Monthly Archives: December 2011

Thought for the Day – To Be Meek

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Am I the only one out there that stands amazed at how the meaning of words become diluted through time? This morning, I was curious to see what today’s definition was compared to what the Bible’s definition would be. And so let us begin this next series of devotionals entitled “Morning Manna” and feast upon God’s Holy word.

The Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary describes meek as:

1 : enduring injury with patience and without resentment : mild
2 : deficient in spirit and courage : submissive
3 : not violent or strong : moderate

I was particularly drawn to the second definition. This states that if you are meek, you are submissive and you are deficient in spirit and courage! Is it any wonder that the world does not respect a meek person or even desire to be meek? If the world does not desire to be meek, then they desire to be the opposite. The antonyms for meek are “proud, stubborn and domineering.” Ah yes, this does sound like the world – yes, it sounds like worldly Christians, too.

When you read your Bible using today’s definitions, you get a skewed vision of what God is communicating to us. Merriam-Webster says that the meek person is deficient in courage! The One who was Chief in meekness went to die on Calvary’s cross for our sins. That does not sound like someone who is deficient in courage, does it? Christ tells us to learn meekness from Him. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

I could hardly wait to read what Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary would have to say about this word. I love to use his dictionary because it defines words used in the King James Bible and allows us to glean more from God’s word. Oh what a blessing!! Let’s see what Noah has to say about meekness:

1. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries.

Now the man Moses was very meek, above all men. Num 12.

2. Appropriately,humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations. Christ says, “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls.” Mat 11.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5.

The Lord sure does portray a different picture of a meek person in the mind’s eye, doesn’t He? This definition portrays a man of great self control and a heart for submission to the will of God. As I meditate on this, I can’t help but think of the dear saints who were martyred for the cause of Christ. I think Jesus Christ, who epitomized meekness to the point of death on the cross for our sins so we can have eternal life through Him. Thank You Lord for not being proud or stubborn when Your Father left our souls in Your very hands!

It took great courage for our Saviour to go to the cross despite knowing what awaited Him! I absolutely love my children! I also believe that I would die for them if I had to. If I could choose the way I die, I would definitely not pick burning or drowning. I think either of these would be a horrible and painful death. I began to wonder if I would die for my children if I knew ahead of time that I had to burn to death in order to save them! Would I still do it? Christ knew and yet He still died for us! Oh what love! Oh what meekness! I can’t even begin to imagine the pain He suffered on the cross. If you want to see a good article on this very topic, please read: Medical Aspects of The Crucifixion Knowing ahead of time that this was His mission, He was meek and submitted to the Father’s will despite of this knowledge!

Practicing meekness as Christ did draws us closer to the Father and increases our joy in the Lord. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. (Psalm 22:26) For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psa 149:4) The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 29:19)

The Lord loves the meek so much that He picks them up in time of need and brings them comfort. The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. (Psalm 147:6) He feeds them through His word and guides them in their daily lives. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. (Psalm 25:9) He teaches us, comforts us and gives us peace. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:29) The meek are satisfied with what God provides and they praise Him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. (Psalm 22:26)

How does God regard a meek Christian?

1. They are blessed – Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)

2. They are protected from the Judgment – Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger. (Zepheniah 2:3)

3. They will inherit the earth – But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psalm 37:11)

4. He takes pleasure in His children and gives them salvation – For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)

5. They are of great value to Him – But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (1 Peter 3:4)

Oh Lord, help us to draw nigh to You so we can learn from You in this area of meekness. Help us to practice daily self control and to be gentle with others. May our feelings not be easily hurt but may we be forgiving and longsuffering toward those who hurt us. And finally, Lord, may we be submissive to Your will in all areas of our Christian walk. Remove from us our sinful pride and create in us a right spirit.

Dear God…
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Thought for the Day – When We Are Tempted

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Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8) As I was meditating on this verse this morning, I thought of ways I could be sober and vigilant to avoid temptation. Truly, the only way to be able to do this is if I stay in God’s word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11) The more we are in His word, the more we will be able to be sober and vigilant. We’ll have Scripture fresh in our minds and available to meet our spiritual need of the moment. We’ll have filled our mind with spiritual vitamins to strengthen ourselves.

James says that it is our own lusts that entice us to sin. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (James 1:14) If a believer has been in the Bible and is drawing nigh to God, he will be able to be sober and vigilant when the devil comes as a roaring lion. But even when our defenses are down, our Heavenly Father pities us and knows what we are going through and He promises to help us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (Psalm 103:13) God knows what we need and is able to deliver us. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations… (2 Peter 2:9) Because He knows and is able to deliver us, He goes to great lengths to help us. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13) (Emphasis mine)

Oh Christian, we don’t need to wallow in sin like the world. We have the ability to ward off temptation. Each time we are in the Scriptures drawing nigh to God, we are building up our defenses. Each day we should start by asking the Lord to protect us against the day’s temptations. Christ taught us this in His model prayer. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:13)

As I am being sober and vigilant, I find that I am not so easily led astray. I’m aware of my surroundings and I do not place myself in situations where I know I will be tempted. I will not be quick to go out with unsaved acquaintances because I know that they will not have my spiritual interests at heart. Instead, I will ward off temptation and steer clear. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. (2 Peter 3:17)

My Morning Manna from God’s word prepares me to be spiritually fueled for the day. I feel like I have armor on and am ready for battle. My thoughts are filled with the Bible and what I have gleaned. My thoughts are not on my troubles of the day because I’ve already shared those with the Lord and left them with Him. I also find that when my thoughts are not on myself, I am not easily tempted. There is nothing like a good pity party to get one focused on self and everything we lack in life. The lust of the flesh is aroused and bang! The roaring lion pounces and we are tempted to sin. But do not be discouraged, my friend, Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) What lovely words those are! Thank You, Lord!

Dear God…
Please make my Morning Manna
Spiritually filling for today
Protect me from fleshly lusts
As I walk along the way

Thought for the Day – Are You Lonely?

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Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. (Isaiah 58:9)

Despite the hustle and bustle of the world around us, miles of traffic jams, and crowded malls, it is amazing how many people in this world suffer from loneliness. Man was not created to be alone. And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Genesis 2:18) No matter how much of a loner one is, that person has a need for human contact at some point or another. Most are not loners, however, so human contact is a vital ingredient for healthy emotions. Loneliness left unchecked leads to despair.

As a born-again believer, I am encouraged by God’s Holy word because He deals with this very subject over and over. God knew from the beginning that man could not be alone and that he would suffer from loneliness. So much so, He included the beautiful Book of Psalms for encouragement and countless other verses throughout His word. Our Father knows our needs because He created us. He knows everything about us. We cannot hide anything from Him, including our loneliness. [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. (Psalm 139:1) I stand amazed that our God knows all of us in this intimate way. God has searched each one of us and knows us!

Even when we are at our lowest, the Lord is right there to lift us up through His word. I think of David when he made this statement in Psalm 27:10: When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. David knew that his God would never forsake him. The Lord reassures His children over and over throughout His word that He is faithful. … for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5) Again, He assures us in Isaiah 42:16, …These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

When we need comfort and reassurance, He promises to be there for us. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18 Our Heavenly Father is there every moment of the way in our Christian walk. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. (Genesis 28:15)

We may fall asleep at night and forget the day’s trials and burdens but our God never sleeps and is ever watching out for us. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:4) Does that not bring you comfort? You are not alone, my friend. No matter how empty your house is, you are not alone. No matter if there is no one sitting with you in your car, you are not alone. Your Heavenly Father has placed in you His Precious Holy Spirit. He comforts you, teaches you and points you to Christ through His Holy word. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16) (Emphasis mine).

How can you overcome your loneliness? Get in the Scriptures, oh Christian. The Holy Spirit is waiting to bring that precious comfort to you. His comfort resides within the pages of your Bible but you must open it to receive it. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26) We get refreshment and encouragement within the pages of our Bible as we are drawn and taught by the Holy Spirit. How full of mercy is our Father! He knows every fiber of our being and provides living water for us to walk away refreshed. Our loneliness dissipates as we soak up His word and see once again the light of day.

Once we are refreshed, we are commanded to go out and be a friend to someone. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: (Proverbs 18:24) No one can feel alone when they are focused on helping others. There are people out there in need, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. God can use a believer who has overcome loneliness to minister to a lonely world. So many are lonely out there – won’t you let the Friend of all friends be your example? and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24b Do you feel friendless? When you are born again, oh Christian, God calls you His friend.Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) Jesus paid the ultimate price to be your friend. You are never alone.

Treat your loneliness today with a good dose of refreshing time in the Bible then put feet to your refreshing time and spend time with someone who is lonely. God will use your trials to minister to another and bring glory to His Name.

Dear God…
At times I am so lonely
It leads me to despair
But then my Morning Manna
Shows me how much You care.

I love You, Lord!!

Thought for the Day – Am I Content?

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~Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

How is your “contentment meter” reading today? Is working on contentment in your spiritual walk at a snail’s pace or are you zooming toward the mark? Practicing contentment should be a way of life. It’s human nature to complain, isn’t it? But it takes a lot of practice not to complain.

Paul said that he “had learned” in whatever situation he was in, to be content. I would say that Paul had reached his mark in this area, wouldn’t you? Paul was not just content with parts of his life but with all of his life.

How does one learn to be content? We become discontent when we look at others. When we dwell on our circumstances long enough, we find that we are not content with what we have. If we look around at the house we live in, we’ll see that our neighbor’s house is so much better. If we look at our friend’s car, we’ll see the bucket ‘o bolts we’re driving. If we look at someone else’s position at work, we’ll notice that we do not have the salary he has. When we “look” at our own circumstances and dwell on them, James says that it will develop into lust and this lust will turn into sin. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: (James 1:15) Therefore, our thought life is what we have to bring under subjection.

Some people are naturally pessimistic – their cup is always half empty – their future seems to hold the worse possible scenario. The pessimistic Christian sees the dark side – this Christian needs a lot of work at controlling his thoughts. This Christian needs to spend some quality time meditating on what God has provided rather than what he does not have. The pessimistic Christian needs to count his blessings instead of looking at his negative circumstances.

Paul had the remedy for negative and stinky thinking. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 ) He controlled his thought life by thinking on good things. So should we. The pessimistic Christian needs to remember that he has a home in eternity awaiting him; he had food to eat today; he awoke in a warm bed; he has a job to support his family, just to name a few. Doing this will keep him focused and on track.

God gives us exactly what we need, when we need it. He only provides us with good things in our lives. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17) When we focus on the good things, which are of the Lord, we are walking in His Spirit. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) In so doing, we are not so quick to be discontent, which is sin.

Paul taught about contentment in several churches. It must be a pretty important teaching if he taught it in Hebrews, 1 Timothy, Philippians and Galatians.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)

But godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6)

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (1 Timothy 6:8 )

When we meditate on our salvation, we will not be so quick to notice what we are lacking in this life because we will see that we have gained so much for all eternity! Time here is but a moment in the vastness of eternity.

Thought for the Day – Our Heart

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~Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

~Matthew 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

~Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

~Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

~Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

~Mark 10:18 …there is none good but one, that is, God. 

No matter how hard we try, none of us are good. Since Adam and Eve’s fall, not one human being has been without sin. What is sin? According to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary,

1. The voluntary departure of a moral agent from a known rule of rectitude or duty, prescribed by God; any voluntary transgression of the divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity. Sin is either a positive act in which a known divine law is violated, or it is the voluntary neglect to obey a positive divine command, or a rule of duty clearly implied in such command. Sin comprehends not action only, but neglect of known duty, all evil thoughts purposes, words and desires, whatever is contrary to God’s commands or law. 1 John 3. Mat 15. James 4. Sinner neither enjoy the pleasures of nor the peace of piety. Among divines, sin is original or actual. Actual sin, above defined, is the act of a moral agent in violating a known rule of duty. Original sin, as generally understood, is native depravity of heart to the divine will, that corruption of nature of deterioration of the moral character of man, which is supposed to be the effect of Adam’s apostasy; and which manifests itself in moral agents by positive act of disobedience to the divine will, or by the voluntary neglect to comply with the express commands of God, which require that we should love God with all the heart and soul and strength and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves. This native depravity or alienation of affections from God and his law, is supposed to be what the apostle calls the carnal mind or mindedness, which is enmity against God, and is therefore denominated sin or sinfulness. Unpardonable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is supposed to be a malicious and obstinate rejection of Christ and the gospel plan of salvation, or a contemptuous resistance made to the influences and convictions of the Holy Spirit. Mat 12.

SIN, v.i.

1. To depart voluntarily from the path of duty prescribed by God man; to violate the divine law in any particular, by actual transgression or by the neglect or non-observance of its injunctions; to violate any known rule of duty. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Rom 3. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned. Psa 51.

2. To offend against right, against men or society; to trespass. I an a man more sinn’d against than sinning. And who but wishes to invert the laws of order, sins against the’ eternal cause.

This definition is totally different from today’s definition of sin. Merriam Webster’s on-line dictionary defines sin as:

1 a : an offense against religious or moral law b : an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible [it's]c : an often serious shortcoming : FAULT
2 a : transgression of the law of God b : a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God

Pretty diluted, isn’t it? Man’s heart is desperately wicked so of course he would prefer today’s definition of Merriam Webster’s.

So what is considered sin? We can start at the beginning with the Ten Commandments. This is God’s law to mankind. Have you broken one of these? Have you lied – even just once? Then by admission, you are a liar. Have you ever stolen – even a pen from work? Then by admission, you are a thief. Breaking any of these commandments makes us a sinner. Because of this fallen nature, it is impossible to keep all the commandments. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10) Therefore, we must be punished for breaking God’s laws. It does not matter if you do good things like help the poor. It doesn’t matter if you give lots of money to the church. Although it’s nice that you did these things, the fact of the matter is that punishment is still needed for breaking God’s commandments. They weren’t put there just so a movie could be made. The Ten Commandments were given as the Law by God. They are our “teacher” and are there to show us that we are sinners.

Let’s say that you were sentenced to pay a penalty of $50,000 by a judge because you were caught stealing. You tell the judge that you do not have $50,000 and that you are really sorry for your crime but could he let you go this one time. The judge replies that he is a good judge but someone has to pay the penalty for this crime. A friend of yours shows up and says he’ll pay the $50,000 for you. Someone already in prison could not pay this penalty for you but this friend was free to do so. The judge accepts his payment and lets you go.

This is exactly what Jesus Christ did for us. Because God is a Good and Righteous Judge, He demands that the penalty for breaking His Laws be paid. Because God’s love for us is so great, Jesus Christ chose to take on the form of man so He could take the punishment for our sins and pay that penalty. Jesus said, “Father, I’ll pay their debt for them! I’ll become that sacrifice You require of shed blood and I will shed My own blood for them. Only Jesus Christ could do this because He did not sin once while He lived on earth. He was the only one qualified to pay this penalty. No man could do it because all men have sinned. Now that’s love, my friend!

The born-again believer no longer has to pay the penalty because our debt has been paid by Jesus Christ Himself. Will we continue to sin? Yes, but we will sin less. The believer has been given the Holy Spirit of God and He resides in us to teach us and guide us in how to live a more righteous life. Every day is a challenge for the believer to live a godly life. But it is a joyous challenge because we no longer have to fear spending eternity in hell! What joy!

When you look at the lost today, remember that his heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. He is serving his father, the devil. Have pity on the lost and share with them the reason for your joy. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)

This is the whole point of His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection!

Dear God…
Your Law showed me my sin
Impossible to obey
Then Jesus paid my debt
He is the only Way.

Thought for the Day – God’s Will

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~Psalms 105:17-19 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: 18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: 19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.

Just as today’s photo left an impression, so did reading the account of Joseph; especially verse 19. Despite Joseph’s circumstances, he kept his testimony. God was proving Joseph’s metal and Joseph stayed strong. How do we do when we our metal is tried? Do we crumble under the world’s pressure?

We cannot foresee the outcome of our trials and, therefore, we cannot possibly know why the Lord would allow us to go through such difficulty. However, God does see the future and He wishes to prepare us for what lies ahead.  When we submit ourselves to God, our entire Christian walk is a pathway toward a specific task that God wishes for us to complete.  Sure He can use anyone for the task; however, He has chosen you!  Are you ready to allow yourself to submit to God’s will?  Mordecai recognized God’s will, although he could not see the outcome, and told Esther:

~Esther 4:14 … and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Every day circumstances culminate into an event where God can use us. As we submit to God’s will for our lives, He is working to use us. Just as God used Joseph and Esther for the benefit of His people, so will He use us for our benefit, the benefit of our families, and the benefit of others. But we must be ready to accept those times when God tries us and prepares us until He is ready to perform His will.

~Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Thought for the Day – Thankfulness

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~Isaiah 12:5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. 

The world publishes beautiful graphics of God’s creation – they give intricate details of migration, feeding, flight, etc. But is God given thanks by these same people? They are busy thinking it is due to the process of evolution.

This is where we Christians fail every day. Isaiah tells us to sing unto God and thank Him. Even better, let the earth hear you! We have so much for which to be thankful! Not only has the Lord given us His beautiful creation to look at, but He has given us countless blessings in our lives. Sometimes we must look for the blessings but they are there. It is God’s will for us to be thankful. The average Christian does not think along these lines but the Word of God says so. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ) (Emphasis mine.)

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving… Psalm 95:2a There is no better way to start off your devotional time with the Lord than with giving thanks for everything. I just love this piece – I’ve never found out who actually wrote it, but it shows you just how you don’t have to look far to find God’s blessings in your life. If any of you happen to know who the Author of this wonderful piece is, please let me know so I can give proper credit.

Thank You Lord!

Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes; we have plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry; we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds; they were so warm and comfortable last night. I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory; they are so convenient.

Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs cleaning. It has served us faithfully for many years. It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today; It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that we all enjoy in the yard. My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says You have richly blessed my family. I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times not balanced, thank you Lord, there are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life.

I can’t help but think that God smiles from ear-to-ear when He hears this woman’s words in the mornings! She has learned the art of being thankful and finding God’s blessings at every turn in her life. What are you thankful for today?

~Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Thought for the Day – Fruitfulness

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~2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When we buy our fruit in the grocery store, we don’t stop to think about where the fruit came from or the work it took the fruit farmer to get that fruit to us. A tree can only produce plenty of fruit – good fruit – when it is properly cared for and has all the right “ingredients.” It needs the right amount of sunshine, rain, fertilizer and pruning. A healthy tree produces a good crop of fruit.

It is the same with our Christian lives. Without the Son-shine in our lives, we cannot bear fruit. Without Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we cannot possibly be fruitful nor can we make it without Him. Just as a tree cannot feed itself or water itself, neither can we feed ourselves spiritually without God’s word.  Without getting to know Him better through the Scriptures, we cannot grow. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5) At times we need pruning so we can be more fruitful. Pruning comes in various ways – through trials, through the word of God, and even through the preaching. A tree doesn’t have much choice but to be pruned. But we do! We don’t have to allow the Lord to prune us. Sometimes the pruning will hurt – but it does not have to if we are proactive. However, when we aren’t, we can be sure we will not grow properly. We won’t produce the fruit we could produce.

Psalm 1:2-3, But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (2) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (3)

Notice that verse 3 says that his leaf shall not wither. If I water my plants regularly, they stay looking nice. If I miss a week, however, the leaves start to droop and they “scream” for water. So should Christians scream for the living water of the word of God. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38 )

Thought for the Day – Daily Retreats

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~John 18:1-2 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

Sometimes we forget that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, was human, just as we are human.  The Lord Jesus needed to retreat to a quiet place often and He taught His disciples to do the same. Verse two says he ofttimes resorted going to the garden.  Not only did Christ need some quiet time for Himself, but He also knew His creation and their need for rest – both physically and spiritually.

It’s so important for me to take time out of my busy schedule so I can refresh my spirit and renew my walk daily.  As my body needs water daily, so does my spirit need the water of life! (John 4:14) Our Shepherd knows how important it is for us to spend time praying, reading and meditating. So much so, He gave us Psalm 23:1-3 to outline this time of need. Notice the pattern? Psalm 23:1 teaches us to go to a place of rest and peace; Psalm 23:2 teaches to read the Scriptures (drink from the fountain of life); Psalm 23:3 shows that after we have done so, our paths will be directed to righteousness! What a blessing :-)

So where is your garden? I can retreat to my garden any time I want and I live in an apartment :-)  I have CD’s of beautiful instrumental hymns and songs set to nature’s sounds which I play while I am reading.  I may not be in an actual garden but the beautiful songs of birds and crickets, ocean waves, etc. set the atmosphere for my reading.  You can have your garden anywhere.  If it was that important for the Lord Jesus and His disciples, it is that important for us!

 

Thought for the Day – Shame

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~2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

~Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

~Psalm 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

~Psalm 119:80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. 

How many Christians go through the day without the word of God as part of it? How many Christians can say that when situations arise, a Bible verse comes to mind to cover that situation? If one does not read the Bible, one cannot be prepared to tackle the day’s challenges. It is like going to a meeting unprepared and you are the presenter! Can you imagine how foolish you would look – how you would feel?

Dear brethren, if you do not make the Bible part of your every day life, you will look and feel as foolish when you stand before God. 2 Tim. 2:15 says that you are to study so that you can become a workman that doesn’t need to be ashamed. Noah Webster defines ashamed as:

1. Affected by shame; abashed or confused by guilt or a conviction of some criminal action or indecorous conduct, or by the exposure of some gross errors or misconduct, which the person is conscious must be wrong, and which tends to impair his honor or reputation. It is followed by of.

Thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed. Exo 16.

Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel. Hosea 10.

2. Confused by a consciousness of guilt or of inferiority; by the mortification of pride; by failure or disappointment.

They shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in images.

Isa 42

If you are guilty of neglecting your Bible, do you feel this shame Noah speaks of? A speaker at a meeting is only as good as the knowledge he has on the subject he’s covering. If he is unprepared, it is evident. He hums and hahs, he stumbles and stutters. However, when a speaker is totally prepared, he belts out a presentation like nobody’s business and has confidence in his knowledge. Are you struggling with winning the lost to Christ? You’re not prepared! You have not spent the time you need to memorize the verses.

Today’s sports fanatics have player stats memorized. They can tell you who threw the longest pass at the last Super Bowl. They can quote you how many home runs and runs batted in that their favorite baseball player has. However, ask them to share Bible verses with you that would be significant in leading someone to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and they look at you as if you have two heads! Oh dear Christian, if this is you – you will stand ashamed before the Lord Jesus Christ. My heart aches for you.

As if this isn’t bad enough, what do you do when a trial comes your way and you don’t have the word of God hidden in your heart to turn to for rescue and encouragement? You don’t have to know the address and verse by heart but at least you know it enough to be able to say, oh yes, Psalm 121 tells me to look unto the hills from whence cometh my help! So I will turn to the Lord to help me with this situation. Instead, you run to your best friend or a church member and plead for prayer. What if your doctor had to run to his co-workers for help in decisions about your health? Wouldn’t that disturb you? Can you imagine how the Lord feels when we run to others when He is the One true source of all healing and encouragement?

I believe that when believers stand before Christ when their works are tried by fire to see if they are wood and stubble or silver and gold, they will be hanging their heads in shame – tears welling up in their eyes, wishing they could do it all over again. My friend, when our time is up, there is no going back. The signs of the times are all around us. Christ’s return for us is imminent – any minute we’ll be called Home! Are you ready or will you be ashamed?