Victory Temple Chantilly's Podcast
Home Of The Free
Subscribe
Word For You Today (Daily Devotion)
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
May 29, 2023
Try to be more gentle
"We were gentle among you." 1Th 2:7 NKJV
Wrecking balls are used to demolish things, but they're useless in the building process. With that picture in mind, ask yourself, "Do I use the force of my personality and the power of my position to impose my will on people and get them to do things my way?" If your answer is yes, then understand this: Those who are the most controlling are often the most afraid of being controlled! Question: What do you fear would happen if you treated others with respect and considered their input, ideas, and choices? Are fear and intimidation the only ways you can imagine of holding on to relationships?
Wouldn't you rather earn the love of others by being considerate rather than cruel, or are you willing to settle for fearful submission? If you need to, talk to a friend or counselor and try to get to the root of the deeper issues that are driving your behavior. Over the next week, try not to criticize or rob anyone of his or her right to choose. Remember that even God gives people the power of choice. And you're not God. Keep this challenge going for two more weeks or for as long as it takes to get your controlling attitude under control. Paul was prolific enough to write the epistles and powerful enough to raise the dead, yet he said, "We were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children" (v.
7 NKJV). When people made mistakes, Paul said,
"Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Gal
6:1 NKJV). So, the word for you today is-try to be more gentle.
Wrecking ballsSupport the show
playlist_add
May 29, 2023
A time to be careful
"If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" 1Co 10:12 NIV
The time to be careful is after you have reached your goals and you're celebrating your victories.
There are three crucial points in every battle, and believe it or not, the easiest one is sometimes the fight itself. The most difficult point is the period of indecision right before the conflict-whether to stand and fight or run away-the battle between faith and fear. But by far the most dangerous period is the aftermath. With your resources spent and your guard down, you need to watch for things like overconfidence, dulled reactions, and faulty judgment. Remember King David's story? "In the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle... David remained at Jerusalem. Then it happened...he saw a woman bathing...Then David sent messengers, and took her" (2Sa 11:1-2, 4 NKJV). Pay particular attention to the phrase, "Then it happened." David chose to stay home rather than go to battle. Who knows why? Maybe his impressive record of successes made him soft, or he got careless, or arrogant? It was only a brief affair, but it changed everything. His peace vanished, his character was ruined, and his family life destroyed.
Don't fall prey to the perils of past victories!
Remember your H.A.L.T. sign. When you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, you're in a vulnerable place and need to be extra careful. Resting on your laurels is synonymous with flirting with disaster. Trouble awaits the man or woman who dwells in the comfortable land of accomplished dreams. So, the word for you today is-"If you think you're standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"Support the show
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
God is calling you (3)
"I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail." Lk 22:32 NAS
God wants you to do His will, but you'll never reach the place of spiritual maturitv in which vou're
"Satan-free." You can overcome him, but you can't eliminate him. Look at Peter. He had only one gear: overdrive. He was always in the middle of everything that was going on, but he wasn't always on top of things. The man who ended up leading the church, first denied being a disciple of Jesus. Pretty shocking, eh? But nothing about us surprises God.
He doesn't call you and say, "I hope you're the right person." No; Jesus told Peter, "Satan has demanded...to sift vou like wheat: but I have praved for you, that your faith may not fail" (vv. 31-32
NAS). Isn't that an amazing revelation? Even when you don't know how to pray for yourself, Jesus is praying for you. "He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25). Jesus told Peter, "When...you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Lk
22:32 NAS. Out of the mess you're in today can come a ministry to others. Not only can God turn your life around, He can use you to turn the lives of others around too. And one more thing: God isn't apt to think you're worth "sifting" if you aren't doing something right in the first place. Sifting is a method of purifying, of straining out the debris and refining what remains. That means there had to be something worth salvaging in you at the outset.
Today God is calling you. Don't waste another moment; surrender your life to Him.
I Sifting is a method of purifying.Support the show
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
Your dream is still alive
The spirit of Jacob their father revived." Ge
45:27 NKJV
If the dream you believe God gave you seems dead, read this: "And they told him, saying, 'Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.' And Jacob's heart stood still, because he did not believe them. But...when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived" (vv. 26-27 NKJV). For years Jacob believed his son, the dreamer, was dead. But it was a lie. In his old age, wagons loaded with riches came to carrv him back to see his son who was now the prince of Egypt. Notice, when Jacob first heard it, "he did not believe them" (v. 26
NKJV). When you have lived in defeat and discouragement for years, it's hard to anticipate victory. No problem; God is patient. He will keep working with you. He will demonstrate His grace and goodness in such a way that you will start to trust Him again: "When he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived" (v. 27 NKJV). Don't believe your dream is dead and will never be fulfilled. And don't believe those who tell you that you're too old to fulfill the dream God gave you. God can pack more into the last chapters of your life than all those that preceded them. "Your old men [and women] shall dream dreams" (Joel 2:28). God is the giver of dreams. And He doesn't just give them, He resurrects them and empowers you to fulfill them.
It's not too late. You're not too old. What God did for Jacob-He can do for you.
I God is the giver of dreams.Support the show
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
Be Joyful
That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Ps 90:14 NIV
It doesn't help the cause of Christ when His followers go around looking miserable. You say,
"But I have problems." Everybody does. When the apostle Paul was in prison, he wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Php 4:4 IV). Expressing joy is something you do in spite of your circumstances, not because of them. The Bible says, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" (Isa 12:3
NIV). God has put a well of joy within you, but you have to draw it out and share it with others. Joy is contagious. Happiness travels through relational networks like ripples on a pond. It's so robust, in fact, that it can permeate three degrees of separation. That means your happiness quotient is more likely to increase when a friend of a friend of a friend becomes happy. We hunger for joy. "Satisfy us in the morning," writes the psalmist-but not with more money or power or applause. No, "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfai…
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
How could he do it?
"Christ died for us." Ro 5:8
If you watched Schindler's List, you probably came away asking, "How could they do it?" The showers... the ovens...the smokestacks belching out human ashes. Trains arriving every day with mothers, fathers, children, and old people-herded like cattle on the way to a slaughterhouse. And worst of all-soldiers who carried out orders without a shrug of conscience. How could they do it? The answer is sin! And if you think Hitler and his henchmen had a corner on it, think again! David says, "I was brought forth in iniquities, and in sin my mother conceived me" (Ps 51:5 NAS). His own sordid chapter of adultery and murder confirms that. Read this résumé; it describes each of us: "They've all taken the wrong turn.. all wandered down blind alleys..
Their throats are gaping graves, their tongues slick as mud slides...They open their mouths and pollute the air. They race for the honor of sinner-of-the-year" (Ro 3:12-15 MSG). If God did an evaluation on any one of us, that would be it. And you must understand that in order to appreciate this: "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Ro 5:8
NKJV). When you read that Scripture, the question changes to, "How could He do it?" Thank God we didn't get what we deserved -punishment. We got what we needed--grace! Hymnist William R. Newell wrote, "Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan! Oh, the grace that brought it down to man! Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!" Take a moment today and thank God for the grace that redeemed you. It's what Good Friday is all about.Support the show
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
What are your values
"As I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless." Ecc
2:11 NLT
Here are two more scriptural values you should live by: (1) Equality. "For there is no respect of persons with God" (Ro 2:11). In God's eyes, no person is more important than another. Not one! Some have received more access to the things the world offers, achieved more education, or been called to higher ranks of responsibility. But in God's eyes, no one is innately better. The ground is level at the foot of the cross, and we all approach God as sinners in need of salvation. So no matter what your position is in life, God expects vou to treat everyone with the same respect. (2) Generosity. Jesus said, "Your gift will return to you in full-pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over...The amount you give will determine the amount you get back" (Lk 6:38 NLT). Others don't determine what you receive. Even God doesn't. You do! "The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." You're never more like God than when you give, and you can never surpass Him at giving. The truth is, you have no reason to be anxious about not having enough if you offer generosity to others. Why is it important to have values that you live by? Solomon answers: "As I looked at everything I worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless-like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile."
Treat everyone with the same respect.Support the show
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
God is calling you (2)
"I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee." Jer 1:5
The word "sanctified" means "to be set apart for the exclusive use of." The word "ordained" means
"ordered according to a plan." Here are two things you need to know: God doesn't waste anything He created, and He doesn't waste anything He can use.
Before you were saved, God permitted experiences, both good and bad, that were equipping you for what He had in mind. That includes who your parents were, the places they came from, where you were educated, the number of years you spent in school, the jobs you held, and the training you received. It also includes things God put inside you at the time of your birth, even though some of those things may have seemed to work against you while you were growing up. Do you hold on to ideas like a pit bull? God can use that. Do you enjoy poring through books and research? God can use that. Are you quick to confront, excited to run right at the enemy? God can use that. Today you may feel like you're in the wrong place, doing the wrong things, with the wrong people. You may be wondering how you're going to dig yourself out of the hole or turn your life around. And truthfully, the answer may be that you can't. But God can! He makes miracles out of mistakes. So, give Him the things in your life that aren't so good, the things you're not proud of, and say, "Lord, here they are. I wish my life was different, but it's not. I wish I could change it, but I can't." Then let God go to work.
God makes miracles out of mistakes.Support the show
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
"While he was still speaking, a rooster crowed."
Lk 22:60 NAS
The Bible says: "While he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, 'Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly" (vv. 60-62 NAS). Before God entrusts you with a great assignment, He will permit Satan to test you. Why? To reveal your weaknesses and strengthen you in those areas. God will allow you to fail in a smaller sphere to keep you from messing up in a larger one, hurting not only yourself but others too. One of the wonders of the Christian life is that Jesus can take rubble and build something beautiful out of it. Peter promised never to deny Jesus, but by the time the rooster crowed, he had already done it three times. Repeated failure! Can you relate? You said you wouldn't lose your temper, but you did.
Cock-a-doodle-doo! You said you wouldn't give in to temptation, but you did. Cock-a-doodle-doo!
When does a rooster crow? Early in the morning.
Good news! That means the rooster announces the beginning of a brand new day. After his worst night of failure, the sun came up for Peter. And it will come up for you too. By God's grace you can start your life over any day you choose to. Today you can repent of your sin and go on to do great things for the Lord. Peter ended up winning multitudes to Christ and leading the church. So no matter how badly you have failed, God will forgive you, restore you, and redirect your steps.Support the show
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
Intergrity
"The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them." Pr 20:7 NLT
Here are six ingredients which are always found in lasting success: (1) Information. If you don't stay informed, you will be left behind. (2) Intuition. This is sometimes referred to as "to know in your knower." (3) Initiative. This is when you are willing to step out in faith and act on what you know intuitively. (4) Intentionality. This is when you are willing to set specific goals and timelines for reaching them. (5) Intensity. This calls for more than starting power, it requires staying power. (6)
Integrity. This is the glue that holds the previous five things together. And it's rooted in that private life you develop alone with God. We often hear architects, engineers, and builders say, "This building has structural integrity." What do they mean? That the public beauty of a tall skyscraper relies on its private, unseen foundation that is dug deep into the earth and solidly constructed. It is that hidden life of a building that brings structural integrity. Likewise, it's the hidden life of a fruit tree
-the unseen root system that digs deep into the earth-that produces those juicy, delectable fruits.
And so it is with you. Integrity must be rooted in your private life. Don't wait until you're thrust into the public arena before paying attention to your integrity, for then you will have waited until it's too late. Your talent may bring you success, but it takes character to protect and maintain your success. The truth is that when your integrity is rooted in your private world, it's reflected in your personal world, your professional world, and your public world.Support the show
playlist_add
May 3, 2023
don't go until you're empowered
"Tarry...until you are endued with power from on high." Lk 24:49 NKJV
You may be educated, experienced, and talented, but you will never fulfill God's purposes for your life until you're "endued with power from on high." Read these two Scriptures: (1) "I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" (v.
49 NKJV). (2) "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting ...And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ac 2:1-2, 4 NKJV). The transformation was amazing! Peter, who had just denied Jesus, stood before the crowd and preached the gospel to them. Did he get results? Yes. "That day about three thousand souls were added to them" (v. 41 NKJV). And the power they had just received was also their source of strength when they faced hardship and persecution. "When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness" (Ac 4:31 NKJV). This wasn't a onetime experience; they were continually filled with the Holy Spirit. You say, "I'm not good enough to be filled with God's Spirit. Jesus said, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Lk 11:13
NKJV). Today ask God to fill you with His Spirit, and He will.Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Refuse to leave in fear (3)
"Perfect love casts out fear." 1Jn 4:18 NKJV
When God says, "Fear not," He is basically telling you, "You're going to have to deal with fear, but you can conquer it. You can act in spite of it." The Bible says, "Perfect love casts out fear." Sometimes we mistakenly think that Scripture means if we love God perfectly enough, we won't be afraid. No, the only perfect love is God's love for you. And it's unconditional. Knowing that He always loves you, walks with you, defends you, supports you, and has promised to bless you in all that you do is what casts out your fear. And it does one more thing: It strengthens your faith. "Without faith it is impossible to please [God]" (Heb 11:6). When you know that God is pleased with you, you begin to rise above your fears. When fear knocks on your door and finds you full of faith, it cannot enter. That's why you need to meditate continually on God's Word and let your conversation be filled with faith. If you're used to allowing your mind to go ever…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Change you thinking.
"Let God transform you... by changing the way you think." Ro 12:2 NLT
When you think creatively, you're thinking like God your creator. But not everybody will welcome your creative ideas. Jesus wasn't crucified because He worked miracles; He was loved and applauded for those. He was crucified for having ideas that challenged the status quo. God is the giver of great concepts, truths, and ideas. So when He gives you one, don't let anybody talk you out of it. Don't let the fear of rejection or failure kill your idea either.
After all, you can't do something new and exciting if you force yourself to stay in the same old rut. Don't just work harder at the same old thing; make a change. And the first thing you will have to change is how you think, what you listen to and believe.
Take a look at the following phrases: "I'm not a creative person. Follow the rules. Don't ask questions. Don't be different. Stay within the lines.
There is only one way to do it. Don't be foolish.
Think of you…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Refuse to live in fear (2)
"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear." Ps 118:6
NKJV
God has created you for a life of growth, adventure, and acceleration. But vou must take bold steps of faith. And you can't do that if you're perfectly satisfied to live in "the safe zone." Even when you feel afraid, don't let it stop you! Feel the fear and do it anyway! You say, "Will I ever stop being afraid?" Yes, when you get to heaven. Feeling fear is part of being alive. You will experience fear when you try something for the first time, or when the obstacles in your path seem insurmountable, or when you feel like vour resources are not equal to the challenge.
None of this means you're a coward; it just means you're human. You are only cowardly when you let your fears control your actions and decisions.
Feeling fear is merely the temptation to flee from what you should confront. Feeling fear is not the same as being afraid, because being afraid means allowing fearful feelings to take control of you. But you don't have t…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Rebuilding you marriage (1)
"The winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell." Mt 7:27 NKJV
Today about 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. Sadly, that's true whether you're a Christian or not. Sometimes the reasons are circumstantial, such as a job layoff or a home foreclosure. Other times it's relational, such as a betraval of trust or an addiction to drugs and alcohol. If you're committed to rebuilding your marriage, you must learn how to reconnect and work to restore what you once had. In order to accomplish this, you must both be willing to enter into the process and commit for the long haul. For the next few days, let's look at four key areas. First, you must know the other person. It's a mistake to try and figure out your spouse, put them in a box, and label them for the remainder of their lives.
Knowing someone is an art in progress, not a static science with unchangeable data. You must view your mate as a mystery who requires ongoing scrutiny and lifelong learning. The Bible says, "Treat you…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
When God sends you an angel. (2)
"He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go." Ps 91:11 NLT
In what situation might God send an angel to help you? (1) When those you love and trust have disappointed you. Imagine how Hagar felt. In a joint decision with his wife, Sarah, Abraham got Hagar pregnant in order to try and fulfill God's promise.
Then when Isaac was born a year later, he sent her away without child support. Weeping and believing they would both die, Hagar left baby Ishmael under a tree and walked away. But God sent an angel to tell her that her son was a child of destiny from whom would come a great people (See Ge 21:18).
(2) When vou're facing embarrassment and can't defend yourself. Mary planned to get married first, then have a baby. But God had a different plan. Not only was she facing public humiliation, but according to the law, she should be put to death.
But God sent an angel to vindicate her and tell her that she was in the center of His will (See Lk 1:34-
38. (3) When you're grievin…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
When God sends you an angel
"My God sent his angel, and he shut the moutns of the lions." Da 6:22 NIV
Here are some more situations when God might send an angel to help you. (1) When doing the right thing gets you into trouble. Doing God's will put Daniel in a lions' den, but God brought him out and publicly vindicated him. The king declared, "Every part of my kingdom..must…reverence the God of Daniel. For...his dominion will never end" (v. 26
NIV). (2) When you're tired of battling temptation.
When the urge to pick up a drink, drug, or a cigarette feels overwhelming, or you think the only way out is to lie, or loneliness is driving you into the arms of the wrong person. After Jesus had battled temptation for forty days, the Bible says, "The devil leaveth him, and behold, angels came and ministered unto him" (Mt 4:11). (3) When the load you have been called to carry feels too heavy.
Facing the indescribable agony of being crucified on a cross, Jesus prayed the defining prayer of His life:
'Father, if you a…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Rebuilding you marriage (3)
"Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it." SS 8:7 NLT
You must be open with one another. You must be transparent, sensitive, responsive, and willing to trust one another. Stop and think about how you feel when the doctor is about to give you a shot. Your first reaction is to tighten up, right? Similarly, our hearts naturally tighten up after the pain of rejection, or betrayal, or neglect. It's a reflex mechanism in the soul; a way we protect ourselves subconsciously. And it's a great attribute anywhere else, except in marriage. If you don't turn off this mechanism, you will close your soul. This is the state where vou love the person and vou still come home to them every night, but you are braced, apprehensive, and no longer present in the moment.
You have closed yourself off, for fear of disappointment and hurt. Marriage is an open covenant consummated by physical intimacy, which removes all barriers and celebrates the joy of having nothing between the two of you. An…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Does it Glorify God?
"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
1C0 10:31 NKJV
When you're about to do something and you're not sure if you should, ask yourself, "Will doing this glorify God?" If you follow that rule, you won't go wrong in life. Let's get specific. If you earn your money honestly, then it's yours to spend as you wish. Once you give God His portion, which begins at 10 percent, you get to choose what you will do with the rest. However, your financial decisions have consequences that affect not only you but your family. When you go into debt you can't repay, they suffer with you. So does your reputation with others. The question is not even can you afford it, but will it bring glory to God? Will He be pleased?
And how about your relationships? You're single, lonely, and longing for companionship. So, you find someone you really like. Today when unchecked passion leads to sex before marriage, society doesn't blink at it. But as a redeemed child of God, you are different. Jesus said we a…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Rebuilding you marriage (2)
"You husbands must give honor to our wives."
1Pe 3:7 NLT
Second, you must listen to each other. This requires time, patience, and focused attention. Too many couples give each other a monologue, without leaving room for genuine dialogue. This is where marriage counseling is effective. It forces both of you to slow down, interpret your spouse's language, understand their feelings, and discover their needs.
When a marriage breaks down, couples are often so busy trying to get their own point across and win the fight that they don't listen for solutions and places of negotiation. Divorce would be less common if we would listen with open hearts rather than closed minds. Jesus pointed out that the law of Moses permitted divorce "because of the hardness of your hearts" (Mt 19:8). This means their hearts would not melt to the level of understanding and place of negotiation for the relationship to work.
Some couples find it simpler to write each other letters revealing their feelings as the…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Refuse to live in fear (4)
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Ro
8:31 NKJV
To overcome fear, you must believe that God is with you. It's the key to your ability to obey what He tells you to do. As you become confident that He is with you, your fear will lessen. When David volunteered to fight Goliath, King Saul said to him, "You are not able to go against this Philistine...for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth" (1Sa
17:33 NKJV). David replied, "The Lord...will deliver me from...this Philistine" (V. 37 NKJV). You're not in this battle alone; the Lord is with you. When you're convinced of that, your fear will subside. You may not always know what God will do, but you can relax in knowing He will do what needs to be done at the right time. When you think about the future and all the things that are unknown to you, it's easy to feel afraid. But you can view it two ways. You can either be pessimistic and fearful, or you can say to yourself, "The battle is the Lord's, and He has never lost…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Refuse to live in fear (1)
The day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief." 2Pe 3:10 NLT
Don't let "date-setters" make you cnical about Christ's soon return. When the founder of a major church denomination predicted in print the date of Christ's second coming, his successors faced the embarrassment of having to publicly acknowledge that they were wrong. Do you remember the alarmists of Y2K? Declaring to a scientific certainty that the year 2000 would bring the end of the world and the return of Christ, they caused people to leave their jobs, sell their homes, stock up on food, and head for the hills. And because of such embarrassments, many preachers today have silenced or toned down the truth of Christ's second coming. Yes, when some folks hear the message, they roll their eyes and say, "Not again!" But doubt about Christ's return is one of the signs that guarantees it will happen. The Bible says: "In the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth...
They will say, 'What happened to the promise…
playlist_add
Apr 2, 2023
Through Christ, you can do it
"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me." Php 4:13 AMPC
Paul writes: "I have strength for all things in Christ
Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]" (v. 13 AMPC). Paul believed he could handle whatever life threw at him. Do vou believe that too? What are the things that trigger your fear and cause you to say, "I could never do that"?
Suddenly losing a loved one? Facing an unexpected illness? Having your adult child with two toddlers move into your fastidiously clean and tranquil house after you have had an empty nest for years? Going on a stringent diet because vour life depends on it?
Putting yourself on a budget to prevent foreclosure of your home? Suddenly having to take care of a disabled, elderly parent? Most people have some sort of situation that truly seems impossible to them, something they are unsure they can handle.
The truth is, whil…
playlist_add
Mar 1, 2023
Beware of Self Pity
"No one should seek their own good, but the good of others." 1Co 10:24 NIV
Self-pity can be deadly. It tells the wife and mother who works hard, "You're not appreciated." It says to the office worker, "Look how valuable you are, yet you're never recognized or rewarded." It says to the unemployed, "No chance!" To the divorced, "No place!" To the bereaved, "No hope!" And to the struggling, "No way!" Look at the prophet Elijah.
Twenty-four hours after his greatest victory, he is deeply depressed and wallowing in self-pity. "I have had enough...Take my life...I have zealously served.
But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed... your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too" (1Ki 19:4, 10 NLT). There it is-self-pity in the raw! Generally speaking, there are two reasons behind self-pity. The first is emotional manipulation. We use self-pity as a weapon to guilt-trip others and get our own way. That's im…
playlist_add
Mar 1, 2023
Christ is coming again!
The day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief." 2Pe 3:10 NLT
Don't let "date-setters" make you cnical about Christ's soon return. When the founder of a major church denomination predicted in print the date of Christ's second coming, his successors faced the embarrassment of having to publicly acknowledge that they were wrong. Do you remember the alarmists of Y2K? Declaring to a scientific certainty that the year 2000 would bring the end of the world and the return of Christ, they caused people to leave their jobs, sell their homes, stock up on food, and head for the hills. And because of such embarrassments, many preachers today have silenced or toned down the truth of Christ's second coming. Yes, when some folks hear the message, they roll their eyes and say, "Not again!" But doubt about Christ's return is one of the signs that guarantees it will happen. The Bible says: "In the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth...
They will say, 'What happened to the promise…
playlist_add
Mar 1, 2023
Today, choose the right attitude
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Ro 12:2 NAS
Long before William James, the father of American psychology, was attributed with saying, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes," God said, "As [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he" (Pr 23:7 NKJV). Often it's our thoughts, not our circumstances, that determine our happiness. We keep thinking we will be happy when certain things happen. For example, some mothers say, "When little Tommy starts elementary school, I will be happy." And they are, for a while. Next,
"When Tommy graduates from high school, I will be happy." And they are, at least for the summer. Next, Tommy's graduation from college brings the same promise; so does his marriage, and the birth of the first grandchild. But the problem is, mom hasn't learned how to be happy between "happenings." When your happiness is controlled by something outside yourself, you will always be hostage to peopl…
playlist_add
Mar 1, 2023
"Experiencing God's presence and pleasure!"
"In Your presence is fullness of jov." Ps 16:11 NKJV
If you were miserable before you met Jesus, it's easy to make the mistake of thinking that the only place His presence can be enjoyed is in church. No, you can enjoy His presence everywhere. At home, at work, at school, in business, and even in times of suffering and adversity. Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk in a French monastery, wrote the best-selling book, The Practice of the Presence of God. He resented his daily routine in the kitchen.
Then God showed him that everything he did each day could be done for God and with God. That truth transformed his life. You can cultivate your mind to be more productive, and you can also cultivate your spirit to be more sensitive to God. You can reach the place where you sense His presence and His pleasure in all that you do. Believing God is present with you won't help you much if you think He is always upset with you. But when you see yourself as accepted in Christ, you realize that He i…
playlist_add
Feb 20, 2023
He will do it AGAIN!
"Jacob set up a memorial...to mark the place where God had spoken with him." Ge 35:14 GWT
There are events in all our lives that, looking back, had to be the hand of God at work. One author puts it like this: "Maybe you bumped into somebody who introduced you to your spouse...or a coworker resigned and suddenly you were promoted...or a stranger said something that spoke to your heart.
These are all signs of God's favor, and when you're tempted to get down, you need to remember how God opened the door for you...how he made a way... how he spared your life...how he healed your child.
There is no such thing as coincidence...when something good happens, recognize that it's God, and recall it often." In the Old Testament, "Jacob set up a memorial...to mark the place where God had spoken with him." Have you established any memorial stones lately? A sure way to build your faith is to remember all the times God made a way when every door was locked and barred against you...days when you wer…
playlist_add
Feb 20, 2023
Christ's love for you
"Christ's love...is too wonderful to be measured." Eph 3:19 CEV
Princess Alice was Queen Victoria's daughter. When her son contracted an incurable disease called black diphtheria, the doctors quarantined the boy and warned his mother to stay away from him lest she get infected. Yet she couldn't. One day she overheard her son whisper to his nurse, "Why doesn't my mother kiss me anymore?" His words melted her heart and she ran to him, smothering him with kisses. Within a few days, she died and was buried. What would compel a mother to risk her life for her child? Love! Now stand at the cross and ask what would lead Christ to do something even greater for us? Love! Writing to the believers at Ephesus, Paul says, "I want you to know...Christ's love...is too wonderful to be measured." You can trace the greatest action of Christ to his greatest attribute-love. Perhaps the people who should have loved you, didn't; and those who could have loved you, wouldn't. Maybe you were left at the hospi…
playlist_add
Feb 20, 2023
You must care for the needy (2)
He defended the cause of the poor and needy...so all went well.'" Jer 22:16 NIV
When he was a seminary student, Jim Wallis and some of his classmates took scissors to the Bible and cut out every verse about poverty, wealth, justice, or oppression. And would you believe it, by the time they had finished, there were some two thousand verses lying on the floor! The fact is, when you cut concern for the poor from your Bible, you cut the heart right out of it! Here is one such verse:
" He defended the cause of the poor and needy...so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?' declares the Lord" (v. 16 NIV). Jesus often quoted Scripture, but only on one occasion do we find Him selecting and reading from it. And what portion did He choose to read publicly? "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor...to proclaim freedom for the prisoners…recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free" (Lk 4:18 NIV). Here was His to…
playlist_add
Feb 20, 2023
You must care for the needy (1)
"Their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food." Ac 6:1 NIV
Since the government didn't care for widows and orphans back in New Testament times, the church took on that
responsibility. Unfortunately, bias raised its ugly head and Jewish widows and orphans were given preferential treatment over Gentile widows and orphans. How did the church leaders respond? They could easily have dismissed it, like we so often do. They could have said, "We're called to feed souls, not stomachs. We deal in matters of sin and salvation, not sandals and soup." Instead, here is what they did. First, they called a meeting to resolve the problem (See Acts 6:2). They let every member know that their church took poverty seriously, and they were each personally responsible before God to do something about it. The Scripture doesn't endorse forced communism, but it clearly teaches Spirit-led volunteerism. Second, they assigned the problem to their brightest and best.
They selected seven m…
playlist_add
Jan 30, 2023
Seek God for direction
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Pr 16:3 NIV
As a follower of Jesus Christ, vour direction shouldn't come from people and be confirmed by God, it should come from God and be confirmed by people. The Bible says: "Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good. Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place. God made everything with a place and purpose" (vv. 1-4 MSG).
You may be able to do what someone else has done and do it even better. But has God called you to do that particular thing? Before you follow someone else's guidance, do these: (1) Check the source of their wisdom. "The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless...he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understa…
playlist_add
Jan 30, 2023
How God sees you
"You are precious...in my sight." Isa 43:4 NIV
Have you ever gone to a garage sale hoping to find a bargain? To the untrained eye, much of the stuff looks like rubbish. It may even have been gathering dust and mildew in somebody's attic. But the trained eye sees treasure in disguise; items that just need to be cleaned, polished, and restored in order to become valuable again. That's what God does with us. When Satan tells you you're worthless, God looks inside you and sees hidden treasure. When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, He enables you to overcome your past, resist temptation, conquer bad habits, rise above your self-imposed limitations, and realize that in God's eyes, you have great worth. You actually start believing what He said: "You are precious.. in my sight." A man went to visit a psychiatrist who told him, "I've diagnosed your problem. It's low self-esteem-and it's very common among losers!" We smile, but the truth is when you keep putting yourself down, you tend to…
playlist_add
Jan 21, 2023
The story about you bible
I The word of the Lord endures forever.' Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you." 1Pe 1:25 NKJV
In the fourteenth century, there was not a single copy of the Bible in English! It was available only in Latin, the language of the clergy, and those were chained to the podiums of the cathedrals. Then a prominent professor of divinity at Oxford University said, "This is not right. People should be able to read the Bible in their own language." Church leaders branded him a heretic and an instrument of the devil. Like Noah who pounded the nails into the ark while people ridiculed and scorned him, John Wycliffe began translating the Scriptures as a flood of persecution emerged around him. When he finally completed his translation of the Scriptures, he wrote this in the flyleaf of the first copy of the English Scriptures: "This Bible is translated and shall make possible a government of the people, by the people, and for the people." Five hundred years later, President Ab…
playlist_add
Jan 20, 2023
Be faithful to God at work
"Working for the Lord." Col 3:23 NIV
If you were in charge of hiring people at work, what would you look for? Skill, dedication, punctuality, reliability, patience, kindness, and consistency?
Jesus said, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much" (Lk 16:10 NIV). Life mostly consists of little things, so if you're unfaithful in little things, you will be unfaithful in most of life. Do you possess a "guilt pile" at work?
It's that little stack of items you haven't gotten around to yet. Faithfulness includes how vou handle it. It may not matter much to you that someone has sent you an email or written you a letter, but that person anticipates an answer. Their world may be counting on it. How do you manage the little things in life? Jesus said, "If you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?" (v. 12 NIV). If you owned the business you work for, would you be taking all those extra coffee breaks? Would yo…
playlist_add
Jan 20, 2023
Today, give your problem to God
"Cast vour cares on the Lord and he will sustain you." Ps 55:22 NIV
If you grow up in hard times, you will automatically do one of these two things: (1) Trust God more because you have experienced His faithfulness. (2)
Worry, think, and incessantly talk about the "what ifs" in life. And there are lots of them to think about, because the future rests in God's hands and not yours. It's possible for a thing to seem much bigger to you than it really is. That's the essence of worry.
It's like a snowball; it starts small, but as you roll it over and over in your mind, it becomes bigger and bigger until it has the potential to bury you. What's the answer? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" (Pr 3:5 NKJV). Fill you heart with God's Word. Then develop the habit of letting what's in your heart be more real to you than what you see, think, or feel. You can choose to think about what God can do instead of what you cannot do. If you continue to obsess…
playlist_add
Jan 20, 2023
How God Leads Us
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Ps 119:105 NAS
The words "Your word is a lamp to my feet" mean you're supposed to walk according to God's will and not your own thoughts, wishes, or impulses. The words "and a light to my path" mean you can't go in any direction you choose; you must follow the path that God has planned for you. You will never go wrong consulting the Scriptures for direction, but make sure you keep the Scriptures in context. Don't use the "open-window method," allowing the wind to blow across the pages of your Bible, then shutting your eyes, pointing to a verse and saying,
"This is God's leading on this." If you do that, you could wind up with the verse, "Judas went away and hanged himself" as the verse for your day! Would you want to go to a doctor with an illness and hear him say, without ever examining you, "It's your gallbladder"? You would ask, "How do you know?" And he would say, "Well, I sat by the window a few moments ago and trusted God…
playlist_add
Jan 20, 2023
How Jesus Dealt With Sin
"Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." Jn 8:11 NKJ
"The scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery... they said to Him,
'Teacher...Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?'..
Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, 'He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first...When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, 'Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?' She said,
'No one, Lord.!' And Jesus said to her, 'Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more'" (vv. 3-7, 10-11 NKJV). That day Jesus demonstrated three things:
(1) The hypocrisv of a double standard. Since this woman had been "caught in the very act." surely they knew who the man was, too. There is still a double standard todav that looks down on a woman because o…
playlist_add
Jan 4, 2023
Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year
"I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you." Jn 15:11 AMPC
You need to enjoy each day of your life for Christ's sake, because He paid a very high price for you to be able to. He said, "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)" (Jn 10:10 AMPC). He said: "I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing" (Jn 15:11
AMPC). He said, "Ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete" (Jn 16:24 AMPC). Jesus actually prayed that you would have joy: "Now I am coming to You...so that My joy may be made full and complete and perfect in them [that they may experience My delight fulfilled in them, that My enjoyment may be perfected in their own souls, that they may have My gladness within them, filling their hearts]" (Jn 17:13 AMPC). With Jesus Himself pr…
playlist_add
Jan 4, 2023
Don't look back
'Do not dwell on the past... I am doing a new thing!" Isa 43:18-19 NIV
In the words of the legendary baseball plaver
Satchel Paige, "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you." That's good advice! Paul bottom-lines it like this: "Focus on...Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead" (Php
3:13 NLT). Author Ellen Vaughn writes: "Before our spiritual vitality can really flow, we must forget three things. [Today, here are two: (1) We must forget our sins. Obviously we must remember our sins in order to confess them. But having done so, we must let them go. The fact that God forgets is like calling heaven and hearing, 'There is no record of any offense. They're expunged, as if they never existed.
Satan would lure us to live in guilt and fear. He pulls us into the shadowboxes of memory in which our worst sins replay on the walls of our minds...We need to be very clear here, or we'll miss the liberating point. It's not as if forgiveness is real only if we experie…
playlist_add
Jan 4, 2023
WHAT AN INSURANCE POLICY!
"All the days of my life." Ps 23:6 NKJV
Most insurance companies are trustworthy. They will cover you through most of the seasons and adversities of life. But not all insurance companies are that way. In some cases, the moment you make a claim against them, they either hike your premiums through the roof or cancel your policy.
But the insurance policy you have with God is awesome. The premiums were paid in the crimson cash of Jesus' blood when He spoke these words:
"It is finished " which means "paid in full." There are different kinds of insurance that cover things like fire, property, theft, health, automobiles, and death.
But the only insurance policy that can cover you beyond death is the one God offers. And you don't have to worry about reading the "fine print." because He will not cancel it. Paul lays it out for us:
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...in all these thin…
playlist_add
Jan 4, 2023
Don't Look Back (2)
"Do not dwell on the past... I am doing a new thing!" Isa 43:18-19 NIV
Author Ellen Vaughn continues: " (3) We must also forget our successes. That doesn't necessarily mean we must forget the great projects we have completed. We are to work and live with excellence unto God, and He takes pleasure in our successes as they are offered to His glory. But we should forget past successes if they have defined our identity or caused us to be complacent, smug and self-congratulatory. We're not to fondle the past, dwelling on past glories. (Similarly, we must make sure our stories of God's work and grace in our lives are not all old. If we can only point to instances of God's faithfulness from five years ago but none from this week, our connection with Christ isn't very current.) Paul warns the Philippians against those who would put their confidence in human criteria and accomplishment: 'If someone...thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more' (Php 3:4 NIV), he said,…
playlist_add
Jan 4, 2023
Home sweet home
"I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Ps
23:6 NIV
For some of us, the love of God doesn't feel real.
Why is that? Because we have tried to make this earth our home. And as a result, we live with worry and frustration. Only when you have the right view of there will you have the right view of here. When you understand where your true home is, death is never a period; instead, it's a conjunction. Less than one second after you die, you will be escorted into the presence of God. You won't even be dead long enough to know you died. You don't expire; you transfer. Quicker than you can blink, you move from one dimension to another. You go from living in this time to dwelling "in the house of the Lord forever." Most of us will not die suddenly of a heart attack, or a stroke, or in a car crash. For most of us, death will come gradually as we wear down over time. You will feel your body deteriorating and atrophying, and you will know you're nearing death. Then God will put you int…
playlist_add
Jan 4, 2023
This year think Possible (2)
Without faith it is impossible to please Him."
Heb 11:6 NKJV
The Bible says, "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (v. 6 NKJV). Here is something God can't do: Be pleased without faith! Twelve spies entered the promised land, but only two came back and said, "We are well able to overcome it" (Nu
13:30 NKJV). God had promised it to them, but the majority thought it couldn't be done. People who think "possible" not only create forward-looking, optimistic pictures of the future in their own minds, but also in the minds of others. And the opposite is true. Sam Ewing said, "Nothing is so embarrassing as watching someone do something that you said couldn't be done." Now, believing you can doesn't guarantee you will. But believing you can't guarantees you won't! So how's your approach to life? When you face the unknown, the undone, or the untried, do you focus on all the th…
playlist_add
Dec 29, 2022
He gave His most precious possession
Thank God for his gift that is too wonderful for words!" 2Co 9:15 CEV
One afternoon a little girl stood outside Pete
Richardson's antique shop studying the treasures in the window. Then she went in and asked to see a string of blue beads. When Pete set them on the counter, she said: "They're perfect. Will you gift wrap them, please? They're for my sister. She takes care of me. This will be our first Christmas since Mom died, and I've been looking for the perfect present." "How much do you have?" asked Pete cautiously. Pouring a stack of coins on the counter, she said, "I emptied my bank." Pete picked up the necklace, the price tag visible to him and not her.
"What's your name?" he asked, walking into the back room. "Jean Grace," she replied. Pete returned with a beautifully wrapped package, and the little girl thanked him and left. On Christmas Eve when the last customer had left and he was locking up, a young woman rushed into the store and handed him a familiar package. "Do you re…
playlist_add
Dec 28, 2022
When you feel drained
"He makes me to lie down in green pastures."
Ps 23:2 NKJV
Even when you're living right and doing all the right things, life can still be draining. We have all received mail addressed simply to "Occupant." Sometimes you're drained not because you did anything wrong, but because you happen to "occupy" the planet.
The combination of the world, the flesh, and the devil will suck the spiritual vitality right out of you if you let them. You try to pray, but no words come.
You know you ought to read your Bible, but when you try to, the letters on the page all run together and none of it makes sense. And you don't want to listen to spiritual people, especially when you suspect they may be faking their positive viewpoints. You're just going through the spiritual motions, nodding and saying amen; yet in your soul, you're running on empty. David, who had been a shepherd, said that God "makes" us lie down. Why?
Because just like sheep, we would keep on wandering all over the place and wearin…
playlist_add
Dec 28, 2022
Broken Arrows
"Children. are like arrows." Ps 127:4 NLT
Our children are like arrows; they must be aimed in the right direction. When they're aimed in the wrong direction, they can end up in violence, drugs, and destructive lifestyles. And as long as we jeer at or judge them, they will never feel comfortable turning to us for help as they go through life. Broken arrows come in all colors and forms: black, white, rich, poor. Pain isn't prejudiced; it spares no age group or social strata. What's the answer? Let the strong bear the infirmities of the weak (See Ro 15:1).
"Jesus...had compassion on them and healed their sick" (Mt 14:14 NLT). Compassion is the mother of miracles! When the disciples thought they would die in the storm, they didn't challenge Christ's power, they challenged His compassion: "Carest thou not that we perish?" (Mk 4:38). Where there is no compassion, there will be no miracle. Only when you're moved by someone's pain rather than turned off by their symptoms can you bring healin…
playlist_add
Dec 14, 2022
Committed and Connected
"In Christ we, though many, form one body." Romans
12:5 NIV
The Bible describes the Christian life in war terms: fight, conquer, strive, battle, overcome, victory.
You're in a spiritual battle whether vou realize it or not, and you need support and backup. When you became a Christian, you became a member of God's army. Imagine you go to a recruiting office to join the Army. They say, "Wonderful, sign here." You say: "Wait! I have one stipulation. I don't want to be committed to any particular platoon. I want to be able to float around. I'll be part of the Army, but I don't want to be committed to a certain group of soldiers. If the battle gets too hot in one area, I'll move to another area and join another platoon. And if I dislike one platoon's leadership, I'll join another." Would you want a person like that fighting by your side? Of course you wouldn't! But that's how many Christians today relate to God's army. They float around from church to church with little or no commitment…
playlist_add
Dec 14, 2022
You are being pruned (2)
"My suffering was good for me." Ps 119:71 NLT
God uses problems, pressures, and people to prune you for greater fruitfulness. Are vou aware of Him using any of these three things in your life today?
God can use all situations in vour life to help you grow if you will just have the right attitude. He will use a major frustration, a financial setback, a sudden sickness, a broken marriage, a rebellious child, or even the death of a loved one to get your attention. You say, "But it hurts so much!" Yes, pruning is painful. Sometimes a gardener will prune a tree until it looks like a totem pole or a giant toothpick. It's not a pretty sight. But the pruning process is positive. God is not mad at you. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Ro 8:1 NKJV). God does not punish His genuine children. Jesus took your punishment on the cross. God's pruning is for your best, for more fruitfulness in your life. Can God's pruning fail to produce? Sure, if you don't c…
playlist_add
Dec 7, 2022
You represent your Father
"His heart went out to him." Lk
15:20 PHPS
When the father saw his prodigal son, "his heart went out to him." Jack Graham writes:
"This isn't a father who can't wait to punish his sinful son...who has written him off as wasted and worthless. This is a loving, caring father who can't wait to embrace and welcome him. He runs down the road to meet him...What you see...is a picture of the Father's love for you...eager...excessive... approachable…abundant." Max Lucado adds: "The tale involves a wealthy father and a willful son [who]...takes his inheritance [to] Las Vegas and...wastes [it] on slot machines and call girls... Broke [and] too proud to go home, he gets a job sweeping.stables at the racetrack. When he finds himself... [eating].. their oats, he realizes enough is enough...Off he goes, rehearsing his repentance speech... But...
'When he was...a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion' [v. 20 NKJV]..We expect crossed arms...a furrowed brow..a guarded handshake...a…
playlist_add
Dec 7, 2022
Scriptural coping skills
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks." 1Th 5:16-18
In order to succeed in life, you need good coping skills. The salesperson has a quota. The performer has rehearsals. The therapist counsels one depressed soul after another. The pilot has to sit in the cockpit for hours. The preacher is never free of sermon preparation. Then there is the mother with tiny children facing fourteen hours a day of making decisions, competing with strong wills, and trying to be everything to everybody. How do you develop the coping skills required to live the abundant life Jesus promised? (See Jn 10:10.) Paul tells us,
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks." Rejoice in the things that never change, can't fail, and won't let you down (like God's promises!). And when you feel like you can't cope, pray. Better yet, live with a prayerful heart!
With every breath, say, "I trust you, Lord; I turn it over to you, for I know you have everything under c…
playlist_add
Dec 7, 2022
Faithfullness (1)
"Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?" Pr 20:6 NIV
A new employee once asked a coworker, "How long have you been working for the company?" He replied, "Ever since the boss threatened to fire me!" Seriously, employers scramble to find workers who are faithful and dependable. Citizens long for politicians who will faithfully carry out all of their campaign promises. In the marriage ceremony, newlyweds are asked to be faithful to the vows they make to each other. The truth is, without faithfulness, your influence will be restricted-or wiped out. Without faithfulness, the sum total of all your other wonderful talents is diluted. Faithfulness turns the mundane into the miraculous and transforms ordinary individuals into dependable achievers. Wise King Solomon asked this soul-searching question: "Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?" The world wants people who are faithful. There are more than 300 geysers in Yellowstone Nat…
playlist_add
Dec 7, 2022
Telling it like it is
"Speak the truth in love, growing. more like
Christ." Eph 4:15 NLT
Jon Walker says: "It's hard to. confront...it's easier to stay superficial...to demonize one another when we don't agree...and to cut and run at the first sign of trouble... But the Bible says, 'An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship' (Pr 24:26 NLT); it deepens relationships...and keeps our fellowship open and authentic, freeing us to speak the truth in love"... No more lies or pretense. Tell your brother the truth.
Remember, 'In Christ's body we're all connected...
When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.'" (Eph 4:25 MSG). Author Annette Smith observes: "Touchy topics are difficult for even close friends. Yet relationships involve flawed people who make mistakes and get into messes. Friends need to be able to count on each other, not just for fun and affirmation, but for instruction and correction.
Committing ourselves to a friendship means because we care on a deep intimate level, we have the…
playlist_add
Dec 7, 2022
What concerns you concerns GOD
"Give all your worries... to God." 1Pe 5:7 NLT
Doug Coldiron writes: "I'm a trucker, and my Jack Russell Terrier, Dee Dee, rides shotgun on my road trips. We were playing fetch outside Atlanta when something caught her eye and she shot into the woods. I paced the perimeter calling her name. I alerted other truckers and searched until it was pitch black. Nothing. Eventually the others left; some said, 'I'll pray for you.' I wasn't so sure God was listening. I'd already been praying for hours.
Next morning, I had to get on the road, and when I opened my laptop and pulled up my Facebook page, it was filled with postings: 'We're praying for you.'
'Hang in there.' 'Trust God. I felt comforted; someone besides me was worried about my dog. If only I could get back to Atlanta soon! I thought about praying, 'Lord, get me an assignment in Atlanta…..NOW!' I knew that could take weeks, but when I clicked on my company website to check the destination for my next job...it was Atlanta! Could pr…
playlist_add
Dec 7, 2022
Faithfullness (3)
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." Lk 16:10 NIV
Pastor James Merritt said, "The other day I asked my beautiful wife if she married me for my looks." She replied, "No, I married you for your brains-it's the little things that count!" Merritt was joking of course. What really counts in life is faithfulness in little things; it's how dependability begins, grows, and matures. Longfellow wrote, "Most people would succeed in small things if they weren't troubled with great ambition." Sometimes we think we're too big for small things; we would rather get on with what we perceive as bigger, more important matters. But here is how Jesus sees it: "Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters.
If you cannot be trusted with this wicked wealth, who will trust vou with true wealth? And if you cannot be trusted with what belongs to someo…
playlist_add
Nov 23, 2022
In training for better things
"God causes everything to work together." Ro
8:28 NLT
When Joseph was thrown in prison, it was hard for him to see how this road would lead to the fulfillment of his dream, but it did. That's because God had a plan for his life. And He has one for yours too! Your current job may just be preparation for the job God really has in mind for you. Perhaps not today or tomorrow, but, if you stay faithful, there will come a time when you look back and realize how God directed your steps (See Ps 37:23). Refuse to embrace any concept of victimhood that would steal your contentment. Your job, in spite of its difficulties, would have been the dream of some of your forefathers. Didn't you pray for this job you're now complaining about? As difficult as this may be to accept, you're where you are for a reason-and for a season. So study, do the coursework, take the tests, graduate, and move on to what God has for you next. There are certain qualities you need to take with you from your present posit…
playlist_add
Nov 23, 2022
Daily Devotion (Word For You Today) "Handling change at work"
Changing Lives, Building Strong Families and Impacting Our Communities For Jesus Christ.
"To everything there is a season." Eccl. 3:1 NKJV
When change happens in the workplace, we often feel threatened. We get used to the personalities of our co-workers and bosses, and we want them to remain in place, stay the same, and require nothing more from us than what we have given in the past.
Out of our desire for stability, security, and predictability, we fail to prepare for instability, uncertainty, and surprises. How ironic! If we were willing to adjust our expectations and be more realistic, we wouldn't be so traumatized when change comes. Things can change overnight. It may be the loss of a parent, or a job, or your health.
Change is the only constant in life. And it has the potential to move you on to better things or flatten you like a steamroller. The choice is yours. "To everything there is a season." The truth is, God is your only secure anchor in life, so if you're wise, you will…
playlist_add
Nov 11, 2022
Meditate-percolate
"The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart." Ps 19:8 NKJV
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes...More to be desired are they than gold...sweeter also than honey...by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer"
This prayer shows that the psalmist regarded meditation as an utter necessity to his spiritual life.
And if that was true for him in his day, how much more vital is it for you today! You need to bathe you…
playlist_add
Nov 9, 2022
Meditate and percolate (3)
"You shall meditate on it day and night." Jos 1:8
Bible meditation has fallen out of favor. Why?
Because we live in an instantaneous society, and a preoccupied society. We have so much stuff coming at us from TV, cell phones, email, texts, snail mail, satellite links, cable news feeds, and podcasts that we hardly have a moment to react--much less reflect. Get real! You can't "download" spiritual maturity by hitting a few keys on a computer. That's why the Scriptures speak so often about meditation.
God, the author of the Bible, gave Joshua the formula for succeeding in your career and prospering in whatever you put your hand to: "This Book of the law shall not depart from your mouth [speak the Scriptures every chance you get], but you shall meditate on it [when?] day and night, so that you may be careful to do [not just know, but do!] according to all [you can't pick and choose] that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success" (v. 8…
playlist_add
Oct 25, 2022
Navigating life's losses (3)
"A time to gain, and a time to lose, Ecc 3:6 NKJV
How can we help our children navigate life's losses?
(1) Don't underestimate their capacity for grief. Children are often the "forgotten" grievers. Their pain is real and intense; recognize and validate it.
(2) Don't avoid talking about the loss when they're present. Excluding them from adults in mourning denies them the
opportunity for support, and increased understanding about their loss. Include them in the family's collective grief
experience.
(3) Encourage them to share their feelings about the loss.
Teach them that being "real" is more important than being "strong," and confirm that their feelings matter. Very young
children have limited understanding about the meaning, permanence, and irreversibility of death. They can only talk
about it briefly and concretely. Older children understand its meaning and should be encouraged to talk about it.
(4) Make allowance for each child's personality.
Our personality determines our grieving…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2022
"Be sensitive to others“
"Not looking to your own interests but each of
you to the interests of the others." Php 2:4 NIV
Often in marriage we are unaware of our partner's
needs. We become calloused. We stop listening.
We're oblivious to the pressure thev're under.
Simply stated, the root of many marital problems is
insensitivity. Everyone you meet needs kindness.
The people who sit around you in church have major
hurts; you're just unaware of them. We find a great
example of sensitivity in the life of King David.
David's friend, Jonathan-Saul's son--had been
killed. Now, safely enthroned for several years,
David made a rare request. He asked if anyone was
left in Saul's family that he could help. He
discovered Saul's grandson-Jonathan's son-
Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet. When
David sent for him, Mephibosheth almost certainly
thought, "I'm going to be killed because I am a
member of the enemy's family, the old dynasty." But
notice David's words: "Don't be afraid…for I will
surely show you kindn…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2022
Speak to the enemy
"We are wrestling with.the powers who
govern this world of darkness, and spiritual
forces that control evil." Eph 6:12 GWT
In his classic book, War on the Saints, Jessie Penn-
Lewis writes, "The chief condition…for the working
of evil spirits in human beings, apart from sin, is
passivity." That's why the apostle Peter urges us
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the
devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking
for someone to devour" (1Pe 5:8 NLT). Have you
ever seen a hungry lion devour its prey? That's a
picture of what Satan is out to do to you. And he will
use things like pleasure, power, pressures,
possessions, passions, and people to do it. Paul
tells us to be on guard "so that Satan will not
outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil
schemes" (2Co 2:11 NLT). How can you defend
yourself? Neil Anderson says, "Our defense against
direct attacks by the evil one is to speak aloud
God's truth." Why speak aloud to Satan? Because
God knows the thoughts and intents…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2022
“Today be kind to others“
"Clothe yourselves with…kindness." Col 3:12
When you get up in the morning, you must not only
clothe yourself physically but spiritually and
emotionally too. You must ask ourself, "What sort
of attitude am I going to wear today? Will I be
controlling or cooperative? Positive or negative?
Complimentary or critical? Selfish or serving?" You
say, "But when I'm kind, people take advantage of
me." Yes, sometimes that will happen. But that's the
difference between taking the low road or the high
road. Which do you want to walk on? Despite the
risks, here are two reasons to be kind: (1) "Because
of [God's] kindness you have been saved" (Eph 2:8
TLB). Grace and kindness go together. Always! Poet
Robert Burns said that the kind heart most
resembles God. (2) Because you want people to be
kind to you and treat you right. Jesus said, "Do to
others what you would have them do to you" (Mt
7:12 NIV). If you are rude, people are going to be
rude to you. But if you are kind, most people will
desire…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2022
Today build people up
"The lips of the godly speak helpful words." Pr
10:32 NLT
How do you feel when someone tries to put you
down? Then don't do it to others! "Kind words bring
life, but cruel words crush your spirit" (Pr 15:4
GNT). You can crush someone with what you say, so
be careful. Some of the people you meet each day
need an emotional lift, so encourage them.
"Righteous people know the kind thing to say, but
the wicked are always saying things that hurt" (Pr
10:32 GNT). Don't be the kind of person who
pounces on a weakness in someone. Maybe you do
it in a joking way, but you do it, and you enjoy doing
it. In a cartoon, Charlie Brown is talking on the
phone to a girl who says, "Guess what I'm running
for? The Queen of the May at our school." Charlie
Brown says, "That's very interesting. Lucy has
always been chosen at our school." The girl on the
phone responds, "Your school has pretty low
standards, huh, Chuck?" After Charlie Brown hangs
up, he looks at Lucy and says, "She says,
'Congratulations!'" N…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2022
Let God settle it for you
"Dear friends, don't try to get even. Let God
take revenge." Ro 12:19 CEV
When someone has hurt or betrayed you, it goes
against your grain to resist the instinct for revenge-
especially when there is an opportunity to settle the
old score and your friends urge you to capitalize on
it. They tell you, "It's only right and fair." Before you
decide, consider the story in 1 Samuel 24. King Saul,
consumed by jealousy, took every opportunity to try
and destroy his God-ordained successor, David.
Driven by a desire to eliminate him, Saul took three
thousand soldiers to find him and kill him. By divine
appointment, Saul stopped to rest in a large cave
where David and his men were hiding. David's men
said, "Now is a perfect opportunity to kill him and
take the throne." Instead. David iust cut off a corner
of Saul's robe and showed it to Saul later as
evidence he had spared the king's life. David's men
probably considered his strategy ludicrous, but
David lived by a different code-God's Word! He…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2022
All You Will ever need
"Pour out your heart before Him; God is a
refuge for us." Ps 62:8 NKJV
Life can feel overwhelming when you're responsible
for mortgage and rent payments, medical bills,
clothes for the family, escalating food and fuel
expenses, college fees, plus the reality of preparing
for your retirement! And the pressure is even
greater if you're underemployed or unemployed.
Where can you turn? Surrounded by enemies, David
turned to God: "My soul, wait thou only upon God:
for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock
and my salvation…I shall not be moved" (Ps vv. 5-
6). Where does your "expectation" lie? In the hope
for an improved economy or job market? Or the
promise of better times to come? David's hope was
more certain: He expected the answer to be found in
the unchanging character and faithfulness of God.
When anxiety arises, we sometimes resort to our
OMGWI list-"Oh my God, what if?" We focus on our
fears, feel inadequate, and give in to despair. Being
aware of your needs is being res…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2022
Who Advises You (2)
"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with man
advisers they succeed." Pr 15:22 NIV
A good adviser does three things: they observe you,
instruct you, and motivate you. At first, the thought
of having someone evaluate you may be
intimidating. But think about it: people are watching
you anyway, so why not have a good adviser among
the crowd? Here is a list of some areas in which you
might consider inviting an adviser to evaluate you.
These things are not options, they're essentials:
spiritual development, personal discipline, family
relationships, decision making, handling finance,
conflict resolution, picking the right people,
breaking bad habits and establishing good ones,
goal setting and planning for the future. If you're
serious about succeeding, look for an environment
where you will be mentored, not just paid. Initially,
what you learn is more important than what you
earn, because what you learn early determines what
you earn later. What you don't know can hurt you
and put a lid o…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2022
There is God
"He gave us his Son-will he not also freely give
us all things?" Ro 8:32 GNT
Do you like to collect Bible promises for challenging
times? When your collection seems inadequate, do
you add to it, thinking, "I just haven't found the right
promise yet?" Claiming the promise without
understanding the all-sufficiency of the Promiser
can disappoint you. Since there is no lack in God, He
is all you need. And He is all you will ever need! The
Bible says, He can do "immeasurably more than all
we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20 NIV). Seeking relief
during a difficult time in life, author Hannah Whitall
Smith visited a respected Bible teacher, hoping to
find an answer. After listening attentively, the
teacher told her, "Yes, all you say may be very true,
but then, in spite of it all, there is God." Frustrated,
Hannah responded, "Surely you did not understand
how very serious.my difficulties are." "Oh yes, I
did, but then, as I tell you, there is God." Several
disappointing visits later, after hearing t…
playlist_add
Oct 24, 2022
Navigating life's losses (2)
"A time to be born, and a time to die." Ecc 3:2
Researchers at the Colorado Institute of Grief offer
us this helpful four-stage path to recovery. Stage
one - Shock. Our initial response is one of denial
and disbelief. "I can't believe this is happening.it's
not real!" There is a numbing of our senses, a God-
designed natural "anesthesia" that buffers the early
blow and allows us time to gather our coping
mechanisms. Stage two - Protest. We feel anger
and resentment against God, yet we feel guilty for
blaming Him. We may blame ourselves, the doctors,
the patient, and question God's love and
faithfulness-even bargaining with Him. "If You will
just do a miracle and bring them back, I will..." Stage
three - Disorganization. Everything comes apart at
the seams. The lifestyle we knew and loved
unravels. The dreams we cherished evaporate. We
feel hopeless, powerless, lost in a strange, empty
universe. Secondary losses may loom: financial
insecurity, social dislocation, depression, loss of
con…
playlist_add
Oct 10, 2022
Seven Scriptures You Should Stand
"His faithful love endures forever" Ps 118:2 NLT
Do yourself a favor - read Psalm 118! (1) "In my
distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered
me" (v. 5 NLT). What are you battling today? A
destructive habit? A crippling fear? A sense of
worthlessness? God wants to set you free. (2) "The
Lord is for me, so I will have no fear" (v. 6 NLT). Your
future doesn't rest in the hands of people, but God;
a good God who has good plans for you. (3) "He will
help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me"
(v. 7 NLT). When people try to put you down, God
will raise you up. When they withhold from you, He
will supply all your needs. (4) "I will not die; instead,
I will live to tell what the Lord has done" (V. 17 NLT).
We will all die someday; but you don't have to die
before your assignment is complete and you have
brought glory to God. (5) "The Lord has punished
me severely, but he did not let me die" (V. 18 NLT),
Is God correcting you? Rejoice: His correction is not
rejection. It's p…
playlist_add
Oct 10, 2022
Never Forget Those Who Helped You
"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my
God." Php 1:3 NLT
Paul often acknowledged those who helped him.
"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God...
for you have been my partners in spreading the
Good News" (vv. 3, 5 NLT). "You Philippians were
the only ones who gave me financial help…No other
church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica
you sent help more than once. I don't say this
because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to
receive a reward for your kindness" (Php 4:15-17
NLT). He writes to the believers in Thessalonica:
"We can't help but thank God for you, because your
faith is flourishing and your love for one another is
growing. We proudly tell God's other churches
about your endurance and faithfulness in all the
persecutions and hardships you are suffering" (2Th
1:3-4 NLT). Author Barbara Glanz tells about a
gentleman who remembered his eighth-grade
literature teacher. He wrote to her and received this
reply: "You will never know how much your…
playlist_add
Oct 10, 2022
Having The Right Mindset (2)
"We take captive every thought to make it
obedient to Christ." 2Co 10:5 NIV
How would you describe yourself? Are you naturally
positive, or negative? Are your decisions driven by
faith in God, or by the fear of failure, rejection, or
lack? Do you feel good about yourself, or do you put
yourself down and feel like a loser? Whatever your
answer may be, this much is certain: The patterns
and attitudes that rule your life were not formed
overnight-so don't expect an overnight cure. But
you can make a start by obeying this Scripture: "Set
your minds and keep them set on what is above (the
higher things)" (Col 3:2 AMPC). The Bible refers to
the Christian life as a "walk." "Walk worthy of the
vocation wherewith ye are called" (Eph 4:1). "We
walk by faith, not by sight" (2Co 5:7 NKJV). "Let us
also walk in the Spirit" (Gal 5:25). "Walk in love"
(Eph 5:2). Notice, walking is the slowest mode of
transportation there is! God doesn't invite you to fly
with Him but to walk with Him. Just put one fo…
playlist_add
Oct 10, 2022
Having The Right Mindset (3)
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Pr 23:7
NKJV
AA
Every family has generational "issues" they struggle
with. These are things our parents and
grandparents passed to us like addiction, abuse.
anger, anxiety, lust, fear, etc. Often we say, "It just
runs in my family, I can't do anything about it." Yes,
you can! You may not be able to do anything about
your family's past, but by God's grace, you can
change the future for yourself and your children.
The Bible says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; old things have passed away; behold, all
things have become new" (2Co 5:17 NKJV). Note
the words "in Christ." By yourself you can't change
your family's dysfunction, but "in Christ" you
receive the power needed to go in a new direction. If
your computer can be reprogrammed, your mind
can too. "Be transformed by the renewing of your
mind" (Ro 12:2 NKJV). You say, "How do I renew my
mind?" By saturating it in the Scriptures! Just like
soaking your body in water removes sweat…
playlist_add
Oct 10, 2022
Instant Gratification Leads to long term misery
"My God shall supply all your need." Php 4:19
NKJV
God promised to supply your need, not your greed
When you get into debt by buying things you
shouldn't, don't expect Him to bail you out. No
responsible parent would do that, and God is a
responsible parent. He gives you choices, and He
points out consequences. He told Adam and Eve not
to eat the forbidden fruit. Then Satan came along
and said, "God doesn't really mean it, you can do
what you want and be okay." Sound familiar?
Advertisers do the same thing. One furniture
company offers a house full of furniture with no
monthly payments for two years. Question: If you
can't afford it now, how will you pay for it two years
from now? It's time for you to get out of debt, not
deeper in. And the Bible tells you how: (1) Don't be
greedy for the things of this life, "for greed is a form
of idolatry" (See Col 3:5 GNT). Instead of craving
things you don't need, enjoy the things you have
(2) If you're not tithing, start now! You will be
switchin…
playlist_add
Oct 10, 2022
Having The Right Mindset (1)
"Set your minds and keep them set on what is
above (the higher things)." Col 3:2 AMPC
What's your biggest challenge right now? Breaking
a bad habit, or putting a new one in place?
Launching a new business, or turning an old one
around? Recovering from a bad marriage, or making
a good one better? Getting out of depression, or
keeping yourself from falling into it? Paul gives us
two powerful keys: (1) Set your mind in the right
direction. (2) Keep your mind set in the right
direction. Setting your mind is the easy part,
keeping it set calls for a daily commitment. Anybody
can make a start, but you need the heart of a
finisher. "Looking unto Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set
before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of
God. For consider Him who endured such hostility
from sinners against Himself, lest you become
weary and discouraged in your souls" (Heb 12:2-3
NKJV). The word "souls" could be…
playlist_add
Sep 26, 2022
You can defeat this giant
"This is the Lord's battle, and he will
give you to us!" 1Sa 17:47 NLT
To defeat giants like addiction, resentment,
fear, lust, pride, envy, or anger, you must
understand these three Scriptures: (1) "The
temptations in your life are no different
from what others experience" (1Co 10:13
NLT). Goliath was born a baby, but he grew
into a giant. Our giants are often little sins
we overlooked and indulged until they
assumed a life of their own and came back
to haunt us. So as you begin to say no to
small impulses, you will gain the strength to
say it to bigger ones. (2) "As Goliath moved
closer to attack, David quickly ran..to meet
him" (1Sa 17:48 NLT). David faced Goliath
head-on. You must force your giant out into
the light, and not let him back into your life.
Establish boundaries! And if necessary,
make yourself accountable to someone
who can strengthen and encourage you.
Stay out of the wrong company. And above
all, don't view God in the light of your
problem, view your problem in the…
playlist_add
Sep 22, 2022
Obey God, regardless (3)
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 22, 2022
Obey God, regardless (1)
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 22, 2022
Obey God, regardless (2)
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 22, 2022
Obey God, regardless (4)
"Set aside a tenth of all." Dt 14:22 NIV
Why did God command His people to give Him the first tenth of their income? He tells us: "So that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands" (v. 29 NIV).
That means tithing doesn't cost, it pays! When you give God the first tenth of your income, He promises to bless "all the work of your hands." So the question is not does the church need
your tithe, but do you need God's blessing? God's work won't go broke if you don't tithe, but how well will you do if you disobey Him? Paul writes, "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income" (1Co 16:2 NIV). You say, "I thought tithing was only the rule under Old Testament law. Did the New Testament Christians practice it too?" Consider Paul's words: "Each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income." That's proportionate giving! And since the only "Bible" the New Testament believers had was the Old…
playlist_add
Sep 15, 2022
You are "perfect"while being made holy
"He forever made perfect those who are being made holy." Heb 10:14 NLT
Stop putting yourself down by saying, "I keep failing, so I'm no good. I never do anything right." If you keep telling yourself that, you will find evidence to prove it. One counselor says: "Putting yourself down reinforces rather than corrects your imperfections by placing unnecessary attention and energy on everything that's wrong, rather than what's right with you. Why would you do this knowing the only possible result is a negative outlook, more negative feelings, and less appreciation for the gift of life? People who regularly put themselves down are seen as complainers, not to mention the example they set.
Everyone has aspects of themselves they'd like to improve, but this doesn't mean you should beat yourself up." The Bible says, "He forever made perfect those who are being made holy." Max Lucado writes: "Underline the word perfect. Note, the word isn't better. Not improving. Not on the upswing. God doesn't…
playlist_add
Sep 15, 2022
What will you do with Jesus?
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 15, 2022
Are You Worried About Your Health?
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 15, 2022
S.H.A.P.E
Support the show
playlist_add
Aug 17, 2022
How to Live Wisely and well
An elderly lady says, "One benefit of living so long is
sharing what I've learned. So make my day by
letting me share three secrets that can make your
life better." Then she offers us some great counsel:
(1) "Time is precious; don't waste it. After my
husband died, I was staying with friends. One
evening they started arguing and eventually
stopped speaking to one another. Now, I know
arguments happen; my husband and I had several
doozies. But at that moment. I understood as never
before that the time we have together is precious.
Don't waste it bickering about things that won't
matter when your loved one is gone. Do everything
you can to live in harmony and show your love.
Why? Because no matter how long you have
together, it's never enough. (2) You're making
memories; make them good ones. Looking back, I
thank God for so many unforgettable moments. The
day my husband died we kissed (as we always did
when we parted), at noon. By five-thirty that
evening, he was dead. I've always been g…
playlist_add
Aug 16, 2022
Walking By Faith
Jesus said: "I've told you all this so that trusting me,
you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at
peace. In this…world you will continue to experience
difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the
world" (n 16:33 MSG). Life keeps handing us
problems that test our faith. How do you know how
much weight a bridge can handle? By testing it.
Daniel's success made him a target. Knowing he
prayed regularly, his enemies persuaded King
Darius that all prayers should be made to him as the
king. Yet Daniel kept praying each day-in front of
an open window, no less. When the king heard
about it, he threw Daniel into a lions' den. But God
turned the tables. Next morning Daniel came out,
his enemies went in, and the king announced,
"Daniel's God……is the living God" (Da 6:26 MSG),
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to
worship the king's idols. Even when they were
warned to bow or burn, they said, "God..is able to
deliver us...But if not…we will not serve thy gods"
Da 3:17-18). And…
playlist_add
Aug 12, 2022
Signs Of the Time
It's said that the Titanic sank because of cheap
rivets and poor planning. Faced with a shortage of
quality bolts, the shipbuilders used substandard
ones that popped when the ship hit the iceberg. So,
how sturdy are the bolts of your faith? Reinforce
them daily with God's Word, seasons of in-depth
prayer, and fortifying fellowship. Describing signs of
the end times, Jesus said, "All these are the
beginning of birth pains" (Mt 24:8 NIV), and birth
pains signal the onset of the final push. The
obstetrician says, "This will hurt for a while, but it's
going to get better" and Jesus offers us the same
assurance about end-time events. We're in the final
hours-just a few pushes away from delivery. John
said: "I saw 'a new heaven and…earth, ..the first
heaven and……earth had passed away, and……the new
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven...prepared
as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I
heard a loud voice from the throne saying...'God's
dwelling place is now among the pe…
playlist_add
Aug 10, 2022
Word for you today (Set Your Mind)
Join us today to learn how to set our minds Support the show
playlist_add
Aug 9, 2022
How Good Are Your Communication Skills?
Support the show
playlist_add
Aug 2, 2022
The Need for Connectedness (2)
"Anyone who does not love remains in death." 1Jn
3:14 NIV
There is a direct link between your health and your
relationships. When you're disconnected and isolated
from others, you're two to five times more likely to die
than people with close ties! Even people with bad
habits like smoking, overeating, and physical inactivity
-but who remain socially connected-live longer than
people with great health habits but who are isolated.
We see the physical, life-giving power of connection in
the life of Winston Churchill. He had a wonderful
marriage, was deeply connected to his family, his
friends, his nation, and his work. But his health habits
were terrible. His diet was awful, and he constantly
smoked cigars. He drank too much, had weird sleep
habits, and was completely sedentary-yet he lived to
ninetv ears old. That reminds me of the newspaper
reporter questioning an old man about his longevity: "I
suppose it's because you take systematic exercise.
The man quipped, "The only exercise I tak…
playlist_add
Aug 1, 2022
(Word For You Today) The Need For Connectedness (1)
join us today for the word The Need for ConnectednessSupport the show
playlist_add
Jul 28, 2022
Cultivating a taste for God's Word
"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter
than honey to my mouth!" Ps 119:103 NIV
The fact that we now enjoy the vegetables we hated
as children indicates that as we mature, we can
cultivate a taste for healthy, life-giving food. And since
the Bible is soul food, you can cultivate a taste for that
too. Eugene Peterson writes: "Christians feed on
Scripture. Holy Scripture nurtures the holy community
as food nurtures the human body. Christians don't
simply learn or study or use Scripture: we assimilate it,
take it into our lives in…a way that it gets metabolized
into acts of love." Consumer research indicates the
average Bible owner has nine Bibles and is looking for
more. What's wrong with this picture? The
unexpressed secret is that many people find the Bible
boring. This is quite a recent problem-and a serious
one. Ancient Greek, the language of the New
Testament, has no word for boredom. The word didn't
acquire its current meaning in English until the last few
centuries. When…
playlist_add
Jul 15, 2022
When You Are DISAPPOINTED
"I am...discouraged, but I will remember you." Ps 42:6 NLT
Max Lucado says: "When God doesn't do what we want [Him to do l, it's not easy; it never has been, and it never will be. Faith is the conviction that God knows more than us…and He'll get us through.
Disappointment is caused by unmet expectations... and it's cured by revamped expectations..Don't panic……don't give up...be patient…God is in control. It ain't over till it's over." So, when you're disappointed:
(1) Look inward. David asked, "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?" (v. 5 NLT). Admit how you feel. You can't deal with what you don't acknowledge. Ask God to show you the root of the problem. Is it pent-up anger? Envy? Unforgiveness? Pride? Lust? Physical and mental fatigue? Be open to what He reveals.
(2) Look upward. David said, "I will…hope in God! I will praise him" (v. 5 NLT). Instead of focusing on your discouragement, focus on the One who knows the way out.
(3) Remember God's past faithfulness. D…
playlist_add
Jul 12, 2022
Three things a leader shouldn't do
"If God has given you leadership ability, take the
responsibility seriously." Ro 12:8 NLT
As a leader, here are three things you shouldn't do:
(1) You shouldn't be afraid to try something new (See Isa
43:19). When you put someone into a new role, they
will make mistakes: it's inevitable, but it's how they
learn. While locking them into the same routine takes
the wind out of their sails, being a leader means
risking their failures and biting your lip as you let them
toddle out into the unknown. Like a parent who prays
harder when their teen takes the family car out for
their first drive, you must accept that the challenges
which frighten you are actually liberating to others.
(2) You shouldn't confuse individual loyalty with team
building (See 1Co 3:9). It's good to work closely with
key individuals, but it's also important to stay
"connected to each other" (Ro 12:5 GWT). You must
make sure that everybody gets to be on the team,
feels valued, and learns how to interact with one
another…
playlist_add
Jul 6, 2022
You Can Decide Your Legacy
"Josiah…did not turn away from doing what was right." 2Ch 34:1-2 NLT
When Josiah became king, he cleansed Israel of
idolatry and began rebuilding the temple. That's when
a priest discovered some long-lost scrolls containing
God's Word. As Josiah heard what they said, he was
deeply moved upon realizing his people had drifted far
from God. So he sent word to the prophetess Huldah
asking what would become of the people. She told
him that since he had repented when he heard God's
Word, his nation would be spared while he lived (See
V. 14-27). An entire generation received grace
because of the integrity of one man. And that one man
had a lot to overcome. Josiah's grandfather,
Manasseh, was like the Hitler of the Old Testament.
He filled Jerusalem "from one end to the other with...
blood" (2Ki 21:16 NLT). And Josiah's father died at the
hands of his own officers. "He did what was wrong,
most likely reads his epitaph. Josiah was only eight
when he ascended the throne. Immediately he chose…
playlist_add
Jun 23, 2022
How to be blessed at work (4)
Join us for part four of the question how to be blessed at work Support the show
playlist_add
Jun 22, 2022
How to be blessed at work part 3
Join us today for the word for you today Support the show
playlist_add
Jun 21, 2022
How to be blessed at work
Join us today for the wordSupport the show
playlist_add
Jun 16, 2022
Thought About The Bible
"Your word is settled in heaven " Ps 119:89 NKJV
God's Word must be a "settled" issue in your life. Heaven is the Supreme Court; when it rules on a matter, it's settled. Now, since God's Word is a settled issue in heaven, the question is, "Is it a settled issue in your life?" Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away" (MK 13:31 NKJV). The Bible never needs updating; it's perfect and can't be improved upon. That's why Jesus instructs you to let His "words remain in you" (n 15:7 NIV). In other words, program your mind with the Scriptures. How do you do that?
(1) Give it permanent residence, not visitor status. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col 3:16). Take it in richly, meaning copiously and abundantly. Call it Operation Saturation! Read the Bible, meditate on it, speak it out loud.
Yes, and even sing its words; "Teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" (v. 16 TLB).
(2) Keep it before…
playlist_add
Jun 16, 2022
How to handle disappointment
"So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work." Ecc 2:20 NLT
When you're disappointed in those vou work with. You won't succeed in life without the right people. But when the people you count on fail you, it's painful. Imagine Moses' disappointment. He leaves his brother Aaron in charge while he spends forty days on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. When he returns, what does he find? Israel worshiping a golden calf-made by Aaron. When Moses needs him most Aaron fails miserably. But watch Moses: true leadership shines in disappointment. He confronts Aaron, takes the mess to God, and prays for the forgiveness of Israel. God responds, then reminds Moses of his assignment. "Go, lead the people...my angel will go before you" (Ex 32:34 NIV).
*Disappointment doesn't cancel your assignment-or God's presence. So do what God has told you to do!*
When you're disappointed in those you have poured your life into. Let's check in again with Moses, founding pastor o…
playlist_add
May 31, 2022
It's an inside job (4)
"The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness." Ro 8:26 NLT
The twin pillars of a believer's daily life should be
prayer and Scripture. But, while praying may be
simple, it's not always easy. We lack motivation, we're
easily distracted, and we are not always sure what we
should be praying for. So, recognizing our human
inadequacies, God provides help for us in the form of
the Holy Spirit. Paul writes: "The Holy Spirit prays for
us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
And the Father…knows what the Spirit is saying, for
the Spirit pleads for usin harmony with God's own
will" (vV. 26-27 NLT). That means, no matter how you
feel when you pray, the Holy Spirit is in prayer with you
and for you, transforming your feeblest prayers into
powerful appeals to the Father. And when it comes to
the second pillar, namely the Word of God, the Holy
Spirit's role is equally dynamic. Jesus said, "When he,
the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth..whatsoever he shall hear,…
playlist_add
May 26, 2022
Zip It!
"They…spend their time gossiping…meddling in other people's business." 1Ti 5:13 NLT
The Bible says gossip is nothing less than "meddling in other people's business." Jon Zens says: "I have watched friends and..families suffer untold pain because of gossip.…[the] information someone dumps on you without your consent and consent of the
person [involved]. [lt] can be true, partially true, or completely false. It can be motivated by good intentions, but it always contains negative... information…[and colors] people's perceptions of [someone] unjustly. The person being torn down is out
of the loop [because] talebearers usually avoid speaking directly to the one they are demeaning." One Christian leader said, "The Christian army is the only one that shoots its wounded." So set the standard for your own life by evaluating people based on your
experience with them, not on what somebody else says. Secondhand information is notoriously unreliable and misleading, and it violates Christ's…
playlist_add
May 24, 2022
Three "Cheers"
"Be of good cheer: I have overcome the world."
Jn, 16:33
In the mid-eighties, Steven Patrick Morrissey, better
known as "Moz," dominated the British rock charts.
Known for his melancholy as much as for his music,
Morrissey's songs had predominantly depressive
themes. They dwelled on fractured relationships,
lonely nightclubs, and the hopeless weight of the past.
In short, Morrissey was a singer who lived a cheerless
life in a minor key. How different from the life Jesus
called his followers to live! On three different
occasions He encouraged his disciples to "be of good
cheer." Bible teacher Philip De Courcy calls them "the
three cheers of The New Testament." The first reason
to be cheerful is because your sins are forgiven and
forgotten in Christ (See Mt 9:2). Because of Calvary,
your faults and failings will never be used in judgment
against you (See Jn 5:24). The second reason to be
cheerful is because we're not fighting for victory but
from the vantage point of victory. "In the wor…
playlist_add
May 17, 2022
Stress Dots
"You will keep in perfect peace..all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
Isa 26:3 NLT
Have vou heard of stress dots? They are little pressure-sensitive dots that you place on your hand. As adrenaline changes in your body, the dots change color and reveal if you are under stress. Wouldn't it be great if we had a tiny internal warning light that informed us every time our focus was off the Lord? Or if we had a small beep or signal light that cautioned us we were out of tune with God? We do! It's known as tension, or stress. Becoming tense is a sure indication that we have taken our eyes off the Lord and set them on circumstances. We are staring at the problem
rather than the solution. And when we do that, we are going to get tense. When you think about it, stress can be God's way of saying, "Get your focus in line: Look at me."
The Bible says, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" You have the choice of focusing on your troubles or fo…
playlist_add
May 16, 2022
Are you producing for God?
"I chose you...[to] bear fruit-fruit that will last." Jn 15:16 NIV
Ever wonder how some people are able to accomplish
so much? What makes them so productive? Fast-
forward to the end of vour own life. What will it take
for you to be able to say, "I led a productive life.
accomplished what I set out to do"? What do you
consider to be a productive life? More importantly, do
you know God's definition of a productive life? Let's
consider what it means to be a fruitful Christian. The
word "fruit" occurs sixty-six times in the New
Testament. Three different kinds of fruit are referred
to: the kind we eat-figs and grapes; biological fruit-
infants; and spiritual fruit-Christlike character. The
Bible defines this spiritual fruit as nine things: love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control (See Gal 5:22-23 NLT)
Now you know the kind of fruit that God wants
produced in your life. That's how He defines a
productive life. Jesus said, "This is to my Fa…
playlist_add
May 13, 2022
Stand up for the truth
"Preach God's message…even if it isn't the
popular thing to do." 2Ti 4:2 CEV
Paul describes our generation: "People won't listen to
good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who
will please them by telling them only what they are
itching to hear" (v. 3 CEV). Popular thinking says,
"Tickle my ears, but don't step on my toes!" Sadly, we
have also lived to see many Christians get caught up
in political correctness. Political correctness dictates
we should avoid saying anything that offends others,
especially when it comes to God's Word. Count on it:
Christ's virgin birth, His miraculous power, His sinless
life, His death, burial, resurrection, soon return, and
the truth that salvation comes only through Him will
offend some people. The mention of a hell for
unbelievers, a heaven for believers, the absolute
authoritv of Scripture, biblical mandates concerning
sex, marriage, parenting, and the sanctity of human
life are guaranteed to bring a backlash from the
politicallv correc…
playlist_add
May 12, 2022
Keep your conscience clear
"I always try to maintain a clear conscience before
God and all people." Ac 24:16 NLT
It's been said that our conscience was given to us
after the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden. In
other words, our desire to know the difference
between good and evil was granted through the
mechanism God placed within us known as a
conscience. So we must not ignore its promptings,
silence its voice, or allow it to become calloused,
because it's a built-in warning system that protects us
from danger and harm. That means you shouldn't be
troubled when your conscience bothers you; you
should be troubled when it doesn't. Here are ten
principles for keeping your conscience clear: (1)
Always pay attention to the inner nudging that makes
you stop and question your decisions. (2) Think of
your conscience as a God-given filter that helps keep
your heart pure. (3) Examine your motives in all
"giving" situations. (4) If you think you may have hurt
someone's feelings, ask for forgiveness. (5) Invite God
to…
playlist_add
May 12, 2022
Start Saving
"Take a lesson from the ants." Pr 6:6 NLT
"Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn
from their ways and become wise! Though they have
no prince or governor or ruler to make them work,
they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the
winter. But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?
When will you wake up? A little extra sleep, a little
more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
then povertv will pounce on vou like a bandit: scarcitv
will attack vou like an armed robber" (vv. 6-11 NLT).
The winter season of your life is coming, and you need
to be prepared for it. Eighty-five out of one hundred
Americans end up with less than $1.000 cash in
savings by the time they're sixty-five. That's one-third
of what residents in Germany save, and one-tenth of
what people in Japan save. Any fool can spend money,
but it takes a wise person to save some as well. After
sitting at his calculator for about three hours and not
saying a word, a guy looked up and said to his wife,
"Ho…
playlist_add
May 10, 2022
A key to answered prayer
"What I'm interested in seeing you do is..." Isa 58:7 MSG
Max Lucado writes: "Ours is the wealthiest generation
of Christians ever. We are bright, educated, and
experienced. We can travel around the world in
twenty-four hours or send a message in a millisecond.
We have the most sophisticated research and
medicines at the tips of our fingers. We have ample
resources. A mere 2 percent of the world's grain
harvest would be enough, if shared, to erase the
problems of hunger and malnutrition around the world.
There is enough food on the planet to offer every
person twenty-five hundred calories of sustenance a
day. We have enough food to feed the hungry.When
your grandchildren discover you lived during a day in
which 1.75 billion people were poor and 1 billion were
hungry, how will they judge your response?" More
importantly, what will God say? When the Israelites
complained that God wouldn't answer their prayer, He
told them: "What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with…
playlist_add
May 10, 2022
TRY TO SLOW DOWN
"You will not leave in a hurry, running for your
lives. For the Lord will go ahead of you…[and]
protect you from behind." Isa 52:12 NLT
Have you heard of "hurry sickness"? Those who have
it zoom in and out of lanes in congested traffic; try to
be the first off the plane, even though they must wait
forever at baggage claim; honk at you if you don't take
off like a racehorse when the traffic light turns green;
tap their fingers against anything they can find when
they have to wait; punch the elevator button
repeatedly to attempt to move it faster. Thev remind
us of hummingbirds. These tiny birds can fly forward,
then hover in mid-air going nowhere. Their tiny wings
can move up to seventy-five times each second! The
trouble is, their average life span is only three years
compared to an eagle that lives thirty years. What's
the difference? The eagle has learned to conserve its
energy by riding the God-given wind currents. The
message here is simple: When you draw on the
indwelling power…
playlist_add
May 10, 2022
TAKE THE TITHE TEST
"'Bring the whole tithe...Test me in this.'" Mal 3:10 NIV
Gangaram Mahes became known in New York as the
"Serial Eater." This immigrant loved elegant dining but
didn't have the money to pay for it. Instead of denying
his appetite, he merely walked into a fine restaurant,
ordered the best meal on the menu, the finest wines,
and the costliest desserts, and ate and drank to his
heart's content. When the tab arrived, he simply told
the waiter that he wasn't able to pay the bill. The
police would arrive, arrest him, and he received at
least a few days of free meals in the local jail. Guess
what: Our churches are full of people who drink the
milk of God's blessing, eat the steak of God's
kindness, savor the dessert of God's love-and don't
even "tip" Him 10 percent. Don't be one of them!
When you give God the first 10 percent of your
income, a divine dynamic comes into play. God
blesses the 90 percent you have left, and it goes
much further than our 100 percent without His
blessing. Does tha…
playlist_add
Apr 26, 2022
When you fail, Jesus prays for you
"I have prayed for you." Lk 22:32 NKJV
"Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for
you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have
prayed for you, that your faith should not fail;
and when you have returned to Me,
strengthen your brethren" (VV. 31-32 NKJV).
Are you involved in things you never thought
yourself capable of doing? You never thought
you would have an affair. You never thought
you would cheat, steal, and lie to get ahead
You never thought you would become jealous
and resentful of someone else's success. You
never thought you would neglect or mistreat
your family. You never thought you would get
hooked on pornography. You never thought
you would become addicted to drugs and
alcohol. You're not alone! Peter swore that he
would never deny Jesus, but he did. And not
just once but repeatedly. Did Peter love the
Lord? Absolutely. But because he was weak,
he turned his back on Him. What a load of
guilt to carry. No wonder he "went out and
wept bitterly" (v. 62 NKJV). But Jesus knew…
playlist_add
Apr 25, 2022
Use Your Faith
Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 25, 2022
How are you treating your family?
"Is it not my family God has chosen?" 2Sa 23:5 NLT
Whether in church or in the workplace, if you're "the
person in charge" here is a question you need to
seriously address: If you don't love and take care of
your own family, why should the people who look to
you for direction think vou will love and take care of
them? Does that question make you uncomfortable?
Does it cause you to react by saying, "My personal life
is nobody else's business?" Well, that's where you're
wrong! You lead by example. And while the people
around you may not feel free to tell you what they
think of you, that doesn't keep them from thinking it or
voicing it to others. In your quest for success, are you
taking your family with you or are you leaving them
behind? Are you giving them the time and attention
they deserve, or are they routinely subjected to your
frustrations at the end of a trying day? Are they more
important to you than your career, your success, or
your personal happiness? They should be. If you…
playlist_add
Apr 25, 2022
Don't Withhold It- Give It!
Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 25, 2022
When You Die
Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 25, 2022
Today Deal With The Junk
"Do not remember the former things, nor consider
the things of old." Isa 43:18 NKJV
We all have emotional attics and basements where we
store our "junk." And it's the same in our relationships.
It's hard for a relationship to thrive when either party
hasn't processed their mental and emotional iunk. We
are talking about (1) regrets we have over past
mistakes, (2) grudges we hold on to when we feel we
have been wronged, and (3) hurts we hide under
clouds of anger, scepticism, and isolation. If you're the
type to hold grudges and hang on to past mistakes,
even your own, you know the feeling of being weighed
down by your mental and emotional junk. Clinging to
hurts and nourishing grudges will eat your soul,
consume your happiness, and rob you of all progress.
Like blame, this junk keeps you trapped in the past. If
an old beau has hurt you and you have never let it go,
every time your mate does something like it, you will
react with unjustified fervor, as if they were the
original person…
playlist_add
Apr 25, 2022
Think Right t, Live Right
Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 21, 2022
Look before you leap!
"Don't make rash promises." Ecc 5:2 NLT
When it comes to making commitments and keeping
them, Solomon doesn't mince any of his words: "Don't
shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think...
When you tell God you'll do something, do it-now
God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then
do it. Far better not to vow in the first place than to
vow and not pay up. Don't let your mouth make a total
sinner of you. When called to account, you won't get
by with 'Sorry, I didn't mean it'" (VV. 2, 4-6 MSG). That
means don't be impulsive, listen as much as you
speak, get as much information as you can, then
consult God in prayer before you make a commitment
People often say what they think others want to hear,
but that can get them into a lot of trouble. Don't
promise something you can't deliver. And don't make
excuses. Nothing diminishes your influence like trying
to reverse a mistake with a lame excuse. When vou
make a commitment based on emotion, you will only
follow through if you fe…
playlist_add
Apr 20, 2022
Good Leadership
*"The Lord spoke to Moses." Nu 1:1 NIV*
A good leader is like a ship's good captain; they plan
the whole trip in their mind before they leave the dock.
They have a clear vision of their destination, they
understand what it will take to get there, they know
who needs to be on board for the trip to be
successful, and they recognize obstacles long before
they appear on the horizon. And because they prepare
well, good leaders can take their people just about
anvwhere. Moses was such a leader. He spent fortv
days praying and fasting on a mountain, refusing to
leave until he understood what God wanted him to do.
Then he came back and communicated it to the
people so they could participate in the vision. In
Leadership Promises For Your Week, Dr. John Maxwell
writes: "As a good leader, Moses methodically
arranged the tribal camps in the wilderness (See Nu
2:34). We would do well to.organize as he did. (1)
Give time for planning and organizing. Determine your
primary purpose. (2) Understand wh…
playlist_add
Apr 20, 2022
Marriage Advice From "An Old Hang" (2)
Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 20, 2022
Discipline Your Mind !
Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 13, 2022
Marrige Advice From An Old Hand (1)
"Listen…to a father's instruction; pay attention
and gain understanding." Pr 4:1 NIV
Author Jim Killam writes, "In a few days our oldest son
will marrv.I have no coherent advice to offer on
planning a wedding [but]…..based on 24 years'
experience, I can offer a few bits of advice on how to
navigate marriage. So here goes! (1) Praising your wife
in front of others does wonders for her self-esteem.
(2) Criticizing her in front of them, even in jest, is
always a bad idea. (3) Sometimes she doesn't need
you to solve her problems, she just wants you to
listen. I know; I don't understand it either! (4) Don't fall
for that line of garbage that marriage is a ball and
chain. The people who tell you that would give
anything to have what you have. (5) Sometimes, as
impractical as it seems, it's better to spend $500 on a
trip than on furniture-provided you have the money.
(6) Credit card debt is a monster. Don't fall for it, even
short term. And don't keep financial secrets; they
never remain…
playlist_add
Mar 25, 2022
Use your faith
"Your faith has made you well." Lk 8:48 NKJV
The Bible says: "Now a woman, having a flow of blood
for twelve years…touched the border of His garment.
And immediately her flow of blood stopped…Jesus
said, 'Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power
going out from Me.' Now when the woman saw that
she was not hidden…she declared…she had touched
Him and how she was healed immediately" (vV. 43-44,
46-47 NKJV). There are three important lessons for
us in this story: (1) Recognize and seize your moment
of opportunitv. This woman understood that Jesus
was visiting her town and might not be back. There
are "God moments" in life when you must rearrange
your priorities, overcome your fear, and exercise your
faith. If you don't, you will miss God's best. (2) Be
willing to try a different approach. Since she couldn't
get Christ's attention because of the crowd, this
woman touched the hem of His garment and was
healed. Many times, faith calls for stepping into the
unknown, doing something y…
playlist_add
Mar 23, 2022
Dress for success
"Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." Ro 13:14 NIV
Since first impressions are important, we're encouraged to "dress for success." And that's a good thing. But as a redeemed child of God, your first concern shouldn't be how you look to others, but to
God. Just like a mirror reflects your physical appearance so that you can make adjustments, the Bible reveals your spiritual condition and tells you what to do about it. James writes: "Anyone who listens
to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror..goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives
freedom and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what thev do" (Jas 1:23-25 NIV). You must spend time each day in the Scriptures; otherwise, you will run around spiritually threadbare. Paul writes, "Clothe yourselves
with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to g…
playlist_add
Mar 22, 2022
Intercede with God for them
"I exhort…….that…intercessions..be made." 1Ti 2:1 NKJV
Paul writes: "I exhort…that…intercessions…be made
for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that
we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be
saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (vV.
1-4 NKJV). Intercession means "to mediate between
parties with a view to reconciling those who differ or
contend." It happens every day in the court system
when lawyers intercede on behalf of their clients. It
also happened in Scripture. When Israel made a
golden calf and worshiped it, Moses interceded with
God on their behalf, saying: "Oh, these people have
committed a great sin...Yet now, if You will forgive their
sin-but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which
You have written" (Ex 32:31-32 NKJV). And it worked.
God told Moses, "Go, lead the people to the place of
which I have spoken to you. B…
playlist_add
Mar 22, 2022
Uderstanding God's Love For You.
"Perfect love casts out fear." 1Jn 4:18 NKJV
Question: Since we're naturallv drawn to people who love us, why is it so difficult for us to go to God in prayer? Answer: Because we need a fresh revelation of His love for us! Paul prayed that the Ephesian church would "be able to take in….the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love" (Eph 3:18 MSG). The word "extravagant" means going above and beyond all that's expected or deserved. The truth is, God couldn't love you any more than He does right now.
"What's His love like?" you ask. Look at the cross. Had you been the only person who ever lived, Jesus would have died just for you. "What does His love cost?" you ask. Nothing! It comes with no strings attached. You didn't do anything to deserve it, and when you mess
up, you don't forfeit it. "Absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love" (Ro 8:39 MSG). Once you accept that, you can acknowledge your weaknesses, seek God's help, grow strong, and use the talents He has given you. Whe…
playlist_add
Mar 18, 2022
Think right, live right
*"Your life is shaped by your thoughts."* Pr 4:23 GNT
Someone has wiselv said. "You're not what vou think you are, but what you think-you are.!" Lasting change always begins with new thinking. How do you become a Christian? By repenting of your sin and placing your trust in Christ. The Greek word for repentance is
metanoia, and it means to change your mind. We're not changed by willpower, but by the transforming power of God's Word when we use it to renew our minds each day. The Bible clearly teaches that the way we think determines the way we feel, and the way we feel determines the way we act. So if you want to change your actions, you have to return to the source and change the way you think. At times you may act resentful. Why? Because you feel resentful. And do you know why you feel resentful? Because you are thinking resentful thoughts. The same is true of anger, worry, lust, and other destructive thought patterns.
Jesus said, *"You will know the truth, and the truth will set yo…
playlist_add
Mar 17, 2022
How God changes us (2)
"Beatings purge the inmost being." Pr 20:30 NIV
Another way God changes us is through circumstances. Problems, pressures, sorrows,
hardships, and stress always get our attention. C. S. Lewis said, "Pain insists on being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures...but shouts to us in our pain." The J. B. Phillips translation of Romans 8:28-29 reads: "To those who love God. who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good…God…chose them to bear the family likeness of his Son." Nothing can come into your life without your heavenly Father's permission; it must be "Father filtered." The interesting thing about how God uses circumstances is that their source makes no difference to Him. We often bring problems
on ourselves. Sometimes they're caused by other people. Other times the Enemy causes things to happen to us. But the source of the circumstances is irrelevant. God said, "I will make it fit into mv plan for your life, to make you lik…
playlist_add
Mar 16, 2022
How God Changes Us!
"It...teaches us to do what is right." 2Ti 3:16 NLT
One of the ways God changes us is through His Word.
*"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work"** *(vV. 16- 17 NLT). The story is told of a converted cannibal in the South Sea islands. He was sitting by a large pot
reading his Bible when an anthropologist approached him and asked, "What are you doing?" The native replied, "I'm reading the Bible." The anthropologist scoffed and said, "Don't you know that modern, civilized man has rejected that book? It's nothing but a pack of lies. You shouldn't waste your time reading it."
The cannibal looked him over from head to toe and slowly replied, "Sir, if it weren't for this book-you'd be in that pot!" The Word of God had changed his life- and his appetite. If you're serious ab…
playlist_add
Mar 16, 2022
Work It Out!
"Work out vour own salvation...for it is God who works in you... to will and to do...His good
pleasure." Php 2:12-13 NKJV
The Bible says, "Work out your own salvation…for it is God who works in you..to will and to do..His good pleasure." This Scripture almost sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it? But instead, it is a paradox. And G. K. Chesterton described a paradox as "truth standing on its head to get attention." The key to understanding this particular paradox lies in the little
word out. Notice that the Bible doesn't say, "Work for your salvation." To work for something means to earn it, deserve it, merit it. And the Bible plainly teaches that salvation isn't something we have to work for or earn. It's a free gift of God's grace (See Eph 2:8-9).
When Paul says, "Work out your salvation," he is talking about a "spiritual workout." What do you do during a physical workout? You develop and tone the muscles God has already provided you. To "work out" means to grow and make the mo…
playlist_add
Mar 14, 2022
Do It Today!
"He said. 'Tomorrow.'" Ex 8:10 NKJV
Every plague God sent on Egypt mocked one of their gods. For instance, the Egyptians deified lice, so God sent them a lot of lice-and frogs. Finally, Pharaoh called for Moses and said, "All right, I give up." But when Moses asked him, "When do you want me to get rid of the frogs?" Pharaoh's response was classic; he said, "Tomorrow." He must have been insane! Why
would you wait any longer to have the frogs removed? But we do the same, don't we? We procrastinate by putting off the changes we know would be good for us. Maybe we're unconcerned. Maybe we're too lethargic to change. Maybe we're fearful because we
don't know what the changes will entail. Maybe we're just too proud and stubborn. Whatever the reason- we procrastinate. NASA space engineers tell us most of the fuel that is used in a rocket launch is burned during the initial few seconds of liftoff. It takes enormous energy and thrust to move the rocket off the launching pad. Once it's moving an…
playlist_add
Mar 11, 2022
Be Faithful!
"You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things." Mt 25:21 NKJV
In Scripture, to be faithful means to be steady, stable, dependable, and consistent. Do those attributes describe you? They should, because faithfulness pays big dividends with God. "A faithful man will abound with blessings" (Pr 28:20 NKJV). Jesus said, "Many are called, but few chosen" (Mt 20:16 NKJV). Why is that? Because talent may open the door and get you
the job, but character and faithfulness will keep you there. When it comes to faithfulness, God will test you in two was: (1) Your faithfulness in someone else's vision. "If you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?" (Lk 16:12 NKJV). If you're critical, caustic, complaining, competitive, or constantly comparing yourself with others, you will be disqualified for what God has in mind for you. Faithfulness calls for serving with love and humility.
(2) Your faithfulness in small things. "His lo…
playlist_add
Mar 10, 2022
Aim For The Mark!
*"I press toward the mark for the prize."* Php 3:14
Paul writes: *"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect [mature], be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded God shall reveal even this unto you"* (vv. 14-15). Paul describes the Christian as a marksman. In Paul's day, the mark would have been hit by an arrow, but in our
day, the mark could also be hit at a firing range. If you have ever fired at a target, you know this: (1) Your aim must be unbroken by distractions. When you have the bull's-eve in your crosshairs, something as insignificant as taking a breath at the wrong moment can make you miss the mark. So what is Paul saying? Simply this: "Forget what's behind you and around you
and stay focused on winning the prize." He is not referring to your salvation. Jesus already purchased that and gives it to you freely by grace. No, he is talking about fulfilling your God-given destiny and o…
playlist_add
Mar 9, 2022
Leaning On Your Own Staff!
"He…[died]……leaning on….his staff." Heb 11:21 NKJV
The Bible says, "By faith Jacob, when he was dying... worshiped, leaning on…..his staff." Picture this: Each time Jacob had an experience with God, he took a knife and cut a ring around his staff as a reminder of what happened. The rings started at the bottom and worked their way to the top. One would surely have symbolized the night he wrestled with God and his name was changed to "Israel...a prince..with God" (Ge 32:28).
Another would have represented the night God showed him a vision of a ladder extending into heaven with angels on it. In short, Jacob's staff represented a lifetime of experiences with God. So, it's not surprising that he died worshiping God-and leaning on his staff! Now consider the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4. Her son suddenly became ill and died. so Elisha sent his servant Gehazi ahead with his staff to let the woman know he was coming. But when Ghazi placed the prophet's staff on the dea…
playlist_add
Mar 8, 2022
Be Perssionate About It (2)
*"I felt a fire burning inside." Ps 39:3 CEV*
David wrote, "I felt a fire burning inside, and the more I thought, the more it burned, until at last I said: 'Please, Lord, show me my future'" (vV. 3-4 CEV). Passion is like fire; unless you feed it and stoke it, it will die. Question: On a scale of one to ten, how wholehearted are you about serving the Lord? Before you answer, think about these Scriptures:
*"Love the Lord your God with all your heart…all your soul and. all your strength" (Dt 6:5 NIV).
"Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart" (Ps 119:2 NIV).
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Pr 3:5 NIV).
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jer 29:13 NIV). "Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you" (2Ti 1:6 NIV).
''Return home and tell how much God has done for you! So the man went awav and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him" (Lk 8:39 NIV).
"Sinc…
playlist_add
Jan 24, 2022
People With A Past (1)
On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 24, 2022
How To Be Fruitful
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will r…
playlist_add
Jan 24, 2022
Forgive Your Parents (2)
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 24, 2022
Become A Conduit
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 24, 2022
Be A Restorer (2)
Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:8-11Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 3, 2022
How To Be Fruitful (2)
Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes. No one can be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. Proverb 12:2-3Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 31, 2021
Believe In Your Vision
God spoke through the prophet Joel saying, "Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and……maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days" (vv. 28-29
NKJV). Regardless of your age or gender, God has a vision for you to fulfill. And sometimes it won't make sense because you don't feel qualified. In the musical Man of La Mancha, there is a scene where Don Quixote and his servant stand gazing at a dilapidated inn. When Quixote describes his vision of turrets and magnificent gates, his servant tries hard to see the same picture, but all he can see are ruins. And when he attempts to describe them, Quixote says, "Stop! I will not allow your facts to interfere with my vision!" Most great achievements begin as a vision in someone's heart. And many times people try to convince the person it can't be done--or that he or she can't do it. Often this confirms the visionary's deepest fears about his or her abilities. And that's the crucia…
playlist_add
Dec 30, 2021
What To Do When You Are Down (2)
But you, O LORD, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the LORD,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
Interlude
I lay down and slept,
yet I woke up in safety,
for the LORD was watching over me.
I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
who surround me on every side.
Arise, O LORD!
Rescue me, my God!
Slap all my enemies in the face!
Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
Victory comes from you, O LORD.
May you bless your people.Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 29, 2021
What To Do When You Feel Down (1)
*The Power of Prayer*
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 28, 2021
Releasing The Power Within You!!!
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 28, 2021
Practice Being Unselfish
*Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians*
You have made me act like a fool—boasting like this. You ought to be writing commendations for me, for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” even though I am nothing at all. When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you. The only thing I failed to do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a financial burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!
Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 24, 2021
The Best Gift Ever
*The Shepherds and Angels*
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village…
playlist_add
Dec 24, 2021
The Champion Of The Underdog
Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 24, 2021
It Is A Blessing In Disguise
Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 21, 2021
When Preparation Meets Opportunity
Charge to Carry Out the Ministry
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the cro…
playlist_add
Dec 20, 2021
Are You Doing It For The Right Reasons?
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 10, 2021
The Supporting Cast
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 8, 2021
FOR GOD'S SAKE, CONTROL YOURSELF!
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 7, 2021
How To Lower Your Anxiety Level (2)
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.Support the show
playlist_add
Dec 6, 2021
How To Lower Your Anxiety Level (1)
Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22.
Support the show
playlist_add
Nov 24, 2021
Relationships (3)
*Living by the Spirit’s Power *(Eph.5:15-20)
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.Support the show
playlist_add
Nov 23, 2021
Relationship (2)
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous. Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly. Proverb 13:20-22
*Living as Children of Light*
With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—trul…
playlist_add
Nov 8, 2021
Respect and Submit To Authority (2)
Therefore, this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I am determined to destroy every one of you! I will take this remnant of Judah—those who were determined to come here and live in Egypt—and I will consume them. They will fall here in Egypt, killed by war and famine. All will die, from the least to the greatest. They will be an object of damnation, horror, cursing, and mockery. I will punish them in Egypt just as I punished them in Jerusalem, by war, famine, and disease. Of that remnant who fled to Egypt, hoping someday to return to Judah, there will be no survivors. Even though they long to return home, only a handful will do so.”
Then all the women present and all the men who knew that their wives had burned incense to idols—a great crowd of all the Judeans living in northern Egypt and southern Egypt—answered Jeremiah, “We will not listen to your messages from the LORD!Support the show
playlist_add
Nov 3, 2021
Respect and Submit To Authority (1)
Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Hebrew 13:17.
And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors the humb…
playlist_add
Nov 2, 2021
It's Not Too Late For You!!!
Then Delilah pouted, “How can you tell me, ‘I love you,’ when you don’t share your secrets with me? You’ve made fun of me three times now, and you still haven’t told me what makes you so strong!” She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it.
Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. “My hair has never been cut,” he confessed, “for I was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.”
Delilah realized he had finally told her the truth, so she sent for the Philistine rulers. “Come back one more time,” she said, “for he has finally told me his secret.” So the Philistine rulers returned with the money in their hands. Delilah lulled Samson to sleep with his head in her lap, and then she called in a man to shave off the seven locks of his hair. In this way she began to bring him down, and his strength left him.
Then she cried out, “…
playlist_add
Oct 29, 2021
YOUR HEART MUST BE CIRCUMCISED
“In the future, when you experience all these blessings and curses I have listed for you, and when you are living among the nations to which the LORD your God has exiled you, take to heart all these instructions. If at that time you and your children return to the LORD your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today, then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you. Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the LORD your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. The LORD your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors!
“The LORD your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may liv…
playlist_add
Oct 29, 2021
Avoid Habits That Can Enslave You!!!!
Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 29, 2021
How To Forgive Yourself
Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 22, 2021
Handling Your Money Wisely (2)
He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 21, 2021
Handling Your Money Wisely (1)
The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom. The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it. Proverb 10:21-22Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 20, 2021
Pray For Discernment (3)
For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 20, 2021
Pray For Discernment (2)
Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 20, 2021
Pray For Discernment (1)
Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 20, 2021
Keep Your Spiritual Priorities In Place
Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 20, 2021
Look For God In "All Things"
Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 20, 2021
Caring Means Getting Involved
Support the show
playlist_add
Oct 20, 2021
Coping With Crises (2)
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 15, 2021
Overcoming Your Insecurity (2)
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything —in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the…
playlist_add
Sep 14, 2021
Overcoming Your Insecurity (1)
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant —not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 10, 2021
God's Remedy For Depression (5)
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 10, 2021
God's Remedy For Depression (4)
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 10, 2021
God's Remedy For Depression (3)
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 8, 2021
God's Remedy For Depression (1)
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 8, 2021
God's Remedy For Depression (2)
Support the show
playlist_add
Sep 2, 2021
How ToSolve Your Problems
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will n…
playlist_add
Sep 1, 2021
Be At Peace-God Is In Control.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.Support the show
playlist_add
Aug 31, 2021
Conquering The Giant In Life (2)
He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine. Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled. David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the LO…
playlist_add
Aug 31, 2021
Conquering The Giant In Your Life (1)
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”Support the show
playlist_add
Aug 23, 2021
The Sons Of Sceva (2)
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.Support the show
playlist_add
Aug 18, 2021
How is your Spiritual Appetite? (3)
O LORD, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair. Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy. I am overwhelmed with indignation, for my enemies have disregarded your words. Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much. I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments. Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true. As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands. Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live. I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD! I will obey your decrees. I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws. I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.Support the show
playlist_add
Aug 17, 2021
How Is Your Spiritual Appetite (1) ?
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Bound in affliction and irons—
Because they rebelled against the words of God,
And despised the counsel of the Most High,Support the show
playlist_add
Aug 17, 2021
How Is Your Spiritual Appetite ? (2)
When Asa heard this message from Azariah the prophet, he took courage and removed all the detestable idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin and in the towns he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. And he repaired the altar of the LORD, which stood in front of the entry room of the LORD’s Temple.
Then Asa called together all the people of Judah and Benjamin, along with the people of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them. For many from Israel had moved to Judah during Asa’s reign when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. The people gathered at Jerusalem in late spring, during the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign.
On that day they sacrificed to the LORD 700 cattle and 7,000 sheep and goats from the plunder they had taken in the battle. Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. They agreed that anyone who refused to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death—whether…
playlist_add
Aug 11, 2021
Be An Exhorter (1)
Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Remember what it says:Support the show
playlist_add
Aug 4, 2021
The Child That Needs You Most
So now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.
When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has…
playlist_add
Aug 2, 2021
THOUGHT ON GIVING (2)
Serve God with Spiritual Gifts
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 30, 2021
Think About Others (2)
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD,
And He will pay back what he has given.Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 29, 2021
Think More About Others
1 John 3:16-17Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 28, 2021
Recognize When It's Wise To Compromise
I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 27, 2021
"How To Protect Yourself When You're Alone"
My eyes are always on the LORD,
for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.
Turn to me and have mercy,
for I am alone and in deep distress.
My problems go from bad to worse.
Oh, save me from them all!
Feel my pain and see my trouble.
Forgive all my sins.
See how many enemies I have
and how viciously they hate me!
Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.
May integrity and honesty protect me,
for I put my hope in you.
O God, ransom Israel
from all its troubles.Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 23, 2021
Let God's Love Dispel Your Fear
*Discerning False Prophets*
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God,…
playlist_add
Jul 22, 2021
What's In A Name? Everything! (6)
Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 21, 2021
The "If Only" Trap
Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 21, 2021
Don't Lose Sight Of Your Goal
Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 21, 2021
Practice Self-Control
Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 21, 2021
God Will Not Abandon You!
Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 21, 2021
What Is In A Name? Everything(3)
Support the show
playlist_add
Jul 21, 2021
What Is In A Name? Everything (4)
Support the show
playlist_add
Jun 21, 2021
A SPIRIT-CONTROLLED MIND
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did…
playlist_add
Jun 16, 2021
God Want You To Succeed
All the people of Judah had crowned Amaziah’s sixteen-year-old son, Uzziah, as king in place of his father. After his father’s death, Uzziah rebuilt the town of Elath and restored it to Judah.
Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother was Jecoliah from Jerusalem. He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, just as his father, Amaziah, had done. Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah, who taught him to fear God. And as long as the king sought guidance from the LORD, God gave him success. Uzziah declared war on the Philistines and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built new towns in the Ashdod area and in other parts of Philistia.
2 Chronicles 26:1-6Support the show
playlist_add
Jun 10, 2021
THINGS ARE GOING TO GET BETTER
This is what the LORD says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Her.29:10-11Support the show
playlist_add
Jun 10, 2021
FAILING IN ORDER TO SUCCEED
Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.
Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”
“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied. John 21:5Support the show
playlist_add
Jun 8, 2021
DO YOU WANT TO DO RIGHT?
Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.Support the show
playlist_add
Jun 7, 2021
BUILD OTHERS UP (2)
We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.Support the show
playlist_add
Jun 2, 2021
Confession Is Good For The Soul.
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.Support the show
playlist_add
Jun 1, 2021
Communicating With Your Family
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Prov. 24:2-6Support the show
playlist_add
May 28, 2021
NEGATIVITIES "THROW THEM ALL OUT"
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrew 11:1-6Support the show
playlist_add
May 27, 2021
BE WILLING TO CHANGE
Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this,
That they would consider their latter end! Deuteronomy.32:29
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; Pro. 2:6
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; Pro. 3:13
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Support the show
playlist_add
May 26, 2021
INVEST IN YOUR CHILDREN
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Prov. 22:6Support the show
playlist_add
May 25, 2021
REFUSE TO BE FEARFUL!!!
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”Support the show
playlist_add
May 25, 2021
GOD WILL TAKE CARE YOU!
The LORD remembers us and will bless us. He will bless the people of Israel and bless the priests, the descendants of Aaron. Psalm 115:12Support the show
playlist_add
May 21, 2021
BECOME A NURTURER
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matt.9:35-38Support the show
playlist_add
May 19, 2021
BE TENACIOUS
*But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58*Support the show
playlist_add
May 14, 2021
FISHING LESSON (2)
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”Support the show
playlist_add
May 14, 2021
FISHING LESSON (5)
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”Support the show
playlist_add
May 14, 2021
FISHING LESSON (4)
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”Support the show
playlist_add
May 14, 2021
FISHING LESSON (3)
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”Support the show
playlist_add
May 14, 2021
FISHING LESSON (1)
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”Support the show
playlist_add
May 6, 2021
HOW TO HELP HURTING PEOPLE
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up; Eccl.10:12
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse. Pro. 10:32
And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” Lk. 4:21-22Support the show
playlist_add
May 5, 2021
TRY TO BE TACTFUL
*Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6*Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 29, 2021
"MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE AND CONQUERING WORRY"
Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are my constant guide.
Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your laws.
I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments.
I have refused to walk on any evil path,
so that I may remain obedient to your word.
I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
for you have taught me well. Psalm 119:97-102Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 28, 2021
"CASTING" OR "KEEPING"
*Submit to God, Resist the Devil*
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
*“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”*
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 27, 2021
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE (2)
*Results of the Sinful Nature*
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
*Fruit of the Spirit*
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
*Follow the Spirit’s Leading*
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one ano…
playlist_add
Apr 26, 2021
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE (1)
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say.
Act 4:13-14Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 23, 2021
How To Handle Disagreements (1)
*Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas*
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Act 16:36-41Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 22, 2021
ANSWERING THE BIG QUESTION (4)
They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. Rom.9:4-5Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 14, 2021
PRAYER CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 12, 2021
THE SECRET TO SURVIVING HARD TIMES
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Php. 3:7-11Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 8, 2021
Are You Struggling With Change?
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 8, 2021
Don't Listen To The Accuser
The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 6, 2021
CONQUERING YOUR TOUGHEST ENEMY -"YOURSELF"
You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.Support the show
playlist_add
Apr 6, 2021
RENEW YOUR LOVE FOR CHRIST
“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 31, 2021
Keep On Persevering
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:2-5Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 30, 2021
Don't Worry, God Is Faithful
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 30, 2021
Getting Beyound "The Splat"
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrew 12:1-2Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 26, 2021
DO WHAT GOD MADE YOU TO BE
*After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. John17:1-5 *Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 25, 2021
CROSSING THE "WHAT IF" LINE
*Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 2 Corinthians 9:11*Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 24, 2021
SOW FOR THE FUTURE
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs…
playlist_add
Mar 23, 2021
What Will Be Your Legacy? (2)
Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 23, 2021
What Will Be Your Legacy? (3)
The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. Proverb 10:7Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 15, 2021
LOVING PEOPLE YOU DON;T LIKE
*"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will" Ephesian 1:4-5*Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 11, 2021
YOUR FAMILY BACKGROUND DOESN'T MATTER
"*Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters." Hebrew 2:11*Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 9, 2021
YOUR WORDS REVEAL YOUR HEART
*"After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:73-75*Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 4, 2021
Today Try To Be Gracious
Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. Ecclesiastes 10:12Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 4, 2021
Can You Pay The Price?
*Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27*Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 4, 2021
People Pleaser Part 1
*Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Proverb 29:25
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD. Proverb 16:20*Support the show
playlist_add
Mar 4, 2021
People Pleaser Part 2
*Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. Psalm 56:9
in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11*Support the show
playlist_add
Feb 23, 2021
Understanding True Holiness
*On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the LORD’s house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar. Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD Almighty, and all who come to sacrifice will take some of the pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD Almighty. Zec.14:20-21*Support the show
playlist_add
Feb 19, 2021
GET A "PREPARATION PERSPECTIVE"
*For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 10:5*Support the show
playlist_add
Feb 12, 2021
YOU MUST RESPOND WITH GRACE
*But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18*Support the show
playlist_add
Feb 12, 2021
GENERATIONAL BLESSINGS
*The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Act 2:39*Support the show
playlist_add
Feb 12, 2021
TURN YOUR LOSS INTO GAIN (1)
*Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute. Judges 11:1*Support the show
playlist_add
Feb 8, 2021
LOVING AND ACCEPTING OTHERS
*Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4*Support the show
playlist_add
Feb 3, 2021
SEEK GOD'S "PEACE" CONCERNING IT
"*You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12*Support the show
playlist_add
Feb 3, 2021
DECIDE, AND STICK WITHIT!
*But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15*Support the show
playlist_add
Feb 2, 2021
KEEP BELIEVING IN THEM
*Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 1 Corinthians 13;8
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 John 4:7-10*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 29, 2021
WHY YOU NEED A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
*They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin. Malachi 2:6*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 29, 2021
ARE YOU UNDER PRESSURE TODAY?
*My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2-3*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 28, 2021
YOU'RE "GRACED" FOR THIS TEST
*“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.
Job 23:10 NLT
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Job 23:10 NIV*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 22, 2021
TODAY GOD IS WITH YOU
*The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them! Deu. 33:27*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 21, 2021
YOU ARE COMMANDED TO LOVE
*My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:12-14*
*Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 19, 2021
"CHOICE MORSELS"
*The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. Proverb 18:6-9
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. Proverb 26:22-23*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 15, 2021
DEALING WITH FEAR (6)
*For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.” Job 3:25-26
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and…
playlist_add
Jan 14, 2021
DEALING WITH FEAR (5)
*The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
“The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory. Your sun shall no longer go down, Nor shall your moon withdraw itself; For the LORD will be your everlasting light, And the days of your mourning shall be ended.Isaiah 60:19-20
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ” Isaiah 12:2
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. Philippians 1:21-22*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 14, 2021
DEALING WITH FEAR (4)
*And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.” Joshua 3:13*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 13, 2021
DEALING WITH FEAR (3)
*Fear came upon me, and trembling, Which made all my bones shake. Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair on my body stood up. It stood still, But I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; There was silence; Then I heard a voice saying:
Job 4:14-16*Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 11, 2021
DEALING WITH FEAR (2)
*So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:10
*
Support the show
playlist_add
Jan 2, 2021
A WORD FOR THE NEW YEAR PART (1)
Love the LORD your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always. Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the LORD your God: his majesty, his mighty hand, his outstretched arm; the signs he performed and the things he did in the heart of Egypt, both to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his whole country; what he did to the Egyptian army, to its horses and chariots, how he overwhelmed them with the waters of the Red Sea as they were pursuing you, and how the LORD brought lasting ruin on them. It was not your children who saw what he did for you in the wilderness until you arrived at this place, and what he did to Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab the Reubenite, when the earth opened its mouth right in the middle of all Israel and swallowed them up with their households, their tents and every living thing that belonged to them. But it was your own eyes that saw all these great things the LORD has done. Observe…
playlist_add
Dec 24, 2020
ARE YOU ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS?
*The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:18-19*Support the show