Happy New Years Eve: December 31, 2015

TODAY’S WORD FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 31, 2015.

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE

DEFINITION:

The end of a year; the last day of a calendar year.

SCRIPTURE:

Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

First of all today let us look at this past year. We have received hundreds of emails from friends who read our devotionals living in third world countries. Many tell us about being persecuted because of their faith. We salute all of those who stand up for the Lord when told to renounce their faith or be persecuted.

Some of these dear people have had their homes burned to the ground. Others have had a family member martyred because of his or her faith. Many have had their churches demolished by fire or bombs. Others have lost everything in fires and floods. All of us need to pray for these dear people who have suffered so much mainly because they have stood strong in their love for our Lord.

Here in America the story is a little different. People have lost their jobs because of the economy. Many have been looking for jobs and cannot find one. There have been numerous natural disasters like floods, fires and earthquakes that have devastated people’s lives. But most important is that we have a government, federal, state and local that is rejecting the Biblical principles that our country was founded on. The results are broken homes, abortions, gay marriages, crime, school shootings and so much more.

Yes, 2015 has been a very difficult year for many people, not only for believers in Jesus but for non-believers.

Now let us look ahead to 2016. Have you set any goals for this New Year? If you have not we suggest that you stop whatever you are doing right now and take a piece of paper and pencil and record your goals so you have something to look at every day as a reminder of your personal commitments.

May we suggest several important goals for you to consider. First, have a daily relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. This should include reading a portion of the scriptures, meditating on what you read so you will understand what God may be saying to you through the portion of scripture you read, and then pray. God has promised to be with you through every concern you have if you leave your cares with Him. When you pray, mention every care to Him and He will answer if you put your trust in Him.

Secondly, you need to set as one of your goals high standards that you will live by in 2016. Claim daily the scripture verse we have written above and as God honored Joshua for his faith, He will honor you in the same manner. Living a God fearing life guided by God’s standards will give you a remarkable 2016.

Thirdly, we suggest that you set firm goals as to your relationships with your family. If you are struggling with issues now, sit down and work them out. Make sure you do it prayerfully. Pray personally first and then with your family and then discuss the issues. If you put God in charge the issues will soon dissolve. God must come first in your life, in your family and next with those you associate with daily.

And finally we strongly suggest that you set a goal to reach out to a hurting world all around you. As a believer, God requires this plus when you help someone in need your attitude changes and the person you help also has an attitude change. Helping someone in need gives you also an open door to share the good news of the gospel with them and that is what God wants from us -- to be His witnesses while on this earth.

We wish you a Christ centered New Year. Be Blessed!!

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 119:11.

I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

PRAYER:

Thank You for all You have done for me and my family this past year. Keep my priorities focused on You in 2016. Help me to set clear goals and then to honor them daily. Give me a new desire to reach out to hurting and hungry people in a new way in 2016.

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Resolution: December 30, 2015

TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2015

RESOLUTION

DEFINITION:

A formal statement of intention and determination upon a course of action.

SCRIPTURE:

Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him. Psalm 37:6.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

We have only two days before a new year. Many people begin a New Year by making what they call “New Year’s Resolutions.” The majority of those that make resolutions break them before a week has gone by. We know because we have been there and done that.

We all desire to improve ourselves physically. After stuffing themselves over the Christmas holidays the most common New Years resolution many make is to lose weight. An unknown author once wrote that “A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the next.”

There are two problems with resolutions. One is that most people do not realize that it is not the outward appearance that counts. The Lord does not look at the things that man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

The second problem with resolutions is that most people do not understand that resolutions cannot change us. Only God can change us. God not only is able to see what is in our heart, but He can change the desires of our heart.

The greatest resolution one can make this coming New Year is to set a goal to seek a closer relationship with the Lord. James 4:8 tells us that as we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. If you are reading God’s Word, meditating on what you read, and spending time in prayer than God can work in you to change you. Philippians 2:13 reads: “For it is God who works in you both to will and act according to His good purpose.”

Yes, the Psalmist tells us in the verse we have put above to “Commit your way to the Lord and to trust in Him.” If we submit our all to God, He will do what we cannot do. We can trust Him to work out what is best for us. This is a resolution we all can be blessed with.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 119:11.

I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

PRAYER:

At the beginning of a New Year, I want to commit to having a closer relationship with You, dear Lord. Help me to release all that I have into Your hands so You can direct my life and the life of each member of my family. Help me to read Your Word daily, meditate on what I read and then pray to You with a purpose each day.

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Hunger: December 29, 2015

TODAY’S WORD FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 29, 2015.

HUNGER

DEFINITION:

A strong desire; a craving for food; a compelling need.

SCRIPTURE:

O God, You are my God, early will I seek You. My soul thirsts for You. My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness. Matthew 5:6

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

The Lord has given us physical appetites which are essential for our physical survival and, in addition, has created within our hearts a hunger that is spiritual.

David knew both physical and spiritual hunger. When King Saul was seeking to kill David he fled to the desert to hide. The scripture tells us that he was alone, hungry and thirsty. This is a physical hunger.

David also had a spiritual hunger for the Lord. There are many verses in Psalms, like the one we have written above, where we find David meditating, offering praise, or crying out to God. David’s greatest joy was to be with his Heavenly Father in intimate communion. David had many moments where he fell away from God revealing his human weaknesses, but he also knew how and where to find healing and refuge. With a repentant and hungry heart, many times he sought the Lord’s forgiveness and fellowship and God responded because God loved him. He loves us in the same way and is always ready to forgive us and answer our prayers.

Hungering for the Lord is a desire to know and draw closer to God. This desire is lacking in many believer’s lives. Most believers are sure that they are saved but have very little desire for more of God in their lives.

Our society is filled with all sorts of things that grab and hold our interest and captivates our desire. These interests compete with God for our attention. We need to be awakened to see the need in our lives for a new hunger for God. Consider changing your priorities and pursuits and receive a fresh relationship with God. Jesus promised us by saying “They who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be satisfied.”

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 119:11.

I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

PRAYER:

Help me to hunger more for You in my life as David did. Give me a fresh hunger for Your righteousness that will guide me to change my priorities and pursuits to those You desire for me.

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Integrity: December 28, 2015

TODAY’S WORD FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 28, 2015.

INTEGRITY

DEFINITION:

Uncompromising adherence to moral principles; honesty; moral uprightness.

SCRIPTURE:

Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart. Psalm 15:1-2.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

As far back as we can remember our parents told us the importance of integrity in our lives. Next to our faith in Jesus Christ, nothing has been more important than making sure we were clear, concise and honest to others in all of our actions, both words and deeds. Once anyone loses their integrity it is very hard to get it back. In the eyes of others we become regarded as untrustworthy. A reputation for being honest is worth far more than anything gained by compromising one’s integrity.

We taught our children that integrity is one of the most important traits, if not the most important trait one can have.

The Lord throughout scripture teaches believers in Him to live a morally and upright life. Even among believers it is difficult to find people with uncompromising integrity because Satan, many times tempts people to lie, cheat and flatter and they fall victims to his temptations because they feel they can get what they want even though it is by deception.

In Psalms 15 (above) David describes the life of integrity that believers are to cultivate in just five verses. He tells us to:

•    Walk uprightly so that you are blameless.
•    Do what is right at all times.
•    Speak the truth and be honest.
•    Treat your neighbor kindly.
•    Be accountable for your actions.
•    Honor those that love the Lord.
•    Do not be greedy for money.
•    Keep your promises even when it hurts.
•    Do not accept bribes.

God wants us to daily increase our pursuit of truthfulness, righteousness and honesty. In Mark 8:34, Jesus commands us to deny ourselves and follow Him. Total commitment to Jesus will give us all we need to stand against any temptations Satan throws our way.

When we learn and practice these principles that are outlined above, we will be living a life of integrity.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 119:11.

I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

PRAYER:

Help us to remember and recognize that we live in a culture that approves of ungodly values and behaviors. May Your Holy Spirit open our eyes and make us alert to recognize right from wrong so that we may live a life of integrity bringing honor and glory to You.

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A Christmas Card For You: December 25, 2015

TODAY’S WORD FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 25, 2015

 

A CHRISTMAS CARD FOR YOU!

Today is Christmas and our family wishes you and your family a most BLESSED DAY as we all celebrate the birthday of the King of Kings our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Remember:

• JESUS was born in a manger, because there was no room in the Inn.

• JESUS was born in Bethlehem because He was born of the house and lineage of David as prophesied in the Old Testament.

• The angel spoke first to the shepherds (the poorest of the poor) who were tending their sheep in the fields, about the birth of JESUS.

• And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying:

“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE GOODWILL TOWARD MEN”

Our family of six children, their spouses, twenty grandchildren, one great granddaughter, granddaughter-in -law and a grandson- in-law, all wish you a wonderful and blessed day.

Ken and Dottie Phillips

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalms 100:1

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands.

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Christmas Eve: December 24, 2015

TODAY’S WORD FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 24, 2015.

 

CHRISTMAS EVE

We invite you to join our family tonight as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and our Christmas Eve celebration.

Every Christmas Eve our family, children, spouses, grandchildren (two have spouses now) and this year our first great granddaughter get together to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

The younger children have costumes that Dottie made years ago and they act out the events of that special day over 2,000 years ago. One of the grandchildren is picked to read the script and the others are the angels, shepherds, the three wise men, the animals and Mary and Joseph with a baby doll in the manger.

At the end of the play the older grandchildren lead us all in reading the Christmas story as found in Luke 2:1-14. Here it is to read with your family tonight:

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirnius was governor of Syria. So all went to be registered everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARD MEN”

From our family to yours we wish you a BLESSED CHRISTMAS and remember to give God the glory for the gift of His only Son and remember whose birthday it is that we celebrate.

Ken and Dottie Phillips

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalms 100:1

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands.

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Humility: December 23, 2015

TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2015.

 

HUMILITY

DEFINITION:

The quality or state of being humble; modest opinion of one’s own importance; meekness; neither proud nor arrogant.

SCRIPTURE:

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3.

Therefore, as the elect of God, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another. Colossians 3:12.

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. I Peter 5:6.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Humility does not come naturally or easily. If we are doing something that we consider “right” when others are doing something that we think is not “right” or we have more success in doing something than another person, it is easy to think that we are a better person. This is pride which is the exact opposite of humility.

The Apostle Paul cautions us against the idea of thinking we are better than others by saying that we are to consider others better than ourselves. We must understand that our worth comes from God. We are all sinners and really not worthy of God’s favor. But God reached out to us in love to give us worth and dignity despite our sins and short comings. We must always remember that we are just sinners saved by grace and it is only by salvation that we become worthy of God’s Kingdom.

We must also remember that any success or any accomplishment we obtain that is fruitful is because of the Lord’s blessing. Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Our goal should be to become Christ-like and to serve the Lord. In order to be Christ-like we must have the quality of humility. Jesus humbled Himself, setting aside heavenly glory to become a man to save us from our sins. He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). As Christ’s representatives in this world we are to be kind, humble, meek, patient and peaceful as Christ was (Colossians 2:12).

There are two issues concerning humility as it relates to our lives. We first must be concerned that we are humble before God. God expects us to come to Him daily with a humble servant like attitude. We should be in awe of God and the magnitude of His power, His love, His Sovereignty, and His blessings and go to our knees in humble adoration of Him.

The second issue is whether we exemplify Christ-like humility in our relationship with our family, friends, and neighbors. Do we appear prideful and boastful or do they see us kind and caring and putting others before ourselves in true Christ-like humility. If we have a daily relationship with the Lord, a humble spirit will be exhibited in the way we relate to others because of this relationship.

It is amazing what one can accomplish when one does not care who gets the credit. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase?” It is not easy to remain humble when God allows you to be successful. Can you stay humble while enjoying success?

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalms 100:1

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands.

PRAYER:

Help me to get rid of my selfish ambition so that through my words and deeds others may see Christ. Give me a humble spirit and a servant’s heart.

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Innocence: December 22, 2015

TODAY’S WORD FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 22, 2015.

INNOCENCE

DEFINITION:

Free from moral wrong, without sin and without evil intent or motive.

SCRIPTURE:

How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God? Genesis 39:9

For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent and separated from the sinners and the undefiled, exalted above the heavens. Hebrews 7:26

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

In the first eleven verses of Genesis 37 we read about Joseph’s life as a young boy. Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son and his brothers resented him for it. The older brothers were off attending their father’s flock and Jacob would send Joseph to check on them. Joseph found them doing bad things and had to give his father a bad report. This added to the brother’s resentment of Joseph. Joseph was innocent. All he was trying to do was to be right in his reporting to his father.

Joseph had no evil motive or intent when he told his family, including his brothers, about his God-given dreams which portrayed that he would someday rule over them.

Although Joseph was completely innocent and intended no wrong, his brothers plotted to kill him but settled on selling him to slave traders. It is important to note that this was in God’s plan for Joseph. His brothers took his robe from him and put blood stains on it and returned it to their father as evidence that Joseph was dead. The slave traders then sold Joseph to Potiphar, a high Egyptian official. At the young age of about 17, Joseph was separated from his family and living in a strange country far from home and as a mere slave.

In spite of all the hardships and temptations that Joseph had to face, he kept his innocence and remained faithful to God and God blessed him.

It was Potiphar’s wife that tried to seduce Joseph but he refused saying, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against my God?” (Genesis 39:9) She then lied to Potiphar and falsely accused Joseph of trying to seduce her. Jesus was thrown into prison even though, once again, he was innocent.

Joseph is seen as a type of Christ; an innocent person who suffered because of the wickedness of others to bring salvation. It was through Joseph that God’s chosen people were delivered from certain death. Joseph’s silence as his brothers debated his fate reminds us of the silence of Christ before those who were judging Him.

Jesus was falsely accused and innocent of any wrong doings as was Joseph. Joseph was thrown into prison. Jesus was crucified and by His death, Jesus delivered us from eternal death when He gained the victory over death by rising from the dead. And today, Jesus is alive and is our High Priest, Holy, innocent, and undefiled.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalms 100:1

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands.

PRAYER:

Thank You for the reminders You give us through the account and details of the life of Joseph in Your Word to stand firm in our faith in God in spite of what others may do to us. Keep my family away from the evils of this world and help us to strive daily to be innocent of wrong doing always honoring Your name.

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Hospitality: December 21, 2015

TODAY’S WORD FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 21, 2015.

HOSPITALITY

DEFINITION:

The friendly reception and entertainment of guests, friends or strangers in a generous and kindly way; cordial treatment of others; the act or show of welcome characterized by warmth and generosity.

SCRIPTURE:

Share with God’s people who are in need; practice hospitality. Romans 12:13.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Most of us have had the opportunity to host and provide hospitality to someone. Maybe it was a friend, family member or an acquaintance. Hospitality could include a meal, an overnight stay or a midday social event.

Timothy shares with us a list of qualities that all believers, bishops and pastors should develop in their lives. In I Timothy 3:2 he speaks to the Bishops and pastors telling them to be kind and welcoming to those who they meet. These qualities are for believers as well because we are representatives of Christ. Timothy tells us to be hospitable, blameless, temperate, sober-minded, and able to teach.

In Matthew 25:35-36 Jesus describes acts of hospitality that we all can do that will demonstrate to others our love to the Lord. He said, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Jesus says in verse 40 that whatever we have done for others it is as if we did it for Him.

May we interrupt this devotional by saying to each of you that read these devotionals, if you know Jesus as your Savior; you need to think about what Jesus is saying to you in these verses. Have you recently provided food for someone hungry, water for someone thirsty, clothes for someone needing clothes or shoes, medicine for someone sick, Bibles for someone looking to grow in their new found faith? If not we challenge you to act now. Go to our web site --- www.thehungersolution --- and you can partner with us by responding to an opportunity we offer.

Now back to hospitality: In Luke 11:5-8, we read about a parable about hospitality that Jesus used in teaching His disciples how to pray. He tells about a man coming to another man’s house for food and shelter for the night. The man welcomed the man to his house but he had no food so he went to his neighbor’s house. It was midnight and the neighbor friend did not want to be disturbed because it was so late.

Jesus went on to say that because of the persistence of the neighbor in need the other one finally helped. We as believers need to learn from this parable that God wants us to give hospitality to those in need and who are looking for a friend.

Hospitality means more than inviting one into your house. It is the character trait of showing warmth, kindness, caring and generosity to others. It means to help a needy person in their time of need. It could be a ride in your car because of an emergency, a few dollars for food, or just a kind word to one who is lonely and hurting. There are many acts of kindness that one can do. It is sharing God’s love.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalms 100:1

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands.

PRAYER:

Help me to be hospitable to those that I meet today. May I realize that my talk and actions at times show whether I am hospitable or not. May my family join me in having a welcome attitude to those who need some sort of hospitality.

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