Every Word Of God Is Pure

Every Word Of God Is Pure

THE WORD OF GOD

Every word of God is pure. Proverbs 30:5

When you watch a play, read books, take in a movie, or even converse with friends, you must have the filter on. Is this worldview right? Are these ideas true? Is this lesson correct? Is the moral of this story actually moral?

But when we come to the Word of God, all the filters must come off. The reason why is that there is no filter—our own ideals, the best philosophies, the most scientific theories—that is as pure as the Word of God itself. If we filter the words of God through our own understanding, then we contaminate, rather than purify, the ideas which are conveyed.

Every word of God is pure. There is not a drop of foolishness in the ocean of God’s revelation. There is not a single falsehood within the many pages of the Bible. Every word of God is trustworthy because every word of God is true.

How do you read your Bible? Do you read it with the filter of your own wisdom, desires, and preconceptions? Or are you allowing the unadulterated word of God to wash over your receptive soul, cleansing it of every prejudice, personal ambition, and sinful ideology?

God’s Word should be a set of glasses through which we view all the rest of the world — music, psychology, biology, journalism, business practices, college lectures, or any other idea.

Prayer: Thank You Lord, for Your word is flawless and true.

Scriptural Reading: Proverbs 30:5-9

5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

6 Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

7 Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die):

8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches —Feed me with the food allotted to me;

9 Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.

NKJV

Every Word Of God Is Pure

Where Your Treasure Is Your Heart Is There

Where Your Treasure Is Your Heart Is There

STEWARDSHIP

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21

How you handle money reveals a lot about your spiritual condition. If your treasure is on earth and you are focused on accumulating more and more material things, it is evident there is a heart problem.

It is easy to be influenced by the world and therefore think like the world thinks. The prevalent attitude is, “this is my money, my house, my car; I can do with it what I please.” But you need to embrace a basic biblical truth and that is that God owns everything: “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).

This truth should change your whole perspective. Everything that you have belongs to God and He is blessing you to enjoy it. In fact, if you are His child, you belong to Him in a special way. Paul writes that you are not your own for you are bought with a price. Our body belongs to the Lord. Our mind belongs to Him, our time belongs to Him, and certainly all that we possess really belongs to Him.

While in most cases it is through work that we receive what we need to sustain us, it is God who gives us the power to get wealth. So as He provides a job and gives you the mind and body capable of doing what is required on the job, you must give thanks for what He has provided. You then should be a faithful steward of all with which you have been entrusted.

If you are a good steward, you will not live above your means, incur debts you cannot pay, or waste the resources you have been blessed to accumulate. Recognizing your role as a steward—a manager of what God has given you—will not deprive you of liberty, but will keep you from being enslaved by the love of money. In fact you will become a generous giver and find a great joy in knowing that God loves a cheerful giver.

Prayer: Lord, make me a faithful steward of the manifold blessings You have given me.

Matt 6:21

21. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Where Your Treasure Is Your Heart Is There

Hold Fast That Which Is Good

Hold Fast That Which Is Good

HOLD FAST TO THE GOOD

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from the appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

The standard by which we are to accept or reject every idea, emotion, or opportunity is whether it is “good” or “evil.” No middle ground is mentioned.

How do we know what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong? The only infallible benchmark we have is God’s Word, the Bible. We cannot make decisions based upon our feelings at the moment, the advice or rationale of others, or society’s changing ideas of what is acceptable.

Nor are we to make decisions only after “trying out” all our options. We are not told to “experiment with everything” but to prove (test) all things. Experience, emphatically, is not the best teacher. Instruction is. And in the Bible we find the instruction we need regarding how we are to live, what priorities we are to hold, and how we are to view the world around us.

Once we have applied God’s Word to any particular issue in our lives, we are then told to whole-heartedly pursue the indicated course of action. If a thing is good, we are to “hold fast” to it, not substituting or selling it for anything. If it is evil, we are to “abstain” from it, not sampling or teasing with it in small doses.

Do you have a decision to make? Test it by the touchstone of God’s Word, and then cling to the good and right path, abstaining from even the appearance or possibility of evil.

Prayer: Be my guide, Lord, in all my choices and decisions.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

16 Rejoice always,

17 pray without ceasing,

18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.

20 Do not despise prophecies.

21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Blessing and Admonition

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

NKJV

Hold Fast That Which Is Good

Instruction Book For Life

Instruction Book For Life

LIFE’S INSTRUCTION BOOK

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Psalm 119:9

Think about how many of our purchases come with an instruction book. Whether it’s a gift for a grandchild or a pricey TV, most items have some type of detailed step-by- step guide to help us put together or operate our new acquisition.

Oftentimes, though, many of us set that manual aside, opting to use our own instincts instead. After hours of frustrating attempts, we may finally turn to the instruction book, which the manufacturer intended us to use from the start.

In life, the Bible is our guidebook. But how often do we place it aside and lean on our own understanding, instead of trusting God’s design for how we should live? The consequences are far more devastating than a few wasted hours trying to build a train set or program a television. Failure to heed the Bible’s instructions can lead to broken relationships, failed careers, poor finances, and a directionless life in general.

The Lord blessed us with this instruction manual for a number of reasons. First, He desires to instruct us on how to live a godly life. Second, He wants us to know Him more intimately. And third, He wants to prevent sin in our lives.

Psalm 119:9 says we can keep our way pure by “living according to God’s word”.  As we read His “instruction book” each day, the Holy Spirit works in our heart, and we grow closer to the Lord. Then, life’s daily trials will seem less daunting because we’ll have the truth of Scripture to guide us.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the guidance of Your word.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 119:9-16

9 How can a young man cleanse his way By taking heed according to Your word.

10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

12 Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.

13 With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.

16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

NKJV

Instruction Book For Life

Be Quick To Hear But Slow To Anger

Be Quick To Hear But Slow To Anger

UNCONTROLLED ANGER

So then, [a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19

Anger is an extremely powerful emotion. It can destroy lives, tear relationships apart, and ruin a believer’s witness.

The apostle Paul understood the negative potential of resentment, and he offered this advice on how to deal with it: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

When we’re right in the middle of tense situations, Paul’s recommendations may seem unrealistic and impractical. But unless we apply his advice, we could easily face the devastating consequences of uncontrolled rage. For example, our anger can shut down communication with others. It can also lead to a silent but very damaging type of resentment—the “passive-aggressive” person takes out his bitterness on others in subtle ways. One of the most harmful consequences of uncontrolled anger is depression. Over time, inner turmoil and unresolved conflicts will take their toll on a person’s mental health.

But we have a choice. We can let our anger control us—which means we opt to suffer the consequences. Or we can release this debilitating emotion by forgiving those we feel have stirred our bitterness.

Try to identify causes of anger in your life, and bring them before the Lord. Trust that He will empower you to overcome these sources of strife. Read Ephesians 4:31-32 once more, and let the truth of God’s Word strengthen you.

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from the spirit of anger.

*Scriptural Reading JAMES 1:19-20

19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

NKJV

Be Quick To Hear But Slow To Anger

Be Quick To Hear But Slow To Anger

Be Quick To Hear But Slow To Anger

UNCONTROLLED ANGER

So then, [a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19

Anger is an extremely powerful emotion. It can destroy lives, tear relationships apart, and ruin a believer’s witness.

The apostle Paul understood the negative potential of resentment, and he offered this advice on how to deal with it: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

When we’re right in the middle of tense situations, Paul’s recommendations may seem unrealistic and impractical. But unless we apply his advice, we could easily face the devastating consequences of uncontrolled rage. For example, our anger can shut down communication with others. It can also lead to a silent but very damaging type of resentment—the “passive-aggressive” person takes out his bitterness on others in subtle ways. One of the most harmful consequences of uncontrolled anger is depression. Over time, inner turmoil and unresolved conflicts will take their toll on a person’s mental health.

But we have a choice. We can let our anger control us—which means we opt to suffer the consequences. Or we can release this debilitating emotion by forgiving those we feel have stirred our bitterness.

Try to identify causes of anger in your life, and bring them before the Lord. Trust that He will empower you to overcome these sources of strife. Read Ephesians 4:31-32 once more, and let the truth of God’s Word strengthen you.

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from the spirit of anger.

*Scriptural Reading JAMES 1:19-20

19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

NKJV

Be Quick To Hear But Slow To Anger

We Are Made For Praise

We Are Made For Praise

MADE FOR PRAISE

Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3

Think about the husband who doesn’t communicate with his wife unless he needs something. If the only time he interacts with her is when he has a need, then the wife is not being loved; she’s being used.

But don’t we often treat God the same way? We lift prayer request after prayer request. And yet we fail to give Him admiration and praise. How frequently do we attempt to use the Lord to fulfill our selfish needs?

First Peter 2:9 says we exist to praise God. Our worries and concerns are of great importance to Him. But He also wants us to come to Him with a worshipful heart, not an attitude of self-centeredness.

You may ask, “What’s the point of praise?” When you begin to worship the Lord, your focus shifts to Him. Then you’ll begin to recall the ways in which He has impacted your life. As Psalm 105:5 says, “Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgements uttered by His mouth.”

Praising the heavenly Father is one of the main themes found throughout Scripture. We’re told to do so joyfully (Psalm 100:1), thoughout the day (Psalm 113:3), and in the presence of others (Psalm 108:3; Psalm 111:1). God truly created us to praise Him.

Take some time today to reflect on the Lord’s mighty work of salvation in your life. Instead of coming with a list of requests, simply praise Him for Him faithfulness and righteousness. When your heart is full of praise, worries will wash away. And you’ll trust God to provide for your needs in His own timing.

Prayer: I will bless You at all times, Lord. Your praises will always be on my lips.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 100:1-5

1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

NKJV

We Are Made For Praise

We Are Made For Praise

We Are Made For Praise

MADE FOR PRAISE

Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3

Think about the husband who doesn’t communicate with his wife unless he needs something. If the only time he interacts with her is when he has a need, then the wife is not being loved; she’s being used.

But don’t we often treat God the same way? We lift prayer request after prayer request. And yet we fail to give Him admiration and praise. How frequently do we attempt to use the Lord to fulfill our selfish needs?

First Peter 2:9 says we exist to praise God. Our worries and concerns are of great importance to Him. But He also wants us to come to Him with a worshipful heart, not an attitude of self-centeredness.

You may ask, “What’s the point of praise?” When you begin to worship the Lord, your focus shifts to Him. Then you’ll begin to recall the ways in which He has impacted your life. As Psalm 105:5 says, “Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgements uttered by His mouth.”

Praising the heavenly Father is one of the main themes found throughout Scripture. We’re told to do so joyfully (Psalm 100:1), thoughout the day (Psalm 113:3), and in the presence of others (Psalm 108:3; Psalm 111:1). God truly created us to praise Him.

Take some time today to reflect on the Lord’s mighty work of salvation in your life. Instead of coming with a list of requests, simply praise Him for Him faithfulness and righteousness. When your heart is full of praise, worries will wash away. And you’ll trust God to provide for your needs in His own timing.

Prayer: I will bless You at all times, Lord. Your praises will always be on my lips.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 100:1-5

1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

NKJV

We Are Made For Praise

Be Quick To Hear But Slow To Anger

Be Quick To Hear But Slow To Anger

UNCONTROLLED ANGER

So then, [a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19

Anger is an extremely powerful emotion. It can destroy lives, tear relationships apart, and ruin a believer’s witness.

The apostle Paul understood the negative potential of resentment, and he offered this advice on how to deal with it: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

When we’re right in the middle of tense situations, Paul’s recommendations may seem unrealistic and impractical. But unless we apply his advice, we could easily face the devastating consequences of uncontrolled rage. For example, our anger can shut down communication with others. It can also lead to a silent but very damaging type of resentment—the “passive-aggressive” person takes out his bitterness on others in subtle ways. One of the most harmful consequences of uncontrolled anger is depression. Over time, inner turmoil and unresolved conflicts will take their toll on a person’s mental health.

But we have a choice. We can let our anger control us—which means we opt to suffer the consequences. Or we can release this debilitating emotion by forgiving those we feel have stirred our bitterness.

Try to identify causes of anger in your life, and bring them before the Lord. Trust that He will empower you to overcome these sources of strife. Read Ephesians 4:31-32 once more, and let the truth of God’s Word strengthen you.

Prayer: Lord, deliver me from the spirit of anger.

*Scriptural Reading JAMES 1:19-20

19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

NKJV

Be Quick To Hear But Slow To Anger

Righteous Anger

Righteous Anger

RIGHTEOUS ANGER

Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Ephesians 4:26 NKJV

How do you respond when you feel angry? Do you “blow up” and lose control, or are you able to maintain a calm and patient demeanor in provoking situations?

Sadly, many believers fail to manage their resentment in a positive fashion. But there are steps you can take to avoid the devastating consequences.

First of all, admit that you have an anger problem. You may be irritated with yourself, someone else, or even God. But you’ll never overcome this negative emotion until you own up to its presence in your life.

Next, identify the source of your hard feelings. Ask yourself, Why am I reacting like this? With whom am I upset? What’s causing me to behave this way? Once you’ve figured out where your annoyance comes from, deal with it quickly—when bitterness is allowed to build up, we become prime targets for the Enemy. Paul’s advice is wise: “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26).

Finally, we need to forgive whoever is the source of our hurt. When we feel injured, that may seem too difficult, but it is the most important aspect of dealing with anger. How can we fail to pardon someone else when our heavenly Father forgave us by offering His Son as a sacrifice?

Anger doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re a believer, the Holy Spirit empowers you to walk in a Christlike manner. As you prepare for the week ahead, ask the Lord to pinpoint your areas of unresolved hostility. Trust Him to guide as you seek to take control of this emotion.

Prayer: Lord, empower me to take control of my emotion.

Scriptural Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32

25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

27 nor give place to the devil.

28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

NKJV

Righteous Anger

Make Godly Choices

Make Godly Choices

GODLY CHOICES

Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. Hebrews 12:16

Any ungodly act—whether it involves substance abuse, sexual immorality, or “stepping on” coworkers to get ahead—endangers one’s future for the sake of present gratification. Even the unremarkable choices facing us can impact the rest of our lives. So we should guard against the following attitudes, which can lead to sacrificing what is worthwhile for something with no lasting value.

Allowing appetites to rule us—Everyone has inborn needs, such as the desire for food, sleep, and pleasure. While these are natural and God-given, they can become the driving force in our life if we are not careful. Believers should have the spiritual fruit of self-control, which governs these yearnings (Gal. 5:22).

Being blind to what’s truly valuable—The Lord’s priorities are contrary to what the world considers important. Unless we guard our heart (Prov. 4:23), we can easily be lured by pursuits with no lasting worth.

Failing to Consider Consequences—Eve didn’t contemplate what might ultimately happen if she ate the forbidden fruit; she focused solely on the immediate benefit (Gen 3:1-19). Nor did Samson think about repercussions from interactions with Delilah, and he paid dearly (Judg. 16:16-23). How easy it is to make a rash decision because the immediate benefits seem good. The Lord wants us instead to pause, pray, and evaluate the possible outcomes of our actions.

What decisions are you facing? Prayerfully consider what is driving you, and before making choices, think about potential effects of your actions.

Prayer: Lord, guide my heart to make choices that honour You.

Scriptural Reading: Hebrews 12:12-17

12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,

13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

NKJV

Make Godly Choices

How To Deal With Discouragement

How To Deal With Discouragement

DISCOURAGEMENT

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. Psalms 42:5 NKJV

Disappointments and discouragements are bound to affect everybody at some point. Yet believers need not remain disheartened by frustrations and setbacks. It is possible to experience joy and peace, even when our expectations aren’t met.
When you feel let down, take these steps:

1. Look inward. What is causing your hopeless feelings? Ask God to reveal anything within you that may be part of the problem (for example, an unforgiving spirit).

2. Admit you are discouraged & Rebuke it. Confess that you are allowing the emotion to grip you and speak and pray in tongues rebuking the spirit of discouragement.

3. Look upward to Heaven. To stop wallowing in the pain, you must take the focus off yourself and place it on the Father.

4. Recognize that this is a spiritual issue. Your present situation can help you learn how to deal with trials when emotions are low.

*5. Get into God’s Word. Notice how the men and the women of the Bible handled disappointments. For example, through his many years of undeserved difficulties, Joseph clung to his faith that God was in control.

6. Humble yourself and cry out to the Lord. Remembering His past faithfulness can build your confidence that He will continue to provide.

You may hurt for a reason, but you don’t have to be overwhelmed to the point of giving up. As a Christian, you can take refuge in your all-powerful, all-wise, loving Father. Recall how He has worked in previous times of letdown. Then be assured that this situation will be another faithfulness story to add to your collection.

Prayer: Lord, because of Your faithfulness, I will not be moved.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 42:5-8

5 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.

6 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.

7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

8 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.

NKJV

How To Deal With Discouragement

How To Respond To Difficult Situation

How To Respond To Difficult Situation

RESPONDING TO DIFFICULTY

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Adversity is never enjoyable, but thankfully, believers are assured that God has a reason for allowing difficulty. And your response to the trial will determine whether it leaves you broken or strengthened.

Romans 5:3-5 states, “We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint . . . ” In order to respond correctly and benefit the way this verse describes, let’s consider how the Lord works in suffering.

First, He controls the burdens so they aren’t too heavy to bear. He limits them because His goal is not to destroy you but to build your character. Second, He designs the difficulty according to your personality, character, and areas that need growth. Therefore, trials are tailor-made in order to grow you to be more like Christ. Third, difficulties are progressive. As God matures you, the intensity may seem to increase. This is similar to weight training: at the beginning, an athlete trains with light barbells, but as his muscles become stronger, he chooses heavier weights. Similarly, as your walk with Christ progresses, obstacles that once seemed overbearing will impede you less. This is a sign of growth. In fact, a prayer journal is a great way to watch God’s progress in your life.

In the midst of your pain, see your trial as a privilege—God is revealing His ways and refining you. Thank Him for trusting you with this situation. Then, ask how to respond, and walk obediently before Him.

Prayer: Thank You for building character in me through the trials You allow my way.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15

7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us — and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!

9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!

11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.

12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.

Paul’s Paternal Care

14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.

15 For though you might have ten thousand i…

How To Respond To Difficult Situation

Life Of Obedience To God

Life Of Obedience To God

OBEDIENT LIFESTYLE

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness. Romans 6:16

Though God is Sovereign and omnipotent, many believers don’t trust Him to guide them. Instead they think about obedience on a case-by-case basis, evaluating how the circumstances of various choices might affect their life. But the Lord desires followers whose lifestyle is submissive—in other words, people who’ve made a deliberate decision to surrender to His will in every circumstance.

When confronted with the idea of absolute submission, many of us are assaulted by anxious thoughts: What if the Lord wants me to do something I can’t? Or, what if I don’t want to do what He asks? We fear we don’t have the strength, wisdom, or faith to carry out commands He might give. And we’d be right—if we relied upon our own resources. But when we commit to obedience, God equips us at the right moment to follow where He leads.

One obedient act prepares us for the next. Each step of faith shows us that God not only supplies the tools and preparation for doing His will, He also handles the consequences.

In spite of the Lord’s faithfulness, however, we will take a misstep every now and then. We’re not alone. As Scripture shows, even saints’ lives include occasional rebellious acts, because obedience is a learning process. Jesus rebuked Peter several times (Matt. 16:21-23; John 18:10-11; Mark 14:72). Yet He continued to train the disciple in righteousness.

Believers learn from both successes and failures how to live a lifestyle of commitment. But we must first make a decision to follow God regardless of the outcome. His sovereignty demands our obedience.

Prayer: Lord, I resolve to obey You in all things. Thank You for the grace to obey.

Scriptural Reading: Romans 6:16-18

16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

NKJV

Life Of Obedience To God

Call To Me, & I Will Answer You.

Call To Me, & I Will Answer You.

UNVEILING THE HIDDEN

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

Every decade, it seems as though there’s a fresh crop of books on the topic of communication. We can walk down the aisle of any bookstore and take our pick from the many volumes dedicated to public speaking, preaching, and even interpersonal communication. Learning how to speak effectively is, without question, a big industry these days.

What tends to be lacking however, is good teaching on how to communicate with the Lord. Too often, we take what we learn about mass communication and try to apply it to prayer. We carefully craft each word of our petitions, laboring over every phrase and peppering in some fancy biblical words like “thou,” “thee,” and “shalt.” Sometimes, we seem to believe that it’s possible to unlock the mysteries of heaven if we just learn how to phrase our prayers.

Friend, this is a misguided approach. We should never come before God’s throne with the presumption that we just have to find the right combination of words in order to get Him to speak. The power is not in what we say, but in what He says.

Our role in prayer is not to impress the Lord with our fine phrasing and fancy vocabulary. Rather, it is to cry out to Him, to express our needs, and then to listen. Sadly, we often miss out on what God wants to say because we’re too busy doing all the talking!

This week, take a different approach to prayer. Practice solitude and quiet meditation in your time with the Lord, and open yourself up to what He may be telling you.

Prayer: Lord, speak to me as I still my mind in your presence.

Scriptural Reading: Jeremiah 33:1-3

1. Moreover the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

2 “Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it(the Lord is His name):

3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

NKJV

Call To Me, & I Will Answer You.

The Danger Of Laziness

The Danger Of Laziness

THE DANGER OF LAZINESS

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

The Lord has appointed believers to be His ambassadors to a lost and hurting world. As His followers, we are to represent Him in our character, conduct, and conversation whenever we interact with family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers.

God expects us to be diligent in our work and faithful to complete it. However, in our self-absorbed, pleasure-seeking culture, it’s very easy to get sidetracked into laziness. This sin is dangerous in a Christian’s life because of the potential harm that can result—it can hurt our witness for Christ, damage our relationships with others, and waste both the time and the gifts the Lord has given us. One negative result of such a lifestyle is a character marked as unreliable and untrustworthy.

Laziness frequently shows up as procrastination. For example, despite saying that we will take action, we repeatedly delay the start time. Or we may begin a project and yet find reasons not to finish it. Being neglectful is another manifestation: though we make an attempt to carry out responsibilities, they are handled in a haphazard  or incomplete way; relationships with loved ones go untended; or the needs of others are overlooked.

Irresponsible behavior doesn’t fit who we are in Christ. If you realize you’ve been careless in some area in your life, pray, “Lord, I have not lived as I should, and I ask You to forgive me. I choose to turn away from my lazy attitudes and neglectful behavior. Please help me to follow through and become someone who is industrious for You.”

Prayer: Lord, give me a diligent heart.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,

9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

NKJV

The Danger Of Laziness

Jesus Feels You

Jesus Feels You

UNDERSTOOD BY JESUS

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

People often try to comfort others who find themselves in a difficult season of life. But sometimes expressions of consolation create even more pain. For example, the well-intentioned words “I understand” feel empty if the speaker has never actually experienced the situation.

Yet we all long to feel understood. And it helps to know individuals who have endured circumstances similar to ours. Today’s passage reassures us that Jesus truly understands because He experienced struggles like ours.

The writer of Hebrews refers to Jesus as our High Priest. Each year the man who was chosen to serve in this capacity would enter the Holy of Holies, and there, in God’s presence, offer a sacrifice for sin. The priest was the Jewish people’s bridge to God. Christ not only took on this role, but He Himself also became the sacrifice when He died on the cross. Now He sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven and intercedes on our behalf.

That is tremendously encouraging, but even more than that, we know that Jesus truly understands our pain and our weakness. He faced the very temptations, needs, and hurts we experience. For example, a single parent who has suffered greatly can be assured that Christ also knew betrayal (when Judas turned against Him), isolation (when Peter denied knowing Him), and depression (when facing separation from His heavenly Father).

If you feel alone in the hardships you’re facing, recall Jesus’ trials, hurts, and temptations. You’ll find comfort in His understanding.

Prayer: Thank You Lord for being my comforter.

Scriptural Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

NKJV

Jesus Feels You

When Anxiety Strikes

When Anxiety Strikes

WHEN ANXIETY STRIKES

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

If you needed a consultant, would you hire just anyone? Of course not. You’d want to be sure your advisor had experience to back up his or her suggestions. The apostle Paul was certainly qualified to teach on the value of contentment—he wrote from

a prison cell.

In today’s passage, Paul says that prayer safeguards the believer’s heart from anxiety. Praying appropriately will result in the most effective protection, so we are wise to follow the pattern Jesus gave us. The Lord’s Prayer underscores adoration of the Father and de-emphasizes self talk (Matt. 6:9-13). God does desire to hear our concerns (Phil. 4:6). But if problems are all that keep us on our knees, then we have missed the main point of our relationship with Him.

Why does the Lord expect us to honor Him when what we really want is immediate help for our problems? Because where the mind dwells, the heart follows. Focusing on His greatness puts our needs in perspective and encourages us to rest easy. He is in charge and at work (Rom. 8:28). Consider Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-46). Even as the Lord was crying out for relief, He nevertheless submitted to the Father’s greater will (v. 39). As a result, a supernatural peace fortified the Savior and enabled Him to face His executioners.

Paul offered a radical peace plan: Praise the Lord while suffering persecution; thank Him when facing trial; pray about everything. Each prayer braces your heart against anxiety. That’s solid advice from a man who practiced what he preached.

Prayer: Father, Your name be lifted high above all my needs and challenges.

Scriptural Reading: Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

NKJV

When Anxiety Strikes

Hearing God"s Voice

Hearing God’s Voice

DISCERNING GOD’S VOICE

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone into the world. 1 John 4:1

Believing that the Lord still speaks to His followers, we must learn how to hear His voice. We have to develop discernment—many voices claim to be His and yet have nothing whatsoever to do with the true God.

For example, just think of the many cults around today. No doubt, you’ve seen news reports or televised specials dissecting the odd-sounding belief systems of different faith-based groups. Many of them profess to be based on Scripture, yet they often have certain doctrines that are radically foreign to us; the God of the Bible is completely unrecognizable in their creeds. Obviously, this can pose a problem for those of us in the church who are eager to hear from our Father.

When confronted by different voices that claim to be “true” and clamor for our attention, we remember two absolute truths:

First, we know that the Lord will never say anything that contradicts Scripture. For example, suppose a religious group claimed that extra-marital affairs were somehow acceptable in the Lord’s sight. We would know immediately that this wasn’t from God, as it directly contradicts Exodus 20:14.

Second, we know that God won’t add to or take away from the Bible. It is His complete and reliable Word. Therefore, anyone claiming to have “more” scriptures or another Testament is a fraud.

Two of the Enemy’s best weapons are distraction and deception. Don’t fall for his lies. Test every voice against Scripture, and ask God for the wisdom to discern His voice among the impostors.

Prayer: Lord, open my ears to hear and follow Your voice.

Scriptural Reading: 1 John 4:1-6

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.

6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

NKJV

Hearing God"s Voice

Do Not Worry

Do Not Worry

DON’T WORRY

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

People fret over all kinds of issues, from safety and job security to election results. For many folks—and maybe you are one—anxiety is woven so tightly into the fabric of their day that they’ve learned to live with it.

We treat worry like a benign emotion when in fact it can be harmful. Anxiety clouds our thinking, divides our focus, and robs us of concentration. To complicate matters, the body can react to prolonged pressure on the psyche. Stress can manifest physically through tension, headaches, elevated blood pressure, and even heart attacks.

Drifting through a mentally and physically exhausting life is not the Lord’s plan for us. Our challenge is to take anxious thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:5) and replace them with God-pleasing ones—dwelling on that which is pure, good, and right.

The best way to remove stray threads of worry is to crowd them out with something positive: weave Scripture into your mental grid instead. God has something to say about everything that concerns us. Feeling weak or underqualified? “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Afraid your paycheck won’t cover this month’s rent, clothes, and food? “Do not worry . . . for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matt. 6:31-32)

Jesus said worry adds nothing to our life (Matt. 6:27). In fact, we actually waste time and energy dwelling on concerns instead of affirming our trust in the Lord. We must choose to set our minds upon Him before anxiety leaves us feeling frayed.

Prayer: In the name of the Lord, I bind and cast out the spirit of fear and anxiety from my head right now!

Scriptural Reading: Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.

9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

NKJV

Do Not Worry

Prayer With Authority

Prayer With Authority

PRAYING WITH AUTHORITY

Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again. 1 Kings 18:37

God has given His children the privilege of calling upon Him for all they need, and what’s more, He’s promised to respond. He has also included the right to petition Him on behalf of others. In fact, Scripture tells us that the prayers of a righteous person can accomplish much (James 5:16).

To be righteous in the Father’s sight, we must accept His offer of salvation. Before redemption, we were unrighteous people under His judgment (Eph. 2:1,3). Through faith in Christ as our Savior, we are made new and declared holy in His sight. Then, for our petitions to be powerful and effective, they must be in agreement with His will (1 John 5:14-15). Getting to know our heavenly Father’s character and priorities is the key to making requests aligned with His plan.

Elijah is a good example of someone who prayed with authority. The Lord sent him into battle against the evil king Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal. This was a spiritual conflict to prove who was the real God—Baal or the Lord of Israel. Elijah’s weapons were his knowledge of the Father’s plan and the authority he had in prayer as a prophet of God. His request, made publicly made publicly before his opponents, matched the Lord’s will—that Jehovah would make Himself known (1 Kings 18:37). And when God responded to Elijah’s prayer, the people declared, “The Lord, He is God!” (v. 39).

Are you a child of God? If so, you can pray with spiritual might by making sure your requests are in agreement with His will.

Prayer: Thank You Father, for the privilege to come into Your presence in prayer.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Kings 18:20-40

20 So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel.

21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said,”How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

22 Then Elijah said to the people,”I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

23 Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it.

24 Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.”

So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”

25 Now Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it.”

26 So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice; no on…

Prayer With Authority

Beloved, Don"t Believe Every Spirit

Beloved, Don’t Believe Every Spirit

DISCERNING GOD’S VOICE

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone into the world. 1 John 4:1

Believing that the Lord still speaks to His followers, we must learn how to hear His voice. We have to develop discernment—many voices claim to be His and yet have nothing whatsoever to do with the true God.

For example, just think of the many cults around today. No doubt, you’ve seen news reports or televised specials dissecting the odd-sounding belief systems of different faith-based groups. Many of them profess to be based on Scripture, yet they often have certain doctrines that are radically foreign to us; the God of the Bible is completely unrecognizable in their creeds. Obviously, this can pose a problem for those of us in the church who are eager to hear from our Father.

When confronted by different voices that claim to be “true” and clamor for our attention, we remember two absolute truths:

First, we know that the Lord will never say anything that contradicts Scripture. For example, suppose a religious group claimed that extra-marital affairs were somehow acceptable in the Lord’s sight. We would know immediately that this wasn’t from God, as it directly contradicts Exodus 20:14.

Second, we know that God won’t add to or take away from the Bible. It is His complete and reliable Word. Therefore, anyone claiming to have “more” scriptures or another Testament is a fraud.

Two of the Enemy’s best weapons are distraction and deception. Don’t fall for his lies. Test every voice against Scripture, and ask God for the wisdom to discern His voice among the impostors.

Prayer: Lord, open my ears to hear and follow Your voice.

Scriptural Reading: 1 John 4:1-6

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.

6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

NKJV

Beloved, Don"t Believe Every Spirit

Hear My People Says The Lord

Hear My People Says The Lord

LISTENING TO GOD

Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! Psalm 81:8

Does the heavenly Father still speak to His children? It’s a question that may be on your mind right now. We all have this need to know that the Lord is still communicating with us. We crave the certainty that He hears us—and that He answers.

In Psalm 81:8-14, we get a clear picture of God’s heart: He yearns for Israel to listen to Him. Think about that. Here’s the almighty Creator of the universe pleading with His chosen people to hear His voice. It almost doesn’t make sense, does it? Why on earth would the Israelites turn a deaf ear to their sustaining, omnipotent heavenly Father?

However, God’s message is sent to inattentive ears. He says, “Oh, Israel, if only you would listen to Me. But My people did not listen to My voice. Oh, that My people would listen to Me!” (Psalm 81:8-14, paraphrase).

Thousands of years later, I’m certain that same question still rings through heaven. We can practically hear the Lord saying, “Oh, church, if only you would listen to Me. But My church did not listen to My voice. Oh, that My church would listen to Me!”

No doubt, you’ve heard God say the same thing to you personally. We seem to fall out of touch with Him at times. We put ourselves in one corner and restrict the Lord to someplace “over there” and out of the way. We somehow seem to lose track of His voice in our lives. And yet, though we may not hear Him, He is still talking.

Quiet your spirit today. Open God’s Word and invite Him to speak to you anew. And then, listen.

Prayer: Speak to me Lord, I am listening.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 81:8-14

8 “Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me!

9 There shall be no foreign god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god.

10 I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11 “But My people would not heed My voice, And Israel would have none of Me.

12 So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, To walk in their own counsels.

13 “Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways!

14 I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn My hand against their adversaries.

NKJV

Hear My People Says The Lord

But Who Do You Say That I Am?

But Who Do You Say That I Am?

WHO IS THE LORD?

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."” Matthew 16:15-16

Most people are familiar with the name “Jesus,” but relatively few truly know who He is. This is tragic because a right understanding of the Savior’s identity and mission is directly related to every person’s eternal destiny.

How is it possible to know who Jesus Christ is and what He did? The Father has provided a completely trustworthy source: the Bible. The wise person will regularly spend time in the Word to gain knowledge of the Savior and develop a deep relationship with Him.

Scripture tells us that Jesus is God:

1. Christ existed before His own birth—in fact, even before time began. The prophet Micah spoke of His ancient origin (5:2), and Paul named Him as the Creator (Col. 1:5-6).

2. Jesus claimed equality with the invisible God and was the perfect reflection of Him (John 10:30; 14:9).

3. The Savior performed miracles—such as restoring the dead to life—that were possible only by supernatural power (John 11:43-44).

4. The Lord received worship and forgave sin, two acts that are acceptable only for Deity (Matt. 9:2-8; John 9:38).

Think about Jesus coming to earth as a baby. Imagine the power resting in that little manger—the omnipotent God was lying in a trough made from trees He had created, under stars He Himself had strewn across the sky!

Scripture makes it clear that there is only one way to eternal life: by trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior (Acts 4:12). Weigh the evidence, and then make a wise decision to follow Him.

Prayer: Father, please, reveal Your Son to me.

Scriptural Reading: Matthew 16:13-19

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

NKJV

But Who Do You Say That I Am?

Respond To God"s Love

Respond To God’s Love

RESPONDING TO GOD’S LOVE

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

God is love. Most likely, we have heard these wonderful words from 1 John 4:8. But do we really understand what they mean?

John 3:16 sums it up: God loved vile, sinful, rebellious humanity so much that He came to earth in human flesh and died a gruesome death to save us. This is no shallow love.

Some people question Jesus’ sacrifice, though. They think, ‘Certainly the Lord could have come up with a different way to offer salvation. He is God, after all, so shouldn’t He be able to do all things? They fail to consider two of His unchangeable attributes.’

First, the Lord is holy by nature. This means that He cannot look upon sin with approval, so He must condemn transgression. Second, God is just. As a result, all wrongdoing—without exception—must be punished (Rom. 6:23). The Lord’s every action must be consistent with His nature.

We all fall short of God’s perfect holiness, and He is unable to fellowship with us in our fallen state (Rom. 3:23). But our heavenly Father desires an everlasting relationship with us. So He provided the solution by sending His Son Jesus to earth—to live as a man and die on the cross. This is the ultimate expression of love. As 1 John 4:10 states, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

The wise will accept the free gift of salvation. That is, they will receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and commit to follow Him. What is your response to His amazing love?

Prayer: Thank You for Your amazing love.

Scriptural Reading: John 3:16-21

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

NKJV

 

Respond To God"s Love

God"s Adoption Story

God’s Adoption Story

AN ADOPTION STORY

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth his Son, born [a] of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5

Adoption. The very word will cause an orphan’s heart to swell with hope—the hope of belonging, sharing a common name, and receiving love. No wonder Paul used such an engaging metaphor to illustrate the importance of Jesus’ birth. The world was then and is still filled with people desperate for the intimacy of Father and family.

New Testament writers used a lot of imagery about kinship. For instance, they wrote about sons, heirs, and brothers and sisters of Christ (Matt. 12:50; Gal. 4:7). The words remind readers that those who have received Jesus as Savior are set apart. No longer are believers “sons of disobedience” or “children of wrath,” but rather, they have been given a new name: children of God (Eph. 2:2-3; 1 John 3:1). And with that distinction come special privileges, such as the right to call upon the Father.

God loves every person ever created, but like any parent, He offers His children “family-only” benefits. He responds to their prayers (Luke 18:1-8). He provides for their needs (Matt. 6:31-33). He holds a protective hand over them (Prov. 18:10). In a word, He is perfect. And this amazing Father desires to build a personal relationship with each one who is willing to be part of His family.

An orphanage is frequently a place of little hope, since only a few kids receive adoption offers. Not so with God. His family is open to all. The process is simple—no forms to fill out and no waiting period. Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, and choose to surrender your life to His will. Welcome to the family!

Prayer: Thank You Father for making me a member of your household.

Scriptural Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

NKJV

God"s Adoption Story

You Are A Nation Builder

You Are A Nation Builder

A NATION BUILDER

So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4

Before a single stone was laid to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah began the work on his knees before God. He fasted and mourned over his motherland’s vulnerability. The soon-to-be construction foreman then offered up a three-part prayer. First, he confessed Israel’s sin; next, he reminded the Lord of His promises to the faithful; and finally, he requested success for his plans.

Like Nehemiah, all of us are to be nation builders. His response to Israel’s situation should be our template for fighting threats of evil to our homelands. Perhaps you’ve never thought to fast over a national crisis. Or you may not know that you can intercede about your countrymen’s disobedience to God. But taking action to protect and serve others is a believer’s responsibility (Matt. 25:35-40).

Some people argue that one individual’s prayers or activities cannot make a dent in a country’s problems. Nehemiah proved otherwise. God used him to gather supplies and organize the Jewish people to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls in just 52 days (Neh. 6:15).

The effect of your intercession will likely be subtler than Nehemiah’s. In fact, until you reach heaven, you may not even know the impact. Countries are always in flux, but steps of change are often so small as to be imperceptible day to day. If we are to build nations where the innocent are protected and justice prevails, then we must begin as Nehemiah did—on our knees.

Prayer: Lord, give me a burden for the peace and development of my country.

Scriptural Reading: Nehemiah 1:1-11

You Are A Nation Builder

Thou Shalt Not Compromise

Thou Shalt Not Compromise

DON’T COMPROMISE

Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. Hebrews 12:16

Compromise injures a believer’s spiritual life as surely as landmines wreak havoc upon the body. Our testimony is damaged or destroyed when we bend God’s principles.

For example, suppose a young Christian woman meets an attractive man who doesn’t share her beliefs. For years, she has known Paul’s caution, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers” and recognizes the apostle’s intention to protect Christians from worldly influences (2 Cor. 6:14). But she rationalizes that one date won’t hurt her. Actually, she is probably right.  However, a first date leads to second and third and then to a relationship. He offers marriage, she accepts, and then marries him only to experience a life time of troubles and pain.

To navigate a spiritual minefield, we must look a few steps ahead for possible danger. Even choices that seem trivial may have far-reaching consequences. This is why the Lord equips us with a “divine GPS:” the voice of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit also sounds an alarm in our spirit if we veer into dangerous territory.

For us to hear these warnings, our heart must be tuned to the Holy Spirit’s wavelength through Scripture study. Relying on our own understanding can lead to trouble. But those who trust the Lord and apply His principles will find straight paths through potentially explosive situations.

For safe travel through this dangerous world, decide to obey His initial warning so you can steer clear of destructive explosives.

Prayer: Lord, make me sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Scriptural Reading: Hebrews 12:12-17

12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,

13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

NKJV

Thou Shalt Not Compromise

Hearing The Voice Of God

Hearing The Voice Of God

THE VOICE OF GOD

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16

In biblical times, God often spoke in many dramatic ways. This was because they didn’t have the complete revelation of God. Although God still speaks today, His methods have changed. We can’t expect Him to speak in an audible voice or to send an angelic messenger every time He has something to say to us.

Today God speaks to us primarily through His written Word—the Bible. There is not a single thing God wants us to know that is not contained in the Bible. This is not a book written by human beings; the Holy Spirit of God literally breathed His truth upon the minds of certain men so that they could record it.

The Bible is God’s way of speaking to our pressing needs, concerns, heartaches, and worries. So often when trouble strikes, we turn here or there, talking to some friend or counselor. All of that is well and good, and the Father does indeed speak through godly men and women. But the first place we should turn is to His Word.

The Lord has given us this Book so that we might know His mind—which requires consistently spending time in the Word. If you pick up the Bible only when you have a question or emergency in your life, you’ll never get the big picture of what God wants to say.

Scripture is a treasure trove of God’s thoughts. Spend time there every day—starting today—mining its wisdom and insights.

Prayer: Father, give me a new desire to stay with Your word so I may know and walk in Your will.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-16

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,

11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra — what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

NKJV

Hearing The Voice Of God