NEW YEAR’S DAY—JANUARY 1, 2014. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW YEAR

NEW YEAR’S DAY—JANUARY 1

“Henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.” Heb 10:13

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW YEAR

Yesterday we read Scripture, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (1 Sa 7:12). Today read this Scripture: “Henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.” Note the words: “hitherto” and “henceforth.” The first refers to the past; the second refers to the future. If you’re anxious about the future, recall God’s faithfulness to you during the past year, and you’ll be able to say, “Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord has given…was left unfulfilled; everything he [has]spoken came true”(Jos 21:45 NLT).Who but God has a resume and a record like that? Looking back, Paul recalled times when there wasn’t enough money in the kitty and he had to go to work as a tentmaker in order to support his ministry. He could remember the whippings, the stonings, and the betrayal at the hands of those he trusted. But listen to what he says about it: “Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day, I stand” (Ac26:22 NKJV). Jeremiah felt the same way: They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness: (Lam 3:22-23 NIV). No doubt, you called God at some points last year, but did He ever once fail you? No, and He won’t fail you this year either, so trust Him. A.B. Simpson wrote: “How often we trust each other, and only doubt our Lord. We take the words of mortals, yet distrust His word; But, oh, what light and glory, would shine o’er all our days; If we always would remember, God means just what He says.”

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

NEW YEAR’S EVE—DECEMBER 31, 2013. EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD

DECEMBER 31—NEW YEAR’S EVE

“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” 1 Sa7:12

EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD

The Bible says, “Then Samuel took a stone…and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.’” As you end this year, and look back, what do you see? Monuments to failure? Wasted opportunities? When it comes to your failures, god says, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins”(Isa 43:25).When it comes to your wasted opportunities, God says, ”I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten” (Joel 2:25 NKJV). A wise man said, “If we do not learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it.” It’s okay to look back and learn, but if your drive looking in the heavier mirror you’ll end in a ditch. Whether good or bad, don’t get stuck in the past. ”Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days are better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this” (Ecc 7:10). One of the dangers of growing old is that you become more excited over the past than you are over the future. A lady wrote to a newspaper editor and said, “Your newspaper is not as good as it used to be. ”He wrote back and equipped, “It never has been.” God says, ”I know the plans I have for you…they are plans for good”(Jer29:11 TLB).God has a plan for you this year. So, “hats off to the past and coats off to the future!” Roll up your sleeves, go to work, and expect great things from God.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 30, 2013. HOW TO SUCCEED WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

MONDAY DECEMBER 30

“I focus on this one thing.” Php 3:13 NLT

HOW TO SUCCEED WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

Professor Howard Hendricks mentored hundreds of pastors and leaders. He writes: “As a young leader, my biggest mistake was allowing my time to be eaten up with things outside my core competencies. I wanted to set the pace for others, to demonstrate that nothing was beneath me, so I devoted an inordinate amount of time to things I wasn’t good at—things I’d never be good at. At the same time, I invested little energy into developing my strengths…Finally I realized that my true value lay within the context of my giftedness—not the number of hours I worked. There were some balls I’d no business juggling. When I finally got the courage to let them fall to the floor, I began to excel in juggling the two or three balls I was created to keep in the air in the first place. And the amazing this is, people came along, and picked up the other balls. What I couldn’t relinquish, were the opportunities they’d been waiting for.” Answer this: Of the two or three things that define success for you, which of them are in line with your core competencies? That is where you must focus your energies. That is where you’ll excel. Within that narrowed context, you will make your greatest contribution. And best of all, you will enjoy what you do! You say, “But I can’t afford to focus all my energies on one or two things.” Maybe not yet, but that should be your goal. It’s something you should be working toward if you want to succeed where it matters most.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 29, 2013. DE-STRESSING

SUNDAY DECEMBER 29

'My people will live in peaceful dwelling places...' Isaiah 32:18 NIV

De-Stressing

Years ago stress was considered mostly a male problem, but not anymore. Women are experiencing the stress of pursuing perfection, looking a certain way, competing in the workplace, attempting to do it all, never saying no, and having no time for themselves. That's not how God wants you to live! 'The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.' (Isaiah 32:17-18 NIV) So, (male or female) here are two practical suggestions for de-stressing: (1) Allow yourself more time. Since everything takes longer than you think, having enough time to complete the job reduces your anxiety greatly. Whenever you're under pressure, a good rule of thumb is to allow 20 percent more time than you think you'll need. (2) Be content with less A recent study of thousands of households found that those who maintained lifestyles beyond their means were more prone to stress related illnesses such as heart attack and depression. 'He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house...' (Proverbs 15:27 NKJV) You say, 'Does that mean God doesn't want me to get ahead in life?' No, He just wants you to keep your priorities straight and to learn to enjoy where you are, on your way to where you're going. If you're feeling stressed today, pray: 'Lord, I need to be renewed. This business of living has drained me. Thank You for ordaining quiet times and places of rest in the midst of hectic schedules. Help me always to put You first and to find my place of rest in You.'

Taken from the Word for You Today devotional 

DECEMBER 28, 2013. HEALING FOR YOUR GRIEF

SATURDAY DECEMBER 28

'He heals the brokenhearted...' Psalm 147:3 NIV

Healing For Your Grief

One of the most moving scenes in Scripture is Jesus weeping at the graveside of Lazarus. It's not that He was powerless to change the situation, which He did, but that He empathizes with us in our time of loss. 'He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.' The Lord didn't promise to protect us from pain and loss, but to bring us through it. Perhaps these suggestions will help: (1) don’t isolate Expand your 'family.' '...Better a neighbor than a brother far away.' (Proverbs 27:10 NIV) If you don't have family nearby, reach out to caring people who are close by. As part of a group you discover that you're not alone, that mourning isn't sickness or self-indulgence, and that sharing brings healing. (2) Don't deny your loss ‘The memory of the just is blessed...' (Proverbs 10:7 KJV) When you're around friends, don't hesitate to talk about your loss. When you do, you're saying it's ok for them to share their memories too. A burden shared is a burden lightened. (3) Don't try to do it all 'There is a time to cry...' (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NCV) Because grief is draining, you'll need more rest than usual. So while your ability to function is reduced, let others help with the everyday stuff like cooking, cleaning and shopping until you feel stronger. (4) Don't neglect your legitimate needs Respect your body by using the acronym D.E.E.R. (drink, eat, exercise, rest) to help you stay focused and set healthy boundaries. Nobody knows how you feel better than you, so give yourself permission to say, 'No thanks' or 'Some other time' without feeling guilty.

Taken from the Word for You Today devotional 

DECEMBER 26, 2013. WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM (4)

THURSDAY DECEMBER 26

“Search the Scriptures, for…these are they which testify of Me.” Jn 5:39 NKJV

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM (4)

The birth of Jesus divides history into two parts: B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (after Christ). History is—His story! Let’s observe where else the wise men didn’t find Christ: In the church. Amazing, isn’t it? Teachers and theologians pored over their dusty parchments as they had done for generations. They taught their congregations that the Messiah was coming, but they failed to recognize or acknowledge Him when He arrived. Yet the Old Testament Scriptures they read were filled with it. They described His ancestry: God told Abraham, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring”(Ge 28:14 NIV). They identified the tribe from which He would be born: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh [the Prince of Peace] come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be” (Ge 49:10). They described His family of origin: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse [father of David];from His roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him”(Isa 11:1-2 NIV). They foretold His virgin birth: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel [which means ‘God with us’]” (Isa 7:14 NIV). The prophet Daniel actually declared the time of His birth (See Da 9:25). And this God of precision and forethought has a plan for your life too, the only plan that can satisfy and bring you happiness. And the good news is, He comes by invitation. So invite Him into your life today.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 25, 2013. WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM (3)

CHRISTMAS DAY—WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25

“That they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might…find Him though He is not far from each one of us.” Ac 17:27 NKJV

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM (3)

When Jesus was born, the biggest issue of the day was wanting lower taxes and a different government. Sound familiar? In Jerusalem, the capital, we read, “When Herod the king heard [about Jesus], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (MT 2:3 NKJV). As a result, he committed one of history’s greatest atrocities by killing every Jewish baby boy under the age of two, in order to get at Jesus. And today, Jesus still forces a reaction in the hearts of men and women! That’s why some people want to take Him out of the classroom, the courtroom, and the Congress. The forces of darkness are set on a course of trying to remove His name, His influence, and His authority from all public life. Why? Because when you do away with God, there’s no higher power than yourself, so you get to play God! Lenin, the father of Russian communism, said of Christ, “His kingdom is invisible, His rule is in the hearts of men, so He can’t be tolerated.” As a result, over twenty million people died during the revolution in an attempt to build and atheistic state. But fighting God is futile; it’s a battle you can’t win because ultimately, “every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (See Ro 14:11). Every prophecy concerning Christ’s first coming was fulfilled to the letter, and every prophecy was fulfilled to the letter, and every prophecy concerning His second coming will be too. So if you want to meet Him in peace, surrender your life to Him today and accept Him as your savior.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 24, 2013. WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM (2)

CHRISTMAS EVE—TUESDAY DECEMBER 24

“You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me will all your heart.” Jer 29:13 NKJV

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM (2)

Notice where the wise men didn’t find Christ: In the business world. Every motel in Nazareth was sold out with a “No vacancy” sign. Not much has changed, eh? Thirty percent of all retail sales in department stores take place over the Christmas holidays. Fifty percent of all parties are held during Christmas and New Year. One out of ten gallons of liquor is sold then too. Clearly, Jesus is good for business. The trouble is, we prefer the myth to the Master. We want a Santa but not a Savior. We want the fairy tale but not the fact. What fact? That Jesus Christ came to the world to save sinners (See 1Ti 1:15). The story’s told of a kid who was chosen to play the innkeeper in the Christmas pageant, telling Mary and Joseph that there was no room for them in the inn. But on the night of the big event, he stood on stage, looked into the faces of the audience, froze in fear, then smiled and announced, “I’m not supposed to do this, but come in anyway!” The hymnist wrote, “Room for pleasure, room for business, but for Christ the crucified, not a place where He can enter, in the heart for which He died.” Instead of ending this Christmas exhausted, disappointed, and in debt, invite Jesus into your life. You may be looking back with regret on some bad moves you’ve made this year, but making Jesus your Lord and Savior this Christmas is the best move you’ll ever make.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 23, 2013. WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM (1)

MONDAY DECEMBER 23

“Wise men…came to Jerusalem saying, ’Where is He who has been born Kin of the Jews?” Mt 2:1-2 NKJV

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM (1)

Why would someone leave the comfort of their home, travel two thousand miles by camel, brave blistering deserts fraught with highway men and hazards, and follow as far to an unfamiliar destination? There’s only one answer: wise men and women have always hungered for God. It’s said that the three most sought-out words on the internet today are work, sex, and God. Work addresses our need for security; sex addresses our need for companionship and intimacy; God addresses our need to be forgiven, to experience peace and joy, and understand our life’s purpose on earth. It’s why primitive tribes who don’t know God make gods out of mountains, trees, and rocks. Deep down we all have a need to experience something bigger than ourselves; someone capable of loving us, protecting and directing us. When his life fell apart, Job cried: “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat!”(Job 23:3 NKJV).The ancient Greeks had an altar on Mars Hill with the inscription, “To the unknown God. “Then Paul told them, ‘What you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you” (Ac 17:23 NIV). The good news of Christmas is, you can seek God and find Him, by coming to know Jesus as your own personal Savior. Hosea called back to God with these words: “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn” (Hos 6:3 NLT).

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 22, 2013. HELP FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION (2)

SUNDAY DECEMBER 22

“My anxious thoughts multiply within me.” Ps94:19 NAS

HELP FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION (2)

Your thought-life can be the incubator for anxiety and depression, so understand this: (1) Your thoughts are yours! “My anxious thoughts multiply within me.” You conceive, interpret, assign meaning to, accept or reject them. So be decisive about which thoughts are, or aren’t helpful. (2) You become what your thought-life makes you (See Pr23:7 NAS). It’s not your circumstances, it’s your thoughts about your circumstances that produce your emotions. Your thoughts trigger biochemistry that determines your feelings, their duration, and their intensity. When you begin to think differently, you’ll feel differently. (3) Your thoughts are prolific. The Psalmist said they “multiply” within you. Random thoughts may be temporarily upsetting, but they don’t produce lasting anxiety or depression. That is the work of persistent thought patterns—negative thoughts that multiply, repeating themselves within you. You must ”take them captive and “bring [them] into obedience” to Christ-like thinking in order to control your feelings (See 2Co 1:4-5). (4) You must “Let the Spirit renew your (individual) thoughts and attitudes (habitual mind-set)” (Eph 4:23 NLT).Submit your thoughts to God’s Spirit, allowing Him to approve or renew (replace) them with His thoughts. Anxiety and depression cannot continue to control you when you give God control to your mind. (5) People cannot continue to control you when you give God control over your mind.(5) People can contribute to your anxiety and depression. They can make you want to live—or die! (See Pr 18:21). They can reduce or increase your anxiety and depression. Avoid those who speak discouraging words, and hang our with those who speak “a good word [that] makes [your hear] glad”(Pr 12:25 NAS).

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 21,2013. HELP FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION (1)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 21

“Anxiety is a man’s heart weighs it down.” Pr 12:25 NAS

HELP FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION (1)

Your stomach is in knots; you feel as if an elephant is sitting on your chest; you’ve got the jitters; your thoughts are running amok. Where can you find relief? Alcohol, drugs, relationships, work, money, sex, etc? If so, you’ve found relief that simply won’t work long-term. The Bible says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,” causing hopelessness and depression. What’s the answer? Satan is often times the source of anxiety and depression. When King Saul because self-willed, “The Spirit of the Lord…left Saul…the Lord had sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear” (1 Sa 16:14 TLB). Our pride and disobedience also allow. Satan to invade our thoughts and emotions. But by humbling ourselves and aligning our will with God’s will, we invite Him to reverse Satan’s assault, overcoming our anxiety and depression. “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted (lifted up)” (Mt 23:12 NIV). You have authority over the Devil, but it only kicks in when you’re submitted to God. Here are the steps to victory found in James 4:7: (1)”Submit yourselves… to God.” This step aligns you with God’s Word and power, and gives you the right to exercise dominion over the Devil. (2) “Resist the devil.” This is military language. “Resist the devil” implies a courageous, forceful, persistent refusal to let him prevail against you.(3) “[The devil]…will flee from you,” forfeiting his hold on your life and his ability to pour on the anxiety and depression.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 20, 2013. CONFIDENTIALITY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 20

 ‘...They gather gossip, and...spread it...' Psalms 41:6 NLT

Confidentiality

A man is said to have approached Socrates one day to share some gossip. The wise philosopher asked, 'First, are you certain it's true? Second, is it something good? Third, is it something useful?' When the man said, 'Not really,' Socrates replied, 'Well, if it's not true, good or useful, why talk about it?' Gossip can feel like a form of intimacy, but it's actually a false bond motivated by the desire to diminish another person and make yourself look good. David said, 'They visit...as if they were my friends, but...they gather gossip, and...spread it...' Solomon said, 'Gossip separates...best...friends' (Proverbs 16:28 NLT), and it can cause you to lose 'your good reputation' (Proverbs 25:10 NLT). Kevin Miller says: 'A challenge in ministry is confidentiality - how open can you be? The following questions can help you decide: Are you telling someone who can do something about the problem by helping, or offering discipline or correction? Are you talking to someone wise enough to help you process your feelings and courageous enough to make you do the right thing by confronting the other person, or confessing where you're at fault? Is this news approved for sharing? Are you breaking a confidence, and if so, is it strictly because the person is endangering someone's life, including their own? Are you willing to divulge your source so it can be checked? When you say this, does it break your heart? Have you examined your own life and confessed where you've sinned in similar areas? Are you praying for the person? Would you be comfortable if someone was saying this about you?'

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 19, 2013. STOP CONDEMNING YOURSELF

THURSDAY DECEMBER 19

“Who is he who condemns?” Ro 8:34 NKJV

STOP CONDEMNING YOURSELF

Stop being mad at yourself because you’re still struggling in certain areas. When it comes to an area of your life that needs improvement, be concerned about it, but not consumed by it. You are always going to be working on something, so learn to separate your “who” from your “do.” Who you are in Christ is a settled issue. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (v. 1 NKJV). Because God has chosen to see you “in Christ,” you are always acceptable to Him and you always have access to Him. Your “who” is not based on you “do.” Your “who” determined your salvation, your “do” determines your future rewards in heaven. God is not condemning you, you are condemning yourself! God will convict you, and when you repent of sin, He will cleanse you, but He will never condemn you. Satan does that. You do that to yourself. But God never will. “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us” (v. 34 NKJV). Every time you fail, Christ your advocate offers His atoning blood to cover your sin. As a result, God sees you as “accepted.” Stop comparing yourself to somebody else. You are you, and you will never be them. We are all equal in Christ! So when somebody condemns you, stand on this Scripture: “Surely the Lord God will help me; who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; the moth will eat them up” (Isa 50:9 NKJV).

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 18, 2013. THE IMPORTANCE OF HABIT (2)

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18

“Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.” Jer 13:23 NIV

THE IMPORTANCE OF HABIT (2)

The founder of one of the most successful companies said, “The individual who wants to reach the top must appreciate the might and force of habit. He must be quick to break those habits that can break him—and hasten to adopt those practices that will become the habits that help him achieve the success he desires.” This is true in all of life. A dream becomes a reality as the result of your actions, and your actions are controlled mainly by your habits. Speaker and author Robert Ringer says, “The world is saturated with intelligent, highly educated, extraordinarily skilled people who experience ongoing frustration because of their lack of success. Millions of others spend their lives working hard, long hours, only to die broke.” What’s the solution? Ringer says: “Remember, life is nothing more than the sum total of many successful years; a successful month is nothing more than the sum total of many successful weeks; a successful week is nothing more than the sum total of many successful days. That’s why practicing successful habits, day in and day out, is the most certain way to win over the long term.” You have to take a realistic look at yourself to know where your habits are taking you. If your habits don’t line up with your dream, then you need to either change your habits or change your dream. If you want to hold on to your dream, then be prepared to change your habits, because a bad habit never goes away by itself.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 17, 2013. THE IMPORTANCE OF HABIT (1)

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17

“This has been your manner from your youth.” Jer 22:21 NKJV

THE IMPORTANCE OF HABIT (1)

You will discover that successful people like Peter and John are always creatures of habit. “Peter and John went…to the temple at the hour of prayer” (Ac 3:1 NKJV). And this day God used them to bring healing to a man who’d been crippled from birth. As a result, three thousand people were won to Christ and joined the church. But it all began with—a daily habit. Your habits determine your future. Psychologists estimate that 90 percent of your behavior is habitual—90 percent! Habits can help you do things more quickly and remove mental clutter so that you can think of more important things. But they can also be detrimental and lead you in a direction that is out of line with your dream. Think about the person who dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal in the marathon, but smokes two packs of cigarettes a day. Or the person who dreams of being a fashion model, but eats six thousand calories a day without exercising. Or the business person who dreams of leading a winning team, but habitually insults and belittles employees. Habits have a cumulative effect—and often the results don’t show up until much later in life. If your habits are bad, by the time the damage is evident, it’s too late to alter your results. That’s why you need to take control of your habits—now. Unless you are willing to confront the habits you need to change, and institute new ones, you can stand on 101 different Scriptures, claiming God’s promises, but you’ll get nowhere.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 16, 2013. YOUR DOUBTS DON’T DISQUALIFY YOU

MONDAY DECEMBER 16

“Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Jn 20:27 NKJV

YOUR DOUBTS DON’T DISQUALIFY YOU

The Bible says: “Now Thomas…one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.’ So he said to them, ‘Unless I see His hands…and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then HE said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it to my side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’ And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and My God!’” (vv. 24-28 NKJV). The miracle in this story is not that Christ could walk through a closed door and suddenly materialize in their presence. That’s impressive. What’s even more impressive is that Christ would show up to talk to a doubter! The fact is, Jesus was not even in the room eight days earlier when Thomas expressed his doubts to the other disciples. But “The Lord knows the thoughts of man” (Ps 94:11 NKJV). Some of use would have looked at Thomas and thought, “Write him off, he’s not qualified to be a disciple.” Not Jesus. He recognized and honest heart and a seeking soul, and He showed up to answer his questions. Your doubts don’t disqualify you! Just take them to the Lord in prayer, and when you leave His presence, you’ll be saying, ‘My Lord and my God.”

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 15, 2013. FOCUS ON YOUR OPPORTUNITIES, NOT YOUR RIGHTS

SUNDAY DECEMBER 15

“Whatever is right…think about [it].” Php 4:8 NIV

FOCUS ON YOUR OPPORTUNITIES, NOT YOUR RIGHTS

People and circumstances don’t determine your attitude, you do! To win in life you must learn to focus on your opportunities, not your rights. Paul wrote from a prison cell, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent and praiseworthy—think about such things.” Clearly, circumstances could lock Paul in, but they couldn’t keep him down. One of the biggest causes of discontent is our constant struggle to “secure our rights.” Have you been wronged? Do you feel like you haven’t gotten a fair share? That’s because you live in an imperfect world. And as long as you do, you won’t see a time when everything you do is justly rewarded. SO you’re faced with a decision: Are you going to spend your time and energy on what should have been, or get over it and focus on what can be? Even when truth and justice are on your side, you may never be able to right all your wrongs. But ultimately, God will, so leave it in His hands. Continually “fighting for your rights” just makes you negative. And besides, when you focus on your rights you’re usually looking backward. You can’t make progress when you’re facing the wrong way! Only when you focus in the right direction will you move in the right direction. Now this doesn’t mean you won’t experience pain, it just means you choose to forgive, and zero in on what you can control—your attitudes and your opportunities.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 14, 2013. DICTATOR, DOORMAT OR DIPLOMAT? (3)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 14

“Point your kids in the right direction.” Pr 22:6 TM

DICTATOR, DOORMAT OR DIPLOMAT? (3)

The “coach/trainer”style. These parents provide direction by teaching and example, modeling respect, responsibility, safety, trust and maturity in how they treat the child. They are “in charge,” yet always preparing the child for the “in charge” role in due time, delegating authority to the child when they are ready. Respect, not intimidation, is used to train kids, understanding that a respectful child will follow the rules even in your absence. Responsibility is modeled by the parent’s refusal to make (or accept) excuses. Independence is encouraged by how well children handle limits and controls. The parent is solution-focused; forgiving; acknowledging their own failures; and directing kids to the future, not the past. These parents choose their battles wisely, avoiding damaging arguments but holding the line in matters of faith, respect, trust, honesty, responsibility and consequences. Mistakes are used to teach, not shame. Such parents are transparent, admitting their shortcomings and apologizing when it’s necessary. The rules are clear, consistent and fair. They don’t issue repeated “warnings,” and consequences apply without exception. Administering discipline is done with nurture, respect and reassurance. What are the pulses of the style? It provides kids with a safe, protective, loving environment of learning, while you, the parent, model respect, responsibility, trust and autonomy. Movement toward adulthood is a joint parent-child project. What are the minuses of this style? None!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 13, 2013. DICTATOR, DOORMAT OR DIPLOMAT? (2)

FRIDAY DECEMBER 13

“His father…had never disciplined him at any time.” 1Ki 1:6 NLT

DICTATOR, DOORMAT OR DIPLOMAT? (2)

The Permissive style. This parent has few rigid rules, and explains to the child their rules, standards and decisions. The child’s opinions and ideas are hear and included in decision-making. Reason is used rather than force. These parents talk and discuss perspectives rather than using threats. Unfortunately, few household responsibilities are demanded of the child, denying them the opportunity to contribute and learn to function cooperatively. The parent is a “facilitator” and “resource person.” In such homes children “self-regulate” in areas such as bedtime, dating the car, friends, dress, the internet, music, and curfew. What are the pulses of this parenting style? Kids usually adore permissive parents, feel close and safe with them. These parents never belittle their kids, their ideas and perspectives, nor shame or embarrass, or make them feel like failures. Rather, they encourage their thinking, innovation, initiative, social and communication skills. They model forgiveness, patience and flexibility. But let’s look at the minuses of this style. Parental guidance is missing, and low demand for household responsibilities leaves kids unprepared for life in the real world. They lack the structure and boundaries needed for relationships and the workplace, and have difficulty accepting the word, “No!” The absence of a parental role model for leadership and decision-making leads to motivational deficit, requiring someone to “jump-start” them to get them going. This style provides many healthy, positive characteristics, producing kids who may be happy, but suffer losses productively and relationally.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 12, 2013. DICTATOR, DOORMAT OR DIPLOMAT? (1)

THURSDAY DECEMBER 12

“Don’t exasperate your children.” Eph 6:4 TM

DICTATOR, DOORMAT OR DIPLOMAT? (1)

Parenting children between puberty and young adulthood draws on every ounce of grace and wisdom you can muster. Your effort to train them, and their drive for independence, is a tug of war that frustrates you both. The outcome depends largely on which of three classic parenting styles you follow. Though parents with each style want the best for their kids, some styles work well and some don’t. Let’s examine each. The authoritarian style. Some parents announce, “I make the rules and you follow them! Don’t question me, obey me.” Compliance at all times, respect for authority, traditional values and hard work are demanded. “There is only one opinion here—mine. All other opinions are considered mutiny!” Authoritarians don’t tolerate losing face, don’t apologize or admit fault. They are blame-oriented, legalistic, judgmental, shaming, and belittling; expecting, yet exposing the worst in their kids. By coming down hard on them too hard, they provoke confrontations, then punish them harshly and unreasonably. Often they use Scripture to bolster their position. Let’s look at the pulses of this style; the rules are clear; it establishes chain of command; it speeds up the child’s response; it’s effective with very young and insecure kids, and can be useful in crisis times. Now let’s look at the minuses; it inhibits a child’s healthy individuation process; it retards mature communication; it promotes social dependence and incompetence; it discourages decision-making and initiative-taking skills; it elevates social anxiety and depression; it increases the likelihood of your child being intimidated and bullied, etc. Authoritarians may maintain military-style discipline, but they seldom rear happy, healthy, creative kids!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 11, 2013. ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY?

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11

“In all things grow up into him…that is, Christ.” Eph 4:15 NIV

ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY?

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen automatically. You must desire to grow, decide to grow, discipline yourself, and delight in spiritual growth. “But my life is just too hard,” you say. A lot of folks have had it worse than you and grown into spiritual maturity, and a lot of folks have had it worse than you and grown into spiritual maturity, and a lot of folks have had it worse than you and grown into spiritual maturity, and a lot of folks have had it better and remained stuck in spiritual infancy. That’s because they doubted their ability to grow, drifted wherever the current took them, or delayed their growth, thinking, “I’ll get around to it when things change.” But it never happens. Growth always begins with a decision. “Follow me and be my disciple…So Matthew got up and followed him” (Mt 9:9 NLT). Matthew didn’t understand all the implications of his decision; he simply decided to follow Jesus. That’s all you need to get started—a decision. Nothing shapes your life like the decisions you make. I you want to know what you’ll be twenty or thirty years from now, examine the commitments to too many things and end up frustrated because we chose the wrong things. And when we commit to the wrong things we end up living with regrets. Every choice has consequences, so choose wisely. Christlikeness is the result of making Christ-like choices, then depending on Him to help you fulfill those choices. And He will: “God accurately reproduces his character in you” (Eph 4:24 TM).

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 10, 2013. PATRIA POTESTAS

TUESDAY DECEMBER 10

'...you received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing son-ship]...' Romans 8:15 NKJV

Patria Potestas

Paul's audience would have understood his use of Roman adoption in teaching the benefits we receive as redeemed members of God's family. A Roman father held absolute right and control, legally entitled 'patria potestas', over his children at any age. Roman adoption was a two-step process that transferred children from one patria potestas to another. (1) Emancipation. This step included a symbolic sale where the natural father twice 'sold' and 'bought back' his child, and a third where he didn't buy them back, ending his paternal rights. (2) Vindication. Here the adoptive father presented his case for adoption to a Roman magistrate, who legally transferred the child to his patria potestas. Likewise, we have been transferred from Satan's grip to our heavenly Father's blessed patria potestas! The benefits of Roman adoption were Paul's chief focus in Romans chapter eight: (a) The adopted person lost all rights in their old family and gained a new father, plus all rights of a legitimate member of their new family. (b) They became heir to their new father's estate. When there were other siblings, they became joint-heirs together. (c) All their debts were completely cancelled, legal records of their history were expunged; the past had no effect on their new life. (d) Seven citizens witnessed all legal adoptions. If the adoptee's legitimacy was ever challenged, each witness could testify to their legitimate standing. Thank God, 'The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.' (Romans 8:16 NIV) No less than the sevenfold Holy Spirit Himself validates your membership in God's family!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 9, 2013. GOD OF THE TOP AND OF THE BOTTOM

MONDAY DECEMBER 9

 ‘…Underneath are the everlasting arms….’ Deuteronomy 33:27

God of the top and of the bottom

Addressing the nation of Israel for the last time, Moses told them, ‘There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you…The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you…’ (vv. 26-27 NLT). As you read the Bible you discover that God did a lot of spectacular things for His people on mountaintops. On Mount Moriah, He met with Abraham and Isaac, revealing Himself as ‘Jehovah Jireh’, which means ‘the Lord will provide.’ On Mount Horeb, He spoke to Moses through a burning bush and changed the nation of Israel’s destiny. On Mount Sinai, He gave the Ten Commandments. On Mount Carmel, He sent down fire from heaven, consuming the prophets of Baal and turning the hearts of His people back to Him. But suddenly Moses made a shift in the middle of telling about this great God of high places. It is as though he was thinking, ‘I can’t leave these people with the thought that God is only on top; that He’s with us only when everything is going right.’ So he continued, ‘The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.’ The Hebrew word for ‘underneath’ means ‘bottom.’ So it could be translated, ‘God’s arms are underneath you when you’re on the bottom.’ No matter how deep the valley you have to walk, God’s presence is deeper. It may feel like you are down today, but you cannot go so low that He is not there. Underneath you are His everlasting arms. The truth is: He’s not just the God of the top; He’s also the God of the bottom.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 8, 2013. DO GOOD

SUNDAY DECEMBER 8

‘…As we have opportunity, let us do good to all…’ Galatians 6:10

DO GOOD

Your Bible says, ‘Do not forget to do good and to share…’ (Hebrews 13:16 NKJV). ‘To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin’ (James 4:17 NKJV). ‘…Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men’ (Titus 3:8 NKJV). Addressing the graduation class at Villanova University, journalist Anna Quindlen said: ‘Don’t confuse your life with your work. What you are will always be more important than what you do. There will be many others with your same degree, doing what you want to do, maybe doing it better. But you have sole custody not only of your life, but of your mind and of your heart. It’s easier to write a CV than craft a spirit or build a character. And a CV is cold comfort when you’re sad, broke, or lonely, or when you’ve got back the test results and they’re not so good. I no longer consider myself the centre of the universe. I show up. I listen. I try to laugh. I make my marriage vows mean something. I pray. I’m good to my friends, because without them I’d be a cardboard cutout. Get a life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion or bigger pay-cheque or larger house. Do you really think you’d care about these things if you had an aneurysm or found a lump in your breast? Get a life in which you are generous. All of you want to do well, but if you don’t do good, doing well will never be enough.’

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 6, 2013. SAVING FAITH

FRIDAY DECEMBER 6

“What must I do to be saved?” Ac 16:30 NIV

SAVING FAITH

After her first flight, someone asked an elderly lady what she thought of being on a plane. She said, “It was okay, but I never did put my whole weight on it.” And we do the same when we refuse to place our trust on the finished work of Christ. Most major religions answer the question, “What must I do to be saved?” by handing you a book of rules you must keep to get to heaven. A lot of us try, and give up in discouragement. Instead of leading you away from God’s grace, Satan tries to make you earn it. When asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul didn’t say, “Work harder, pray longer, give more, and be more moral.” No, he said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (v. 31 NIV). Believe is the root of the tree we call salvation; behaving is the fruit that grows into it. We don’t do good works to be saved—our good works are just an expression of love and gratitude to the One who already saved us. The Bible says, “We should be holy and without blame” (Eph 1:4 NKJV). Without blame? That’s an impossible standard! The only way that will happen is if God takes the righteousness of Christ and credits it to our account. And He does! “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2Co 5:21 NIV). The moment you place your trust in Christ, God sees you as “righteous,” and on that basis He accepts you 24/7. Aren’t you glad?

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 5, 2013. THE BARRIERS ARE IN YOUR MIND

THURSDAY DECEMBER 5

“He has sent me to proclaim freedom…recovery…release…favor.” Lk 4:18-19 NIV

THE BARRIERS ARE IN YOUR MIND

Jesus said that He came to bring freedom to those held captive by destructive habits, to give sight to those who are spiritually blind, to lift up those who’ve been put down, and to announce that the time of God’s favor towards us has come. If you look closely at ancient maritime maps, you will see places which are marked with pictures of dragons. Sailors who explored the world wouldn’t go there. Were the dragons real? No, but they were real in the minds of the sailors.

Picture a barracuda in a big tank at SeaWorld in Florida. A glass barrier divides one half of the tank from the other. Each time the barracuda tries to swim from one end of the tank to the other, he bumps into it. And here’s an interesting thing—even when the barriers taken away, the barracuda still won’t swim beyond it, or reach beyond it. Don’t believe him! Jesus said Satan is a liar and the father of lies. But a lie is as effective as the truth if you believe it and act on it. With God there are no limits, just unlimited power. The Bible is filled with stories of little people, limited people, lackluster people, and , in some cases, low-life people who penetrated the barriers beyond which they thought they couldn’t go, and God used them to do amazing things. And He can do that for you too.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 4, 2013. WORRY (2)

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4

“I tell you not to worry about everyday life.” Mt 6:25 NLT

WORRY(2)

Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life” (v. 25 AMP). Now, the Lord is not condemning you for having a legitimate concern about your responsibilities. No, what He’s condemning is having a mindset that keeps leaving Him out of the equation, or turning Him only as a last resort. Destructive anxiety subtracts God from the future, faces uncertainties with no faith, tallies up the challenges of today and tomorrow, and forgets to include God’s promises and His faithfulness. Jesus told His disciples, “I well you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough.” Note the words “Whether you have enough.” That’s what we worry about, isn’t it? Shortfalls, sickness, layoffs, economic downturns. Faced with the feeding of five thousand people, the disciples and the same worry. Philip did an audit: “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bit!” (Jn 6:7 NIV). How do you suppose Jesus felt in that moment? Standing next to them was the solution for their problems, but they didn’t go to Him until their back was to the wall and they had no answers. In their hands five loaves and two fishes looked like nothing. Yet in His hands it was more than enough to feed the multitude and solve their problem. As the bread kept multiplying, surely they must have come to the point where they said, “Lord, why did I ever doubt you?” Let your problems drive you into the arms of Jesus. And when you get there, stay there!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 3, 2013. WORRY (1)

TUESDAY DECEMBER 3

“Don’t worry about anything.” Php 4:6 NLT

WORRY (1)

Identify the source of your worries. Did you grow up  in a fear-filled family, always feeling insecure, never measuring up, and never hearing words of affirmation and approval? Are you listening to the prophets of doom, hearing only about what’s wrong, and how much worse it’s going to get? What’s the source of your anxiety; what feeds your worries? Until you express your fears you can’t expel them. Putting your worries into words disrobes them. They look weak and silly standing there naked. In his novel Life of Pi, Yann Martel’s main character, Pi, finds himself adrift at sea on a lifeboat with a 450-pound Bengal tiger as his companion. While on the lifeboat, Pi begins to analyze his fears, both of the sea and the tiger. He gives this counsel: “You must fight hard to express your [fear]. You must fight hard to shine the light of words upon it. Because if you don’t, if you open yourself to further attacks of fear because you never truly fought the opponent who defeated you.” So pull back the curtain and expose your fears, each and every one. Like vampires, they can’t stand the sunlight. Financial fears, relationship fears, professional fears, safety fears—call them out in prayer. Drag them out and make them stand before God. How do you do that? “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything…Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” (vv. 6-7 NLT).

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

DECEMBER 2, 2013. WRITE DOWN YOUR VISION

MONDAY DECEMBER 2

“Write the vision and make it plain.” Hab 2:2 NKJV

WRITE DOWN YOUR VISION

Dr. John Maxwell writes: “If you have a general idea of your dream, your temptation may be to start creating your strategy. Don’t do it yet…begin writing a detailed description of your dream. Let your imagination go wild. Write as many elements or pieces of it as you can. Don’t stop until you have more than you think you need. Now quantify everything you can. Make it measurable. Don’t worry about how you will get there yet. BE bold. Be audacious. Dream big! The next step is to state your dream succinctly in writing…don’t expect to be able to for the whole process in one sitting. For most people that’s not possible. Instead, give it time. You may want to get away to a retreat to start the process. If you can separate yourself from your usual surroundings or routine for a couple of days, you might be able to get most of the work done. Otherwise, take a day to dream, and then come back to the process for a few hours at a time in subsequent weeks. Don’t forget your goal: make your dream as clear and specific as possible. Then keep it in front of you so that you can see it every day.” A God-given dream will always look bigger than you. Jericho looked big to Joshua. Goliath looked big to David. But no dream is bigger than God! Don’t be impatient: “The vision is…for an appointed time…wait for it” (v. 3 NKJV). And don’t get discouraged by circumstances. “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Ps 27:13). Trust and you will see your dream fulfilled.

Taken from the Word for you Today devotional

DECEMBER 1, 2013. “COURAGE WITH COLD FEET”

SUNDAY DECEMBER 1

“Benaiah…went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.” 2 Sa 23:20 NIV

“COURAGE WITH COLD FEET”

Benaiah was one of King David’s “mighty men.” His resume reads: “Benaiah…was a valiant fighter…He…went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.” That’s what is called “courage with cold feet.” The greatest courage of all is showing courage in the face of fear. Someone said, “Courage is just fear that has said its prayers.” When you know you have hear clearly from God, you are filled with faith in that moment. It puts steel in your spine. But then as you move out in faith, you encounter the lions of fear. “What if it doesn’t work?” What if I fail? What will people say?” Suddenly you are having an attack of the “what if’s.” Mark Twain said, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” You have to decide whether you will become a warrior—or a worrier. There is no middle ground. When you’re faced with a health crisis or a family crisis or a financial crisis, you either choose to stand on God’s Word and fight, or give in to worry. This side of heaven we will never fully understand why bad things happen to good people. But we know that God is good—all the time! So when bad things happen, you will either give in to fear and allow it to destroy your peace and well-being, or you will become a warrior armed with God’s Word and rise up against it. When fear threatens to engulf your mind, stand up with the Psalmist and say, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Ps 56:3 NKJV).

Taken from the Word for you Today devotional