Doubt: April 29, 2016

TODAY’S WORD FOR FRIDAY APRIL 29, 2016.

DOUBT

DEFINITION:

An unsettled state of opinion; indecision; a matter of uncertainty; an objection.

SCRIPTURE:

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid. Lord, if it’s you, Peter replied tell me to come to you on the water. Come, He said. Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, Lord save me. Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. You of little faith, He said, why do you doubt? Matthew 14:27.

Later Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were eating; He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. Mark 16:14.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

We all have our times of doubt. Even the disciples had their times of doubt. We usually think of Thomas as “doubting Thomas.” Peter, we know had great faith but in Matthew 14: 27-31 (above) we find that his faith wavered and he experienced doubt. After Jesus had fed the 5000 men, plus the women and children, He told His disciples to get in the boat and go before Him to the other side of the lake, while He was sending the multitudes on their way. Jesus then wanted some solitude so He went up to the mountain to pray.

When the disciples got to the middle of the sea, the wind came up and they were being tossed around by the waves. Jesus knew they were in trouble so He began to walk toward them on the waves. The disciples saw Jesus coming and they thought it was a ghost and they cried out with fear. Jesus then spoke to them saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” But all of them doubted that it was Jesus. Peter was the first to respond by saying, “Lord if it is You: command me to come to You on the water?”

Jesus answered Peter by saying, “COME.” Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water but the storm winds were boisterous and he was afraid and cried out to the Lord to save him. Peter stepped out in faith but when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on his circumstance, being surrounded by pounding waves, he began to sink. He realized he needed help and cried out “Lord save me.”

At once Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him and said to him, “O you of little faith, why do you doubt?” When our faith wavers because we are going through a storm in life and we are sinking in the waves, we need to take our eyes off of our circumstances and focus them on Jesus and ask for His help.

It is when our faith is weak that doubt creeps in. Satan loves to see believers doubt because it makes us more vulnerable to his temptations.

Sometimes we doubt God due to our own unfulfilled expectations. The disciples had watched Jesus die on the cross. They had seen His body placed in the tomb. Now all their hopes were dashed. They did not understand why He had to die. We read in Luke 24:21 that at least some of the disciples had hoped that Jesus was going to rescue the nation of Israel from their enemies and the oppressive rule of the Romans.

Some even thought that God would intervene and that Jesus would not really die. These followers of Jesus doubted because their expectations were not met. All eleven of the disciples had doubts that Jesus had really risen from the dead. It was only when Jesus actually appeared to them that they would truly believe. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith and for doubting those who told them that they had seen Jesus after He was risen.

It is not uncommon for people to pray for something and then doubt God because He did not answer their prayers to meet their expectations. Have you ever doubted the Lord? Do you have a “doubt” problem in your everyday living?

Possibly your doubt comes because of frustration. In Exodus 5:22-23, we read about Moses’ doubt that came out of frustration. Moses told God of his doubt asking, “Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all.”

Moses doubted why God had called on him to go to Pharaoh because not only could he not see any results in getting Pharaoh to free the Hebrews but Pharaoh was making their lives harder. Like Moses we are impatient and when we do not see fast results we doubt if God is even hearing our prayers. God in His perfect time will respond if we keep our faith strong and do not doubt.

God responded to Moses by saying to him, “I am the Lord.” God told Moses to wait and see what I will do to Pharaoh. He will let them go and will drive the people out of the land. God had to remind Moses of His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the covenant He had with the Children of Israel. Moses showed his doubt at a time of frustration because he wasn’t seeing any results for his efforts.

Hebrews 10:23 reminds us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 37:7.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

PRAYER:

Help me not to doubt who You are and that You are my God and my Savior. Help me not to doubt that You are with me every moment of every day. I pray that You would help me to strengthen my faith in You and keep my eyes focused on You.

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Companion: April 28, 2016

TODAY’S WORD FOR THURSDAY APRIL 28, 2016.

COMPANION

DEFINITION:

A person who frequently associates with or accompanies another; a person in a long-term close relationship with another.

SCRIPTURE:

I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. Psalm 119:63.

And I urge you also, true companion, and help these women who labored with me in the gospel. Philippians 4:3.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

In today’s world with all the conveniences of modern transportation we have been privileged to meet many people across our world. Truly the world has shrunk and this has allowed us so many more opportunities to gain friends, acquaintances and even companions.

All of us have many acquaintances, a good number of friends but very few companions. Acquaintances are those we have met but possibly do not know very well. Friends are those we know well and have a favorable relationship with. Companions are those we have a close relationship with and spend the most time with. Teenagers say today that these are the ones that they “hang out” with. Companions have the same interests and values that give them a common bond. A true companion will stand by you and can be counted on for support in times of need.

No matter how self sufficient someone feels, we all have a need for a companion. This is why God instituted marriage because He said that man needed a companion. Marriages that put Christ first in their relationships are marriages that have spouses that share a common bond and this provides a solid foundation for their family. When God is in the marriage the spouses will be true companions.

Children today look for companions. Parents have the responsibility to lead their children to choose the right companions.  When our children went anywhere without one of us, we made sure that we knew where they were going and with whom they were going. We always encouraged them to go with a trustworthy friend, a companion that would always be there for them. This also gave us assurance as parents that our child would not be alone.

The choices of companions can affect ones lifestyle and standards for a lifetime, so this is a vital challenge parents have with their children, especially in today’s world. Parents do not always know who their children are spending time with.

Jesus wants to be our companion every day in all of our activities. He does not want us to be alone and being with us as a companion gives us the confidence and boldness to live a life honoring the Lord.

In Philippians 4:3 (above) Paul uses the term “true companion.” In another translation it reads “loyal yokefellow.” A true or loyal companion is someone we can rely on in good and bad times. These words describe the close relationship Paul had with the believers in the church at Philippi, and for that reason Paul could call on them. Paul was concerned for the women who had labored with him when he was with them. Now he is hearing that they were having problems so he wanted to alert his true companions in the church to share his concern for these women and help them on Paul’s behalf.

Through out the scriptures we have many illustrations where Jesus and His disciples required believers, as true companions, to help those in need. This included the widows, the orphans, the homeless, the sick and the needy.

Being a companion is more than just being a daily friend to another person. It is the giving of yourself to meet their needs. As believers we need to be companions to others to show them through our words and actions that Jesus is our companion and will be their COMPANION who is always available to them if they know Him personally.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 37:7.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

PRAYER:

Thank You for being my COMPANION through out this day. Give me the confidence to walk the walk and talk the talk honoring You every moment of the day. I ask for Your direction as I lead my children and grand-children today. May they put their total trust in You and rely on You as their true companion throughout this day.

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Uniqueness: April 27, 2016

TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 27, 2016.

UNIQUENESS

DEFINITION:

Existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type and characteristics; having no like or equal; incomparable; not typical; unusual.

SCRIPTURE:

The officers answered, No man ever spoke like this man. John 7:46.

And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. Luke 2:47.

And they were astonished at His teachings, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Mark 1:22.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

In life there are many unique people, places and things.  All of us have seen people that are unique because they have some unique ability. There are places on this earth that are unique because of the topography, wildlife and climate. We all have seen unique things, but today we want to talk about the most unique person that ever lived.

Jesus came to this earth as a man that possessed moral integrity and divine righteousness that marked Him different from all men. He was unique and set apart from all others. The three verses that we have put above from Mark, Luke and John give us examples of what was said about Jesus when He was on this earth.

Following are seven ways in which Jesus was unique and set Him apart and above all other possible messianic claimants. Our friend, Dr. Porter Barrington, years ago, has outlined some of the characteristics of Jesus that makes Him unique.

HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS PERSON. The verses in Hebrews 1:1-13 proclaim His uniqueness as the Son of God, the Christ and the God-Man. He spoke in times past to the fathers of the prophets (verse 1). He was appointed heir of all things (verse 2). Through Him He made the worlds (verse 2). He is the out-flowing of the glory of God and expresses the perfect character of God (verse 3).He purged our sins (verse 3).  He sat down at the right side of God (verse 3).

HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS BIRTH.  This uniqueness is outlined in Luke 1:26-35. He was born of a virgin. He was the incarnate God (born in flesh). He was born in the city of Bethlehem as prophesied.  His birth was announced by Angels. He was born a man, poor, in a stable, cared for in a feeding trough but worshipped by Kings. His birth was signaled by a star. Hosts of angels gave forth praises at His birth.

HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS MINISTRY. In Mark 1:21-28 and the other gospels, we are told that He preached with absolute authority. He was the greatest teacher that ever lived.  He performed the mightiest of miracles. He was the greatest healer. He was absolutely Holy and sinless in His person, actions and standards. He was a friend of sinners always offering them salvation. His ministry fulfilled the Old Testament messianic prophecies.

HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS DEATH. In John 19:16-30 we are told that, as Messiah, He died for people’s sins. He prophesied that He would be put to death. He died as the Passover Lamb as prophesied. He died voluntarily doing His Father’s will. As He endured the agony on the cross He asked for forgiveness for His enemies.

HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS RESSURECTION. In John 20: 1-31 we read that He rose according to the Old Testament prophecies. He prophesied His own resurrection. He rose from the dead from a sealed and guarded tomb. He appeared alive first to a woman and then over and over again to His disciples and many others for 40 days.

HE WAS UNIQUE IN HIS ASCENSION. In Acts 1:1-9 we are told how He was taken into heaven just as Enoch and Elijah were. He went to be with the Father. Jesus made a promise at His ascension that the disciples would receive power to witness for Him after the Holy Spirit came. Jesus made a command at His ascension to go into all the world and be witnesses of Him. He went to heaven to sit at God’s right hand and makes continual intercession before His father for all believers to God.

HE WILL BE UNIQUE IN HIS SECOND COMING. In Matthew 16:27 we are told that Jesus will return to this earth in power and majesty. He will raise the dead in Christ. He will come as a thief in the night. He will begin the promised millennium Kingdom on this earth and will rescue the tribulation saints

YES --- Jesus is the most UNIQUE person we have ever met. Have you met Him?

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 37:7.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

PRAYER:

I give praise to You for Your uniqueness that sets You apart and above all other messianic claimants. Help me to be a testimony of Your uniqueness to others through my words and my actions. May the joy of Christ be seen in my life by my family and friends. Help me to lead others to see that Jesus is truly their Messiah.

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Boastfulness: April 26, 2016

TODAY’S WORD FOR TUESDAY APRIL 26, 2016.

BOASTFULNESS

DEFINITION:

To speak with exaggeration and excessive pride or vanity about oneself; rejoice proudly; exaggerated speech.

SCRIPTURE:

In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever. Psalm 44:8

This is what the Lord says: Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. For those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know Me and understand that I am the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Most of us have met or know someone who is always boasting about something he or she has attained or accomplished. We have seen the rich flaunt their riches, the powerful brag about their power and the educated boast of their knowledge. Boasting may give a person a boost to their ego but boasting is not a positive trait. Boasting tends to drive a wedge in a relationship.

Occasionally we would hear one of our children boasting that they were better at something than another one of our children. This usually led to an argument about who really was best. We would often respond with something like --- remember pride cometh before the fall.

The scripture tells us that we should not boast about ourselves. No one really likes a braggart but when we do have or accomplish something it is hard not to share it. There is only one way that we should boast and that is to boast about our relationship with Jesus. All that we are and all that we have is because of what we have in Jesus. People put a lot of value in riches, power, wisdom, knowledge, social status and appearance and they like to boast about them. These are all “things” that are temporary and can be taken away at any time. God does not value these “things” but what He does value is when we recognize that we know Him and love Him with all of our heart.

The opposite of a boasting person is a person who is humble.  A humble person is not boastful about themselves but instead his boasting is in his relationship with Jesus. “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one that commends himself, who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” II Corinthians 10:17-18.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 37:7.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

PRAYER:

Give me a spirit of humility that will enable me to touch the lives of my peers. Help me to take advantage each moment of my life of all that I have in Christ and to humbly give Him the glory for all he has given me.

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Stewards: April 25, 2016

TODAY'S WORD FOR MONDAY APRIL 25, 2016.

STEWARDS

DEFINITION:

A manager or trustee; overseer; administrator; a chief servant; guard.

SCRIPTURE:

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. I Peter 4:10.

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. I Corinthians 4:1.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

As far back as we can remember our parents trained both of us to be good stewards of our time, our talents and our material possessions. Both of us, because of this training and because of our personal relationship with our Lord acknowledge the importance and the value of being good stewards.

One of the most important things we wanted to teach our children is the importance of being a steward of the finances God gives them. We have always practiced the principle of giving ten percent (a tithe) of our earnings back to God plus over and above our offerings. We tell you this not to pat ourselves on the back but as a testimony of the importance of honoring God with all that we have been given by Him. Your tithe already belongs to God. An offering is what is given over and above a tithe.

In Malachi 3:8-12 Malachi had to rebuke God’s people because they were not honoring God and were not giving their tithes and offerings. He tells them that they are robbing God when they withhold their tithes and offerings. He also tells them God will bless them if they bring their tithes and offerings to the Lord. Malachi challenges them to test God and see if it is not so.

We have tested God concerning the giving of our tithes and offerings over and over again. It is amazing to see how God blesses us when we give our tithes and offerings consistently. We have also experienced and have witnessed in others the blessing that comes from giving back to our Lord.

God has always supplied our every need. And, you should know that there have been numerous times that we just did not know how we were going to meet our commitments, but we gave in spite of this concern. We can assure you that God honors this financial stewardship.

The second area of stewardship is the talents that God has given us. One of the saddest things in life is seeing a person just loaded with talent who sits back doing nothing. Then there are people loaded with talent and abilities and they use the talents God has given them for evil purposes. We have learned through the years that God has given us different talents, and He has done this for a reason. We have learned to merge our talents together and Dottie does what she does best and Ken does what he does best. Then together we have seen God do so much more through us than what either one of us could do individually.

The third area of stewardship is our time. God expects us to give of our time to others. We have learned that nothing is more important in our lives, except for our relationship with God than to give time to our children and our grandchildren and now our great grandchild. Time given is time for bonding, listening, guiding, teaching and learning.

God also expects us to give time regularly to our spouses, to our extended families, to our neighbors and to the world we live in. Most people today spend there time on themselves. They watch TV; read the paper, magazines and books; play games on the computer, communicate on face book or just get on the internet for hours. These are not bad things necessarily, as we all need down time, but the danger is to become so consumed by them that we neglect to do what God wants us to do. God wants you to be a good steward of your time and invest it in people through your family, your church, your workplace, your neighborhood or through a mission project to a needy and hurting world.

In Luke 12:42 Jesus tells a parable about the good and bad stewards and that each one was rewarded according to his faithfulness and obedience. How good a steward we are of what God has given to us will determine our heavenly rewards. A good steward will work diligently and be obedient to his master’s commands. If our gifts and talents are limited, God does not hold us responsible for over and above what He has given us. We are responsible for how we use the talent He has given us.

We learn through this study that we need to be faithful to God as to how we use the talents, time and material blessings that God has given to us. What kind of a steward are you?

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 37:7.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

PRAYER:

Thank You for the talent, material blessings and time that You have entrusted to me. Work in my life to mold me to be the steward You want me to be each and every day. Help me to use what I have to bring honor and glory to Your name.

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