HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY!

8-31-2010. . . .HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY!

THEME: HONESTY!

"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." (Phil 4:8 KJV)  Among the eight things that should always occupy the believer's mind is honesty!  Honest thoughts will produce honest behavior.  An advantage or gain gotten any other why than honestly, is really not an advantage or gain at all.  Honesty is still the best policy!

Prayer: Lord, help us to think on thinks that are honest and act on those thoughts immediately.  Amen!

Phil 4:8-9. . . .Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. NAS

CHECK YOUR HEART!

8-30-2010. . . .CHECK YOUR HEART!

THEME: HONESTY

"But the good soil represents honest, good-hearted people. They listen to God's words and cling to them and steadily spread them to others who also soon believe."  (Luke 8:15 TLB)  In the parable Jesus taught His disciples about the Sower and Seeds, the ground where the seed (the Word) was most effective was good and 'Honest' ground.  The heart is that good and honest ground!  Honest in one's heart will always produce fruits of good works and love.  A dishonest heart conversely will produce dishonest acts!  What kind of heart is yours?

Prayer: Lord, work on my heart.  Keep my honest forever honest so that your word will always find a place to flourish.  Amen.

Mark 7:21-23. . . . For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts of lust, theft, murder, adultery,  wanting what belongs to others, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, pride, and all other folly.  All these vile things come from within; they are what pollute you and make you unfit for God."  TLB

HE WILL ANSWER!

8-27-2010. . . .HE WILL ANSWER!

THEME: FAITHFULNESS

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; answer my plea because you are faithful to your promises."  (Ps 143:1 TLB)  We need not ever fear to come to God in our times of need.  With assurance we can ask in confidence knowing that in His faithfulness, He will answer us!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for hearing and answering our prayers!

Ps 92:2-4. . . . Every morning tell him, "Thank you for your kindness," and every evening rejoice in all his faithfulness.  Sing his praises, accompanied by music from the harp and lute and lyre.  You have done so much for me, O Lord. No wonder I am glad! I sing for joy. TLB

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!

8-26-2010. . . .GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!

THEME: FAITHFULNESS

"Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.  My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." (Ps 89:33-34 KJV)  A clear picture of God's great faithfulness can be seen in the life of King David.  Although, along with his great victories and accomplishments, there were also some great transgressions and failures.  While David certainly incurred punishment for his transgressions, God remained committed (faithful) to His promise to David.  We too, like King David have had some transgressions and failures for which we receive chastisement.  Nevertheless, God remains committed (faithful) to His promises to us! Join me now in proclaiming,  GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your faithfulness to us.  Truly they are new every morning and wonderful to experience.  Great is thy faithfulness!  Amen.

Ps 89:30-35. . . . If his children forsake my laws and don't obey them, then I will punish them,  but I will never completely take away my loving-kindness from them, nor let my promise fail.  No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back one word of what I said.  For I have sworn to David (and a holy God can never lie) that his dynasty will go on forever, and his throne will continue to the end of time.  TLB

FAITH-FULL-NESS = FAITHFULNESS!

8-25-2010. . . .FAITH-FULL-NESS = FAITHFULNESS!

THEME: FAITHFULNESS

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  (Heb 11:6 KJV)  Faithfulness requires "FAITH-FULL-NESS!"   One must have faith to please (Be Faithful) to God!  Without it, being faithful to God and His commands is impossible!  Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.  Here's a simple equation:  More Word = More Faith!  More Faith-Full-Ness = More Faithfulness! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for you word for by hearing it, comes faith!  Fill us completely with your word in order that we may live a life of faithfulness to you.  Amen!

 Heb 11:5-6. . . .You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him. TLB

8-24-2010. . . .START BEING FAITHFUL NOW!

THEME: FAITHFULNESS

"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (1 Cor 4:2 KJV) Faithfulness is not an optional attribute, it is a requirement! Is faithful a word people use to describe you? If not, consider this. Faithful is one of two words the Lord will use to judge you! If you want to hear Him say "Well done GOOD and FAITHFUL servant" at the end, start being FAITHFUL now!

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a good and faithful servant now so that when I see you later face to face, you will call me the same. Amen!

1 Cor 15:58-16:1. . . .Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

MAKE IT ONE OF OUR ATTRIBUTES!

8-23-20`0. . . .MAKE IT ONE OF OUR ATTRIBUTES!

THEME: FAITHFULLNESS

"Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is the faithful God who for a thousand generations keeps his promises and constantly loves those who love him and who obey his commands." (Deut 7:9-10 TLB)  Faithfulness is a God attribute! He does not change and keeps His promises. The more we come to understand this attribute of God, the more we should be compelled to make it one of our attributes!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your faithfulness! It is truly Great. Amen!

Lam 3:22-23. . . . Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. NIV

DON'T TAKE THE LONG WAY AROUND!

8-20-2010. . . .DON'T TAKE THE LONG WAY AROUND!

"True humility and respect for the Lord lead a man to riches, honor, and long life." (Prov 22:4 TLB) Given enough time, false humility will always unveil it's selfish ulterior motives. There is no gain for the effort! True humility is a straight and direct road leading to blessings, recognition and longevity of life. Don't take the long way around!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for a direct path to riches, honor and long life. Guide our feet along this path and redirect us should we deviate. Amen!

Prov 22:4-5. . . . Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. NIV

PROMOTION OR CONTINUOUS DISAPPOINTMENT!

8-19-2010. . . .PROMOTION OR CONTINUOUS DISAPPOINTMENT!

"The more lowly your service to others, the greater you are. To be the greatest, be a servant. But those who think themselves great shall be disappointed and humbled; and those who humble themselves shall be exalted." (Matt 23:11-12 TLB)  Not discounting the power of positive thinking, no one ever became great by simply thinking themselves so. One who does great things becomes great! The greatest thing one can do is to live a life in service to others. God is well please with those who do so and promotes them. All others will suffer continuous disappointment.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the example of a life of service. Help us follow in your steps and do as well. Amen!

Matt 23:11-12. . . .But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. KJV

8-18-2010. . . .GAIN AN ADVANTAGE!

8-18-2010. . . .GAIN AN ADVANTAGE!

"And all of you serve each other with humble spirits, for God gives special blessings to those who are humble, but sets himself against those who are proud." (1 Peter 5:5 TLB)  In today's world, everyone seeks to gain an advantage over everyone else.  Instead of lifting others up and pushing them ahead, we pull others down and hold others back.  God is against these kind of actions and apposes those who do them.  If you want to gain a real advantage, (favor) humbly serve others and receive special blessings (advantage) from God!

Prayer: Lord, help us to serve others in the same spirit in which we serve you.  Thank you for special advantage!  Amen.

1 Peter 5:5. . . . Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  KJV

SUBMIT TO THE PROCESS!

8-17-2010. . . .SUBMIT TO THE PROCESS!

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.   Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)  God has a plan for your promotion but you must be willing to submit to His process.  No need to belittle yourself by doing things to gain attention that will never come from your superiors .  Your promotion is not up to them!  It's up to God!  "For promotion and power come from nowhere on earth, but only from God. He promotes one and deposes another."  (Ps 75:5-6 TLB )  You may be ready for promotion, but the position may not be ready for you!  Allow God to set things in order and in due time, He will release you into it!

 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the next promotion!  Help us to humble ourselves under your mighty hand, submit to your process, and stay in your will, but out of your way!  Amen.

James 4:9-10. . . . Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (NIV)

HEIGHTS UNIMAGINABLE!

8-16-2010. . . .HEIGHTS UNIMAGINABLE!

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.   Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."  (Prov 16:18-19 KJV)  What good is it to have great riches and be filled with arrogance and pride; the end of which is always destruction?  Better to be humble with contentment and rise with the natural flow of life to heights unimaginable.

Prayer: Lord, keep us forever humble!  Amen.

Prov 16:19-20. . . . Better poor and humble than proud and rich.  God blesses those who obey him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord.  TLB

POWER WITHIN!

8-13-2010. . . .POWER WITHIN!

"Do you want more and more of God's kindness and peace?  Then learn to know him better and better.  For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us!   And by that same mighty power he has given us all the other rich and wonderful blessings he promised; for instance, the promise to save us from the lust and rottenness all around us, and to give us his own character."  (2 Peter 1:2-4 TLB)    Don't underestimate lust!  It is a powerful thing and because it comes from our own desires, it can be difficult to 'Just say no' to ourselves!  Rely on the mighty transforming power Christ has given us.  This power within will produce 'Christ-likenss' in us.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power you have give us to be just like you.  Help us always yield to that transforming power and not revert back to our old nature.  Amen.

Gal 5:16. . . .I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit's instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won't always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to. TLB

WHO OR WHAT!

8-12-2010. . . . WHO OR WHAT!

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."  (Gal 5:16 KJV)  Where are you walking, in the Spirit or in the lust of your flesh?  If your steps lead and are leading you into sin, you are probably being lead there by your own lust.  Walking in the Spirit always leads to places of righteousness! (right living)  Check your location!  Your current position will determine who or what lead you there!!  Spirit or lust!

Prayer: Dear Lord, lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.  Lead us by your Spirit into the paths of righteousness.  Amen!

Gal 5:16-18. . . .I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit's instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won't always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to.  For we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures.  TLB

OPT FOR GOD'S WILL!

8-11-2010. . . .OPT FOR GOD'S WILL!

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."  (1 John 2:16-17 KJV)  The things we see and the things we want in this world all have a short shelf life and will soon pass away.   If we go after things we see and want that are not in God's will, our shelf life will become short as well.   Opt for longivity!  Do God's will and live forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for options and the free will to choose.  Forgive us for our pass bad choices and help us opt for your will over the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of this life.  Amen.

1 John 2:15-17. . . . Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love these things you show that you do not really love God; 16 for all these worldly things, these evil desires-the craze for sex, the ambition to buy everything that appeals to you, and the pride that comes from wealth and importance-these are not from God. They are from this evil world itself. 17 And this world is fading away, and these evil, forbidden things will go with it, but whoever keeps doing the will of God will live forever.  TLB

DEAL WITH IT!

8-10-2010. . . .DEAL WITH IT!

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."  (James 1:14-15 KJV)  What lust draws you away to the place of enticement?  Have you dealt with  it or, are you in denial?  After all, as a believer, I don't have anything like that going on in my life!  Yeah, right!  The truth of the matter is we all have to deal with things that draw us away!  Just because its not ramped sexual temptations, drugs and alcohol does not mean you have nothing to be concern about.  What about overeating, overworking, television and host of things far to numerous to mention here.  It's time to deal with it before it deals with you!

Prayer: Lord, you are faithful.  Help us to deal with the lust in our lives so that we are not drawn away and lust is allow to conceive and thereby bring about sin!  Help us not to be in denial, but to deal with it!  Amen. 

2 Peter 1:2-4. . . . Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  KJV

A LOOK CAN TURN TO LUST!

8-9-2010. . . .A LOOK CAN TURN TO LUST!

"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a girl. I know full well that Almighty God above sends calamity on those who do.   He sees everything I do and every step I take." (Job 31:1-4 TLB)  Male or female, we would do well to understand that our eyes are the gateway to our mind and hearts.  It's not so much about what we see (our eyes are for that purpose) it's about what we 'look" at!   To see is simply vision, but to Look is to focus one's attention on!  It is at the point of attention that a look can turn to lust!  Make a covenant with your eyes!  Don't allow looks to turn to lust!

Prayer: Lord, you are able to keep us from falling!  Strengthen us now to keep from sinning with our eyes! Amen. 

Job 31:1-4. . . ."I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.  For what is man's lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high?  Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong?  Does he not see my ways and count my every step? (NIV)

PUNISMENT FOR SURE, BUT NO CHANGE!

8-6-2010. . . .PUNISHMENT FOR SURE, BUT NO CHANGE!

"If his children forsake my laws and don't obey them, then I will punish them, but I will never completely take away my loving-kindness from them, nor let my promise fail.  No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back one word of what I said." (Ps 89:30-35 TLB)  "Solid as a Rock" is a term used to give assurance that something is secure and unchangeable.  Over time however, even rocks tend to chip and crumble a bit.  When it comes to God's covenant, there is not chipping or crumbling!  Even in the face of gross indiscretions, it remains unchanged.  There will be punishment for sure, but no change in promise!

Prayer: Lord, your are a just God who will not change.  What you promise you will bring to pass.  You punish, yet you do not change!  Bless your holy name forever!  Amen.

Ps 89:28. . . . I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail.  NIV

LETS DO OUR PART!

8-5-2010. . . .LETS DO OUR PART!

"All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant." (Ps 25:10 NIV)  No covenant is without requirements.   Expecting to benefit from God's covenant without meeting the requirements of the covenant, is like expecting a paycheck at the end of the week without having gone to work!  While God lovingly and graciously shoulders the weight of the covenant He has extended to us, there yet remains a simple requirement for us, Obedience!  God has demonstrated His faithfulness in fulling His part of the covenant, now, it's up to us to fulfill ours! 

Prayer: Lord, you are faithful in all things that pertain to your covenant.  As we enjoy the benefits of your covenant let us be equally as faithful in fulling your requirement of obedience.  Amen!

Ps 103:17-18. . . . But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.  NIV

AS A REMINDER!

8-4-2010. . . .AS A REMINDER! 

"When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will be seen in the clouds,  and I will remember my promise to you and to every being, that never again will the floods come and destroy all life." (Gen 9:14-16 TLB)   Recent floods throughout the country has raised legitimate safety concerns that should be addressed.  Total destruction by flood however, is a concern that never has to be addressed again.  As a reminder of His promise, God placed a rainbow in the sky!   The next time you see a rainbow, remember to tell God thanks for His promise!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your promise and the reminder in the sky that you are faithful to your promises!  Amen!

Gen 9:16. . .For I will see the rainbow in the cloud and remember my eternal promise to every living being on the earth." TLB

HE'S EVER MINDFUL!

8-2-2010. . . .HE'S EVER MINDFUL!

"He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant." (Ps 111:5 KJV)  God's love for us is obvious (or should be) through His ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ.  If He never does or did anything else for us, that would be enough.  However, beyond His great love for us is His promise (covenant) to us!  Even in our times of unfaithfulness to Him, He is ever mindful of His covenant!  For His own name sake He bless us and many times, in spite of us!

Prayer: Lord, you are the faithful God who is always mindful of your covenant!  You never fail!  Amen.

Ps 111:4-6. . . .Who can forget the wonders he performs-deeds of mercy and of grace? 5 He gives food to those who trust him; he never forgets his promises.  TLB