Sovereignty: June 9, 2017

TODAY’S WORD FOR FRIDAY JUNE 9, 2017.

SOVEREIGNTY

DEFINITION:

Supreme in power or authority; being above all others in importance, excellence and power.

SCRIPTURE:

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens and His sovereignty rules over all. Psalm 103:19 (NAS).

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

The Sovereignty of God is a theological term meaning that our God has absolute authority and right of dominion over all His creation, because He is the self-existent creator. He has the sovereign right to do whatever He pleases. Sometimes we may feel He is not acting as we think He should, particularly when we look at the evil and corruption in this world we live in and wonder why God allows bad things to happen.

This was the question Job asked when God allowed him to endure terrible suffering that is recorded in the book of Job in the Old Testament. Job had been faithful to God and led an upright life. Job could not understand why God allowed him to suffer.

God spoke to Job out of a storm but did not answer Job’s question. Instead God asked Job who he thought he was to question God’s wisdom and authority. Confronted by God in all His holiness and majestic sovereignty Job could only bow in humble reverence and submission before his almighty God.

God is sovereign in absolute control of all things and of all people. It is not our right to question why God does what He does or what He allows. The powers of darkness, sin, Satan, demons, and the wickedness of mankind cannot alter the purpose of our sovereign God.

Habakkuk, a prophet of God, questioned God’s inactivity concerning the evil that prevailed in Judah in his day. He cried out to God with all his concerns. He said there is violence and evil deeds everywhere. People love to argue and fight. The wicked far out number the righteous. Justice has become perverted and there is no justice in the courts. He could have been describing the day and age we are living in today. Habakkuk felt God was not seeing or hearing what was going on.

In Habakkuk 1:5-6 God answered and assured Habakkuk that He was already doing something about it. God said: “I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.” Judah’s day of reckoning was coming. God was raising up the Babylonians who God would use to punish Judah. God is in absolute control of all things and of all people and not obligated to reveal “the what” or “the why” of His works. God is at work in our lives even though we cannot see it.

Even these prophets of old found it hard to understand the sovereignty of God and the same is true of us today. It is so reassuring to know that God has unlimited authority over all things and that He always creates and molds everything perfectly -- even our lives when we put our trust in Him.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

PRAYER:

Thank You that I serve a sovereign God. I stand in awe at Your marvelous works and come to You as my God who is all knowing, all powerful and sovereign. May others see by my actions that I honor You as the sovereign Lord of my life.

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Holy: June 8, 2017

TODAY’S WORD FOR THURSDAY JUNE 8, 2017.

HOLY

DEFINITION:

Worthy of worship; sacred; characteristic of God; spiritually pure; devoted to the service of God; religious; devout.

SCRIPTURE:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6:3

Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His Holy Hill; for the Lord our God is Holy. Psalm 99:9

It is written, be holy, for I am holy. I Peter 1:16

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

When people hear about something out of the ordinary, we often hear them say, "holy smoke," or "holy moley," or "holy mackerel" to indicate that they are surprised to hear it. We also have often heard the term, "holy terror" to describe an out of control child. When these expressions are used there is really nothing "holy" about what is being referred to as "holy."

Only God is truly holy. God is perfect in goodness and righteousness and without sin. He alone is worthy of our worship and devotion. As the psalmist says, we exalt the Lord our God and worship Him because He is our God and He is holy. In reality the word "holy" should only be used to refer to God Himself and His Holy Word and to those things that relate to God.

The word "HOLY" also means to be dedicated or set apart. When applying the word "HOLY" to places, persons or things it means being set apart for the service of God and thus sacred and removed from the realm of ordinary.

In the Old Testament, everything associated with worship was set apart in this manner, and thus was considered sacred or "holy." "HOLY" is God's realm and God was to be honored supremely so everything designated as "HOLY" was to be treated with the utmost of respect and care.

God’s purpose of His laws and regulations in the Old Testament was to set His people apart from the pagan nations of the world. He wanted them to separate from the corruption of the world and be holy, because He is holy. Leviticus 11:45.

Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, we no longer worship God with the Old Testament rituals. These Old Testament rituals were regarded as "HOLY" because of their association with God. These rituals of worship were led by the priests.

Today we, as believers who are in Christ, are called to His royal priesthood and serve as His priests to carry on His ministry. God has the same desire for us today as He did for the Israelites. He wants us to be holy and set apart from the world. In the verse above from I Peter the same commandments given in Leviticus is given to us: “Be Holy for I am Holy.”

So how do we who are unholy become holy? The believer in Jesus Christ becomes holy by being obedient to all of God's commandments and following Christ's example. As believers it is necessary to separate ourselves from the evil ways of the world. We should "stand out in the crowd” because our life exemplifies Christ-like qualities. As believers we are set apart from this world and should be totally dedicated to serving our "HOLY" God.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

PRAYER:

Help me to be aware daily that I serve a "HOLY" God. Keep me faithful so that I set myself apart from the things of this world so that I can serve You in all that I do. Help me to be obedient to Your commandments and to live my life according to Christ's example.

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Money: June 7, 2017

TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 7, 2017.

MONEY

DEFINITION:

Any circulating medium of exchange; means of payment; measure of wealth.

SCRIPTURE:

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. I Timothy 6:10

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

A recent survey taken in America asked the question: "What is your greatest desire in life?" Over 74% said money.  The sad thing about this survey was that only 14% listed having a happy family relationship. Probably most concerning was that only 6% wanted to have God in their lives. This is a strong reminder and a real indication that money has become the "god" for many people in America. These people are convinced that money can buy happiness, success and popularity.

People that have money and have acquired success and popularity soon realize that it is not the source of happiness. Money will only bring happiness if it is used to honor God.

It is important for us to realize that it is the LOVE OF MONEY that is the root of all kinds of evil. Timothy tells us in 1 Timothy 6:10 (above) that not money itself, but the love of money leads to greed. Greed leads to an all-consuming desire to get rich by any and all means.

People can be so driven by their love for money that they will steal, cheat and participate in all manner of evil things just to make a dollar. Timothy warns the believers that the love of money can cause them to stray from their faith and bring on sorrow in their lives. Having money is not the problem; it is how we use it and the importance we attach to it.

We believe that God blesses some people with money because He knows that they will use it for His glory.  We have shared with you in the past about our dear friend of some years ago, Lawrence Young. This man was a wonderful example for us and we learned many important life principles from him. No one really knew for sure how wealthy he was but he and his wife were very well off financially. They lived humble and unpretentious lives. Their desire was not for material things of this world. Their desire was to serve the Lord using the blessings God gave them.

Several times he invited me (Ken) to drive with him so we could talk about our mission and its needs. As he collected rent money on his many pieces of property, he would give advice and counsel that was always valuable. His business counseling and tutoring assisted me in making wise and good decisions later in life.

He converted an old school bus into his "CAMPER" which he used to take his 7th grade Sunday school kids on outings. He taught 7th grade Sunday school at Hollywood Presbyterian Church for well over 40 years and never missed a year taking "his 7th grade kids" camping.  He owned a printing press and did the printing for literally scores of Christian ministries at his cost and many times at no cost to the ministry.

World Opportunities, the missionary organization we helped establish in 1961, needed warehouse space. We shared this need with him and several weeks later he found just the right building to meet our needs. He not only found the building but he and his wife gave the necessary funds as a loan to purchase the building. God honored these dear people with money and they used what God gave them for His glory.

As you can see, God blessed Lawrence and Ruth with money and this is the ministry that God entrusted to them. They were faithful stewards and by their overwhelming generosity, honored God with what God had blessed them with. We witnessed that down through the years the more they helped ministries the more God blessed them.

Lawrence Young is a great example for each of us, reminding us that when God blesses one with money He expects it to be used for His glory. Mr. and Mrs. Young lacked for nothing and because they honored God, He continued to pour His blessings upon them. If they had lived for the love of money, the scripture tells us that would be the beginning of evil things that would not be of God.

God does not bless us all with financial wealth but He does bless us in so many other ways. God does not promise to give us what we want but what we need. We have not been blessed with financial wealth but God has blessed us with certain abilities, talents and time that He has given to us to use to serve Him. All along the way He has supplied our every need because we have tried to be faithful to Him. God is faithful and will reward those that honor Him.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

PRAYER:

Thank You for guiding me and my family in the use of the money You bless us with. Keep us from allowing money and wealth to be our all consuming goal in life. Keep our eyes on You so that our desire will be to store up treasure in heaven rather than treasures here on earth.

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Memorial: June 6, 2017

TODAY’S WORD FOR TUESDAY JUNE 6, 2017.

MEMORIAL

DEFINITION:

Something designed to preserve the memory of a person or event.

SCRIPTURE:

In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. When it (the Ark) crossed the Jordan the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. Joshua 4:6-7.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Our memories tend to be very short. Memorials are a way of preserving and perpetuating the memory of people or of events that were important to us.

Memorials are very important to those that lose loved ones and family. That is why we have memorials (tomb stones) in cemeteries to remind loved ones of their family member. Memorials serve to remember great events and people in public life. In Washington D.C. we have many memorials that remind us of great leaders and events in our history. These memorials for families and our history are important for future generations so they can see the heritage that was before them.

Throughout the Bible we read about memorials that were erected at locations where God had done something special. Those memorials are very important for us to study today because they are reminders of how God worked in the lives of those who loved Him and how He protected and blessed them.

After God parted the Jordan River and all the Israelites had safely crossed on dry land, the first thing that God instructed Joshua to do was to build a memorial. While the priests who were holding the Ark of the Covenant were still standing in the middle of the Jordan River, Joshua, in obedience to God, instructed one man from each of the twelve tribes to take a stone from the Jordan river at the spot where the priests were standing. These twelve men then carried the stones to the place where they were to camp the first night in the Promised Land.

There at Gilgal, Joshua set up a monument as a memorial to remind future generations of the miracle God had done in parting the Jordan River. Children who were born after the crossing of the river would see the stones and ask what the stones meant? Their parents would have the opportunity to tell them the story and teach them about God and tell them of the miraculous things He had done for them in bringing them out of Egypt and setting them free.

The memorial served as a reminder to all the people of the earth, past, present and future that the God of Israel is powerful and a God of miracles.

Years ago, we took our children across America to Washington D.C. to see all the memorials and historical places in our nation's capital. As we visited the Washington memorial, the Lincoln memorial and others, we had the opportunity to teach our children about who these men were, what they believed and what they had done for our country. We were able to point out to them the impact that God had on their lives and what they did in the forming of America. They founded our nation as a nation under God with freedoms, and justice and liberty for all.

Reminders of God are rapidly being banned by our government leaders here in America and this could well bring about the fall of our country. Prayer is no longer allowed in schools. The Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in schools or government office locations. When children and youth go to our nation's capital and see all the memorials today they do not understand the significant role God had in the founding of our country.

The reason is very clear to us. Parents, teachers and even churches are not teaching our children about why America has been great and especially Judeo-Christian principles. The reason it has been great is because God was involved.

Children also have not been taught the reasons for memorials and why they are where they are and what they stand for. It is up to us as Christian parents and grandparents today to teach our children and grandchildren to trust in God and work to keep America a nation that puts God in the center of all its activities.

Children love to ask questions and as parents we need to be ready to give an answer. Many questions can be answered by referring to our heritage here in America and the memorials that are standing to remind us of that heritage and the role God had in the founding of our country. Of greater concern is the lack of teaching that our children receive about the Biblical memorials. These memorials were built to show how great a God we have, and to show us how much He loves us.

Children often ask questions about God and heaven. Parents that do not know God and who have never read the Bible cannot answer because they do not know the answer. If your child were to ask you a question about God or Jesus, could you give them an answer from God’s Word?

When your children ask you about God, do you take the time to talk to them about who God is and what He has done for you? Do you share with them how God has blessed you and this country and how He has answered your prayers and how He continues to meet your needs? Telling your children about God is one of the keys to having a happy family.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

PRAYER:

Thank You for giving me these illustrations from the scripture that challenge me to honor You in all that I do so I may prosper. Help me to understand that prospering means that I will receive Your blessings on my life. As I prosper may my family and my friends see Christ in me and may they give up their worldly traits and honor You in all that they do. Help me to pray daily for my family, my friends, and my fellow believers and for the peace of Jerusalem.

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Prosper: June 5, 2017

TODAY’S WORD FOR MONDAY JUNE 5, 2017.

PROSPER

DEFINITION:

To be or make successful or fortunate; thrive; flourish.

SCRIPTURE:

If you do not obey the Lord your God -- you shall not prosper in your ways. Deuteronomy 28:15&29.

He sought God in the days of Zechariah and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. II Chronicles 26:5.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. Psalm 122:6

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. III John 2.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

We all want to prosper and be successful. Moses was very specific in Deuteronomy chapter 28 in telling the Children of Israel what they must do if they wanted to receive God's blessings and prosper in life. They must obey the Lord their God and carefully follow all His commandments (Verse 1). In the verses following he lists the blessings they would receive.

If they chose not to follow all God’s commandments, in verses 15-68, Moses details the curses that will come on them for disobedience. Moses warned them if they disobeyed God they would not prosper. Not only would they not prosper but they would not have God’s blessing and would suffer from all kinds of hardships and sickness. Are you living in disobedience to God and wondering why everything is going wrong?

Every person wants to prosper today and when they see others prospering and they are not they become envious and many times bitter. We have two thoughts on this for your consideration today.

First, what is meant by “prospering”? God may prosper you with specific talents to do His work. If he has, are you using them as He would desire? God may prosper you with time so that you can help others in their times of need. If so, how do you spend your time? God may prosper you with wealth. Can He trust you with what He has given you? Do you use your money wisely?

Another thought for you to consider is that God will only prosper you, according to the scriptures, when you put Him first place in your life, all of the time! You cannot live for the Lord on Sunday and not on the weekdays and expect God to prosper you. You cannot treat your friends kindly and your family unkindly and expect to prosper. The decision is yours because God wants us all to prosper.

In II Chronicles 26, we read of Uzziah who became King of Judah at the age of 16. It is recorded that as a younger child when Uzziah was living under King Zechariah, he continually sought God in all that he did. When he became King, God said that as long as he sought Him, he would prosper. Notice that the verse says "as long as." For a time Uzziah was obedient to God and did prosper. Unfortunately, he became proud which led him to be unfaithful to God. God afflicted him with leprosy until the day he died.

Psalms 122:6 instructs us as Christians to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The Psalmist here says if we do God will prosper us. Do you pray for Israel each day? God expects us to do this. God's chosen people turned away from Him but God has never turned away from them.

And finally, John in his third book writes to Gaius, who he calls the beloved believer in the first century church. Because of his faithfulness to God and his consistent daily walk in truth, John prays that God will prosper him in all things and give him good health. Likewise, we as Christians are to pray for our fellow believers and ask God to bless them in their faithfulness to the Lord.

Our prayer for you today is that God will prosper you in all that you do. But remember it will only happen if you obey God's commands, continually seek God, pray for the peace of Israel and be faithful and truthful in all you do for the Lord.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

PRAYER:

Thank You for giving me these illustrations from the scripture that challenge me to honor You in all that I do so I may prosper. Help me to understand that prospering means that I will receive Your blessings on my life. As I prosper may my family and my friends see Christ in me and may they give up their worldly traits and honor You in all that they do. Help me to pray daily for my family, my friends, and my fellow believers and for the peace of Jerusalem.

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