CHARACTER 10-26

What determines our financial worth? Do we compute it in terms of dollars, or possessions, or investments? Paul reminded Timothy that ultimate gain, the gain of inestimable value, is really determined by a very simple formula: net worth = (godly character) X (contentment). What would happen if we recognized the truly wealthy as those who were godly in their character and contented with their blessings in life?

O LORD God, the one from whom every blessing flows, readjust my values from the greed of this world to a holy set of financial convictions. Conform my character to the godliness that Jesus demonstrated in his daily life. Teach me the contentment that can be found only in you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

OCT 27, 2008

In our battle against evil, we use the spiritual weapons of God that enable us to know the truth and the freedom that the truth brings. The devil's greatest tools are deception and death. God's grace allows us to see through the deception and demolish its falsifying grip on the minds of men and women and on ourselves. God's power has broken through the barrier of death and given us victory in Jesus Christ. Our task in this victory march? To obey our Lord and help others to do the same, finding his grace and power sufficient to help us overcome all that we face that could defeat us.

Father, please use me to defeat the power of the devil and his influence on the lives of the ones that I love and on myself. In Jesus' name. Amen.

HE BORE OUR SINS 10-25

He bore our sins. He didn't just carry them; he suffered the penalty we deserved. His anguish was our healing. His suffering was our righteousness. How can we ever think of going back to sin after he suffered so much to bear its penalty?

Holy God, how you could stand to see your precious Son under the weight of my sin, all sin, I will never understand. Thank you for such a great love and for being so great a God. There is none who can be compared to you, O God. Your greatness is beyond imagining and your love beyond my dreams. I will live today to your glory through Jesus who bore my sin so I could be your child. In the precious name of your Son I pray. Amen.

Praise His name....don't curse it!!!

"Stand up and shout it if you love my Jesus..." That's a song our children love to sing! But what happens to that youthful exuberance and joy at worshiping the Lord? God doesn't want us to lose it. In a world which regularly uses God's name in vain, isn't it time we stood up and praised him -- not only in church (our private worship) and in our daily devotionals (our personal worship), but also in our lives every day (our public worship)?!

Heavenly Father, I find it incomprehensible that an eternal and almighty God would choose to listen to my prayers. Yet I know you do hear them and respond to them. Thank you! Please receive my praise in my worship, whether I offer it in private with other Christians, in my daily personal worship or in my public worship as I live as an example before my coworkers. You alone are God and worthy of all praise, please receive the praise I seek to offer you in my life as well as through my words. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Mother's

Many of us know the blessing of a mother who always sought the best for her family. She offered physical care, emotional support, encouragement, and protection. God desires that we honor mothers throughout their lives. Consider three simple ways:

First, help her cheerfully. Mother appreciates helpers with a good attitude. But she also values their companionship. The family's willingness to spend time with Mom while she carries out her tasks will bring her joy. As children become adults, it's important that they find ways of making her a regular part of their lives.

Second, treat her kindly. The kind son or daughter desires to meet Mom's needs in thoughtful, sensitive ways. Young children can do this through respectful speech and obedient actions. Adults can demonstrate respect by hugging Mom and expressing how much they love her. They can also show care through acts of service. Families who live far apart still need to identify opportunities to assist her. Remember, the older Mother becomes, the more help she will need.

Third, provide for her generously. Ever notice how easily pleased some mothers are? Since she wants her husband and children to have what they desire, Mom often willingly accepts what's left over. But honoring a mother means meeting her needs first, giving more than the little she expects, and offering your very best.

Our heavenly Father helps us whenever we ask and treats us with infinite kindness. He provides generously for us. Let's do the same for our moms.

LISTEN TO YOUR WORDS!

Have you listened lately to the words you use when you speak to those nearest and dearest to you?

Sometimes in the hurried flurry of our day we simply overlook the way we are communicating. We excuse our hasty words and harsh tones because we are tired or stressed.

God's Word reminds us that our words are very important. We need to take responsibility for what comes out of our mouths. Listen to these wise words...

"Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18).

Our sharp words have the ability to cut the people around us. A wise woman will consider what her words are doing and will seek to communicate in a way that brings healing rather than hurt.

We know that our communication is made up of words, tone and body language.
* Our words only make up about 7% of our communication.
* Our tones make up 38%.
* Our body language makes up the remaining 55%.

Take note today of what your communication sounds and looks like. It may surprise you. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to be wise in your speech and gentle in your tones and body language.

The world out there is filled with sharp words of sarcasm, criticism, negativity and worry. Go against the flow and ask God to help you bring a calm and gentle spirit to your home and workplace today through the way you communicate.

Hearts all around us are hurting. You have a unique opportunity today to be a woman of wisdom in the way you communicate. With God's help bring encouragement and healing through your words, tones and body language.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the many times words spring from my mouth that are unnecessary comments of gossip, hurt or criticism. Today I ask that Your Holy Spirit will be my guide in my communication. Nudge me when I am ready to speak piercing words. Fill me with Your gentleness and compassion and remind me that my tones and body language are communicating too. Help me to take responsibility for what comes out of my mouth. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

armor of God

Prepare yourself for each day's spiritual challenges by making the following prayer part of your morning routine: "Dear Lord, as I get out of bed today, I know I'm stepping onto a battlefield. But I also know You've given me everything I need to stand firm. So in the power of Your Holy Spirit, I put on the armor of God: "First, I place the helmet of salvation on my head. Protect my mind and imagination. Guard my eyes, allowing no sin to creep in. Focus my thoughts on the things of God. Let the breastplate of righteousness keep my heart and emotions safe. I pray that I won't be governed by my feelings, but by truth. Wrap Your Word around me like a belt. And safeguard me from error. I put on the sandals of peace to guide my steps. Plant my feet in Your truth. Empower me to stand firm against attack. "Next, I take up the shield of faith. Protect me from Satan's fiery arrows. Place me shoulder to shoulder with Your army to oppose the Devil's schemes. Finally, I take up the sword of the Spirit, Your Word. Help me to read the Bible in a fresh, exciting way so I will always be ready to deflect attacks and pierce hearts with Your truth. "I know I'll face assaults today, Lord. But You've empowered me to stand firm. Give me strength for the battle today." Without God's armor, you're as vulnerable as a soldier who goes into battle wearing only a bathing suit. Get dressed for success!

seeking God 4-26-07

King Hezekiah of Judah served the Lord faithfully. He intentionally pursued righteous living for most of his life. He sought God devotedly, and the Lord allowed him to prosper.

Our Father wants us intimately connected with Him, like a child whose relationship with his parent is marked by deep, mutual love. Seeking after God is characterized by several traits:

Believers who seek God should approach Him wholeheartedly. When we read Scripture or pray with a distracted mind, we have a divided heart. God desires our full attention. He wants us to keep Him in first place. Jeremiah 29:13 points to the importance of giving the Lord priority above everything else.

Christians should also diligently seek God. Our attitude should include a sense of devotion to God and careful attention to His will. This requires a steady effort to understand how God operates and what He wants us to do.

In addition to diligence, believers should approach God with persistence. Psalm 42:1 says seeking the Lord should be a continual, sustained effort toward deeper intimacy and involvement in His work.

We should be confident in seeking God. Our heavenly Father wants us to know Him. And He desires the best for us. Proverbs 3:5 says that trust is an essential component of confidence.

Finally, it's important to approach the Lord with a humble spirit. We're totally dependent on God for everything in life. Scripture tells us in Isaiah 66:2 that He's pleased when we approach Him humbly.

When our hearts desire for God, He delights in revealing Himself and pouring out blessings (Hebrews 11:6). Make an honest assessment of how sincerely you're seeking after Him.

About the Author
This devotional was written by Dr Charles Stanley