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

spiritual warfare

Every morning, believers are at war. According to Scripture, spiritual warfare is certain. Yet some Christians fail to take it seriously. But the Word is clear that each day, we awaken to a real, personal battle.

Failure to recognize this vital truth results in painful defeat time and again. Some dedicated Christians may get confused and frustrated because they continually experience failure in their spiritual lives. Just when they believe they've overcome temptation, it rises up to defeat them again.

One of the main reasons the Enemy defeats Christians is because he catches them off guard. These believers go about their days without giving a single thought to the war being waged in their own lives.

At the same time, they may develop a hardened attitude toward the Scriptures. Some might say, "God, if Your Word is as powerful as You say, then why isn't it working in my life?"

The issue isn't that the Word lacks influence. The problem is, we often fail to recognize the intense spiritual battle taking place. We're at war. And it's a fight for our spiritual lives. The only way we can survive this conflict is by preparing for combat.

How seriously do you take spiritual conflict? I challenge you to watch for spiritual attacks today. They should be easy to spot. In this weekend's devotional, we'll learn exactly how to pray using the armor of God.

About the Author
This devotional was written by Dr Charles Stanley