day, I think of the old hymn sung years ago, "My Anchor Holds." Thank You for being my anchor throughout this day and it is my prayer that You will hold me close to You and lead and guide me and keep me on a steady course through my voyage in life.
ANCHOR
DEFINITION:
A person or thing that can be relied on for support, stability or security; mainstay; any device for holding fast or checking motion.
SCRIPTURE:
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:19.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Both of us love to be on ships. Cruising on the water is relaxing and restful for us. However, being on a ship in the midst of a storm is quite a different matter. We have had times in life when we felt we were being buffeted about by the realities of life much like a ship in a storm is tossed about by the waves.
Yes, when we think of anchors, we usually think of ships or boats. An anchor is lowered to keep the ship in place so it will not float into a dangerous position. In Acts chapter 27, the apostle Paul gives us an account of the time he was on a ship as a prisoner being moved with other prisoners to their trial. He tells of sailing into a terrible storm and the crew having to put the anchor out to keep the ship wrecked vessel from being dashed to pieces on the rocks.
Thinking of ships and boats, we remember going out in a small boat with an outboard motor with my (Ken) mother and step father. We had our six children with us and we went out probably no more than a mile into the Pacific Ocean. All of a sudden we noticed that the boat was slowly beginning to fill with water. Since we had young children on board my step father radioed the Coast Guard for help. We knew an anchor would not help and a bucket bailing the water out of the boat was not sufficient. We knew that now was the time to pray. We all were praying and bailing and doing all we could to help get rid of the water at the same time.
Soon we saw a Coast Guard ship getting close. To say the least it was huge. We thought the whole American Navy was coming. They responded quickly because they knew there were small children on board. To make a long story short the Coast Guard got us and the boat safely back to shore.
That day, in our situation, a boat anchor was not what we needed. It was the anchor of hope in Jesus Christ that we relied on and that is why we all prayed. Instead of looking at a useless anchor in the middle of the ocean we knew that our Lord was the anchor we needed.
As Christians, our hope in Jesus is the anchor for our soul and it is sure and steadfast so we will not drift away. In the storms of life we are like a ship at sea that is tossed and battered and in danger of being dashed to pieces. Our anchor, Jesus Christ, is always with us keeping us safe, stable and holding us fast so we do not float away into worldly problems.
When you face each day in life, make sure your anchor of faith in Jesus is steadfast and sure. Seek the Lord daily to keep your anchor firm and put your trust in Him to keep you steady in the storms of life. He wants to be your anchor and will be there with you every moment of the day through all the ups and downs of life.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 1:7.
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
PRAYER:
As I face this day, I think of the old hymn sung years ago, "My Anchor Holds." Thank You for being my anchor throughout this day and it is my prayer that You will hold me close to You and lead and guide me and keep me on a steady course through my voyage in life.
Comply: June 19, 2013
TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 19, 2013.
COMPLY
DEFINITION:
To act or be in accordance with requests, demands, requirements or conditions.
SCRIPTURE:
The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people to SHOUT for the Lord has given you the city. Joshua 6:16.
When the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. Joshua 6:20.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
God has given us many examples in the scripture as to how He wants us to comply to His will. One example is from the adventures of the Children of Israel when they were in the Promised Land.
Israel had set up camp at Gilgal which was about two miles to the north of the city of Jericho. Jericho was so well fortified that the Canaanites were sure that their city was invincible. It was situated on a hill and surrounded by a double ring of walls. The outer wall was six feet thick and the inner wall was twelve feet thick. Nevertheless, God had determined that Jericho would fall.
God sent a messenger to Joshua to tell him that God would deliver Jericho completely into Joshua's hands. God gave very specific instructions that Joshua must comply with in order for the Israelites to have the victory. Joshua and his army were to march once around the city for six straight days. They were to be led by seven priests blowing trumpets made of ram's horns who were then followed by the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times and when Joshua gave the command all the people were to shout.
Joshua did everything just as God had instructed him and when all the people complied with the command to shout, the walls of the city collapsed and the Israelites were able to charge right into the city and take it.
The instructions given by God to Joshua were very unusual for a military conquest. When God directed that the Ark of the Covenant lead the soldiers, He wanted the Israelites to understand that He was in command and the outcome of the battle was dependent upon Him and not upon their military strength. By complying with God's instruction the Israelites demonstrated their faith and trust in the Lord and their willingness to obey Him. In response to their faith and obedience God gave them the victory.
Obedience to God and compliance to His laws always bring blessings. In Deuteronomy 28:2 it reads: "All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God." May we remind you that when you spend time reading the Bible and praying daily, God will make His will clear to you. You will probably not hear His voice but the still small voice within you will direct you.
All of our children when they lived at home were given assigned household chores which were to be completed before the end of the week. One of our children loved to put his chores off until the deadline was very close. Therefore, he often had a hard time complying with the rules and meeting the deadline. One weekend he was invited to a friend's house for dinner. Even though we had reminded him of his chores several times and that they were to be completed before he left, he took off without doing them.
Both of us were somewhat aggravated and we really had "had it" so to speak. We called the house where he was going and asked them to have him call us when he arrived. In no uncertain terms he was told to come home immediately to finish his chores. We told him on the telephone that once they were done he could return to his friend's house. The embarrassment of having to return home accomplished what constant reminders had not. From that day on, he decided it was best for him to do the work early in the week and comply with the rules.
In life today we need to, as individuals and as parents with our families, learn to set rules and boundaries for ourselves, based on the scriptures, and then to force ourselves to comply with them. This will lead to a happy and united family.
One of the things we learned raising our children was the importance of setting rules and boundaries clearly and accurately before an issue could arise on that particular subject. We learned that when we set the rule up front, it was much easier for our child to understand the discipline that followed the breaking of the rule. We also learned the importance of reviewing, from time to time, the boundaries we had set so our children would not think we had forgotten the rules. When you set the boundaries up early in the lives of children they will normally learn much quicker the difference between right and wrong. Once children understand that doing wrong has bad consequences and doing what is right brings reward they will want to comply with the rules and do what is right.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 1:7.
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
PRAYER
Help me to read Your Word each day so I can know Your commandments. Help me to obey and comply with Your laws so that You can bless me. Give me wisdom and direction in leading my children to want to trust You and obey You.
COMPLY
DEFINITION:
To act or be in accordance with requests, demands, requirements or conditions.
SCRIPTURE:
The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people to SHOUT for the Lord has given you the city. Joshua 6:16.
When the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. Joshua 6:20.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
God has given us many examples in the scripture as to how He wants us to comply to His will. One example is from the adventures of the Children of Israel when they were in the Promised Land.
Israel had set up camp at Gilgal which was about two miles to the north of the city of Jericho. Jericho was so well fortified that the Canaanites were sure that their city was invincible. It was situated on a hill and surrounded by a double ring of walls. The outer wall was six feet thick and the inner wall was twelve feet thick. Nevertheless, God had determined that Jericho would fall.
God sent a messenger to Joshua to tell him that God would deliver Jericho completely into Joshua's hands. God gave very specific instructions that Joshua must comply with in order for the Israelites to have the victory. Joshua and his army were to march once around the city for six straight days. They were to be led by seven priests blowing trumpets made of ram's horns who were then followed by the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times and when Joshua gave the command all the people were to shout.
Joshua did everything just as God had instructed him and when all the people complied with the command to shout, the walls of the city collapsed and the Israelites were able to charge right into the city and take it.
The instructions given by God to Joshua were very unusual for a military conquest. When God directed that the Ark of the Covenant lead the soldiers, He wanted the Israelites to understand that He was in command and the outcome of the battle was dependent upon Him and not upon their military strength. By complying with God's instruction the Israelites demonstrated their faith and trust in the Lord and their willingness to obey Him. In response to their faith and obedience God gave them the victory.
Obedience to God and compliance to His laws always bring blessings. In Deuteronomy 28:2 it reads: "All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God." May we remind you that when you spend time reading the Bible and praying daily, God will make His will clear to you. You will probably not hear His voice but the still small voice within you will direct you.
All of our children when they lived at home were given assigned household chores which were to be completed before the end of the week. One of our children loved to put his chores off until the deadline was very close. Therefore, he often had a hard time complying with the rules and meeting the deadline. One weekend he was invited to a friend's house for dinner. Even though we had reminded him of his chores several times and that they were to be completed before he left, he took off without doing them.
Both of us were somewhat aggravated and we really had "had it" so to speak. We called the house where he was going and asked them to have him call us when he arrived. In no uncertain terms he was told to come home immediately to finish his chores. We told him on the telephone that once they were done he could return to his friend's house. The embarrassment of having to return home accomplished what constant reminders had not. From that day on, he decided it was best for him to do the work early in the week and comply with the rules.
In life today we need to, as individuals and as parents with our families, learn to set rules and boundaries for ourselves, based on the scriptures, and then to force ourselves to comply with them. This will lead to a happy and united family.
One of the things we learned raising our children was the importance of setting rules and boundaries clearly and accurately before an issue could arise on that particular subject. We learned that when we set the rule up front, it was much easier for our child to understand the discipline that followed the breaking of the rule. We also learned the importance of reviewing, from time to time, the boundaries we had set so our children would not think we had forgotten the rules. When you set the boundaries up early in the lives of children they will normally learn much quicker the difference between right and wrong. Once children understand that doing wrong has bad consequences and doing what is right brings reward they will want to comply with the rules and do what is right.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 1:7.
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
PRAYER
Help me to read Your Word each day so I can know Your commandments. Help me to obey and comply with Your laws so that You can bless me. Give me wisdom and direction in leading my children to want to trust You and obey You.
Abilities: June 18, 2013
TODAY’S WORD FOR TUESDAY JUNE 18, 2013.
ABILITIES
DEFINITION :
Capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, or financially; competence based on natural skill; talents; special skills or aptitudes
SCRIPTURE:
We have different gifts, according to what God has given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12: 6-8.
And to one He gave five talents, to another two and to another one, to each according to his own ability. Matthew 25:15.
If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies. I Peter 4:11.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
As Christians, we are all part of one body, the Church of Christ. We are put here on earth with one purpose and that is to build Christ's Church. To accomplish this, God has given us different abilities and no one person has the ability to do the work of the Church all alone.
God expects us to be diligent in using our abilities for His service and not for our personal advancement or enjoyment. It is also important for us to not be jealous of the abilities that others may have. The scripture tells us that it is most important that we be faithful to use our abilities to glorify God because He is the one that has given us our abilities and has a specific purpose in giving us each one.
To those that God has given the ability to earn large amounts of money, God has a word of caution in Deuteronomy 8:17-18: "You may say to yourself, my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth."
If you have received greatness in life whether by your wealth or by a position of power or leadership, remember that God has given you this ability and you have a responsibility to use what you have accomplished to bring glory and honor to God.
We have noticed with our six children and 20 grandchildren that no two children are the same. God has given each child specific physical abilities and spiritual abilities based on their ability to use them properly. And as parents and grandparents we have a responsibility to guide our children and grand-children to help them make the most out of the abilities that God has given them. We are to do this to bring honor and glory to God and to further His Kingdom.
Often we have seen children and adults with real talent and ability fail to use their God given ability to accomplish anything of merit. Worse yet, we have seen people use their talents that God has given them for evil purposes.
All children want to excel and be successful but for some, achievement comes much harder and more slowly based on the fact that they do not have the same ability as a sibling or a classmate. We need to give special encouragement and praise to the child that works hard to achieve what may come easy for others.
Parents have the responsibility to see that children that seem to have greater ability and are faster learners do not become lazy. They need to be stimulated with new challenges.
As Christians we need to strive daily to use the abilities that God has given us to bring glory to God and His kingdom. Are we using our abilities wisely? It is wrong for one to sit back and not use an ability that God has given you. God also expects us to reach out and nurture those who need help in finding their "niche" in life. Are you doing this?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 1:7.
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
PRAYER:
Help me today dear Lord, to use the abilities that You have blessed me with for Your glory. May all those that I meet see Christ through me. Enable me to encourage and help my family members and friends to use their God-given abilities to serve and honor You. Help me to grow in You and be mature in my Christian walk.
ABILITIES
DEFINITION :
Capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, or financially; competence based on natural skill; talents; special skills or aptitudes
SCRIPTURE:
We have different gifts, according to what God has given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12: 6-8.
And to one He gave five talents, to another two and to another one, to each according to his own ability. Matthew 25:15.
If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies. I Peter 4:11.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
As Christians, we are all part of one body, the Church of Christ. We are put here on earth with one purpose and that is to build Christ's Church. To accomplish this, God has given us different abilities and no one person has the ability to do the work of the Church all alone.
God expects us to be diligent in using our abilities for His service and not for our personal advancement or enjoyment. It is also important for us to not be jealous of the abilities that others may have. The scripture tells us that it is most important that we be faithful to use our abilities to glorify God because He is the one that has given us our abilities and has a specific purpose in giving us each one.
To those that God has given the ability to earn large amounts of money, God has a word of caution in Deuteronomy 8:17-18: "You may say to yourself, my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth."
If you have received greatness in life whether by your wealth or by a position of power or leadership, remember that God has given you this ability and you have a responsibility to use what you have accomplished to bring glory and honor to God.
We have noticed with our six children and 20 grandchildren that no two children are the same. God has given each child specific physical abilities and spiritual abilities based on their ability to use them properly. And as parents and grandparents we have a responsibility to guide our children and grand-children to help them make the most out of the abilities that God has given them. We are to do this to bring honor and glory to God and to further His Kingdom.
Often we have seen children and adults with real talent and ability fail to use their God given ability to accomplish anything of merit. Worse yet, we have seen people use their talents that God has given them for evil purposes.
All children want to excel and be successful but for some, achievement comes much harder and more slowly based on the fact that they do not have the same ability as a sibling or a classmate. We need to give special encouragement and praise to the child that works hard to achieve what may come easy for others.
Parents have the responsibility to see that children that seem to have greater ability and are faster learners do not become lazy. They need to be stimulated with new challenges.
As Christians we need to strive daily to use the abilities that God has given us to bring glory to God and His kingdom. Are we using our abilities wisely? It is wrong for one to sit back and not use an ability that God has given you. God also expects us to reach out and nurture those who need help in finding their "niche" in life. Are you doing this?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 1:7.
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
PRAYER:
Help me today dear Lord, to use the abilities that You have blessed me with for Your glory. May all those that I meet see Christ through me. Enable me to encourage and help my family members and friends to use their God-given abilities to serve and honor You. Help me to grow in You and be mature in my Christian walk.
Obey: June 17, 2013
TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JUNE 17, 2013
OBEY
DEFINITION:
To comply with the wishes, instruction or commands of; to follow; to respond readily; to submit or conform to.
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:
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 than 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. Jesus chose ordinary men to be His disciples and because of their obedience to Jesus they were enabled to do miraculous things.
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. 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 Ephesians 1:7:
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
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 the wishes, instruction or commands of; to follow; to respond readily; to submit or conform to.
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:
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 than 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. Jesus chose ordinary men to be His disciples and because of their obedience to Jesus they were enabled to do miraculous things.
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. 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 Ephesians 1:7:
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
