Proverbs Day 160 (KJV):
Proverbs 18:11-12(KJV):11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 18:11-12(Amp): 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall, in his own imagination and conceit.12 Haughtiness comes before disaster, and humility before honor.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses in Proverbs warn of a downfall, when there is misplaced trust in riches. The Lord is our refuge and protection. We can run to Him, as into a strong high tower and find our safety. Verse 11 says that the rich man looks not to the Lord for safety, but looks to his wealth as his strong city. In the mind of many a rich man, his imagination and conceit tells him he is invincible because of his money. He tends to think that money is the answer to all of his problems, and that money will get him out of any threatening circumstance. However, many men find that their wealth easily slips away from them through bad business deals and stock market failures. Floods, droughts, storms and fires may destroy their businesses and homes. Insurance may cover some of their losses, but often what is lost can never be recuperated.
Many a wealthy man has discovered that his "high protecting walls to his strong city" have tumbled down. Some men fall into pride and haughtiness before they ever experience loss. They may have felt in their hearts that they were responsible for their great success and prosperity. They believed that their success was because they were so intelligent and smart. They attributed their accomplishments to their own abilities and hard work. Of course, personal commitment and hard work will bring rewards; however, when any one leaves God out of the equation, he is headed for a fall. Verse 12 says that haughtiness leads to destruction. Many fail to recognize that if they did not have God's grace and mercy over their lives, they would not be able to achieve the things that they do.
Money cannot buy health. Yet, many take good health for granted and never thank God for their blessing of freedom from sickness. They also fail to realize that good mental health is a blessing too. When we are able to walk free of depression and lay down at night and enjoy a peaceable night's sleep, this is a blessing from God. Ask anyone who suddenly loses any of these things if money can replace them. That "strong city" has suddenly been invaded and they will need God's help to overcome the loss of health and well being. Men and women who have trusted in their material possessions will find when they lose them, that much misery will come upon them.
James 5:1-3:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
Men who have taken pride in their possessions and accomplishments will find that "pride goeth before a fall." However, those that are humble, and attribute their success to God in their lives, will find that honor will be bestowed upon them.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for teaching me that true wealth is found in You. Lord, truly, Christ is all that we need. Having a relationship with You will bring the answer to any problem I may face. I can trust You to supply all my needs because You promised to take care of me. There is such freedom in this knowledge. I know that every day my needs shall be met in You. Lord, help all my friends and family to rest in Your promises too. Strengthen us to trust You daily. I know when I am weak, You are strong. May we all look to You for our answers. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
P.S.
Have you neglected the most important thing in your life? You should eat of the word daily. God is not saying read your word daily but he is saying spend intimate time with me daily. So again I ask have you neglected the most important thing in your life?
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 159 (KJV):Proverbs 18:10(KJV):10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10(Amp): 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the (consistently) righteous man -- upright and in right standing with God -- runs into it and is safe, high (above evil) and strong.
Thoughts for the Day
This verse in Proverbs reveals the power and safety that is in the name of the Lord. All through the Bible when anyone called on the name of the Lord, we see how God responded in power to those calls. Why is the name of the Lord so powerful? What is in a name? Behind every name there is a person or object. A name represents the person or the describes the object. Behind the name of the Lord, is the name of Jesus, the name of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, (who is the third person of the Trinity). The name of the Lord Jesus is backed up by all the power and resources of Heaven itself! Therefore, when a believer calls on the name of Jesus, he has access to all the resources of Heaven as well.
By way of illustration, when a woman marries a man, she takes his name as her own. Legally, she has right then to all that belongs to her husband. If he has a bank account, then all the money that is in it, is hers too, when they have a joint account. If she wanted to, she can sign her name to a check and withdraw it, just as if it was all hers. Of course, she would never do this without his permission, if she loves him. She would only take out what they agreed on.
If he is an honorable man, then she will be held in honor and esteem, because of his good name. When we give our lives to the Lord, we take His name as our own, as we become His bride. We can then have access to all that belongs to Jesus, if we have totally committed our life to Him. When we have a love relationship with Jesus and we obey Him, we have access to all that is His. He said that we can ask anything in His name and receive it. When we have this kind of relationship, we will not ask for the wrong things, as we will only ask for those things that are according to His will.
John 14:12-15:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
In the Great Commission of the Lord, we are told to go and preach the gospel to every creature. If they believe and are baptized, they will be saved; if not, they will be damned. Jesus goes on to tell his followers that certain signs will follow those that believe. One of those signs is that they can use the name of Jesus to cast out devils. Anyone who needs deliverance from demons can seek out a spirit-filled believer who has faith in the name of Jesus and with a prayer of faith and the use of the name of Jesus the demons will have to flee. A spirit-filled believer is anyone who is baptized in the Holy Spirit. One of the gifts that accompanies those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit is the gift of speaking in tongues. A person who is baptized in the Holy Spirit will also receive the power to overcome even deadly things that would harm them. Should a serpent bite them, it will not harm them. Should they accidentally drink something deadly, it will not hurt them. They are even given the power to lay hands on the sick and through God's divine power the sick will be healed. The Lord works with His believers to confirm the Word of God with signs following.
Mark 16:15-20:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
The reason that the name of the Lord is like a high tower that we can run into for safety, is because Jesus came to save us and deliver us from our sins and Satan. There is safety in God. When the angel appeared to Joseph to tell him to marry Mary, as she was pregnant by the Holy Ghost; this angel also told him what to call his name. His name was to be called JESUS as He would save the people from their sins. In the Old Testament it was prophesied that a virgin would have a son and his name would be called Emmanuel, which means "God with us." By taking the name of Jesus, we are also taking "God with us." How wonderful!!
Matthew 1:20-23:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that we can run to You and find safety. Lord, there are so many things we face in this world that are dangerous, it is good to know that you are like a "high tower of safety." Thank you, for watching over me and my family and my friends. I also pray for the whole family of God and ask that You watch over each one of Your own. Guide us, your people, in the right ways. Keep us from harm and temptation. Thank you also for the privilege of using the mighty name of Jesus, at which the enemy flees. May we all realize the power that we can have through the Holy Spirit, and grant us the faith to use it. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 18:10(Amp): 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the (consistently) righteous man -- upright and in right standing with God -- runs into it and is safe, high (above evil) and strong.
Thoughts for the Day
This verse in Proverbs reveals the power and safety that is in the name of the Lord. All through the Bible when anyone called on the name of the Lord, we see how God responded in power to those calls. Why is the name of the Lord so powerful? What is in a name? Behind every name there is a person or object. A name represents the person or the describes the object. Behind the name of the Lord, is the name of Jesus, the name of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, (who is the third person of the Trinity). The name of the Lord Jesus is backed up by all the power and resources of Heaven itself! Therefore, when a believer calls on the name of Jesus, he has access to all the resources of Heaven as well.
By way of illustration, when a woman marries a man, she takes his name as her own. Legally, she has right then to all that belongs to her husband. If he has a bank account, then all the money that is in it, is hers too, when they have a joint account. If she wanted to, she can sign her name to a check and withdraw it, just as if it was all hers. Of course, she would never do this without his permission, if she loves him. She would only take out what they agreed on.
If he is an honorable man, then she will be held in honor and esteem, because of his good name. When we give our lives to the Lord, we take His name as our own, as we become His bride. We can then have access to all that belongs to Jesus, if we have totally committed our life to Him. When we have a love relationship with Jesus and we obey Him, we have access to all that is His. He said that we can ask anything in His name and receive it. When we have this kind of relationship, we will not ask for the wrong things, as we will only ask for those things that are according to His will.
John 14:12-15:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
In the Great Commission of the Lord, we are told to go and preach the gospel to every creature. If they believe and are baptized, they will be saved; if not, they will be damned. Jesus goes on to tell his followers that certain signs will follow those that believe. One of those signs is that they can use the name of Jesus to cast out devils. Anyone who needs deliverance from demons can seek out a spirit-filled believer who has faith in the name of Jesus and with a prayer of faith and the use of the name of Jesus the demons will have to flee. A spirit-filled believer is anyone who is baptized in the Holy Spirit. One of the gifts that accompanies those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit is the gift of speaking in tongues. A person who is baptized in the Holy Spirit will also receive the power to overcome even deadly things that would harm them. Should a serpent bite them, it will not harm them. Should they accidentally drink something deadly, it will not hurt them. They are even given the power to lay hands on the sick and through God's divine power the sick will be healed. The Lord works with His believers to confirm the Word of God with signs following.
Mark 16:15-20:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
The reason that the name of the Lord is like a high tower that we can run into for safety, is because Jesus came to save us and deliver us from our sins and Satan. There is safety in God. When the angel appeared to Joseph to tell him to marry Mary, as she was pregnant by the Holy Ghost; this angel also told him what to call his name. His name was to be called JESUS as He would save the people from their sins. In the Old Testament it was prophesied that a virgin would have a son and his name would be called Emmanuel, which means "God with us." By taking the name of Jesus, we are also taking "God with us." How wonderful!!
Matthew 1:20-23:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that we can run to You and find safety. Lord, there are so many things we face in this world that are dangerous, it is good to know that you are like a "high tower of safety." Thank you, for watching over me and my family and my friends. I also pray for the whole family of God and ask that You watch over each one of Your own. Guide us, your people, in the right ways. Keep us from harm and temptation. Thank you also for the privilege of using the mighty name of Jesus, at which the enemy flees. May we all realize the power that we can have through the Holy Spirit, and grant us the faith to use it. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 156 (KJV):Proverbs 18:4(KJV): "The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook."
Proverbs 18:4(Amp):" The words of a (discreet and wise) man's mouth are as deep waters (plenteous and difficult to fathom); and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is as a gushing stream (sparkling, fresh, pure and life-giving)."
Thoughts for the Day
This verse in Proverbs describes a wise man's words as deep, pure waters that bring life. This verse tells us that the words of a wise man are not just surface words, but words that come up out of a man's very being. We have heard the expression, when commenting about superficial people, that they are spoken of as "shallow;" and lacking any depth. This verse contrasts those kind of people, with a wise man of God who is a man of depth. His words are like a gushing stream whose waters are sparkling, fresh, pure and life-giving. A man (or woman) whose words are like this, is someone who is full of the Spirit and the word of God. It is the Word of God that is brings life and refreshing to others. Jesus told us we could be filled with His Holy Spirit. When we yield to Him, we can be His spokesperson and impart that same life He gave us, to others.
John 7:37-39:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Before the Charismatic renewal came, there were many people in the denominational church world who had never heard about the beautiful gifts of the Holy Spirit. God saw the need for this beautiful truth to be restored to His entire church so He began pouring out His Holy Spirit upon all of His people regardless of their church affiliation, and many received and began "speaking in tongues" and "praising the Lord."
"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" (Acts 2:17-18).
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:38-39). "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God" (Acts 10:44-46).
Peter prophesied that the baptism with the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) would be available to all believers in the last days. The last days refer to the time between the first Advent (birth of Christ) and the Second Advent (the coming of Jesus to establish His kingdom). Therefore we are living in the last days. The first Advent has already occurred and He is coming soon to establish His reign. It is evident that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is being poured out today on all who will receive it. Many who are receiving are so overjoyed with this beautiful experience they begin to enthusiastically share it with others. Sometimes in their enthusiasm, "speaking in tongues" is stressed beyond what the Holy Spirit intends. This then puts too much emphasis on "speaking in tongues" instead of on the real gift of the Holy Spirit, which is being filled with His Presence.
This out-of-balance emphasis causes the gifts to become more important than the Giver. The Holy Spirit's presence is always more important than that of the evidence of that presence. However, we need both God's nature (love) and God's power (His gifts). We should stress neither to the point of being imbalanced. The Lord wants His entire church to enjoy all of His blessings and gifts. Instead, those who are gifted, many times, look down on those who do not know the blessings of Pentecost. On the other hand, those who haven't experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit often view those who "speak in tongues" with distaste, especially when they have not sought the Lord in regard to this experience. The world of non-believers views a split, even confused, church. We should not reject something new, just because we do not understand it. We would have never gotten saved if we had taken this attitude.
Certainly, we are admonished to be on guard and not just receive and believe everything we hear. However, some go to such extremes as to become narrow-minded and closed to some beautiful truths in the name of being careful. What should our role as Christians be in regard to acceptance of a new thought, idea or doctrine? We are told to prove all things, not to reject them because they might be strange or new to us. However, we should not receive them either, until we first prove them. How do we prove things? All true Christians are in agreement that our standard is the Word of God, the Bible. God left us this Book as a reference, standard, or gauge so we could know whether something is good or evil, truth or error, right or wrong.
2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
One of our major faults as Christians is that we tend to quote men on certain subjects instead of referring to the Book God gave us. If we go before God with an open heart and ask Him in faith to show us what is truth, He will certainly do so, as He will not give us a stone if we ask for bread. If we ask Him to give us the gift of the Holy Spirit, He will do it.
Luke 11:11-13:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. When You baptized me in the Holy Ghost, You gave me a gift of boldness to witness and a desire to pray more. I also appreciate the power the Holy Spirit that enables me to resist sin and temptation. Lord, without You and Your Holy Spirit, I would be overcome by the enemy. With Your Spirit though, I am able to resist the devil and cause him to flee. I also appreciate the freedom to worship You by praying in the Spirit.Through Your gift of the Spirit, You have also revealed more of the Bible to me. Lord, fill us all daily with Your love and Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life, and the lives of those I pray for. We need you, Lord. Use us as Your servants and help us to be open to receive all You have for us. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 18:4(Amp):" The words of a (discreet and wise) man's mouth are as deep waters (plenteous and difficult to fathom); and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is as a gushing stream (sparkling, fresh, pure and life-giving)."
Thoughts for the Day
This verse in Proverbs describes a wise man's words as deep, pure waters that bring life. This verse tells us that the words of a wise man are not just surface words, but words that come up out of a man's very being. We have heard the expression, when commenting about superficial people, that they are spoken of as "shallow;" and lacking any depth. This verse contrasts those kind of people, with a wise man of God who is a man of depth. His words are like a gushing stream whose waters are sparkling, fresh, pure and life-giving. A man (or woman) whose words are like this, is someone who is full of the Spirit and the word of God. It is the Word of God that is brings life and refreshing to others. Jesus told us we could be filled with His Holy Spirit. When we yield to Him, we can be His spokesperson and impart that same life He gave us, to others.
John 7:37-39:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Before the Charismatic renewal came, there were many people in the denominational church world who had never heard about the beautiful gifts of the Holy Spirit. God saw the need for this beautiful truth to be restored to His entire church so He began pouring out His Holy Spirit upon all of His people regardless of their church affiliation, and many received and began "speaking in tongues" and "praising the Lord."
"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" (Acts 2:17-18).
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:38-39). "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God" (Acts 10:44-46).
Peter prophesied that the baptism with the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) would be available to all believers in the last days. The last days refer to the time between the first Advent (birth of Christ) and the Second Advent (the coming of Jesus to establish His kingdom). Therefore we are living in the last days. The first Advent has already occurred and He is coming soon to establish His reign. It is evident that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is being poured out today on all who will receive it. Many who are receiving are so overjoyed with this beautiful experience they begin to enthusiastically share it with others. Sometimes in their enthusiasm, "speaking in tongues" is stressed beyond what the Holy Spirit intends. This then puts too much emphasis on "speaking in tongues" instead of on the real gift of the Holy Spirit, which is being filled with His Presence.
This out-of-balance emphasis causes the gifts to become more important than the Giver. The Holy Spirit's presence is always more important than that of the evidence of that presence. However, we need both God's nature (love) and God's power (His gifts). We should stress neither to the point of being imbalanced. The Lord wants His entire church to enjoy all of His blessings and gifts. Instead, those who are gifted, many times, look down on those who do not know the blessings of Pentecost. On the other hand, those who haven't experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit often view those who "speak in tongues" with distaste, especially when they have not sought the Lord in regard to this experience. The world of non-believers views a split, even confused, church. We should not reject something new, just because we do not understand it. We would have never gotten saved if we had taken this attitude.
Certainly, we are admonished to be on guard and not just receive and believe everything we hear. However, some go to such extremes as to become narrow-minded and closed to some beautiful truths in the name of being careful. What should our role as Christians be in regard to acceptance of a new thought, idea or doctrine? We are told to prove all things, not to reject them because they might be strange or new to us. However, we should not receive them either, until we first prove them. How do we prove things? All true Christians are in agreement that our standard is the Word of God, the Bible. God left us this Book as a reference, standard, or gauge so we could know whether something is good or evil, truth or error, right or wrong.
2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
One of our major faults as Christians is that we tend to quote men on certain subjects instead of referring to the Book God gave us. If we go before God with an open heart and ask Him in faith to show us what is truth, He will certainly do so, as He will not give us a stone if we ask for bread. If we ask Him to give us the gift of the Holy Spirit, He will do it.
Luke 11:11-13:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. When You baptized me in the Holy Ghost, You gave me a gift of boldness to witness and a desire to pray more. I also appreciate the power the Holy Spirit that enables me to resist sin and temptation. Lord, without You and Your Holy Spirit, I would be overcome by the enemy. With Your Spirit though, I am able to resist the devil and cause him to flee. I also appreciate the freedom to worship You by praying in the Spirit.Through Your gift of the Spirit, You have also revealed more of the Bible to me. Lord, fill us all daily with Your love and Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life, and the lives of those I pray for. We need you, Lord. Use us as Your servants and help us to be open to receive all You have for us. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
P.S.
Our job as Christians is to go and tell about Christ. He has risen. We no longer have to be the old us that don't have joy or peace. Turn from that man and become the new man that is spirit filled that will help you every step of the way. You always have a comforter, you are not alone.
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 155 (KJV):Proverbs 18:1-3(KJV): 1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
Proverbs 18:1-3(Amp):1 He who willfully separates and estranges himself (from God and man) seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgement.2 A (self-confident ) fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself. 3 When the wicked comes in (to the depth of evil), he becomes a contemptuous despiser (of all that is pure and good), and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses in Proverbs tell us that those who seek to live without God and without other people are not only selfish, they also seek their own way and refuse all wisdom and good judgment. Verse 1 gives us a description of a hermit or recluse who has abandoned society to pursue their own way and do their own thing. This is sinful, as God created man for two purposes. One, He desires a personal relationship with us; and then, He desires men to live together in harmony so they will be a help and blessing to one another. After God created Adam, He said, it was not good that man should live alone, so he made him a companion and helper.
Genesis 2:18: "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."
The Lord is the inventor of marriage and families. He created men and women and desired that they live together in harmony and raise families. In today's society the devil is actively trying to destroy marriages and families in many different ways. One of his most successful ploys is to separate families. This is done in different ways. Homosexuals are trying to redefine the family unit by sanctioning men to live with men sexually, (as well as women living with women, the same way). The Bible definition of a family is a husband and a wife who procreate by having children. This is the core family. Certainly when a member of this family dies or leaves the others are still considered family. Some families also include others in their circle by inviting them to live with them. This may be a extended family member, or others, who are adopted in love by the family because they need a home.
The devil also separates families by divorce. It is sad to say that most divorces are caused by selfishness. Each party wants their way and is not serving their mate. As Christians we must love one another and lay our lives down for one another. If this is not done at the basic level in a marriage, then our Christianity is hollow. In our society doing our own thing is glamorized. We have all heard statements like: "We should be fulfilled. "We should not waste our lives in a bad marriage. "We should not put up with the things in our mates that we do not like. "We have our rights and they should come first. "We should not live for our mates and our children, but for our own careers and goals." These are just a few things the enemy uses to begin his case for divorce.
As Christians, our goal should not be to please ourselves, but to please Him who gave His life for us. If we are truly committed to God, we will seek to obey God and serve Him in all of our ways. The first place our Christian love gets tested is in our homes. If we can not love one another there, how then, can we love others outside our homes? 1 Corinthians 13 in the Bible gives us a definition of what true Christian love embraces. The word "love" is used loosely in the world. It usually means an emotional feeling, a desire to be with someone, and can even be just physical lust for someone.This is not the definition of God's love. He loves back, when He is not loved. He laid His life down so that we might have life. God is a giver not a taker. As His children, we are challenged to be like Him. We can only do this as we allow Him to live in and through us.
Verse 2 of our study verses describes many a person in today's society. They have no delight in understanding God's ways nor even listening to another's opinions. They are prideful and just revel in their own personal opinions. Verse 3 goes on to describe how a wicked person who serves himself will go deeper into the depths of evil, as selfishness will lead a person into many evils. A person who does not overcome selfishness will end up committing many other sins. The baseness of their own heart will cause them to commit overt sins that will, to their own shame, eventually be seen by all. Many of our public figures today have had to endure shame when their secret sins were exposed. We can avoid this kind of life if we seek God and seek to do His will. When we serve and obey God, we will serve those around us in love.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us. Lord, You loved us even when we were unlovely. I am ever grateful for Your love. Fill me today with Your love so that I can be like You and love the unlovely and be kind to everyone, including the wicked. Lord, You love everyone, as You send Your rain on the unjust, as well as the just. Help me to love those who touch my life that are not always kind to me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that my character does not change when people come against me. I truly want to be able to bless my enemies and do good to them. I know I can only do this through allowing Your love to come through me. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proverbs 18:1-3(Amp):1 He who willfully separates and estranges himself (from God and man) seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgement.2 A (self-confident ) fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself. 3 When the wicked comes in (to the depth of evil), he becomes a contemptuous despiser (of all that is pure and good), and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses in Proverbs tell us that those who seek to live without God and without other people are not only selfish, they also seek their own way and refuse all wisdom and good judgment. Verse 1 gives us a description of a hermit or recluse who has abandoned society to pursue their own way and do their own thing. This is sinful, as God created man for two purposes. One, He desires a personal relationship with us; and then, He desires men to live together in harmony so they will be a help and blessing to one another. After God created Adam, He said, it was not good that man should live alone, so he made him a companion and helper.
Genesis 2:18: "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."
The Lord is the inventor of marriage and families. He created men and women and desired that they live together in harmony and raise families. In today's society the devil is actively trying to destroy marriages and families in many different ways. One of his most successful ploys is to separate families. This is done in different ways. Homosexuals are trying to redefine the family unit by sanctioning men to live with men sexually, (as well as women living with women, the same way). The Bible definition of a family is a husband and a wife who procreate by having children. This is the core family. Certainly when a member of this family dies or leaves the others are still considered family. Some families also include others in their circle by inviting them to live with them. This may be a extended family member, or others, who are adopted in love by the family because they need a home.
The devil also separates families by divorce. It is sad to say that most divorces are caused by selfishness. Each party wants their way and is not serving their mate. As Christians we must love one another and lay our lives down for one another. If this is not done at the basic level in a marriage, then our Christianity is hollow. In our society doing our own thing is glamorized. We have all heard statements like: "We should be fulfilled. "We should not waste our lives in a bad marriage. "We should not put up with the things in our mates that we do not like. "We have our rights and they should come first. "We should not live for our mates and our children, but for our own careers and goals." These are just a few things the enemy uses to begin his case for divorce.
As Christians, our goal should not be to please ourselves, but to please Him who gave His life for us. If we are truly committed to God, we will seek to obey God and serve Him in all of our ways. The first place our Christian love gets tested is in our homes. If we can not love one another there, how then, can we love others outside our homes? 1 Corinthians 13 in the Bible gives us a definition of what true Christian love embraces. The word "love" is used loosely in the world. It usually means an emotional feeling, a desire to be with someone, and can even be just physical lust for someone.This is not the definition of God's love. He loves back, when He is not loved. He laid His life down so that we might have life. God is a giver not a taker. As His children, we are challenged to be like Him. We can only do this as we allow Him to live in and through us.
Verse 2 of our study verses describes many a person in today's society. They have no delight in understanding God's ways nor even listening to another's opinions. They are prideful and just revel in their own personal opinions. Verse 3 goes on to describe how a wicked person who serves himself will go deeper into the depths of evil, as selfishness will lead a person into many evils. A person who does not overcome selfishness will end up committing many other sins. The baseness of their own heart will cause them to commit overt sins that will, to their own shame, eventually be seen by all. Many of our public figures today have had to endure shame when their secret sins were exposed. We can avoid this kind of life if we seek God and seek to do His will. When we serve and obey God, we will serve those around us in love.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us. Lord, You loved us even when we were unlovely. I am ever grateful for Your love. Fill me today with Your love so that I can be like You and love the unlovely and be kind to everyone, including the wicked. Lord, You love everyone, as You send Your rain on the unjust, as well as the just. Help me to love those who touch my life that are not always kind to me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that my character does not change when people come against me. I truly want to be able to bless my enemies and do good to them. I know I can only do this through allowing Your love to come through me. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 154 (KJV):Proverbs 17:26-28(KJV): 26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:26-28(Amp):26 Also to punish or fine the righteous is not good, nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.28 Even a fool when he holds peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses in Proverbs continue to compare the actions of the righteous with the actions of the wicked. Verse 26 states that punishing the just and smiting noble people because of their uprightness is not a good thing. Throughout history those who have punished the righteous to make an example of them in some way, would usually find that it backfired, as the people would make martyrs of them. Whatever cause they were punished or killed for, in the eyes of the people they became heroes. Their followers were inspired to fight even stronger for their faith and/or goals. Those who die for their beliefs are honored by others who hold that same belief.
Although at times, the book of Proverbs is repetitious, it is an excellent learning style, as repetition is a good teacher. Verses 27 and 28 stresses the value of holding one's tongue, as it does in many other places throughout the book. Many people's problems can be traced to foolish speech. In our society, we call it "mouthing off." It is wise to keep one's mouth shut under certain circumstances. A "loud mouth" will just stir up trouble. One can discern what is in a person's heart by what comes out of their mouth. Bragging and prideful words reveal a foolish heart, while the wise will speak edifying things.
Luke 6:45: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
Jude 1:16: "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."
The righteous are wise, in that they are not quick to speak, but rather, they ponder and think about how they should answer a person. The wicked just allow all the evil that is in their heart to pour out of their mouth. If we are wise, we will stop and think before we say something. People who just blurt out things invariably will cause damage with their mouths.
Those who are wise will say things that are good and right. When people harbor resentment and bitterness and speak harsh words, the Bible calls them fools. No one likes to be around those who have an ugly disposition and are continually voicing unpleasant things. We must guard our hearts, and one way to do that is to watch what we say, as even our own words can bring a curse to our lives if we continue to speak negative and destructive things.
Excellent and fine speech does not become a fool. You can judge a man by what kind of speech is coming out of his mouth. A fool will not be speaking the Word of God, but will utter foolish things. A perverse mind and a foul mouth pave the way for mischief and many troubles. However, even a fool is esteemed wise when he holds his mouth. We need the Holy Spirit to help us guard our minds and our mouths so that we speak edifying things that bless others. As we do this, we shall be blessed. When a man uses his words wisely and sparingly he is known as a man of understanding with an excellent spirit.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your many blessings. As I face each new day Lord, may I do so with an expectation that You will prevail in my live and help me do Your will. Help me to guard my lips and speak things that are good and right. Let me refrain my lips from all evil. Lord, I want my tongue to be an instrument of righteousness in Your ears. Help me to keep my mouth shut when I need to do so, and help me to open it and speak when you are prompting me to do so. Give me the Holy boldness to witness to others of Your love and grace, and to hold my peace when I should. I ask this in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 17:26-28(Amp):26 Also to punish or fine the righteous is not good, nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.28 Even a fool when he holds peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses in Proverbs continue to compare the actions of the righteous with the actions of the wicked. Verse 26 states that punishing the just and smiting noble people because of their uprightness is not a good thing. Throughout history those who have punished the righteous to make an example of them in some way, would usually find that it backfired, as the people would make martyrs of them. Whatever cause they were punished or killed for, in the eyes of the people they became heroes. Their followers were inspired to fight even stronger for their faith and/or goals. Those who die for their beliefs are honored by others who hold that same belief.
Although at times, the book of Proverbs is repetitious, it is an excellent learning style, as repetition is a good teacher. Verses 27 and 28 stresses the value of holding one's tongue, as it does in many other places throughout the book. Many people's problems can be traced to foolish speech. In our society, we call it "mouthing off." It is wise to keep one's mouth shut under certain circumstances. A "loud mouth" will just stir up trouble. One can discern what is in a person's heart by what comes out of their mouth. Bragging and prideful words reveal a foolish heart, while the wise will speak edifying things.
Luke 6:45: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
Jude 1:16: "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."
The righteous are wise, in that they are not quick to speak, but rather, they ponder and think about how they should answer a person. The wicked just allow all the evil that is in their heart to pour out of their mouth. If we are wise, we will stop and think before we say something. People who just blurt out things invariably will cause damage with their mouths.
Those who are wise will say things that are good and right. When people harbor resentment and bitterness and speak harsh words, the Bible calls them fools. No one likes to be around those who have an ugly disposition and are continually voicing unpleasant things. We must guard our hearts, and one way to do that is to watch what we say, as even our own words can bring a curse to our lives if we continue to speak negative and destructive things.
Excellent and fine speech does not become a fool. You can judge a man by what kind of speech is coming out of his mouth. A fool will not be speaking the Word of God, but will utter foolish things. A perverse mind and a foul mouth pave the way for mischief and many troubles. However, even a fool is esteemed wise when he holds his mouth. We need the Holy Spirit to help us guard our minds and our mouths so that we speak edifying things that bless others. As we do this, we shall be blessed. When a man uses his words wisely and sparingly he is known as a man of understanding with an excellent spirit.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your many blessings. As I face each new day Lord, may I do so with an expectation that You will prevail in my live and help me do Your will. Help me to guard my lips and speak things that are good and right. Let me refrain my lips from all evil. Lord, I want my tongue to be an instrument of righteousness in Your ears. Help me to keep my mouth shut when I need to do so, and help me to open it and speak when you are prompting me to do so. Give me the Holy boldness to witness to others of Your love and grace, and to hold my peace when I should. I ask this in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
P.S.
Ask God to show you yourself through his eyes. You will see a winner, a conquer over all situations, someone full of trust, some that possess the fruit of the spirit, and some one that is made in the image of him.
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 153 (KJV):Proverbs 17:23-25(KJV): 23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
Proverbs 17:23-25(Amp):23 A wicked man receives a bribe out of the bosom (pocket) to pervert the ways of justice.24 A man of understanding sets skillful and godly Wisdom before his face, but the eyes of a (self confident) fool are on the ends of the earth.25 A self-confident and foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses in Proverbs continue to expose the actions of wicked men -- men who lie and take bribes, men who are irresponsible. Verse 23 tells of the man who will lie and pervert judgement for a gift that is a bribe. Dishonest men do not care who they hurt. They always look out for number one. In today's society, selfishness is rampant. Many people are easily tempted to do things if the price is right, no matter who they hurt. That is why some innocent men are in jail. They are not guilty, but someone perverted judgement and through lies and deceit they were judged wrongly. Joseph was a man in the Bible who was jailed through false accusations. Joseph was a steward over Potiphar's house. Potiphar had a wife who was a flirt and she tempted Joseph to have an affair with her while her husband was gone, but he refused. This angered her and when her husband came home she accused Joseph of trying to seduce her. This led to Joseph's imprisonment because of her false accusation. Joseph refused to become bitter even though he suffered in the prison. He used that time to get closer to God, and in time, the Lord made a way for his release and promotion to the second highest position in Egypt as Pharoah's right-hand man.
Genesis 39:7-21:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Proverbs 17:24 describes a man like Joseph. He was a man of understanding and used skillful and godly wisdom in all of his affairs; therefore, God promoted him from a pit to overseer of Potiphar's house, and then from prison to Pharaoh's right hand man. This should be an encouragement to all who may be in the pits or in a prison of any kind. He is able to bring us out and honor us when we honor Him, no matter what our circumstances are.
Fools, on the other hand, do not have their eyes on the Lord, but rather are always looking to the ends of the earth. They are always looking to see how they can get the most from the world. Many have a wanderlust spirit, and would just like to roam the world with no responsibility. Because they do not take their responsibility, they never are promoted in this life. In verse 25 of Proverbs, we read that parents who have this kind of son (or daughter) experience much grief and heartbreak because of their foolish children.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You with a thankful heart for all that You have done in my life. Thank You for the many answers to my prayers and I appreciate You always being there when I call. Lord, I pray for all of those who do not know You. Use Your children to tell them about the good news of salvation. Give each of us Holy boldness to witness to those around us who need to hear about the love of Jesus. May our lives be a testimony of Your love. Forgive us when we fail You and help us to overcome all the things that would hinder us from being like You. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 17:23-25(Amp):23 A wicked man receives a bribe out of the bosom (pocket) to pervert the ways of justice.24 A man of understanding sets skillful and godly Wisdom before his face, but the eyes of a (self confident) fool are on the ends of the earth.25 A self-confident and foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses in Proverbs continue to expose the actions of wicked men -- men who lie and take bribes, men who are irresponsible. Verse 23 tells of the man who will lie and pervert judgement for a gift that is a bribe. Dishonest men do not care who they hurt. They always look out for number one. In today's society, selfishness is rampant. Many people are easily tempted to do things if the price is right, no matter who they hurt. That is why some innocent men are in jail. They are not guilty, but someone perverted judgement and through lies and deceit they were judged wrongly. Joseph was a man in the Bible who was jailed through false accusations. Joseph was a steward over Potiphar's house. Potiphar had a wife who was a flirt and she tempted Joseph to have an affair with her while her husband was gone, but he refused. This angered her and when her husband came home she accused Joseph of trying to seduce her. This led to Joseph's imprisonment because of her false accusation. Joseph refused to become bitter even though he suffered in the prison. He used that time to get closer to God, and in time, the Lord made a way for his release and promotion to the second highest position in Egypt as Pharoah's right-hand man.
Genesis 39:7-21:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Proverbs 17:24 describes a man like Joseph. He was a man of understanding and used skillful and godly wisdom in all of his affairs; therefore, God promoted him from a pit to overseer of Potiphar's house, and then from prison to Pharaoh's right hand man. This should be an encouragement to all who may be in the pits or in a prison of any kind. He is able to bring us out and honor us when we honor Him, no matter what our circumstances are.
Fools, on the other hand, do not have their eyes on the Lord, but rather are always looking to the ends of the earth. They are always looking to see how they can get the most from the world. Many have a wanderlust spirit, and would just like to roam the world with no responsibility. Because they do not take their responsibility, they never are promoted in this life. In verse 25 of Proverbs, we read that parents who have this kind of son (or daughter) experience much grief and heartbreak because of their foolish children.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You with a thankful heart for all that You have done in my life. Thank You for the many answers to my prayers and I appreciate You always being there when I call. Lord, I pray for all of those who do not know You. Use Your children to tell them about the good news of salvation. Give each of us Holy boldness to witness to those around us who need to hear about the love of Jesus. May our lives be a testimony of Your love. Forgive us when we fail You and help us to overcome all the things that would hinder us from being like You. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
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