Wednesday, November 29, 2006 

Speak with Christian love

Today's word: James 3:1-6

1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

How about you?
Do you say things you don't mean? Do you speak too quickly? It's so easy to do. The Bible has a lot to say about how much trouble your tongue can cause. The Bible also gives the cure - let the love of Christ control what you say.

To memorize: Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity

10:33 AM | |

Tuesday, November 28, 2006 

Examine your Christian life

Today's word: 1 John 2:3-10

3We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone obeys his word, God's love[a] is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

7Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

9Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him[b] to make him stumble.

How about you?
When was the last time you gave yourself a spiritual checkup? You'd be surprised at how often a simple lapse in Bible reading, prayer, or church attendance can lead to big problems. God doesn't want your Christian life to be an unstable, unhappy experience. Be sure to take regular checkups!

To memorize: 1 Corinthians 11:28
A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup

6:59 PM | |

Monday, November 27, 2006 

Be like Jesus

Today's word: 1 Peter 1:13-16

13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

How about you?
Are you trying to match the example of Jesus gave you? He was always loving, kind and thoughtful of the needs of others. He treated people with respect. The more you act like this, the more you'll be like Jesus. Ask God to help you. You can't do it alone.

To memorize: 1 Peter 1:16
or it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

6:41 PM | |

Friday, November 24, 2006 

Be thankful for discipline

Today's word: Hebrews 12:5-11

5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]

7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

How about you?
Do you enjoy being disciplined? No one does! But the discipline you receive from your parents helps you grow into a mature, responsible adult. Even if you think your parents aren't always fair in their discipline, remember that God is in control, and His chastening is always "just right". Don't resent discipline- be glad someone cares.

To memorize: Hebrews 12:6
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son

8:11 PM | |

Thursday, November 23, 2006 

Please God, not yourself

Today's word: Proverbs 4:20-27

20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.

21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;

22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Make level [a] paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.

27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

How about you?

Are there things you think you need right away just to please yourself? The immediate pleasure you'd receive isn't worth the long term results. Trust God to meet your needs in His own good time.

To memorize: 2 Corinthians 4:2

Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways

8:05 PM | |

Wednesday, November 22, 2006 

Obey your heavenly Father

Today's word: John 15:9-14

9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command.

How about you?
Have you become a child of God by receiving the Lord Jesus as your Savior? Do you obey your Heavenly Father? His rules are in the Bible. If you love Him, you'll want to obey Him.

To memorize: John 14:15
If you love me, you will obey what I command

9:15 PM | |

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 

Keep growing in Christ

Today's word: 2 Peter 3:13-15, 18

13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

14So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

How about you?

Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? If so, think back to that time. Were you more enthusiastic and committed to Him then than you are now? You should be growing as a Christian, not just growing older. Ask Him to renew your devotion to Him. Until you reach heaven, there will always be room for improvement.

To memorize: Revelation 2:5

Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place

7:11 PM | |

Thursday, November 16, 2006 

Jesus paid your debt

Today's word: 1 Peter 1:17-21

17Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

How about you?
Do you feel guilty about things you have done? Are you trying to do better- to clean up your life? Perhaps you even try to do good things to "pay for" bad deeds of the past. Jesus already paid the price for all your sins. Confess them to Him and accept Him as your Savior. Then thank Him for puchasing your forgiveness. Don't feel guilty anymore- feel glad for what God did for you.

To memorize: 1 Corinthians 6:20
you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body

5:32 PM | |

Wednesday, November 15, 2006 

Get involved in church

Today's word: Hebrews 13:7-9, 15-17

7Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

9Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them.

15Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

How about you?
Do you feel that church is a waste of time- that you don't get anything out of it? Church is not just a place to sit on Sunday mornings. It's a place where true believers in Christ meet to worship and serve God and to learn how to live for Him. Don't let church become a bore. Get involved.

To memorize: Hebrews 13:9
It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace

7:52 PM | |

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 

Beware of Satan's influence

Today's word: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

How about you?
Do you think that because you don't worship idols or practice withcraft, you are safe from satan's influence? Satan knows that even "ordinary" sins are enough to separate you from God and to keep you from doing His will. Don't be lulled into thinking that any sin is harmless.

To memorize: 1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour

7:38 PM | |

Monday, November 13, 2006 

Serve Christ with your life

Today's word: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

How about you?
Do you want to be a success? No matter how hard you work or how many "good" things you do, it will all come to nothing if it's not done for the Lord. Ask the Lord to guide you in all that you do. Only what's done for Christ will last!

To memorize: 1 Corinthians 3:10
But each one should be careful how he builds

7:40 PM | |

Saturday, November 11, 2006 

Christians need one another

Today's word: 1 Corinthians 12:14-17

14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

How about you?
Do you have a personal relationship with Christ as your savior? That's wonderful! But don't stop there. Jesus never meant for you to live the Christian life without the fellowship and help of other believers. Get involved in a good, Bible-teaching local church. Other Christians need you- and you need them.

To memorize: 1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it

10:26 AM | |

Friday, November 10, 2006 

"Things" don't satisfy

Today's word: Luke 12:15-21

15Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

16And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'

18"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." '

20"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

21"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

How about you?
Do you sometimes wish your parents were richer? Surprisingly, many rich people worry so much about their possessions that they can't enjoy them. Money provides physical comforts, but it cannot satisfy the hunger and thrist of the spirit. It's much better to be "rich toward God" than to be rich in the things of this world. Don't overburden yourself seeking riches that don't satisfy.

To memorize: Luke 12:31
But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well

8:24 AM | |

Thursday, November 09, 2006 

Don't hold grudges

Today's word: Leviticus 19:16-18

16 " 'Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
" 'Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the LORD.

17 " 'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.

18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

How about you?
Are you carrying a nasty, stinking grudges? Ask God to help you get rid of it today. Ask Him to give you a sweet and forgiving spirit.

To memorize: James 5:9
Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

11:01 AM | |

Wednesday, November 08, 2006 

Thank God for concerned parents

Today's word: 2 Timothy 3:10-14

10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,

How about you?
Have you ever been embarrassed because your parents protested something that was being taught at your school? Have you ever been ashamed of your parents' testimony? Thay care about you and want you to have the very best training there is. Thank them for their concern.

To memorize: 1 Peter 4:16
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name

3:37 PM | |

Tuesday, November 07, 2006 

God is in control

Today's word: Psalm 34:17-19

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;

How about you?
Are you having a rough day? When difficult or sad things happen, remember that God is in complete control and will work through the hard situations to strengthen your life for Him.

To memorize: Psalm 34:19
A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all

11:09 AM | |

Monday, November 06, 2006 

God understands

Today's word: Matthew 13:54-58

54Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. 55"Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" 57And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."

58And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

How about you?
Do you feel rejected when someone says no to you or forgets you? Remember that Jesus knows the pain of rejection. He knows and cares how you feel. Let that comfort you, and then treat those who have hurt you the way you think Jesus would treat them.

To memorize: 1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you

10:14 AM | |

Saturday, November 04, 2006 

Kindness comes back to you

Today's word: Philippians 2:1-4

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

How about you?
Are you kind to everyone, even those who may be different from you? Kindness always pays. Even if the person to whom you are kind should fail to respond in gratitude, God sees all, and He will repay you. But He works things out so that if you are kind to someone, you will not only make that person happy but you will become happy yourself!

To memorize: Provebs 11:25
A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed

9:50 AM | |

Friday, November 03, 2006 

Speak kind words

Today's word: Psalm 19:12-14

12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

What about you?
What kind of words do you speak? Are they true? Kind? Pleasing to God? Do they build, or do they destroy? Ask God to help you watch your words.

To memorize: Psalm 141:3
Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips

8:48 AM | |

Wednesday, November 01, 2006 

Think about good things

Today's word: Philippians 4:4-9

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

How about you?
Do you refuse to look at pictures in magazines or on television that make your mind and heart "dirty"? If not, ask God to forgive you for feeding your mind on the world's garbage. Ask Him to help you think on pure, good things instead.

To memorize: Psalm 101:3
I will set before my eyes
no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me

10:55 AM | |