Meeting Together

HEBREWS 10:25 KJV
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the
more, as ye see the day approaching.

While the Bible does warn us, in the above verse, not to
forsake meeting together with other believers, it never tells
us how often we should meet. Neither does it say when or where
we should meet.

When we meet together, God did not intend for it to be just a
ritual, but something beneficial.

It should be a time of fellowship, learning, sharing, giving,
receiving, and spiritual encouragement. A time to build one
another up by what the other members of the body supply.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:26 KJV
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one
of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a
revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto
edifying.

Although nothing is more important than receiving teaching to
help us understand and act on God's Word, that should not be
the only reason we meet together.

When the Bible was written, the only way to hear anointed
teaching of the Word was to physically gather together when a
Bible teacher was present. But today we are not limited to a
time or place, because of recorded media.

The reason for meeting together as believers is more than just
to listen to someone else "preach" to you. You need to become
involved.

A true "church meeting" does not require a large number of
people. In fact, a smaller group is often best, as it is easier
to share what you have and offer spiritual encouragement to
others, as well as receive it yourself.

MATTHEW 18:20 KJV
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.

Even two believers discussing the Word during their lunch break
is a valid expression of a "church meeting" according to this
verse. Jesus promised us, as individual believers, He would
never leave us. So, clearly this verse must mean Jesus
expresses Himself in a special way, as members of His body meet
together in His Name.

The New Testament refers often to believers meeting in their
homes. There is no reason believers cannot meet anywhere: on a
commute to work, at a restaurant, at an office, or even in a
church building. The Bible sets no limitations.

Of course it is absolutely vital to regularly feed on teaching
from God's Word to stay built up spiritually. But today, that
can be accomplished anywhere and anytime.

But too many believers stop with only being fed the Word. They
never share and interact with others. So they don't grow and
develop as they should. You always learn better and receive
more when you share what you have already received.

No one knows everything. But we all have something to
contribute. You don't have to be a super-saint to be involved
with others. You can meet with another believer (or maybe a few
others): a friend, neighbor, or family member. Just discuss the
Word. Ask a question if you have one. Share an insight if you
have one. Maybe pray for one another. Things like this are the
reason to not forsake meeting together.

If your church-going is just a ritual, and all you get out of
it is no more than what you could get at home, then changes
need to be made. But please, do not fall into the trap of
criticizing others for what they do, or do not do.

SAY THIS: I will regularly meet with other believers.

Feed Your Faith Daily

MATTHEW 4:4 NKJ
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth
of God.'"

You may neglect the Word of God and still exist, but you will
not enjoy life -- really live -- as God intended, without
feeding regularly on God's Word.

Just as you need physical food to remain strong physically, you
also need spiritual food to stay strong spiritually.

God's Word -- the Bible -- is the food that feeds our faith,
and gives us spiritual strength.

Every day you need to feed, at least some, on God's Word.

A helpful key is to develop good habits, such as reading the
Word every time you eat food, or every morning when you awake,
or right before you go to sleep. The time is not important,
just that you remember every day.

There are many ways to feed on God's Word available to us
today. Reading, or listening to, teaching from the Bible is one
way. Speaking the Word -- especially when you personalize it,
can really build your faith fast. Of course, nothing can
replace your own reading of the Bible, or having it read to
you.

Most of us have busy schedules. Time is scarce, and we must
invest it wisely. Nothing will benefit us more -- both in this
life and in the one to come -- than feeding on God's Word.

All of us can find time for God's Word, if we want to. You can
write Scriptures on cards to read and meditate on whenever you
stop in traffic, or whenever you have to wait for someone.
Maybe listening as you travel, or as you prepare for work, is a
good plan for you.

The important thing is that you have a plan, so you don't let
this most important habit slip.

Seeing the Word. Hearing the Word. Speaking the Word. Thinking
about the Word. This is what builds our faith and keeps us
strong spiritually.

SAY THIS: I will feed my faith daily on God's Word.

Respect People

JAMES 3:9-10 NIV
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we
curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers,
this should not be.

It seems that respect has gone out of style. But God's
unchanging Word teaches us to treat people with respect.

Not agreeing with someone is no reason to treat them
disrespectfully. Just because they are wrong does not make them
unworthy of respect.

By His death for them, Jesus showed us He considers people
valuable and precious. So, we should not treat people as
insignificant or worthless.

Disrespecting people is actually disrespecting God who created
them.

God considers this so vital for wives, He gave a specific
command to respect their husband.

EPHESIANS 5:33 NIV
33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves
himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Certainly, we should respect all people, but God obviously
thought a special reminder to wives was needed.

A wise woman will enjoy the benefits, both now and for
eternity, of acting on this command from a loving Heavenly
Father.

MATTHEW 25:40 NIV
40 "The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you
did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for
me.'

The world respects people who are rich, famous, and successful.
Anyone can do that.

But how do you treat those who are thought to be the "least,"
who seemingly cannot help you in any way?

SAY THIS: I will respect people because they are valuable to
God and He loves them.

Jesus Took A Nap

LUKE 8:23 NLT
23 On the way across, Jesus lay down for a nap, and while he
was sleeping the wind began to rise. A fierce storm developed
that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger.

So many people are driven -- feeling and acting like the
responsibility for running the whole world is on their
shoulders.

But Jesus was able to relax. Arguably, He had an important job
to do. Yet He had balance in His life. He knew when it was time
to take a nap.

Jesus also spent whole nights in prayer. So, His example does
not encourage laziness or apathy. Just balance -- and trust in
God, instead of worry.

Some may think it would be a sin to "take a nap" because we
should always be working. But Jesus never sinned, and we may
safely follow His example, and keep our lives in balance.

SAY THIS: I will relax and trust God.

Read The Bible

1 TIMOTHY 4:13 BBE
13 Till I come, give attention to the reading of the holy
Writings, to comforting the saints, and to teaching.

HEBREWS 4:12 BBE
12 For the word of God is living and full of power. . .

There is no substitute for the basics.

The words of God recorded in the Bible are containers. They
contain ideas from God. They contain life. When those words
enter us through our eyes, ears, or our thinking, they impart
life and faith.

Even if we don't understand everything, we are still receiving
a deposit of life from the Word.

JOHN 6:63 NIV
63 . . . The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are
life.

Many Christian believers are weak in their faith simply because
they do not take in much of the Word of God.

If you spend hours each day listening to, watching, and
thinking about the news and views of the world, but you only
listen (half-heartedly) to a twenty minute sermon on Sunday --
you should not be surprised if your faith is weak and the
influence of the world is great in your life.

The choice is yours. Yes, you are busy, but you can, and do,
make time for what you think is important.

Fortunately, today there are many aids we can take advantage
of. You can read the Bible online, and be reminded each day by
an email. You can obtain recordings of Bible translations to
listen to while you drive or exercise or work.

"But what should I read? The Bible is so big."

All of the Bible is instructive and worthwhile. However, the
New Testament, and specifically the letters to the Church, is
written directly to us and is most applicable for us today.

If you want to get acquainted with the Lord, read the four
Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I would recommend
starting with John. Mark is the shortest.

If you want to understand redemption and what has happened to
you as a result of receiving Christ, and how to live in
victory, then you need to read the letters in the New
Testament, which are all the books except the Gospels I just
mentioned, and the book of Revelation.

Always remember that the Bible is faith food. So if you want
your faith to be strong, you need to feed it on the Bible. It
does not matter if you feel any different, for faith is not
something that you feel. Faith is of the spirit, not of the
feeling realm.

SAY THIS: I will read the Bible and it will help me.

God's Word Will Build You Up

ACTS 20:32 NLT
32 "And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace--his
message that is able to build you up and give you an
inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

Many shy away from the Bible because they think it's just a
bunch of rules to keep them from enjoying life.

Although many have misused the Bible -- to tear people down,
its true purpose is to build people up.

Tradition makes us think a good sermon should "skin 'em alive"
and make the listeners feel guilty.

But God is on your side and He loves you. So He gave you His
Word for your benefit, to build you up and give you things --
not to take anything good away from you.

Certainly God's Word can, and will, correct you. But primarily,
if you understand it correctly, the Word will build you up --
not beat you down and make you feel guilty.

Yes, there are passages in the Bible that will not encourage
you. They are needful at certain times for certain people who
need to be corrected and called to repentance. But for those
who love God and are His children, there are words of
encouragement to build you up.

Feed on the Word of God's grace -- His favor, His love, His
goodness. It will build you up.

If what you are feeding on is not encouraging your faith, check
to see if it really lines up with the Word.

Don't spend all your time meditating on a passage from the
Bible that's not written to you. All the Bible is profitable,
and we can learn from it. But you should concentrate on what
God is saying to you, as His child: a member of the Body of
Christ.

The message God has for His family, the church, is primarily
found in the letters (epistles) in the New Testament. These are
written directly to us, the church.

God is never interested in just cutting you down, or hurting you.
His intention is to build you up, to encourage you, to make you
better.

SAY THIS: The true message of the New Testament will build me
up. It is good news.

Watch Your Words

PROVERBS 6:2 NKJ
2 You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by
the words of your mouth.

MARK 11:23 NKJ
23 "For assuredly, I say to you . . . he will have whatever he
says.

Words are powerful. They are the way humans express their
decisions. Words carry authority, even in the spiritual realm.

God created the world with spoken words. Humans are created in
the image and likeness of God. Therefore our words also carry
authority.

The words you speak are important and carry more weight than
you may realize.

Words can get you into trouble. And words can deliver you.

The most powerful and life-giving words in the universe are
those spoken by God the Creator.

Fortunately for us, some of what God has said has been written
down, for our benefit, in the Bible.

So, we can, and should speak words that are in agreement with
what God says. When we do, the power of God is released,
because it is God's Word we are speaking.

Remember: whatever God says never loses its power.

SAY THIS: Please help me Lord to watch my words and speak in
agreement with Your Word.

The Ministry Of God

EPHESIANS 4:12 NIV
12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the
body of Christ may be built up

Ministry means service. To minister is to serve.

How does God "serve us"?

God serves us by helping us. So, primarily, ministry means
helping people. Of course, the foremost way of helping people
is to help them know God and His Word, so they can receive all
God has provided for them.

But anything that helps people -- that makes their life easier,
or better -- is also ministry. That is, it is part of the
ministry of God: God's purpose, God's plan, God's desire for
humanity.

God desires the best for all people. People were God's idea,
and He longs to bless them.

God helps people. So, when you help someone, even in the
smallest way, you are acting like God.

EPHESIANS 5:1-2 NASB
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave
Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a
fragrant aroma.

We are to imitate our Father God -- or act like Him. How? By
walking in love, just as Christ did.

In practical terms, what is walking in love? Helping people.
Walking in love means you will help people, you will put their
interests first.

When you help people, you are involved in the ministry of God.

SAY THIS: When I help people, I am serving God.

Love Gives

JOHN 3:16 NKJ
16 "For God so loved the world that He gave . . . .

GALATIANS 2:20 NKJ
20 ". . . I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and
gave Himself for me.

EPHESIANS 5:25 NLT
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ
loved the church. He gave up his life for her

Love is only expressed through giving. If there is no giving,
there is no evidence that love exists. The only proof of love
is giving. Giving is the action that demonstrates love.

So, the measure of your giving is the measure of your love. The
more you give -- of yourself, your time, your attention, your
affection, your patience, your treasure -- the more you love.
This is what Jesus meant in John 15:13.

JOHN 15:13 NKJ
13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's
life for his friends.

Why did Jesus say there was no greater love than to give your
life? Because you can't give any more. That's total commitment!

So, whenever you see "love" in a sentence, you may substitute
"giving" and express essentially the same meaning.

JOHN 13:35 NKJ
35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you
have love for one another."

By understanding that love results in giving, we see that Jesus
indicated His disciples would be known for their giving. We are
to be famous for our giving! This is the way Jesus indicated
people would know His true followers: by their giving. (Not our
fighting, our preaching, or even our correct doctrine.)

We see in the early days of the church, this is exactly what
happened.

ACTS 4:34-35 NKJ
34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were
possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the
proceeds of the things that were sold,
35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to
each as anyone had need.

Don't think that your gifts should only go to churches and
preachers. Jesus made it clear that giving to any believer was
the same as giving to Him.

MATTHEW 25:40 NKJ
40 "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say
to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My
brethren, you did it to Me.'

But God has not called us to give to others just so we could
end up poor, also. NO! God has promised to multiply what we
give, so we will have more to give in the future.

LUKE 6:38 NKJ
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed
down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your
bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be
measured back to you."

2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-8 NLT 
6 Remember this -- a farmer who plants only a few seeds will
get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a
generous crop.
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And
don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God
loves a person who gives cheerfully."
8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will
always have everything you need and plenty left over to share
with others.

So, based on God's promises, we can give to others in faith,
with confidence that God will continue to supply all we need.

EPHESIANS 4:28 NKJ
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor,
working with his hands what is good, that he may have something
to give him who has need.

(This verse gives us an idea of how giving was paramount in the
thinking of early Christians.)

JOHN 15:12 NKJ
12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have
loved you.

If you desire to follow Jesus, love (giving) is not optional.

SAY THIS: As a disciple of Jesus, I will be a giver.

Prayer: An Exchange

ISAIAH 40:31 NKJ
31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and
not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Time is precious. Our lives are full. Life is busy. Many of us
think we are too busy to spend time in regular daily prayer.
But is that a wise choice?

In the Scripture passage above, the literal meaning is "those
who look to the Lord expectantly will exchange strength."

Prayer is an exchange of strength.

God offers to exchange what He has for what we have. As we
spend time looking to Him, this exchange takes place.

What strength does God have? Wisdom. Understanding. Insight.
Guidance. Favor. Influence. Health. Everything we need!

When you give your time to God, He reciprocates by giving His
time to you. He goes ahead of you and makes your way smooth,
giving you favor and guidance so you can walk in victory.

God will give you ideas as you wait on Him. Ideas of how to do
things better. (For example, I got this message while praying.)

You may think you don't have anything God would want. But God
wants your love and your trust. As a human, you also have God-
delegated authority on Earth, especially as a member of the
Body of Christ.

Exchanging the little strength you have for the strengths of
God is a great trade!

Don't miss this wonderful benefit!

SAY THIS: I will invest time looking to the Lord expectantly in
prayer.

Keep Thanking God

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 CEV
18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ.
This is what God wants you to do.

There are many things in life we may not understand. But we
can understand this verse, and know that God gave these
instructions for our benefit, to help us -- not because God is
so insecure that He needs constant thanks.

When bad things happen, what should we do?

Will it help to gripe and complain and feel sorry for
ourselves?

No. That only makes things worse.

When bad things happen they seem to contradict belief in the
goodness and care of God.

But we must remember that there is an enemy, the devil, who is
out to steal our faith, our peace, and our joy. We are
commanded in Scripture to resist him, staying strong in our
faith.

Giving thanks is a powerful way to resist the devil. Even when
we do not understand, and it seems like things are out of
control and going downhill fast -- we should force ourselves to
stay in faith and be thankful.

(I am not saying God is responsible for evil, or to thank God
for evil. Instead, I am saying we can thank God for what He is
doing, and what He has already done for us in the sacrifice of
Jesus -- no matter what may be happening.)

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 NLT
18 No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is
God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

SAY THIS: I will keep thanking God, no matter what happens.

God Feeds The Birds

MATTHEW 6:26 LB
26 Look at the birds! They don't worry about what to eat-- they
don't need to sow or reap or store up food -- for your heavenly
Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than
they are.

Have you ever watched birds eating on a snowy day? It takes
some effort on their part. They don't just sit in a heated
house waiting for someone to bring them food.

Is God feeding them? Directly or indirectly?

Jesus stated clearly that God is the one who provides food for
the birds. This implies that God provides for every creature.

Yet, if a bird sits still, instead of gathering the food God
has provided for them, they will starve.

Yes, the birds can be a good lesson for us. They don't worry.
Neither should we. They gather what God provides for them. So
should we.

I don't know whether the birds are thankful to God, or not. But
we should be thankful. And we should recognize that God is the
Source of all the good that we enjoy in life.

So work, but don't worry. (And if you can't do normal work --
still don't worry, because God cares more for you than He does
the birds, and He will provide for you somehow.)

SAY THIS: God cares for the birds, so I know He will take care
of me.

Don't Hurt God

Fortunately for us, God is not motivated or moved or controlled
by His feelings. But that does not mean God has no feelings.

We are made in His image, in His likeness. Just as we have
feelings, and can be hurt, God also has feelings, as the
following verses show.

GENESIS 6:6 NIV
6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and
his heart was filled with pain.

EPHESIANS 4:30 KJV
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed
unto the day of redemption.

It is inevitable in human relationships that there will be
misunderstandings and hurts. When we are hurt, the natural
response is to strike back, to retaliate so they will know we
are hurt, and they will also hurt.

(Doing that, we hurt not only the other person -- but God
Himself. Just as a human parent is upset when they see their
child acting badly, God is hurt when we act badly.)

But the way of God is different. God's command to us is to walk
in divine love.

JOHN 13:34 NKJ
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

When you have been hurt, and are starting to retaliate, to
strike back, remember that when you walk out of love, it is God
that you hurt and disappoint.

(Often people don't even know they are hurting us. Most people
are not doing it intentionally.)

We can choose how we respond. As a child of God, we have God's
divine love deposited in our inner being. We can allow that
divine love inside us to respond.

ROMANS 5:5 NKJ
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has
been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given
to us.

After all the love God has shown you, does He really deserve to
be hurt?

SAY THIS: Just because someone hurts me, is not a good reason
for me to hurt God.

The Accurate Message Of Jesus

JOHN 8:31-32 NKJ
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you
abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you
free."

The promise of Jesus is clear: the end result of staying in His
Word will be freedom.

So, if you are not becoming more free, you need to examine if
you are accurate in your understanding of the Word of God.

JOHN 8:31-32 KJV
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you
free.

Whether the Greek word is translated as continue, abide, or
remain, the meaning is clear. You need to stick with the Word;
not stop and start; not try it for awhile; but jump in with
both feet and stay there.

"What do you mean by freedom, preacher?"

I don't mean a license to sin. Sin produces bondage -- the
opposite of what I am talking about.

I mean freedom in every area of life. Freedom from having to
sin. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from doubt.
Freedom from strife. Freedom from confusion. Freedom from
family problems. Freedom from oppression. Freedom from poverty.
Freedom from disease.

Note that Jesus did not promise that everyone who called Him
Master would automatically and instantly be free. Instead Jesus
indicated that time would be involved before those who truly
followed Him would see the full result of the freedom His Word
would produce in their lives.

If you continue....

If you abide....

If you live in....

If you remain in....

Don't forget the "IF." And don't forget the "CONTINUE." This
Scripture promise is NOT for everyone who claims to be a
Christian. Only for those who are willing to spend the time and
effort required to feed on God's Word.

While I do not wish to criticize any group of Christian
believers, I do think we should all individually judge our own
situations. If the Bible teachers you have been listening to
are not producing freedom in your life, you should prayerfully
examine whether the message they proclaim is accurate -- or
distorted.

Remember that it only takes a tiny amount of poison added to an
otherwise wonderful and nutritious meal to make it dangerous.

SAY THIS: I will continue, abide in, and remain in the accurate
message of Jesus Christ, without ever giving up, and it will
produce freedom in my life.

Your Body Is Your House

2 CORINTHIANS 5:1 NKJ
1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is
destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens.

The "real you" is not your body. Your body is just a house you
live in so you can function here on earth.

Just as someone can change houses where they live, you can, and
will someday, leave your body and still exist.

We focus too much on our body. The inner part of us is most
important. These bodies we live in are not eternal.

It is not wrong to take care of our bodies, any more than it is
wrong to take care of the house or apartment where we live. It
is a mistake, however, to spend all our time on our body and
neglect our spirit and mind.

1 TIMOTHY 4:8 RSV
8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of
value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life
and also for the life to come.

Who a person is on the inside is more important than what their
body looks like.

We judge too often on the house (body) that people live in,
instead of focusing on the real person living inside that body.

SAY THIS: My body is only a temporary house where I live.

Act On God's Word

JAMES 1:22 NKJ
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
yourselves.

How easily we fall into the trap of listening to, or even
studying, the Bible -- but not acting on its instructions.
According to this verse, that opens us up to deception. We
think we are spiritual. We think we are safe. But then, when
things don't work out we will blame God and question why He let
us down.

LUKE 6:46-49 NKJ
46 "But why do you call Me `Lord, Lord,' and do not do the
things which I say?
47 "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I
will show you whom he is like:
48 "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid
the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the
stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake
it, for it was founded on the rock.
49 "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a
house on the earth without a foundation, against which the
stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin
of that house was great."

Trouble is coming -- it's part of this life. If you act on the
Word, trouble will not destoy you and your household. If you
neglect acting on the Word -- no matter how much you hear it --
when trouble comes your way, it may be devastating.

Why?

Not because it's God's will, or God doesn't love you. Simply
because you refused to act on the instructions which God -- who
knows more than you do -- gave you for your protection.

DEUTERONOMY 12:28 NKJ
28 "Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that
it may go well with you and your children after you forever,
when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord
your God.

God gave us His Word because He loves us and desires to help
us. Not because He likes to boss people around and give orders.
Acting on God's Word is for our benefit.

SAY THIS: I will act on what God's says to me in His Word.

3 Keys To A Happy Marriage

(Or, any relationship.)

JOHN 13:17 KJV
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

1. Be thankful.

It all starts with attitude. If you don't stay on the positive
side, failure is inevitable. You cannot have a happy marriage
without happy people. Have you noticed that unthankful people
are never happy?

2. Express your appreciation.

Let your spouse know by word and deed that you appreciate them.
Be specific and lavish in your praise and thanks. Nothing
encourages people like encouragement.

People love people who love them. If you want your spouse to
love you, the best thing you can do is love them, and let them
know it.

3. Aim to please.

If you make them happy, you will be happy. True happiness is
never found in trying to please ourselves. Fulfillment comes
from accomplishment, and the greatest accomplishment is helping
someone else in their life.

SAY THIS: With God's help, I will have a happy marriage.

Life Is Not Over

JOSHUA 14:11-12 NIV
11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm
just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.
12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that
day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and
their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping
me, I will drive them out just as he said."

Too many people, especially as they accumulate some years,
settle into a rut and quit expecting.

It's time to dream again. Expect God to show Himself strong
on your behalf.

Don't believe the devil's lie that it's too late.

You are never too old for faith to make a difference; remember
Abraham and Sarah. The key is to keep your focus on God and His
ability instead of on yourself and your shortcomings.

GENESIS 21:2 NIV
2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old
age, at the very time God had promised him.

God, who created this universe, is ready, willing, and able to
bring forth new things in your life.

You may have failed before -- but you are still alive. With God
you can succeed this time.

LUKE 1:37 NKJ
37 "For with God nothing will be impossible."

All things are possible!

Life may be full of challenges, but with God you can meet the
challenge and overcome.

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that bad is ahead of you.
The good old days can be the days ahead. It depends on your
attitude and focus.

If you don't quit, God won't quit. Keep on believing the
promises of God. Keep on expecting blessing.

PSALM 92:14 NKJ
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh
and flourishing,

SAY THIS: My life is not over. With God's help, my best days
are still ahead of me.

God Cares

1 PETER 5:7 Amplified
7 Casting the whole of your care -- all your anxieties, all
your worries, all your concerns, once and for all -- on Him;
for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you
watchfully.

EXODUS 3:7 NIV
7 The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in
Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave
drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.

ISAIAH 63:9 NIV
9 In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of
his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed
them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

JOHN 11:35 KJV
35 Jesus wept.

Of course, the question arises, "If God cares, why doesn't He
do something?"

The answer is that God has already done something. Now it is
our turn to act. God has redeemed mankind and set us free from
the dominion of darkness by the sacrifice of Calvary. Now we
must believe God's Word and act on it.

The truth, which you may find hard to accept, is that God is
already doing all He can to help you. But often, we are
blocking God's help in our lives by our unbelief and acting
contrary to the instructions of God's Word.

The solution is to ask God to help us see the truth and act on
it. We should ask God to show us how we can stop hindering Him
from blessing us as He desires.

SAY THIS: God cares about me and everything that concerns me.

Life Is Good

God says that all He made is good.

GENESIS 1:31 NKJ
31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was
very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

The devil wants us to believe that life is bad.

(One way he tries to accomplish this is through all the bad
news reported daily. Feeding too much on bad news is not good
for you. You can get the top news stories without spending
hours every day listening to the bad things the devil is trying
to do in the earth.)

If you think life is bad, you will be depressed, or maybe even
bitter.

If you think life is good, you will be thankful.

Even the bad things of life -- which are all the result of sin,
not what God did -- can benefit us IF they cause us to draw
nearer to God and act on His Word.

God's main purpose is to prepare us to be fit companions for
Himself for eternity. (See Romans 8 -- we WILL be conformed to
the image of Jesus Christ.) What God wants you to do is submit
to Him, feed on His Word, be thankful, walk in faith, and let
Him make you like Jesus Christ.

God's plan is good.

Marriage is good. If we disobey God by husbands not loving
their wives, and wives not respecting their husbands -- it can
be bad. But only because we make the wrong choice, to disregard
God's instruction.

Work is good. It is satisfying to do a job well and accomplish
something. But when we don't do our work as unto the Lord, or
try to make our jobs our source, worshiping and serving money
instead of God -- work can be bad.

Family is good. Being surrounded by those you love and care
for, and who love and care for you, is a wonderful blessing.
But, when we fail to walk in love, and allow strife into our
relationships -- it can be bad.

If your life is not good, then you need to make adjustments
based on the Bible.

When you see your cup as half full, instead of half empty --
life will be better for you. Take time to smell the flowers,
and rejoice in all the goodness of God. Rejoice in all the
beauty of God's creation -- life.

SAY THIS: God made life, and it is very good.

Live Long And Strong

DEUTERONOMY 34:7 NIV
7 Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet
his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.

Old age should not be a time to dread. We can look to God and
receive strength, health, and provision for a full and
enjoyable life.

God's plan for you is NOT an old age full of sickness, poverty,
and loneliness.

Moses and Joshua are examples for us.

JOSHUA 14:10-11 NKJ
10 "And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said,
these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to
Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I
am this day, eighty-five years old.
11 "As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses
sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength
for war, both for going out and for coming in.

GALATIANS 3:13-14 NKJ
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having
become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone
who hangs on a tree"),
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in
Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit
through faith.

Galatians 3 tells us we are to receive the blessing of Abraham
-- through faith -- because of what Jesus has done. Now, read
the following verses about Abraham.

GENESIS 13:2 NKJ
2 Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

GENESIS 25:8 NASB
8 And Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an
old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his
people.

Because Jesus has redeemed us from the curse, we also should
believe God for a long, enjoyable, and productive life. And we
should resist the devil who would try to steal it away from us.

We have the promise of God that He will satisfy us with life.
(If you are not satisfied with your life, make some changes.
God intends for you to be satisfied.)

PSALM 91:16 NKJ
16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My
salvation."

PSALM 103:5 NKJ
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth
is renewed like the eagle's.

God made our bodies to repair and renew themselves. As we walk
and talk in faith, looking to the promises of God, the life of
God will renew our bodies. (We should also allow God to guide
us in the things we take into our bodies -- only putting good
things into our mouths.)

PSALM 92:14 NKJ
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh
and flourishing,

ISAIAH 46:4 NIV
4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will
sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will
sustain you and I will rescue you.

God is faithful. He will always be our wonderful Father, our
great Provider, Helper, and Healer -- no matter how old we are,
or what we face.

SAY THIS: Jesus redeemed me from the curse, so I will live a
long, enjoyable life to the glory of God.

Don't Talk Too Much

PROVERBS 10:19 ICB
19 If you talk a lot, you are sure to sin. If you are wise, you
will keep quiet.

1 PETER 3:10 LB
10 If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue,
and guard your lips from telling lies.

JAMES 1:19 NLT
19 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to
speak, and slow to get angry.

PROVERBS 17:27-28 ICB
27 The person who has knowledge says very little. And a person
with understanding stays calm.
28 Even a foolish person seems to be wise if he keeps quiet. He
appears to have understanding if he doesn't speak.

ECCLESIASTES 5:3 NLT
3 Just as being too busy gives you nightmares, being a fool
makes you a blabbermouth.

TITUS 3:2 NKJ
2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all
humility to all men.

2 TIMOTHY 2:16 NKJ
16 But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase
to more ungodliness.

1 TIMOTHY 1:6 NIV
6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless
talk.

1 TIMOTHY 5:13 NKJ
13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from
house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and
busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

MATTHEW 12:36-37 NKJ
36 "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,
they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
37 "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words
you will be condemned."

SAY THIS: Lord, please help me to control my tongue and only
say what is acceptable to you.

Jesus Rose From Death

MATTHEW 28:5-6 NKJ
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be
afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the
place where the Lord lay.

Jesus Christ's resurrection is either the supreme fact in
history or a gigantic hoax. If Christ's resurrection is true --
we ignore its implications at our own peril. If not, then
Christianity is the biggest fraud in the history of the world.

Christ's resurrection forces the question of Christianity's
validity from being merely a philosophical issue to being a
historical one.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a fact verifiable from
history. No one can challenge Christ's resurrection -- if they
take an honest look at the evidence.

Only those who never study the evidence -- or who refuse to
listen to its testimony -- could deny the resurrection of Jesus
Christ.

Many learned men have tried to disprove Christ's resurrection --
only to become believers instead!

Some people refuse to examine the evidence, because they do not
want to believe in Jesus Christ and submit to Him as Lord.

The facts remain. Confucius' tomb, Buddha's tomb, Mohammed's
tomb, and Lenin's tomb are all occupied.

But Jesus Christ's tomb is EMPTY!

REVELATION 1:18 NKJ
18 "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive
forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."

SAY THIS: I believe that Jesus Christ rose from death.

Don't Give Up!

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 The Message
13 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the
course of what others have had to face. All you need to
remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let
you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help
you come through it.

All of us have been tempted to lose hope and give up. But we
always have a choice: focus on God and stay in faith, or focus
on the problem and give up.

Problems -- no matter how huge they seem to us -- are no
problem to God. Nothing is too hard, or complicated, for God to
solve. But God wants us to trust Him.

So what should you do when you are being tempted and feel like
giving in and giving up?

Refuse!

Just keep your focus on the Lord and rejoice in His
faithfulness. Remember that God cannot lie, and will never
fail. God will see you through.

HEBREWS 10:23 NKJ
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without
wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

When the devil tries to steal your faith, he tries to get you
to quit speaking in agreement with the Word of God. Don't let
it happen! Hold fast to speaking your faith! Keep on saying
what the Word of God says about you and your situation. Don't
be moved by the circumstances.

GALATIANS 6:9 NIV
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Don't grow weary. Keep your eyes on the Lord. His Word will
work and produce a harvest of blessing in your life. Don't
doubt it!

SAY THIS: I will keep trusting in God and never give up!

Be Quick To Listen

JAMES 1:19 NLT
19 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to
speak, and slow to get angry.

You learn by listening -- not by talking.

The biggest barrier to learning is thinking you already know a
subject. If you think you already know everything, it is
difficult to learn anything more.

You can learn from every person -- if you will just listen to
what they have to say. Everyone knows something you do not
know.

Pride robs you from learning from others. Pride keeps you
ignorant -- while making you think you are wise.

ROMANS 1:22 NLT
22 Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead.

This is not to say you should accept everything you hear as
truth -- just that you should be humble enough, and respect
people enough, to listen and evaluate what they have to say.

Listen and learn. Talk too much and only embarrass yourself.

PROVERBS 17:27-28 ICB
27 The person who has knowledge says very little. And a person
with understanding stays calm.
28 Even a foolish person seems to be wise if he keeps quiet. He
appears to have understanding if he doesn't speak.

Proud people act as if they have a duty to display their
superior knowledge to all who will listen. They are quick to
speak, because they "know" they are right.

PROVERBS 10:19 ICB
19 If you talk a lot, you are sure to sin. If you are wise, you
will keep quiet.

It is not wrong to talk -- just don't talk too much. And don't
be so anxious to impress people with what you know.

ECCLESIASTES 5:3 NLT
3 Just as being too busy gives you nightmares, being a fool
makes you a blabbermouth.

SAY THIS: I will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to
become angry.

Be Heaven's Ambassador

2 CORINTHIANS 5:20 LB
20 We are Christ's ambassadors. God is using us to speak to
you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading
with you, receive the love he offers you--be reconciled to God.

An ambassador is a resident representative for the head of state
of their own country.

As citizens of Heaven, we are authorized to represent our King,
the Lord Jesus Christ, here on Earth.

An ambassador is a very important person. Unless they do their
job correctly, misunderstanding can easily develop -- and
possibly even war.

This is Heaven's problem. Its ambassadors have not always
clearly communicated the correct message to Earth's
inhabitants. That is why so many people are "at war with God"
instead of enjoying the blessings of peace with God.

The problem comes from people misunderstanding God, and not
realizing the sin problem has already been dealt with in
Christ.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 NLT
21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering
for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through
Christ.

The logic supporting the plea in verse 20, to be reconciled to
God, is found in verse 21: the sin separating us from God has
been dealt with through Christ. So we no longer need to hide
from God, or fear His judgment. Instead, we can enjoy His gift
of being made right with Him.

A good ambassador for Heaven must know the message of God, and
speak His message -- accurately.

One way of determining the accurate message of Jesus Christ is
found in John 8:31-32. Jesus said His message would make people
free -- not beat them down or put them in bondage.

God has a message that He desires for every person to hear: He
loves them, and will help them, if they will only turn to Him.

We must communicate that message clearly.

This message of God's love for mankind was displayed in and
through a person: Jesus of Nazareth. We learn of Him, and His
message, through a book -- the Holy Bible.

Actually, Jesus Himself was, and is, God's message. We need
only present Jesus to people as He truly was, and is -- and
they will be drawn to Him, because there is no fault in Him.

An ambassador does not speak for himself -- he speaks the
official policy and message of the country he represents.

So we are not here to give our opinion, but to proclaim what
God has said in His written Word, the Bible -- Heaven's
official message.

SAY THIS: I will be a good ambassador of Jesus Christ, to
represent Heaven, and speak His accurate message here on Earth.

You Are A Spirit

JOHN 4:24 NKJ
24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in
spirit and truth."

GENESIS 1:26-27 NKJ
26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to
Our likeness...."
27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He
created him; male and female He created them.

Because we are created in the image of God, it follows that,
since He is spirit -- we are also spirit.

To say it clearly, you are a spirit-being, you have a soul
(mind and emotions), and you live in a body.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 NKJ
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely;
and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved
blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

According to Scripture, humans have 3 parts: spirit, soul, and
body. (Note that spirit and soul are not the same.)

ROMANS 12:1-2 NKJ
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that
good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Note that YOU are to do something with your body. So, your body
is not the real you, but something that you possess. Also, you
are to renew your mind (verse 2). Nothing is said about your
spirit in this passage because your spirit is the part that is
born again with new life from God when you receive Jesus.

JOHN 3:6-7 NKJ
6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is
born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 "Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born again.'

From this Scripture we see that when you are born again, the
part that is born again is your spirit -- not your mind, and
not your body.

So, the real you is your spirit -- which is born again, right
with God, and filled with His life. You are to control your
body, and to control what is fed into your mind, so that it can
be renewed by the Word of God to know the truth. Then your life
will be changed, and conformed to the will of God.

SAY THIS: According to the Bible, I am a spirit being. I have a
soul, and I live in a body.

Actively Receive

In the Greek New Testament there are several words we translate
into English using the word "receive." "Lambano" is the Greek
word we could translate as "actively receive."

It is important for you to understand this word. Many expect
things promised in the Bible to just fall on them. But, as you
will see from understanding this word, "lambano," you have a
part to play in receiving the Bible promises.

You can passively receive something. An example would be
someone throwing a ball through your window into your house.
That kind of receiving requires no action on your part.

"Lambano" is not like that. It requires that you do something.
Like when you reach out your hands and grab a ball someone
threw to you.

For example, the following scriptures contain the Greek word,
"lambano." This may help you get a better understanding of what
receive means when it translates this word, lambano.

MARK 12:8 NKJ
8 "And they TOOK him and killed him and cast him out of the
vineyard.

JOHN 19:6 NKJ
6 ...Pilate said to them, "You TAKE Him and crucify Him, for I
find no fault in Him."

As the above passages show, sometimes lambano is translated as
take or took -- and is not at all passive, but very active.

JOHN 1:12 NKJ
12 But as many as RECEIVED Him, to them He gave the right to
become children of God, even to those who believe in His name:

Receiving Jesus and becoming a child of God is not something
that happens by accident. Each person has to make the choice to
actively choose Jesus.

MATTHEW 21:22 NKJ
22 "And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you
will RECEIVE."

ROMANS 5:17 NKJ
17 For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the
one, much more those who RECEIVE abundance of grace and of the
gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus
Christ.)

Remember that receiving is something you must actively do.

SAY THIS: I will be an active receiver of all God has for me.

Jesus Is Coming Back

ACTS 1:11 NKJ
11 ...This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven,
will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Jesus of Nazareth, born into this earth by the virgin Mary, who
was the pre-existent, eternal, Creator God, and who suffered
and died on a cross as mankind's substitute, is coming back to
earth again.

You probably have questions, such as "When?" and "Why?"

Fortunately, the Bible does give us answers, just not as many
as most of us would like. (This attitude is really a matter of
pride, thinking we know better than God how much information He
should share with us.)

Godly people, throughout history, have not all reached the same
conclusion by studying Scripture, as far as the specific timing
and events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ.

What is crystal clear from Scripture is that Jesus Christ will
return to earth in triumph to rule over all. And that all
people should live in a state of readiness for His return.

(Since all the details are not clear, let us not fall into the
trap of fighting over this doctrine. The Bible does not say
that a perfect understanding of this subject is necessary for
you to be saved.)

My personal opinion is that the coming of Jesus Christ is
drawing very near. (Of course, I have been wrong about other
things.) One thing is sure: it will happen some day!

For a believer, the return of Jesus Christ to earth is the most
wonderful thing that could happen. Any fearfulness is a sign
that you do not know the Lord as intimately as you should.

As believers, we should look forward to the triumphant,
physical return to this planet of its rightful owner and ruler:
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Here are a few things Jesus said about His return.

MATTHEW 24:3,4,14,27,36,44 NKJ
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to
Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And
what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the
age?"
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one
deceives you.
14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the
world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will
come.
27 "For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the
west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not even the
angels of heaven, but My Father only.
44 "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming
at an hour when you do not expect Him.

Jesus will return in person -- instantly, as lightning flashes
from east to west. Everyone will know it when it happens.

Be ready.

SAY THIS: Come Lord Jesus. Come back and straighten everything
out.

Offering Time

2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 NIV
7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to
give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver.

Most people regard offering time as a necessary evil, at best.

As usual, our ideas are much different than what the Word of
God teaches.

God does not encourage giving just to meet the needs of His
work on earth. No, God does it for our good, so that we can be
blessed. (Also, to combat selfishness.)

Every offering time is an opportunity for us to worship God and
express our love to Him in a tangible way. But God, being so
good, has designed it so that when we do give to Him it also
functions like planting a seed, which will produce a harvest
of blessing in our life.

God designed His creation to work in such a way that money and
blessing will come back to us in even greater measure than we
give out.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:6,8 NIV
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap
generously.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in
all things at all times, having all that you need, you will
abound in every good work.

One way the devil tries to suppress the spread of the Gospel is
by making people believe that messages like this are just to
get money, as if preachers dreamed up the Bible for their own
benefit. No, God planned all this, and He is smart enough to
know that without adequate funding, those whom He has called to
teach and equip His people will be held back, unable to be as
effective as they should be.

When we give to those proclaiming the Word of God on earth, God
considers it giving to Him, and a seed sown.

A farmer does not hate planting his crops. Farmers don't whine
about having to put their seed in the ground. No, they look
forward with joy to the time of harvest they know is coming,
because they understand how seeds work.

If we believe God's Word, then we know our giving works exactly
as the seed the farmer plants in the ground.

You don't have to believe this (or anything God teaches us in
His Word). But surely you can understand that refusing to
believe God's Word is NOT a way to please Him.

SAY THIS: I will plant my financial seeds with joy and
thanksgiving, as I worship God with my money.