GEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2014
PROVERB:
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1
PROMISE:
And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as son. Endure hardship as discipline: God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined, and everyone undergoes discipline, than you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Hebrews 12:5-7.
PRAISE:
Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard; He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For You, O God tested us; You refined us like silver. Psalm 66:8-10.
February 2, 2014
Discipleship: January 31, 2014
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JANUARY 31, 2014.
DISCIPLESHIP
DEFINITION:
To teach, train and convert into a true follower, a disciple of Jesus.
SCRIPTURE:
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20.
KNOWLEDGEAND EXPERIENCE:
Jesus gave all believers the command to go and disciple new believers in the Word of God. The verse above is the commission of Jesus to His disciples and all believers after His resurrection and before He returned to heaven. This commission from Jesus to His disciples began with the command to reach the unbeliever and lead them to a saving knowledge of Jesus. But it does not end there. This commission included that they were to teach (disciple) every new convert how to live and how to share their belief until the return of the Lord.
For the last two days we have looked at the “words” “conviction” and “conversion,” specifically in the life of Saul who later became the Apostle Paul. Today we have chosen to discuss the word “discipleship” and review what the scripture tells us about how God chose to disciple Paul after he became a believer.
First, God knew that Paul being a new believer needed help from a very special believer. The believer that God chose to disciple Paul was a simple unknown believer named Ananias. The traits that Ananias possessed were exactly what were needed by Paul. We need to understand that God is looking for people like each one of us, to disciple new believers and He wants us to study and know God’s Word well enough so we are prepared to help new believers.
Ananias was obviously a Godly man and devoted to the Lord. Ananias was also very sensitive to the call of God because he communicated daily with God through prayer. When God called him, he knew the voice of God and was prepared to follow what God wanted him to do. God chose Ananias to disciple Paul because Ananias was spiritually prepared and submissive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
God told Ananias what Paul needed to be taught and encouraged Paul to know, without any doubt in his mind, that he was a chosen vessel, a chosen instrument of God. This is also true for everyone that is reading this devotional today. God has the same message for us that He had for Ananias to give to Paul.
You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. John 15:16.
A special word to parents: It is important, as we learned, to disciple your children at an early age. If they are older begin today. Discipling means to lead them in reading the Bible and discussing what they read and praying with them. You will see a change in the lives of your children as they learn more about their Lord and His desires for them. As you disciple your children yon cannot help but grow in your relationship with the Lord as well.
Look at the many principles in this short study today from the life of Paul. God wants us to apply them to our lives today so we can be vessels to be used by Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
PRAYER:
Guide me in discipling my children to grow in the knowledge of Your Word and give them the desire to be obedient to Your commandments. Give me the wisdom and dedication to study and apply Your Word to my life. Bless my family and make us all disciples that can be used to be a blessing to others
.
DISCIPLESHIP
DEFINITION:
To teach, train and convert into a true follower, a disciple of Jesus.
SCRIPTURE:
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20.
KNOWLEDGEAND EXPERIENCE:
Jesus gave all believers the command to go and disciple new believers in the Word of God. The verse above is the commission of Jesus to His disciples and all believers after His resurrection and before He returned to heaven. This commission from Jesus to His disciples began with the command to reach the unbeliever and lead them to a saving knowledge of Jesus. But it does not end there. This commission included that they were to teach (disciple) every new convert how to live and how to share their belief until the return of the Lord.
For the last two days we have looked at the “words” “conviction” and “conversion,” specifically in the life of Saul who later became the Apostle Paul. Today we have chosen to discuss the word “discipleship” and review what the scripture tells us about how God chose to disciple Paul after he became a believer.
First, God knew that Paul being a new believer needed help from a very special believer. The believer that God chose to disciple Paul was a simple unknown believer named Ananias. The traits that Ananias possessed were exactly what were needed by Paul. We need to understand that God is looking for people like each one of us, to disciple new believers and He wants us to study and know God’s Word well enough so we are prepared to help new believers.
Ananias was obviously a Godly man and devoted to the Lord. Ananias was also very sensitive to the call of God because he communicated daily with God through prayer. When God called him, he knew the voice of God and was prepared to follow what God wanted him to do. God chose Ananias to disciple Paul because Ananias was spiritually prepared and submissive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
God told Ananias what Paul needed to be taught and encouraged Paul to know, without any doubt in his mind, that he was a chosen vessel, a chosen instrument of God. This is also true for everyone that is reading this devotional today. God has the same message for us that He had for Ananias to give to Paul.
You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. John 15:16.
A special word to parents: It is important, as we learned, to disciple your children at an early age. If they are older begin today. Discipling means to lead them in reading the Bible and discussing what they read and praying with them. You will see a change in the lives of your children as they learn more about their Lord and His desires for them. As you disciple your children yon cannot help but grow in your relationship with the Lord as well.
Look at the many principles in this short study today from the life of Paul. God wants us to apply them to our lives today so we can be vessels to be used by Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
PRAYER:
Guide me in discipling my children to grow in the knowledge of Your Word and give them the desire to be obedient to Your commandments. Give me the wisdom and dedication to study and apply Your Word to my life. Bless my family and make us all disciples that can be used to be a blessing to others
.
Conversion: January 30, 2014
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY JANUARY 30, 2014.
CONVERSION
DEFINITION:
Spiritual change from sinfulness to righteousness; a change from indifference; disbelief or antagonism to acceptance, faith or enthusiastic support, especially such a change involving religious belief.
SCRIPTURE:
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit” Acts 9:17.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Yesterday the “WORD” discussed was “conviction.” We left off when Saul and Jesus had their encounter. Saul was under great conviction and Jesus told Saul to “Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what you must do.” (Acts 9:6).
Saul did just what the Lord told him to do, but we need to remind you that the Lord knew that Saul needed time for the Holy Spirit to do His work in Saul’s heart. Obediently, Saul waited for three days for God’s next words.
During these three days Saul was blinded. His eyes were closed. Saul was unable to eat or drink for these three days. The trauma drained all of Saul’s strength and he was completely exhausted. During these three days the Lord saw that Saul’s mind was completely shut off in the world of thought alone. He was left alone to pray and repent over his shameful deeds and to wonder what changes would happen in his life now.
Although Saul had lost his physical vision, he had a new vision of what he was and who Jesus was. Surely Saul must have visualized every stone he cast at Stephen as a stone cast at God, and every believer’s home he had stormed into as a home of those who worshipped the true God. Now he saw every man and woman who accepted Jesus that he drug through the streets as being a true follower of God. He had been blind to the truth.
After hours of seeing the past, Saul had to wonder, “Why was Jesus choosing him, the one who so fiercely opposed the Lord? “What did Jesus want from him and what was He going to tell him to do?”
The Lord now needed someone to help Saul come to know Christ and to be with Saul in his new found faith. God always has His people ready to do His work. God chose Ananias to lead him in his new found faith in the Lord (the verse above). God had changed Saul’s name to Paul, but Ananias knew all about Paul when he was Saul the persecutor of those who believed in Jesus. Just imagine the concern that Ananias had about going to the house where Paul was. Would Saul arrest him and take him to prison as he had done to so many others who followed Jesus? But Ananias was sure that God had called him to go and talk to Saul, so he went obediently with the confidence that God would be with him.
Upon the arrival of Ananias at the house, God began to do His work. God gave Ananias the right words and the power to restore Paul’s eyesight. Ananias was willing to face difficult assignments. Reaching out and helping someone who denies that Jesus is God’s Son is always difficult and even more so with a person such as Saul. The more depraved the convert has been, the more difficult is the task. After Saul met Jesus he was never the same again. He was completely converted. He went from a persecutor to a preacher.
Where do you stand today? Have you been blind to the truth of God’s message of love and forgiveness? If so, now is the time. God is waiting for you to ask for forgiveness for your sins and to be changed completely. God wants you to have a new life through Christ Jesus.
God used Ananias to teach Paul what to do. Today we have the Bible, God’s Word, to teach us what to do. Pray and read God’s Word and your eyes will be opened to what God wants you to do.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
PRAYER:
I realize, Lord, that I need a conversion from my sinful ways. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins and I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Instruct me through Your Word as to how to live my new life in Jesus. I ask You Lord to lead me to a person today that I can share my testimony of faith and help them know you as their Savior.
CONVERSION
DEFINITION:
Spiritual change from sinfulness to righteousness; a change from indifference; disbelief or antagonism to acceptance, faith or enthusiastic support, especially such a change involving religious belief.
SCRIPTURE:
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit” Acts 9:17.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Yesterday the “WORD” discussed was “conviction.” We left off when Saul and Jesus had their encounter. Saul was under great conviction and Jesus told Saul to “Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what you must do.” (Acts 9:6).
Saul did just what the Lord told him to do, but we need to remind you that the Lord knew that Saul needed time for the Holy Spirit to do His work in Saul’s heart. Obediently, Saul waited for three days for God’s next words.
During these three days Saul was blinded. His eyes were closed. Saul was unable to eat or drink for these three days. The trauma drained all of Saul’s strength and he was completely exhausted. During these three days the Lord saw that Saul’s mind was completely shut off in the world of thought alone. He was left alone to pray and repent over his shameful deeds and to wonder what changes would happen in his life now.
Although Saul had lost his physical vision, he had a new vision of what he was and who Jesus was. Surely Saul must have visualized every stone he cast at Stephen as a stone cast at God, and every believer’s home he had stormed into as a home of those who worshipped the true God. Now he saw every man and woman who accepted Jesus that he drug through the streets as being a true follower of God. He had been blind to the truth.
After hours of seeing the past, Saul had to wonder, “Why was Jesus choosing him, the one who so fiercely opposed the Lord? “What did Jesus want from him and what was He going to tell him to do?”
The Lord now needed someone to help Saul come to know Christ and to be with Saul in his new found faith. God always has His people ready to do His work. God chose Ananias to lead him in his new found faith in the Lord (the verse above). God had changed Saul’s name to Paul, but Ananias knew all about Paul when he was Saul the persecutor of those who believed in Jesus. Just imagine the concern that Ananias had about going to the house where Paul was. Would Saul arrest him and take him to prison as he had done to so many others who followed Jesus? But Ananias was sure that God had called him to go and talk to Saul, so he went obediently with the confidence that God would be with him.
Upon the arrival of Ananias at the house, God began to do His work. God gave Ananias the right words and the power to restore Paul’s eyesight. Ananias was willing to face difficult assignments. Reaching out and helping someone who denies that Jesus is God’s Son is always difficult and even more so with a person such as Saul. The more depraved the convert has been, the more difficult is the task. After Saul met Jesus he was never the same again. He was completely converted. He went from a persecutor to a preacher.
Where do you stand today? Have you been blind to the truth of God’s message of love and forgiveness? If so, now is the time. God is waiting for you to ask for forgiveness for your sins and to be changed completely. God wants you to have a new life through Christ Jesus.
God used Ananias to teach Paul what to do. Today we have the Bible, God’s Word, to teach us what to do. Pray and read God’s Word and your eyes will be opened to what God wants you to do.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
PRAYER:
I realize, Lord, that I need a conversion from my sinful ways. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins and I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Instruct me through Your Word as to how to live my new life in Jesus. I ask You Lord to lead me to a person today that I can share my testimony of faith and help them know you as their Savior.
Conviction: January 29, 2014
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29, 2014
CONVICTION
DEFINITION:
The feeling of guilt; a firm belief; proving to find guilty.
SCRIPTURE:
Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way (Christianity was known as the way of God), whether they be men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Acts 9:1-2.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Before one can come to know Jesus as one’s personal Savior they must be personally convicted realizing that they are sinners. Then they must ask for forgiveness and ask Jesus to come into their heart.
Most non-believers do not understand what we mean by conviction. The scriptures give us one of the clearest explanations of conviction with the life of Saul. Saul, later known as Paul, was a Jew, not a foreigner. He was born in Tarsus but was raised in Jerusalem because his parents wanted him to be educated in the Mosaic Law by Israel’s greatest teachers (Acts 26:4). Being educated in the strictest of the Jewish Law he became a Pharisee, a small sect of men who were totally dedicated to living out the law (Acts 23:8).
Saul was zealous about keeping the Law and as a practicing Jew he was zealously dedicated to persecute the Christians and the Christian church. He was a man of strong convictions. He sincerely believed that by persecuting believers he was pleasing God. Saul lived and breathed his convictions. In Acts 9:1-2 we are told (above), he had such a flaming fury against Christ and His disciples that he breathed out threats of slaughter against them and he then acted on them.
Saul actually hunted down believers and led them to be slaughtered. He volunteered to the high priests and the Sanhedrin to go all the way to Damascus to arrest believers, both men and women, and bring them to Jerusalem for trial.
As Saul was walking down the road to Damascus to fulfill his plan to arrest Christian men and women and bring them to Jerusalem for trial, God had other plans for Saul. A bright light shone all around Saul and the men that were with him. It appeared suddenly from heaven, out of nowhere and totally unexpected. It was supernatural and miraculous, totally outshining the sun.
It was a confrontation between Saul and the Lord. Saul saw the appearance of Jesus in His glory and heard a voice speak to him. The men with Saul heard the voice but did not understand the words and they saw no one, only the light. The Lord was delivering a personal message to Saul. Saul was charged with a terrible sin. Opposing and persecuting Jesus Himself.
How many times have you seemingly heard an inner voice trying to convict you of your sin? Jesus called his name twice: “Saul, Saul” showing tenderness, love and concern. Not only was God rebuking Saul but it was an appeal from God for Saul to listen and obey. Saul now realized that it was Jesus he was opposing.
Saul was stricken down, humbled, convicted, and frightened with his encounter with God on the road to Damascus. Saul cried out in desperation, “Who art thou, Lord?” He knew that it was the Lord that he was supposed to know, but he did not personally know Him. He cried out, “tell me Lord, identify yourself, and let me know You.” Saul was “going through the conviction process.”
When Saul realized that in opposing Jesus that he was opposing God Himself, can you imagine the guilt he felt? Saul had been doing what he sincerely believed was right but he was sincerely wrong. He was lost and separated from God, bound for an eternal hell.
All this happened in a few short seconds on the road to Damascus in an encounter between Saul and the Lord. Have you had your personal encounter with God and felt convicted of your sins? Have you acted on your conviction and asked God to forgive you of your sin and accepted Jesus as your Savior?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for the message of Your love and forgiveness that You have given us in Your Word out of a true life situation on the conviction of Saul. As You spoke to Saul on the road to Damascus may You speak to those in my family that need an encounter with You.
CONVICTION
DEFINITION:
The feeling of guilt; a firm belief; proving to find guilty.
SCRIPTURE:
Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way (Christianity was known as the way of God), whether they be men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Acts 9:1-2.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Before one can come to know Jesus as one’s personal Savior they must be personally convicted realizing that they are sinners. Then they must ask for forgiveness and ask Jesus to come into their heart.
Most non-believers do not understand what we mean by conviction. The scriptures give us one of the clearest explanations of conviction with the life of Saul. Saul, later known as Paul, was a Jew, not a foreigner. He was born in Tarsus but was raised in Jerusalem because his parents wanted him to be educated in the Mosaic Law by Israel’s greatest teachers (Acts 26:4). Being educated in the strictest of the Jewish Law he became a Pharisee, a small sect of men who were totally dedicated to living out the law (Acts 23:8).
Saul was zealous about keeping the Law and as a practicing Jew he was zealously dedicated to persecute the Christians and the Christian church. He was a man of strong convictions. He sincerely believed that by persecuting believers he was pleasing God. Saul lived and breathed his convictions. In Acts 9:1-2 we are told (above), he had such a flaming fury against Christ and His disciples that he breathed out threats of slaughter against them and he then acted on them.
Saul actually hunted down believers and led them to be slaughtered. He volunteered to the high priests and the Sanhedrin to go all the way to Damascus to arrest believers, both men and women, and bring them to Jerusalem for trial.
As Saul was walking down the road to Damascus to fulfill his plan to arrest Christian men and women and bring them to Jerusalem for trial, God had other plans for Saul. A bright light shone all around Saul and the men that were with him. It appeared suddenly from heaven, out of nowhere and totally unexpected. It was supernatural and miraculous, totally outshining the sun.
It was a confrontation between Saul and the Lord. Saul saw the appearance of Jesus in His glory and heard a voice speak to him. The men with Saul heard the voice but did not understand the words and they saw no one, only the light. The Lord was delivering a personal message to Saul. Saul was charged with a terrible sin. Opposing and persecuting Jesus Himself.
How many times have you seemingly heard an inner voice trying to convict you of your sin? Jesus called his name twice: “Saul, Saul” showing tenderness, love and concern. Not only was God rebuking Saul but it was an appeal from God for Saul to listen and obey. Saul now realized that it was Jesus he was opposing.
Saul was stricken down, humbled, convicted, and frightened with his encounter with God on the road to Damascus. Saul cried out in desperation, “Who art thou, Lord?” He knew that it was the Lord that he was supposed to know, but he did not personally know Him. He cried out, “tell me Lord, identify yourself, and let me know You.” Saul was “going through the conviction process.”
When Saul realized that in opposing Jesus that he was opposing God Himself, can you imagine the guilt he felt? Saul had been doing what he sincerely believed was right but he was sincerely wrong. He was lost and separated from God, bound for an eternal hell.
All this happened in a few short seconds on the road to Damascus in an encounter between Saul and the Lord. Have you had your personal encounter with God and felt convicted of your sins? Have you acted on your conviction and asked God to forgive you of your sin and accepted Jesus as your Savior?
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for the message of Your love and forgiveness that You have given us in Your Word out of a true life situation on the conviction of Saul. As You spoke to Saul on the road to Damascus may You speak to those in my family that need an encounter with You.
Giving: January 28, 2014
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY JANUARY 28, 2014.
GIVING
DEFINITION:
To hand to someone; to convey or transmit; to assign or contribute; to be warm and open in one’s relationship with others; to bestow voluntarily and without expecting compensation.
SCRIPTURE:
A generous man will himself be blessed for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9.
It is more blessed to give then to receive. Acts 20:35
Give and it shall be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Each of us has three things that God has given us that we in turn can give back to Him. They are our time, out talent and our resources. We have a responsibility to give a portion of these things that God has blessed us with back to Him.
There are many verses in the gospels that are recorded as the words of Jesus that talk about giving, especially to the poor. Over the years God has continually reminded us and opened doors for us to give of our time, our talent and our resources to help the poor. Our children have lived in this kind of environment and watched our actions and words and today they have developed the same commitment.
Down through the years we have found that we could never out give God. We were taught as children to give at least 10% cheerfully of our time, talent and resources back to the Lord. We put this into practice in our life and we found joy in giving. It is clearly stated in the Bible that we have a responsibility as believers in Jesus to give to those who are in need and hurting. When we did this, God always supplied all of our needs over and above what we gave to Him.
It was important to us to teach and train our children this same Biblical principle as they were growing up. The scripture is also very clear as to the responsibility of parents to give to their children. As parents we need to give of our time, teaching and loving our children. Most parents do not practice this and then wonder why their children went wrong. Money does not buy what children need most. Children need love and nurturing from their parents.
God blesses those who give. It is important for a person to get their priorities in proper order. Most people want to get their “THINGS” first and then they will reach out to God, family, children and those that are hurting. But in this order it seems to very rarely happen. We learned that when we first gave to God, our tithe and our time and talent then He would bless us in such a way that we had our “THINGS” and all that we needed. Our children were well fed and had what they needed. God not only provided all that we and our children needed but He enabled us to reach out to help others in need.
When we give sparingly, we will reap sparingly. This is a Biblical principle that one must learn. Some people give just enough to get by or to make a good impression. Others just do enough to satisfy their own conscience. But the Biblical principle is that when we give bountifully we will reap bountifully.
In the verse above from Acts, which is the only direct quote from Jesus earthly ministry recorded outside the gospels, we are told that there is greater blessing in giving than in receiving. This does not mean being blessed with more material goods. It means spiritual blessings. When we give we become more like Jesus who gave to all and receives from no one. As we grow more like Jesus we are drawn into a closer fellowship with Him and we will see Him at work in our lives. God wants to bless us and bless us abundantly.
How many times have you given a lot and then experienced the joy that comes from that giving? The scripture tells us in Matthew 6:3-4 that we are not to let our left hand know what our right hand does. In other words, do not give for recognition or glory. Give unto the Lord and He will bless you abundantly.
The verse we have written above from Luke reminds us that God will bless us with the same measure that we give to Him. What a wonderful promise. ONE CANNOT OUT GIVE GOD.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
PRAYER:
Give me a new spirit of giving. Thank You for the great gift You gave me by dying on the cross paying the penalty for my sins. Help me to give back to You a large portion of the talent, time and resources that You have blessed me with so abundantly.
GIVING
DEFINITION:
To hand to someone; to convey or transmit; to assign or contribute; to be warm and open in one’s relationship with others; to bestow voluntarily and without expecting compensation.
SCRIPTURE:
A generous man will himself be blessed for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9.
It is more blessed to give then to receive. Acts 20:35
Give and it shall be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Each of us has three things that God has given us that we in turn can give back to Him. They are our time, out talent and our resources. We have a responsibility to give a portion of these things that God has blessed us with back to Him.
There are many verses in the gospels that are recorded as the words of Jesus that talk about giving, especially to the poor. Over the years God has continually reminded us and opened doors for us to give of our time, our talent and our resources to help the poor. Our children have lived in this kind of environment and watched our actions and words and today they have developed the same commitment.
Down through the years we have found that we could never out give God. We were taught as children to give at least 10% cheerfully of our time, talent and resources back to the Lord. We put this into practice in our life and we found joy in giving. It is clearly stated in the Bible that we have a responsibility as believers in Jesus to give to those who are in need and hurting. When we did this, God always supplied all of our needs over and above what we gave to Him.
It was important to us to teach and train our children this same Biblical principle as they were growing up. The scripture is also very clear as to the responsibility of parents to give to their children. As parents we need to give of our time, teaching and loving our children. Most parents do not practice this and then wonder why their children went wrong. Money does not buy what children need most. Children need love and nurturing from their parents.
God blesses those who give. It is important for a person to get their priorities in proper order. Most people want to get their “THINGS” first and then they will reach out to God, family, children and those that are hurting. But in this order it seems to very rarely happen. We learned that when we first gave to God, our tithe and our time and talent then He would bless us in such a way that we had our “THINGS” and all that we needed. Our children were well fed and had what they needed. God not only provided all that we and our children needed but He enabled us to reach out to help others in need.
When we give sparingly, we will reap sparingly. This is a Biblical principle that one must learn. Some people give just enough to get by or to make a good impression. Others just do enough to satisfy their own conscience. But the Biblical principle is that when we give bountifully we will reap bountifully.
In the verse above from Acts, which is the only direct quote from Jesus earthly ministry recorded outside the gospels, we are told that there is greater blessing in giving than in receiving. This does not mean being blessed with more material goods. It means spiritual blessings. When we give we become more like Jesus who gave to all and receives from no one. As we grow more like Jesus we are drawn into a closer fellowship with Him and we will see Him at work in our lives. God wants to bless us and bless us abundantly.
How many times have you given a lot and then experienced the joy that comes from that giving? The scripture tells us in Matthew 6:3-4 that we are not to let our left hand know what our right hand does. In other words, do not give for recognition or glory. Give unto the Lord and He will bless you abundantly.
The verse we have written above from Luke reminds us that God will bless us with the same measure that we give to Him. What a wonderful promise. ONE CANNOT OUT GIVE GOD.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
PRAYER:
Give me a new spirit of giving. Thank You for the great gift You gave me by dying on the cross paying the penalty for my sins. Help me to give back to You a large portion of the talent, time and resources that You have blessed me with so abundantly.
Honesty: January 27, 2014
TODAYSWORD FOR MONDAY JANUARY 27, 2014.
HONESTY
DEFINITION:
Uprighteous; integrity; trustworthiness; truthfulness; sincerity; freedom from deceit or fraud.
SCRIPTURE:
“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3.
“I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted the Lord; I shall not slip.” Psalm 26:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We have learned over the years that honesty is one of the most important traits a person can have. One that is known for his or her integrity can be trusted to be a partner, an associate or most important, a friend. Parents have a major responsibility to live an honest life at home and at their workplace. Children learn by watching and when they see even a little white lie they do not forget it. Children use it to excuse the lies they tell.
A white lie may seem like no big deal but once we are willing to be dishonest in little things it becomes most likely we will yield to compromising our integrity in bigger things. When we are caught in dishonesty people no longer trust us. Once we lose our integrity it is very hard to get it back.
The lack of honesty in people today is prevalent world-wide. It is hard to know whom you can believe let alone trust. The newspapers and television news reports remind us daily of how dishonest people are. Governments cannot trust other governments. Businesses give dishonest financial reports and deceive investors. Taxpayers cheat on their taxes. Students cheat to get better grades. Spouses cheat on one another. Children lie to get out of trouble.
We are given the godly advice in Proverbs 11:3 that we should let honesty guide us. Honesty keeps us on the path of uprighteousness. Dishonesty leads us to destruction.
In the verse above from Psalms, the word integrity is not translated as a claim of perfection but the psalmist is saying that he walked in God’s truth and did not associate with evil doers, hypocrites, and deceitful people (Psalm 26:3-5).
In the book of Acts, chapter 5, we read about the dishonesty of Ananias and Sapphire who were active members of their church. Yes, dishonesty can be found even in church members. Satan had planted in their hearts a very deceitful plan. We can learn through this story found in the Bible that church members are not immune to Satan’s temptation.
They sold a piece of property and brought a portion of the profit to the apostles as their gift to God. The problem was that they inferred or pretended to be giving all the profit to the Lord. Their sin was that they were not honest. It is important to note that God would have blessed them for their gift if they reported that they were giving a portion of the profit. But they lied to the apostles to make themselves seem more generous than they were. The truth was that they were not what they appeared to be.
The problem that they had was multiple. They were not honest to themselves, to the apostles and, most important, to God. It reads in Acts 5:4: “Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” For this they paid a terrible price -- death.
Ananias and Sapphire knew that what they were doing was dishonest but they felt that no one would know what the property sold for. Nothing is hidden from God. God knows our every dishonest thought, every lie we tell, and every dishonest thing we do. By reading this passage of scripture to your child you will be able to teach them the importance of being honest. Being honest is pleasing to God.
Parents have the responsibility to set standards of honesty for their children. As we said above, children must see standards of honesty upheld in the lives of their parents. And as parents we need to be well aware that we teach our children not only by our words but by example. We need to show honesty and consistency in our daily walk and talk because what we do and say is watched carefully by our children.
If a child is raised in a home where their parents and siblings are not honest and upright, then dishonesty becomes a way of life for the child as he or she grows up. Someone once said that being honest means that you will never have to look back over your shoulder. This is true because when one is dishonest one almost always will soon get caught with a conflicting story. It seems that there is always someone that surfaces that knows the truth. We can be certain that our heavenly Father knows the truth and we will have to sooner or later answer to Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for giving us a standard of honesty that we can use as our guide in life. I pray that You will give me the motivation and the strength to be honest and consistent in doing what is right in Your sight. Keep me from the temptation to associate with those who do not walk in God’s truth and are dishonest and untrustworthy.
HONESTY
DEFINITION:
Uprighteous; integrity; trustworthiness; truthfulness; sincerity; freedom from deceit or fraud.
SCRIPTURE:
“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3.
“I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted the Lord; I shall not slip.” Psalm 26:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
We have learned over the years that honesty is one of the most important traits a person can have. One that is known for his or her integrity can be trusted to be a partner, an associate or most important, a friend. Parents have a major responsibility to live an honest life at home and at their workplace. Children learn by watching and when they see even a little white lie they do not forget it. Children use it to excuse the lies they tell.
A white lie may seem like no big deal but once we are willing to be dishonest in little things it becomes most likely we will yield to compromising our integrity in bigger things. When we are caught in dishonesty people no longer trust us. Once we lose our integrity it is very hard to get it back.
The lack of honesty in people today is prevalent world-wide. It is hard to know whom you can believe let alone trust. The newspapers and television news reports remind us daily of how dishonest people are. Governments cannot trust other governments. Businesses give dishonest financial reports and deceive investors. Taxpayers cheat on their taxes. Students cheat to get better grades. Spouses cheat on one another. Children lie to get out of trouble.
We are given the godly advice in Proverbs 11:3 that we should let honesty guide us. Honesty keeps us on the path of uprighteousness. Dishonesty leads us to destruction.
In the verse above from Psalms, the word integrity is not translated as a claim of perfection but the psalmist is saying that he walked in God’s truth and did not associate with evil doers, hypocrites, and deceitful people (Psalm 26:3-5).
In the book of Acts, chapter 5, we read about the dishonesty of Ananias and Sapphire who were active members of their church. Yes, dishonesty can be found even in church members. Satan had planted in their hearts a very deceitful plan. We can learn through this story found in the Bible that church members are not immune to Satan’s temptation.
They sold a piece of property and brought a portion of the profit to the apostles as their gift to God. The problem was that they inferred or pretended to be giving all the profit to the Lord. Their sin was that they were not honest. It is important to note that God would have blessed them for their gift if they reported that they were giving a portion of the profit. But they lied to the apostles to make themselves seem more generous than they were. The truth was that they were not what they appeared to be.
The problem that they had was multiple. They were not honest to themselves, to the apostles and, most important, to God. It reads in Acts 5:4: “Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” For this they paid a terrible price -- death.
Ananias and Sapphire knew that what they were doing was dishonest but they felt that no one would know what the property sold for. Nothing is hidden from God. God knows our every dishonest thought, every lie we tell, and every dishonest thing we do. By reading this passage of scripture to your child you will be able to teach them the importance of being honest. Being honest is pleasing to God.
Parents have the responsibility to set standards of honesty for their children. As we said above, children must see standards of honesty upheld in the lives of their parents. And as parents we need to be well aware that we teach our children not only by our words but by example. We need to show honesty and consistency in our daily walk and talk because what we do and say is watched carefully by our children.
If a child is raised in a home where their parents and siblings are not honest and upright, then dishonesty becomes a way of life for the child as he or she grows up. Someone once said that being honest means that you will never have to look back over your shoulder. This is true because when one is dishonest one almost always will soon get caught with a conflicting story. It seems that there is always someone that surfaces that knows the truth. We can be certain that our heavenly Father knows the truth and we will have to sooner or later answer to Him.
LEARNING:
Our memory verse for this week is found in Mark 16:15.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
PRAYER:
Thank You Lord for giving us a standard of honesty that we can use as our guide in life. I pray that You will give me the motivation and the strength to be honest and consistent in doing what is right in Your sight. Keep me from the temptation to associate with those who do not walk in God’s truth and are dishonest and untrustworthy.
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