MAY 31, 2014. CONTROL YOUR TONGUE

SATURDAY MAY 31

“If we could control our tongues, we...could also control ourselves in every other way.”  

Jas 3:2 NLT

CONTROL YOUR TONGUE

The saying goes, “We are like cats; we lick ourselves with our tongues!” When someone spreads gossip, mark that person carefully. Why? Because if they talk to you about somebody else, they’ll talk to somebody else about you. The Bible warns us about three things: (1) A hasty tongue. “Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Pr 29:20 NKJV).  If you take time to get the facts, much of the time you’ll speak differently. Hannah prayed so passionately for a child that Eli the high priest thought she was drunk. When the disciples saw Jesus walking toward them on the Sea of Galilee, they thought He was a ghost. So think, or better yet, pray before you jump to conclusions. (2) A flattering tongue. “There is no faithfulness in their mouth...they flatter with their tongue” (Ps 5:9 NKJV). Say what you mean and mean what you say. Be genuine. When you flatter people, you manipulate them for your own ends. Don’t do that. Give it to them straight. If you love them, level with them. (3) A judgemental tongue. Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Mt 7: 1-2 NKJV). If you live long enough, you’ll be guilty of many of the same things you’re so quick to condemn in others. The truth is, how you deal with other people determines how God deals with you.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 30, 2014. DEAL WITH THE STUMBLING BLOCKS (2)

FRIDAY MAY 30

“Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block...in your brother’s way.”  Ro 14:13 NIV

DEAL WITH THE STUMBLING BLOCKS (2)

Here are two more stumbling blocks you need to remove in order to win someone to Christ: (1) Boredom. Jesus isn’t boring, but sometimes religion is. The story is told of a lady who fell asleep during the sermon. Pointing at the man sitting next to her, the pastor said, “Please wake that woman up!” The man replied, “You put her to sleep, Reverend, you wake her up!” Jesus is called “the good shepherd” (Jn 10:11), and the Greek word for “good” is kelos, which means “winsome.” That’s the Christ we need to present to those seeking spiritual direction. (2) Money. It’s been said the most sensitive nerve in a person’s body is the one that runs to their pocketbook. Have there been financial scandals in the church? Yes. They even had them in the New Testament church (See Acts 5). But don’t throw out the baby with the bath water! It takes money to build churches, feed and clothe the needy, and send out missionaries. When money is in the right hands it’s a solution, not a problem. Furthermore, if God can trust you to finance His plans, He will show you how to make more money. He said, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit” (Isa 48:17 AMP). (3) Discomfort. People say, “I just don’t feel comfortable in church.” The truth can do that to you! The gospel is designed to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. When Paul preached, some people trembled, but when trembling leads to trusting in Christ it’s a good thing.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 29, 2014. DEAL WITH THE STUMBLING BLOCKS (1)

THURSDAY MAY 29

“Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block...in your brother’s way.”  Ro 14:13 NIV

DEAL WITH THE STUMBLING BLOCKS (1)

If you want to win someone to Christ, there are certain stumbling blocks you may have to remove. Let’s be honest, people are turned off by religion for a lot of reasons--legitimate ones. Let’s look at some: (1) Hypocrisy. Think about the twelve disciples; one of them betrayed Jesus, one denied Him, and one doubted Him. That’s a 25 percent default rate! But the good news is, Jesus continues to love us and work with us in spite of our problems. (2) Terminology. If you grew up in church, you’re probably familiar with Bible terminology. But don’t assume everybody else is, or you’ll talk over their heads. When Jesus talked to shepherds He discussed sheep. When He talked to farmers He discussed sowing and reaping. Identify the person’s interests and spiritual needs, then use language they understand. (3) Negative emphasis. If your major emphasis is on what people can’t do, they’ll run on the opposite direction. A well-known preacher says, “I grew up understanding what our church was against, but never what it was for. Basically, we were against everything!” Smiling, he added, “ We preached against smoking and drinking. We especially preached against adultery because we believed that could lead to dancing.” Seriously, the gospel is not about what you lose when you come to Christ, but what you gain. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10 NIV). If you’re serious about winning people to Christ, you must recognize the stumbling blocks that stand in their way and try to remove them.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 28, 2014. YOUR MISSION: TO SERVE

WEDNESDAY MAY 28

“The gospel...of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”  Col 1:23 NIV

YOUR MISSION: TO SERVE

Who am I? What’s my calling? The apostle Paul, who considered himself “not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles” (2Co 11:5 NAS), answers simply: “I am Paul. My role is serving. I am a servant to the gospel and the body of Christ.” Certain folks in the early church tried to determine which of the apostles were the greatest. Some claimed Paul, and others Apollos. But Paul challenged them, “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe” (1Co 3:5 NIV). Whatever your calling, be it pastor of a megachurch or a lay member, you’re no more--and no less--than a servant. In God’s kingdom class distinctions don’t count. “There is neither Jew nor Greek...slave nor free man...male nor female...you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28 NAS). We’re servants called to do the will of God wherever He appoints us to serve. And that’s a good thing! In being a servant there’s relief from “the pressure to perform.” No one has the right to judge you except your Master. “Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls” (Ro 14:4 NAS). We should be concerned about what pleases God, not people. He alone can evaluate our service. Jesus came to serve His father, saying, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (Jn 5:30). And He has also sent you to do God’s will, promising that, “If any man serve me, him will my Father honour” (Jn 12:26).

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 27, 2014. FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE, CONTROL YOURSELF!

TUESDAY MAY 27

“A person without self-control.”  Pr 25:28 NLT

FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE, CONTROL YOURSELF!

The boy said, “He made me do it, Dad. He was ugly to me.” Attempting to teach his son responsibility, his father replied, “Son, you’ve got to learn that you are the guard at the door of your own life. You’re in charge. Nothing gets in or out without your permission.” That’s a picture of how things work in your spiritual life! “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls”--a defenseless city,  because its guard failed to protect it. But what if the enemy is too powerful for you? For God’s people, all warfare is spiritual. Whether you’re tested on the social, financial, emotional, or sexual front, the battle must be won spiritually. And the rule in spiritual warfare is: “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 Jn 4:4). When your personal territory is under assault you’re never abandoned to your own devices--unless you choose to be. However inadequate you feel, however intimidating the situation looks, no matter how many battles you’ve already lost the power of the Holy Spirit within you is always adequate to guarantee your victory. What’s the key to releasing that power? (1) “Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires” (Ro 13:14 NLT). Invite the Lord to take the wheel, and redirect your thoughts. (2) “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives...self-control” (Gal 5:22-23 NLT). God’s Spirit won’t forcibly control you--but He will enable you to control yourself, resist temptation, master your vulnerability and win the victory.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 26, 2014. NEVER STOP LEARNING

MONDAY MAY 26

“You need someone to teach you.”  Heb 5:12 NIV

NEVER STOP LEARNING

Marlene LeFever quipped, “Becoming an effective teacher is simple. You just prepare and prepare until drops of blood appear on your forehead.” In the 1920s Charlie Chaplin was the most famous person in the world. Born into poverty, he worked onstage to support himself, and by age seventeen he was a veteran performer. Then at age twenty-nine he did something unheard of: he signed the entertainment industry’s first million-dollar contract. But he wasn’t successful simply because he had talent and drive. He was also teachable. He kept learning and perfecting his gift. Even at the height of his career, the highest paid performer in the world didn’t rest on his laurels. He said: “When I watch one of my pictures I pay attention to what the audience doesn’t laugh at. If several audiences don’t laugh at a stunt, I tear it apart and try to discover what’s wrong. On the other hand, if I hear laughter I hadn’t expected, I ask myself why that particular thing rang the bell with the audience.” Truth is, if Charlie Chaplin had replaced teachability with complacency and arrogance we probably wouldn’t even remember his name today. But he didn’t. He never forgot the basics, and he committed himself to learning. Eventually he cofounded United Artists, a mega-movie company that’s still in business today. There’s an important principle in this story. The Bible says, “Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.” If you want God to use you, stay teachable and never stop learning.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 25, 2014. DON’T LOSE YOUR COMPASSIONATE EDGE (3)

SUNDAY MAY 25

“We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.”

Heb 4:15

DON’T LOSE YOUR COMPASSIONATE EDGE (3)

Dr. Joseph Parker told his theology students, “Preach to the suffering and you will never lack a congregation. There is a broken heart in every pew.” Don’t lose your compassionate edge, because you can’t heal a broken heart unless you can first empathize with it. The Bible says, “We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.” When you lose touch with people, you lose your touch when it comes to ministering to them. Jesus went looking for the leper, the loser, the lonely, the lost, and the lowest in society. And He was comfortable around them. Are you? Serving others is actually good for your health. A survey conducted at forty-four major universities reveals that giving protects your overall health twice as much as an aspirin protects your heart against disease. Dr. Stephen Post, who conducted the survey, says, “Giving is the most potent force on the planet and will protect your whole life.” The benefits of compassion to your physical health are so strong that if compassion wasn’t free, pharmaceutical companies would herald the discovery of a stupendous new drug called “give back” instead of “Prozac.” We give for different reasons: to get an income tax deduction; to make a good impression and have people think well of us; or because we’re put under pressure. You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. Your time, talent, and treasure are to be shared with others. When you refuse, you’re neither happy, holy, nor healthy.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 24, 2014. DON’T LOSE YOUR COMPASSIONATE EDGE (2)

SATURDAY MAY 24

“Faith...it is does not have works, is dead.”  Jas 2:17 NKJV

DON’T LOSE YOUR COMPASSIONATE EDGE (2)

Mother Teresa said, “The biggest disease today isn’t leprosy or cancer. It’s the feeling of being uncared for, unwanted--of being deserted and alone.” As a result, she spent her life rescuing sick babies and giving dignity to the dying. Asked why she did it, she replied, “Because Jesus did.” What a great answer! When simultaneous disasters hit different countries around the world, humanitarian organizations say we suffer from “donor fatigue.” Let’s add one more: “compassion failure.” Philosopher Miguel de Unamuno wrote, “Warmth, warmth, more warmth! For we are dying of cold and not of darkness. It is not the night that kills, but the frost.” Think about this: of the 1,189 chapters in the Bible, 250 contain the words of prophets. That’s roughly 25 percent. Half of what they say denounces sin, and the other half condemns those who see human suffering and do nothing about it. Yet events that horrified those same prophets take place in our world every day, and we’re immune to them. Like wearing a watch, you get used to it and after awhile you don’t even notice it. But the prophets noticed! They never became desensitized to sin--or human suffering. And you mustn’t either. You say, “But my main focus at the moment is on building up my faith.” That’s a good thing; but never forget that “Faith by itself, if it does not have works [of compassion], is dead.”

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 23, 2014. PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT!

FRIDAY MAY 23, 2014

'I will bless the Lord at all times.' Psalm 34:1 NKJV

Put Your Heart into It!

If you shout your lungs out at a ball game on Saturday, but sit silent and subdued when it's time to worship God on Sunday, maybe you're more excited about sports than spiritual matters. Ouch! A great definition of worship is 'worth-ship'. What worth do you place on God and on your relationship with Him? You say, 'But sometimes I don't feel like praising God.' Feelings have little to do with it! A good relationship isn't based on emotion but on commitment. The Bible says, '...Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.' (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV) Note the words 'continually' and 'sacrifice'. With God, the praise that costs is the praise that counts! King David wanted to build an altar to God on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Araunah offered David the land, oxen and wood needed for building the altar free of charge. But David's response was: 'I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.' (2 Samuel 24:24 NIV) The Psalmist said, 'From the rising of the sun unto its going down, the Lord's name is to be praised.' (Psalm 113:3 NKJV) This Psalmist scheduled praise breaks throughout his day: 'Seven times a day I praise You.' (Psalm 119:164 NKJV) We have tea and coffee breaks; he had praise breaks! If you want to change your environment and your attitude, start praising God throughout the day. Not only will you bless the Lord, will bless you in a hundred and one different ways. Don't take anybody else's word for it - try it and see!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 22, 2014. LET GOD SHOW YOU WHERE TO GO

Thursday May 22, 2014

"Leave...go to the land I will show you." Genesis 12:1 NIV

Let God Show You Where to Go

Where you are matters. You can't grow bananas in Alaska, but you can grow them in Jamaica. What's the point? Simply this: sometimes you need to change your location in order to succeed in what God has called you to do. Look at the life of Elijah. "The word of the Lord came to him, saying, 'Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there'" (1 Kings 17:2-4 NKJV). Ravens normally don't deliver food, they eat it. But when you do what God tells you and go where He sends you, you move from the natural realm to the supernatural one. God not only has a plan for your life, He has a place for it. Yes, you must have the right strategy, but you must also be in the right spot. "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go" (Isaiah 48:17 NIV). If your heart's desire is to honor God in all things, He will show you the best location to succeed in. Indeed, He will go ahead of you and rearrange circumstances to your advantage. He did it for Abraham. "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8 NIV). Ask God, and He will show you where to go.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 21, 2014. WHEN YOU’RE INTO IT

WEDNESDAY MAY 21, 2014

WHEN YOU’RE INTO IT

'Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.' Psalm 150:6 NKJV

Solomon says there's '...a time to keep silence and a time to speak.' (Ecclesiastes 3:7 NKJV) Now, you shouldn't interrupt the church service and draw attention to yourself, but when it's time to praise God you should give it 100 percent: 'I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart.' (Psalm 9:1 NKJV) The story's told of an old man named Joe, who'd been a drunk and a derelict most of his life and, as a result, he could barely make ends meet. During a Sunday morning service he gave his life to Christ and the transformation was so radical that everybody in the congregation noticed it. Joe had a problem, however; he was so thrilled with Jesus that he sang louder than everybody else. And when the pastor made a point that touched his heart, he'd jump up and shout, 'Hallelujah!' Concerned that the dignity and decorum of the church were at risk, the pastor said, 'Joe, you've got to be quiet. As a matter of fact, if you'll just sit in church next Sunday and say nothing, I'll buy you a new pair of boots.' Joe needed the boots, so he said he'd try. But after restraining himself through several high points in the sermon, he couldn't stand it anymore. He jumped up and shouted, 'Boots or no boots, I'm gonna praise the Lord!' You say, 'But I'm the quiet, reserved type.' Sorry, there are no exceptions based on personality types. 'Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!' In other words, unless you're dead, you're supposed to praise the Lord!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

MAY 20, 2014. CONFIDENTIALITY

TUESDAY MAY 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

MAY 19, 2014. THE WAY OUT

MONDAY MAY 19

“He will show you a way out.”          1Co 10:13 NLT

THE WAY OUT

The Bible says, “When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”  Maybe you are in a situation - a relationship or a financial condition - that’s not what you wanted.  You can lie down and die.  But when you don’t - when you show up, when you offer the best you have - something good is happening inside you that far outweighs whatever is happening outside you.  Jesus was facing adversity when He told His followers that if they had faith, they could command a mountain and it would be cast into the sea.  Now, when your focus is on the mountain, you are driven by your fear.  But when your focus is on God, you are made alive by faith.  But if you didn’t face the mountain you’d never know that faith was in you, or to what extent.  Adversity has a way of changing your values and priorities for the better.  When you’re on the treadmill of money, security, or success, and adversity knocks you off, you start seeing the folly of chasing temporal things.  And if you’re wise you resolve not to return to your old way of life when things normalize.  But the key to accomplishing this is taking action before normal life takes over again.  You have a finite window of time to make changes; otherwise you’ll drift back into your old patterns.  While the memory of your adversity is still fresh, pray and ask God what changes He wants to make in your attitudes, your relationships, your habits and your lifestyle, and “He will show you a way out.”

(Taken from The Word for You Today Daily Devotional)

MAY 18, 2014. SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE AND HEALTH

SUNDAY MAY 18

"Gentle words cause life and health.”                                                                               Pr 15:4 TLB

SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE AND HEALTH

James writes, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (Jas 1:26 NIV). The poet wrote, "Oh I say the things that I never should, just want to be heard or I never would. Talk on and on and know it’s wrong; the trouble is, my tongue’s too long.” So how can you control your tongue’s negative propensity? Engage it positively. How? (1) Be an encourager! "Gentle words cause life and health.” Your words can help a hopeless person keep on living and motivate a sick loved one to fight illness and become whole. Encouragers are God’s frontline against defeat, despair and depression! (2) Speak the truth in love. Saying what needs to be heard is often hard, but being a friend requires saying difficult things. "Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (Pr 27:6 NLT). Truth spoken in love can release people from their delusions, misperceptions and inflexibility to live free, productive lives. (See Jn 8:32). (3) Ask God for the right words. "The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable” (Pr 10:32 NAS). How do you know what words the hearer will accept? Let God be your guide. (4) Make your words life-giving. "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death” (Pr 13:14 NIV). The people you meet need words that turn them from spiritual death to eternal life. So today, speak words of life and health.

 Taken from the Word for You Today devotional

MAY 17, 2014. BE CLEAR AND ORDERLY

SATURDAY MAY 17

“Ezra…brought the Law before…all who could hear with understanding.”  New 8:2 NKJV

BE CLEAR AND ORDERLY

You will accomplish more through others than you will ever accomplish alone. But you’ll only do it if you’re able to give clear direction. The story’s told of a track coach who always communicated his goal to his runners before the race. Just before the starter’s gun sounded he would say, “Stay to your left, and get back here as soon as you can.” It doesn’t get any clearer than that! Ed Rowell says’ “A dream is a better future in need of an architect who will show others how to make it a reality.” So you must be an architect. You must identify the dream and be able to draw it, not only for your benefit but also for the benefit of others. If you create a fuzzy picture, people will follow you in a fussy way. Lack of clarity hinders initiative, inhibits persistence, and undermines follow-through. People don’t give their best to something they cannot see. Nobody becomes motivated by something they kinda, sorta, believe in. The Bible says, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Co 14:40). God is a God of order, and He honors our efforts when they are carried out in a clear and orderly way. God instructed the prophet Habakkuk, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it” (Hab 2:2 NKJV). If you are not clear as to your vision, seek God’s guidance, write down what He tells you, and communicate it to those you need in a clear, step-by-step, orderly way.

Taken from the Word for you Today Devotional.

MAY 16, 2014. WHAT YOU LEARN IN TOUGH TIMES

FRIDAY, MAY 16

“Problems and trials…are good for us.” Ro 5:3 NLT TLB

WHAT YOU LEARN IN TOUGH TIMES

We all want “the crown of life” the Lord promised (Jas 1:12 NKJV)—but we don’t want the “problems and trials” that develop “strength of character in us” (Ro 5:4 NLT). But it can’t be done. Here’s what you learn in tough times: (1) Enjoyment. “Count it all joy when you fall into…trials” (Jas 1:2 NKJV). It’s when you pass God’s test that He fills you with His joy. So pull of some of the groans out of your prayers and throw in a few hallelujahs. Remember, pain is inevitable—misery is optional! (2) Enlargement. The Psalmist wrote, “Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress” (Ps 4:1). Most of the things we know best, we learned the hard way. Our greatest progress comes from our greatest pain; hence God doesn’t save us from it but strengthens us in it. (3) Enlightenment. The Bible says, “Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness” (Ps 112:4 NKJV). We don’t realize how little we know until we walk through life’s dark places and God turns on the light. (4) Endurance. James writes, “See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm” (Jas 5:7-8 NIV). You can’t shorten the seasons or hurry the harvest, so be patient. And pay attention. While you’re waiting, God is working. Bruce Wilkinson says, “Tests of faith are trials and hardships that invite you to surrender something of great value to God, even when you have every right not to.”

Taken from the Word for you Today devotional

MAY 15, 2014. YOU ARE UNDER GOD’S PROTECTION

THURSDAY MAY 15

“He…shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Ps91:1 NKJV

YOU ARE UNDER GOD’S PROTECTION

What is “the shadow of the Almighty”? In the wilderness where Israel wandered for forty years, temperatures could get up to 120or 130 degrees. There was no shade except what was provided by the tents in which the people lived. So they understood this powerful metaphor, “under the shadow of the Almighty.” If you were lost in the desert the children of Israel were required by the law of hospitality to satisfy your need for food, water, protection from an enemy, and shade from the blistering sun. It worked like this: first you had to find out the chief shepherd’s name. Then you would take hold of the cord of his tent and cry out for help. When you did that, the law of hospitality required him to take you into the safety of his tent. Indeed, that same law said he had to protect you with his very life. Are you getting the idea? God’s name, El Shaddai, describes two wonderful aspects of His character. “El” speaks of His power and strength. “Shaddai” literally means “strong-breasted-one,” which refers to the gentleness of a nursing mother. Some days you have to go to God for the strength needed to withstand the enemy’s attack; other days you just need to go to Him and let Him hold you in His arms and comfort you. The poet wrote, “Let me no more my comfort draw, from my frail grasp on Thee; in this alone rejoice with awe—They mighty grasp of me. “When things get too “hot” for you, run to “the shadow of the Almighty.”

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

May 15, 2014. ARE YOU A “STEPHEN”? (2)

Thursday May 15

“Choose...men...full...of the Spirit.” Ac 6:3 NIV

ARE YOU A “STEPHEN”? (2)

Stephen was also chosen for leadership in the New Testament church because he was “full of...the Holy Spirit” (v. 5 NIV). Why is that important? Because Jesus said to His disciples: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem (your home base), and in all Judea (Those within driving distance) and Samaria (places where you won’t necessarily be welcomed), and to the end of the earth” (Ac 1:8 NKJV). Paul writes, “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). The story is told of a pastor who was seen drinking a glass of wine at dinner. Seizing on Paul’s words, “Be not drunk with wine,” the deacon board called for his immediate resignation. Whereupon the pastor responded, “Then let’s all resign. You say I failed the first half of the commandment, ‘Be not drunk with wine.’ But you’ve failed the second half, ‘Be filled with the Spirit.’” Understand this: you need to be continually filled with God’s Spirit. After all, you’re not running your car on the first tank of gas you put in it, are you? Remember the old ad for Brylcreem hair gel for men? “A little dab’ll do ya!” That doesn’t work when it comes to leadership in God’s kingdom! You’re either being led by the Holy Spirit-or your own spirit. “But I have talent,” you say. Yes, and God will use it. But when it comes to building what He wants built, it’s, “Not by might, nor by power, but my spirit, saith the Lord” (Zec 4:6).

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

May 14, 2014. ARE YOU STEPHEN? (1)

Wednesday May 14

“And they chose Stephen.” Ac 6:5 NKJV

ARE YOU STEPHEN? (1)

The New Testament church grew so fast that the administrative aspect of it became overwhelming. The apostles weren’t getting enough time to pray and study the Scriptures, so they picked seven men to handle the business side of things. Stephen was one of them. For the next few days let’s examine his qualifications: Financial integrity. “Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation...whom we may appoint over this business” (v. 3 NKJV). Now, it goes without saying that if you're going to handle the church’s finances, you must first a proven track record in handling your own. That calls for saving, sowing, and spending wisely. It also means putting God first in your finances. Heres’ a biblical question you need to think about: “Will a man rob God?” Apparently, yes. God said, “You have robbed me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings” (Mal 3:8 NKJV). Maybe you’re thinking,”Uh-oh, here comes the commercial!” No, tithing isn't’ a matter of money, but priorities. God doesn’t want your leftovers, He wants your “firstfruits” (Pr 3:9). Tithing is also a matter of obedience. “If they obey and serve HIm, they shall spend their days in prosperity” (Job 36:11 NKJV). When it comes to leadership in God’s work, if you’re not 10 percent behind it, how can you be 100 percent behind it? If you’re not doing it already, try tithing your income for one year. It’s like going into partnership with God. He promises to “pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it” (Mal 3:10 NKJV).

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

May 13, 2014. WHEN YOU FALL

Tuesday May 13

“Simon, Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat.” Lk 22:31 TLB

WHEN YOU FALL

Out of all Christ’s disciples, Peter was the one who believed that failure couldn’t happen to him. But it did, and in a big way. Jesus told him, “Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not completely fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up the faith of your brothers” (vv. 31-32 TLB). Notice three important truths (1) We are capable of falling. Don’t believe that says, “If you were really a Christian, you wouldn’t have failed like that.” When God saves you, your spirit is immediately changed. But until emotions, appetites, and desires come under the control of Christ you will always struggle in certain areas. This has nothing to do with your salvation, and everything to do with becoming spiritually mature. (2) We must be willing to repent. The trouble with temptation is that it usually starts out as pleasure. You think you can handle it, and when you become ensnared you try to overcome it with your own strength. But it doesn’t work. The Bible says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Jas 4:6 NKJV). God’s grace isn’t for the arrogant. It’s only given to the humble, repentant hearts. (3) Once we are free, we stay free by helping others. God takes us out of a bad situation to place us in a good one; otherwise we’ll seek out our old connections. So the way to keep what we have is, give it to others.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

May 12, 2014. WE ALL NEED SYMPATHY AND SUPPORT

Monday May 12

“A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends.” Job 6:14 NIV

WE ALL NEED SYMPATHY AND SUPPORT

In the summer of 1989, Mark Wellman, a paraplegic, gained national recognition by climbing the tower granite face of El Capitan at Yosemite National Park. On the seventh and final day of his climb, a headline in The Fresno Bee read: “Showing a will of granite.” Accompanying the headline was a photo of Mark Wellham being carried on the shoulders of his climbing companion Mike Corbett. The caption underneath read: “Paraplegic and partner prove no wall is too high to scale.” What most people don’t know was Mike Corbett had already scaled El Capitan three times, in order to help Mark Wellman pull himself up once. Sympathy addresses our struggles; support gives us strength to overcome them. Sympathy says, “I understand what you’re going through and I’m here for you.” It meets two fundamental needs: the need to be understood, and the need to have our feelings validated. It’s when life comes crashing in on us that we need our friends the most. In the midst of his suffering Job cried out, “A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends.” We all need sympathy and support, because we all stumble and need help getting back up. So we need to offer them to others, and be willing to receive them in return. The Bible says, “When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair” (2Co 2:7 CEV). It takes grace to create and maintain true fellowship.But the good news is, you’ll never be asked to extend more grace to others than God has extended to you.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

Mother’s Day- Sunday May 11, 2014. LEARNING TO LET GO!

Mother’s Day- Sunday May 11

“A man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife.” Mt 19:5 NIV

LEARNING TO LET GO!

Don’t make your children feel guilty about growing up! They were born to fly. If they can’t, what does that say about you as a parent? It was God who first came up with the idea of children leaving home. So when your role changes, don’t lose your perspective and give in to resentment and self-pity. Learn to move gracefully from owner to coach. That’s how God intends life to work. Your children are supposed to have what it takes to succeed on their own. The question is, do you? Don’t attack people who are now apart of your grown child’s life. It’s easy to become judgemental when you are no longer in control. Don’t do it! Nobody’s attracted to a critic; you’ll just push your kids away. Don’t lose your head, you’ve too much invested in the relationship. Whether you’re upset because you’ve given so much and seem to be getting so little in return, or genuinely don’t approve of their choices, prayer is a better option than bickering. Talk to God about it. He can change what you can’t! Your children will be ill-equipped for life if they’d grown up physically without developing their own opinions and uniqueness. As a parent you’re entitled to your thoughts and feelings. But once you’ve expressed them, respect their choices and support them the best you can. Don’t let the Devil rob you of your most precious investments. The best thing you can do is love your child, pray for them, and “be there” when they need you.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

May 10, 2014. THE IMPORTANCE OF FELLOWSHIP

Saturday May 10

“You are members of God’s family.” Eph 2:19 NLT

THE IMPORTANCE OF FELLOWSHIP

Nathaniel Hawthorne said, “ No man, for any period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which is the true one.” we like to wear masks in public, yet only as we open up to one another can we truly change and grow: “If we live in the light...we can share fellowship with each other” (1 Jn 1:7 NCV). One author writes: “The world mistakenly thinks that intimacy occurs in the dark, but God says it happens in the light. Darkness hides our issues, but when we are able to bring them out into the light they lose their power, we find forgiveness, our wounded areas are healed, and we begin to make progress.” We’re afraid of transparency, yet it’s the only way to become spiritually and emotionally whole. None of us is as strong individually as all of us are collectively. We’re more consistent in our faith when others walk with us and encourage us. Over and over in the New Testament we are told to be devoted to one another, submit to one another, forgive one another, bear one another’s burdens, honor one another, accept one another, teach one another, serve one another, encourage one another, pray for another, and love one another. You’re not responsible for everyone in your church, but you are responsible to them. God expects you to do whatever you can to serve them. Paul challenged the believers in Rome, saying, “I want us to help each other...Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you” (Ro 1;12 NCV). That’s what it’s all about!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

May 9, 2014.

Friday May 9

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love.” Col 3:14 NLT

THE LAW OF LOVE (2)

God’s love is the most powerful force the world has ever seen. And as a follower of Christ it is up to you to carry the torch and keep it burning. The bIble says, “Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience...Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (vv.12 & 14 NLT). It’s one thing to quote Scriptures, pray long articulate prayers in public, study theology, and attend church. But only when people see your love will they be impacted by your life. Love, not words, is the truest test of your discipleship. It’s said that General Omar Bradley once made a business trip on a commercial airline wearing a regular suit instead of his military uniform. When he reached his seat he started doing some paperwork. As it turned out, the man seated next to him was a young Army private who didn’t recognize Bradley. So after takeoff he turned to the general and said, “Since we’re going to be together for awhile, it would be nice if we got to know each other. My guess is that you’re a banker.” Not wishing to seem rude but needing to finish his work, Bradley rplied, “ No, I’m General Omar Bradley, a five-star general in the U.S. Army. I head up the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.” Without missing a beat, the young private replied, “Well sir, that’s a very important job, and I sure hope you don’t blow it!” Your most important job today is to show God’s love-so don’t blow it!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

May 8, 2014. THE LAW OF LOVE (1)

Thursday May 8

“A new command I give you: Love one another.” Jn 13:34 NIV

THE LAW OF LOVE (1)

A newspaper told the story of a boy with cancer who was going through chemotherapy and losing his hair. To show their love and support, his classmates all shaved their heads so he wouldn’t be embarrassed about returning to school. The newspaper carried a picture of them all with their bald heads, accompanied by the caption, “Everything we do, we do together.” That’s the “law of love” Jesus was talking about when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another.” This must have sounded radical to the people Jesus was addressing, for they lived by two Old Testament laws: (1) The law of revenge. Before Moses came along, the law of the land was the law of the jungle. It said in essence, “If you hurt me, I’ll hurt you, and then some!” Enemies actively sought ways to settle scores because revenge wasn’t acceptable, it was encouraged. (2) The law of retribution. In Moses’ time revenge was replaced with retribution which allowed “an eye for an eye,” but no more (See Lev 24:20). You could do to your enemies only what they had done to you. To us this sounds harsh, but back then it was major progress. Then Jesus came along and introduced a third law: The law of love. It meant you didn’t have to get even, you could choose to forgive. Indeed, if you didn’t your prayers wouldn’t be answered. This new commandment demonstrates the unconditional love God shows us-then calls us to live the same way. So the law of love should govern your life every day.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

May 7, 2014. THE DANGER OF PURSUING POWER

Wednesday May 7

“The humble...retain honor.” Pr 29:23 NKJV

THE DANGER OF PURSUING POWER

The first lie Satan told Adam and Eve was a direct appeal to the ego in all of us: “You will be like God” (Ge 3:5 NRS). The crafty old serpent pulled back the curtain to heaven’s throne room and gave our first glimpse of power and glory, and they were hooked. And we’ve been hooked ever since! If you’ve spent any time in the presence of social climbers and “name  droppers” you realize human nature hasn’t changed much. It’s still about staying on top! And since manners can take you where money alone can’t, you can actually take classes that’ll teach you “power table manners.” Things like never handing your plate to the server, and never stooping to retrieve dropped silverware. In fact, to insure your place on the ladder of upward mobility, a cardinal rule is never to stoop at all! Not even to meet people’s needs, admit your mistakes, or give to those who can’t repay you. The pursuit of power makes you think you’re better than others, and prevents you from serving them. It makes you susceptible to flattery, resistant to honest counsel, and leads to isolation and non-accountability. You see it everyday in little things like never complimenting those under you in case they “forget their place”; refusing to be loving and courteous to your mate in case you lose your most powerful weapon-control; putting personal ambition ahead of personal integrity; withholding intimacy to punish and manipulate someone. Such power plays are designed to get you what you want at other people’s expense. That’s why the Bible warns, “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble...retain honor.”

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional

May 6, 2014. IT’S UP TO YOU

Tuesday May 6

“He will reward each person according to what he has done.” Mt 16:27 NIV

IT’S UP TO YOU

The Bible says, “For the Son  of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” Let’s be clear: how you live now will determine what happens to you after you die. The choices you make each day don’t come to nothing when you pass away. They matter, and they’ll continue to matter throughout eternity. Your eternal destination is determined by what you believe, but your eternal reward is the result of how you behave. If you believe that and live accordingly, it will change how you think about life, how you think about God, indeed what you do one minute from now. God wants you to know that the positive consequences of your actions today can change your eternal prospects in astounding and wonderful ways, and He doesn't want you to waste another minute. You don’t have to worry what awaits you on the other side of your last heartbeat. Others don’t decide that-you do! When the truth of this hits you, you’ll say, “I can’t believe I’ve prepared for my children’s future and my own retirement, but not given a thought to my real future!” One man put it like this: “I’ve always thought about finishing well. Now it turns out that death is just the starting gate.” The truth is that you can’t do anything about your past, but starting right now you can change your future-one choice, one day, one act at a time. It’s up to you.

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional