TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY MAY 22, 2009.
ATTITUDE
Defined by Webster:
Manner; disposition, feeling, position with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation of the mind; a cheerful attitude
GODS WORD
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3:23
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
Having a positive attitude in life is one of the most crucial issues we face today. Just take a moment and think about each person you met in the last 24 hours. How many glowed with excitement and hope and had a positive attitude toward life? We are sure that that was not the norm. In Proverbs 23:7 it reads: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Ones thought process affects ones attitude. Our attitude is what most often makes a lasting impression on others. It can become the thing that identifies us. There are all kinds of attitudes. We can be cheerful, grumpy, humble, boastful and short tempered, just to name a few. It is a choice that we have. Have you thought about your attitude and how it affects others?
Our dear friend, Dr. Porter Barrington gave us his sermon notes on this verse, Proverbs 23:7. Let us share these with you
• Today I will think like a servant of God because I am what I think.
• I am not always what I think.
• I am not what I eat or what I wear; I am what I think.
• God did not call me to a life of failure but to a life of success.
• Because I am what I think, I will keep my thought process active and open to the voice of God.
Attitude has a great deal to do with our success or failure in life. Our attitude can affect whether we keep a friend, get a promotion and almost everything else in life. Because our God is great, we need to think with an attitude of confidence, but with humility, recognizing that God is the one who enables us and that our thoughts can NEVER be greater then God’s. The Apostle Paul said: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Help us to honor you this day in all that we do. May your love shine through us as we meet and talk to our friends and associates. Give us a cheerful attitude and a willing heart to give of our lives to others just as you gave your life for us.
May 24, 2009
Forgiveness: May 20, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY MAY 20, 2009.
FORGIVENESS
Defined by Webster:
The act of forgiving or showing forgiveness; offering the chance to recover from mistakes; willingness to forgive.
GODS WORD
“Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
In the Lords prayer as written in Matthew 6, Jesus said: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” How can we expect to be forgiven when we are unwilling to forgive? This is what forgiveness is all about. When one does wrong it is right for that person to then ask for forgiveness. Unfortunately that very rarely happens. The reason being is that it is humbling to have to admit we are wrong and have to ask for forgiveness. The end result, if we do not, is a rift in a relationship. Don’t let pride keep you from doing the right thing. How do you feel when you are wronged? Naturally it upsets us and the normal reaction is to want to get even. Most people can give you a score of reasons why they feel they should not forgive someone for a wrong. Excuses are not acceptable to God. God has set the unsurpassable example of forgiveness when He forgave us of our sins by sending His Son to pay the penalty for our sins.
In Acts 26:18 it reads: “that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those that are sanctified by faith in Me.” What greater inheritance can one have then to spend an eternity with God in heaven? It really is that simple. But we have to make the choice and ask God to forgive us from our sins.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Today I ask you to forgive me for my sins and for the times I have failed you. Help me to learn afresh to forgive those that sin against me just as you forgave me. Help me to set an example for my family and friends as to what it means to forgive and give my family a spirit of forgiveness to all they meet. Thank you for teaching me to pray as you said: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” Amen
FORGIVENESS
Defined by Webster:
The act of forgiving or showing forgiveness; offering the chance to recover from mistakes; willingness to forgive.
GODS WORD
“Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
In the Lords prayer as written in Matthew 6, Jesus said: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” How can we expect to be forgiven when we are unwilling to forgive? This is what forgiveness is all about. When one does wrong it is right for that person to then ask for forgiveness. Unfortunately that very rarely happens. The reason being is that it is humbling to have to admit we are wrong and have to ask for forgiveness. The end result, if we do not, is a rift in a relationship. Don’t let pride keep you from doing the right thing. How do you feel when you are wronged? Naturally it upsets us and the normal reaction is to want to get even. Most people can give you a score of reasons why they feel they should not forgive someone for a wrong. Excuses are not acceptable to God. God has set the unsurpassable example of forgiveness when He forgave us of our sins by sending His Son to pay the penalty for our sins.
In Acts 26:18 it reads: “that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those that are sanctified by faith in Me.” What greater inheritance can one have then to spend an eternity with God in heaven? It really is that simple. But we have to make the choice and ask God to forgive us from our sins.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Today I ask you to forgive me for my sins and for the times I have failed you. Help me to learn afresh to forgive those that sin against me just as you forgave me. Help me to set an example for my family and friends as to what it means to forgive and give my family a spirit of forgiveness to all they meet. Thank you for teaching me to pray as you said: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” Amen
Service: May 19, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY MAY 19, 2009.
SERVICE
Defined by Webster:
An act of helpful activity; the providing of a provider or accommodation; the serving of God by obedience.
GODS WORD
“Make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5.
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1.
“– doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” Ephesians 6:7
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
God has given each of us natural abilities that He expects us to use for His Glory. He also has given believer’s spiritual gifts for the purpose of doing His work here on earth. God does not use the unwilling. He will not force us to serve Him but His desire is for us to be totally committed to do His will. He will equip us [Ephesians 4:11-13] and will empower and prepare us for service. Our part is to be faithful and available. God gives us opportunities everyday to serve. How easy it is to avoid serving the Lord using that wonderful excuse: “I am so busy.” Look for opportunities that come your way and then act on them.
Be faithful in your desire to serve God and leave the results to Him. The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve our selves. God uses ordinary people like us to do extra ordinary work. When you think of serving God, start with something you can do; but do not stop because you cannot do it --- God will then take over.
We are witnessing this truth with these FREE FAMILY DEVOTIONALS that we send out each week day by E mail. Just recently a new friend who found our devotionals while searching the Web, asked if he could link these devotionals to his ministry link? And now many hundreds and even thousands of new Christians who can read English are reading these devotionals in far away places where we can not go. We started with something we could do and then God took over and expanded what we are doing.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give us a heart, dear Lord that will be committed to serve you every moment of this day. Help us to be willing to serve our God, our family, our neighbors and our friends. Draw us close today to people that need you and then may our words and actions glorify Your name.
SERVICE
Defined by Webster:
An act of helpful activity; the providing of a provider or accommodation; the serving of God by obedience.
GODS WORD
“Make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5.
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1.
“– doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” Ephesians 6:7
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
God has given each of us natural abilities that He expects us to use for His Glory. He also has given believer’s spiritual gifts for the purpose of doing His work here on earth. God does not use the unwilling. He will not force us to serve Him but His desire is for us to be totally committed to do His will. He will equip us [Ephesians 4:11-13] and will empower and prepare us for service. Our part is to be faithful and available. God gives us opportunities everyday to serve. How easy it is to avoid serving the Lord using that wonderful excuse: “I am so busy.” Look for opportunities that come your way and then act on them.
Be faithful in your desire to serve God and leave the results to Him. The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve our selves. God uses ordinary people like us to do extra ordinary work. When you think of serving God, start with something you can do; but do not stop because you cannot do it --- God will then take over.
We are witnessing this truth with these FREE FAMILY DEVOTIONALS that we send out each week day by E mail. Just recently a new friend who found our devotionals while searching the Web, asked if he could link these devotionals to his ministry link? And now many hundreds and even thousands of new Christians who can read English are reading these devotionals in far away places where we can not go. We started with something we could do and then God took over and expanded what we are doing.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Give us a heart, dear Lord that will be committed to serve you every moment of this day. Help us to be willing to serve our God, our family, our neighbors and our friends. Draw us close today to people that need you and then may our words and actions glorify Your name.
May 17, 2009
Trials: May 15, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY MAY 15, 2009.
TRIALS
Defined by Webster:
Being tried or tested; subjected to suffering or grief; distress; affliction or trouble; a troublesome, wearing or annoying thing or person.
GODS WORD
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1.
“Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Mark 6:50.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you.” I Peter 4:12.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
God did not promise us a “rose garden’ when we became Christians. In this life we will have trials. Everyone does, but Christians have God’s promise that He will go with us through the trials.
Paul suffered many trials on his missionary journeys. He was beaten. He was thrown in prison. While preaching in Macedonia and testifying to the Jews, the Jews became so abusive to him that Paul just gave up on them. It was then that the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent, for I am with you.” [Acts 18:9-10]. As a result Paul stayed there for a year and a half continuing to preach the word of God.
Life for most people today is a series of trials. We do not know how stormy today will be but we do know that we will face trials. But one thing we are certain of is that if we have Jesus in our lives, our day will be victorious and our future is secure. Jesus has not failed us in the past and He will not fail us today or the tomorrows.
Perhaps your world has collapsed. It may be a deep personal loss, a tragedy in your family, a loss of a job, a financial setback or even a family spat. Jesus is bigger then any crises you might face today. He can rebuild your life. God can turn any trial into an opportunity. All you have to do is let God do His thing through your life. Reading God’s Word and praying are the keys to conquering trials.
No trial is too large for God not to intervene and no person is too small for God to give His attention to. We are reminded that during trials in our lives when we leave it all for Him we have found that when God prepares to do something wonderful through our lives He always begins it with a trial or difficulty. When God plans to do something very wonderful through us, He begins with impossibility.
Happiness keeps you sweet, TRIALS KEEP YOU STRONG, sorrows keep you human, failures keep you humble, success keeps you glowing, BUT only God keeps you going.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank you dear Lord, that thy Word assures us that you are with us through every trial that we may face today. Help us not to be fearful when a trial comes our way. Give us the courage we need today to stand tall in honoring you in all we do. Protect our family in all of the activities we have and help us to live a life that honors and glorifies your Son.
TRIALS
Defined by Webster:
Being tried or tested; subjected to suffering or grief; distress; affliction or trouble; a troublesome, wearing or annoying thing or person.
GODS WORD
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1.
“Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Mark 6:50.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you.” I Peter 4:12.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
God did not promise us a “rose garden’ when we became Christians. In this life we will have trials. Everyone does, but Christians have God’s promise that He will go with us through the trials.
Paul suffered many trials on his missionary journeys. He was beaten. He was thrown in prison. While preaching in Macedonia and testifying to the Jews, the Jews became so abusive to him that Paul just gave up on them. It was then that the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent, for I am with you.” [Acts 18:9-10]. As a result Paul stayed there for a year and a half continuing to preach the word of God.
Life for most people today is a series of trials. We do not know how stormy today will be but we do know that we will face trials. But one thing we are certain of is that if we have Jesus in our lives, our day will be victorious and our future is secure. Jesus has not failed us in the past and He will not fail us today or the tomorrows.
Perhaps your world has collapsed. It may be a deep personal loss, a tragedy in your family, a loss of a job, a financial setback or even a family spat. Jesus is bigger then any crises you might face today. He can rebuild your life. God can turn any trial into an opportunity. All you have to do is let God do His thing through your life. Reading God’s Word and praying are the keys to conquering trials.
No trial is too large for God not to intervene and no person is too small for God to give His attention to. We are reminded that during trials in our lives when we leave it all for Him we have found that when God prepares to do something wonderful through our lives He always begins it with a trial or difficulty. When God plans to do something very wonderful through us, He begins with impossibility.
Happiness keeps you sweet, TRIALS KEEP YOU STRONG, sorrows keep you human, failures keep you humble, success keeps you glowing, BUT only God keeps you going.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Thank you dear Lord, that thy Word assures us that you are with us through every trial that we may face today. Help us not to be fearful when a trial comes our way. Give us the courage we need today to stand tall in honoring you in all we do. Protect our family in all of the activities we have and help us to live a life that honors and glorifies your Son.
Patience: May 14, 2009
TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY MAY 14, 2009
PATIENCE
Defined by Webster:
The bearing of provocation; pain without complaint; ability or willingness to suppress restlessness; quiet; steady; even tempered.
GODS WORD
“Make haste to help me O Lord.” Psalm 70:1.
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
In the first verse above, David showed his lack of patience but in the second verse Isaiah relates to us that we need to learn to wait upon the Lord. But like David we do not like to wait. We dislike long lines at the super market, traffic jams, waiting to eat at a restaurant and even waiting for a friend or family member.
We live in a day when everyone wants instant gratification. We want everything now. When we pray and ask God for something and if it does not happen right away, we are like David. We say, Hurry up Lord and answer my prayer. Patience requires perseverance. In James 1:2 to 4, James tells us to consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops patience. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Waiting for God to answer a prayer can cause us to doubt. Is God really listening? Does He hear our prayers? We can be assured that God does answer our prayers. His timetable is not the same as ours but His timing is always perfect. Waiting may test our faith, but learning to have patience is part of becoming a mature Christian and being what God wants us to be.
In our family it is a known fact that I [Ken] do not like to wait and basically I am very impatient. It is my nature to want to have things done yesterday. Fortunately my wife, Dottie, is a perfect balance to me because she is always very patient. As I have grown older I have worked hard in trying to be more patient. Through this exercise I have realized the importance of balancing my physical impatience with what God wants me to do spiritually --- wait upon Him.
Several times I have been amused when I think of a statement that the great preacher of years ago said in a sermon on patience. His illustration was completed when he said: By perseverance the snail reached the ark. Now that is patience.
Patience brings on success. Success is largely a matter of holding on after all others have let go. You need patience to make that happen.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Dear Lord, give me patience today and help me to wait upon you to renew my strength. Help me to be patient to those I touch shoulders with today. Help our family to be patient with one another. Give our family today the kind of patience that you will honor by allowing us to run and not be weary and to walk and not be faint.
PATIENCE
Defined by Webster:
The bearing of provocation; pain without complaint; ability or willingness to suppress restlessness; quiet; steady; even tempered.
GODS WORD
“Make haste to help me O Lord.” Psalm 70:1.
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE
In the first verse above, David showed his lack of patience but in the second verse Isaiah relates to us that we need to learn to wait upon the Lord. But like David we do not like to wait. We dislike long lines at the super market, traffic jams, waiting to eat at a restaurant and even waiting for a friend or family member.
We live in a day when everyone wants instant gratification. We want everything now. When we pray and ask God for something and if it does not happen right away, we are like David. We say, Hurry up Lord and answer my prayer. Patience requires perseverance. In James 1:2 to 4, James tells us to consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops patience. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Waiting for God to answer a prayer can cause us to doubt. Is God really listening? Does He hear our prayers? We can be assured that God does answer our prayers. His timetable is not the same as ours but His timing is always perfect. Waiting may test our faith, but learning to have patience is part of becoming a mature Christian and being what God wants us to be.
In our family it is a known fact that I [Ken] do not like to wait and basically I am very impatient. It is my nature to want to have things done yesterday. Fortunately my wife, Dottie, is a perfect balance to me because she is always very patient. As I have grown older I have worked hard in trying to be more patient. Through this exercise I have realized the importance of balancing my physical impatience with what God wants me to do spiritually --- wait upon Him.
Several times I have been amused when I think of a statement that the great preacher of years ago said in a sermon on patience. His illustration was completed when he said: By perseverance the snail reached the ark. Now that is patience.
Patience brings on success. Success is largely a matter of holding on after all others have let go. You need patience to make that happen.
TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER
Dear Lord, give me patience today and help me to wait upon you to renew my strength. Help me to be patient to those I touch shoulders with today. Help our family to be patient with one another. Give our family today the kind of patience that you will honor by allowing us to run and not be weary and to walk and not be faint.
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