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10-21-2008, 12:34 PM
Today I will...abide with Jesus by putting aside my own ways and letting the Holy Spirit guide me in
the ways of the King.
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The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the
son of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,[d]the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of
Janna, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathiah, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of
Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Semei, the son of
Joseph, the son of Judah, 27 the son of Joannas, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son
of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of
Elmodam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,
the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son
of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of
David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of
Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son
of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of
Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36
the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37
the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan,
38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. Luke 3
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Be Slow To Speak
JAMES 1:19 NIV
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to
become angry,
How many times have you said something and later regretted it?
Too often we practice: Speak now and think later.
What would happen if you silently consulted with God before speaking? If you thought about, and
prayed about, everything you said -- before you said it -- your life would be different.
1 PETER 3:10 LB
10 If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies.
Words are powerful and should be used to accomplish a purpose. Don't just talk for no reason.
PROVERBS 17:28 NIV
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Remember, you can always learn more by listening than you can by talking.
Be slow to speak!
SAY THIS: God, please help me to control my tongue.
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Forgiveness Wins
October 21
For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them
go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
—Matthew 6:14
Unforgiveness will ruin your day. If someone hurts you, pray quickly, “God, I forgive them in Jesus’
name.” If your emotions feel strained when you see that person, stand firm in your decision to forgive
them.
Pray for them, asking God to show you how to bless them. Do whatever God leads you to do for
them, and let God’s love work through you to heal the rift between you. If you do your part, God will
bring your feelings in line with your decision, and you will enjoy your day and your life.
From the book Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for Each Morning of the Year by Joyce Meyer.
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Daily Thoughts
A Time to Think When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as
though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time
that the tide will turn. - Harriet Beecher Stowe
To Act Remember that faith will lead you through unsteady times.
To Pray Lord, You know my fears. Please give me the courage to do what I fear I can’t do, especially
when I have to do it scared.
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Correct Subconscious Thoughts.
Your subconscious mind is one of the greatest liars in existence. It sends you back to your own
errors about your abilities. You have created negative attitudes in your subconscious and it gives
these errors back to you. So just turn on your subconscious and feed it nothing but positive thoughts.
In due course, it will be convinced of the truth that with the help of Jesus there isn't any obstacle you
cannot overcome.
No. 95 in a series of 100 Power Thoughts from The Power of Positive Thinking, the All-Time
inspirational Best-Selling Book by Norman Vincent Peale.
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God loves, Part I
October 20th, 2008
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council.
He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God.
For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him. “
In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born
again.” John 3:1-3 (NIV)
God has been speaking to me with such love and the words have been coming around and about
John 3:16. This story is the set up for Jesus’ pronouncement of how much God loves.
Nicodemus, a ruler in the Jewish community, comes with questions. He comes at night. He comes
to Jesus. He might be nervous. He says, “Jesus we (the learned rulers) have seen what you do.” A
little flattery? Jesus does not respond in kind to that because those credentials mean nothing in
God’s world. Jesus responds with what is important and what Nicodemus was really there to ask!
Jesus tells Nicodemus that his best won’t get him eternal life. That is a shocking truth to a Jew. He
has spent his life trying to learn what God expected of him and wants so much to be a ‘good’ Jew.
Jesus tells him – that won’t get it!
Have you ever wanted a ‘do over’? A mulligan? For those who do not play golf, a mulligan is an
opportunity to do a stroke over. If you tee off and send the ball careening off into the trees instead of
straight down the fairway…you exercise your mulligan and hit another ball just like the first one never
happened! Jesus tells Nicodemus that he can have a ‘mulligan’ on his life. He can be ‘born again’!
Nicodemus may have left Jesus that night still questioning. Sometimes we just don’t “get it” on
Jesus’ first illustration as He teaches us God’s truths. That’s when we keep listening and watching.
Keep questioning. Nicodemus may have walked away that night with questions in his mind but later
(John 19:39) he was still there, watching and listening. And maybe, just maybe, as he went about
Jesus’ burial ritual, he had a light of hope in his heart. He was going to continue to watch…And then
he heard the news. Jesus’ tomb where he, Nicodemus, had seen Jesus laid – was EMPTY! Who
would have thought that Jesus would give another illustration of His “born again” principle – Himself –
in resurrection power – Yes! You can be born again!
God loved us and sent His Son so that we would not perish but have eternal life! Choose Jesus – be
born again – and live eternally with God. Even if you “get it” – keep watching. Keep listening. Keep
reading. Jesus isn’t done with His teaching.
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God Loves, Part II
Will you compare God to anyone?
What man-made image will you compare Him to? Isaiah 40:18 (my paraphrase)
Before mountains came to be, or you birthed the world, you are God forever and ever.
Psalm 90:2 (my paraphrase)
Maybe this all-powerful, in-need-of-nothing God isn’t aware that I am here and struggling!
For GOD so loved the world… John 3:16 (NIV)
As a parent, I have seen my child’s shoulders slump in that moment of defeat. Hours of practice in a
gym instead of going to the movies with friends, has come down to a 2-3 minute balance beam
routine…Oh, no…a tiny bobble and off the side of that four-inch beam. No medal today. I put my
arms around her and say, “It will be OK.” Seems inadequate but if you asked my daughter today, 15
years later she would say, “Yes, it was OK.”
There are so many accounts in the gospels of Jesus touching people. He was not a ‘distant’ person.
He held children. He touched the lepers. He touched the prostitute. He touched the boy with
seizures. He touched. He did not stay inside the synagogue expecting people to come to Him. He
went out into the streets. He went into homes. He came close and met people where they were and
helped them to move closer to Him and closer to His Father.
God is whispering those same words today, “It will be OK,” with His arms around us. Believe Him.
Listen to His voice. He knows!
He is God so He will never tire.
He is God so He will never age and leave us.
He is God so He will never let us down.
He is God and is everlasting. He has always been and will always be.
He is God, Creator of all and so He has a special place for us when we are sick and tired and ready
to go home.
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NACR Daily Meditation
Tuesday 21st of October 2008
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I
tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you
will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself
like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4
Children are naturally curious about life. They look at everything, hear
everything, want to know about everything. They are ready for growth and
responsive to life. But, childhood dies for many people because of neglect,
abuse and losses experienced during early vulnerable years. The eagerness
and engagement are poisoned. The responsiveness to life yields to fear and
shame.
It is possible, however, to reclaim a lost childhood. It is possible
to change in ways that allow us to experience the wonder, the awe, the engagement
in life that God intended for us in childhood.
God invites us to experience this kind of change. God invites us to
become like little children. Children are humble - they have a straightforward
honesty about their feelings and needs. This humility makes childlike awe
and engagement in life possible. It is a vulnerable, humble thing to be
a child. Children get tired and need naps. Children need other people.
Children have more questions than answers.
Jesus invites us to change and become like little children. It is an
invitation to true humility which leads to spontaneity, curiosity and engagement
in life.
Lord, I want to reclaim
the wonder and delight of childhood.
I want to be eager to learn again.
I want to be ready to love and be loved again.
Give me, Lord, the security and safety I need
to be vulnerable and humble.
Help me to be ready for surprises.
Amen
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Never Too Late to Change
Genesis 12:1-9: “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s
household and go to the land I will show you. … So Abram left…” (vv.1 and 4).
This unanticipated journey meant Abram and his family left all that was familiar and comfortable.
Although Abram did not know what he would encounter on his trip, he believed God would lead. God
asks those of us who try to do and make everything right to leave our self-destructive lifestyles and
head toward balance and freedom. The choice is up to us; we do not have to go.
Embarking on the journey means leaving our familiar attitudes and behaviors of perfectionism,
performance/work addiction, and people pleasing. The trip will often be uncomfortable; we may have
to leave some of our friends and family behind. God knows the way. He is our guide.
Lord, Abram started over again when he was seventy-five years old.
I guess it’s never too late to change.
Please go with me on this unfamiliar journey.
2008 Joan C. Webb
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God Dwelling
By: Ron Edmondson Tuesday, October 21, 2008
[He] who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who
does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:5 NIV
We have talked this week about who can dwell intimately in the presence of an Almighty God. God's
word has outlined here for us some qualities He is seeking for us to allow Him to take up residence
in our lives.
Now, we know that we can only come to God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We
must accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the only way a sinful man can get to a holy God.
We know, however, that God can allow no sin in His presence. In fact, God turned His back on
Jesus as Jesus bore our sins on the cross. Therefore, for God to truly be active and intimate in our
walk with Him, we must be striving to be righteous in all we do.
The man with whom God can dwell, as today's verse indicates, must not be a lover of money. He
must not take advantage of others for the sake of creating his own wealth. Money should be a
means to bring forth blessings for the kingdom of God.
This fits well with the previous verses. God is looking for an attitude that wants to honor and please
Him. God is yearning to dwell with those who will strive to be holy, because He Himself is Holy!
God wants to dwell with you and me! And guess what? The promise to those with whom He dwells
is that we will never be shaken! Though the world tries to toss us around, we, the children of God,
will never be moved! We shall overcome!
Are you ready to dwell with Him now?
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Love Worth Finding
October 21
Espoused to Christ
“. . . Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God.” Revelation 19:1b
I’ve never performed a wedding where there wasn’t a beautiful bride, but no bride can compare in
beauty to the one to behold when Jesus returns to claim us, the Bride of Christ.
You see, when we were saved, we were espoused to Christ, and an espousal is a little bit stronger
than an engagement. An engagement is a promise to marry, but an espousal is a promise that you
belong to this person even though the marriage has not yet been consummated.
Every child of God already belongs to Him. When we become espoused to Christ, He gives us
something better than an engagement ring. He gives us the Holy Spirit.
Read Revelation 19 then spend a few moments worshipping Him.
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Answers for Each Day - Oct. 21, 2008
Praying for the Rain
For the past week we have been seeking to understand what causes a spiritual drought, and then
how we can break that drought if indeed we are in one.
Here is what I want you to understand. Even if you earnestly seek God and repent of sin in your life,
or you shift your focus and say, “God, I’m putting Your house first, and I’m going to put other people
before myself,” or perhaps God leads you to do something of a personal nature, you still need to
pray for the rain.
Do not just assume God’s blessing will automatically fall. You still need to ask for it. Zechariah 10:1
teaches us this truth,
Ask the LORD for rain In the time of the latter rain. The LORD will make flashing clouds; He will give
them showers of rain, grass in the field for everyone.
I used to read that and wonder, “God, I don’t understand. If it is the time of the latter rain, if it is rainy
season, why ask for rain? Won’t it just fall automatically?” If it is rainy season, why pray for rain?”
Because you cannot assume that it is automatically going to fall.
In James 5:17-18 there is a story about Elijah from 1 Kings 18. James gives us the very, very, very
short version. But it tells us something significant,
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not
rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and
the earth produced its fruit.
What caused the rain to stop? His prayer. What caused the rain to fall again? His prayer.
Ask God today for the blessing of His rain in your life!
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Devotional For Dieters
October 21
Matthew 13:31-32
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard
seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed in the least of all seeds: but when it is
grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and
lodge in the branches thereof.'
All too often, people tackle diets that are too big for them. They try to give up everything at once,
hoping to lose a huge amount of weight in a short period of time. Usually, that won't work. We should
learn that the greatest successes come in small steps. We need to set modest goals that we can
handle, so we don't get discouraged. God blesses our small efforts, for they are usually the most
sincere and realistic. Ask God's guidance, and He will grant you exactly the right amount of strength
you need to triumph.
Today's thought: Giving up a little at a time will keep me from giving up altogether!
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A Time To Heal
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Starfish have a unique capability. If a starfish should lose a limb, it can re-grow a new one. This is
called regeneration. The process can take years, but when it is complete, you would probably not be
able to tell that the starfish had ever been damaged.
In our lives, many of us have been damaged. We limp around with burdens from the past. The
battles of life have torn at our resolve and stolen bits of our joy, leaving us bruised and crippled. It is
easy to do the quick fix and “bandaid” our pain or mask the hurt. But underneath the façade lies a
bleeding wound that over time will continue to fester until it is laid before the Great Healer.
It can take years for the limb of a starfish to regenerate until it is whole again. However, if you take
the starfish away from its source of life, the ocean, not only will it never heal, but it will ultimately die.
The same is true with you.
Our source of life is Jesus, and He wants to heal you. Many of us go through life with burdens
weighing heavily on our shoulders. Whether it is the weight of sin, regret, oppression, persecution,
abuse, sorrow, divorce, unfaithfulness, fear, unforgiveness, betrayal, regret…Jesus says, “Come to
me.” He wants to come alongside you and heal you. He wants to take the bandaids off and properly
clean your wounds.
If you want to be healed and set free from the burdens that weigh you down, call out to Jesus. It will
take time and it may not be easy, but if you keep yourself surrounded by Jesus, the source of life,
ultimately you will be healed. And when you are healed, you will experience the love, peace and
hope only Jesus can bring.
Going Deeper:
1. What areas in your life need healing?
2. How can you give your burdens and cares to Jesus and rest in His promise?
Further Reading:
Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 9:2-13; 1 John 5:1-5
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Temper Tantrums
Janelle had tried out for the kids ensemble-a special singing group at school-but she didn't get picked, and she was angry with God. It's not fair, God! she accused the Lord. I'm a good singer, and You know how much I wanted to get in! Sometimes I think You just don't care, because if You did, You'd change things!
When Janelle talked with her brother after school, she complained to him, but he wasn't very sympathetic. She wished she could go home and tell her mother about her disappointment, but instead she had to go straight to Mrs. Johnson's house to babysit two-year-old Brandi for the rest of the day. Janelle fumed all the way to the Johnsons' home.
Before Mrs. Johnson left, she gave Janelle instructions. "Don't forget that when Brandi can't get her way, she sometimes throws temper tantrums," said Mrs. Johnson. "We want her to learn that they don't work, so don't give in to her. It usually helps to ignore her, but if she doesn't calm down, or if you have some other problem, don't hesitate to call me."
"Okay," said Janelle. "I'm sure we'll do fine."
Several times that afternoon, Janelle had to stop Brandi from sticking her fingers into the slot of the VCR. Finally, she carried the little girl away from it and set her down beside her toys. Brandi didn't like that! She angrily threw herself down, kicking and wailing. "Sorry, honey, but you can't put your hand in the VCR," said Janelle. "Here, look at this!" She tried to get the baby interested in her toys, but Brandi just kicked her feet and screamed louder. Janelle picked up a book and pretended to read it. She was relieved to find that when she ignored the little girl, Brandi soon quieted down and started to play with her blocks.
Janelle's mind went back to her disappointment at not getting into the school ensemble. She felt angry when she remembered how her brother had shrugged and told her not to act like a two-year-old. Oh, no! thought Janelle suddenly. He's right! I've been throwing a tantrum, too.
I'm sorry, Lord, Janelle prayed silently. I'm still disappointed, but I know You really do want what's best for me. Brandi found something else to do, and . . . please help me find something else, too. Thank You.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you accept what God allows in your life-or do you get angry with Him when things don't go your way? You're too old to throw yourself on the floor and scream, but do you throw temper tantrums in your mind and heart? It's okay to tell God when you're disappointed, but you can be sure that He won't give in to temper tantrums. Tell Him how you feel, but then trust Him and accept His way, knowing that He wants the very best for you.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3
Keys For Kids Devotion
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Open Arms
by Max Lucado
If you ever wonder how in the world God could use you to change the world, look at the people God used to change history. A ragbag of ne’er-do-wells and has-beens who found hope, not in their performance, but in God’s proverbially open arms.
Abraham- God took what was good and forgave what was bad and used “old forked tongue” to start a nation. Moses- would you call upon a fugitive to carry the Ten Commandments? God did. David- his track record left little to be desired, but his repentant spirit was unquestionable. Jonah- God put him in a whale’s belly to bring him back to his senses. But even the whale couldn’t stomach this missionary for too long.
On and on the stories go: Elijah, the prophet who pouted; Solomon, the king who knew too much; Jacob, the wheeler-dealer; Gomer, the prostitute; Sarah, the woman who giggled at God. One story after another of God using man’s best and overcoming man’s worst.
The reassuring lesson is clear. God used (and uses!) people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans or geniuses, but people. Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars—he uses them all. And what they may lack in perfection, God makes up for in love.
Jesus later summarized God’s stubborn love with a parable. He told about a teenager who decided that life at the farm was too slow for his tastes. So with pockets full of inheritance money, he set out to find the big time. What he found instead were hangovers, fair-weather friends, and long unemployment lines. When he had had just about as much of the pig’s life as he could take, he swallowed his pride, dug his hands deep into his empty pockets, and began the long walk home; all the while rehearsing a speech that he planned to give to his father.
He never used it. Just when he got to the top of the hill, his father, who’d been waiting at the gate, saw him. The boy’s words of apology were quickly muffled by the father’s words of forgiveness. And the boy’s weary body fell into his father’s opened arms.
The same open arms welcomed him that had welcomed Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah. No wagging fingers. No clenched fists. No “I told you so!” slaps or “Where have you been?” interrogations. No crossed arms. No black eyes or fat lips. No. Only sweet, open arms. If you ever wonder how God can use you to make a difference in your world, just look at those he has already used and take heart. Look at the forgiveness found in those open arms and take courage.
And, by the way, never were those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of forgiveness offered for anyone who’ll come. A hen gathering her chicks. A father receiving his own. A redeemer redeeming the world.
No wonder they call him the Savior.
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Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down not cut them out. (Colossians 4:5-6 — The Message)
Paul is not saying that we are to be careful of our association with outsiders and to not associate with them in case we fall into sin, but rather to associate with them looking for and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to share the love of Jesus with them. He is encouraging us to tell them about God and His desire to have an intimate personal love relationship with them. We are to be living and working among those who have not yet believed for the purpose of sharing with them the same love and grace that has been given to us.
This brings us to Paul’s second point. The goal is to bring out the best in others, inspire and encourage them to be the best that they can be, to be all that God created them to be, to build them up not put them down or cut them out. We are to see past the hurt and the pain into the heart and see the wonderful passionate, glorious person God created. And we are to help them to also see this and encourage them to be that person. That is the mark of a true friend and believer.
Go and be the person God created you to be and inspire others to do the same.
Live intentionally, purposely, free and with passion,
Pete Reinbold
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Bringing People to Jesus
Day-by-Day
He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). (John 1:41)
People become known for many things. Noah is known as a righteous man in an evil age. David is known as the man after God’s own heart. Peter is known as the outspoken disciple. John is known as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Judas is known as the betrayer. Paul is known as a fearless proclaimer of the gospel. Andrew is known for bringing others to Jesus.
The first person Andrew brought to Jesus was his brother Peter. As soon as Peter joined the disciples, he became the spokesperson for the Twelve, while Andrew remained in the background. It was Peter, not Andrew, who rose to prominence as one of Jesus’ inner circle of three. We do not read of Andrew resenting Peter; it seems he was satisfied to bring others to Jesus and leave the results to Him.
It is not surprising that Andrew found the boy with the loaves and fishes and brought him to Jesus (John 6:8–9). Andrew brought Greeks to Jesus, even though they were despised by pious Jews (John 12:20–22). There is no record of Andrew ever preaching a sermon, performing a miracle, or writing a book of Scripture. He is remembered for those whom he brought to Jesus.
Andrew is a good role model for us. Our job is not to transform people into Christians nor to convict them of their sin. It is not our responsibility to make people do what they ought to do. Our task is to bring them to Jesus, and He will perform His divine work in their lives.
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Give Thanks
“Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles.” 1Chron. 16:8-12
The Lord God has done so much in our lives and David gives us some great advice here. He says we are to praise Him for what He has done in our lives; to look back and give thanks for the wonders he has performed, and to tell others of the miracles He has done for us. It is so important for us to remind ourselves of what a wonderful God we serve and such an encouragement to share these experiences with others. We humans tend to live in the present: the past is so easily forgotten, but when we remind ourselves of what God has done for us in the past, it makes Him a reality in our present. We can walk through another day being assured that He is with us and the wonders that He has performed in the past can be duplicated. David reminds us that if we seek Him and His strength, not relying on our own abilities, then God has amazing things in store for us. These miracles should not be kept to ourselves, they should be shouted from the rooftops so that the entire world might know the wonderful God we serve! When others hear of how God has worked our lives, it encourages them and reminds them that God can and will do the same in their lives, if they will seek Him continually. It causes them to rejoice in God’s goodness, just as we find ourselves rejoicing. Let’s not forget what God has done for us. He is an amazing God, and even more amazing than that, He is our Father!
Father, we praise you for who you are! We thank you for showering your grace upon us. Truly you have wrought wonders in our lives. Help us to remember all the ways in which you have worked in our lives over the years. Let us not forget the miracles that you have performed. Let us write them on our hearts and share them with others that we all might rejoice in your goodness and your love toward us. Thank you for the past and thank you for what you will do for us in the future. We rejoice in that! Amen Quiet Waters
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Humility and the Heart
Proverbs 29:23
Pastor Carl H Stevens
The outward man shall definitely perish, but our inward man is renewed day by day (2). We tend to get involved with outward things, but God always looks on the heart. When Samuel was looking for Saul's replacement, the Lord told him not to look at the outward appearance because God looks on the heart (3).
This is why we must guard our hearts, for when we do, we enter into the principle of humility. "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23). A humble person has quietness and confidence as his strength (4). This is a great program for human relationships. God knew that because of being occupied with external things, we would have trouble relating to each other. But God has a way of dealing with natural, external relationship - the heart is revealed by pressures, finances , anxiety, etc.
We must take a positive step with our hearts and fix them upon God. Humility will take away every secret grudge. Let us not escape the issues. Let us deal well with our hearts. Than we can go forward revealing the nature of God through our lives.
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Proverbs 29:23
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
Isaiah 30:15
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We are sojourners just passing through
Brethren, as long as we live on this earth we reside in the temporary home of our earthly bodies only for a little while.
We have pitched our tents as it were only for a brief stay, we are sojourners just passing through.
This world s not our home but we are simply traveling, passing through on our way to a new Kingdom, an Everlasting City, whose Builder and Maker is the Lord.
Jesus said, " In my Father's house there are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you, I am coming again, and I will take you to myself that where I am, there you may also be."
Seeing that we are sojourners just passing through, our affections ought to be set on the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the Right Hand of God, not on the things on earth.
Amen.
©10/21/2001 Jim Welch
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The Call to Return
I walk my son to his bus stop because I worry about his safety. Drivers anxious to get to work on time present a very real danger, and I need to train him to be careful. As he ventures into the street, attracted by a particular rock or insect, I must call him back, reminding him to walk with me.
"Come back! Stay with me! Come back!" Whether called out to a curious young child, a rebellious teenager, a wandering spouse, or even a straying pet, the words touch us with their desperation.
It's painful to witness the wayward, potentially harmful ways of our loved ones. I want my son to experience responsibility and freedom, yet there are so many dangers, and one impulsive lurch could lead to disaster.
As adults, we usually take it upon ourselves to look out for dangers. We trust our judgment, our experience, and sometimes our "hunches." Nevertheless, we often make disasters out of our lives. Failed relationships, financial ruin, or a feeling of emptiness can make us wonder why we bother living at all.
Yet if we can admit that we need wisdom and guidance beyond our own, we can respond to the persistent Voice calling, "Come back! Stay with Me! Come back!
Perhaps you have fallen away from your faith. Perhaps you grew up in a home without a tradition of faith. It doesn't matter to God. Our Father in Heaven loves you, cares about your well being even more than I love and care about my son. He understands that you're likely to make mistakes, looks over you even when you ignore Him, and anxiously awaits your response to His call.
He's there to walk with you through all the rough patches of your life. The joyous ones, too. No sin you have committed could possibly be greater than God's ability to forgive and forget and wipe the slate clean for you. By His suffering and death, Jesus, the Son of God, paid the price of all of our sins. ALL of YOUR sins are included in the package. Really.
Your loving Father awaits you with open arms, calling, "Come back! Stay with Me! Come back!" Through His Son you can find your way home; don't make Him wait any longer. Daily Wisdom
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Devotional For Dieters
October 21
Matthew 13:31-32
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed in the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.'
All too often, people tackle diets that are too big for them. They try to give up everything at once, hoping to lose a huge amount of weight in a short period of time. Usually, that won't work. We should learn that the greatest successes come in small steps. We need to set modest goals that we can handle, so we don't get discouraged. God blesses our small efforts, for they are usually the most sincere and realistic. Ask God's guidance, and He will grant you exactly the right amount of strength you need to triumph.
Today's thought: Giving up a little at a time will keep me from giving up altogether!
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\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Gift of My Blood
Then Jesus took a cup of wine. He thanked God for it and gave
it to the followers. All the followers drank from the cup.
Then Jesus said, "This wine is my blood. My blood (death)
begins the new agreement {from God to his people}. This blood
is given for many people."
-- Mark 14:23-24 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus' blood, remembered in this last supper with his followers and
continually celebrated by his followers today, seals a new covenant
between God and Jesus' followers. This is a covenant of grace, love,
and life brought about by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. This new
covenant is our way of life as Jesus' followers and is a better and
eternal covenant provided to us by the blood of Jesus.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Father in heaven, thank you for the price that was paid to bring us
into a new covenant relationship with you. May my life be lived to
honor that price and to fulfill that covenant. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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WE WILL BE AT PEACE
“Easy does it.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 135
“He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.” 1 Chronicles 5:20
For what it's worth: For years every new day was dreaded, bringing nothing but additional turmoil and despair into my already miserable existence. I had no hope of change the day I walked into my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. However, the change was immediate. As disabled as I was I could still sense that the people there had peace, and I felt hope for the first time in years. I wanted what they had, so I did what they did. Over the years that I have been practicing the principles they taught me, learning from my mistakes more than my successes, I have formed a few simple but significant convictions for my life. For example, anytime it becomes a conflict, I need to stop fighting, surrender, and take it easy. When life is confusing or complicated, I need to stop rushing recklessly into it for answers and solutions and carry the problem to my God for direction and the next right step. When it is heavy and cumbersome, I need to go to Him for relief and comfort. And when I am anxious about anything in life, feeling a need to control, I must beg my Heavenly Father to renew my trust in His love. He has repeatedly proven to me that He loves me and will never let me down. Together we can be at peace no matter what life brings today. I just need to trust Him.
God bless you!
Joe W.
the ways of the King.
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The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the
son of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,[d]the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of
Janna, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathiah, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of
Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathiah, the son of Semei, the son of
Joseph, the son of Judah, 27 the son of Joannas, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son
of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of
Elmodam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,
the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son
of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of
David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of
Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son
of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of
Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36
the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37
the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan,
38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. Luke 3
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Be Slow To Speak
JAMES 1:19 NIV
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to
become angry,
How many times have you said something and later regretted it?
Too often we practice: Speak now and think later.
What would happen if you silently consulted with God before speaking? If you thought about, and
prayed about, everything you said -- before you said it -- your life would be different.
1 PETER 3:10 LB
10 If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies.
Words are powerful and should be used to accomplish a purpose. Don't just talk for no reason.
PROVERBS 17:28 NIV
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Remember, you can always learn more by listening than you can by talking.
Be slow to speak!
SAY THIS: God, please help me to control my tongue.
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Forgiveness Wins
October 21
For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them
go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
—Matthew 6:14
Unforgiveness will ruin your day. If someone hurts you, pray quickly, “God, I forgive them in Jesus’
name.” If your emotions feel strained when you see that person, stand firm in your decision to forgive
them.
Pray for them, asking God to show you how to bless them. Do whatever God leads you to do for
them, and let God’s love work through you to heal the rift between you. If you do your part, God will
bring your feelings in line with your decision, and you will enjoy your day and your life.
From the book Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for Each Morning of the Year by Joyce Meyer.
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Daily Thoughts
A Time to Think When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as
though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time
that the tide will turn. - Harriet Beecher Stowe
To Act Remember that faith will lead you through unsteady times.
To Pray Lord, You know my fears. Please give me the courage to do what I fear I can’t do, especially
when I have to do it scared.
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Correct Subconscious Thoughts.
Your subconscious mind is one of the greatest liars in existence. It sends you back to your own
errors about your abilities. You have created negative attitudes in your subconscious and it gives
these errors back to you. So just turn on your subconscious and feed it nothing but positive thoughts.
In due course, it will be convinced of the truth that with the help of Jesus there isn't any obstacle you
cannot overcome.
No. 95 in a series of 100 Power Thoughts from The Power of Positive Thinking, the All-Time
inspirational Best-Selling Book by Norman Vincent Peale.
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God loves, Part I
October 20th, 2008
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council.
He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God.
For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him. “
In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born
again.” John 3:1-3 (NIV)
God has been speaking to me with such love and the words have been coming around and about
John 3:16. This story is the set up for Jesus’ pronouncement of how much God loves.
Nicodemus, a ruler in the Jewish community, comes with questions. He comes at night. He comes
to Jesus. He might be nervous. He says, “Jesus we (the learned rulers) have seen what you do.” A
little flattery? Jesus does not respond in kind to that because those credentials mean nothing in
God’s world. Jesus responds with what is important and what Nicodemus was really there to ask!
Jesus tells Nicodemus that his best won’t get him eternal life. That is a shocking truth to a Jew. He
has spent his life trying to learn what God expected of him and wants so much to be a ‘good’ Jew.
Jesus tells him – that won’t get it!
Have you ever wanted a ‘do over’? A mulligan? For those who do not play golf, a mulligan is an
opportunity to do a stroke over. If you tee off and send the ball careening off into the trees instead of
straight down the fairway…you exercise your mulligan and hit another ball just like the first one never
happened! Jesus tells Nicodemus that he can have a ‘mulligan’ on his life. He can be ‘born again’!
Nicodemus may have left Jesus that night still questioning. Sometimes we just don’t “get it” on
Jesus’ first illustration as He teaches us God’s truths. That’s when we keep listening and watching.
Keep questioning. Nicodemus may have walked away that night with questions in his mind but later
(John 19:39) he was still there, watching and listening. And maybe, just maybe, as he went about
Jesus’ burial ritual, he had a light of hope in his heart. He was going to continue to watch…And then
he heard the news. Jesus’ tomb where he, Nicodemus, had seen Jesus laid – was EMPTY! Who
would have thought that Jesus would give another illustration of His “born again” principle – Himself –
in resurrection power – Yes! You can be born again!
God loved us and sent His Son so that we would not perish but have eternal life! Choose Jesus – be
born again – and live eternally with God. Even if you “get it” – keep watching. Keep listening. Keep
reading. Jesus isn’t done with His teaching.
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God Loves, Part II
Will you compare God to anyone?
What man-made image will you compare Him to? Isaiah 40:18 (my paraphrase)
Before mountains came to be, or you birthed the world, you are God forever and ever.
Psalm 90:2 (my paraphrase)
Maybe this all-powerful, in-need-of-nothing God isn’t aware that I am here and struggling!
For GOD so loved the world… John 3:16 (NIV)
As a parent, I have seen my child’s shoulders slump in that moment of defeat. Hours of practice in a
gym instead of going to the movies with friends, has come down to a 2-3 minute balance beam
routine…Oh, no…a tiny bobble and off the side of that four-inch beam. No medal today. I put my
arms around her and say, “It will be OK.” Seems inadequate but if you asked my daughter today, 15
years later she would say, “Yes, it was OK.”
There are so many accounts in the gospels of Jesus touching people. He was not a ‘distant’ person.
He held children. He touched the lepers. He touched the prostitute. He touched the boy with
seizures. He touched. He did not stay inside the synagogue expecting people to come to Him. He
went out into the streets. He went into homes. He came close and met people where they were and
helped them to move closer to Him and closer to His Father.
God is whispering those same words today, “It will be OK,” with His arms around us. Believe Him.
Listen to His voice. He knows!
He is God so He will never tire.
He is God so He will never age and leave us.
He is God so He will never let us down.
He is God and is everlasting. He has always been and will always be.
He is God, Creator of all and so He has a special place for us when we are sick and tired and ready
to go home.
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NACR Daily Meditation
Tuesday 21st of October 2008
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I
tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you
will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself
like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4
Children are naturally curious about life. They look at everything, hear
everything, want to know about everything. They are ready for growth and
responsive to life. But, childhood dies for many people because of neglect,
abuse and losses experienced during early vulnerable years. The eagerness
and engagement are poisoned. The responsiveness to life yields to fear and
shame.
It is possible, however, to reclaim a lost childhood. It is possible
to change in ways that allow us to experience the wonder, the awe, the engagement
in life that God intended for us in childhood.
God invites us to experience this kind of change. God invites us to
become like little children. Children are humble - they have a straightforward
honesty about their feelings and needs. This humility makes childlike awe
and engagement in life possible. It is a vulnerable, humble thing to be
a child. Children get tired and need naps. Children need other people.
Children have more questions than answers.
Jesus invites us to change and become like little children. It is an
invitation to true humility which leads to spontaneity, curiosity and engagement
in life.
Lord, I want to reclaim
the wonder and delight of childhood.
I want to be eager to learn again.
I want to be ready to love and be loved again.
Give me, Lord, the security and safety I need
to be vulnerable and humble.
Help me to be ready for surprises.
Amen
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Never Too Late to Change
Genesis 12:1-9: “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s
household and go to the land I will show you. … So Abram left…” (vv.1 and 4).
This unanticipated journey meant Abram and his family left all that was familiar and comfortable.
Although Abram did not know what he would encounter on his trip, he believed God would lead. God
asks those of us who try to do and make everything right to leave our self-destructive lifestyles and
head toward balance and freedom. The choice is up to us; we do not have to go.
Embarking on the journey means leaving our familiar attitudes and behaviors of perfectionism,
performance/work addiction, and people pleasing. The trip will often be uncomfortable; we may have
to leave some of our friends and family behind. God knows the way. He is our guide.
Lord, Abram started over again when he was seventy-five years old.
I guess it’s never too late to change.
Please go with me on this unfamiliar journey.
2008 Joan C. Webb
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God Dwelling
By: Ron Edmondson Tuesday, October 21, 2008
[He] who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who
does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15:5 NIV
We have talked this week about who can dwell intimately in the presence of an Almighty God. God's
word has outlined here for us some qualities He is seeking for us to allow Him to take up residence
in our lives.
Now, we know that we can only come to God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We
must accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the only way a sinful man can get to a holy God.
We know, however, that God can allow no sin in His presence. In fact, God turned His back on
Jesus as Jesus bore our sins on the cross. Therefore, for God to truly be active and intimate in our
walk with Him, we must be striving to be righteous in all we do.
The man with whom God can dwell, as today's verse indicates, must not be a lover of money. He
must not take advantage of others for the sake of creating his own wealth. Money should be a
means to bring forth blessings for the kingdom of God.
This fits well with the previous verses. God is looking for an attitude that wants to honor and please
Him. God is yearning to dwell with those who will strive to be holy, because He Himself is Holy!
God wants to dwell with you and me! And guess what? The promise to those with whom He dwells
is that we will never be shaken! Though the world tries to toss us around, we, the children of God,
will never be moved! We shall overcome!
Are you ready to dwell with Him now?
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Love Worth Finding
October 21
Espoused to Christ
“. . . Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God.” Revelation 19:1b
I’ve never performed a wedding where there wasn’t a beautiful bride, but no bride can compare in
beauty to the one to behold when Jesus returns to claim us, the Bride of Christ.
You see, when we were saved, we were espoused to Christ, and an espousal is a little bit stronger
than an engagement. An engagement is a promise to marry, but an espousal is a promise that you
belong to this person even though the marriage has not yet been consummated.
Every child of God already belongs to Him. When we become espoused to Christ, He gives us
something better than an engagement ring. He gives us the Holy Spirit.
Read Revelation 19 then spend a few moments worshipping Him.
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Answers for Each Day - Oct. 21, 2008
Praying for the Rain
For the past week we have been seeking to understand what causes a spiritual drought, and then
how we can break that drought if indeed we are in one.
Here is what I want you to understand. Even if you earnestly seek God and repent of sin in your life,
or you shift your focus and say, “God, I’m putting Your house first, and I’m going to put other people
before myself,” or perhaps God leads you to do something of a personal nature, you still need to
pray for the rain.
Do not just assume God’s blessing will automatically fall. You still need to ask for it. Zechariah 10:1
teaches us this truth,
Ask the LORD for rain In the time of the latter rain. The LORD will make flashing clouds; He will give
them showers of rain, grass in the field for everyone.
I used to read that and wonder, “God, I don’t understand. If it is the time of the latter rain, if it is rainy
season, why ask for rain? Won’t it just fall automatically?” If it is rainy season, why pray for rain?”
Because you cannot assume that it is automatically going to fall.
In James 5:17-18 there is a story about Elijah from 1 Kings 18. James gives us the very, very, very
short version. But it tells us something significant,
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not
rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and
the earth produced its fruit.
What caused the rain to stop? His prayer. What caused the rain to fall again? His prayer.
Ask God today for the blessing of His rain in your life!
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Devotional For Dieters
October 21
Matthew 13:31-32
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard
seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed in the least of all seeds: but when it is
grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and
lodge in the branches thereof.'
All too often, people tackle diets that are too big for them. They try to give up everything at once,
hoping to lose a huge amount of weight in a short period of time. Usually, that won't work. We should
learn that the greatest successes come in small steps. We need to set modest goals that we can
handle, so we don't get discouraged. God blesses our small efforts, for they are usually the most
sincere and realistic. Ask God's guidance, and He will grant you exactly the right amount of strength
you need to triumph.
Today's thought: Giving up a little at a time will keep me from giving up altogether!
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A Time To Heal
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Starfish have a unique capability. If a starfish should lose a limb, it can re-grow a new one. This is
called regeneration. The process can take years, but when it is complete, you would probably not be
able to tell that the starfish had ever been damaged.
In our lives, many of us have been damaged. We limp around with burdens from the past. The
battles of life have torn at our resolve and stolen bits of our joy, leaving us bruised and crippled. It is
easy to do the quick fix and “bandaid” our pain or mask the hurt. But underneath the façade lies a
bleeding wound that over time will continue to fester until it is laid before the Great Healer.
It can take years for the limb of a starfish to regenerate until it is whole again. However, if you take
the starfish away from its source of life, the ocean, not only will it never heal, but it will ultimately die.
The same is true with you.
Our source of life is Jesus, and He wants to heal you. Many of us go through life with burdens
weighing heavily on our shoulders. Whether it is the weight of sin, regret, oppression, persecution,
abuse, sorrow, divorce, unfaithfulness, fear, unforgiveness, betrayal, regret…Jesus says, “Come to
me.” He wants to come alongside you and heal you. He wants to take the bandaids off and properly
clean your wounds.
If you want to be healed and set free from the burdens that weigh you down, call out to Jesus. It will
take time and it may not be easy, but if you keep yourself surrounded by Jesus, the source of life,
ultimately you will be healed. And when you are healed, you will experience the love, peace and
hope only Jesus can bring.
Going Deeper:
1. What areas in your life need healing?
2. How can you give your burdens and cares to Jesus and rest in His promise?
Further Reading:
Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 9:2-13; 1 John 5:1-5
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Temper Tantrums
Janelle had tried out for the kids ensemble-a special singing group at school-but she didn't get picked, and she was angry with God. It's not fair, God! she accused the Lord. I'm a good singer, and You know how much I wanted to get in! Sometimes I think You just don't care, because if You did, You'd change things!
When Janelle talked with her brother after school, she complained to him, but he wasn't very sympathetic. She wished she could go home and tell her mother about her disappointment, but instead she had to go straight to Mrs. Johnson's house to babysit two-year-old Brandi for the rest of the day. Janelle fumed all the way to the Johnsons' home.
Before Mrs. Johnson left, she gave Janelle instructions. "Don't forget that when Brandi can't get her way, she sometimes throws temper tantrums," said Mrs. Johnson. "We want her to learn that they don't work, so don't give in to her. It usually helps to ignore her, but if she doesn't calm down, or if you have some other problem, don't hesitate to call me."
"Okay," said Janelle. "I'm sure we'll do fine."
Several times that afternoon, Janelle had to stop Brandi from sticking her fingers into the slot of the VCR. Finally, she carried the little girl away from it and set her down beside her toys. Brandi didn't like that! She angrily threw herself down, kicking and wailing. "Sorry, honey, but you can't put your hand in the VCR," said Janelle. "Here, look at this!" She tried to get the baby interested in her toys, but Brandi just kicked her feet and screamed louder. Janelle picked up a book and pretended to read it. She was relieved to find that when she ignored the little girl, Brandi soon quieted down and started to play with her blocks.
Janelle's mind went back to her disappointment at not getting into the school ensemble. She felt angry when she remembered how her brother had shrugged and told her not to act like a two-year-old. Oh, no! thought Janelle suddenly. He's right! I've been throwing a tantrum, too.
I'm sorry, Lord, Janelle prayed silently. I'm still disappointed, but I know You really do want what's best for me. Brandi found something else to do, and . . . please help me find something else, too. Thank You.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you accept what God allows in your life-or do you get angry with Him when things don't go your way? You're too old to throw yourself on the floor and scream, but do you throw temper tantrums in your mind and heart? It's okay to tell God when you're disappointed, but you can be sure that He won't give in to temper tantrums. Tell Him how you feel, but then trust Him and accept His way, knowing that He wants the very best for you.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE:
The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3
Keys For Kids Devotion
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Open Arms
by Max Lucado
If you ever wonder how in the world God could use you to change the world, look at the people God used to change history. A ragbag of ne’er-do-wells and has-beens who found hope, not in their performance, but in God’s proverbially open arms.
Abraham- God took what was good and forgave what was bad and used “old forked tongue” to start a nation. Moses- would you call upon a fugitive to carry the Ten Commandments? God did. David- his track record left little to be desired, but his repentant spirit was unquestionable. Jonah- God put him in a whale’s belly to bring him back to his senses. But even the whale couldn’t stomach this missionary for too long.
On and on the stories go: Elijah, the prophet who pouted; Solomon, the king who knew too much; Jacob, the wheeler-dealer; Gomer, the prostitute; Sarah, the woman who giggled at God. One story after another of God using man’s best and overcoming man’s worst.
The reassuring lesson is clear. God used (and uses!) people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans or geniuses, but people. Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars—he uses them all. And what they may lack in perfection, God makes up for in love.
Jesus later summarized God’s stubborn love with a parable. He told about a teenager who decided that life at the farm was too slow for his tastes. So with pockets full of inheritance money, he set out to find the big time. What he found instead were hangovers, fair-weather friends, and long unemployment lines. When he had had just about as much of the pig’s life as he could take, he swallowed his pride, dug his hands deep into his empty pockets, and began the long walk home; all the while rehearsing a speech that he planned to give to his father.
He never used it. Just when he got to the top of the hill, his father, who’d been waiting at the gate, saw him. The boy’s words of apology were quickly muffled by the father’s words of forgiveness. And the boy’s weary body fell into his father’s opened arms.
The same open arms welcomed him that had welcomed Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah. No wagging fingers. No clenched fists. No “I told you so!” slaps or “Where have you been?” interrogations. No crossed arms. No black eyes or fat lips. No. Only sweet, open arms. If you ever wonder how God can use you to make a difference in your world, just look at those he has already used and take heart. Look at the forgiveness found in those open arms and take courage.
And, by the way, never were those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of forgiveness offered for anyone who’ll come. A hen gathering her chicks. A father receiving his own. A redeemer redeeming the world.
No wonder they call him the Savior.
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Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down not cut them out. (Colossians 4:5-6 — The Message)
Paul is not saying that we are to be careful of our association with outsiders and to not associate with them in case we fall into sin, but rather to associate with them looking for and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to share the love of Jesus with them. He is encouraging us to tell them about God and His desire to have an intimate personal love relationship with them. We are to be living and working among those who have not yet believed for the purpose of sharing with them the same love and grace that has been given to us.
This brings us to Paul’s second point. The goal is to bring out the best in others, inspire and encourage them to be the best that they can be, to be all that God created them to be, to build them up not put them down or cut them out. We are to see past the hurt and the pain into the heart and see the wonderful passionate, glorious person God created. And we are to help them to also see this and encourage them to be that person. That is the mark of a true friend and believer.
Go and be the person God created you to be and inspire others to do the same.
Live intentionally, purposely, free and with passion,
Pete Reinbold
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Bringing People to Jesus
Day-by-Day
He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). (John 1:41)
People become known for many things. Noah is known as a righteous man in an evil age. David is known as the man after God’s own heart. Peter is known as the outspoken disciple. John is known as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Judas is known as the betrayer. Paul is known as a fearless proclaimer of the gospel. Andrew is known for bringing others to Jesus.
The first person Andrew brought to Jesus was his brother Peter. As soon as Peter joined the disciples, he became the spokesperson for the Twelve, while Andrew remained in the background. It was Peter, not Andrew, who rose to prominence as one of Jesus’ inner circle of three. We do not read of Andrew resenting Peter; it seems he was satisfied to bring others to Jesus and leave the results to Him.
It is not surprising that Andrew found the boy with the loaves and fishes and brought him to Jesus (John 6:8–9). Andrew brought Greeks to Jesus, even though they were despised by pious Jews (John 12:20–22). There is no record of Andrew ever preaching a sermon, performing a miracle, or writing a book of Scripture. He is remembered for those whom he brought to Jesus.
Andrew is a good role model for us. Our job is not to transform people into Christians nor to convict them of their sin. It is not our responsibility to make people do what they ought to do. Our task is to bring them to Jesus, and He will perform His divine work in their lives.
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Give Thanks
“Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles.” 1Chron. 16:8-12
The Lord God has done so much in our lives and David gives us some great advice here. He says we are to praise Him for what He has done in our lives; to look back and give thanks for the wonders he has performed, and to tell others of the miracles He has done for us. It is so important for us to remind ourselves of what a wonderful God we serve and such an encouragement to share these experiences with others. We humans tend to live in the present: the past is so easily forgotten, but when we remind ourselves of what God has done for us in the past, it makes Him a reality in our present. We can walk through another day being assured that He is with us and the wonders that He has performed in the past can be duplicated. David reminds us that if we seek Him and His strength, not relying on our own abilities, then God has amazing things in store for us. These miracles should not be kept to ourselves, they should be shouted from the rooftops so that the entire world might know the wonderful God we serve! When others hear of how God has worked our lives, it encourages them and reminds them that God can and will do the same in their lives, if they will seek Him continually. It causes them to rejoice in God’s goodness, just as we find ourselves rejoicing. Let’s not forget what God has done for us. He is an amazing God, and even more amazing than that, He is our Father!
Father, we praise you for who you are! We thank you for showering your grace upon us. Truly you have wrought wonders in our lives. Help us to remember all the ways in which you have worked in our lives over the years. Let us not forget the miracles that you have performed. Let us write them on our hearts and share them with others that we all might rejoice in your goodness and your love toward us. Thank you for the past and thank you for what you will do for us in the future. We rejoice in that! Amen Quiet Waters
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Humility and the Heart
Proverbs 29:23
Pastor Carl H Stevens
The outward man shall definitely perish, but our inward man is renewed day by day (2). We tend to get involved with outward things, but God always looks on the heart. When Samuel was looking for Saul's replacement, the Lord told him not to look at the outward appearance because God looks on the heart (3).
This is why we must guard our hearts, for when we do, we enter into the principle of humility. "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23). A humble person has quietness and confidence as his strength (4). This is a great program for human relationships. God knew that because of being occupied with external things, we would have trouble relating to each other. But God has a way of dealing with natural, external relationship - the heart is revealed by pressures, finances , anxiety, etc.
We must take a positive step with our hearts and fix them upon God. Humility will take away every secret grudge. Let us not escape the issues. Let us deal well with our hearts. Than we can go forward revealing the nature of God through our lives.
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Proverbs 29:23
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
Isaiah 30:15
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We are sojourners just passing through
Brethren, as long as we live on this earth we reside in the temporary home of our earthly bodies only for a little while.
We have pitched our tents as it were only for a brief stay, we are sojourners just passing through.
This world s not our home but we are simply traveling, passing through on our way to a new Kingdom, an Everlasting City, whose Builder and Maker is the Lord.
Jesus said, " In my Father's house there are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you, I am coming again, and I will take you to myself that where I am, there you may also be."
Seeing that we are sojourners just passing through, our affections ought to be set on the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the Right Hand of God, not on the things on earth.
Amen.
©10/21/2001 Jim Welch
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The Call to Return
I walk my son to his bus stop because I worry about his safety. Drivers anxious to get to work on time present a very real danger, and I need to train him to be careful. As he ventures into the street, attracted by a particular rock or insect, I must call him back, reminding him to walk with me.
"Come back! Stay with me! Come back!" Whether called out to a curious young child, a rebellious teenager, a wandering spouse, or even a straying pet, the words touch us with their desperation.
It's painful to witness the wayward, potentially harmful ways of our loved ones. I want my son to experience responsibility and freedom, yet there are so many dangers, and one impulsive lurch could lead to disaster.
As adults, we usually take it upon ourselves to look out for dangers. We trust our judgment, our experience, and sometimes our "hunches." Nevertheless, we often make disasters out of our lives. Failed relationships, financial ruin, or a feeling of emptiness can make us wonder why we bother living at all.
Yet if we can admit that we need wisdom and guidance beyond our own, we can respond to the persistent Voice calling, "Come back! Stay with Me! Come back!
Perhaps you have fallen away from your faith. Perhaps you grew up in a home without a tradition of faith. It doesn't matter to God. Our Father in Heaven loves you, cares about your well being even more than I love and care about my son. He understands that you're likely to make mistakes, looks over you even when you ignore Him, and anxiously awaits your response to His call.
He's there to walk with you through all the rough patches of your life. The joyous ones, too. No sin you have committed could possibly be greater than God's ability to forgive and forget and wipe the slate clean for you. By His suffering and death, Jesus, the Son of God, paid the price of all of our sins. ALL of YOUR sins are included in the package. Really.
Your loving Father awaits you with open arms, calling, "Come back! Stay with Me! Come back!" Through His Son you can find your way home; don't make Him wait any longer. Daily Wisdom
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Devotional For Dieters
October 21
Matthew 13:31-32
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed in the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.'
All too often, people tackle diets that are too big for them. They try to give up everything at once, hoping to lose a huge amount of weight in a short period of time. Usually, that won't work. We should learn that the greatest successes come in small steps. We need to set modest goals that we can handle, so we don't get discouraged. God blesses our small efforts, for they are usually the most sincere and realistic. Ask God's guidance, and He will grant you exactly the right amount of strength you need to triumph.
Today's thought: Giving up a little at a time will keep me from giving up altogether!
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\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Gift of My Blood
Then Jesus took a cup of wine. He thanked God for it and gave
it to the followers. All the followers drank from the cup.
Then Jesus said, "This wine is my blood. My blood (death)
begins the new agreement {from God to his people}. This blood
is given for many people."
-- Mark 14:23-24 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus' blood, remembered in this last supper with his followers and
continually celebrated by his followers today, seals a new covenant
between God and Jesus' followers. This is a covenant of grace, love,
and life brought about by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. This new
covenant is our way of life as Jesus' followers and is a better and
eternal covenant provided to us by the blood of Jesus.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Father in heaven, thank you for the price that was paid to bring us
into a new covenant relationship with you. May my life be lived to
honor that price and to fulfill that covenant. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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WE WILL BE AT PEACE
“Easy does it.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 135
“He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.” 1 Chronicles 5:20
For what it's worth: For years every new day was dreaded, bringing nothing but additional turmoil and despair into my already miserable existence. I had no hope of change the day I walked into my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. However, the change was immediate. As disabled as I was I could still sense that the people there had peace, and I felt hope for the first time in years. I wanted what they had, so I did what they did. Over the years that I have been practicing the principles they taught me, learning from my mistakes more than my successes, I have formed a few simple but significant convictions for my life. For example, anytime it becomes a conflict, I need to stop fighting, surrender, and take it easy. When life is confusing or complicated, I need to stop rushing recklessly into it for answers and solutions and carry the problem to my God for direction and the next right step. When it is heavy and cumbersome, I need to go to Him for relief and comfort. And when I am anxious about anything in life, feeling a need to control, I must beg my Heavenly Father to renew my trust in His love. He has repeatedly proven to me that He loves me and will never let me down. Together we can be at peace no matter what life brings today. I just need to trust Him.
God bless you!
Joe W.