FORGIVE FREQUENTLY!

2-29-2010. . . .FORGIVE FREQUENTLY!

"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4 NIV) The act of forgiving while challenging if one considers the frequency with which it is required, yet is rendered much easier to give when that same one considers the frequency they too must request it!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for forgiveness in spite of the frequency of request! May our daily request diminish until they are no more. Amen!

Luke 11:4. . . .Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. NIV

WHAT GOD REQUIRES!

2-26-2010. . . .NOT WHAT WE DESIRE -WHAT'S REQUIRED!

"It was by faith that Abel obeyed God and brought an offering that pleased God more than Cain's offering did. God accepted Abel and proved it by accepting his gift; and though Abel is long dead, we can still learn lessons from him about trusting God. (Heb 11:4TLB) What we offer to God may be excellent as well as, a sacrifice. However, the question becomes, 'Is it acceptable to God.' Is it what God really wants and requires! Cain's sacrifice was more than likely an excellent one, however, Abel's sacrifice is described as 'More Excellent'! Why? It was what God required! When sacrificing to God, consider first is it what we desire or what God requires!

Prayer: Lord, may my sacrifices unto you always be what you require and let what I desire be the same. Amen.

Heb 11:4. . . .By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. KJV

SACRIFICE COST!

2-24-2010. . . .SACRIFICE COST!

“But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." (2 Sam 24:24 NIV) A sacrifice that cost you nothing is not a sacrifice at all. God’s sacrifice cost Him all! Should not our sacrifices the same?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus. There is nothing of value I possess that is not worthy of being sacrificed to thee. Amen!

1 Chron 29:12-14. . . . Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. KJV

FORGIVE FREQUENTLY!

2-29-2010. . . .FORGIVE FREQUENTLY!

"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4 NIV) The act of forgiving while challenging if one considers the frequency with which it is required, yet is rendered much easier to give when that same one considers the frequency they too must request it!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for forgiveness in spite of the frequency of request! May our daily request diminish until they are no more. Amen!

Luke 11:4. . . .Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. NIV

DON'T BLOCK THE BLESSINGS!

2-23-2010. . . .DON’T BLOCK THE BLESSINGS!

“I, the Lord, have sworn by myself that because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your beloved son from me, I will bless you with incredible blessings and multiply your descendants into countless thousands and millions, like the stars above you in the sky, and like the sands along the seashore. They will conquer their enemies, and your offspring will be a blessing to all the nations of the earth-all because you have obeyed me." (Gen 22:16-18 TLB) The very thing in your life you are unwilling to sacrifice could also be the thing blocking you from God’s choice blessings.

Prayer: Lord, let there be nothing or no one standing between me and thee! Your thoughts for me are for good and not of evil. Therefore, I have nothing to fear. Amen!

1 Sam 15:22. . . ."Has the Lord as much pleasure in your burnt offerings and sacrifices as in your obedience? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. He is much more interested in your listening to him than in your offering the fat of rams to him. TLB

PRAISE HIM CONTINUALLY!

2-22-2010. . . .PRAISE HIM CONTINUALLY!

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." (Heb 13:15 NKJV) Imagine for a moment what it would be like if we were still required to bring an animal sacrifice to God to atone for our sins? If you are like me, you probably can’t even fix your mind around the thought. On the other hand, it is effortless for us to remember the atoning sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary that freed us once and for all from our sin. It’s truly a reason to offer sacrifices of praise and to have that praise, like David said, be continually in our mouth!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for your great sacrifice! I offer You praise continually for You alone are worthy! Amen.

Ps 34:1-3. . . .I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. KJV

DON'T GO ASTRAY!

2-19-2010. . . .DON’T GO ASTRAY!

“The Lord is good and glad to teach the proper path to all who go astray; he will teach the ways that are right and best to those who humbly turn to him. And when we obey him, every path he guides us on is fragrant with his loving-kindness and his truth." (Ps 25:8-10 TLB) It is easy for one to go astray when the path is unknown. There is no excuse to go astray once the path is made clear. If you’re off the path, get back in school! Let God teach you the proper path!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching us the proper path. With your guidance we will never go astray! Amen.

Ps 25:4-5. . . . Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you. TLB

AVOID THE SINK HOLES!

2-18-2010. . . .AVOID THE SINK HOLES!

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Prov 3:6 KJV) A very large sink hole suddenly appears in the middle of 5th avenue. A policeman is immediately dispatched to direct traffic safely around the impending danger. One drive however, in a hurry to get where they are going, ignores the directions of the policeman and speeds ahead driving straight into the sink hole and crashes. Don’t let this imaginary scenario play out realistically in your life. Avoid the sink holes of life! Acknowledge Him and allow Him to direct your path.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you know the paths we take. In all our days we will acknowledge Your ways. Direct Lord our paths. Amen!

Ps 48:14-49:1. . . . For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (NIV)

HIS PLAN HIS PURPOSE!

2-17-2010. . . .HIS PLAN HIS PURPOSE!

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Phil 1:66 KJV) The construction project that was begun in us is going according to plan and will be completed! In spite of the many unneeded interruptions and interjections on our part, the 'Chief Foreman' remains committed and undaunted in working out 'His Plan' and 'His Purpose' in our lives!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being committed to us. Forgive us for often getting in Your way and help us to submit to Your will. Amen.

Ps 138:8. . . . The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me;your love, O LORD, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands. (NIV)

FROM FAILURE TO SUCCESS!

2-16-2010. . . .FROM FAILURE TO SUCCESS!

"And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5 KJV) In spite of one's best efforts, even the called by Christ experience failure. Failure however, does not have the final word, God does. In fact, our point of failure positions us for a word of instruction that will lead us to our next success.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being there even in our times of failure. Help us to be willing at our point failure to receive your word of instruction that will lead us to success. Amen!

Ps 37:23-24 . . . .

The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. 24 If they fall it isn't fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. TLB

KEEP IT IN CONTEXT

2-15-2010. . . KEEP IT CONTEXT!

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer 29:11 TLB) Bad things can and do happen to good people. In the full context of life however, they don't change God's plans for us. His plans are always good and carry with them the assurance of an exit (future) from current challenges and frustrations as well as, anticipation (hope) for better things ahead. Don't be discouraged, keep your challenges and frustrations in context.

Prayer:Lord, thank you that your plans for us never change! Thank you for a future and a hope in spite of current frustrations and challenges. Amen!

Ps 5:12. . . .For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. KJV

IT'S AN HONOR!

2-12-2010. . . .IT'S AN HONOR!

"Honor your marriage and its vows, and be pure; for God will surely punish all those who are immoral or commit adultery." (Heb 13:44 TLB) In spite of the world's diminished view of it, Marriage is an honor! God honors a man and a woman and joins them in a unique covenant relationship with each other and with Himself, forming a threefold cord that is not easily broken. It is the responsibility of the individuals involved in the marriage relationship to honor each other and God by keeping their sacred vows. What an honor to honor and be honored!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the honor of marriage! As those whom you've joined together honor You, so honor them and their relationship with joy, peace and happiness throughout this lifetime, and eternity. Amen!

Heb 13:4. . . .Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous. RSV

THAT'S PRICELESS!

2-11-2010. . . .THAT'S PRICELESS!

"If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems! Her husband can trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs. She will not hinder him but help him all her life. (Prov 31:10-13 TLB) 'A Good Thing' indeed is what a man finds when he finds this kind of wife. While feminist bristle at the thought, virtuous women live a life of blessing and enjoy the fruits of a wonderful marriage and family. That's priceless!

Prayer: Lord thank you for the blessing of virtuous women. As they bless and serve their families, bless them exceeding abundantly! Amen.

Prov 31:25-29. . . . She is a woman of strength and dignity and has no fear of old age. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says. She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household and is never lazy. Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words: "There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all!" TLB

MAINTAIN ONENESS!

2-10-2010. . . .MAINTAIN ONENESS!

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." (Eph 5:311 KJV) We were taught in school that 1 + 1 = 2. Simple mathematics. In marriage however, this simple math equation must be relearned. With God, 1 + 1 = 1! One man. . . .One Woman complete One Couple. In order to maintain the 'Oneness'....'Oneness' must be maintained! Meaning, one must never lose sight of who they are individually. It is an essential element of the couple. It is the uniqueness of the individuals that God combines together to make a unique and wonderful couple. Maintain oneness!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the miracle of Oneness! Only you can take two individuals and make them one flesh. Bless couples everywhere today! Amen.

Eph 5:31-32. . . . "A man must leave his father and mother when he marries so that he can be perfectly joined to his wife, and the two shall be one.") I know this is hard to understand, but it is an illustration of the way we are parts of the body of Christ. TLB

SACRIFICE SELF!

2-9-2010. . . .SACRIFICE SELF!

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it..." (Eph 5:25;KJV) The most import thing a husband can give to his wife is 'Himself'. In fact, the success of the marriage hinges on it. He can give money, security, a home and automobile; all the material things one could afford, but none of these will have the same impact as the 'Giving of Himself!' Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it and in returned, received a glorious church without spot or wringle. In the same way, husbands can receive a glorious wife and a wonderful marriage by being willing to sacrifice 'SELF'!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your example of self sacrifice! Bless all husbands to follow your example and create for themselfs a wonderful marriage that fullfills them and pleases you. Amen!

Eph 5:27-30 28. . . In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church- for we are members of his body. NIV

CHECK THE FOUNDATION!

2-8-2010. . . .CHECK THE FOUNDATION!

"Honor Christ by submitting to each other." (Eph 5:21 TLB) The key foundation of a successful marital relationship is a willingness to 'Submit' (come under the authority) of each other. This submission is required by both the husband and the wife equally. A novel idea from the world's perspective. Nevertheless, a requirement from God. It is upon this sure foundation that the marriage relationship rest! Is your marriage shaky and unstable? Check the foundation.

Prayer: Lord thank you for successful and stable marriages built upon a foundation of mutual submission to each other and total submission to you. Amen.

Eph 5:19-209 Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. 20 Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. TLB

POWER AND EXPECTATION!

2-5-2010. . . .Power and Expectation!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom 15:13 NIV) Another word for hope is 'Expectation!' Besides Faith and Love, every believer should be filled with expectation! In the mist of discouragement and disappointment; failings and failures, it's 'Expectation' powered by the Holy Spirit that enables us to abound in joy and peace in spite of the challenges.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for filling me with expectation, joy and peace! As a result, I am never defeated! Amen.

Eph 1:19-21. . . . I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in heaven, far, far above any other king or ruler or dictator or leader. Yes, his honor is far more glorious than that of anyone else either in this world or in the world to come. TLB

WHAT'S COME OVER YOU!

2-4-2010. . . .WHAT'S COME OVER YOU!

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8 KJV) An effective witness is one whose testimony is convincing and believable! In addition to it being convincing, it is also converting and convicting. What differentiates our witness from mere words is the power that produces and propels it. Have you received the power since you believed? What's come over you?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of the Holy Ghost that makes me an effective witness to the world of your greatness. Fill and refill me to overflowing. Amen!

Acts 2:16-21. . . . But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.KJV

I'VE GOT THE POWER!

2-3-2010. . . .I'VE GOT THE POWER!

"Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you power to become rich, and he does it to fulfill his promise to your ancestors." ( Deut 8:17-18 TLB) Everyone in pursuit of wealth would do well to heed this word. It will not only ensure the object but add purpose and direction once obtained.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the power to get wealth and for purpose and direction in using it! May it all be for your glory. Amen!'

1 Chron 29:144 . . . .but who am I and who are my people that we should be permitted to give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we only give you what is yours already! TLB

YOU'll GET WHAT'S COMING TO YOU!

2-2-2010. . . .YOU'll GET WHAT'S COMING TO YOU!

"And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting him. (1 Peter 1:4-54 TLB) What God has for you, it is for you! What He has and freely gives to everyone who believes in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, is eternal life! God does not stop there however! By His mighty power He keeps it in reserve for us and by that same power, daily blesses, keeps, protects and ensures that we will get to the place where we will receive what is coming to us! Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for eternal life through your Son, Jesus! Thank you that by your power you ensure that we will get what's coming to us. Praise your Holy Name! Amen.

Jude 24. . . .And now-all glory to him who alone is God, who saves us through Jesus Christ our Lord; yes, splendor and majesty, all power and authority are his from the beginning; his they are and his they evermore shall be. And he is able to keep you from slipping and falling away, and to bring you, sinless and perfect, into his glorious presence with mighty shouts of everlasting joy. Amen. TLB

CORRECT THE ERROR!

2-1-2010. . . .CORRECT THE ERROR!

"But Jesus said, "Your error is caused by your ignorance of the Scriptures and of God's power." (Matt 22:29 TLB) It is said that, "We can do better if we learn better!" There is no excuse to remain in error when God has given us His word and thereby, access to to His great and mighty Power! Start today! Correct the error!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for access to your power through your word! It is quick and powerful and discerns the intent of our hearts. Helps daily correct our error. Amen.

Rom 1:16. . . . For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; KJV