We want each of you to go on with the same hard work all your lives so you will surely get what you hope for. We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised. - Hebrews 6:11-12
These words from the sixth chapter of Hebrews remind us that as Christians we must labor diligently, patiently, and faithfully. Read that chapter today. Do you want to be a worthy example for your family and friends? If so, you must preach the gospel of responsible behavior, not only with your words, but also by your actions.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
As we long to be worthy examples of Your Son, Jesus Christ, help us so that our actions line up with our words.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Hebrews 6
New Century Version (NCV)
So let us go on to grown-up teaching. Let us not go back over the beginning lessons we learned about Christ. We should not again start teaching about faith in God and about turning away from those acts that lead to death. We should not return to the teaching about baptisms, about laying on of hands, about the raising of the dead and eternal judgment. And we will go on to grown-up teaching if God allows.
Some people cannot be brought back again to a changed life. They were once in God’s light, and enjoyed heaven’s gift, and shared in the Holy Spirit. They found out how good God’s word is, and they received the powers of his new world. But they fell away from Christ. It is impossible to bring them back to a changed life again, because they are nailing the Son of God to a cross again and are shaming him in front of others.
Some people are like land that gets plenty of rain. The land produces a good crop for those who work it, and it receives God’s blessings. Other people are like land that grows thorns and weeds and is worthless. It is about to be cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire.
Dear friends, we are saying this to you, but we really expect better things from you that will lead to your salvation. God is fair; he will not forget the work you did and the love you showed for him by helping his people. And he will remember that you are still helping them. We want each of you to go on with the same hard work all your lives so you will surely get what you hope for. We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised.
God made a promise to Abraham. And as there is no one greater than God, he used himself when he swore to Abraham, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” Abraham waited patiently for this to happen, and he received what God promised.
People always use the name of someone greater than themselves when they swear. The oath proves that what they say is true, and this ends all arguing. God wanted to prove that his promise was true to those who would get what he promised. And he wanted them to understand clearly that his purposes never change, so he made an oath. These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he makes a promise, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. These things encourage us who came to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place in heaven, where Jesus has gone ahead of us and for us. He has become the high priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Hope Now!
When dreams come true, there is life and joy. - Proverbs 13:12
The hope that the world offers is fleeting and imperfect. The hope that God offers is unchanging, unshakable, and unending. It is no wonder, then, that when we seek security from worldly sources, our hopes are often dashed. Thankfully, God has no such record of failure.
Where will you place your hopes today? Will you entrust your future to man or God? Will you seek solace exclusively from fallible human beings, or will you place your hopes, first and foremost, in the trusting hands of your Creator? The decision is yours, and you must live with the results of the choice you make.
For thoughtful believers, hope begins with God. Period. So today, as you embark upon the next stage of your life's journey, consider the words if the Psalmist: "You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence" (71:5). Then, place your trust in the One who cannot be shaken.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being steadfast. For being unchanging. For being unshakable and unending. Father God, we put our hopes in You. We entrust our future to you. We seek solace from You. We lay our lives in Your trusting hands.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Proverbs 13:12-18
12 It is sad not to get what you hoped for.
But wishes that come true are like eating fruit from the tree of life.
13 Those who reject what they are taught will pay for it,
but those who obey what they are told will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of a wise person gives life.
It is like a fountain that can save people from death.
15 People with good understanding will be well liked,
but the lives of those who are not trustworthy are hard.
16 Every wise person acts with good sense,
but fools show how foolish they are.
17 A wicked messenger brings nothing but trouble,
but a trustworthy one makes everything right.
18 A person who refuses correction will end up poor and disgraced,
but the one who accepts correction will be honored.
Challenge:
Consider the words if the Psalmist: "You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence" (71:5). Then, place your trust in the One who cannot be shaken.
The hope that the world offers is fleeting and imperfect. The hope that God offers is unchanging, unshakable, and unending. It is no wonder, then, that when we seek security from worldly sources, our hopes are often dashed. Thankfully, God has no such record of failure.
Where will you place your hopes today? Will you entrust your future to man or God? Will you seek solace exclusively from fallible human beings, or will you place your hopes, first and foremost, in the trusting hands of your Creator? The decision is yours, and you must live with the results of the choice you make.
For thoughtful believers, hope begins with God. Period. So today, as you embark upon the next stage of your life's journey, consider the words if the Psalmist: "You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence" (71:5). Then, place your trust in the One who cannot be shaken.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being steadfast. For being unchanging. For being unshakable and unending. Father God, we put our hopes in You. We entrust our future to you. We seek solace from You. We lay our lives in Your trusting hands.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Proverbs 13:12-18
12 It is sad not to get what you hoped for.
But wishes that come true are like eating fruit from the tree of life.
13 Those who reject what they are taught will pay for it,
but those who obey what they are told will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of a wise person gives life.
It is like a fountain that can save people from death.
15 People with good understanding will be well liked,
but the lives of those who are not trustworthy are hard.
16 Every wise person acts with good sense,
but fools show how foolish they are.
17 A wicked messenger brings nothing but trouble,
but a trustworthy one makes everything right.
18 A person who refuses correction will end up poor and disgraced,
but the one who accepts correction will be honored.
Challenge:
Consider the words if the Psalmist: "You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence" (71:5). Then, place your trust in the One who cannot be shaken.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Prosperous Generosity
The one who blesses others will be abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.
- Proverbs 11:25
God rewards generosity just as surely as He punishes sin. If we are generous, God blesses us in ways that we cannot fully understand. But if we allow ourselves to become closefisted and miserly, either with our possessions or with our love, we deprive ourselves of the spiritual abundance that would otherwise be ours.
Do you seek God's abundance and His peace? Then share the blessings that God has given you. Share your possessions, share your faith, share your testimony, and share your love. God expects no less, and He deserves no less. And neither, come to think of it, do your neighbors.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Take all that You have given me and bless others through it. Keep my hands and my heart open to people in need, do that they would see You.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Proverbs 11:25-31
New Century Version (NCV)
25 Whoever gives to others will get richer;
those who help others will themselves be helped.
26 People curse those who keep all the grain,
but they bless the one who is willing to sell it.
27 Whoever looks for good will find kindness,
but whoever looks for evil will find trouble.
28 Those who trust in riches will be ruined,
but a good person will be healthy like a green leaf.
29 Whoever brings trouble to his family
will be left with nothing but the wind.
A fool will be a servant to the wise.
30 A good person gives life to others;
the wise person teaches others how to live.
31 Good people will be rewarded on earth,
and the wicked and the sinners will be punished.
- Proverbs 11:25
God rewards generosity just as surely as He punishes sin. If we are generous, God blesses us in ways that we cannot fully understand. But if we allow ourselves to become closefisted and miserly, either with our possessions or with our love, we deprive ourselves of the spiritual abundance that would otherwise be ours.
Do you seek God's abundance and His peace? Then share the blessings that God has given you. Share your possessions, share your faith, share your testimony, and share your love. God expects no less, and He deserves no less. And neither, come to think of it, do your neighbors.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Take all that You have given me and bless others through it. Keep my hands and my heart open to people in need, do that they would see You.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Proverbs 11:25-31
New Century Version (NCV)
25 Whoever gives to others will get richer;
those who help others will themselves be helped.
26 People curse those who keep all the grain,
but they bless the one who is willing to sell it.
27 Whoever looks for good will find kindness,
but whoever looks for evil will find trouble.
28 Those who trust in riches will be ruined,
but a good person will be healthy like a green leaf.
29 Whoever brings trouble to his family
will be left with nothing but the wind.
A fool will be a servant to the wise.
30 A good person gives life to others;
the wise person teaches others how to live.
31 Good people will be rewarded on earth,
and the wicked and the sinners will be punished.
Challenge:
Seek God's abundance and His peace, then share the blessings that God gives you.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Walking in the Light
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. - John 8:12
God's Holy Word instructs us that Jesus is, "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6-7). Without Christ, we are as far removed from salvation as the east is removed from the west. And without Christ, we can never know the ultimate truth: God's truth.
Truth is God's way: He commands His believers live in truth, and He rewards those who do so. Jesus is the personification of God's liberating truth, a truth that offers salvation to mankind.
Do you seek to walk with God? Do you seek to feel His presence and His peace? Then you must walk in truth; you must walk in the light; you must walk with the Savior. There is simply no other way.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger;
Lord Jesus,
You are the way, the truth, and the life. Help us as we struggle to walk the path You laid down before us. Impress on us Your truth, for we are bombarded with lies everyday. And help us to enjoy the life that only You can give.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
John8:12-20
Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
God's Holy Word instructs us that Jesus is, "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6-7). Without Christ, we are as far removed from salvation as the east is removed from the west. And without Christ, we can never know the ultimate truth: God's truth.
Truth is God's way: He commands His believers live in truth, and He rewards those who do so. Jesus is the personification of God's liberating truth, a truth that offers salvation to mankind.
Do you seek to walk with God? Do you seek to feel His presence and His peace? Then you must walk in truth; you must walk in the light; you must walk with the Savior. There is simply no other way.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger;
Lord Jesus,
You are the way, the truth, and the life. Help us as we struggle to walk the path You laid down before us. Impress on us Your truth, for we are bombarded with lies everyday. And help us to enjoy the life that only You can give.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
John8:12-20
Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
Challenge:
Seek to walk with God. Seek to feel His presence and peace. Walk in truth, light, and with the Savior.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Obedience and Praise
Praise the Lord! Happy are those who respect the Lord, who want what He commands.
- Psalm 112:1
Psalm 112 links two powerful principles: obedience and praise. One of the most important ways we can praise God is by obeying Him. As believers who have been saved by a risen Christ, we must worship our Creator, not only with our prayers and our word, but also with our actions.
Are you grateful for God's glorious gifts? Are you thankful for the treasure of eternal life that is yours through the sacrifice of God's Son Jesus? Of course you are. And one of the very best ways to express your gratitude to God is through obedience to the unchanging commandments of His Holy Word.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the Your glorious gifts. Thank You for the treasures of eternal life that is our through the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus. Accept our praise of obedience.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Psalm 112
New Century Version (NCV)
Honest People Are Blessed
Praise the Lord!
Happy are those who respect the Lord,
who want what he commands.
2 Their descendants will be powerful in the land;
the children of honest people will be blessed.
3 Their houses will be full of wealth and riches,
and their goodness will continue forever.
4 A light shines in the dark for honest people,
for those who are merciful and kind and good.
5 It is good to be merciful and generous.
Those who are fair in their business
6 will never be defeated.
Good people will always be remembered.
7 They won’t be afraid of bad news;
their hearts are steady because they trust the Lord.
8 They are confident and will not be afraid;
they will look down on their enemies.
9 They give freely to the poor.
The things they do are right and will continue forever.
They will be given great honor.
10 The wicked will see this and become angry;
they will grind their teeth in anger and then disappear.
The wishes of the wicked will come to nothing.
- Psalm 112:1
Psalm 112 links two powerful principles: obedience and praise. One of the most important ways we can praise God is by obeying Him. As believers who have been saved by a risen Christ, we must worship our Creator, not only with our prayers and our word, but also with our actions.
Are you grateful for God's glorious gifts? Are you thankful for the treasure of eternal life that is yours through the sacrifice of God's Son Jesus? Of course you are. And one of the very best ways to express your gratitude to God is through obedience to the unchanging commandments of His Holy Word.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the Your glorious gifts. Thank You for the treasures of eternal life that is our through the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus. Accept our praise of obedience.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Psalm 112
New Century Version (NCV)
Honest People Are Blessed
Praise the Lord!
Happy are those who respect the Lord,
who want what he commands.
2 Their descendants will be powerful in the land;
the children of honest people will be blessed.
3 Their houses will be full of wealth and riches,
and their goodness will continue forever.
4 A light shines in the dark for honest people,
for those who are merciful and kind and good.
5 It is good to be merciful and generous.
Those who are fair in their business
6 will never be defeated.
Good people will always be remembered.
7 They won’t be afraid of bad news;
their hearts are steady because they trust the Lord.
8 They are confident and will not be afraid;
they will look down on their enemies.
9 They give freely to the poor.
The things they do are right and will continue forever.
They will be given great honor.
10 The wicked will see this and become angry;
they will grind their teeth in anger and then disappear.
The wishes of the wicked will come to nothing.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
The Healing Touch of the Master's Hand
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. - Psalm 126:5
Grief visits all of us who live long and love deeply. When we lose a loved one, or when we experience any other profound loss, darkness overwhelms us for a while, and it seems as if we cannot summon the strength to face another day - but, with God's help, we can.
When our friends or family members encounter life shattering events, we struggle to find words that might offer them comfort and support. But finding the right words can be difficult, if not impossible. Sometimes, all that we can do is to be with our loved ones, offering them few words but much love.
Thankfully, God promises that He is "near to those who have a broken heart" (Psalm 34:18). In times of intense sadness, we must turn to Him, and we must encourage our friends and family members to do likewise. When we do, our Father comforts us and, in time, He heals us.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Father in Heaven,
Help us to deal properly with the grief we encounter.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Grief visits all of us who live long and love deeply. When we lose a loved one, or when we experience any other profound loss, darkness overwhelms us for a while, and it seems as if we cannot summon the strength to face another day - but, with God's help, we can.
When our friends or family members encounter life shattering events, we struggle to find words that might offer them comfort and support. But finding the right words can be difficult, if not impossible. Sometimes, all that we can do is to be with our loved ones, offering them few words but much love.
Thankfully, God promises that He is "near to those who have a broken heart" (Psalm 34:18). In times of intense sadness, we must turn to Him, and we must encourage our friends and family members to do likewise. When we do, our Father comforts us and, in time, He heals us.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Father in Heaven,
Help us to deal properly with the grief we encounter.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Psalm 126
New King James Version (NKJV)
A Joyful Return to Zion
A Song of Ascents.
126 When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are glad.
We were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are glad.
4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord,
As the streams in the South.
As the streams in the South.
5 Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
6 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him..
Shall reap in joy.
6 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him..
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
A Thirst for God
My soul thrirsts for God, for the living God. - Psalm 42:2
Where is God? He is everywhere you have ever been and everywhere you will ever go. He is with you throughout the night and all through the day; He knows your every thought; He hears your every heartbeat.
When you earnestly seek Him, you will find Him because He is here, waiting patiently for you to reach out to Him...right here...right now. And make no mistake: your soul does indeed thirst for God. That thirst is planted in your heart, and it is a thirst that only God can quench. Let Him...right here...right now.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Here I am to worship You. I am here seeking You. Receive me as I am.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Yearning for God in the Midst of Distresses
To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of the sons of Korah.
As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me,
“Where is your God?”
When I remember these things,
I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go with the multitude;
I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise,
With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance.
O my God, my soul is cast down within me;
Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,
And from the heights of Hermon,
From the Hill Mizar.
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me.
The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me—
A prayer to the God of my life
Challenge:
Earnestly seek God.
Where is God? He is everywhere you have ever been and everywhere you will ever go. He is with you throughout the night and all through the day; He knows your every thought; He hears your every heartbeat.
When you earnestly seek Him, you will find Him because He is here, waiting patiently for you to reach out to Him...right here...right now. And make no mistake: your soul does indeed thirst for God. That thirst is planted in your heart, and it is a thirst that only God can quench. Let Him...right here...right now.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Here I am to worship You. I am here seeking You. Receive me as I am.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Yearning for God in the Midst of Distresses
To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of the sons of Korah.
As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me,
“Where is your God?”
When I remember these things,
I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go with the multitude;
I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise,
With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance.
O my God, my soul is cast down within me;
Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,
And from the heights of Hermon,
From the Hill Mizar.
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me.
The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me—
A prayer to the God of my life
Challenge:
Earnestly seek God.
Monday, October 21, 2013
A Steadfast Faith in a Steadfast God
I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. - Psalm 16:8
God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him. God keeps His promises to us even when we stray far from His will. He continues to love us even when we disobey His commandments. But God does not force His blessings upon us. If we are to experience his love and His grace, we must claim them for ourselves.
Are you tired, discouraged, or fearful? Be comforted: God is with you. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father. Are you bitter? Talk with God and seek His guidance. Are you celebrating a great victory? Thank the Giver of all things good.
In whatever condition you find yourself, wherever you are, whether you are happy or sad, victorious or vanquished, troubled or triumphant, remember that God is faithful and that His love is eternal. And be comforted. God is not just near. He is here.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father, Savior Jesus, Spirit of Peace and Comfort, Protector,
Thank You for You are always faithful. Even when I am not faithful, You remain the same. Thank You because You keep Your promises, even when I clearly can't keep mine. You are steadfast. Make my love for You, as You are.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Psalm 16:7-8
New King James Version (NKJV)
I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Challenge:
In whatever condition you find yourself, wherever you are, whether you are happy or sad, victorious or vanquished, troubled or triumphant, remember that God is faithful and that His love is eternal.
God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him. God keeps His promises to us even when we stray far from His will. He continues to love us even when we disobey His commandments. But God does not force His blessings upon us. If we are to experience his love and His grace, we must claim them for ourselves.
Are you tired, discouraged, or fearful? Be comforted: God is with you. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father. Are you bitter? Talk with God and seek His guidance. Are you celebrating a great victory? Thank the Giver of all things good.
In whatever condition you find yourself, wherever you are, whether you are happy or sad, victorious or vanquished, troubled or triumphant, remember that God is faithful and that His love is eternal. And be comforted. God is not just near. He is here.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father, Savior Jesus, Spirit of Peace and Comfort, Protector,
Thank You for You are always faithful. Even when I am not faithful, You remain the same. Thank You because You keep Your promises, even when I clearly can't keep mine. You are steadfast. Make my love for You, as You are.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Psalm 16:7-8
New King James Version (NKJV)
I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Challenge:
In whatever condition you find yourself, wherever you are, whether you are happy or sad, victorious or vanquished, troubled or triumphant, remember that God is faithful and that His love is eternal.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Material and Spiritual Possessions
And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the possess? Is anything worth more than your soul? - Mark 8:36-37
Earthly riches are temporary: here today and soon gone forever. Spiritual riches, on the other hand, are permanant: ours today, ours tomorrow, ours throughout eternity. Yet all too often, we focus our thoughts and energies on the accumalation of earthly treasures, leaving precious little time to accumalate the only treasures that really matter: the spiritual kind.
Our material possessions have the potential do to great good or terrible harm, depending upon how we choose to use them. As believers, our instructions are clear: we must use our possessions in accordance with God's commandments, and we must be faithful stewards of the gifts He has seen fit to bestow upon us.
Today, let us honor God by placing no other gods before Him. God comes first; everything else comes next - and "everything else" most certainly includes all of our earthly possessions.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Father,
Thank You for the spiritual blessings we have received from you. Help so that we may use them to do great good. Thank You for seeing fit to give us these blessings. Help us to honor You with them.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Earthly riches are temporary: here today and soon gone forever. Spiritual riches, on the other hand, are permanant: ours today, ours tomorrow, ours throughout eternity. Yet all too often, we focus our thoughts and energies on the accumalation of earthly treasures, leaving precious little time to accumalate the only treasures that really matter: the spiritual kind.
Our material possessions have the potential do to great good or terrible harm, depending upon how we choose to use them. As believers, our instructions are clear: we must use our possessions in accordance with God's commandments, and we must be faithful stewards of the gifts He has seen fit to bestow upon us.
Today, let us honor God by placing no other gods before Him. God comes first; everything else comes next - and "everything else" most certainly includes all of our earthly possessions.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Father,
Thank You for the spiritual blessings we have received from you. Help so that we may use them to do great good. Thank You for seeing fit to give us these blessings. Help us to honor You with them.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Mark 8:31-38
New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Predicts His Death
Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Predicts His Death
Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Challenge:
Honor God by placing no other gods before Him.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Claiming Contentment
Serving God does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. - 1 Timothy 6:6
The world readily offers is many things, but lasting contentment is not one of them. Genuine contentment cannot be found in material possessions, earthly power, human relationships, or transitory fame. Genuine contentment starts with God and His only begotten Son...and ends there.
Do you seek the contentment and peace that only God can offer? Then welcome His Son into your heart. Allow Christ to rule over every aspect of your day: talk with Him; walk with Him; be with Him; praise Him. When you do, you will discover the peace and contentment that only God can give.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer to Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the joy, happiness, and peace that we find in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
1 Timothy 6:3-10
New Century Version (NCV)
False Teaching and True Riches
3 Anyone who has a different teaching does not agree with the true teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that shows the true way to serve God. 4 This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words. This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust, 5 and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich.
6 Serving God does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. 7 We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. 8 But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that. 9 Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people. 10 The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith, because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow.
Challenge:
Allow Christ to rule over every aspect of your day: talk with Him; walk with Him; be with Him; praise Him.
The world readily offers is many things, but lasting contentment is not one of them. Genuine contentment cannot be found in material possessions, earthly power, human relationships, or transitory fame. Genuine contentment starts with God and His only begotten Son...and ends there.
Do you seek the contentment and peace that only God can offer? Then welcome His Son into your heart. Allow Christ to rule over every aspect of your day: talk with Him; walk with Him; be with Him; praise Him. When you do, you will discover the peace and contentment that only God can give.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer to Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the joy, happiness, and peace that we find in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
1 Timothy 6:3-10
New Century Version (NCV)
False Teaching and True Riches
3 Anyone who has a different teaching does not agree with the true teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that shows the true way to serve God. 4 This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words. This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust, 5 and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich.
6 Serving God does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. 7 We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. 8 But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that. 9 Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people. 10 The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith, because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow.
Challenge:
Allow Christ to rule over every aspect of your day: talk with Him; walk with Him; be with Him; praise Him.
Friday, October 18, 2013
The Wisdom of Kindness
Kind people do themselves a favor, but cruel people bring trouble on themselves. - Proverbs 11:17
If we believe the words of Proverbs 11:17 - and we should - then we undersand that kindness is its own reward. And, if we are to obey the commandments of our Savior - and we should - we must sow seeds of kindness wherever we go.
Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are hallmarks of our Christian faith. So today, in honor of the One who first showed compassion for us, let's teach our families and friends the art of kindness through our words and through our deeds. Our loved ones are watching...and so is God.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Jesus,
You want us to be kind to others. This shows a gentle heart. Help us Lord, through tough situations to continuously show the kindness that You showed to us while we were still enemies of the Father.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Proverbs 11:17-21
New Century Version (NCV)
Kind people do themselves a favor,
but cruel people bring trouble on themselves.
An evil person really earns nothing,
but a good person will surely be rewarded.
Those who are truly good will live,
but those who chase after evil will die.
The Lord hates those with evil hearts
but is pleased with those who are innocent.
Evil people will certainly be punished,
but those who do right will be set free.
Challenge:
Teach our families and friends the art of kindness through our words and through our deeds.
If we believe the words of Proverbs 11:17 - and we should - then we undersand that kindness is its own reward. And, if we are to obey the commandments of our Savior - and we should - we must sow seeds of kindness wherever we go.
Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are hallmarks of our Christian faith. So today, in honor of the One who first showed compassion for us, let's teach our families and friends the art of kindness through our words and through our deeds. Our loved ones are watching...and so is God.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Jesus,
You want us to be kind to others. This shows a gentle heart. Help us Lord, through tough situations to continuously show the kindness that You showed to us while we were still enemies of the Father.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Proverbs 11:17-21
New Century Version (NCV)
Kind people do themselves a favor,
but cruel people bring trouble on themselves.
An evil person really earns nothing,
but a good person will surely be rewarded.
Those who are truly good will live,
but those who chase after evil will die.
The Lord hates those with evil hearts
but is pleased with those who are innocent.
Evil people will certainly be punished,
but those who do right will be set free.
Challenge:
Teach our families and friends the art of kindness through our words and through our deeds.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
The Riches of His Grace
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. - Ephesians l:7-8
We are saved, not by our own righteousness, but by God's grace. God's priceless gift of eternal life is not a reward for our good deeds; it is a manifestation of God's infinite love for those who worship Him and accept His Son as their Savior.
Are you absolutely certain that you have accepted the gift of salvation? If not, drop to your knees this very instant and accept Christ as your personal Savior. If you are already the thankful recipient of eternal life through Christ, use this day as an opportunity to share your testimony with others.
Jesus is the sovereign Friend and ultimate Savior of mankind. Christ showed enduring love for us by willingly sacrificing His own life so that we might have eternal life. Let us love Him, praise Him, and share His message of salvation with our neighbors and with the world.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Savior, Christ, Messiah, Jesus,
Thank You, thank You, Thank You.
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage
Ephesians 1:3-14
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
God’s Rich Blessings
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved.
We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure that He planned in Him for the administration of the days of fulfillment—to bring everything together in the Messiah, both things in heaven and things on earth in Him.
We have also received an inheritance in Him, predestined according to the purpose of the One who works out everything in agreement with the decision of His will, so that we who had already put our hope in the Messiah might bring praise to His glory.
When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.
Challenge:
Use this day as an opportunity to share your testimony with others. Let us love Him, praise Him, and share His message of salvation with our neighbors and with the world.
We are saved, not by our own righteousness, but by God's grace. God's priceless gift of eternal life is not a reward for our good deeds; it is a manifestation of God's infinite love for those who worship Him and accept His Son as their Savior.
Are you absolutely certain that you have accepted the gift of salvation? If not, drop to your knees this very instant and accept Christ as your personal Savior. If you are already the thankful recipient of eternal life through Christ, use this day as an opportunity to share your testimony with others.
Jesus is the sovereign Friend and ultimate Savior of mankind. Christ showed enduring love for us by willingly sacrificing His own life so that we might have eternal life. Let us love Him, praise Him, and share His message of salvation with our neighbors and with the world.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Savior, Christ, Messiah, Jesus,
Thank You, thank You, Thank You.
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage
Ephesians 1:3-14
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
God’s Rich Blessings
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved.
We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure that He planned in Him for the administration of the days of fulfillment—to bring everything together in the Messiah, both things in heaven and things on earth in Him.
We have also received an inheritance in Him, predestined according to the purpose of the One who works out everything in agreement with the decision of His will, so that we who had already put our hope in the Messiah might bring praise to His glory.
When you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed in Him, you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. He is the down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.
Challenge:
Use this day as an opportunity to share your testimony with others. Let us love Him, praise Him, and share His message of salvation with our neighbors and with the world.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Using Your Gifts to Serve
There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve but the same Lord to serve. - 1 Corinthians 12:4-5
God gives each of us a unique assortment of talents and opportunities. And our Heavenly Father instructs us to be faithful stewards of the gifts that He bestows upon us. But we live in a world that encourages us to do otherwise.
Ours is a society that is filled to the brim with countless opportunities to squander our time, our resources, and our talents. So we must be watchful for distractions and temptations that might lead us astray.
God has blessed you with unique opportunities to serve Him, and He has given you every tool that you need to do so. Today, accept this challenge: value the talent that God has given you, nourish it, make it grow, and share it with the world. After all, the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gifts is to use them.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer for the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gifts, talents and opportunities You have given me to share You and Your belongings to the world. Give me the courage and boldness to be a good steward of those gifts.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
New Century Version (NCV)
Gifts from the Holy Spirit
12 Now, brothers and sisters, I want you to understand about spiritual gifts. 2 You know the way you lived before you were believers. You let yourselves be influenced and led away to worship idols—things that could not speak. 3 So I want you to understand that no one who is speaking with the help of God’s Spirit says, “Jesus be cursed.” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” without the help of the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. 5 There are different ways to serve but the same Lord to serve. 6 And there are different ways that God works through people but the same God. God works in all of us in everything we do. 7 Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good. 8 The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak with wisdom, and the same Spirit gives another the ability to speak with knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives faith to one person. And, to another, that one Spirit gives gifts of healing. 10 The Spirit gives to another person the power to do miracles, to another the ability to prophesy. And he gives to another the ability to know the difference between good and evil spirits. The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak in different kinds of languages[a] and to another the ability to interpret those languages. 11 One Spirit, the same Spirit, does all these things, and the Spirit decides what to give each person.
God gives each of us a unique assortment of talents and opportunities. And our Heavenly Father instructs us to be faithful stewards of the gifts that He bestows upon us. But we live in a world that encourages us to do otherwise.
Ours is a society that is filled to the brim with countless opportunities to squander our time, our resources, and our talents. So we must be watchful for distractions and temptations that might lead us astray.
God has blessed you with unique opportunities to serve Him, and He has given you every tool that you need to do so. Today, accept this challenge: value the talent that God has given you, nourish it, make it grow, and share it with the world. After all, the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gifts is to use them.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer for the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gifts, talents and opportunities You have given me to share You and Your belongings to the world. Give me the courage and boldness to be a good steward of those gifts.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
New Century Version (NCV)
Gifts from the Holy Spirit
12 Now, brothers and sisters, I want you to understand about spiritual gifts. 2 You know the way you lived before you were believers. You let yourselves be influenced and led away to worship idols—things that could not speak. 3 So I want you to understand that no one who is speaking with the help of God’s Spirit says, “Jesus be cursed.” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” without the help of the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. 5 There are different ways to serve but the same Lord to serve. 6 And there are different ways that God works through people but the same God. God works in all of us in everything we do. 7 Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good. 8 The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak with wisdom, and the same Spirit gives another the ability to speak with knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives faith to one person. And, to another, that one Spirit gives gifts of healing. 10 The Spirit gives to another person the power to do miracles, to another the ability to prophesy. And he gives to another the ability to know the difference between good and evil spirits. The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak in different kinds of languages[a] and to another the ability to interpret those languages. 11 One Spirit, the same Spirit, does all these things, and the Spirit decides what to give each person.
Challenge:
Value the talent that God has given you, nourish it, make it grow, and share it with the world.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
A Heart Prepared for Prayer
But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. - Mark 11:25
Life is a patchwork of success and failures, victories and defeats, joys and sorrows. When we experience life's inevitable disappointments, we may become embittered, but God instructs us to do otherwise. God understands the futility of bitterness, and He knows that without forgiveness, we can never enjoy the spiritual abundance that He offers us through the person of His Son Jesus.
Christ's teachings are straightforward: Before we offer our prayers to God, we should cleanse ourselves of bitterness, hatred, jealousy, and regret. When we do so, we can petition God with pure hearts.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Through the blood of Your Son, we have been redeemed. Yet, when we come into Your presence, we still hold on to the things that make us so different from Your Son. Father, send Your Spirit to make us like Your Son, so when we enter into Your presence, You would see the heart of Jesus in us.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage-
Mark 11:15-25
New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Clears the Temple
15 When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 16 and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. 17 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” 18 When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching. 19 That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city. 20 The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. 21 Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!” 22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Challenge:
Before we offer our prayers to God, we should cleanse ourselves of bitterness, hatred, jealousy, and regret.
Life is a patchwork of success and failures, victories and defeats, joys and sorrows. When we experience life's inevitable disappointments, we may become embittered, but God instructs us to do otherwise. God understands the futility of bitterness, and He knows that without forgiveness, we can never enjoy the spiritual abundance that He offers us through the person of His Son Jesus.
Christ's teachings are straightforward: Before we offer our prayers to God, we should cleanse ourselves of bitterness, hatred, jealousy, and regret. When we do so, we can petition God with pure hearts.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Through the blood of Your Son, we have been redeemed. Yet, when we come into Your presence, we still hold on to the things that make us so different from Your Son. Father, send Your Spirit to make us like Your Son, so when we enter into Your presence, You would see the heart of Jesus in us.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage-
Mark 11:15-25
New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Clears the Temple
15 When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 16 and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. 17 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” 18 When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching. 19 That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city. 20 The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. 21 Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!” 22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Challenge:
Before we offer our prayers to God, we should cleanse ourselves of bitterness, hatred, jealousy, and regret.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Choosing Wisely
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. - Matthew 6:33
The choice you make will determine the quality and direction of your life. And that includes all the choices you make about your dating life. as an informed citizen of the 21st century, you have every reason to make to make wise choices. But sometimes, when the pressures of the dating world threaten to grind you up and spit you out, you may feel tempted to make decisions that are displeasing to God. When you do, you'll suffer in more ways than you can imagine.
So, as you pause to consider the kind of Christian you are - and the kind of Christian you want to become - ask yourself whether you're sitting on the fence or standing in the light. And then, if you sincerely want to follow in the footsteps of the One from Galilee, make choices that are pleasing to Him. He deserves no less... and neither, for that matter, do you.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Abba Father,
We are bombarded with decisions every minute of every day. Should we do this? Should we do that? The reality is that, for the most part, we make these decisions without consulting You. Therefore, we are always at risk of not pleasing You.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Matthew 6:19-34
New Living Translation (NLT)
Teaching about Money and Possessions
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
22 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
The choice you make will determine the quality and direction of your life. And that includes all the choices you make about your dating life. as an informed citizen of the 21st century, you have every reason to make to make wise choices. But sometimes, when the pressures of the dating world threaten to grind you up and spit you out, you may feel tempted to make decisions that are displeasing to God. When you do, you'll suffer in more ways than you can imagine.
So, as you pause to consider the kind of Christian you are - and the kind of Christian you want to become - ask yourself whether you're sitting on the fence or standing in the light. And then, if you sincerely want to follow in the footsteps of the One from Galilee, make choices that are pleasing to Him. He deserves no less... and neither, for that matter, do you.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Abba Father,
We are bombarded with decisions every minute of every day. Should we do this? Should we do that? The reality is that, for the most part, we make these decisions without consulting You. Therefore, we are always at risk of not pleasing You.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Matthew 6:19-34
New Living Translation (NLT)
Teaching about Money and Possessions
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
22 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Challenge:
Make choices that are pleasing to your Heavenly Father.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Where the Spirit Leads
The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them. - Romans 8:14
Paul encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit of God: "Do not be drunk with wine, which will ruin you, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, your words and deeds will reflect a love and devotion to Christ. When you are filled with Holy Spirit, the steps of your life's journey are guided by the Lord. When you allow God's Spirit to work in you and through you, you will be energized and transformed.
Today, allow yourself to be filled with the Spirit of God. And then stand back in amazement as God begins to work miracles in your own life and in teh lives of those you love.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Holy Spirit,
We empty oursleves, so that You may pour Yourself into us. Lead us, guide us, and direct us.
By Your Power - Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Romans 8:1-14
New Century Version (NCV)
Be Ruled by the Spirit
8 So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty. 2 Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit that brings life made you free from the law that brings sin and death. 3 The law was without power, because the law was made weak by our sinful selves. But God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son to earth with the same human life that others use for sin. By sending his Son to be an offering for sin, God used a human life to destroy sin. 4 He did this so that we could be the kind of people the law correctly wants us to be. Now we do not live following our sinful selves, but we live following the Spirit. 5 Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about the things the Spirit wants them to do. 6 If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace. 7 When people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, they are against God, because they refuse to obey God’s law and really are not even able to obey God’s law. 8 Those people who are ruled by their sinful selves cannot please God. 9 But you are not ruled by your sinful selves. You are ruled by the Spirit, if that Spirit of God really lives in you. But the person who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ. 10 Your body will always be dead because of sin. But if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ made you right with God. 11 God raised Jesus from the dead, and if God’s Spirit is living in you, he will also give life to your bodies that die. God is the One who raised Christ from the dead, and he will give life through his Spirit that lives in you. 12 So, my brothers and sisters, we must not be ruled by our sinful selves or live the way our sinful selves want. 13 If you use your lives to do the wrong things your sinful selves want, you will die spiritually. But if you use the Spirit’s help to stop doing the wrong things you do with your body, you will have true life. 14 The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them.
Paul encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit of God: "Do not be drunk with wine, which will ruin you, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, your words and deeds will reflect a love and devotion to Christ. When you are filled with Holy Spirit, the steps of your life's journey are guided by the Lord. When you allow God's Spirit to work in you and through you, you will be energized and transformed.
Today, allow yourself to be filled with the Spirit of God. And then stand back in amazement as God begins to work miracles in your own life and in teh lives of those you love.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Holy Spirit,
We empty oursleves, so that You may pour Yourself into us. Lead us, guide us, and direct us.
By Your Power - Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Romans 8:1-14
New Century Version (NCV)
Be Ruled by the Spirit
8 So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty. 2 Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit that brings life made you free from the law that brings sin and death. 3 The law was without power, because the law was made weak by our sinful selves. But God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son to earth with the same human life that others use for sin. By sending his Son to be an offering for sin, God used a human life to destroy sin. 4 He did this so that we could be the kind of people the law correctly wants us to be. Now we do not live following our sinful selves, but we live following the Spirit. 5 Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about the things the Spirit wants them to do. 6 If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace. 7 When people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, they are against God, because they refuse to obey God’s law and really are not even able to obey God’s law. 8 Those people who are ruled by their sinful selves cannot please God. 9 But you are not ruled by your sinful selves. You are ruled by the Spirit, if that Spirit of God really lives in you. But the person who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ. 10 Your body will always be dead because of sin. But if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ made you right with God. 11 God raised Jesus from the dead, and if God’s Spirit is living in you, he will also give life to your bodies that die. God is the One who raised Christ from the dead, and he will give life through his Spirit that lives in you. 12 So, my brothers and sisters, we must not be ruled by our sinful selves or live the way our sinful selves want. 13 If you use your lives to do the wrong things your sinful selves want, you will die spiritually. But if you use the Spirit’s help to stop doing the wrong things you do with your body, you will have true life. 14 The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them.
Challenge:
Allow yourself to be filled with the Spirit of God.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Doing the Right Thing
Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight, so that you may prosper and so that you may enter and possess the good land the Lord your God swore to [give] your fathers. - Deuteronomy 6:18
Oswalt Chambers, the author of the Christian classic devotional text, My Utmost for His Highest, advised, "Never support an experience which does not have God as its source, and faith in God as its result." These words serve as a powerful reminder that, as Christians, we are called to walk with God and obey His commandments. But, we live in a world that presents us with countless temptations to stray far from God's path. We Christians, when confronted with sin, have clear instructions: Walk- or better yet run- in the opposite direction.
Today, take every step of your journey with God as your traveling companion. Read His Word and follow His commandments. Support only those activities that further God's kingdom and your spiritual growth. Be an example of righteous living to your friends, to your neighbors, and to your family. Then, reap the blessings that God has promised you.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Savior,
We live in a world, where at times it is hard to do the right thing. At times we come face to face with sin and we want to embrace it. We pray that Yo ube the source of everything we think, say, and do. Give us the strength, when faced with the opportunity to disobey Your commands, to run in the opposite direction.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Deuteronomy 6:10-25
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Remembering God through Obedience
10 “When the Lord your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would give you—a land with large and beautiful cities that you did not build, 11 houses full of every good thing that you did not fill them with, wells dug that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful not to forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. 13 Fear Yahweh your God, worship Him, and take your oaths in His name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you, 15 for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise, the Lord your God will become angry with you and wipe you off the face of the earth. 16 Do not test the Lord your God as you tested Him at Massah. 17 Carefully observe the commands of the Lord your God, the decrees and statutes He has commanded you. 18 Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that you may prosper and so that you may enter and possess the good land the Lord your God swore to give your fathers, 19 by driving out all your enemies before you, as the Lord has said.
20 “When your son asks you in the future, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees, statutes, and ordinances, which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ 21 tell him, ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand. 22 Before our eyes the Lord inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household, 23 but He brought us from there in order to lead us in and give us the land that He swore to our fathers. 24 The Lord commanded us to follow all these statutes and to fear the Lord our God for our prosperity always and for our preservation, as it is today. 25 Righteousness will be ours if we are careful to follow every one of these commands before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.’
Challenge:
Take every step of your journey with God as your traveling companion. Read His Word and follow His commandments. Support only those activities that further God's kingdom and your spiritual growth.
Oswalt Chambers, the author of the Christian classic devotional text, My Utmost for His Highest, advised, "Never support an experience which does not have God as its source, and faith in God as its result." These words serve as a powerful reminder that, as Christians, we are called to walk with God and obey His commandments. But, we live in a world that presents us with countless temptations to stray far from God's path. We Christians, when confronted with sin, have clear instructions: Walk- or better yet run- in the opposite direction.
Today, take every step of your journey with God as your traveling companion. Read His Word and follow His commandments. Support only those activities that further God's kingdom and your spiritual growth. Be an example of righteous living to your friends, to your neighbors, and to your family. Then, reap the blessings that God has promised you.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Savior,
We live in a world, where at times it is hard to do the right thing. At times we come face to face with sin and we want to embrace it. We pray that Yo ube the source of everything we think, say, and do. Give us the strength, when faced with the opportunity to disobey Your commands, to run in the opposite direction.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Deuteronomy 6:10-25
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Remembering God through Obedience
10 “When the Lord your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would give you—a land with large and beautiful cities that you did not build, 11 houses full of every good thing that you did not fill them with, wells dug that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful not to forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. 13 Fear Yahweh your God, worship Him, and take your oaths in His name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you, 15 for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise, the Lord your God will become angry with you and wipe you off the face of the earth. 16 Do not test the Lord your God as you tested Him at Massah. 17 Carefully observe the commands of the Lord your God, the decrees and statutes He has commanded you. 18 Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that you may prosper and so that you may enter and possess the good land the Lord your God swore to give your fathers, 19 by driving out all your enemies before you, as the Lord has said.
20 “When your son asks you in the future, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees, statutes, and ordinances, which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ 21 tell him, ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand. 22 Before our eyes the Lord inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household, 23 but He brought us from there in order to lead us in and give us the land that He swore to our fathers. 24 The Lord commanded us to follow all these statutes and to fear the Lord our God for our prosperity always and for our preservation, as it is today. 25 Righteousness will be ours if we are careful to follow every one of these commands before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.’
Challenge:
Take every step of your journey with God as your traveling companion. Read His Word and follow His commandments. Support only those activities that further God's kingdom and your spiritual growth.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Persevering for God
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the lord is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Are you a person who does not give up easily, or are you quick to bail out when the going gets tough? If you've developed the unfortunate habit of giving up at the first sign of trouble, it's probably time for you to have a heart-to-heart talk with that person you see every time you look in the mirror.
A well-lived life is like a marathon, not a sprint- it calls for preparation, determination, and lots of perseverance. As an example of perfect perseverance, you need look no further than you Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus finished what He began. Despite His suffering and despite the shame of the cross, Jesus was steadfast in His faithfulness to God. You, too, should remain faithful, especially when times are tough.
Are you facing a difficult situation? If so, remember this: what ever your problem, God can handle it. Your job is to keep persevering until He does.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Father,
I get so frustrated with the situation I find myself in. You know my heart and the desire I have to serve and worship You, but it is so hard. Give me the strength to do Your will, because I so desperately want to walk away.
Amen
Jesus,
Thank You for the example you have shown me in staying. When everything in Your body wanted to do it differently, You remained faithful to our Father. I will follow Your lead
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
New International Version
50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Challenge:
Remain faithful to the work God has called you to, especially when times are tough.
Are you a person who does not give up easily, or are you quick to bail out when the going gets tough? If you've developed the unfortunate habit of giving up at the first sign of trouble, it's probably time for you to have a heart-to-heart talk with that person you see every time you look in the mirror.
A well-lived life is like a marathon, not a sprint- it calls for preparation, determination, and lots of perseverance. As an example of perfect perseverance, you need look no further than you Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus finished what He began. Despite His suffering and despite the shame of the cross, Jesus was steadfast in His faithfulness to God. You, too, should remain faithful, especially when times are tough.
Are you facing a difficult situation? If so, remember this: what ever your problem, God can handle it. Your job is to keep persevering until He does.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Father,
I get so frustrated with the situation I find myself in. You know my heart and the desire I have to serve and worship You, but it is so hard. Give me the strength to do Your will, because I so desperately want to walk away.
Amen
Jesus,
Thank You for the example you have shown me in staying. When everything in Your body wanted to do it differently, You remained faithful to our Father. I will follow Your lead
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
New International Version
50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Challenge:
Remain faithful to the work God has called you to, especially when times are tough.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Energy for Today
Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and runwith endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. - Hebrews 12:1-2
All of us have moments when we feel drained. All of us suffer through difficult days, trying times, and perplexing periods of our lives. Thankfully, God stands ready and willing to give us comfort and strength if we turn to Him.
Burning the candle at both ends is tempting but potentially destructive. Instead, we should place first things first by saying no to the things that we simply don't have the time or the energy to do. As we establish our priorities, we should turn to God's Word for guidance
If you're a person with too many demands and too few hours in which to meet them, don't fret. Instead, focus upon God and upon His love for you. Then, ask Him for the wisdom to prioritize your life and the strength to fulfill your responsibilities. God will give you the energy to do the most important things on today's to-do list... if you ask Him.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Jesus,
You always prioritized and did what Your Father wanted You to do. Lord, I need to be like You. Help me to lean on the Father for what is important and needs to be done. Help me to turn from the things that are not a priority to You.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Hebrews 12:1-13
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Call to Endurance
12 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.
Fatherly Discipline
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. 4 In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:
My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly
or faint when you are reproved by Him,
6 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves
and punishes every son He receives.
7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but He does it for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.
Challenge:
Focus on God and on His love for you, and rely on Him to order your business for today.
All of us have moments when we feel drained. All of us suffer through difficult days, trying times, and perplexing periods of our lives. Thankfully, God stands ready and willing to give us comfort and strength if we turn to Him.
Burning the candle at both ends is tempting but potentially destructive. Instead, we should place first things first by saying no to the things that we simply don't have the time or the energy to do. As we establish our priorities, we should turn to God's Word for guidance
If you're a person with too many demands and too few hours in which to meet them, don't fret. Instead, focus upon God and upon His love for you. Then, ask Him for the wisdom to prioritize your life and the strength to fulfill your responsibilities. God will give you the energy to do the most important things on today's to-do list... if you ask Him.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Jesus,
You always prioritized and did what Your Father wanted You to do. Lord, I need to be like You. Help me to lean on the Father for what is important and needs to be done. Help me to turn from the things that are not a priority to You.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Hebrews 12:1-13
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Call to Endurance
12 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.
Fatherly Discipline
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. 4 In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:
My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly
or faint when you are reproved by Him,
6 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves
and punishes every son He receives.
7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but He does it for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.
Challenge:
Focus on God and on His love for you, and rely on Him to order your business for today.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
When You Are Hurt
"Should we take only the good things from God, and not the trouble?" - Job 2:10
Job 2:1-10
New Century Version (NCV)
Satan Appears Before the Lord Again
2 On another day the angels came to show themselves before the Lord, and Satan was with them again. 2 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “I have been wandering around the earth, going back and forth in it.” 3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him. He is an honest and innocent man, honoring God and staying away from evil. You caused me to ruin him for no good reason, but he continues to be without blame.” 4 “One skin for another!” Satan answered. “A man will give all he has to save his own life. 5 But reach out your hand and destroy his flesh and bones, and he will curse you to your face.” 6 The Lord said to Satan, “All right, then. Job is in your power, but you may not take his life.” 7 So Satan left the Lord’s presence. He put painful sores on Job’s body, from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. 8 Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself, and he sat in ashes in misery. 9 Job’s wife said to him, “Why are you trying to stay innocent? Curse God and die!” 10 Job answered, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Should we take only good things from God and not trouble?” In spite of all this Job did not sin in what he said.
Face it: sometimes people can be very cruel. And when people are unkind to you or to your friends, you may be tempted to strike back in anger. Don't do it! Instead, remember that God corrects other people's behaviors in His own way, and He doesn't need your help. And remember that God has commanded you to forgive others, just as you, too, must sometimes seek forgiveness from them.
So, when other people are cruel, as they most certainly will be from time to time, what should you do? 1. Politely speak up for yourself (and for people who can't speak up for themselves); 2. Forgive everybody as quickly as you can; 3. Leave the rest up to God; and 4. Get on with your life.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
I praise you, vengeance is in Your hands. Give me the strength to turn my anger, and desire to repay people in a like manner, to You, and trust in You. Help me to deal with those who offend me, in the way that You deal with me.
Amen
Digging deeper:
Read the following passage -
Job 2:1-10
New Century Version (NCV)
Satan Appears Before the Lord Again
2 On another day the angels came to show themselves before the Lord, and Satan was with them again. 2 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “I have been wandering around the earth, going back and forth in it.” 3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him. He is an honest and innocent man, honoring God and staying away from evil. You caused me to ruin him for no good reason, but he continues to be without blame.” 4 “One skin for another!” Satan answered. “A man will give all he has to save his own life. 5 But reach out your hand and destroy his flesh and bones, and he will curse you to your face.” 6 The Lord said to Satan, “All right, then. Job is in your power, but you may not take his life.” 7 So Satan left the Lord’s presence. He put painful sores on Job’s body, from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. 8 Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself, and he sat in ashes in misery. 9 Job’s wife said to him, “Why are you trying to stay innocent? Curse God and die!” 10 Job answered, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Should we take only good things from God and not trouble?” In spite of all this Job did not sin in what he said.
Challenge:
Don't seek trouble, but when it comes your way, follow James 1:2 "Count it joy..."
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Forgiveness and Spiritual Growth
Be kind and loving to each other,and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ
- Ephesians 4:32
Are you the kind of person who has a tough time forgiving? If so, welcome to the club. Most of us find it difficult to forgive the people who have hurt us. And that's too bad because life would be much simpler if we could forgive people "once and for all" and be done with it. Yet forgiveness is seldom that easy. Usually, the decision to forgive is straightforward, but the process of forgiving is more difficult. Forgiveness is a journey that requires effort, time, perseverance, and prayer.
If there exist even one person whom you have not forgiven (and that includes yourself), obey God's commandment: forgive that person today. And remember that bitterness, anger, and regret are not part of God's plan for your life. Forgiveness is.
If you sincerely wish to forgive someone, pray for that person. And then pray for yourself by asking God to heal your heart, Don't expect forgiveness to be easy or quick, but rest assured: with God as your partner, you can forgive... and you will.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Our Father in Heaven,
Thank You for the example of forgiving and forgiveness. Help me Spirit to forgive others (and myself), the way You, Father, have forgiven me.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Ephesians 4:17-32
New Century Version (NCV)
The Way You Should Live
17 In the Lord’s name, I tell you this. Do not continue living like those who do not believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing. 18 They do not understand, and they know nothing, because they refuse to listen. So they cannot have the life that God gives. 19 They have lost all feeling of shame, and they use their lives for doing evil. They continually want to do all kinds of evil. 20 But what you learned in Christ was not like this. 21 I know that you heard about him, and you are in him, so you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught to leave your old self—to stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self becomes worse, because people are fooled by the evil things they want to do. 23 But you were taught to be made new in your hearts, 24 to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy. 25 So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body. 26 When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day. 27 Do not give the devil a way to defeat you. 28 Those who are stealing must stop stealing and start working. They should earn an honest living for themselves. Then they will have something to share with those who are poor. 29 When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. 30 And do not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God’s proof that you belong to him. God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day comes. 31 Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. 32 Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.
- Ephesians 4:32
Are you the kind of person who has a tough time forgiving? If so, welcome to the club. Most of us find it difficult to forgive the people who have hurt us. And that's too bad because life would be much simpler if we could forgive people "once and for all" and be done with it. Yet forgiveness is seldom that easy. Usually, the decision to forgive is straightforward, but the process of forgiving is more difficult. Forgiveness is a journey that requires effort, time, perseverance, and prayer.
If there exist even one person whom you have not forgiven (and that includes yourself), obey God's commandment: forgive that person today. And remember that bitterness, anger, and regret are not part of God's plan for your life. Forgiveness is.
If you sincerely wish to forgive someone, pray for that person. And then pray for yourself by asking God to heal your heart, Don't expect forgiveness to be easy or quick, but rest assured: with God as your partner, you can forgive... and you will.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Our Father in Heaven,
Thank You for the example of forgiving and forgiveness. Help me Spirit to forgive others (and myself), the way You, Father, have forgiven me.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Ephesians 4:17-32
New Century Version (NCV)
The Way You Should Live
17 In the Lord’s name, I tell you this. Do not continue living like those who do not believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing. 18 They do not understand, and they know nothing, because they refuse to listen. So they cannot have the life that God gives. 19 They have lost all feeling of shame, and they use their lives for doing evil. They continually want to do all kinds of evil. 20 But what you learned in Christ was not like this. 21 I know that you heard about him, and you are in him, so you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught to leave your old self—to stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self becomes worse, because people are fooled by the evil things they want to do. 23 But you were taught to be made new in your hearts, 24 to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy. 25 So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body. 26 When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day. 27 Do not give the devil a way to defeat you. 28 Those who are stealing must stop stealing and start working. They should earn an honest living for themselves. Then they will have something to share with those who are poor. 29 When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. 30 And do not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God’s proof that you belong to him. God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day comes. 31 Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. 32 Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.
Challenge:
Beginning today, forgive one person who you feel has wronged you. Then do again every single day.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Thoughtful Words
The wise don't tell everything they know, but the foolish talk too much and are ruined. -
Proverbs 10:14
Think... pause... then speak: How wise is the person who can communicate in this way. But all too often, in the rush to have ourselves heard, we speak first and think next... with unfortunate results.
God's Word reminds us that, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18). If we seek to be a source of encouragement to friends and family, then we must measure our words carefully. Words are important: they can hurt or heal. Words can uplift us or discourage us, and reckless words, spoken in haste, cannot be erased.
Today, seek to encourage all who cross your path. Measure your words carefully: Speak wisely, not impulsively. Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger or derision. Remember that you have the power to heal others or to injure them, to lift others up to hold them back. When you lift them up, your wisdom will bring healing and comfort to a world that needs both.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Jesus,
When You spoke and speak, You speak wisely, in a way to uplift those who You speak to. Lord I want to speak like You. I want to encourage those who I come in contact with. Change my speech, my words, my way of communication. Help me to be wise in my speech.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
James 3:1-12 (NCV)
Controlling the Tings We Say
1 My brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all make many mistakes. If people never said anything wrong, they would be perfect and able to control their entire selves, too. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can control their whole bodies. 4 Also a ship is very big, and it is pushed by strong winds. But a very small rudder controls that big ship, making it go wherever the pilot wants. 5 It is the same with the tongue. It is a small part of the body, but it brags about great things. A big forest fire can be started with only a little flame. 6 And the tongue is like a fire. It is a whole world of evil among the parts of our bodies. The tongue spreads its evil through the whole body. The tongue is set on fire by hell, and it starts a fire that influences all of life. 7 People can tame every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish, and they have tamed them, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is wild and evil and full of deadly poison. 9 We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself.10 Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen. 11 Do good and bad water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree make olives, or can a grapevine make figs? No! And a well full of salty water cannot give good water.
Challenge:Before you speak, pause and think, and begin to build up your brother or sister.
Proverbs 10:14
Think... pause... then speak: How wise is the person who can communicate in this way. But all too often, in the rush to have ourselves heard, we speak first and think next... with unfortunate results.
God's Word reminds us that, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18). If we seek to be a source of encouragement to friends and family, then we must measure our words carefully. Words are important: they can hurt or heal. Words can uplift us or discourage us, and reckless words, spoken in haste, cannot be erased.
Today, seek to encourage all who cross your path. Measure your words carefully: Speak wisely, not impulsively. Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger or derision. Remember that you have the power to heal others or to injure them, to lift others up to hold them back. When you lift them up, your wisdom will bring healing and comfort to a world that needs both.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Jesus,
When You spoke and speak, You speak wisely, in a way to uplift those who You speak to. Lord I want to speak like You. I want to encourage those who I come in contact with. Change my speech, my words, my way of communication. Help me to be wise in my speech.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
James 3:1-12 (NCV)
Controlling the Tings We Say
1 My brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all make many mistakes. If people never said anything wrong, they would be perfect and able to control their entire selves, too. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can control their whole bodies. 4 Also a ship is very big, and it is pushed by strong winds. But a very small rudder controls that big ship, making it go wherever the pilot wants. 5 It is the same with the tongue. It is a small part of the body, but it brags about great things. A big forest fire can be started with only a little flame. 6 And the tongue is like a fire. It is a whole world of evil among the parts of our bodies. The tongue spreads its evil through the whole body. The tongue is set on fire by hell, and it starts a fire that influences all of life. 7 People can tame every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish, and they have tamed them, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is wild and evil and full of deadly poison. 9 We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself.10 Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen. 11 Do good and bad water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree make olives, or can a grapevine make figs? No! And a well full of salty water cannot give good water.
Challenge:Before you speak, pause and think, and begin to build up your brother or sister.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Using Our Gifts
I remind you to keep using the gift God gave you...Now let it grow, as a small flame grows into a fire. - 2 Timothy 1:6
Face it: you've got an array of talents that need to be refined. All people possess special gifts - bestowed from the Father above - and you are no exception. But, your particular gift is no guarantee of success; it must be cultivated - by you - or it will go unused...and God's gift to you will be squandered.
Are you willing to do the hard work that's required to discover your talents and to develop them? If you are wise, you'll answer "yes." After all, if you don't make the most of your talents, who has the most to lose? You do!
So make a promise to yourself that you will earnestly seek to discover the talents that God has given you. Then, nourish those talents and make them grow. Finally, vow to share your gifts with the world for as long as God gives you the power to do so. After all, the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gifts is to use them.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Jesus,
Thank You, for the gifts you have given me. Help me to nourish and grow them, so that I may use them to nourish and grow Your kingdom.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
3 I thank God as I always mention you in my prayers, day and night. I serve him, doing what I know is right as my ancestors did. 4 Remembering that you cried for me, I want very much to see you so I can be filled with joy. 5 I remember your true faith. That faith first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I know you now have that same faith. 6 This is why I remind you to keep using the gift God gave you when I laid my hands on[a] you. Now let it grow, as a small flame grows into a fire. 7 God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
Challenge:
Earnestly seek to discover the talents that God has given you. Then, nourish those talents and make them grow.
Face it: you've got an array of talents that need to be refined. All people possess special gifts - bestowed from the Father above - and you are no exception. But, your particular gift is no guarantee of success; it must be cultivated - by you - or it will go unused...and God's gift to you will be squandered.
Are you willing to do the hard work that's required to discover your talents and to develop them? If you are wise, you'll answer "yes." After all, if you don't make the most of your talents, who has the most to lose? You do!
So make a promise to yourself that you will earnestly seek to discover the talents that God has given you. Then, nourish those talents and make them grow. Finally, vow to share your gifts with the world for as long as God gives you the power to do so. After all, the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gifts is to use them.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Jesus,
Thank You, for the gifts you have given me. Help me to nourish and grow them, so that I may use them to nourish and grow Your kingdom.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
2 Timothy 1:3-7
New Century Version (NCV)
Encouragement for Timothy
Challenge:
Earnestly seek to discover the talents that God has given you. Then, nourish those talents and make them grow.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Self-defeating Anger
When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day. Do not give the devil a way to defeat you. - Ephesians 4:26-27
When you allow yourself to become angry, you are certain to defeat at least one person: yourself. When you allow the minor fustrations of everyday life to hijack your emotions, you do harm to yourself and to your loved ones. So today and every day, guard yourself against the kind of angry thinking that inevitably takes a toll on your emotions and your relationships.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Today, I relinquish my emotions to You. I pray that You would take charge of them, my anger in. Keep my anger from destroying my relationships, including the realtionship I have with You.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
When you allow yourself to become angry, you are certain to defeat at least one person: yourself. When you allow the minor fustrations of everyday life to hijack your emotions, you do harm to yourself and to your loved ones. So today and every day, guard yourself against the kind of angry thinking that inevitably takes a toll on your emotions and your relationships.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
Today, I relinquish my emotions to You. I pray that You would take charge of them, my anger in. Keep my anger from destroying my relationships, including the realtionship I have with You.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Ephesians 4:25-28
New Century Version (NCV)
25 So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body.[a]26 When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day. 27 Do not give the devil a way to defeat you. 28 Those who are stealing must stop stealing and start working. They should earn an honest living for themselves. Then they will have something to share with those who are poor.
Challenge:
Don't let your anger get the beset of you.
Challenge:
Don't let your anger get the beset of you.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Slow Down
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to proverty. - Proverbs 21:5
Everybody knows you're a very busy person. But here's a question: are you able to sqeeze time into your hectic schedule for God? Hopefully so! But if you're one of those who rush through the day with scarcely a single moment to talk with your Creator, it's time to reshuffle your priorities.
You live in a noisy world, a world filled with distractions, fustrations, temptations, and complications. But if you allow the distractions of everyday life to distract you from God's peace, you're doing yourself a big disservice. So here's some good advice: instead of rushing nonstop through the day, slow yourself down long enough to have a few quiet minutes with God.
Nothing is more important than the time you spend with your Heavenly Father. Absolutely nothing. So be still and claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright: the peace of Jesus Christ. It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking. So ask. And then share.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Father,
Thank You for this time set aside for me to enjoy Your presence in the peace, the tranquility, and the calmness thtat only You can bring.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Proverbs 21:1-5
New Century Version (NCV)
21 The Lord can control a king’s mind as he controls a river;
he can direct it as he pleases.
he can direct it as he pleases.
2 You may believe you are doing right,
but the Lord judges your reasons.
but the Lord judges your reasons.
3 Doing what is right and fair
is more important to the Lord than sacrifices.
is more important to the Lord than sacrifices.
4 Proud looks, proud thoughts,
and evil actions are sin.
and evil actions are sin.
5 The plans of hard-working people earn a profit,
but those who act too quickly become poor.
but those who act too quickly become poor.
Challenge:
Spend a few minutes with God today, and every day.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Choices Matter
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself... - Daniel 1:8
Your life is a series of choices. From the instant you wake up in the morning until the moment you nod off to sleep at night, you make lots of decisions: decisions about the things you do, decisions about the words you speak, and decisions about the thoughts you choose to think. Simply put, the quality of those decisions determines the quality of your life.
So, if you sincerely want to lead a life that is pleasing to God, you must make choices that are pleasing to Him, And you know what? He deserves no less... and neither, for that matter, do you.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
I want to make choices that make YOU happy. Only when You are happy with my choice, can I be truly happy. Help me make choice that will please YOU.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Challenge:
Make sure all the choices you make today, are pleasing to God.
Your life is a series of choices. From the instant you wake up in the morning until the moment you nod off to sleep at night, you make lots of decisions: decisions about the things you do, decisions about the words you speak, and decisions about the thoughts you choose to think. Simply put, the quality of those decisions determines the quality of your life.
So, if you sincerely want to lead a life that is pleasing to God, you must make choices that are pleasing to Him, And you know what? He deserves no less... and neither, for that matter, do you.
#alln4Jesus
Prayer from the Blogger:
Heavenly Father,
I want to make choices that make YOU happy. Only when You are happy with my choice, can I be truly happy. Help me make choice that will please YOU.
Amen
Digging Deeper:
Read the following passage -
Daniel 1:3-10
New Century Version (NCV)
3 Then King Nebuchadnezzar ordered Ashpenaz, his chief officer, to bring some of the men of Judah into his palace. He wanted them to be from important families, including the family of the king of Judah. 4 King Nebuchadnezzar wanted only young Israelite men who had nothing wrong with them. They were to be handsome and well educated, capable of learning and understanding, and able to serve in his palace. Ashpenaz was to teach them the language and writings of the Babylonians. 5 The king gave the young men a certain amount of food and wine every day, just like the food he ate. The young men were to be trained for three years, and then they would become servants of the king of Babylon. 6 Among those young men were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah from the people of Judah.
7 Ashpenaz, the chief officer, gave them Babylonian names. Daniel’s new name was Belteshazzar, Hananiah’s was Shadrach, Mishael’s was Meshach, and Azariah’s was Abednego.
8 Daniel decided not to eat the king’s food or drink his wine because that would make him unclean. So he asked Ashpenaz for permission not to make himself unclean in this way.
9 God made Ashpenaz, the chief officer, want to be kind and merciful to Daniel, 10 but Ashpenaz said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my master, the king. He ordered me to give you this food and drink. If you begin to look worse than other young men your age, the king will see this. Then he will cut off my head because of you.”
7 Ashpenaz, the chief officer, gave them Babylonian names. Daniel’s new name was Belteshazzar, Hananiah’s was Shadrach, Mishael’s was Meshach, and Azariah’s was Abednego.
8 Daniel decided not to eat the king’s food or drink his wine because that would make him unclean. So he asked Ashpenaz for permission not to make himself unclean in this way.
9 God made Ashpenaz, the chief officer, want to be kind and merciful to Daniel, 10 but Ashpenaz said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my master, the king. He ordered me to give you this food and drink. If you begin to look worse than other young men your age, the king will see this. Then he will cut off my head because of you.”
Make sure all the choices you make today, are pleasing to God.
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